18 and about to buy my first Rolex.

[RolexFreak69]

Hey guys, To start things off, this is my first post on the forums. I am a huge fan of many different types of watches, namely Rolex. Anyway, I have been gifted two Rolex’s throughout my short time on this earth, and I would like to know the first REAL entry point for Rolex. I am looking for an investment piece that would maintain its value for years to come. By no means is my family wealthy, we just work really hard and are able to make things work for us. I am only saying that because many of you may ask “why the hell would you give a teenager a Rolex?!?!” We don’t have luxury cars or houses. In fact, my parents have the absolute cheapest cars on the market. For example, they recently got a 2010 Honda Pilot. I have, however learned a lot from them, which is why I want to purchase a Rolex. They said to never buy something extremely expensive that will depreciate in value because it’ll only become a financial burden. My question to you is, what’s the best investment piece I can buy in the 3500-4000 range? I appreciate your time, and I hope I will get some sound advice. Thanks!

[Urosfan]

Welcome

[ferrissteve11]

3500-4000 range is going to limit your options in the 'investment' department. IF you want a piece to wear and enjoy than you might consider looking at older Datejust models. I'm sure others will have chime in with other options worth looking into as well.

[Portland]

If you’re looking to buy a watch for an investment you’ll need a lot more than $4k. Also, I generally don’t recommend new Rolex owners to buy purely for investment. I would slow down, read up, educate yourself on what’s out there both in the modern Rolex lineup and in the Vintage space and then make a decision that’s right for you. In the meantime, save save save and bring your budget up.

If $4k is your absolute max, you’re within range of vintage or 5 digit Datejusts and modern Oyster Perpetuals. Neither of which are solid investment pieces imo.

Good luck.

[huncho]

an older datejust is probably the best bang for your buck here but it won't go up in value

[Bigblu10]

Welcome. Your post was great up until you used the word "investment". Luxury watches should not be bought and/or considered investments. If you are concerned about "depreciation", than you are in this hobby for all the wrong reasons. While it is nice to own a timepiece that holds it's value, most here buy them and wear them for one main reason only....ENJOYMENT!

[007timer]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Welcome. Your post was great up until you used the word "investment". Luxury watches should not be bought and/or considered investments. If you are concerned about "depreciation", than you are in this hobby for all the wrong reasons. While it is nice to own a timepiece that holds it's value, most here buy them and wear them for one main reason only....ENJOYMENT!

Agreed


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[JePro]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Welcome. Your post was great up until you used the word "investment". Luxury watches should not be bought and/or considered investments. If you are concerned about "depreciation", than you are in this hobby for all the wrong reasons. While it is nice to own a timepiece that holds it's value, most here buy them and wear them for one main reason only....ENJOYMENT!

This!

[calatravato]

You definitely have to go used here. At that price point, new watches are like new cars. They lose 20-30% the second you walk out of the store with it. That depreciation is already factored in with a 2nd hand watch.

Does it have to be a Rolex? I would look at a used Omega Speedmaster Man on the Moon if I were you. Awesome watch with lots of historical significance. I don’t think you’ll lose much with that one if you get it used.

[Pauln]

What are the two Rolexes you currently own?

[joe100]

At that price range, definitely a Speedmaster

[timeisfathaoftruth]

Is a pre-owned Rolex Submariner 14060M still close to that price range?

If it still is, that would be my recommendation.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by timeisfathaoftruth

Is a pre-owned Rolex Submariner 14060M still close to that price range?



If it still is, that would be my recommendation.

Not even close!


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[timeisfathaoftruth]

Originally Posted by JR16

Not even close!


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I guess that's good to hear. I bought a nice one for my son a few years ago for his graduation when it was in that price range.

[s14roller]

I’d drop it into a sp500 mutual fund. Thank me later.

[scv]

Originally Posted by s14roller

I’d drop it into a sp500 mutual fund. Thank me later.

The OP used the word investment. If that's the case, this is the only right answer.

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by scv

The OP used the word investment. If that's the case, this is the only right answer.

