Are Rolex worth the $?

[A930Rocket]

I just started wearing my Submariner after 15+ years in storage. Keeps perfect time, but could probably use a service.

[rusnak]

Worth the $?

I don't know. But if you can buy an authentic used one from a reputable dealer, then "maybe".

I think the Datejust one with the jubilee bracelet, is that what they call it - looks sophisticated on an old dude's wrist. It's not blingy douchey at all IMO. They usually are educated, wear Eddie Bauer or Land's End type understated fashion with a jacket vest, and are quiet about their accomplishments.

Then there are old guys who can totally pull off driving a Corvette - they just have that persona of being super cool, not at all snobby, and you like talking to them. They would probably wear a Daytona and it would just all seem right.

OTOH, nothing wrong with wearing a Casio or whatever.

I bought a TAG Heuer on an impulse. The Carrera 02 Chronograph with date, skeleton watch. I took it back after a month because it was losing around a minute per day. The jewelry store owner's wife was there and just scoffed at me. I told her that I'm used to automatics that are more accurate than that. She sniffed "what is your other watch, a Timex?". I replied "you mean this one? It's a Rolex Submariner Date". I was so turned off by the watch, the store, the entire experience I just gave away the TAG Heuer dumb ass watch as a gift. I was done with TAG, the store, and that snobby lady and wanted to move on and forget the whole thing. THAT is what is wrong with watch people in my opinion. They think somehow it makes them better, and it does not. I'm the guy who could have bought the Tourbillon, but now I'm TOTALLY soured by watch snobs and hate what they represent.

[RSBob]

Am not worthy of a Rolex, so I sport some no name, off-brand. Think it is Japanese.

[911boost]

I have an Ironman....

Been looking for a Deepsea for a while but not in a hurry.

[GH85Carrera]

One of my friends was retired and sold his business for a large sum. He was buying toys just to buy stuff. He had a Rolex President. It was covered in diamonds an was really gaudy. It was worth more than my entire net worth at the time in the early 1980s.

I can truly appreciate the quality of a Rolex. I am just too cheap to ever buy one. I will stick to my Casio Pathfinder with the Titanium band. $200 and solar powered, and it sets itself every night so I am never more than a second off.

[Venetian]

I have an Oyster Perpetual Datejust that I bought in 1981 for $1000 US. I have worn it pretty much every day since. I had it serviced once about 6 years ago for about $500. I was told then the replacement cost was about $7000. I wouldn't call it an investment but it certainly held its value. Not many things do that.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

One of my friends was retired and sold his business for a large sum. He was buying toys just to buy stuff. He had a Rolex President. It was covered in diamonds an was really gaudy. It was worth more than my entire net worth at the time in the early 1980s.

Funny thing is that certain not-so-fancy stainless sport models of the same vintage are worth a LOT more today than that gaudy President is (and they were much cheaper back in the day as well).

[ramonesfreak]

This is an old thread. Is a Rolex worth it? I think so but tough to answer for your since it’s subjective and we all have different budgets

I love automatic watches. Had an omega speedmaster I sold to another pelican who no longer visits here.

If you don’t want to spend Rolex prices, check out Tudor. Rolex quality but without a Rolex movement basically. Rolex’s sister company

Currently I have a Tudor black bay 36. Basically a Rolex explorer with a submariner style face without a rotating bezel. It has an easy to service modified top grade ETA 2824 movement which is currently running 5 sec/day fast. Can’t complain about that. Half the price of a Rolex explorer and actually feels higher quality

[Rick Lee]

I've been gassing badly for a Rolex, but the Pepsi bezel GMT II is just too small and too expensive. I have seriously been considering selling my Sinns and IWC to finance an Explorer II in 42mm.

[rusnak]

I went with the Sub because GMT has a bi-directional bezel, which I don't like.

[Chocaholic]

It’s hard to justify the cost for a Rolex but....I’ve owned a few of them over the years and all were easily sold for more than I paid, even when bought new. So, the price of admission is high, and far above the actual value of the product. I can’t imagine what the GM is on those things. But the long-term cost is less than 0.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good watch, but no better than my current Breitling Transocean. But the Breitling continues to depreciate. The Rolex....not so much.

[javadog]

I would have to say that the modern Rolexes are better than the other high volume premium brands out of Switzerland, like Breitling, Omega, etc. Rolex has reinvented a lot of the smaller parts, I think they use better materials and their manufacturing process is more sophisticated. The details may be lost on anybody that’s not a dedicated watch nerd. And, for a long time now, their bracelets have been substantially better made. The after sales service is light years better than the others.

So, you get what you pay for. Keep one a long time, like chocaholic suggests and you will make money on it.

I do think they are overpriced, compared to what they sold for 10 or 20 years ago, but blame that on the watch geeks. Their ridiculous pursuit of watches has driven me out of the watch wearing lifestyle.