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!!!
You only have integrity once. - imprezaguy02
June 24, 2026, 05:07 PM
71 TRUCK
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.
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
As ratified by the States and authenticated by Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State
NRA Life Member
June 25, 2026, 05:45 AM
400m
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).
June 25, 2026, 06:07 AM
sourdough44
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.
June 25, 2026, 08:22 AM
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.
June 25, 2026, 08:32 AM
Rick Lee
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.
Freewill Firearms 07 FFL, Class 2 SOT
June 25, 2026, 08:35 AM
FenderBender
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.
_____________________________________________ Proverbs 3:31 "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
June 25, 2026, 09:00 AM
ElToro
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.
June 26, 2026, 09:09 AM
Warhorse
Expensive jewelry is nice to have if you can afford it...I can't.
____________________________ NRA Life Member, MGO Annual Member
June 26, 2026, 09:34 AM
400m
I think it’s time I peruse the watch thread some more.
June 26, 2026, 09:39 AM
HRK
Probably one of the best scenes in a movie regarding breaking the wall and discussing the advantages of wealth and privilege from hard work
June 26, 2026, 10:46 AM
Stlhead
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.
August 13, 2026, 08:42 PM
lyman
quote:
Originally posted by CPD SIG:
quote:
Originally posted by lyman: my only complaint is some lack simplicity
meanwhile wife wants a nice Rolex,, but I have heartburn coughing up 5-6K for a watch, on the secondary market
There’s a lot of simple luxury watches out there! IWC, Blanc Pain, AP, Cartier, Tudor… No complications outside of a date, simple in design and presentation. Classic “Gentlemens” style watches.
As far as buying watches- I don’t think I’d get one, especially a Rolex new. I’d always look at the secondary market! There’s a bunch of reputable sights out there! Get Bezel Chrono 24 Bob’s
wife found one she likes on Chrono24, so I am about ready to pull the trigger so to speak and get it,
anything I should know before I do?
the watch is in ITaly, from a trusted (by Chronos) seller,
I wanted a nice, automatic watch. My wife gave me a Sinn for Christmas a few years ago. It’s a very handsome watch and I wore it every day for quite awhile. It always ran fast. That bugged the shit outta me. I got in touch with Sinn America and did their time test. “Within specs.”
I wear an Apple watch now. My wife asks me to wear the Sinn for dressier occasions. Okay, sure.
I may, one day, trade in the Sinn on a quartz watch, a Tag or something similar.
_______________________________________________________ despite them
August 14, 2026, 10:21 AM
DanH
quote:
Originally posted by lyman: wife found one she likes on Chrono24, so I am about ready to pull the trigger so to speak and get it,
anything I should know before I do?
the watch is in ITaly, from a trusted (by Chronos) seller,
Expect getting hit with a big import fee. If Google is right, the current fee is 12.5% but during Trump's Tariff Fee it got as high as 39%.
August 14, 2026, 10:31 AM
r0gue
Do your research on buying watches out of Italy. Maybe things have changed. Years ago, I recall risk. It’s not so much about “the seller”, as it is the shipping channels. Not trying to scare you. Perhaps things have changed over the years.
August 14, 2026, 10:52 AM
darthfuster
I have some very expensive watches. I don’t wear them. I don’t like stuff on me. I wear my wedding ring and that’s it. But I still have those watches because I appreciate the quality. Mostly they keep the time in my safe.
You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier
August 14, 2026, 11:05 AM
0-0
I own two Omega’s.Bought a Moonwatch because YOLO in the middle of Lockdown and a very nice Sea Master to have one Speed and one Sea. I wear them regularly switching between both.
I deserved them and they deserve me
0-0
"OP is a troll" - Flashlightboy, 12/18/20
August 14, 2026, 11:42 AM
liner
I have a 25-year-old Omega Seamaster and a recently inherited Rolex that belonged to my father. I love to wear both; the Omega was a gift from my wife on our first anniversary, and my father passed away last year. Both hold great sentimental meaning to me. That said, I wear a Garmin Fenix daily because it is more comfortable. My wife wears a gorgeous 25 year old Oris and. Garmin as well. David Truong services our watches and does an awesome job."
August 14, 2026, 12:25 PM
HRK
Read this thread and then I get nothing but watch advertisements LOL
ANyway, anyone follow Tim Hayden, CEO of Hagley West watches and his "love your journey" give aways. He travels the world, sets up a table with cameras for SM and gives followers a set time to show up and say the phrase "love your Journey"