Has the Rolex bubble finally burst? Perhaps it has

Has the Rolex bubble finally burst? Perhaps it has

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Discussion

Louis Balfour

27,387 posts

228 months

Saturday 1st June
quotequote all
paulguitar said:
Buster73 said:
Harry Flashman said:
I have a sub, and a Seamaster 300. I prefer the latter - but then I don't dive! The Omega is better finished, has an exhibition case back and is generally a nicer thing. Bit big, mind. I wish they did a 39mm version.

The Rolex Sub is a truly iconic design, though. I can see why a collection 'needs' one.
I’d hazard a guess that the sub is up there as a first Rolex buy , certainly was for me.

Sub non date bought 24 years ago now , still wear it most days.
My first Rolex was a 16610. I paid $2400 for it (used) in 2003.
They were kind of “the” Rolex back then, weren’t they. A better proportioned watch than the newer models IMHO

paulguitar

25,734 posts

119 months

Saturday 1st June
quotequote all
Louis Balfour said:
They were kind of “the” Rolex back then, weren’t they. A better proportioned watch than the newer models IMHO
They were, I remember being on a flight to Paris once and all three blokes on the row I was on were wearing one. I sold it not long after that and bought a Girard Perregaux.


Wish I still had the 16610 though.




Blown2CV

29,450 posts

209 months

Sunday 2nd June
quotequote all
i remember when this was all trees

bordseye

2,023 posts

198 months

Monday 3rd June
quotequote all
paulguitar said:
They were, I remember being on a flight to Paris once and all three blokes on the row I was on were wearing one. I sold it not long after that and bought a Girard Perregaux.


Wish I still had the 16610 though.



Sad.

paulguitar

25,734 posts

119 months

Monday 3rd June
quotequote all
bordseye said:
paulguitar said:
They were, I remember being on a flight to Paris once and all three blokes on the row I was on were wearing one. I sold it not long after that and bought a Girard Perregaux.


Wish I still had the 16610 though.



Sad.
What is?

Wills2

23,922 posts

181 months

Monday 3rd June
quotequote all

It reads that you sold the watch because you saw 3 blokes wearing the same, which isn't so much sad as a bit odd, but that could just be the way you wrote it.

I remember parking next to 2 other F80 M3s once I didn't suddenly decide to sell the car.




paulguitar

25,734 posts

119 months

Monday 3rd June
quotequote all
Wills2 said:
It reads that you sold the watch because you saw 3 blokes wearing the same, which isn't so much sad as a bit odd, but that could just be the way you wrote it.

I remember parking next to 2 other F80 M3s once I didn't suddenly decide to sell the car.
I didn't sell it as a direct result of seeing the others on that flight, but perhaps when I made a change I subconsciously decided to get something a bit less 'common'.

I'd happily have another 16610 now though. I prefer them to the current subs.






Wills2

23,922 posts

181 months

Monday 3rd June
quotequote all
paulguitar said:
Wills2 said:
It reads that you sold the watch because you saw 3 blokes wearing the same, which isn't so much sad as a bit odd, but that could just be the way you wrote it.

I remember parking next to 2 other F80 M3s once I didn't suddenly decide to sell the car.
I didn't sell it as a direct result of seeing the others on that flight, but perhaps when I made a change I subconsciously decided to get something a bit less 'common'.

I'd happily have another 16610 now though. I prefer them to the current subs.
in the same vein as you I regret selling my 16710 but only because I can't afford to buy one now, when you paid £1900, £9000 seems a bit toppy.



Harry Flashman

19,860 posts

248 months

Monday 3rd June
quotequote all
See, I'm a Philistine. I prefer the newer stuff. Quality is better (no more rattling bracelets), and I prefer a ceramic bezel.

My 2023 GMT is a much better made and finished thing than my 2004 Yacht Master - and the YM is barely used, and in immaculate condition. And it was meant to be a cut above the Sub of the same era.

Similarly, my Hulk is not as well finished or built as my 2022 Air King - noticeable on the bracelets, but also the finishing of the hands and hour markers. Yes I am a nerd, and inspect with a loupe smile

These watches have got better. However, sad as it is to say, both my Grand Seiko GMT and Omega SMP300 are better made than all of the Rolexes listed above.

Wills2

23,922 posts

181 months

Monday 3rd June
quotequote all
I've had a DJII, a Skydweller and bi metal SD43 but I still think the 16710 fitted/suited me and my wrist better and had great portions (lug width) compared to the modern ones, although the DJII was nice on my wrist as well and some say that is ill proportioned so what do I know.

I've been through so many watches Zenith/Cartier/Omega/Tudor/Mont blanc/IWC etc.. but never settled and always sold them on, I've decided that perhaps I like the thought of them more than wearing one apart from that damn 16710.




