Has the Rolex bubble finally burst? Perhaps it has
Discussion
Chris Stott said:
Speed Badger said:
Haha, yes I appreciate the humour! I honestly thought Rolexes were mega mega money. Like £20k-£30k plus for ordinary models. It wasn't until I was l looking for a 40th birthday present for myself that I considered a Submariner (as I very nearly became one once). I saw the prices were £9k - £10k for a Sub new from a dealer, I couldn't believe it. Then started reading all about how they were the Porsche 911 GT3 of the watch world.
I can walk into an Omega dealership and walk out with a near £10k watch, same with Breitling and any number of similar priced watch companies. If you want to buy a luxury watch you simply go in, try it on, then erm, buy a watch if you're happy. Not Rolex. They just make it so weird and laughable, from what I've read.
Nothing weird about it… there’s just more demand than supply. I can walk into an Omega dealership and walk out with a near £10k watch, same with Breitling and any number of similar priced watch companies. If you want to buy a luxury watch you simply go in, try it on, then erm, buy a watch if you're happy. Not Rolex. They just make it so weird and laughable, from what I've read.
I recently thought to myself why would I want a Rolex... it's because it's a Rolex, I don't actually particularly like the designs. I've kind of gone of Daytona's & Submariner's recently. Datejust & Day-Date are beautiful, but there's just other things I'd rather buy for the money.
The only one that really got me was the Milgauss, and still does to be honest.
If I was going to buy one with my own money these days (brand new) I actually think it'd be the Air-King you know, can't go wrong. Just wish there were a few options to play around with.
CrippsCorner said:
Thinking of the above though... if I was to walk into an AD and ask to buy an Air-King, would I also be laughed out the showroom, or would there be a chance of getting one relatively quickly? I've bought a couple of watches/jewellery but from different ADs and not of that value.
I am pretty sure I could have walked out with one a month or so back but found it far too small for me so no joy.BigBen said:
CrippsCorner said:
Thinking of the above though... if I was to walk into an AD and ask to buy an Air-King, would I also be laughed out the showroom, or would there be a chance of getting one relatively quickly? I've bought a couple of watches/jewellery but from different ADs and not of that value.
I am pretty sure I could have walked out with one a month or so back but found it far too small for me so no joy.OP to your question, I believe the Airking is considered fairly easy to get and very entry level so to speak.
I got one after a couple of months wait and no buying history. the AD certainly made out it was an entry point for many into a larger Rolex collection (Of course they would say that).
CrippsCorner said:
Chris Stott said:
Speed Badger said:
Haha, yes I appreciate the humour! I honestly thought Rolexes were mega mega money. Like £20k-£30k plus for ordinary models. It wasn't until I was l looking for a 40th birthday present for myself that I considered a Submariner (as I very nearly became one once). I saw the prices were £9k - £10k for a Sub new from a dealer, I couldn't believe it. Then started reading all about how they were the Porsche 911 GT3 of the watch world.
I can walk into an Omega dealership and walk out with a near £10k watch, same with Breitling and any number of similar priced watch companies. If you want to buy a luxury watch you simply go in, try it on, then erm, buy a watch if you're happy. Not Rolex. They just make it so weird and laughable, from what I've read.
Nothing weird about it… there’s just more demand than supply. I can walk into an Omega dealership and walk out with a near £10k watch, same with Breitling and any number of similar priced watch companies. If you want to buy a luxury watch you simply go in, try it on, then erm, buy a watch if you're happy. Not Rolex. They just make it so weird and laughable, from what I've read.
I recently thought to myself why would I want a Rolex... it's because it's a Rolex, I don't actually particularly like the designs. I've kind of gone of Daytona's & Submariner's recently. Datejust & Day-Date are beautiful, but there's just other things I'd rather buy for the money.
The only one that really got me was the Milgauss, and still does to be honest.
If I was going to buy one with my own money these days (brand new) I actually think it'd be the Air-King you know, can't go wrong. Just wish there were a few options to play around with.
They even built a new factory to increase supply.
Plenty of Airkings available at around retail if you really want one.
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popeyewhite said:
Louis Balfour said:
popeyewhite said:
It's soul destroying how easily my oyster bracelet get scratched. Barely wear the thing now...but also because grey dial/silver hands can't read it!
