Is the era of stealth wealth over?

[jacowestt]

The popularity of specific watch models and materials can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as trends, preferences, and market dynamics. While white gold watches like the ones you mentioned may not be as sought after as they once were, it doesn't necessarily mean they are undesirable or less valuable.

Tastes in luxury watches can vary widely among individuals, and some may still appreciate the elegance and sophistication of white gold timepieces. It's also worth noting that preferences can vary based on regional markets and cultural influences.

If you have a personal affinity for white gold watches or specific models like the ones you mentioned, it's essential to choose based on your own preferences and enjoyment rather than solely on current trends. After all, the most important aspect of owning a luxury watch is how much you appreciate and enjoy wearing it.

[gerry100]

Always been a matter of personal taste.

I've never desired anything but an SS Rolex

[physicist]

As long as there are people with common sense, stealth wealth will exist.

[Benzsiam]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I think white gold is the least popular precious metal from any brand historically. I think it was popular a few years back for a while, but most folks like colored precious metals with rose gold the leader. Does AP even do a Royal Oak in WG? They must, I just never see any.

Yes, AP has all kinds of gold (white, rose and yellow), RG ending or OR, YG ending with BA and WG ending with BC. WG is also the least popular.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by Edfrozen

Gold was much lower in 2019
No major social media influence
Inflation was running quiet
Social unrest was less
Gold is real money
Even though a gold watch has only $10,000 ( approximately)
in gold value , it represents and is HARD money , real money
White gold or platinum keeps it between you and God

gold was also 1900 in 2011 and then dropped 50% while msrp prices shot up. it has very little to do with msrp raises, they're mostly just tied to inflation. also you say PM watches represent hard money because of the gold but the gold is roughly 25% of the msrp lol

[HiDive]

Originally Posted by Cambo

So you derived all your perceived “cons” of precious metal watches by owning a TT GMT. I guess I should sell ASAP!

I am just expressing my feeling on precious metals in watches, it does not matter how many of them I have owned. The fact that I have owned one TT watch does not have anything to do with my opinion of some types of precious metals. In fact as I said I like the look of two tone with yellow Gold. I just don't think it is a practical material from a technical standpoint.

The fact that these metals are heavy and soft is a true statement, not a perception on my part. If that is not a problem for you then that is fine. That is why I started my post with a statement saying that I know there are many fans of these materials, but the materials don't make sense to me.

Next in my post I said that white Gold and Platinum look the same as Stainless Steel but are softer (more prone to scratches and not as strong), so they will wear out faster. This is also a fact and not a perception by me.

I did not mention one other property of precious metals in watches and that is that watches with precious metal and also precious stones loose a higher percentage of their value than watches without these things. This is also a fact and another reason that I do not like them.
So, none of what I said is a perception, it is based on facts about the various materials.

If you feel like these physical properties of the precious metals do not outweigh the look of the materials that is fine, I don't care what you buy.

I guess that you should own whatever you want to own. That is always my opinion.

[pearson1995]

As I’m getting older, I prefer stealth wealth. I own a day date and Royal Oak, but being able to wear a truly high end watch and not feel like you’re drawing unnecessary attention is increasingly desirable

[In-N-Out]

WG Sub or blue dial WG Pepsi are not even stealth wealth watches. they are expensive and over priced for what they are, but that doesn't mean they are "heavy hitters" in any real sense. Perhaps a 5270 and many other dress pieces from PP/FPJ/ALS can be considered stealth wealth.

also, stealth wealth was never "in" or "out" of fashion. those that are truly wealthy don't buy based on trends, they buy what they like

[z train]

I still believe, generally, only watch people pay any attention to watches.

unless you're wearing a gold day date, no one really notices

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by z train

I still believe, generally, only watch people pay any attention to watches.

unless you're wearing a gold day date, no one really notices

M.A.D.1 gets noticed the most of all the timepieces I wear.

[steveclr]

Originally Posted by Krash

I would argue that most people wouldn’t know the difference between a two tone blue dial Submariner (126613LB) and a $50 clone from Invicta. If they got a close up view, they might know, but from five feet away, they’d never know one is a $15,000 Rolex and the other is a $50 POS.


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I'm from a bordering state - in my world, the shear mass of the Invicta would get more respect than a Rolex from friends, coworkers, etc. - always thought WG was great but never owned one and this thread gives me concern about how it ages - will be looking into this ...

[watchwatcher]

Not everyone who buys WG over RG or YG is trying to achieve "stealth wealth." Which, if you think logically, is pretty much an exercise in futility. I mean, really, can you imagine a burglar or a robber looking at a WG sub or GMT and going, "oh that's all right. I was looking for a real gold watch."

I've been a huge fan for about the last 10 years. It just fits my eye, my sense of style, and what I typically wear on a given day better. Yes, I've had a few YG/RG pieces, but the ones that have stuck around have been the WG. The watches on my radar right now are either steel or WG.

