quote:

Originally posted by BOATTRASH1:
...my father’s Pepsi that he bought in Hong Kong when we were there for R&R from Saigon in 1961...... Both the watches are worth much more (

Much, much more!!!

quote:

Originally posted by BOATTRASH1:
When they get sent for service I have to send a note to not change bezel inserts, don’t polish the case, etc..
Both the watches are worth much more than I’ve paid for them.
I don’t wear them much. I wear an Apple Watch daily due to cardiac issues.

The question is have you sent them in for service or did you send them in for service?
The reason I ask in some cases Rolex will change out the hands and the dials of watches sent for service.
Last I heard they do not send back with the watch any of the old parts that have been replaced.
Keeping the watch original as possible makes them worth much more if you ever did want to sell them. From what you have posted it sounds like you never will sell them because they are apart of your family's history.

Para, your right about Rolex outpacing inflation and wages.

In 1970 it took the average earner close to 3 weeks salary to purchase a stainless Submariner at roughly $230 (Ref. 5513). Today, it takes the average earner more than 8 weeks salary to purchase a stainless Submariner (Ref. 124060).

Very personal preference. I personally don’t feel the need to go over $2-400 on any watch, but I usually wear one if not doing anything where it’s in jeopardy.

I also like somewhat easy to see in the dark, hunting & such.

It’s similar to high end vehicles, firearms, or too many firearms, whatever.

If you have the $$ why not? You can’t take it with you, discretionary spending lubricates the economy.

I’ve seen more than a few heirs in recent years fighting over the spoils of a deceased loved one. I realize there could be the high end watch, put someone’s name on it.

The thing about Rolex is they are mass market at this point. They make about 1,000,000 a year per reports. MBA theses have been written about their marketing department. They control their narrative with an iron fist and sponsor high end sports and even though they make 1mm units a year they have created an image of exclusivity.

Here are other brands that cost as much as a house or 2-3 houses. But are so niche only hard core fans know about them.

Lots of Rolex models don't appreciate and/or barely hold their value. They make a ton of watches, but a lot of those are models where they can make the most margin at dealer/retail sale. But they are not so hot on the gray or used market. And Rolex obviously doesn't make anything on the gray market unless the AD sells used ones or moves new ones out the back door to gray sellers. They don't make as much at first point of sale on the really desirable models, which are largely the stainless steel sport models. Those can often go for double retail on the gray market. When they announced the discontinuation of the Pepsi GMT about two months ago, dealer retail on those was $10.7k and the gray seller had them close to $30k the next day.

quote:

Originally posted by ElToro:
The thing about Rolex is they are mass market at this point. They make about 1,000,000 a year per reports. MBA theses have been written about their marketing department. They control their narrative with an iron fist and sponsor high end sports and even though they make 1mm units a year they have created an image of exclusivity.

Here are other brands that cost as much as a house or 2-3 houses. But are so niche only hard core fans know about them.

a million watches a year is a lot, the demand would consume 10 times that.

Patek Phillipe is estimated at 70k units a year. Richard Mille is like 5k units.

That watch Mr “I’m a normal bro” Mark Zuckerberg was wearing when testilying to congress is a Greubel Forsey. Like 200-300 units a year truly hand made. The model he was wearing is about 10 units a year. Does it keep better time than a Rolex or even a $50 g shock connected to the Multi band-6 for truly perfect time ? Not likely.

I live a few miles from the only US Office and showroom of Westley Richards the British gunmaker. Talk about bespoke. I think they start about 40k for entry level to how big is your checkbook for foldniaid engraved double rifle with a centuries old piece of aged Turkish walnut for your stock.

Expensive jewelry is nice to have if you can afford it...I can't.

I think it’s time I peruse the watch thread some more.

Probably one of the best scenes in a movie regarding breaking the wall and discussing the advantages of wealth and privilege from hard work

Some folks like to keep their treasure in a vault, some like to wear it around, some live in it, some drive it. As long as the money spent belongs to the person spending it more power to them. At least with a watch it will likely be enjoyed (or hocked) by your heirs. One of my kids is a watch guy and I gave him mine already. I am fine with my phone.