Time for a Sub date, Grandad.You've admitted before that you're getting on a bit and the presbyopia gives it away. The Sub date has always been handy for the ageing eye, due to the cyclops.
If you are going for a PP steel sports, will you see the date?
Louis Balfour said:
popeyewhite said:
Louis Balfour said:
popeyewhite said:
It's soul destroying how easily my oyster bracelet get scratched. Barely wear the thing now...but also because grey dial/silver hands can't read it!
Time for a Sub date, Grandad.You've admitted before that you're getting on a bit and the presbyopia gives it away. The Sub date has always been handy for the ageing eye, due to the cyclops.
If you are going for a PP steel sports, will you see the date?
popeyewhite said:
Louis Balfour said:
popeyewhite said:
Louis Balfour said:
popeyewhite said:
It's soul destroying how easily my oyster bracelet get scratched. Barely wear the thing now...but also because grey dial/silver hands can't read it!
Time for a Sub date, Grandad.You've admitted before that you're getting on a bit and the presbyopia gives it away. The Sub date has always been handy for the ageing eye, due to the cyclops.
If you are going for a PP steel sports, will you see the date?
But, but, but it has a date. A date that, I am given to understand, doesn't like being changed too often. It will also, potentially, be a complication that you are unable to enjoy, due to your eyesight.
You could always have your eyesight sorted out, of course.
Louis Balfour said:
You have good taste, the 5127 is one of my favourite PPs. It's the crown guards and the rounded surfaces that I like. Though I would go for the J, because to me white gold watches look too similar to stainless. The R is pleasant, but I like yellow gold.
I agree, but the white gold is so under the radar it makes the most classy choice. The yellow gold is lovely though.Louis Balfour said:
But, but, but it has a date. A date that, I am given to understand, doesn't like being changed too often. It will also, potentially, be a complication that you are unable to enjoy, due to your eyesight.
I think dates in general are unnecessary, and can't bear the gadgetry of sports watches, but each to their own. The later 5196J is dateless and slightly more slim I think, so there's always that.Louis Balfour said:
You could always have your eyesight sorted out, of course.
I wasn't aware there was much I could do for age related hyperopia. Might look into it (oof).popeyewhite said:
Louis Balfour said:
You have good taste, the 5127 is one of my favourite PPs. It's the crown guards and the rounded surfaces that I like. Though I would go for the J, because to me white gold watches look too similar to stainless. The R is pleasant, but I like yellow gold.
I agree, but the white gold is so under the radar it makes the most classy choice. The yellow gold is lovely though.Louis Balfour said:
But, but, but it has a date. A date that, I am given to understand, doesn't like being changed too often. It will also, potentially, be a complication that you are unable to enjoy, due to your eyesight.
I think dates in general are unnecessary, and can't bear the gadgetry of sports watches, but each to their own. The later 5196J is dateless and slightly more slim I think, so there's always that.Louis Balfour said:
You could always have your eyesight sorted out, of course.
I wasn't aware there was much I could do for age related hyperopia. Might look into it (oof).WRT to your eyes: Refractive Lens Exchange. I had it done 10+ years ago and it was money well spent because I don't wear glasses anymore.
popeyewhite said:
Louis Balfour said:
You have good taste, the 5127 is one of my favourite PPs. It's the crown guards and the rounded surfaces that I like. Though I would go for the J, because to me white gold watches look too similar to stainless. The R is pleasant, but I like yellow gold.
I agree, but the white gold is so under the radar it makes the most classy choice. The yellow gold is lovely though.Louis Balfour said:
But, but, but it has a date. A date that, I am given to understand, doesn't like being changed too often. It will also, potentially, be a complication that you are unable to enjoy, due to your eyesight.
I think dates in general are unnecessary, and can't bear the gadgetry of sports watches, but each to their own. The later 5196J is dateless and slightly more slim I think, so there's always that.Louis Balfour said:
You could always have your eyesight sorted out, of course.
I wasn't aware there was much I could do for age related hyperopia. Might look into it (oof).
Thankfully Louis Balfour is here to keep you right, not just on watches, but on medical advice also.
Edited by Wheelspinning on Sunday 16th June 11:28
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