Am I Nuts to Get a Rolex at Age 18?

[Lark]

Unless I lived in a large metropolitan area where a subway, bus or taxi was the norm I'd probably wait a bit. Events can change priorities pretty quickly and having the money for personal transportation might come in handy. Now it's been over 50 years since I was your age so considered that. Sporting a new Rolex while having to bum a ride from parents and friends seems well...not quite right.

[Nalk7]

Go for it man! I got my first one when I was about 20, and even though I have other Rolexes my first is still my daily driver and most loved watch because of all the memories. Good luck!

[JP Chestnut]

Either go on an amazing trip, or pay your own way at school - assuming mom and dad are bankrolling you.

[csfischer20]

I started an eBay watch business and flipped watches until I had a sub and a panerai at age 22. Of course I got bit by a scammer and it ruined me 60 transactions in, but it was only to support my watch habit anyway. I also stay away from eBay now for luxury items because of all the scam artists. Anyway, I was judged and I didn't care. Do what you like and can live with. If you want the Rolex and you're willing to make it a priority, go for it. I wish I still had my first sub.

[GradyPhilpott]

I took the bus to and from school when I was in college.

I wouldn't wear anything expensive under those conditions, unless you live in some very special place where only the nicest of people ride the bus who care about the well-being, safety, and comfort of fellow riders more than they care about their own personal desires.

There were times that I felt I was lucky to get home with my life.

No, you're not too young to buy a Rolex and you're definitely not crazy for wanting to do so.

It may just be that your circumstances may not be the best at this time.

[And1dre]

Go for it! As long as you have your priorities straight.

[henrylee]

Doet yolo!

[Bigsykedaddy]

I don't think you're crazy and I wish I would have bought my Sub when I was 18 (it was a lot cheaper then lol.) However, that being said I would personally buy a car first, even if it's just a beater to get around. Then work your butt off and buy the Sub after the car.

[opaline460]

You got it you get it

[SearChart]

Not at all, get that sub!

[Jaycnyp]

Go for it! You only live once. BTW, we are all enablers here, it's like going to a bar and asking the drunk on the bar stool if you should drink

[Sydny2]

It's your money and your watch, why care others? In stead, you should be proud of it

[kentheevil]

I got my first at 17 and second at 18 so absolutely not who cares what everyone else thinks? The goal is to be happy not please everybody!

[Nairn1980]

Impressive!! I was always desperate to drive with first driving lesson on my 17th birthday (age to start driving in UK). All money was focussed on driving and cars and all my friends were the same.

I have to say wanting a sub shows a different frame of mind and a great maturity. I didn't get into watches until I was in mid to late 20s.

Just remember it's a lot of money to "tie up" and whilst you're happy taking the bus now, that may change and you may need a car for various reasons.

If you've done all that thinking and still want your sub, I say GO FOR IT!!

[versatile1]

My Daughter is 17 yrs old and wears a mint OysterQuartz.
There isn't a kid her age that even knows what it is from a Nixon.
Buy it, wear it and enjoy it.

[wuyeah]

If your nuts are fully matured, why not LOL!!!!

[Lol-x]

I wish.....I just wish........I had the chance to own and wear a Rolex when I was 18.......

If you can do, just appreciate the great privilege you are receiving.

That is all.

[AASH]

Buy a Rolex as soon as you can!

[Onikage]

Are you sure you don't need a car? Chicks dig cars. The watch no one will notice or assume it's a fake. Crazy? No but.. Chicks and stuff.
My advice - go preowned, mint from a reputable bricks and mortar store. Then when you need a car you ccan liquidate the watch at minimal loss.

[nursejm]

A blogger Jake Ehrlich (http://www.rolexmagazine.com)
got his first rolex a submariner at age 16.

Read his story on his site for sure you will be inspired to buy that Rolex now Asap.

Getting at 18 is not bad at all, but I envy you coz i got my first Rolex at 32..


Best regards,

[dr.fiddy]

Just do it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ryan.uk]

My 2-cents are to really think long and hard on not going for a car - I couldn't afford all my lessons and running a car until I was in to my early twenties.

Getting a car actually afforded me the life of being able to get luxury watches - as soon as you're out of college (and perhaps even during) you're going to want/need to work. Having a car takes away any concern of having to check that the place of work is on a convenient public transport route.

A car is freedom, a car is opportunity. A Rolex is a watch. An amazing watch, a watch worthy of adoration, a watch that will hold value well - but it will get you nowhere, it will present you no opportunities.

At the end of the day; only you can make the choice and understand your own personal circumstances. I certainly would never judge you at your age wearing a Sub if I met you, or interviewed you for a job for example.

If anything I would see it as a sign that you appreciate the finer things; and if you showed yourself to be someone who actually understands how the watch works too, and could talk with me about escapements and balance wheels and mainsprings I'd see that as even more positive.

It's awesome that you've been that interested in watches since you were little. My son is 8 and quite interested in watches too - I hope he turns out to be as mature and thoughtful as you when he reaches 18.

Good luck deciding!

[Watchwah]

If you can afford, buy it and wear it proudly. Don't allow people's judgement stop you from doing or owing something you love!

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by ryan.uk

Getting a car actually afforded me the life of being able to get luxury watches - as soon as you're out of college (and perhaps even during) you're going to want/need to work. Having a car takes away any concern of having to check that the place of work is on a convenient public transport route.

A car is freedom, a car is opportunity. A Rolex is a watch. An amazing watch, a watch worthy of adoration, a watch that will hold value well - but it will get you nowhere, it will present you no opportunities.

Good luck deciding!

Best advice, here.

OP, at your age, my suggestion would be the car over the watch as well for the reasons articulated above.

[Mick P]

To the OP

You are 18 and I am 68 and if I was in your position I would buy the Rolex today and wear it every day for the rest of your life.

When you hit 68 (and sadly one day you will) you will have a watch that you have owned and worn for 50 years and that is something special. You might even appear on the Antiques Roadshow and be told that your Sub is now worth a fortune to a collector. Alternatively you could pass it on to your son and that really will be something special.

Go for it my son.

Regards

Mick

[ejvette]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

It doesn't really matter what age you are, spending on a $5K+ watch is a big decision. If you don't need the watch or car then the better decision would likely be to invest the money early on and watch it grow.

I agree with this school of thought ..... put that money in an index fund and forget about it buy the watch later on when your more established in life.... unless of course your a trust fund baby then go for it

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

I wish.....I just wish........I had the chance to own and wear a Rolex when I was 18.......

If you can do, just appreciate the great privilege you are receiving.

That is all.

X2

[Rolexgal2017]

Yes, I think it's nuts. Is your tuition all paid for? What about the cost of books? Those can be pricey. I remember spending $600 a semester on books.

I've witnessed people dropping out of college due to changes in financial aid. Save the money and spend it wisely. Maybe wait to purchase a watch for graduation instead.

[jmiicustomz]

Is college paid for? If so buy the watch if you like it, it will be cheaper ownership than the car anyway. If college isn't 100% paid for, pay for it first. My wife got her master's at 22 but it came with over 50k in student loans, we pay about 2x our mortgage each month to student loans. If you can save yourself from that, do it! Just my $.02

To know the future is to be trapped by it

[airchitect]

My first gig out of college netted me a 2500-3k bonus when I was about 6mths in. Wanted to buy a new Pepsi GMT. Instead I listened to others and "saved" it only to use it on stuff I don't remember. Strike while the iron is hot my friend......