collectability/resale value question

[noche619]

Hi
I'm a newbie and have to admit to a bit of confusion. I've seen comments that a watch which isn't popular (Milgauss in certain colors) will be less in circulation and therefore will be collectible in the future.
I've seen other opinions that if you buy a watch that is less popular it will be very difficult to sell.
Resale value is not my top priority but I'd still be interested in opinions. If I'm looking for an Air King with a pink dial and none of the local ADs has one, would that be likely to mean there are not a lot of them in circulation and therefore they will be more collectible? or since it's a less popular color, it's not going to be worth anything?
I imagine it might also be influenced by whether Rolex continues to make the watch in this model/color?
thanks for any opinions

[padi56]

Originally Posted by noche619

Hi
I'm a newbie and have to admit to a bit of confusion. I've seen comments that a watch which isn't popular (Milgauss in certain colors) will be less in circulation and therefore will be collectible in the future.
I've seen other opinions that if you buy a watch that is less popular it will be very difficult to sell.
Resale value is not my top priority but I'd still be interested in opinions. If I'm looking for an Air King with a pink dial and none of the local ADs has one, would that be likely to mean there are not a lot of them in circulation and therefore they will be more collectible? or since it's a less popular color, it's not going to be worth anything?
I imagine it might also be influenced by whether Rolex continues to make the watch in this model/color?
thanks for any opinions

In my book buying and owning a Rolex watch is knowing with just a little bit of maintenance from its owner it will last a life time.IMHO Rolex watches are not all about £££$$$$ and will this or that be more collectible than another.I would doubt if any modern day Rolex would be classed as must have collectible by any serious real watch collector just buy the watch because you like it its that simple.And as for future well who knows, at the moment my crystal ball is broked down.While its mainly the S.steel sports models that hold there prices well in the market place.Rolex watches have a greater resale value than most other brands on the market ,in proportion to retail price was paid when new.

[tattooedfagin]

look at it like buying art, buy it because you like it as you may have to live with it for a long time

[m5blitzer]

I am a keeper and not a flipper. I have a disease but I am totally contented. Next .....

[slcbbrown]

I wouldn't expect dial color to predict future value. The dials are changeable, so if in 10 years pink dials become the "thing", then a bunch of hustlers will swap dials on old Rolex to create a pile of "rare", pink dial watches. Having a pink dial AK could give you a neat, unique watch, but it could also cause you to pay a high price for a special order from an AD.

If you select a Rolex that is really unique, you may also find that no one else wanted that look. When you try to sell it, you will then find that your group of potential buyers is pretty small, which almost guarantees a lower price. If you really like the watch-- buy it, try to not pay extra, enjoy it, and if you have trouble selling it, you can swap dials, too.

[Welshwatchman]

If Rolex discontinues the current Milgauss line as it did with both of it's predecessors then the watch may hold and perhaps gain a little value in future years.

It's a BIG IF and of course, inflation will gobble away at any sort of financial benefit.

Salmon dialled Airking any sort of financial investment? Extraordinarily unlikely I reckon.

[BB83]

There are far better investments than a Rolex. Buy one because you love it and want to wear it!

[JUSTROLEXES]

It's better to buy pre loved watches if you're looking at models like the airking or Milgauss... If you buy a used complete and in good condition then you're good... about one year ago you could've found a Green milgauss used and complete for $5000 and now the price is close to $6000
Yet Rolex is not an investement...

[Tools]

Originally Posted by noche619

Hi
I'm a newbie and have to admit to a bit of confusion. I've seen comments that a watch which isn't popular (Milgauss in certain colors) will be less in circulation and therefore will be collectible in the future.
I've seen other opinions that if you buy a watch that is less popular it will be very difficult to sell.
Resale value is not my top priority but I'd still be interested in opinions. If I'm looking for an Air King with a pink dial and none of the local ADs has one, would that be likely to mean there are not a lot of them in circulation and therefore they will be more collectible? or since it's a less popular color, it's not going to be worth anything?
I imagine it might also be influenced by whether Rolex continues to make the watch in this model/color?
thanks for any opinions

I think that you are completely mis-understanding what "less popular" means in the watch collector community..

A common watch with an unusual dial is certainly "less popular", but it is still a common watch and will likely not become more collectible.

However, a model like the mid-60's Daytona was not popular at the time and they frequently discounted them just to sell.......... If they had had pink dials, perhaps nobody would still want them........

[Numismatist]

Rarity AND desirability both have to be accounted for to be considered collectible and valuable in the future.

While production numbers can help with rarity, it's very difficult to predict what will be desirable in 20 years.

You need both.

[Xpert37]

I echo others who responded - I think you should buy the watch to enjoy it and never buy a watch for "investment" purposes - the chance of getting positive return will be much higher if you investment money in a mutual fund, stock of growth companies and blue chips or money market.

I think you should be skeptical if sellers of watches come up and tell you that you will recoup the initial investment of the watch in long term because you really have to factor in time value of money.

[Yazo]

IMHO no modern Rolex will be collectible (vintage as we know it today). They are far too mass produced.

[brownbear]

I do have not bought mine (future purchases also) for investment. It is nice to know that they are worth at least something.
I like them because I just like them. I like to look down at my watch. I like to put it up to my ear and hear the light chatter.. Music to my ear..

[jessiethe3rd]

Supply and demand. I don't look at my GV as an investment. I wear them for the love of the look and craftsmanship. Like it was said before a Rolex isn't necessarily investment. Buy what love.

Back on supply and demand... The Daytona is a classic case. The desire is high and availability is low... Result desire. This is mainly short term play which can allow a short term flipper (and dealer) collect solid profits. Rolex is super smart about how they go to market. If you are looking for longterm gains focus on firsts. The DSSD is the deepest functioning mechanical watch. Millgauss GV is the first Rolex with a green synthetic crystal (correct me if I am wrong on the GV.). I don't claim to know if a GV or SDDS can hold and build its value. The supply equation is vendor and resource driven. Demand equation can lead to discontinuance which greatly contribute to collectibility. If I had to guess discontinuance drives up i the most. For a company like Rolex especially in today's age of advance market research discontinuing a product is like fast tracking your watch to collectible status.

FYI... This just my analysis