What Does a Year Matter in Terms of Value?

[pmm21]

As I look to buy watches from time to time, I see these premium prices being demanded for slightly more current models, but I can't see why they would actually be any more valuable

i.e. If I want a 116610LN, in new condition, I can expect to pay X for a 2015 model, whereas if it were a 2018 or 2019 in the same condition, it commands a noticeably higher price.
-Or- why is a late model G serial less valuable than a scrambled serial with a card dated in the same year?

It is essentially the exact same watch, is it not?

So, aside from the obvious "one is newer" comments, which I'm sure some will feel the need to say in order to pad their post counts, can someone enlighten me?

[htrap2294]

Service intervals and wear time is most likely the reason. The newer one most likely hasn’t seen a service yet and is furthest away from a service. Also, it most likely hasn’t been polished heavily yet.


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[pmm21]

Originally Posted by htrap2294

Service intervals and wear time is most likely the reason. The newer one most likely hasn’t seen a service yet and is furthest away from a service. Also, it most likely hasn’t been polished heavily yet.


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Fair enough on the service intervals. But if it's new/partially stickered, etc. a worry about polishing shouldn't be an issue.

[htrap2294]

Originally Posted by pmm21

Fair enough on the service intervals. But if it's new/partially stickered, etc. a worry about polishing shouldn't be an issue.

Correct, but that usually isn’t the case. NOS from 2010 will probably be priced accordingly.


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[MHB]

Originally Posted by htrap2294

Correct, but that usually isn’t the case. NOS from 2010 will probably be priced accordingly.


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Factor in time left on the warranty as well. A rolex comes with a 5 year transferable warranty so you’d be SOL if you purchase a 2015 watch and something happens 2 months later. A 2019 model would have around 2 years left on the warranty.

I personally don’t think the premium for a warranty is worth it, all things being equal.

[pmm21]

Originally Posted by MHB

Factor in time left on the warranty as well. A rolex comes with a 5 year transferable warranty so you’d be SOL if you purchase a 2015 watch and something happens 2 months later. A 2019 model would have around 2 years left on the warranty.

I personally don’t think the premium for a warranty is worth it, all things being equal.

This is an excellent point. I hadn't thought about paying a premium for a remaining warranty. Though I agree with you, it's not something I'd think is worth paying for - not on a watch like a Sub.

[TswaneNguni]

Complete set,unworn for 116610LN and 126610LN very close in pricing .Interesting .

[jets]

So people will pay 4k more let’s say for a 2019 vs 2015 which they can get a service without polishing for around 1k at RSC. I’d rather have the older one.




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[MHB]

Originally Posted by pmm21

This is an excellent point. I hadn't thought about paying a premium for a remaining warranty. Though I agree with you, it's not something I'd think is worth paying for - not on a watch like a Sub.

A service on a Sub is what… $1100? So take that into account and don’t overpay for remaining warranty on a piece where you’ll very likely never need to use it.

In terms of physical condition of the watches, every “used” watch sold by a grey dealer worth their salt will be polished to look new before sale.

[PO 2500D]

I've noticed (or at least it feels that way to me) that over the last 12 months the gap has widening dramatically on certain models between a current year watch and one that is a few years older, for me that makes the older watch more attractive as I've never bought a used watch that wasn't in tip top condition.

I used to think I'll get the newer one, now I think the reverse as the price difference is worth it.

[TexEd]

The 116610LN was changed in 2020 to the 126610LN. The newer watches do command higher prices. Slight changes aesthetically and a newer movement. I personally prefer, in my Submariners, the 2020 with its improvements.

[Dougiebaby]

Originally Posted by pmm21

As I look to buy watches from time to time, I see these premium prices being demanded for slightly more current models, but I can't see why they would actually be any more valuable

i.e. If I want a 116610LN, in new condition, I can expect to pay X for a 2015 model, whereas if it were a 2018 or 2019 in the same condition, it commands a noticeably higher price.
-Or- why is a late model G serial less valuable than a scrambled serial with a card dated in the same year?

It is essentially the exact same watch, is it not?

So, aside from the obvious "one is newer" comments, which I'm sure some will feel the need to say in order to pad their post counts, can someone enlighten me?

Rolex offered a manufactures warranty of 5 years. So one aspect of a higher price is if (or how many years) the watch is still covered by warranty.


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[JR16]

Originally Posted by MHB

A service on a Sub is what… $1100? So take that into account and don’t overpay for remaining warranty on a piece where you’ll very likely never need to use it.

In terms of physical condition of the watches, every “used” watch sold by a grey dealer worth their salt will be polished to look new before sale.

Disagree- many pre-owned sellers will not polish some watches as they know that “polished” is a negative to many.


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[JR16]

“One is newer”, which to the masses means it must be better.


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[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by MHB

I personally don’t think the premium for a warranty is worth it, all things being equal.

This is logical on the face of it. What is the likelihood of a Rolex less than 5 years old failing? From personal experience that figure is 50%. I have four 31 series movement watches, two of them have suffered mainspring failure while still in their 5 year warranty.

You pays your money, you makes your choice, you takes your chances.

[Seddyspaghetti]

Warranty and more closer to getting serviced if older model.

Besides that, Would you sell your 2022 model for the same price as a 2019 model? (If you were looking to sell obv) And why?

[MHB]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

This is logical on the face of it. What is the likelihood of a Rolex less than 5 years old failing? From personal experience that figure is 50%. I have four 31 series movement watches, two of them have suffered mainspring failure while still in their 5 year warranty.

You pays your money, you makes your choice, you takes your chances.

Wow, that seems very unlucky. Rolex are widely known to be relatively bulletproof.

[pmm21]

Originally Posted by Seddyspaghetti

Warranty and more closer to getting serviced if older model.

Besides that, Would you sell your 2022 model for the same price as a 2019 model? (If you were looking to sell obv) And why?

Probably not based on the market for the 12 vs the 11, but I would think my (if I had them) 2019 "11", and 2018 "11" are worth pretty close to the same amount of money if they were both in identical condition.