Please help me choose a Rolex, Pricescopers!

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolexes hold their value well.[/quote]


in 1992 i paid $2450 (w/o the diamonds) for my wife's Rolex, and today i don't think her watch can fetch $2600. in the last few yrs the Rolex market has been weak for non sport watches.

 

[Autumnovember]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolexes hold their value well.[/quote]

They don't.

 

[TravelingGal]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolexes hold their value well.

They don't.[/quote]

Depends on the model.

 

[bem3231]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolexes hold their value well.

They don't.

Depends on the model.[/quote]


So which models hold their value the best these days? I'm imagining moreso the non-solid gold varieties?

I've been busy chasing my two-year-old around all day, but I have been following this thread and really appreciate everyone's continued feedback and the ensuing discussion...

 

[canuk-gal]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolexes hold their value well.

in 1992 i paid $2450 (w/o the diamonds) for my wife's Rolex, and today i don't think her watch can fetch $2600. in the last few yrs the Rolex market has been weak for non sport watches.[/quote]


Interesting. What I "recall" when in the market for Rolex: No discount given for the Yachmaster (sports model)--very popular and difficult to keep in stock. Things have not changed? You follow watches DF...I appreciate your perspective.....

cheers--Sharon

 

[decodelighted]

What I "recall" when in the market for Rolex: No discount given for the Yachmaster (sports model)--very popular and difficult to keep in stock.

YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER!!! (this whole thread is making me realize how much *I* apparently want one! )

On the Rolex threads I also saw a lot of people complaining that the 26mm are so hard to read (and will only become MORE so AFTER 40). To choose that @ 40 ... seems like a losing game/diminishing returns.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I have had a few Rolexes and this is my latest one. I have bought and traded them and never lost too much money. This is not a particularly good picture but maybe you can get some idea from it (taken for the insurance company). This is the smaller ladies datejust two tone with a silver dial and diamond markers. I have had a mother of pearl face and while beautiful, as the eyes age it becomes harder to read! I choose this dial because while named silver, it is actually more white and bright. I've had a diamond bezel on another Rolex and felt it was just too much. I don't like the all stainless versions - too plain. I personally feel that the yellow gold bezel w/ yellow gold in the band sets the watch off. My rings are 18 kt. yellow gold with platinum prongs. I really like two toned jewelry and have had many compliments on the watch. I think Rolex is one of those brands that is easily recognizable.

I'm not someone who switches up their jewelry - I buy what I like and wear it every day. This watch goes from casual to dress with no problem at all. I don't wear any other watch. You are a petite person and I think the smaller version would look very classy on you. Again - personal choice - but I'm not so much about trendy - not at these prices. Buy what you like and what you think you will get the most use out of for the long term. You can always send these watches back to Rolex for complete refurbishment so you can wear and enjoy it without much worry.

Will be interested to see what you choose - owning a Rolex was always on my 'list' but was not something that I owned as a younger person. I love my watch and would hate to be without it now!

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="bem3231|

So which models hold their value the best these days? I'm imagining moreso the non-solid gold varieties?

[/quote]


bem...the non gold sports models will always hold its value better than the solid gold models.

btw; what are the retail prices for those watches you posted?

 

[bem3231]

What I "recall" when in the market for Rolex: No discount given for the Yachmaster (sports model)--very popular and difficult to keep in stock.

YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER!!! (this whole thread is making me realize how much *I* apparently want one! )

On the Rolex threads I also saw a lot of people complaining that the 26mm are so hard to read (and will only become MORE so AFTER 40). To choose that @ 40 ... seems like a losing game/diminishing returns.

Ok deco... you have me back at my catalogues looking up yachtmasters - lol. Your enthusiasm is infectious!

 

[bem3231]

I have had a few Rolexes and this is my latest one. I have bought and traded them and never lost too much money. This is not a particularly good picture but maybe you can get some idea from it (taken for the insurance company). This is the smaller ladies datejust two tone with a silver dial and diamond markers. I have had a mother of pearl face and while beautiful, as the eyes age it becomes harder to read! I choose this dial because while named silver, it is actually more white and bright. I've had a diamond bezel on another Rolex and felt it was just too much. I don't like the all stainless versions - too plain. I personally feel that the yellow gold bezel w/ yellow gold in the band sets the watch off. My rings are 18 kt. yellow gold with platinum prongs. I really like two toned jewelry and have had many compliments on the watch. I think Rolex is one of those brands that is easily recognizable.