FreeLitres

6,095 posts

183 months

Tuesday 4th June
quotequote all
Harry Flashman said:
See, I'm a Philistine. I prefer the newer stuff. Quality is better (no more rattling bracelets), and I prefer a ceramic bezel.
While I wait for the call on a new Sub (not holding my breath), I do enjoy looking at the pre-owned Rolex at the gold pawn shops and jewelers. I really like the smaller size and shape of the older Sub and GMT models. I even like the aluminium bezels. The previous generation Pepsi GMT with faded bezel is particularly attractive IMO. I even like the old Oyster date models with aged champagne dials.

The bracelets and clasps on these older models are indeed terrible though. Really bad pressed clasps and rattly bracelets.

Cupid-stunt

2,736 posts

62 months

Tuesday 4th June
quotequote all
FreeLitres said:
While I wait for the call on a new Sub (not holding my breath), I do enjoy looking at the pre-owned Rolex at the gold pawn shops and jewelers. I really like the smaller size and shape of the older Sub and GMT models. I even like the aluminium bezels. The previous generation Pepsi GMT with faded bezel is particularly attractive IMO. I even like the old Oyster date models with aged champagne dials.

The bracelets and clasps on these older models are indeed terrible though. Really bad pressed clasps and rattly bracelets.
go vintage ... so much more character

Abc321

532 posts

101 months

Wednesday 5th June
quotequote all
Sub-Date at Rolex Meadowhall in window with price so assume for sale…. At list. Would that be brand new or do they do grey? They had a very nice YM40 in also at list, blue face.


Shnozz

27,893 posts

277 months

Wednesday 5th June
quotequote all
Abc321 said:
Sub-Date at Rolex Meadowhall in window with price so assume for sale…. At list. Would that be brand new or do they do grey? They had a very nice YM40 in also at list, blue face.

Quick Freelitres, off to Meadowhall!

FreeLitres

6,095 posts

183 months

Wednesday 5th June
quotequote all
Shnozz said:
Quick Freelitres, off to Meadowhall!
coffee I would eat my hat if that Sub date is actually available to buy as a walk-in.

Deep

2,200 posts

249 months

Wednesday 5th June
quotequote all
Harry Flashman said:
See, I'm a Philistine. I prefer the newer stuff. Quality is better (no more rattling bracelets), and I prefer a ceramic bezel.

My 2023 GMT is a much better made and finished thing than my 2004 Yacht Master - and the YM is barely used, and in immaculate condition. And it was meant to be a cut above the Sub of the same era.

Similarly, my Hulk is not as well finished or built as my 2022 Air King - noticeable on the bracelets, but also the finishing of the hands and hour markers. Yes I am a nerd, and inspect with a loupe smile

These watches have got better. However, sad as it is to say, both my Grand Seiko GMT and Omega SMP300 are better made than all of the Rolexes listed above.
I have to disagree with you on the Omega vs Rolex finish standards.
I have an Omega seamaster and a few Rolex watches (current model gmts and subs)
There is nothing about the omega that I can see that is better (in terms of quality/finish) than any of my Rolex models.

Just my opinion!

Abc321

532 posts

101 months

Thursday 6th June
quotequote all
FreeLitres said:
Shnozz said:
Quick Freelitres, off to Meadowhall!
coffee I would eat my hat if that Sub date is actually available to buy as a walk-in.
I thought if there’s prices they are for sale? Always known the ‘DISPLAY ONLY’ sign below usually.

Harry Flashman

19,860 posts

248 months

Thursday 6th June
quotequote all
Deep said:
Harry Flashman said:
See, I'm a Philistine. I prefer the newer stuff. Quality is better (no more rattling bracelets), and I prefer a ceramic bezel.

My 2023 GMT is a much better made and finished thing than my 2004 Yacht Master - and the YM is barely used, and in immaculate condition. And it was meant to be a cut above the Sub of the same era.

Similarly, my Hulk is not as well finished or built as my 2022 Air King - noticeable on the bracelets, but also the finishing of the hands and hour markers. Yes I am a nerd, and inspect with a loupe smile

These watches have got better. However, sad as it is to say, both my Grand Seiko GMT and Omega SMP300 are better made than all of the Rolexes listed above.
I have to disagree with you on the Omega vs Rolex finish standards.
I have an Omega seamaster and a few Rolex watches (current model gmts and subs)
There is nothing about the omega that I can see that is better (in terms of quality/finish) than any of my Rolex models.

Just my opinion!
Have a look at the edges of the hands, and the lume, with a loupe!

Blown2CV

29,450 posts

209 months

Thursday 6th June
quotequote all
omega are lower quality than rolex... the only people that believe otherwise are omega owners

Harry Flashman

19,860 posts

248 months

Thursday 6th June
quotequote all
Blown2CV said:
omega are lower quality than rolex... the only people that believe otherwise are omega owners
Well, I think so and I own both! One thing Rolex do a lot better is their Everose gold. It's a love pink colour, and seems to stay that way. Omega's Sedna equivalent on my Seamaster is yellowed, and I swear getting more yellow as the years pass...

All of that said, my Grand Seiko is better finished than both of the other brands' products... smile

You don't buy a Rolex because it's the best watch out therefor the money. You buy it because it's a Rolex.




Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 6th June 15:38


Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 6th June 15:39