What happens to older model prices when a new design is introduced?

[8850]

I’ve been in the market for an Explorer II for the last year and held off on my purchase when my local AD told me that there were changes coming to the model. I do not have a very large wrist but am going to wait to see the new 42mm Explorer II (what are we calling it? the EII42? :>)) in person before I decide whether to buy it or the 39mm EII.

My question is generally what happens to the value of older models when a new design or size is introduced? I’m sure it must really vary depending on the popularity of one model over the other (i.e. if the new design is a great improvement or a total flop) but since I have not been following Rolex market trends I was unsure if there was some general principle that could be applied to older model valuation when a new model hits the street.

Thanks for any insight.

[Dan Pierce]

Sometimes the older model goes up in value, sometimes they go down, and sometimes they do both over time. The 16170 GMT II comes to mind.
dP

[springer]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Sometimes the older model goes up in value, sometimes they go down, and sometimes they do both over time. The 16170 GMT II comes to mind.
dP

Dan fairly well nailed it in his post. A seven or eight-year-old GMT II, which could be found a few months ago for $3700-$3800 here on TRF, is five or six hundred dollars more now. I think most of that is based on the latest price increase. It is very hard to find a GMT II, with warranty papers and accessories, for under $4200 now. The same can be said for the Submariner and some of the other models too. Ebay and dealer prices are higher yet.

[8850]

Originally Posted by springer

Dan fairly well nailed it in his post. A seven or eight-year-old GMT II, which could be found a few months ago for $3700-$3800 here on TRF, is five or six hundred dollars more now. I think most of that is based on the latest price increase. It is very hard to find a GMT II, with warranty papers and accessories, for under $4200 now. The same can be said for the Submariner and some of the other models too. Ebay and dealer prices are higher yet.

Interesting! Never thought about them doing both but it makes sense. Thanks.

[kareemthedream33]

It depends. A datejust with the older clasp goes for considerably less. Yet a 16600 Sea Dweller is seeing it's value steadily rise. I can't believe what some of them are going for.

[Welshwatchman]

Generally, and Rolex SS Sports model rises in value as soon as the new model comes in.

Even though there is usually a vast amount of these watches in circulation, the very fact that there is now a finite quantity out there makes the watch a little more desirable.

... and the recent fact that the new model is $$$$$$$ doesn't do the outgoing model any harm at all.

[Tunacan26]

I want a new Tudor Advisor!! I know. Wrong thread....