Completely irrational?

[archeophoto]

Hi everybody,
I'm new to this forum. Ever since I'm 18 years old I wanted a Rolex Submariner. But everybody around me told me how crazy it is to spend that much money on a watch. I just love quality and a Rolex - especially the submariner - is one of the few products still left in the world that is true handmade quality. Just like the 1953 Leica I have.
So here is the deal: I have about 1.5 years left before I turn 40. I want to buy myself a Submariner for my 40st birthday. Being a Laboratory assistant I don't make the big bucks, if you know what I mean. Most likely I will not be able to afford a new one. But I think a good used one is within reach. I probably have about $4500 together by then.

When I mentioned that at work the other day, everybody thought I'm completely nuts.

So I need two things from you guys:
1. Please tell me I'm not crazy.
2. Will $4500 buy me a good used Submariner with date and saphire crystal glass (I can't stand the thought of a plastic crystal)? When did Rolex start to put saphire crystals on the submariner? If I buy a used one and I have to get is serviced, how much will that set me back if the service includes a pressure test?

Thanks in advance!
Herb

[Z06]

Originally Posted by archeophoto

Hi everybody,
I'm new to this forum. Ever since I'm 18 years old I wanted a Rolex Submariner. But everybody around me told me how crazy it is to spend that much money on a watch. I just love quality and a Rolex - especially the submariner - is one of the few products still left in the world that is true handmade quality. Just like the 1953 Leica I have.
So here is the deal: I have about 1.5 years left before I turn 40. I want to buy myself a Submariner for my 40st birthday. Being a Laboratory assistant I don't make the big bucks, if you know what I mean. Most likely I will not be able to afford a new one. But I think a good used one is within reach. I probably have about $4500 together by then.

When I mentioned that at work the other day, everybody thought I'm completely nuts.

So I need two things from you guys:
1. Please tell me I'm not crazy.
2. Will $4500 buy me a good used Submariner with date and saphire crystal glass (I can't stand the thought of a plastic crystal)? When did Rolex start to put saphire crystals on the submariner? If I buy a used one and I have to get is serviced, how much will that set me back if the service includes a pressure test?

Thanks in advance!
Herb

Well...your only as crazy as the rest of us here!

Buy with confidence from a TRF seller...you will be suprised what you will find, most likely nearly new...Good Luck

[xjeeunitx]

As a matter of fact, co-workers of mine think buying a watch that is over $300 is crazy. Let alone, buying a $4500 watch probably make them think I am selling drugs on the side or have completely lost reality.

To each, his own, is what a lot of people say around here. It is absolutely true. You can definitely find a 16610 in that your price range. Don't think you're crazy... because if you do... you'll believe some of these men and women on this forum needs to check into a mental institution. Good luck on your search.

[ManUtd]

Not sure about the preowned prices but IMO, there is nothing irrational about saving up and being able to afford something you've wanted for decades. If you got the resources go for it.

[mjm800]

4500 for a used sub is very doable if you bought one that is in need of a service it will run you another 500+.

For 4500 you should be able to find one in pretty good shape and may not need service for a few years.

Good luck. Co-workers always thing watch nuts are crazy I just both my 5th Rolex and my co-worker almost fell off his chair.

The ones plastic crystals can run you more than 4500 so it's good that you don't like them.

[perpetualman88]

listen herb you gotta forget the haters who cant appreciate a rolex for what it is and follow your heart and reward yourself for your big 40th with something you have wanted since you were a kid. 4500 will get you a used sub date with box and paperwork the only question is exactly how old. either way dont settle for a sub that is not in like new condition. Make sure the watch you get has been serviced recently as to save yourself at least 400-500 bucks and a 3 month wait for a RSC to complete your watches service. Good luck on your hunt there are lots of great sellers here on TRF

Dave

[GoonerStrike]

Look at it like this, the average joe spends 25-30k on a new car? If that same person waited 6 months to a year and purchased the same car used, they would be able to afford a nice used rolex which will hold its value unlike their vehicle! To each their own...

I have also wanted the SS sub date since I was in highschool and recently purchased a mint M serial from this forum and could not be happier! Go for it!

[Mr. K]

You are not crazy. Sounds like you can and will appreciate the watch. So go for it. In the end it will hold value and you will get to enjoy it for many many years.

[Paracentesis]

Originally Posted by archeophoto

Hi everybody,
I'm new to this forum. Ever since I'm 18 years old I wanted a Rolex Submariner. But everybody around me told me how crazy it is to spend that much money on a watch. I just love quality and a Rolex - especially the submariner - is one of the few products still left in the world that is true handmade quality. Just like the 1953 Leica I have.
So here is the deal: I have about 1.5 years left before I turn 40. I want to buy myself a Submariner for my 40st birthday. Being a Laboratory assistant I don't make the big bucks, if you know what I mean. Most likely I will not be able to afford a new one. But I think a good used one is within reach. I probably have about $4500 together by then.

When I mentioned that at work the other day, everybody thought I'm completely nuts.