I'm not someone who switches up their jewelry - I buy what I like and wear it every day. This watch goes from casual to dress with no problem at all. I don't wear any other watch. You are a petite person and I think the smaller version would look very classy on you. Again - personal choice - but I'm not so much about trendy - not at these prices. Buy what you like and what you think you will get the most use out of for the long term. You can always send these watches back to Rolex for complete refurbishment so you can wear and enjoy it without much worry.

Will be interested to see what you choose - owning a Rolex was always on my 'list' but was not something that I owned as a younger person. I love my watch and would hate to be without it now!

Thanks very much for your thoughtful contribution, MGR - you must have petite hands / wrists, as when I first saw that photo of your lovely watch I was sure it was a 31mm! It's great to hear from those who have owned a few Rolexes and can share their experiences over the years, so thanks again for chiming in! Your watch is really lovely!!

 

[Autumnovember]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolexes hold their value well.

They don't.

Depends on the model.[/quote]

True but a lot of them don't as much as they used to.

 

[bem3231]

[quote="bem3231|

So which models hold their value the best these days? I'm imagining moreso the non-solid gold varieties?

bem...the non gold sports models will always hold its value better than the solid gold models.

btw; what are the retail prices for those watches you posted?[/quote]


Thanks for the info!

The MSRP's on these models a pretty significant range, as might be expected...

The list prices are as follows...

26mm tt as described: US$ 12,650.00

31mm tt as described: US$ 14,150.00

26mm yg as described: US$ 27,800.00

31mm yg as described: US$ 31,200.00

As a point of note, I have been offered anywhere between 0 - 22% discount off of these prices.

 

[Dancing Fire]

What I "recall" when in the market for Rolex: No discount given for the Yachmaster (sports model)--very popular and difficult to keep in stock.

YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER!!! (this whole thread is making me realize how much *I* apparently want one! )

On the Rolex threads I also saw a lot of people complaining that the 26mm are so hard to read (and will only become MORE so AFTER 40). To choose that @ 40 ... seems like a losing game/diminishing returns.

here's my look alike platinum Yachtmaster!!..

 

[MissGotRocks]

I don't remember figures now but I didn't get back every dollar paid either. I just got a significant return on each watch. The first Rolex I had was used - just not sure I'd love it enough to pay full retail. The other watches were just different versions - I had a tough time making up my mind on which one I really liked! Fortunately, I never got stuck with a watch or lost too much in resales.

Wanted to add that while the all gold versions are pretty, the 18 kt. gold is such a buttery yellow that you really have to love it. Even though my rings are 18 kt. gold, the all gold version was just too much for me.

 

[Dancing Fire]

[quote="bem3231|

The MSRP's on these models a pretty significant range, as might be expected...

The list prices are as follows...

26mm tt as described: US$ 12,650.00

31mm tt as described: US$ 14,150.00

26mm yg as described: US$ 27,800.00

31mm yg as described: US$ 31,200.00

As a point of note, I have been offered anywhere between 0 - 22% discount off of these prices.[/quote]


that is a good discount from an AD.

20 yrs ago i remember buying (5) 26mm TT for $2450 ea. (about 34% off retail) . i gave one to my wife and sold thee other 4 watches. during that same period i also bought (2) 26mm 18K YG for $7100 ea.

 

[VRBeauty]

Personally I don't care for the really large watches for women - over half of my watches are the vintage "cocktail" size - but I think either of those sizes look good on your wrists. As for worrying about what you'll be able to see once far-sightedness sets in... I don't think it will make much difference with the sizes you're considering. Besides, if you have it bad it will affect many other aspects of your life and you'll find some strategy to deal with it for reasons other than needing to be able to read your watch!

I don't particularly care for the MOP face on the watches you've picked. It might just be a trick of the jewelry store lighting, but it looks like the face is outshining the rest of the watch... for those prices, I'd want people to see all of the watch! I agree with DF that something akin to a classic white or matte finish metal look might be better, and I suspect that it would have more stylistic durability too.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolexes hold their value well.

They don't.[/quote]

I don't think that is fair for you to say. I am not saying she makes a profit or is rich from flipping her watches, but she doesn't lose a lot of money. This is her experience and she must have sought after models. My motive was to reassure the OP that if she ever changed her mind in 5, 10, 15 years, that they hold their value better than some other brands. Other posters have also experienced this.

 

[Autumnovember]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolex's hold their value well.

They don't.