I'd agree with this statement. Every watch I've ever purchased, Rolex or not, has been for enjoyment; Because I like it, it looks cool & I want to wear it. If it's an investment you're after, I have two words: mutual fund. Every one of my mutual funds has made dividends, some at a faster clip than others, but as for enjoyment, I definitely enjoy watching their balances increase. Buying a watch, say at $5k for the sake of conversation, flipping it, even to make 10%, seems like a $500 waste of time (pun...heh...) to me. And 10% is pretty generous if you're starting off in the $5k ballpark.

I'd invest & save. I think the sentiments of "patience, delayed enjoyment, the 'hunt,' & looking for what you REALLY want" will be echoed here.

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by s14roller

I’d drop it into a sp500 mutual fund. Thank me later.

What he said.


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[timvbs]

Originally Posted by s14roller

I’d drop it into a sp500 mutual fund. Thank me later.

If you're looking for an investment, this is what you should do. If you want a Rolex, I'd keep saving.

[avalvo]

On balance, watches are not investments. You can view some as a store of value, at best.

I own about 35 watches. I started like you, and bought one or two a year. I only buy what really calls to me and hence I rarely sell. In all the time buying only a handful of purchases have appreciated. One is worth 5x what I paid for it New. But, this is a rarity and hard to predict.

At best, most good pieces will hold inflation value over time. This is not a good investment thesis.

A Vintage Speedmaster is a good suggestion. A SP500 index fund is a better suggestion, but you can't wear it and enjoy it daily.

Life is about trade offs, this is something that you will also come to appreciate with age. Have fun and good luck.

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[swils8610]

Welcome! Buy a Rolex to wear and enjoy not as an investment.


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[Geaux Tigers]

Welcome! I would not buy a Rolex for investment purposes. For investment I’d follow the SP500 fund advice. As far as watches you might buy - if the sub mention above is available at that cost it would be my first choice otherwise I’d save and get to $5k. I’ve noticed a few EXII models available at that price recently. Good luck!

[ppalasthira]

What are your other two Rolexes?

But in that price range, an older DJ probably.


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[mmmmp]

Welcome to TRF - the best and last word in Rolex discussion.

First question: Why Rolex if you already own two? I'm assuming at least one of the gifted watches was new, contemplating buying a third piece seems a little redundant. I admire your loyalty for the brand.

Just out of curiosity:jjWhich references are currently in your collection? (I realise this question was asked already.)

On your budget, again, as said already an older Oyster Perpetual or Date / Datejust are pretty much the only game in town. Older Air Kings or Explorers might be possible but have their own quirks. Older AK's are 34mm which might be too small. Explorers are a classic, but some consider it rather plain. (I don't.) A different approach might be previously owned Breitlings or perhaps an older Tag. Great watches which are readily available at decent prices.

At 18 years old, I have to wonder how you'll be paying for a decent watch. When your gifted watches nerd service, that can be hard on the old wallet. Maintaining a luxury watch is part of the equation. Just things to consider.

I hope you find a killer deal that satisfies you and by all means keep us posted.

M

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[DocHorton]

Here's a few....

Full set. Great looking watch:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=663991

Full set. Great blue dial.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=670438

Full set.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=670240

[mgsooner]

In the 4K range, i’d definitely go vintage datejust

[2nastie]

I would recommend a Speedy as first watch in that price range. Guarantee you would love to keep that one for a long time.

If you want to go Rolex, I suggest a good condition 1601 or 1603 Datejust.

All these pieces are safe and always in strong demand. Again, these things are not investments, there are better alternatives than watches.

[SS Oyster]

Save your money and enjoy what you have.

[inadeje]

I’d go for a speedy in that $ range.

[BakerView]

My two cents.... Save a bit more, be patient, and then call a trusted seller here on TRF and let them know what you're looking to do. They have their pulse on the market and should be able to link you to a nice reference. (An Explorer I or a DJ of your liking perhaps)

Personally, I'd drop $$ in an Index Fund as has already been recommended and then buy my favorite Rolex with cash down the road. In the meantime, buy a Tudor and wear the heck out of it over the next 15yrs while you're banking some dough for the special occasion you celebrate with your new Rolex. You'll save your son some money having the Tudor to give him when he comes to you with a similar idea one day. Good luck.