Depreciation Rate

[sportsmaven20]

Looking at several pre-owned Sea Dwellers and was curious if you guys could help me get a better understanding of what the expected rate of depreciation should be.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

[chris russell]

If you mean the Sea Dweller 16600, (not the Deep Sea), it will likely appreciate, not depreciate. It is not in production any longer, and is considered a classic. At the very least, it will hold its value for the foreseeable future.

[Richard.]

Nil.

[520Matt]

If you buy a pre owned SD, Sub, GMT and other models right as mentioned above they should hold or increase in value. For resale if you can buy one with complete paperwork that helps, although a service from RSC should do the trick as well, IMHO.

[HL65]

If you plan on increasing value--not going to happen with any of those unless you buy a true vintage watch at the right price. There are far too many in circulation and if bought right you will be lucky to get your money out of it less 10% over time. I would not buy a non limited edition highly produced watch with the thought of making money--buy it because you want to wear it and enjoy it!!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by sportsmaven20

Looking at several pre-owned Sea Dwellers and was curious if you guys could help me get a better understanding of what the expected rate of depreciation should be.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

Its doubtful if the 16600 SD will ever see the high market value of say the vintage ones like the reds.The SD has not changed in anyway except for a non lug hole case,different case stamps and a few minor fonts since 1988.But all Rolex watches especially the sports type of watch have held there price in the market to proportion of price originally paid.

[Jason71]

If an individual bought a V-serial Rolex SeaDweller 16600 right before it went out of production, they would have paid in the $6,500 range for it from an Authorized Dealer. Initially, it would have a slight depreciation on the pre-owned market here on TRF. Those have been selling in the $5,000 - $5,800 range here, if you can find one. Now, the 16600 has been selling in the $4,000 to $5,500 range on the pre-owned market regardless of the watches age. That value has increased slightly over the last year, and will likely continue to increase. I bought an 8 year old 16600 2 years ago for $3,200.

HTH

[Clay]

You should never loose any money on your purchase should you resell it in the future......Be it modern or vintage.....

[Welshwatchman]

Just buy the one in the best condition and get it at the best price possible, then you're golden.

I recall someone who bought a 1998 SD for a good price but it was "well loved" to to the point that Rolex quoted £1490 to service it.

[HL65]

Ps. When I say 10% loss that assumes you bought it used at a great price. Is you pay retail for a new one you will get smacked in the wallet!

[sportsmaven20]

Thanks guys for all of your advice...much appreciated!

[Mendota]

Yes, there is a huge difference between buying new at an AD and paying sales tax, versus buying used here or through any other pre-owned channel.

New at an AD = huge hit.
Used at a great price = stable, very little subsequent depreciation

Just search through the for sale listings and you will see a variety of prices for the same piece, with different serial #s and different conditions. That's your best way to track price.

Here is a very useful link: www.elitedealseeker.com Click on "watch forums" and you will get all of the "for sale" listings on every watch forum. It is an extremely useful tool because you can search by keyword and age of listing. Type in Rolex Sea Dweller and you will get every listing on the watch forums for Sea Dwellers for your specified timeframe. It puts all of the listings in front of you so you can easily track prices instead of having to search every individual board yourself. TRF, Timezone, Timezone UK, Watchuseek, Watchnet, PMWF, etc.

Remember, a watch is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it AND what the seller is willing to accept for it. These are two very different things.


Good luck!

[EchoBlueUK]

5% loss on rrp max.

[fusionstorm]

If you're absolutely intent on protecting your investment in a Sea Dweller, or better yet seeing it increase in value, then focus on getting a properly priced 1665 or matte 16660. Way less of those than the 16600, and the pool of vintage collectors will only continue to grow as time passes.