First time buyer - U.K

[iknight167]

Good Morning,

Thinking of taking the plunge and buying my first Rolex (first ever watch actually). Torn between a Bi-Metallic Submariner, black bezel/dial or the new Sea Dweller. Any suggestions how much to pay/good Authorized Dealer in the U.K that might actually have these in stock?

Thanks.

[jdc]

Originally Posted by iknight167

Good Morning,

Thinking of taking the plunge and buying my first Rolex (first ever watch actually). Torn between a Bi-Metallic Submariner, black bezel/dial or the new Sea Dweller. Any suggestions how much to pay/good Authorized Dealer in the U.K that might actually have these in stock?

Thanks.

Welcome to TRF
MSRP on bi metal sub in UK is £4770.
New Seadweller (DSSD) is available in other countries but has not yet hit UK, should be soon. Many people have orders in for these so may be difficult to find. The price estimates seem to be around £4800. Look at the Rolex web site to find the UK AD's nearest you and give them a ring

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by iknight167

Good Morning,

Thinking of taking the plunge and buying my first Rolex (first ever watch actually). Torn between a Bi-Metallic Submariner, black bezel/dial or the new Sea Dweller. Any suggestions how much to pay/good Authorized Dealer in the U.K that might actually have these in stock?

Thanks.

Hello there and welcome to the forum. My belief is that the watch purchase decision can be divided into 3 criteria and you should choose based on how well either of your 2 choices meets these 3 criteria.

First is the visual - because you'll have to look at it frequently, does the watch look pleasing to your eye? We all know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so this is very subjective and would vary from person to person. The Sub has gold on it; the Deep Sea is large and chunky. Both have their merits visually so best to look closely at each and decide which one sits best with you.

Second is the tactile - how does the watch feel against your skin? Some people like big heavy watches, others prefer light, thin ones. I have friends who can't stand wearing chunky watches because they feel it impedes their movement; others think slim watches are a waste of money because the perceived material input is not high enough. Again, a subjective area and only you will know - but you'll have to wear both first before deciding.

Third is the psychological - and this is possibly the most important. Many watch buyers (not just of Rolex) base their decision on such intangibles as scarcity and perceived investment value, ie. they might buy because the watch is difficult to find and/or they think they can resell it in time to come for a higher price. Personally, I wouldn't recommend this approach - you never know what the future holds - but if it gives you comfort knowing that what you have on your wrist is desirable and could appreciate in value, then by all means go for it. Other psychological variables include whether the watch will garner admiring comments from friends, whether it might fulfill the role of a conversation piece, whether you're the first person in your country/neighbourhood/ to own one and so forth.

As for price, I'm not sure what the UK prices are, but in Singapore, the 2-tone Sub sells for around US$7,000 (after a 15% discount from ADs) while the new Deep Sea's list price is about US$9,300 but it's street value is currently US$12,000. I believe the same premium applies in other countries as well, at least judging by my ebay observations. However, I expect the latter's price to descend to saner levels in time to come, once the novelty has worn off.

Hope this helps and good luck deciding!

[Uncle-AJ]

Whatever you do, make sure you try one on and the one that shouts back at you will be the one to pick. I have a 12 year old TT sub with black face (great choice by the way) and until I saw the new TT GMT Master it never left my wrist. Where abouts in the UK are you and we may be able to point you to a dealer with good stock.

[iknight167]

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

Whatever you do, make sure you try one on and the one that shouts back at you will be the one to pick. I have a 12 year old TT sub with black face (great choice by the way) and until I saw the new TT GMT Master it never left my wrist. Where abouts in the UK are you and we may be able to point you to a dealer with good stock.

Cheers,

Staffordshire but don't mind travelling if it means being able to try one on and buy from stock.

[esm]

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

Whatever you do, make sure you try one on and the one that shouts back at you will be the one to pick. I have a 12 year old TT sub with black face (great choice by the way) and until I saw the new TT GMT Master it never left my wrist. Where abouts in the UK are you and we may be able to point you to a dealer with good stock.

Adrian,
are you able to suggest a dealer (new or pre-owned) in or near Central London? i have been thinking about getting a Coke GMT II to my collection (i need to do more "homework" on that piece)
thanks.

[CKay]

Go with your heart.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by iknight167

Thinking of taking the plunge and buying my first Rolex (first ever watch actually).

Wow...how old are you? Never owned a watch before? Well, I must say, you've got great taste if you've decided to make a Rolex (regardless of model) the first watch to ever grace your wrist. Next thing you're going to tell us is the first car you bought as a teenager was a Lamborghini.

