What does the future hold for rare Rolex models?

[Token74]

So many people on here dismiss the notion of buying a Rolex as an investment, for some reason it seems to be frowned upon, and I don't get it!

I'm not suggesting there is money to be made on a modern Rolex like there was on a Milsub or Paul Newman, but let's be clear about what classifies as an investment.

I define an investment to be something that either (a) goes up in value in actual terms or (b) something that goes up in value in terms of money and experience combined.

Firstly, under the (a) definition, if you buy well, a Rolex will tick that box. It may take years, and it will significantly under-perform almost every other sensible financial investment, but it is an investment nonetheless. If in it not for financial gain, buying a modern Rolex and sticking it in a safe is almost certainly a poor way to invest, but it doesn't stop it being an investment.

In terms of definition (b), this is where a Rolex is a sound investment. To own something that you enjoy, that you will probably at least recover your cash on one day, is for me a great investment.

Value, and thus investment, is not just about cash. Keeping fit is a good investment, going on holidays to relax and recharge is a good investment, paying for health checks is a good investment, and kids are a good investment. All of these things are bad investments In pure financial terms, but they are good investments.

And as for the comment about 99% of people buy for enjoyment and not investment, I think you'll find that for a lot of us, residual values are an important factor. I can currently afford to buy Rolex watches, but that could change and I might need to liquidate them. If I wasn't confident that I could get at least most of my cash back, I would never be able to justify taking the cash out the bank and losing my financial safety net for a watch.

My good lady wife is very happy that I've ordered the new Daytona, but she is miffed that despite the cash being available, I'm not prepared to build an extension on the house. The simple fact is that if business takes a turn for the worse I can flip the watches and all is well. If I build an extension and business takes a turn for the worse, I can't liquidate it without selling the family home or taking debt.

So I guess I'm just saying that many of us normal folk do have to consider the financial impact of buying a watch, and as such, investment value is important.