1972 Rolex price compared to today . . . worth it?

[El Cascarrabias]

Currently, I'm in that pre-first time buyer stage where I've narrowed down which Rolex I'd like to own but just can't make myself spend the money (it'll be over $8k, not exactly high end for a Rolex but $8k nonetheless). At first, I thought I'd be going for the GMT Master II BLNR. After more reading on TRF, other websites and visiting my local AD I've decided on the current Explorer II with a black dial.

Sennheiserz provided a link in the Rolex Reference Library section to a 1972 Rolex Military Mail Order Catalogue with prices. He mentions that $100 in 1970 would be $610 today.

In that catalogue a Submariner-Date sold for $208. In today's dollars that would be $1,268. I would readily swing that for a Rolex!

So to put things in perspective, I would be paying over $1,300 in 1970 dollars when the Sub was going for $208. Then, add the continuing expense of service at different intervals for $600+. I'm sure that service fee will continue to increase.

It would be a watch I would hand down to my son, but do I want to saddle him with that intermittent service fee. I mean, the service fee alone is a lot to spend for a watch.

Your thoughts . . .

[Sublover2166]

I am sure in 1972 the price of gasoline was around 50 cents a gallon or even less. Do folks still buy gas now and pay 3 dollars a gallon or higher? Of course! Only you can decide if 8 thousand dollars is worth it for a fine timepiece. I say yes but ultimately it is your money and you must decide. If properly cared for the watch will last for generations as many children and grandchildren have inherited Rolex watches from their families.

[kneedeep]

Highest quality machines are expensive to buy and usually to maintain. There are good cost alternatives for servicing Rolexes including using independent certified watch makers. Luxury goods prices are set more by market forces than by the passage of time. Comes down to whether you really want them or not.

[tkerrmd]

A new Rolex is worth the cost to me, not to everybody

[Old Expat Beast]

You'll be handing down a service fee whatever watch you choose. But the Rolex Sub will hold its value at the very least, so you'll also be handing down a nice insurance policy for desperate times, too. Imagine if your dad had bought you a Sub in 1972, what it would be worth now?

[franzy]

Yes!

[kegan]

You could always pick up a really nice 16570 for about half that

[BomB#Frog]

Logically speaking I know it's CRAZY to want to spend the money on a Rolex, but I still want to. Part if me wants the price increases to hit again so they will become so far out of my realm of possibility that I just don't think about it anymore. Weird huh? Because there is a point where I will not go, and that point is pretty much almost here.

[sturgeon123456]

Originally Posted by BomB#Frog

Logically speaking I know it's CRAZY to want to spend the money on a Rolex, but I still want to. Part if me wants the price increases to hit again so they will become so far out of my realm of possibility that I just don't think about it anymore. Weird huh? Because there is a point where I will not go, and that point is pretty much almost here.

A part of you will probably kick yourself in the ass five years from now after multiple price increases for not getting one when it was only 8000.....just my two cents.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by El Cascarrabias

Your thoughts . . .

I don't want to sound mean, but forget about your kid!

If you want the watch now and can afford it, buy it! Hopefully, when the time comes to give it to him, he will be able to afford to service the watch every 7-8 years. If not, keep it and take it to the grave with you.

[Headshrinker]

I don't think math and history (of prices) factor into buying a Rolex watch. If you can't appreciate a fine mechanical instrument for what it is, than a Timex will due. We are a crazy bunch, that believe in craftsmanship, quality, and durability; and are willing to sacrifice to be a part of the club. Any time you buy a watch without a battery, you are apart from the crowd.

[DJ TT 2002]

I only regret the rolex watches I didn't buy
They are worth the freight IMHO
Good luck.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

A part of you will probably kick yourself in the ass five years from now after multiple price increases for not getting one when it was only 8000.....just my two cents.

Excellent point.

[EEParker]

If you don't want to spend $8,000 on a watch I totally get that, but I wouldn't let the potential rising cost of service fees for your son down the line get into buying something you really want. I had significant heartburn buying each of my watches, unsure if I wanted to spend that kind of money, and worried that we were in a bubble about to burst with prices. But the cost of future service never weighed in. Maybe that is short-sighted, but I know when I get a car that I'll need to change the oil and replace the breaks and rotate the tires, and so I don't worry about "routine" maintenance.

[BomB#Frog]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

A part of you will probably kick yourself in the ass five years from now after multiple price increases for not getting one when it was only 8000.....just my two cents.

I have definitely thought of this. I struggle with it a lot. I will probably end up getting one in the near future but I will look for a decent deal when time.

[CCI24]

My SUB-ND was released in 2005 for $3500 and I paid $4800 it months ago. I saw the newer model for 8,000 more or less. Could I have bought new? Sure, but I didn't like the square lugs and the extra text on the dial so I went older to get what I really wanted. If you buy what you really want it doesn't matter the cost because you will appreciate it what it is.

[REDiesel]

These threads that objectively analyze the cost of a rolex vs historical prices or vs. precious metal content forget the basic premis that price is dictated by supply and demand. Rolex charges what the market will bear.

