Freedom – How I rid myself of all my modern Rolex watches

[Trog]

I thought I would be depressed, or perhaps suffering from sellers remorse…..but in fact I feel liberated!

Let’s go back a few years…… I started collecting Rolex about 10-years ago. Perhaps it was my stockbroker buddy that introduced me to the brand, or perhaps it was just a mid-life crisis? In any case, my first purchase was a gently used Submariner date.

That was shortly traded for a grey market SubC no-date. Over the next few years, I added a Daytona, Batman, Milgauss, Day-Date, ….and two very nice vintage timepieces (5513 & 1675).

Yesterday, I sold my last modern steel Rolex. Why? Well for one thing, they were seeing very little wrist time. I had other more comfortable watches to choose from, so every Monday morning when I visited the safe, it was unlikely a Rolex was selected for that week.

Now don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed my Rolex watches, and was always on the lookout for the next one. However, as I never developed a relationship with a Rolex AD, I was pretty low on their Pepsi & Daytona waiting list. And there was no way I was going to pay current grey-market prices.

I plan on keeping my vintage Rolex (at least for the time being), but now my attention has moved to other brands. Having visited all my local high-end horology AD’s, I see there are so many impressive time pieces out there that I haven’t considered in the past. Plus, many of these brands suffer horrific depreciation making used examples very attractive.

Will I even purchase another modern Rolex….not for a while. I wouldn’t mind adding another nice Vintage Rolex to the collection, but there’s nothing in their current line-up that gets me excited.

[fskywalker]

Well done, congrats! So what survived ?


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[The Thomas J]

Originally Posted by Trog

I thought I would be depressed, or perhaps suffering from sellers remorse…..but in fact I feel liberated!



Let’s go back a few years…… I started collecting Rolex about 10-years ago. Perhaps it was my stockbroker buddy that introduced me to the brand, or perhaps it was just a mid-life crisis? In any case, my first purchase was a gently used Submariner date.



That was shortly traded for a grey market SubC no-date. Over the next few years, I added a Daytona, Batman, Milgauss, Day-Date, ….and two very nice vintage timepieces (5513 & 1675).



Yesterday, I sold my last modern steel Rolex. Why? Well for one thing, they were seeing very little wrist time. I had other more comfortable watches to choose from, so every Monday morning when I visited the safe, it was unlikely a Rolex was selected for that week.



Now don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed my Rolex watches, and was always on the lookout for the next one. However, as I never developed a relationship with a Rolex AD, I was pretty low on their Pepsi & Daytona waiting list. And there was no way I was going to pay current grey-market prices.



I plan on keeping my vintage Rolex (at least for the time being), but now my attention has moved to other brands. Having visited all my local high-end horology AD’s, I see there are so many impressive time pieces out there that I haven’t considered in the past. Plus, many of these brands suffer horrific depreciation making used examples very attractive.



Will I even purchase another modern Rolex….not for a while. I wouldn’t mind adding another nice Vintage Rolex to the collection, but there’s nothing in their current line-up that gets me excited.

So u needed the money?

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[timepieceluvr]

Originally Posted by The Thomas J

So u needed the money?

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[pearson1995]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Well done, congrats! So what survived ?


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^

[Trog]

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Well done, congrats! So what survived ?


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Oh, I still have over 15 watches in the safe of various makes and models, plus the two vintage Rolex models I mentioned in the OP.

Grand Seiko make some lovely models which have attracted my eye. Plus, the JLC 'Master' line-up looks particularly tasty.

Still researching.

[BigAppleBill]

Good for you for figuring out what works best for you. Tastes change. What specific models of other brands are you considering?

Ah. I see you already answered just prior to my post.

[Trog]

Originally Posted by BigAppleBill

Good for you for figuring out what works best for you. Tastes change. What specific models of other brands are you considering?

I'm long overdue to add a Patek...perhaps a Perpetual Calendar.

Ideally, a classic example from each of the Holy Trinity.

[dane75]

I think this is the right approach for this situation (and any situation) where there was once an interest or a hobby or a past time (or what have you) that, for reasons of time or fading interest, etc., it begins to weigh on you instead of give you enjoyment or satisfaction. I hope the new directions you're contemplating with respect to watches brings that feeling you once enjoyed back. And the good news is that if Rolex does release something that excites you, you can always jump right back in. Best of luck!

[kieselguhr]

It’s a good thing you sold the watches that do not get worn. It’s a very sensible move I am sure they will find new homes shortly

[Bigblu10]

Ah the two elusive watches that takes the air out of everyone's sails and makes them lose interest in the watch hobby. The Daytona 500 and the SS Pepsi GMT. They should be tarred and feathered them two troublesome brothers!

[rolexgrail]

Good timing, buy low -> sell high

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[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by BigAppleBill

Good for you for figuring out what works best for you. Tastes change.

Absolutely.

Originally Posted by Trog

I'm long overdue to add a Patek...perhaps a Perpetual Calendar.

