One thing I’m thankful for regarding being old and also a Rolex person

[Chewbacca]

That I’m not starting my Rolex journey in the 2020s.

I fell in love with the product and brand and image when it was still in its neoclassical era. The character of small flaws, the sounds, the feel, inter-customization, the association.

Today it must be an utterly miserable way to fall in love with what used to be a pleasureful buyers journey. Even if you couldn’t afford the cabin, Mercedes or trip to Sardinia you could drop $2500 on a new DJ and feel good about your standing in life and as a hard worker.

Can say with confidence even tho I’m a Billionaire now, I’d pass on Rolex altogether today and go with another fine brand. No patience for this Rolex AD nonsense, asset class position and all the other games.

[dba]

Exactly. $1100 for my GMT II in 1984. Walked into the store, walked out of the store with a watch in 30 minutes.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by dba

Exactly. $1100 for my GMT II in 1984. Walked into the store, walked out of the store with a watch in 30 minutes.

Glory days. When we felt like customers and not a mark.

[bjdub]

Chewy, thanks for the wisdom. You understand and empathize with the plight of younger Rolex fans in this day and age. Since your watches average one daily wear before being thrown away, can I just have one of your old ones?

In all seriousness though you’re right, it’s unfortunate and a huge turnoff. I’ve wanted one since I was about fifteen and now that I’m of age and means to purchase, here we are… I was fortunate to get my sub at retail but I think that is enough for me. I wear the hell out of it but if I ever get a second or third nice watch, will likely be Tudors and Omegas.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by bjdub

Chewy, thanks for the wisdom. You understand and empathize with the plight of younger Rolex fans in this day and age. Since your watches average one daily wear before being thrown away, can I just have one of your old ones?

In all seriousness though you’re right, it’s unfortunate and a huge turnoff. I’ve wanted one since I was about fifteen and now that I’m of age and means to purchase, here we are… I was fortunate to get my sub at retail but I think that is enough for me. I wear the hell out of it but if I ever get a second or third nice watch, will likely be Tudors and Omegas.

I’m happy you acquired your Rolex and are enjoying it. I’m sincerely disappointed however with what’s become of it and how many are shut out.

[Wee-Willie]

True, I bought my first Rolex in 1986...saw it in the window, tried it on, got it sized & walked out....& with a 20% discount!!

Imagine how I felt when I finally decided in 2021 that I wanted to buy a Day Date & was told it could take a YEAR!!

[thesharkfactor]

My first Submariner was £1970 from an AD back in 2004. I called them up and asked if they had one and they said yes, come on in!

[bjdub]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

I’m happy you acquired your Rolex and are enjoying it. I’m sincerely disappointed however with what’s become of it and how many are shut out.

Thanks and 100% agree. Took two years to get and even at msrp was way too damn expensive for what I was getting imo. Hearing what people paid decades ago really puts that into perspective.

[Calatrava r]

Back in the day most buyers were satisfied with one watch and there was a lot more to go around. Now, it seems, everybody is a collector. While picking one up they are arranging for the next one. All well and good, but it explains the demand at ADs and challenges to new buyers.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Back in the day most buyers were satisfied with one watch and there was a lot more to go around. Now, it seems, everybody is a collector. While picking one up they are arranging for the next one. All well and good, but it explains the demand at ADs and challenges to new buyers.

The free money era after the housing collapse is part what caused it. Stimulus all over the world. Gonna be a long time to fix still.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

That I’m not starting my Rolex journey in the 2020s.

I fell in love with the product and brand and image when it was still in its neoclassical era. The character of small flaws, the sounds, the feel, inter-customization, the association.

Today it must be an utterly miserable way to fall in love with what used to be a pleasureful buyers journey. Even if you couldn’t afford the cabin, Mercedes or trip to Sardinia you could drop $2500 on a new DJ and feel good about your standing in life and as a hard worker.

Can say with confidence even tho I’m a Billionaire now, I’d pass on Rolex altogether today and go with another fine brand. No patience for this Rolex AD nonsense, asset class position and all the other games.

What brand would you dive into if you were starting now?


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[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

What brand would you dive into if you were starting now?


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Definitely Omega and Breitling, with GS and Panerai bringing up the rear. Building a modest collection I’d be there.

See, Tudor makes sense when you tie it to Rolex. On its own as a new brand, I’m not sold. The name is old boring and not appealing. Theyre a one watch company today. Even tho I own a few my attraction was only cultivated due to the Rolex association. Alone they’re nothing exceptional. Remember, it failed once. Even tho I own a few I know in my heart a Breitling or Longines or even a dare I say Heuer is the better Swiss alternative. Not all but definitely some are wonderful value and well made. if you saw them all in a case with logos covered I bet they’d be easy choices.

