Rolex... You Have Me

[oo7ml]

Hi,

I've just joined the forum. I've always been an admirer of few different Rolex models over the years, however my choice of watch has always been a Breitling Navitimer.

I’m now considering buying a second watch, which will be a Rolex… however I have a few questions and i’m not sure what model to go for.

I would really appreciate if anyone could help with the questions below. I’ve been reading up on Rolex for the last few weeks / months but still struggling with the following, even though they might seem like very simple questions to the Rolex experts here:

01 - I’ve narrowed my choice down to a Daytona, Submariner or a GMT Master II… any advice on which one would hold it’s value better (buying new).

02 - Rolex seem to release new versions of each model each year (Daytona, Submariner, GMT Master II). A - What are the differences with each version each year (i know this depends on the watch... but does it really mater). B - Is it always best to go for the latest year / version?

03 - Daytona’s seem to really vary in prices over the years… is there a reason for this (i'm referring to the same model / spec)?

04 - What model depreciates the most out of the Rolex range?

05 - Any other advice that you wished you knew when you were buying your first Rolex?

Thanks in advance for your help, it's much appreciated.

[rdigate]

Welcome to the forum! I am relatively new myself but I have a Breitling Navitimer (iconic watch) as well as two of the three watches that you are interested in (a sub TT that I bought new in 1997, and a new GMT Master II BLNR). All of the watches that you have mentioned are what I and many others would call iconic and hold their value extremely well. I would say that if you are interested in a modern version of any of these watches you obviously may want to buy new. For example, when I bought my BLNR, the price new from an AD was not significantly different from the secondary market; therefore, why not get the added advantages of buying through an AD? If the model has been out for a while (like the subnariner) you may want to consider picking it up on the secondary market and save some cash. It really depends on what you ultimately end up choosing.


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[yxc145]

Originally Posted by oo7ml

Hi,

I've just joined the forum. I've always been an admirer of few different Rolex models over the years, however my choice of watch has always been a Breitling Navitimer.

I’m now considering buying a second watch, which will be a Rolex… however I have a few questions and i’m not sure what model to go for.

I would really appreciate if anyone could help with the questions below. I’ve been reading up on Rolex for the last few weeks / months but still struggling with the following, even though they might seem like very simple questions to the Rolex experts here:

01 - I’ve narrowed my choice down to a Daytona, Submariner or a GMT Master II… any advice on which one would hold it’s value better (buying new).

02 - Rolex seem to release new versions of each model each year (Daytona, Submariner, GMT Master II). A - What are the differences with each version each year (i know this depends on the watch... but does it really mater). B - Is it always best to go for the latest year / version?

03 - Daytona’s seem to really vary in prices over the years… is there a reason for this (i'm referring to the same model / spec)?

04 - What model depreciates the most out of the Rolex range?

05 - Any other advice that you wished you knew when you were buying your first Rolex?

Thanks in advance for your help, it's much appreciated.

1. Your choices are very wide. There are several different models within each of the Daytona, Submariner, and GMT II. What are you interested? Depends on which model/material/color you want, you may be able to get it quickly or not for a very long time.

2. where did you hear that they come out with new version every year?

3. 30 years ago, you can buy a Porsche 911 for $30,000 (just a guess). Now you have to pay $100,000+. Same idea.

4. The one that no one wants.

5. Probably do a little more research and narrow down your selections to realistic options. (sorry, i thought you meant advise for you).

[logan5tx]

I think all Rolex's hold their value very well. If you are able to buy pre-owned at a good price then you would lose little to no money at all during resale. The stainless steel Daytona's hold their value exceptionally well. If its it good condition you can later resell it for what you paid new at retail usually or just under. The two tone Daytona's you will definitely take a hit on it purchasing new. Off the top of my head it seems that new they're about 17k and used they're around 12-14k.
The 3 candidates you list are all iconic and will hold their value pretty well; I would estimate Daytona, Sub, then GMT II in that order for holding value in that order, although the difference might be almost negligible tween the sub and GMT.
Having said all that, I wouldn't buy based on potential resale value. Buy what your heart falls in love with and enjoy it. You can't go wrong with any of those choices in the long run.
Good luck!

[AK797]

Sub is a good first Rolex, holds value well and can be found in ADs in Ireland tho maybe a short wait. Daytona wait will be many months if not years.

[tyler1980]

my first rolex was a GMT master II. It would still be my choice today if i could do it over again. The sub might be more iconic but the GMT is more useful and versatile for more occasions as it has polished center links which i like.

You are probably not going to find a daytona any time soon so your choices are really between the two.

[The Libertine]

Submariner is a great first choice that never goes out of style and generally retains its value.

[Rentalcarman]

My first love was a submariner. Always has and probably always will be. The best way to choose one is to go try the different models on and see which sings to you the most. Then just decide if you want all SS or stainless and gold or all gold. Don't by as any kind of investment except as an investment in yourself. Half of the world won't even notice you are wearing a Rolex. I wear one because I enjoy them and I love looking down and seeing this fine quality time piece on my wrist. Good luck to you.


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[HogwldFLTR]

It seems that the Daytona holds its price the best. If that is a concern then that would be a good watch from that perspective. For me it is a complication I don't have a lot of use for. Sub is likely next best and GMT next although the BLNR seems to do well at holding its price as well but I suspect that could easily change. The reason Daytona prices are all over the board is because of its demand and what people feel they can get away with. Stainless in these hold their price the best. TT and PMs will take a hit. (Actually that applies to all the watches under consideration.) Likely DJs take the biggest hit in value in the used market.

And welcome to the Forum!!!

[sager]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Submariner is a great first choice that never goes out of style and generally retains its value.

