The Good Old Days

[Maiden]

It is hard to believe how much the Rolex "market" and buying experience has changed in the last few years. There are so many threads here about the angst and challenges around becoming a Rolex owner or purchasing one, its hard to believe it was really any different. I purchased my first Rolex in the fall of 2014, less than four years ago. I thought I would share how the experience was for me back then. I am located in Canada.

I had been a watch lover all my life and owned many watches. I was finally at a point in my life where I decided to take a hard look at Rolex. I went to a mid size, family owned jeweller who was a Rolex AD (amongst others Tag Heuer, Omega, Cartier etc). I was actually comparing the Sub C Date against the Omega SMP at the time, wasn't sure which way I was gonna go. After looking at both with my wife, and having dinner after leaving the store, it was clear the SubC date was the one! I would pick it up at a later time.....no worries at all that it wouldn't be there.

I decided to educate myself more about Rolex and joined this fine forum. That is where I saw many more pictures and lots of discussion around the Sub C and Sub C date. Now I wasn't sure. Fast forward a few weeks and I call my AD salesperson while I was out of town on a business trip. I ask her if she has the Sub C as well. She tells me no problem, she has both Subs in the back and I can come in and look at both at my convenience. So no rush, my wife and I head back some time later, never a worry there wouldn't be a sub there, let alone 2. We look at both, and while we are looking the saleslady says she wants to show me a new one. Its something they are calling the "batman" or the "bruiser". She takes out a brand new BLNR, wife and I have a look, does not really turn my crank and we decide to pass. A few other people had a look and handed it back to her. Meh, no feeding frenzy, back in the case it went.

So I decided on the Sub C 114060! Just loved it! My first Rolex! Having been on TRF for a while, besides learning more about the Sub C, I also learned I had to ask for a discount. At this time, there were so many threads that told me if I didn't get at least 15% off I was a sucker and lots of threads indicating I should be buying from a trusted seller and saving even more! So as a first time customer at this AD I asked for some "price consideration". I was told that I could get 16% off if I paid by CC and 18% of I paid cash. (or it was 18 and 20 cant really remember). I dutifully paid cash and picked up a new Sub C for about 7K Can $ all in. Much better than the trusted sellers BTW factoring in currency conversion etc..

Shortly after that, with the Rolex bug having bitten I purchased a new 116613lb. I received a 23% discount and was pleased with that. Have added a 18238 to my small collection and I am content.

It is amazing how the landscape has changed, I don't know where I would be with this hobby and brand if I was starting just now? I could see paying full MSRP but I really don't know how I would feel knowing I could never get a new release without being scalped. Not sure, I would probably wait for a Sub C at full MSRP but beyond that I don't know?

In any event, I feel fortunate to have been able to build my collection around what seems to be "right under the wire" and know it was just luck. I hope things do get somewhat back to the "good old days".

[douglasf13]

The good old days is prior to 6-digit. After introducing larger, shinier, “blingier” watches in the 6-digit series, I suppose becoming a Birkin bag was the next logical step. We’ve reached peak purse collecting, with more and more buyers concerned about collecting, future value and brand recognition than wanting watches that are used to actually take a beating. McQueen and Newman would laugh at it.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

The good old days is prior to 6-digit. After introducing larger, shinier, “blingier” watches in the 6-digit series, I suppose becoming a Birkin bag was the next logical step. We’ve reached peak purse collecting, with more and more buyers concerned about collecting, future value and brand recognition than wanting watches that are used to actually take a beating. McQueen and Newman would laugh at it.

This 100%

[jackcarls0n]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

The good old days is prior to 6-digit. After introducing larger, shinier, “blingier” watches in the 6-digit series, I suppose becoming a Birkin bag was the next logical step. We’ve reached peak purse collecting, with more and more buyers concerned about collecting, future value and brand recognition than wanting watches that are used to actually take a beating. McQueen and Newman would laugh at it.

I agree, it has become more about money and invetment deal now.