Ideally, a classic example from each of the Holy Trinity.

I followed the same path, eventually experiencing numerous brands including Patek, L&S and FPJ.
But eventually decided that Rolex still had a firm place within my collection.

Which Perpetual Calendar are you considering?

[JD305]

I'm in need of some of this freedom!!!

I've read several postings from guys that have given up on the crown and have gone fully to Patek or AP. I feel these brands have also had a crazy run up in price!?

I can only guess the decision to consolidate is more of an investment slant than anything? Selling everything and consolidating on Patek or AP, with the expectation that these high value brands will hold more of their value when/if some correction occurs?

Over the decades, I've seen most Rolex sports models maintain their value comfortably. I don't know if I could get rid of all my Rolex and just end up with a Nautilus or Aquanaut?

[Nikrnic]

Originally Posted by Trog

I'm long overdue to add a Patek...perhaps a Perpetual Calendar.



Ideally, a classic example from each of the Holy Trinity.

Have you looked into VC?

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[Rado63]

Although I haven't shed all the Rolex watches, I am actually reducing all brands in the collection to only three Rolex watches. I am interested in the current Rolex pieces, so I will sell pieces from time to time to buy new. I am excited at the annual Basel announcement. I don't have any A/P, Patek, Or Vacheron, only Rolex. The reason I am still into Rolex is the value preservation the brand offers. Yes, you can get that from other brands, such as PP, but I have no dealer relationship with those brands, versus a Rolex relationship. So I am still here.

[djyolky]

I'd like a VC Overseas personally. There are a many other lovely brands out there besides Rolex. Now is the time to take advantage of those brands.

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[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by djyolky

I'd like a VC Overseas personally. There are a many other lovely brands out there besides Rolex. Now is the time to take advantage of those brands.

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Much to like about the VC but the front cutout bezel just looks bad to me.

[locutus49]

As a new owner I vote Patek. But Lange preowned are great bargains.

Originally Posted by Trog

I'm long overdue to add a Patek...perhaps a Perpetual Calendar.

Ideally, a classic example from each of the Holy Trinity.

[10klakes]

Originally Posted by The Thomas J

So u needed the money?

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[Eatapp]

Good for you, no need to keep what you no longer use/want. I bet you profited a little too!

[Trog]

Originally Posted by Eatapp

Good for you, no need to keep what you no longer use/want. I bet you profited a little too!

I can tell you that all my watches were purchased well below MRSP and were sold at current market prices.

[Brny11]

Different strokes. I only like modern Rolex models.

[ILuvSubs]

Thankfully I've had the opportunity to try and buy modern Rolex watches before the SS shortage occurred. I bought them and found that I preferred vintage Rolex. However, at least I had the opportunity to try them on the wrist and buy what I liked (even if there was a short period where I was on a waiting list).

If I got into the hobby now, there is no way I would have had the opportunity to do this, so I do feel it punishes true collectors who want the opportunity to buy a Rolex at MSRP.

Luckily Rolex is not the end all or be all of watch collecting and the shortage has made me realise and discover that there are other excellent brands out there (such as Grand Seiko and A. Lange & Sohne) with a lot to offer (which is different to what Rolex sports watches offer) and, if bought pre-owned, provide (relatively) good value, given someone else has taken the depreciation hit.

I am still on the waiting list for the 126710BLRO since it was released in 2018, but I have little or no expectation that I will receive it any time soon (if at all). I will still follow to see what happens with Rolex at Baselworld 2020, but my interests have moved on to other brands and still remain with vintage Rolex.

[htc8p]

in the end you will return to rolex. in my 10 years of collecting. i now have more rolexes than other brands

[Xtralarg]

Originally Posted by The Thomas J

So u needed the money?

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Can you not read?

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by Trog

Now don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed my Rolex watches, and was always on the lookout for the next one. However, as I never developed a relationship with a Rolex AD, I was pretty low on their Pepsi & Daytona waiting list. And there was no way I was going to pay current grey-market prices.

good that you're moving pieces you no longer wear or reach for

[The Thomas J]

Originally Posted by Xtralarg

Can you not read?

Yet another self indulgent diatribe of a poor little old me and my Rolex watches and the mean AD that won't give me the time of day.Boo fucking hoo.

If money is no object throw the watches in a draw and go out an by the Patek or whatever else you desire.

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[101031-28]

Good for you OP. I did it reverse: got into this hobby 30 years ago with two Rolex watches (5513 and 16570 black) only but many from other makers. Over the years I found myself gravitating toward Rolex more and more and now, they are they only brand I own.

[dhknola]

Congrats OP! I have been more a vintage head my whole life. When I first started in the hobby, they were actually cheaper than new watches (shocking, I know), so I was drawn to getting watches that were 'affordable'. In the past 10-15 years it seems the new 6 digit refs just do not have the same appeal as the 5 digits that were 'new' when I was getting in to watches. I feel happier with the vintage pieces, all of my watches are older than me and it just seems the new stuff is boring. Enjoy your classics!