With SS Sport Watches Being all the Rage, Older DD's are a Steal

[hhh007]

Now especially, and for at least the past decade or more the SS Rolex professional series lines seem to be by far the most popular and eagerly sought watches Rolex makes, with other models like the DJ and DD running a distant second. As for the pre-owned market, I believe the same thing applies for the most part as late model sport watches like Subs and GMT's seem to sell quickly at strong prices and even the older ones are sought after, while at the same time I hear people say things like "you practically can't give away an older Datejust or President."

This brings me to my point over current market pricing....

You can currently buy an 'older' solid and heavy 18K gold President such as an 18038 or 18078 or 18238 or similar in excellent condition for about the same price as a new ceramic GMTII. Now I understand how markets work and supply and demand and popularity and all, but that seems crazy to me. IMO the 18K yellow gold President is "the" Rolex watch of all time and the watch that made a Rolex a "Rolex" back in the 70's and 80's when most people never even knew what a Milgauss was. Have times and tastes changed so much that an older 18K President or TT Datejust are now the red headed stepchildren and an all stainless large sports watch with no intrinsic metal value is now the new "Rolex" ??

So is an older solid gold President a steal at current market pricing, or will they continue to dwindle in popularity while all the WIS's eagerly await what new minor cosmetic change Rolex will make to their favorite sports watch and line up to grab one?

[toddb]

interesting perspective, dude.......................

[STEELINOX]

I think the older 18038's are a steal depending on condition. But I believe its always been that the "sport" lines have always done better at either the retail or 2ndary markets...

[larrysb]

The DD is the standby, the classic.

The watch flippers are into the thrill of the moment. They won't get the DD until they get tired of the chase. They see it as the "fuddy-duddy". It's much easier to get your thrills on the stainless watches. Nothing wrong with them, but it is easier because there's not as much investment involved.

The DD is the one you keep. :)

[Renoir]

I have been tempted to pick one up myself, I've seen some really nice pieces at great prices.

[Tools]

Well, I think that it's hardly a "steal" if you don't really want one...

Day Dates are an enigma.. they reduce in value and condition to the point where you can't repair them without spending more than they are worth. A President bracelet can cost 7-10 thousand, so this is one watch where, when buying used, you pay more attention to the bracelet than you do the the lume, dial, or hands... or even if it runs.....

[DRAWTOOL]

Originally Posted by Tools

Well, I think that it's hardly a "steal" if you don't really want one...

Day Dates are an enigma.. they reduce in value and condition to the point where you can't repair them without spending more than they are worth. A President bracelet can cost 7-10 thousand, so this is one watch where, when buying used, you pay more attention to the bracelet than you do the the lume, dial, or hands... or even if it runs.....

There you go again Larry, trying to cloud the issue by using logic, common sense and facts.

[jameshe]

Originally Posted by Tools

Well, I think that it's hardly a "steal" if you don't really want one...

Day Dates are an enigma.. they reduce in value and condition to the point where you can't repair them without spending more than they are worth. A President bracelet can cost 7-10 thousand, so this is one watch where, when buying used, you pay more attention to the bracelet than you do the the lume, dial, or hands... or even if it runs.....

Sound advice Larry, and that will never change until a) the design is overhauled to minimise against stretching b) they arent made out of heavy metal which stretches the pins!

I do agree with the OP though, it is quite amazing how "cheap" you can pick up a second hand DD for...

[rolexsubdate]

Originally Posted by DRAWTOOL

There you go again Larry, trying to cloud the issue by using logic, common sense and facts.

[TheBluePrince]

Agree with most of the above. They are a huge bargain imo.

I'm also in the "too young to buy a DD yet" club though so will wait a few more years.

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by Tools

Well, I think that it's hardly a "steal" if you don't really want one...

Day Dates are an enigma.. they reduce in value and condition to the point where you can't repair them without spending more than they are worth. A President bracelet can cost 7-10 thousand, so this is one watch where, when buying used, you pay more attention to the bracelet than you do the the lume, dial, or hands... or even if it runs.....

Great perspective

[Tools]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

Agree with most of the above. They are a huge bargain imo.

I'm also in the "too young to buy a DD yet" club though so will wait a few more years.

I think that I'm too young for one too.............

[DDG]

I do like 18k, but I don't like watches without winding crown lugs. A DD with lugs would be a good thing.

[hhh007]

<<< Day Dates are an enigma.. they reduce in value and condition to the point where you can't repair them without spending more than they are worth. A President bracelet can cost 7-10 thousand, so this is one watch where, when buying used, you pay more attention to the bracelet than you do the the lume, dial, or hands... or even if it runs >>>



All Rolex bracelets will eventually stretch with time, and of course the 18K President bracelet is no exception. There are however still many older model Presidents available with bracelets that have very minimal stretch to them as many were worn very infrequently for special occasions. I recently purchased a beautiful 18078 that had one owner and the bracelet is very tight and virtually like new.

As far as being too young to wear a President, it's a real easy watch to get used to real fast IMO :-)

[pz93c]

I tend to keep a loose eye out for a WG black dial 1803 with stick markers.

Can you say daily wear?

[kyle L]

I've seen vintage ones on leather go for around $4000, not bad because you're getting a lot of watch for that price.

[OYSTERMANN]

I guess with this one, as ever, it will depend on both the condition of the pre-owned DD being considered and current prices for the new models.

I bought my DD brand new in Dec 2007, in fairness with a good discount, when the list price was £11,530.

Fast forward to Jan 2010 (just over 2 years later) and the new price for the same DD is £15,760. Certainly, a significant increase, by any standards.

My AD has confirmed to be that he is confident that he could sell my mint condition DD for me at the price that I paid for it.

For recently produced DDs, in very good condition, they seem to be around two thirds the value of the new price.

[kingblackbolt]

Howard I see your point as it seems the market popularity and not material is in large part what dictates the price in the used market... I have contemplated a nice dd for my collection as well.
Looking at your wish list in your tag line proves just how popular the SS models truly are LOL!


"Wish list: New ceramic SS Sub, Ceramic TT GMTII"