Rolex - should I?

SLO-BOB · 10:39 AM

I've been following all of the watch threads and doing research on Timezone, etc. I was never into the Rolex experience, but "Alf"'s and "Joeaksa"'s (among others) words of wisdom have planted seeds. I am now considering it as an "investment". Not to make money, but more to not lose money. The theory would be to start at a reasonable level, wear it for a year, sell it, maybe move up, maybe take a minor loss and start over. Either way, I'm wearing something I like for a year or so. Anyway, here 'tis-

Used 1991 Airking. About $2k. It's the "cheapest" model that Rolex sells, but that's not the reason I like it. I like it's simplicity and it's history.

Is it necessary or practical? Of course not. But, neither is my 911, among many things in my life.

Help me out guys - Yea or Nay?

VaSteve · 12-20-2007, 10:39 AM

Ney. It's boring.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

If you like it, go for it!!!

scottmandue · 12-20-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

If you like it, go for it!!!

I agree!

FWIW I am eyeing a Tissot that has the same movment... but funds are short so I will have to suffer with wearing my Seiko's for now.

SLO-BOB · 12-20-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaSteve

Ney. It's boring.

I guess I should have specified that I'm looking for opinions on Rolex buying in general and whether or not $2k is a fair price for that watch. We all have different tastes. I can see why you would think it's boring, but I like the style.

silverc4s · silverc4s's Garage

I have a 1972 Datejust two-tone SS/Gold that I have had for a looooooong time. I also have an Omega Speedmaster, the SS version of the Michael Schumacher one, along with a few other watches that switch between all the time.

I love my Rolex, it is simple and keeps great time. Best watch made IMHO. My comment is a personal one, may not apply to you. Before I bought my present Speedmaster I had an almost identical one in two tome SS/Gold that really liked the looks of better than the one I have now. I could not stand to wear it because it had no date window, or date indicator of any kind. I have become so used to having the date available on my wrist that it was a constant irritant to NOT have it. So, I traded for the one i have now.

So, if you wear a watch all the time now, and it has the date on it, you MAY have the same addiction as I. Or NOT...

PS: I like the Air King. $2K seems a bit on the high side. Make sure you get the original box, papers, etc. Like an old car, documentation becomes important when you go to trade.

M.D. Holloway · 12-20-2007, 10:54 AM

I had the choice of any Rolex and I choose the Airking because it didn't look like the gaudy Presidential. Rolex doesn't make Airkings anymore so expect the percieved value to increase or at least stay put.

Do it.

M.D. Holloway · 12-20-2007, 10:56 AM

and for what is worth - that watch is identical to mine.

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

Looks nice, make sure that they have a document of when the last service was. Normal service for balancer lube and cleaning is north of $500 now.

kstar · 12-20-2007, 11:02 AM

Rolex has brought the Air-King back, FYI.

http://rolex.com/en/collection/rolex-premieres/redesigned-classics/air-king/white-dial.jsp

Best,

Kurt

David in VA · 12-20-2007, 11:28 AM

I also think it's a classic, elegant and understated watch. I have two datejusts, one is almost 40 years old and another newer one. Both are worn regularly and have proven to be durable and in my opnion have a timeless design.

I would recommend you also look at datejusts, I believe the only difference vs. the Air King is more options on bracelets and bezels but the thing I like is the date window. I use it quite a bit and don't think the price difference is that high between the two models.

I would also not recommend thinking of it as an investment. Like our cars, you would have to buy a rare and expensive one and not use it. Buy it because you like it and know you'll probably have it forever.

the · 12-20-2007, 11:31 AM

Here's my Rolex. I like to keep it in my exhaust pipe.

scottmandue · 12-20-2007, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David in VA

I would also not recommend thinking of it as an investment. Like our cars, you would have to buy a rare and expensive one and not use it. Buy it because you like it and know you'll probably have it forever.

I was thinking the same thing, buy it, wear it, enjoy it.

Jims5543 · 12-20-2007, 12:22 PM

I received one as a bonus from my boss many years ago. From what I understand he got it in a Pawn Shop, had it tuned up, added a white Gold Bezel and jubilee band. He paid about $1000 for the whole deal.

The last time I had it in a repair center for a tune up (once every 5 years for me) it was appraised at $2000 after the tune up.

I wear it daily, its understated, its scratched up and its become part of me.

berettafan · 12-20-2007, 12:39 PM

i never really got the Rolex thing. i like gadgets and toys and such but i the watches usually seem large and gaudy. those airkings certainly aren't gaudy but nothing grabs me either....

here's my timepiece:

$270 or so, light as a feather and thin to boot. i like the dull finish as i can wear it when hunting and not worry about flashing birds. had fun timing cars at RRIII with it as well.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

If you like it, go for it!!!

Byron is precisely correct. Personally I don't much care for a wristwatch, only wear one when I have to. If you are going to have something and can have a real nice one, why would you not? Is it really conspicuous consumption if you can afford it?

I know people that collect Barbies, watches, guns, cars, coins, cuckoo clocks, anything really. The ones that do it because they enjoy it, rather than as an inflationary hedge or source of income, have more fun and tend make money more easily.

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

I've worn my Rolex GMT Master every day since I first bought it in the PX in Viet Nam in 1970...April to be exact. This part is gonna kill you.... $170 brand new. I had it serviced at the Rolex Center in Hong Kong a year or so later so I know it's real.

It's been appraised at $2500 in the past few years so these do keep their value...just like P cars

sammyg2 · 12-20-2007, 01:35 PM

$2000 for a used watch? Only if your ego really needs it.

silverwhaletail · 12-20-2007, 01:41 PM

Re: Airking...

My first nice watch (over $50 bucks) was a "like new", barely used Airking (with box and papers)... I still have it, stored away in a 300 LB gun safe...Bought it right after college as a "coming of age" gift to myself.

Cool thing about the Airking is that the crystal is some sort of plastic. The first time I scratched it

(changing wiper blades on my 540 in the early 1990's), I was sick to my stomach. Took it to a Rolex Dealer in the mall, came back 15 minutes later and the scratch was gone!

No Charge! As it turns out, they can buff the crystal several times, completely removing all scratches, before the crystal has to be replaced.

First nice thing I ever did for myself that wasnt in any way "practical." Never a second of buyers remorse.

Komenda Fan · Komenda Fan's Garage

I will confess first off that I really dislike Rolex...the name, the style, and I have always thought there were much better watches out there for the same money.... having said that - now that its clear I'm not generally inclined to recommend a Rolex - I think the Airking is a great choice. I personally really like its style, and at $2k I think its a reasonable purchase for the calibre of watch you are getting. Finally, I have to agree with Byron, if you like it....