Definitely agree with this statement.


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[oo7ml]

Wow, thank you for all of the help guys, much appreciated.

[droptopman]

Welcome to the forum.

Historically Rolex stays fairly consistent to their roots. Some of the models run virtually unchanged for many years. Even when they make a change it is usually something minor like a font or letter spacing change.

Now the change to ceramic and super cases was a pretty big change for them. For the most part this has been implemented and I doubt we will see much in the way of this type of drastic change to the sport line up for some time.

Submariner is a great first Rolex.

[vanyir]

Navitimer was my grail for many years, and one day I will have one. My near vision to actually see the neat little slide rule is shot, so I have been leaning to dials I can read without my reading glasses. I am on my third day with my first Rolex and I am loving it. Maybe go with one of the classics you mentioned that is not at such a premium, but I defer to the more experienced folks here.


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[swils8610]

They all will retain value fairly well. Buy the one that you like best on your wrist. All are great choices.


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[oo7ml]

Thanks again guys, much appreciated.

Last question (for now) :-)

I hear a lot of people saying that a new Daytona is hard to get, yet there are plenty for sale on sites like Chrono24?

I do like the Daytonas and I have been offered one of the new ones from a Rolex dealer in London who owns it personally, as he is a close family friend.

I have been told I would be crazy not to buy it, but I guess I don't know or understand how rare these are?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by oo7ml

Thanks again guys, much appreciated.

Last question (for now) :-)

I hear a lot of people saying that a new Daytona is hard to get, yet there are plenty for sale on sites like Chrono24?

I do like the Daytonas and I have been offered one of the new ones from a Rolex dealer in London who owns it personally, as he is a close family friend.

I have been told I would be crazy not to buy it, but I guess I don't know or understand how rare these are?

On chrono24 etc the ceramic SS Daytonas are selling at large premiums, but if your friend is offering you one in good condition for retail of around £9K then I'd snap it up. But put a pic here first so we can check it's a real one.

[oo7ml]

Thank you. It is the new 2017 Daytona, and is brand new. What is the RRP for this watch as they seem to vary so much?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by oo7ml

Thank you. It is the new 2017 Daytona, and is brand new. What is the RRP for this watch as they seem to vary so much?

Exact retail is on rolex.com

[MrInternational]

Originally Posted by oo7ml

Thank you. It is the new 2017 Daytona, and is brand new. What is the RRP for this watch as they seem to vary so much?

Check retail prices on Rolex.com. The 2017 Basel released Daytona's in stainless with ceramic bezel are selling for ~4K USD over Rolex.com suggested retail price on the grey market (New In Box, not from Authorized Dealer). The demand for these is so strong that it's likely to hold a higher than retail value for some years. In addition I understand in the UK there's a systemic shortage of availability in any stainless models, much less the newly released / high demand ones.


Why do prices vary? You won't get all your answers here. Read the forum for a while - old stuff, new stuff, just consume all the posts and you'll learn the drivers behind the pricing. Buying something you don't understand won't give you near as much pleasure as understanding what you are getting. All Rolex generally hold their value. But you should get the watch that means something to you beyond its ability to hold value.

[oo7ml]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

[Beowulf]

Been struggling with many of these questions too, but finally placed an order today for a black 116610LN.

I feels very unoriginal, but it was the model that survived most of my doubts "do I need/want/should".

[Quinny1999]

I was a Rolex virgin until earlier today when I picked up a GMT Master II 116710 LN, absolutely love it, especially the polised centre links... :o)

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Quinny1999

I was a Rolex virgin until earlier today when I picked up a GMT Master II 116710 LN, absolutely love it, especially the polised centre links... :o)

how did the discount request go? Didn't see a conclusion on that thread.

In any case congrats, that was my first Rolex and its a keeper forever.

[WhiskeyKoffee]

My best advice is to take your time, go slow, do a TON of research (mostly here on this forum) and don't pull the trigger until you absolutely, positively know what you want.

In my haste to buy my first Rolex, I almost bought a model with an aftermarket dial. I didn't even know what an aftermarket dial was. Then, I almost bought a 36 mm watch that would have been way too small, plus it had no box or papers, which I didn't think was a big deal at the time, but now I feel differently. Then I almost bought a model that ended up being my third choice. Then, when I finally decided on the DateJust 41, I almost bought the fluted bezel until I saw all of the options in person, and immediately knew the Jubilee/Smooth combo was for me.

The point is that I ALMOST made a mistake and bought the wrong Rolex several times. Don't make that mistake. Take your time. Research, research, and research some more. Don't pull the trigger until you absolutely know. And when you do finally know, you should know your particular Rolex better than the person you are buying it from.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Quinny1999

I was a Rolex virgin until earlier today when I picked up a GMT Master II 116710 LN, absolutely love it, especially the polised centre links... :o)

X2

[danbrew]

Ultimately you'll have several different Rolex watches if you are anything like the rest of us here. The sub was my first Rolex. Then a Presidential. Both of which I bought about twenty years ago. Lots of other watches in the meantime, yet I've never gotten around to the Navitimer. Beautiful watch and it is on my bucket list.

I went through an Omega phase and have Speedmaster Pro (Tintin version), a Planet Ocean (which was my favorite watch for a while - it's been replaced by the no-date SubC as my daily watch), and then there's the Omega Globemaster as my dress watch. Then I kind of went on a buying jihad with Rolex and added the SubC, a Deepsea D-Blue, and the BLNR. Am kicking around whether I really want the Daytona. I like bigger watches. My Rolex grail is the 118618. So... I say all this as you'll probably be buying lots of watches over your lifetime.

I'd get a sub for the first Rolex. It's classic and can dress up or down.