Building a collection

[jason10mm]

Originally Posted by assetmanx

Thank you for the quick reply. would you mind sharing your thoughts on why you wouldn't buy just the watch without bracelet (am I correct in assuming that this is what 'head' means?

For Rolex it can be very difficult to get a new bracelet, especially for an older model. I'm looking at a head only watch right now and a replacement bracelet can run $900-1500 on the grey market. No consistent answers to whether or not I can just order a replacement bracelet from a rolex ad or get one during a service. So a $6000 watch becomes a $4500 one if I have to source a bracelet. The more vintage you go, the harder/more expensive it is.

[assetmanx]

Thank you both. I would also prefer a bracelet to go with the serial of the watch. I ask because I see all kinds of things offered.

What you insinuate above is that one cannot simply by an authentic bracelet from Rolex?

[BakerView]

Originally Posted by FidalgoBay

Not wanting to sound patronizing, but if you're really new at this....
When shopping attempt to get "Full Kit" pieces (box, papers, tags, links, etc).
Know how to spot "polished" watches.
Verify authenticity and correct movement with a reputable watchmaker, or use a trusted seller on TRF.
Decisions in Geneva can have a huge influence over your collection over time.
So, bottom line, make sure you love the pieces you are purchasing.
Happy hunting.

Sean pretty much nailed it. It's personal preference, but as close to "original" as you got it is likely to bring more down the road.

Consider two auction blocks each selling one of Paul Newman's Daytonas. One with box and papers and one without. You see where that's going. And like has been said, the full kits and unaltered and unpolished pieces tend to go a bit faster if offered for sale.

Buy the watches you love man, and hopefully you'll never have to think about an auction block or Forum For-Sale section.

[BakerView]

[QUOTE=assetmanx;9262535]Your input is much appreciated. I'd rather have one patronizing remark too many, so nothing to worry about.

I am really new here. I am also very meticulous when I do things, so I have of course been reading here and there also on this forum.

Re: "Full-Kit" -- what in your view is the advantage of fulll kit? Full kit clearly is more expensive than the watch by itself. They are in the 9k-14k euro range.
Re: polished watches -- are we talking smoothed out edges and reduced lugs?
Re: decisions in Geneva -- any good examples?

Sorry, I missed the last one. The biggest of these examples would be the result of a watch model being discontinued, and the amount of time it was in production. There are likely many others that reach deeper into the specific history, or technical nature of the watch itself, its manufacturing process, and who is an ambassador for that model, and so on...

Best of luck. It's a wonderful hobby that provides the members on the TRF a lot of pleasure in ownership.

[jimcameron]

Originally Posted by assetmanx

I hope to build a Rolex Collection with newer vintage watches that hopefully will appreciate in value.

Am I off in thinking that a 20 year old watch would be a good place to start?

I hope to buy a watch every year. How would you look at this?

I would not look at collecting watches as an investment. If you want one or more watches, and you can afford them as a luxury item, go for it.

If you buy enough watches, over 20 years, you will be sending in about 2 watches a year for service. If they are vintage, the service cost may be substantial. The Rolex wave may crash on the beach at any time.

[SS Oyster]

If you purchase a Rolex you love to wear, you will be a winner because it will feel great when you wear it. It's a quality timepiece. Probably the only watch that may retain it's value (especially if SS) purchased at retail, which means you get to wear the watch you love to wear and at some time in the future if you must or wish to sell, it will lose less (or possibly gain) in value, which is pretty great. Most watch brands lose quite a bit when used. Rolex and PP, possibly AP, if the right watch don't suffer that fate, which is one of the reasons they are so desirable.

[assetmanx]

Regarding all of the above: I only want to buy watches I would love to wear.

I would at the same time love to make sure that what I choose is something that will either retain its value or better yet: go up in price.

I have a thing for late 90's watches, as these where what I used to admire on the wrists of adults. For me they offer something pure.

[Boaters]

Very simple buy what you like and wear what you like not what others like or wear. I also think a 16710 would be an excellent place to start. Happy hunting.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by assetmanx

I would at the same time love to make sure that what I choose is something that will either retain its value or better yet: go up in price.

Barring serious economic collapse any one of the 5 digit sport watches should check this box.

[assetmanx]

Thank you all for you input. I am more confident now in my search. I will move on and hope to present a purchase soon.

I like the repeated suggestions to buy something I like. Who would ever sanely buy something they do not like? For my part, that would be very strange.

[sbrana]

Any news on your decision? I am a GMT owner, too.

[danwang0520]

I would go with 5 digits......

[inadeje]

Buy watches that appeal to your taste and not what others on this and other forums dictate. That personal taste will help you pick future winners and also steer clear of the “whats hot” brigade. I’ve always been a “left field” collector. When the world screams ss, I go pm, when the world screamed sub, I went exp II, when the world didn’t want the daytona, I bought one. 30 years later...I have my collection, which I grow and fine tune annually. Its tough not to follow the herds but, if you just pick up what appeals to you, it’ll probably appeal to others of your generation and, thus, will have future value.