help me understand collect-ability.

[Evan614]

I see it mentioned that highly sought after watches like the 16610 and 116520 (and possibly the 14060) keep their value better and are 'worth more' used. (verses a Yachtmaster or Milgauss which is less 'desirable') I assume since there is high demand on these watches (the Sub and Daytona), that Rolex makes more of these, than others.

It seems- 'standard' collectible items (non-watch) have a higher value based on rarity. Since there are fewer of them made. (yeah-yeah, I understand it's condition comes into play) So wouldn't logic say that the less produced watch will be rarer, hence, it will be more collectible and yield a higher value in the future.
I am not familiar enough with the commonly called "red" Rolex watch. (I think it is a Deepsea watch) Is it worth a lot more because of it's rarity or because of it's "sought after love of it"?? ("sought after love of it"--similar to the SS Daytona white) Was the "Red" a highly sought after watch when it was being sold?

----be kind in your response!! noslamming me I am still learning about Rolex. I am no Aficionado like some of you.--------

[Numismatist]

Rarity is a factor, but more inportant is desirability.

Rarity is a science,
Desirability is an art.

Hard to measure.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Evan614

I see it mentioned that highly sought after watches like the 16610 and 116520 (and possibly the 14060) keep their value better and are 'worth more' used. (verses a Yachtmaster or Milgauss which is less 'desirable') I assume since there is high demand on these watches (the Sub and Daytona), that Rolex makes more of these, than others.

It seems- 'standard' collectible items (non-watch) have a higher value based on rarity. Since there are fewer of them made. (yeah-yeah, I understand it's condition comes into play) So wouldn't logic say that the less produced watch will be rarer, hence, it will be more collectible and yield a higher value in the future.
I am not familiar enough with the commonly called "red" Rolex watch. (I think it is a Deepsea watch) Is it worth a lot more because of it's rarity or because of it's "sought after love of it"?? ("sought after love of it"--similar to the SS Daytona white) Was the "Red" a highly sought after watch when it was being sold?

----be kind in your response!! noslamming me I am still learning about Rolex. I am no Aficionado like some of you.--------

Sure...fewer watched produced can contribute to collectability...provided folks like the watch to begin with.

Lots of info / pictures of the Red Sub in Vintage section. Do a search there. Here is a site often referenced:

http://www.redwatches.com/page7.html

The Red Sub was just a Sub I believe in its day, so I don't think they were being grabbed up day one...they are simply rare now..and faked here and there so a genuine one in good condition is a find. Moderator Mike has a gorgeous one...as do others here.

[Tools]

I think that Chris has summed it up..

Market forces are not logical... The watch in question needs to be desireable first..

If only one of a product is made, but nobody wants it; it is worth zero..

If that same product is wanted by many, many people, it is worth millions..

So, even though many many Subs were made, many many people want one and are willing to pay more than some other models to get one..

Hardly anybody wants a somewhat rare mid-size Yachtmaster; therefore, they are not worth much..

[ersnyder]

IMO, "collecting" watches is very much the same as collecting anything else, you collect what you like irrespective of "value." I bought some Calder art (that I really didn't like that much) many years ago when he was highly collectible and prices were escalating. At the same time, I got some watercolors from an "unknown" that I liked a lot. The Calders have devalued way below what I paid and they're collecting dust in the garage. The watercolors are still on my wall being enjoyed.

Get what you like and enjoy it!

[smallcandle]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

Rarity is a science,
Desirability is an art.

Very well said.

[Evan614]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

Rarity is a factor, but more important is desirability.
Rarity is a science,
Desirability is an art.

Hard to measure.

Well I consider ALL Rollies desirable. Everyone desires a YG or WG watch... not all own one. In the end those are rarer in general. So wouldn't the less manufactured ones like YG or WG versions appreciate (increase in % value) better than the highly desirable very common 16610. (maybe I am wrong)

[46and2]

Originally Posted by Evan614

Everyone desires a YG or WG watch...

Not everyone.

[Denver Dick]

Well, I look at many of the "collections" put forth on this forum, and they look more like accumulations. That doesn't mean the watches are not lovely and worth some serious dollars, but are they really "collectables?" Some here are really just accumulators of fine watches. I'm certainly no collector, just a guy with a few nice watches I like to admire and wear.

[BASSETHOUNDS]

Collect-ability is one thing , your "ability to collect" depends on how much money you want to spend .

[CPTL]

Originally Posted by Tools

I think that Chris has summed it up..

Market forces are not logical... The watch in question needs to be desireable first..

If only one of a product is made, but nobody wants it; it is worth zero..

If that same product is wanted by many, many people, it is worth millions..

So, even though many many Subs were made, many many people want one and are willing to pay more than some other models to get one..

Hardly anybody wants a somewhat rare mid-size Yachtmaster; therefore, they are not worth much..

Agree with everything that Larry and Chris said, but I will add one aspect. In a few respects, true rarity is a serious boon to value regardless of whether people actually like the watch.

Some references, such as early Daytona, Explorer-II, or Milgauss, were not desirable when released, so relatively few were bought, made, or kept. As a result, their value has skyrocketed virtually solely based on the fact that it's Rolex, old, and rare. Other models, such as DRSD or COMEX Subs and SDs, are examples of very "desirable" references that are also very rare--so naturally they are very expensive.

[Evan614]

Originally Posted by CPTL

Some references, such as early Daytona, Explorer-II, or Milgauss, were not desirable when released, so relatively few were bought, made, or kept. As a result, their value has skyrocketed virtually solely based on the fact that it's Rolex, old, and rare. Other models, such as DRSD or COMEX Subs and SDs, are examples of very "desirable" references that are also very rare--so naturally they are very expensive.

Thank you... that is what I was wondering.

[Juggernaut]

I'm sorry, to be off the subject, but Evan---your Avatar is hilarious! Very cute!

[mike]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

Rarity is a factor, but more inportant is desirability.

Rarity is a science,
Desirability is an art.

Hard to measure.

Well said Chris.

I would add that collectability can also stem from historical significance. References such as the Mil. Sub., COMEX, etc... not only are rare in numbers, but the history these pieces bring to the table take them to a level much more than the sum of their parts.

The same can be said for specific examples that share a unique history with their owner. A nice 5512 is well within the means of many, but how many can afford Steve McQueen's 5512.

As one poster above stated there is a difference between a collection--that with a focus--and an accumulation of watches. Both are correct, but the collector operates with a specific goal in mind---type, year, Brand, etc...

Some collectors will only deal in complete examples--B&P and all the bits while others focus on the watch itself.

The beauty of this hobby is that there is room for everyone's tastes.

[MURRAY]

Well stated Mike...

[Safetrends]

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

I'm sorry, to be off the subject, but Evan---your Avatar is hilarious! Very cute!

I enjoy the weener dog also.

[Carlofwine]

Originally Posted by ersnyder

IMO, "collecting" watches is very much the same as collecting anything else, you collect what you like irrespective of "value." I bought some Calder art (that I really didn't like that much) many years ago when he was highly collectible and prices were escalating. At the same time, I got some watercolors from an "unknown" that I liked a lot. The Calders have devalued way below what I paid and they're collecting dust in the garage. The watercolors are still on my wall being enjoyed.

Get what you like and enjoy it!

"Perfect"