[brandrea]

Times have changed for sure. I’m happy in general to be a bit older (and hopefully wiser)

[Malum]

Bought my first new Rolex from AD in 1998 , boy those were different times .

[Driver8]

Me too. Early 2000's when my Rolex journey started. VERY different times.

[DJ2020]

I purchased my 1st Rolex in 1982 used. I believe I paid $675 for the best that I can recall. A 5513. Wore it for years. It was just a watch to me and I certainly put it threw hell during that time.

Today I have no desire to own one. Sold my last 4 earlier this year. Back to Omega and Panerai for me. I love older Breitling Superocean's and most of the B chronographs. I was told that in 2025 they are releasing some spectacular movements and much needed smaller sizes. Can't wait. I always admired Longines as well. I think their a lot for what you pay for.

Lot of good stuff out there these days. But back to the old days for me. Wearing a Panerai for the foreseeable future.

[GreatScott]

Once the kids have to start paying back their loans, the market may change. The government has made it too easy to agree to taking someone else's money and never have to pay it back or pay interest. I swear, if everyone had to live by their decisions that would make better ones.

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[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

That I’m not starting my Rolex journey in the 2020s.

I fell in love with the product and brand and image when it was still in its neoclassical era. The character of small flaws, the sounds, the feel, inter-customization, the association.

Today it must be an utterly miserable way to fall in love with what used to be a pleasureful buyers journey. Even if you couldn’t afford the cabin, Mercedes or trip to Sardinia you could drop $2500 on a new DJ and feel good about your standing in life and as a hard worker.

Can say with confidence even tho I’m a Billionaire now, I’d pass on Rolex altogether today and go with another fine brand. No patience for this Rolex AD nonsense, asset class position and all the other games.

Oh yeah. Agree 100%.

[sski]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Definitely Omega and Breitling, with GS and Panerai bringing up the rear. Building a modest collection I’d be there.

See, Tudor makes sense when you tie it to Rolex. On its own as a new brand, I’m not sold. The name is old boring and not appealing. Theyre a one watch company today. Even tho I own a few my attraction was only cultivated due to the Rolex association. Alone they’re nothing exceptional. Remember, it failed once. Even tho I own a few I know in my heart a Breitling or Longines or even a dare I say Heuer is the better Swiss alternative. Not all but definitely some are wonderful value and well made. if you saw them all in a case with logos covered I bet they’d be easy choices.

Would love to see your sotc Chewie!

[Starhutch]

While I don’t disagree with your assessment for others, my relationship with Rolex goes back many years. Started small in the watch game and made watch investment upgrades when financially possible to even reach Rolex ownership. Today, have more than I deserve no doubt.

Had the opportunity through AD client events and introductions to connect with our local Rolex management and definitely feel valued. While my relationship with my AD is more like family I have no doubt the brand is engaged and knows their local brand ambassadors. Just my two cents.

[Midlifegoals]

Perhaps to cheer you up- it’s still possible for folks to have a meaningful introductory experience with the brand.

My Rolex journey began late 2022 as I geared up to celebrate several milestones in 2023 (work anniversary, milestone wedding anniversary, and a graduate degree).

I walked in to my nearest AD on a random Thursday afternoon and freely admitted that I expected to begin a long journey. I knew I wanted a DJ, OP, or Sub (no date). I told the SA that I was simply hoping to try them all on and prepare for my long wait. My main concern was not knowing what size I wanted of the DJ or the OP.

I tried on the models in the exhibition case, and quickly realized that an OP41/DJ41 was the ticket. I was prepared to “register my interest” and walk out the door. The SA said something to the effect of, “I think I’ve got some DJs in the back that might help you decide what dial you’d like.” He came out with a Silver Dial DJ41 and a Black Dial DJ36. I believe he had a motif dial or two, as well.

After being blown away by the 126334 silver dial, the SA simply said, “I tell ya what- if this is the one you want, I’d be honored to make it available to you.” He let me call my wife to discuss, and I walked out with the watch.

I will always smile when I put on this DJ41!

Now, for the crash back down to the reality you mentioned- when I was abroad in Europe recently, I tried to simply try on some exhibition pieces (had no intention of buying, and was open about it)- and I had two ADs turn me down flat. I was at both locations during the week with limited foot traffic. I had one AD that was more than happy to let me try some models on, to be fair.