I don't think that is fair for you to say. I am not saying she makes a profit or is rich from flipping her watches, but she doesn't lose a lot of money. This is her experience and she must have sought after models. My motive was to reassure the OP that if she ever changed her mind in 5, 10, 15 years, that they hold their value better than some other brands. Other posters have also experienced this.[/quote]

Your statement was kind of general so mine was too. With so many competing watch companies out there and many "limited editions" that these companies put out, Rolex isn't what it was. Thing's have changed over the years and a lot of their watches don't hold their value like they used to. Better than other brands? Yeah but like I said not like it was before. My husband had a yachtmaster, solid gold daytona, and two-tone submariner with a blue face. When he sold them, he took a hit.

 

[decodelighted]

Houses generally "hold their value" too ... but not when the bubble burst. I think the market has been super soft for some luxury goods over the past few years - but not sure that's a fair test of overall "value-holding" over 50 years ... 100 years. An *average*. I also wouldn't recommend someone try to get into watch flipping in this economic environment unless they have some killer hookups to non-internet-savvy formerly rich people who need fast cash! (If anyone knows someone like that, send them my way! )

 

[decodelighted]

What I "recall" when in the market for Rolex: No discount given for the Yachmaster (sports model)--very popular and difficult to keep in stock.

YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER!!! (this whole thread is making me realize how much *I* apparently want one! )
On the Rolex threads I also saw a lot of people complaining that the 26mm are so hard to read (and will only become MORE so AFTER 40). To choose that @ 40 ... seems like a losing game/diminishing returns.

Ok deco... you have me back at my catalogues looking up yachtmasters - lol. Your enthusiasm is infectious!

And if you end up w/one:

 

[bem3231]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolex's hold their value well.

They don't.

I don't think that is fair for you to say. I am not saying she makes a profit or is rich from flipping her watches, but she doesn't lose a lot of money. This is her experience and she must have sought after models. My motive was to reassure the OP that if she ever changed her mind in 5, 10, 15 years, that they hold their value better than some other brands. Other posters have also experienced this.

Your statement was kind of general so mine was too. With so many competing watch companies out there and many "limited editions" that these companies put out, Rolex isn't what it was. Thing's have changed over the years and a lot of their watches don't hold their value like they used to. Better than other brands? Yeah but like I said not like it was before. My husband had a yachtmaster, solid gold daytona, and two-tone submariner with a blue face. When he sold them, he took a hit.[/quote]


I have spent quite a bit of time on luxury watch forums lately trying to educate myself as much as possible prior to this big purchase, and what I've come away with is that Rolex holds it's value better than other luxury watches. That said, I think that it's reasonable to expect that you would nearly always take a loss (often considerable) in the resale market, even given the constant price increases. Given that this is a gift I do not ever intend to sell it, which is why I'm so concerned about choosing correctly! However, it's always good to know that I'm getting a brand that holds value better than it's competitors, at least.

 

[Autumnovember]

[quote="Tacori E-ring|

Or sell it when taste changes and buy another.

and lose a lot of $$$..

Actually I have a friend who does quite well doing this. She has bought and sold dozens and says Rolex's hold their value well.

They don't.

I don't think that is fair for you to say. I am not saying she makes a profit or is rich from flipping her watches, but she doesn't lose a lot of money. This is her experience and she must have sought after models. My motive was to reassure the OP that if she ever changed her mind in 5, 10, 15 years, that they hold their value better than some other brands. Other posters have also experienced this.

Your statement was kind of general so mine was too. With so many competing watch companies out there and many "limited editions" that these companies put out, Rolex isn't what it was. Thing's have changed over the years and a lot of their watches don't hold their value like they used to. Better than other brands? Yeah but like I said not like it was before. My husband had a yachtmaster, solid gold daytona, and two-tone submariner with a blue face. When he sold them, he took a hit.

I have spent quite a bit of time on luxury watch forums lately trying to educate myself as much as possible prior to this big purchase, and what I've come away with is that Rolex holds it's value better than other luxury watches. That said, I think that it's reasonable to expect that you would nearly always take a loss (often considerable) in the resale market, even given the constant price increases. Given that this is a gift I do not ever intend to sell it, which is why I'm so concerned about choosing correctly! However, it's always good to know that I'm getting a brand that holds value better than it's competitors, at least.[/quote]

So, in the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter if the watch is sought after or not and how well it holds its value, right? I hope that whatever you pick you will love forever! I'm excited to see what you pick! It's nice to pick out forever gifts

 

[decodelighted]

I have had a few Rolexes and this is my latest one. I have bought and traded them and never lost too much money. This is not a particularly good picture but maybe you can get some idea from it (taken for the insurance company). This is the smaller ladies datejust two tone with a silver dial and diamond markers.

