Does anyone actually enjoy the hunt?

[Masteryacht]

I do not and therefore don’t bother any longer.

[Corleone]

It's an interesting exercise to find a good example of an older watch - say a 16710. There is no hunt involved for modern stainless Rolex - just a series of pointless interactions.

[AF_Rob]

I enjoy the research on pieces I'm interested in and narrowing down my choices to pull the trigger. The waitlists? No thanks.

[rohada]

I'm ambivalent, overall. I have just two of the harder to find watches remaining on my AD list (already received a BLRO), yet pursue my two tone choices elsewhere, since they can be had without the price premium by simply applying myself by looking for free shipping and no taxes. I feel like the AD pursuit is more gathering than hunting, while the TT pursuit can result in an unexpected find.

[Old Geezer]

I enjoy the hunt when researching anything I want to purchase and sometimes take quite a while to narrow down what I want. No different with watches.
When I'm ready to purchase, I'd prefer that I could go to my AD and maybe my chosen model is in stock or I could place a real order with a real estimated time of delivery.
I don't like the current state of affairs to acquire a Rolex, PP or any other popular timepiece.

[Travis29]

Originally Posted by JRell

I do - it is like getting OG Jordan’s on their release date for me. More of a prize when you work for it.

This ^

[JR16]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I used to.

Not any longer

Bingo. Gets old, fast.


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[Dezorra]

I've come to the point where I consider Rolex to be two separate companies; roughly split into the old one that produced the 4- and 5-digit models, and modern Rolex of today.

Likewise with the so-called "hunt"; is there some joy in hunting down the perfect vintage or even neo-vintage piece, like a particular model with a particular patina, full set, at a fair price? Or even buying an old beater Rolex, knowing that its immense quality will allow you to repair or refinish it back to its original glory?

Absolutely!

But playing months or years worth of games to be allowed the "privilege" of spending thousands of dollars for an overpriced, mass-produced carved piece of steel with a brand name on it by some salesman who acts like he personally owns Rolex, only to usually end up disappointed because you've been deemed unworthy of joining the club? I wouldn't do that with ANY brand, so no it's not fun, and I don't participate.

Every year I like this new Rolex less, but as a result I like old Rolex more, so I do think hunting for that special, discontinued piece from back in the day is rewarding.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by Corleone

It's an interesting exercise to find a good example of an older watch - say a 16710. There is no hunt involved for modern stainless Rolex - just a series of pointless interactions.

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I enjoy the research on pieces I'm interested in and narrowing down my choices to pull the trigger. The waitlists? No thanks.

This.

[Watchtracker]

I like the hunt for the earlier generation Rolex.

The latest crop are great but there is no real hunt due to the web of buying rules.

[RoRoRo]

Hunt is better than the kill after your first one.

[MinMay]

Only true collectors enjoy the hunt. The flippers don’t see. They’re waiting for the phone call from AD so they can flip a few days later.

[SMPc]

I enjoy it. It’s definitely easier with non Rolex watches but also there it can be fine to hunt for great discounts or pre owned pieces in great condition

[amh]

No, because it's not a hunt. It's paid entry into a game preserve.

Is climbing Mt Everest the same as it once was? Now anyone can go there provided they have 50-100k.