So I need two things from you guys:
1. Please tell me I'm not crazy.
2. Will $4500 buy me a good used Submariner with date and saphire crystal glass (I can't stand the thought of a plastic crystal)? When did Rolex start to put saphire crystals on the submariner? If I buy a used one and I have to get is serviced, how much will that set me back if the service includes a pressure test?

Thanks in advance!
Herb

Hi Herb,

It is crazy to spend 4500 on a handmade watch and camera but, people like you do it everyday. Especially when you think the time is on your phone, lol. But the financial whether is bad right now so its a great time to buy in time for your 40nth birthday. Saphire wont scratch as much as plastic, so good choice. Go for 11610 w/ date or 14600 w/ no date! Good luck, value should rise

[Andad]

Sounds to me like you have also lost the plot completely.

Welcome to The Rolex Forum.

[Happilychilled]

No, your not mad, you just have a healthy appreciation for the beautiful things in life. When I bought my first Rolex I almost had a second thought about it when handing over the cash but as soon as it was on my wrist and I new it was mine I new I'd done the right thing.

You're a long time dead so might as well enjoy life while you can. As long as you can still put food in your mouth and keep a roof over your head afterwards I day buy buy buy!!!

[RolexWatcher]

To the OP, looks like you will fit right in here.

Looking at it rationally, yes your friends are right. It's just a watch.

But people buy things with little intrinsic value vs. the amount they paid all the time (e.g. cars, bikes, camera lens, dinners, clothing, air tickets, wallets, hotels, diamond rings, handbags, etc).

Why do they do it? Because it makes them feel good.

If you can afford it, then buy it. However, if you will financially struggle, don't buy it.

All the best with your purchase if it happens!

[Sherwooddavid]

Hi Herb, Welcome fellow Canadian to TRF !
I don't think your crazy and actually think its a really good thing to set a goal for yourself to buy a Rolex for your 40th birthday and try to achieve it.
It is fantastic in this day and age of high personnel debt that you are able to save $4500 on a modest income...congrats !
I am not a wealthy person either but saved over the years and now that I am retired I am in the position to reward myself with a few toys.
From what I have seen around $4500 should get you a very nice piece. Be careful if you buy online as there are a lot of scams going on and you can easily get taken. The trusted sellers on TRF are very good and I would recommend them if you do decide to buy online.

Anyway Herb,good luck in your search for a Rolex 16610 and when you eventually get one it will feel so nice on your wrist knowing you worked hard to save the money to buy it.
Regards,Dave

[spyderco10]

No you're not crazy, either that or the rest of us are. But one thing you should know, Rolexes are not handmade.

[Roxas]

Rolexes are not handmade. They are mostly 100% built by machines. If you want high quality handmade watches you can try Patek, A. Lange & Sohne, etc. You are not crazy.

[watchf]

What is crazy is that if you had bought a sub whn you were 18 it would be alot cheaper Go ahead and get yourself a sub that you have been wanting for 22 years. If you divide your budget of $4500 into those 22 years you would be saving about $200 a year to come to that, $200 a year doesn't sound too irrational I reckon

[salem65]

I hate it when people think we are crazy for spending thousands on a watch, bag or other luxury item. It is none of their business and should keep their opinions about your finances to themselves.

[HL65]

No--go for it! And yes you can find a nice used one for that price. Just be careful and buy the seller!!!

[gregory estero]

You should ask Suzy Orman about this purchase.

[SUBversive]

You are nor crazy. Go for it. As others have said you can find a good pre-owned from a trusted seller with your budget or less.

[landroverking]

Originally Posted by SUBversive

You are nor crazy. Go for it. As others have said you can find a good pre-owned from a trusted seller with your budget or less.

Crazy or not your friends will accept you. And you are not crazy.
Go for it.

[Art 1]

No.

Yes.

[Singslinger]

You could do a lot worse with your money than buy something that you've wanted for 22 years.

And let's face it. $4,500 isn't really crazy money, not in an age when a bag or pair of shoes could cost the same amount. Go for it and enjoy!

PS Welcome to TRF!

[Route 66]

I think you'd be crazy if you didn't get your Sub one day.

Looking forward to your wrist shots.

Oh and, welcome to the best funny farm around!

[archeophoto]

thanks everybody for the warm welcome here and for the encouragement.
I'm glad I found this forum with like minded people. I guess I will "hang around" here quite a bit

[Darlinboy]

Go for it! It's about what YOU want, not what your coworkers think.

[Caraptor]

Nope--not crazy. It's all about where you want to spend your money. Some people like to spend $2,000 a year on coffee, others want to save to buy a quality watch that isn't gone in 10 minutes.

[p_mcgee]

If you love it & wear it all the time its not a bad investment. $4500 will definitely buy a preowned one, though maybe not a recent series. You might be able to find one with sold end links for that price. If you go preowned, remember to budget for a servicing.

[schwartz914]

no i dont think soo!!

[buke45]

If you have the money Go for it!!