[EEParker]

Originally Posted by REDiesel

These threads that objectively analyze the cost of a rolex vs historical prices or vs. precious metal content forget the basic premis that price is dictated by supply and demand. Rolex charges what the market will bear.

As do second-hand dealers.

[AK797]

On this forum, Rolex purchases are more heart decisions than head ones, and esp if leaving them to posterity.

[Dvenus11]

so worth it in my opinion. Once you buy one you will never look back

[Invictus Maneo]

Originally Posted by BomB#Frog

I have definitely thought of this. I struggle with it a lot. I will probably end up getting one in the near future but I will look for a decent deal when time.

If your looking for a better than "decent" deal, may I suggest you do your due diligence and buy from one of the "trusted sellers" here on TRF? Unless of course you want the AD experience, but that's a pretty expensive "experience" IMO. Try and stop over thinking it too! If you have selected a watch that you want and no one is going to suffer because of it's purchase, BUY IT! You'll never regret it!

[DCheeta]

Don't buy a Rolex. If you're having these thoughts and asking this question, then it is probably not worth it to you.

And if that is the case, you'd be the most sane person here.

[watchdog507]

Originally Posted by Invictus Maneo

If your looking for a better than "decent" deal, may I suggest you do your due diligence and buy from one of the "trusted sellers" here on TRF? Unless of course you want the AD experience, but that's a pretty expensive "experience" IMO. Try and stop over thinking it too! If you have selected a watch that you want and no one is going to suffer because of it's purchase, BUY IT! You'll never regret it!

There are many ways to find a great Rolex at a good price (relative term). The service issue is a bit of a red herring. Most watches have a problem sooner than later, if there is a defect. So you would have warranty coverage if you bought a fairly recent watch. Authorized Rolex service is exemplary and reasonable compared to many others. Case in point, I have a Tissot Sea Touch for fun and beating. It needed a battery and a light service. Just short of $400 and no detailing. You would only need to service a Rolex every 5 years or so. Some people do not service their watches until they fail. Your choice.

The price of the watch is what it is. Inflation rears it's ugly head here. You can rest assured that if you buy right your watch will always have a reasonable resale if you chose to flip it or move into another.

Life is short and who knows what curves you may have. If it makes you happy go for it.

[MrSimba]

One of my favourite quotes read on here was,

when's the best time to buy a Rolex?

answer...

about 20 years ago... & if you missed that... Now!

Oh so true!!!
















* why didn't I buy a Steve McQueen Explorer in 1982 when they were £1600?

It's my grail watch now and will set me back nearly 10x that when I do buy one!!!

[phils]

In the mid 1970s Rolex started larger than past price increases and
each time I'd say "That's it. They won't sell them at those prices".
And they would sell even more.
In 1967 a 5512 Sub. was $210 US and a 5513 $160 US.
In 1970 a tt DJ cost $360 US and you could buy a good new muscle car for $4500.


But I wonder now if Rolex watches are almost hitting the ceiling, even with the improvements, what with the world's economy. We'll see.

[mike]

No arguement from me about the price. Do consider however there are few things in life that can be enjoyed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, last forever (ok, a long time), and be passed down to the next generation.

Buy a new car, take the hit as soon as you leave the dealership, drive it a few years and do it again (still have the oil change/service costs).

Cry once and be done.

[phils]

As far as service cost the intervals could be 4-12 years with and average of, say 7.5 years.
Forty two years have gone by since 1972 so perhaps 6 services at an average cost of $450.
So say $2700 total.
Plus a new bracelet probably would have been needed.

[5080]

The whole "heirloom" idea was one of the main reasons or justifications why I bought my LVC.
I looked at what of my fathers items i would want in particular if and when he passes away and I honestly couldn't think of a thing. I have a lot of wise words and memories which hold more value.
Then the thought of what do I have that my kids would appreciate. The obvious came to mind.
If he had a Rolex and it was passed down to me, I'd suck up the cost of servicing for 2 reasons a/ It a beautiful piece and more importantly b/ because it was my dads.

I have 3 daughters, so i have a few more purchases in my future!

All that being said, buy your watch…. You get to enjoy it and your kids will appreciate it later on.

[El Cascarrabias]

Thanks for all the responses. This will be a weighty decision.

Originally Posted by 5080

The whole "heirloom" idea was one of the main reasons or justifications why I bought my LVC.
I looked at what of my fathers items i would want in particular if and when he passes away and I honestly couldn't think of a thing. . .

Dad passed away this past summer and I experienced the same thing. One of the reasons I considered the Rolex.

But . . . the price!

Originally Posted by DCheeta

Don't buy a Rolex. If you're having these thoughts and asking this question, then it is probably not worth it to you.

And if that is the case, you'd be the most sane person here.

Well said, and something to seriously consider. I'd hate to spend the money and regret it.

[bitfield]

It took me a while to pull the trigger, but I don't regret a penny of what I spent on my SubC. There are very few things in life which are truly excellent, and a Rolex is one of them. It's expensive for a watch, yes, but in absolute terms it's not a lot of money. About the price of a good second-hand car. And it's given me a lot more joy than any car I've owned.