From the looks of it, I don't think Rolex is going to drastically change their current production based on the end of any "eras."

[fishingbear]

It’s just when you love it, you love it.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by colonelpurple

PM is always easy to pick up. Yellow gold is the easiest. WG is slightly more in demand but still easy to get. Particularly after the price increases over the last few years are ridiculous. PM rolexs the only watches I would buy used. Some very reasonable used prices for mint condition (2/3 of retail).

I’ll take 3 WG OF Daytona’s please. Where should I apply?

[inadeje]

I don’t know about the so called stealth wealth. What I do know is that I bought the smurf because the dial and bezel was stunning and it’s the exclusive pinnacle iteration of arguably Rolex’s flagship watch. It isn’t part of my collection anymore but I enjoyed wearing and owning it. Likewise, I bought the WG YM II because it was the only variant of a watch I otherwise wanted without the garish blue bezel. The platinum bezel ticked the box of eliminating said bezel so I bought it. I did not buy either for any other reason.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by fishingbear

It’s just when you love it, you love it.

I love that watch. Probably my favorite Rolex right now. When I look at that, “stealth wealth” is the furthest thing from my mind. I just love it for what it is.


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[gerry100]

Yellow Gold is the only noticeable wealth flex most notice.

Saw a few yellow gold DDs when I was in business.

Fakes

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by WilsdorfNDavis

There's nothing "stealthy" about any Rolex watch, it's the most recognizable luxury watch in the world.

Agreed. Someone may think a WG Daytona is a SS Daytona, but they still know it’s a Rolex Daytona.

[EdwardC]

I think this is real stealth wealth:

[derklink]

Originally Posted by EdwardC

I think this is real stealth wealth:

Crazy.

[daveeblows]

I would love to re-activate this converstaion , as I have recently sold all 6 of my S/S watches and purchased a favorite from each line - one sub, daytona and Ym. I wanted three watch collection, one of each line with all three being Pm's. I had no other rules.
Cookie monster was a first purchase in June , I always wanted a smurf, but never had funds, but after trying booth old& new ref 12 felt way slimer & all together nicer on my wrist. The dream of my PM sub was fullfilled. Then I suddenly felt in love with how understated and how quiet it is on the wrist, when purchasing YM and Daytona I went for WG on booth and would most likely never look back. Best feeling ever is owning three watch collection, all in Wg, all almost never seen in wild, and I spend a lot of time in different cities/countries with lots of watch enthusiast circles and seems liem wg is super not in demand and that feels just GREAT to have different watch then the rest!!
Wg mihht be a stealth wealth, and I tell You after wearing those watches everywhere- noone is paying attention to these, only those who know !
Can't recommend enough, Im already saving up to add one more either a 11 Ghost or 11 sub now��

[HogwldFLTR]

Given three gold pieces, the only one that makes me feel conspicuous is the Sub Date in all gold. The other two are far less flashy. It doesn't really matter to me the trend of would-be influencers trying to make impressions. Personal comfort is far more important.

[TexEd]

When I read the words Rolex and gold I automatically think yellow gold. Its my opinion that in the eye of normal folks white gold is not discernible from stainless steel. I would never consider purchasing a white gold Rolex. Just my .02

[codecow]

It is for me. I’m going solid YG or RG and possibly gemset.

[BNA/LION]

I think people want what they want. Many times, they want what other's want and what they can't get. I think the type of watch one buys is personal based on lifestyle, ability to purchase and what sings to them.

Our newest purchase...

[amphr1]

Congratulations! I wish I can be a 3 watch man. I also wonder if it's a slippery slope to become a 1 watch collection

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[Mystro]

The very premise of “stealth wealth” would imply you should be embarrassed and hide your financial achievements which I find nauseating. I love seeing high dollar items be it cars, watches, boats, etc… in the wild with people enjoying themself. You get one shot in life and letting any social pressure change who you really want to be to make underachievers feel better about themselves is sad and a waist.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

I think people want what they want. Many times, they want what other's want and what they can't get. I think the type of watch one buys is personal based on lifestyle, ability to purchase and what sings to them.

Our newest purchase...

That is a stunning piece…..

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by Mystro

The very premise of “stealth wealth” would imply you should be embarrassed and hide your financial achievements which I find nauseating. I love seeing high dollar items be it cars, watches, boats, etc… in the wild with people enjoying themself. You get one shot in life and letting any social pressure change who you really want to be to make underachievers feel better about themselves is sad and a waist.

It does not imply that at all. Stealth wealth is about not flaunting your wealth. It's so you are not a target of theft. Not create jealousy for the less well off. It's being sensitive about the real world you live in that is full of people from all walks of life. It's for people who are not living in a bubble where everyone you hang out with drives a Ferrari. (Disclaimer: my opinion only)

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[amphr1]

I'm thinking the principle of my child's elementary school is not underachieving, but he drives a Prius and can't afford a Rolex but he has way more respect from me than some stock market investor who drives a Ferrari.

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