MissGotRocks ... that has GOT to be the 31mm, no? It just has different proportions from the super small ladies version. Regardless, it's lovely & looks great on you!

 

[bem3231]

I have had a few Rolexes and this is my latest one. I have bought and traded them and never lost too much money. This is not a particularly good picture but maybe you can get some idea from it (taken for the insurance company). This is the smaller ladies datejust two tone with a silver dial and diamond markers.

MissGotRocks ... that has GOT to be the 31mm, no? It just has different proportions from the super small ladies version. Regardless, it's lovely & looks great on you!

I'm wondering the same thing, deco - it really has the proportions of a 31mm (I love it on you, whatever it is!).

 

[decodelighted]

What I "recall" when in the market for Rolex: No discount given for the Yachmaster (sports model)--very popular and difficult to keep in stock.

YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER! YACHTMASTER!!! (this whole thread is making me realize how much *I* apparently want one! )
On the Rolex threads I also saw a lot of people complaining that the 26mm are so hard to read (and will only become MORE so AFTER 40). To choose that @ 40 ... seems like a losing game/diminishing returns.

here's my look alike platinum Yachtmaster!!..

Naughty boy! Coin edge bezel & all. Hey, I've certainly scratched an itch similarly so who am I to judge? But HOW EXCITING to be peeping in on the selection of a lifetime classic piece to commemorate 40 yrs. That's no itchy scratchy -- that's a ticket to lifetime spa-rub-downs on the daily. Ahhhhhhh.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have had a few Rolexes and this is my latest one. I have bought and traded them and never lost too much money. This is not a particularly good picture but maybe you can get some idea from it (taken for the insurance company). This is the smaller ladies datejust two tone with a silver dial and diamond markers. I have had a mother of pearl face and while beautiful, as the eyes age it becomes harder to read! I choose this dial because while named silver, it is actually more white and bright. I've had a diamond bezel on another Rolex and felt it was just too much. I don't like the all stainless versions - too plain. I personally feel that the yellow gold bezel w/ yellow gold in the band sets the watch off. My rings are 18 kt. yellow gold with platinum prongs. I really like two toned jewelry and have had many compliments on the watch. I think Rolex is one of those brands that is easily recognizable.

I'm not someone who switches up their jewelry - I buy what I like and wear it every day. This watch goes from casual to dress with no problem at all. I don't wear any other watch. You are a petite person and I think the smaller version would look very classy on you. Again - personal choice - but I'm not so much about trendy - not at these prices. Buy what you like and what you think you will get the most use out of for the long term. You can always send these watches back to Rolex for complete refurbishment so you can wear and enjoy it without much worry.

Will be interested to see what you choose - owning a Rolex was always on my 'list' but was not something that I owned as a younger person. I love my watch and would hate to be without it now!

This is such great info, MGR! Now that I see your watch with your rings, I do see why maybe the all yg might be a little too much. This one looks great on you and certainly does not look too small! I have tried them on before and like the smaller one better on me. My Ebel watch has diamonds on the bezel, and I agree that for everyday it is much better to have the bezel without diamonds.

So I am going to change my vote, Bem. Since you are wearing platinum and yellow gold jewelry together, the watch can be your unifying piece. I'd go with one just like MGR's if I were you!

 

[Dancing Fire]

no sucha thing as a forever watch to some of the guys on the watch forums a lot of their watches are "one night stand".. and i'm talking about $30-50K watches.

 

[Autumnovember]

no sucha thing as a forever watch to some of the guys on the watch forums a lot of their watches are "one night stand".. and i'm talking about $30-50K watches.

You don't gotta tell me. I know the game all too well. It's gonna end someday.

 

[Dancing Fire]

no sucha thing as a forever watch to some of the guys on the watch forums a lot of their watches are "one night stand".. and i'm talking about $30-50K watches.

You don't gotta tell me. I know the game all too well. It's gonna end someday.

i know you married one of those watch freak who loves AP watches..

 

[Autumnovember]

no sucha thing as a forever watch to some of the guys on the watch forums a lot of their watches are "one night stand".. and i'm talking about $30-50K watches.

You don't gotta tell me. I know the game all too well. It's gonna end someday.

i know you married one of those watch freak who loves AP watches..

Sigh. I'm putting and end to it in 5 years when I have kids, ha!


done thread jacking, sorry!