Now, I do wish it were easier to get my second Rolex. That is proving to be quite difficult…

[watchluvr4ever]

Think I paid around $2800 for my first brand new Datejust…that was around 20 years ago or so. I see no brand new Rolex watches in my future.

[Barada7]

Crazy too because they’re more way expensive and considerably more unnecessary today.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Definitely Omega and Breitling, with GS and Panerai bringing up the rear. Building a modest collection I’d be there.

See, Tudor makes sense when you tie it to Rolex. On its own as a new brand, I’m not sold. The name is old boring and not appealing. Theyre a one watch company today. Even tho I own a few my attraction was only cultivated due to the Rolex association. Alone they’re nothing exceptional. Remember, it failed once. Even tho I own a few I know in my heart a Breitling or Longines or even a dare I say Heuer is the better Swiss alternative. Not all but definitely some are wonderful value and well made. if you saw them all in a case with logos covered I bet they’d be easy choices.

Yes very cool. Another brand that I’ve loved and is huge value is Oris. Old line. Independent. Cool. I have a bronze pointer date that has patina’d silly cool. The dial and glass back are excellent.






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[Easy Rhino]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

My first Submariner was £1970 from an AD back in 2004. I called them up and asked if they had one and they said yes, come on in!

My first and only Sub was about $3600 from the AD in Waikiki in 2005. My wife bought it for me for our 25th anniversary, just walked in off the street in ragged clothes she had been painting the house in. Didn't even call ahead.

[rpstrimple]

I’m a relative newbie. Got into things around 2013. But I think the brand has become prohibitively expensive for what you get. There’s no reason an OP should be over 6k. Or an explorer I over 7k.

I have a few Omegas that I love and I feel that there are other, more horologically interesting pieces being made by Swatch group. As you mention, Longines have been killing it and it’s crazy how much of a loss you will take on a new one. Same with Breitling or any other non-Rolex. It’s really just all name anymore, maybe it’s been that way for decades already, but it seems more present now.

I am enjoying my Pelagos 39 though. Tudor doesn’t really excite me all that much but I can’t get this one off the wrist lately.

[Tim Plains]

I'd like to be a billionaire. Where do I start?

I got into watches in 2021, so the current Rolex experience is all I know. I did have to play some AD games but it wasn't all that bad, especially compared to some stories I read here, I originally wanted a BLNR, didn't spend enough to qualify for one, they offered a Submariner of my choosing instead, I took it but was a little bummed not getting the GMT at first. In hindsight, I'm glad I didn't get one, I later handled an exhibition BLNR, it was disappointing, and the Submariner is perfect.

[Michael T]

I got started with a 34mm Date, fluted bezel, rhodium dial, the new sapphire crystal and a jubilee band. $1,200 with 20% off in 1986.

While I have three Rolexes, I have pivoted to Cartier recently, picking up a 31mm x 40mm rose gold tank from circa 2010 with a Piaget movement and a 40mm stainless Santos. The bracelet on the Santos is extremely well engineered.

Cartier gets a bad rap as jewelry, but they are very well engineered and Cartier Boutiques have excellent customer service.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Definitely Omega and Breitling, with GS and Panerai bringing up the rear. Building a modest collection I’d be there.

See, Tudor makes sense when you tie it to Rolex. On its own as a new brand, I’m not sold. The name is old boring and not appealing. Theyre a one watch company today. Even tho I own a few my attraction was only cultivated due to the Rolex association. Alone they’re nothing exceptional. Remember, it failed once. Even tho I own a few I know in my heart a Breitling or Longines or even a dare I say Heuer is the better Swiss alternative. Not all but definitely some are wonderful value and well made. if you saw them all in a case with logos covered I bet they’d be easy choices.

What's funny is that I have a slightly hard time with Tudor only because it's the second tier of the Rolex family. On its own, I prefer its designs to those of Omega, Breitling, or anything else in that price range.

If Rolex were off limits, I'd probably start a new collection of sub-$15k watches with Zenith, GP, Chopard, or Blancpain. Brands that are in the "No, I couldn't get a Rolex, but these are technically superior watches nonetheless."

[jchabalk]

I started in 2005 and when i bought my first i was able to choose between a wide array of sport models all sitting there in the case waiting to be purchased, probably 50-60 Rolex's total (including DJ/OP) models with just a few repeats. Same when I got one for my wife a couple of years later.

It's so much different now - i agree with chewy, i'd probably look elsewhere too.