[iknight167]

Originally Posted by moby33

Wow...how old are you? Never owned a watch before? Well, I must say, you've got great taste if you've decided to make a Rolex (regardless of model) the first watch to ever grace your wrist. Next thing you're going to tell us is the first car you bought as a teenager was a Lamborghini.

I'm 42 actually! Just never had the urge to own a watch!

[Luminor]

Knight, i suggest you look into stainless steel watches more.

They retain their value much better, and are less prone to scratches. The bi-metal submariner should in practice be updated next April 2009, so if you're looking at bi-metal you may want to consider the more expensive gmt-master II 116713ln.

[Uncle-AJ]

Originally Posted by iknight167

Cheers,

Staffordshire but don't mind travelling if it means being able to try one on and buy from stock.

You could try Prestons of Bolton Link to site If you phone ask for Stephen or Chris. Alternatively their parent company is Cottrills who have a great showroom in Wimslow. Link to site

[Uncle-AJ]

Originally Posted by esm

Adrian,
are you able to suggest a dealer (new or pre-owned) in or near Central London? i have been thinking about getting a Coke GMT II to my collection (i need to do more "homework" on that piece)
thanks.

I'm sorry but I'm a northern lad and don't have any knowledge of London dealers other than Harrods, Selfridges, Mappin and Webb, Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths.

[esm]

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

I'm sorry but I'm a northern lad and don't have any knowledge of London dealers other than Harrods, Selfridges, Mappin and Webb, Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths.

Thanks AJ.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

I'm sorry but I'm a northern lad and don't have any knowledge of London dealers other than Harrods, Selfridges, Mappin and Webb, Watches of Switzerland and Goldsmiths.

Any of the above will serve you well. Try also Wempe on New Bond Street (London branch of a Hamburg watch specialist). There is also an arcade just of Bond Street or New Bond Street that has a used Rolex dealer - but I can't remember the name of the arcade or the dealer

[Uncle-AJ]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Any of the above will serve you well. Try also Wempe on New Bond Street (London branch of a Hamburg watch specialist). There is also an arcade just of Bond Street or New Bond Street that has a used Rolex dealer - but I can't remember the name of the arcade or the dealer

Would that be David Duggens?

[iknight167]

Done it now, a steel Submariner from Salloways in Lichfield, Staffs. It does feel weird having something on my wrist. I pressume that the feeling of vunerability wears off?

[jdc]

Originally Posted by iknight167

Done it now, a steel Submariner from Salloways in Lichfield, Staffs. It does feel weird having something on my wrist. I pressume that the feeling of vunerability wears off?

wow that was quick, congratulations

[esm]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Any of the above will serve you well. Try also Wempe on New Bond Street (London branch of a Hamburg watch specialist). There is also an arcade just of Bond Street or New Bond Street that has a used Rolex dealer - but I can't remember the name of the arcade or the dealer

Burlington arcade. was just there last week looking at a few rolexes. there are about 4 or 5 different shops displaying/selling rolexes.

[esm]

Originally Posted by iknight167

Done it now, a steel Submariner from Salloways in Lichfield, Staffs. It does feel weird having something on my wrist. I pressume that the feeling of vunerability wears off?

congrats!

/waiting for the wrist pix

[Welshwatchman]

You didn't mess around Knighty.

[iknight167]

I've been messing around thinking of doing it for a few months now so thought if I didn't push myself I'd not do it. Not good at treating myself I'm afraid!

[Uncle-AJ]

Originally Posted by iknight167

Done it now, a steel Submariner from Salloways in Lichfield, Staffs. It does feel weird having something on my wrist. I pressume that the feeling of vunerability wears off?

There goes my commission.

Seriously, congratulations, you've got a classic.

[iknight167]

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

There goes my commission.

Seriously, congratulations, you've got a classic.

Thanks, I did e-mail Cotterills @ Wilmslow, they did have one in stock, but had to drive through Lichfield to get there so rang the dealer and they had one in also. I have to say they are lovely watches.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

Would that be David Duggens?

I think so - he always has an interesting selection in his window - Rolex and other brands.

[Quicksilver]

Good choice - can't go wrong

[Gurmot]

I was going to say SS Sub but you beat me to it. Welcome to the forum and congrats. Great to have another Brit onboard.

Cheers - Simon

[cully]

Congratulations, great choice!!!
Look forward to seeing some pics.

Cheers Paul

[moby33]

Originally Posted by iknight167

Done it now, a steel Submariner from Salloways in Lichfield, Staffs. It does feel weird having something on my wrist. I pressume that the feeling of vunerability wears off?

Congrats...excellent choice. You won't be disappointed - EVER! Cheers.