I don't get it - factory stickers fixation

[typevii]

I just don't get it. This whole 'used' but 'never used' thing.

Take this as an (extreme) example
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ROLEX-18KT-GMT-11...QQcmdZViewItem

Now it’s a lovely watch to be sure (if that’s to your taste, (not mine)). My question is what’s with all these 'never worn - factory stickers still intact' watches?
Who buys a watch and never wears it? Or do people wear them with the stickers on! (like a car with the plastic seat covers on - do people still do this?).
When I buy something I want to enjoy it. I'm careful with things but I don’t keep them wrapped! My cars get driven, my watch is worn every day and my ipod does not have a rubber case!
When I buy a leather chair I want to feel the leather, not the plastic cover!
When I wear my Rolex I want to truly appreciate the stunning engineering and finish, not the plastic cover!

Is this just me? (or should I invest in a special one that I only wear in bed (soft sheets) to avoid any scratches).

A.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Some people really DO buy watches purely for investment reasons.

To have an SS Daytona for example that is:

BNIB (Brand New In Box)
LNIB (Like New In Box) or
NOS (older model from an old stock: a "Zenith" Daytona 16520 like that was on eBay recently)

simply IS a good investment, and if you want another Rolex (or anything, really), selling the "untouched" BNIB/LNIB/NOS Rolex would give you a HUGE premium.

WIS collectors want the WHOLE package if they are to paid a lot of money for a rare Rolex, so anything that is part of the "package" - down to the sticker - would add to the value of the watch, especially if all parts are in mint condition.

Same thing applies to ALL Rolex watches (or other high-end brands): The better the condition is, the better the price will be.

[typevii]

True.
But surely there are better investments than Rolex watches! I mean if I was looking to invest, let’s say Daytona money, I can think of better ways to guarantee a return over 3-5 years, than a Rolex Daytona. Ok so a Rolex shouldn’t lose money but only a few actually go up in value in short to medium term (don’t they?).

Maybe I’m just not cut out to be a ‘watch investor’! Every watch I own, I have worn and enjoyed, its so hard not to. Maybe if I had no interest at all horology then it would be easier.

A.

[DaveN]

There are also watches sold grey market that have been sourced from an AD. If an AD has inventory that has not been moving he can "sell" it to the gray market dealer who then flips it as BNIB. The dealer makes a profit and appears to Rolex to be a larger volume dealer than they are, the gray market dealer makes a profit, and the purchaser gets a new watch at an incredible price.

[LouCan]

I agree with you 100% typeii. What i buy i use. I don't buy it to store it. I wear my watch whenever i am not working. Mind you, i don't sleep with it . I am happy i got my YM. Nothing like a Rolex,

[Welshwatchman]

In the case of the example Rolex for sale it is an item for sale by a watch dealer. Most of his watches are BNIB and will attract better prices than a used watch, of course.

One of the the new members has an Omega Seamaster with all the stickers intact that he does not wear. Instead he takes the box and watch to his friends to show them.

That I am not so clear with.

[watchloverdave]

I know several individuals who have been given very nice watches, including a couple of Rolexes, and never ever wear them. One received a beautiful Rolex DJ as a college graduation present, and it has stayed in the box in his dresser for the last 15+ years. I don't think he has even wore it once. He prefers his Casio G-shock. Another person received a lovely DD as a 30th wedding anniversary gift from his wife, and I think he may have worn it once and then returned it to the box and his safe deposit box. He thinks it's way too nice to wear and prefers to wear his Swiss Army watch.

At some point in the future, these watches may show up on the market as LNIB with perfect stickers, boxes, etc.

[Tools]

A.

I agree...

It's not just you.....Stickers


I will say though, there are some watches out there that have never been worn.. And there are dreamers who think everything they touch will turn to gold...

[dr_rolex]

I apologize for going off topic.

Welshwatchman:

FIRST: I bought the OMEGA SEAMASTER TT MID SIZE because the price was right (grin). Yes, it's grey market. I would say I saved around 40 - 45% off the price you could buy it for in the USA. In case many are not aware, Costa Rica is an over "taxed" country.

Examples:

Cars used to pay 100% duty, now they pay around 35 - 45% duty.

So that Hummer that you can buy in the USA for around $50,000 will cost you $85,000 here.

Electronics (T.V., Fridge, Washer Dryer, Cellphone, compuer, Cameras, Etc...) are about the same. The same computer you buy for $1,000 in the U.S.A will cost you $1,300 - $1,400 here.

Luxury items (watches ) are taxed.

Now, back to our regular programming:

The price on the SeaMaster was just too good to pass up. I have nice watches I wear that go with my metrosexual style. I'm a modern urban professional, not stuffy, although I can't pass on enjoying the finer things in life (chianti, red wine, mozart, ny strip, dark chocolate, red caviar).

My everyday wear is Abercrombie and Fitch with Diesel blue jeans. So my logic is, why wear the Seamaster, when I already wear my Cartier Santos 18k/ss and my BAD BOY Stainless Steel w/Date SUBMARINER (the gawd of all watches)??????!!!!!!! I will wind up scrating the hell outta it and for what? So, when I want to show it to friends, I carry it in the box...........which also gives me an excuse for them not to want to try it on, because I tell them, well, it has the stickers on there.
If I ever want to sell it, I know I will be able to get my money outta it.........because honestly, it's new.

The chic factor on the Cartier is +5........only the more sophisticated chic's (girls) even know what it is.

The chic factor on the on the ROLEX is +10.....
anyone and I mean anyone, even my nicaraguan maid knows the name ROLEX. Wish it were BNIB with stickers!

I apologize to everyone for taking over this thread with my nonesense.

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

In the case of the example Rolex for sale it is an item for sale by a watch dealer. Most of his watches are BNIB and will attract better prices than a used watch, of course.

One of the the new members has an Omega Seamaster with all the stickers intact that he does not wear. Instead he takes the box and watch to his friends to show them.

That I am not so clear with.

[Transient]

You want an investment?? Buy an apartment and rent it out. You want a nice watch? Buy a Rolex...
Sounds simple enough, doesn't it?

[LouCan]

When i bought my watch i wasn't concerned with its resale value. I took off the stickers and put them in the garbage. Don't understand why you would even save them let alone keep them on. Or keep the watch in a box.