Falling out of love with Rolex

[maxiboy60]

I bought my 16610 sub in '08 and added a 114270 Explorer in '16. I can hand on heart say that no watches in the current Rolex stable interest me and have been rather disappointed with the Baselword '18 offering. Maybe that is a good thing given that I would have to wait years to acquire one of the new models if I did have interest.

Given the design direction, the supply issues and the price increases (vintage and new) of 2018 Rolex I am seriously wondering if I will add another to my collection again (tough life I know!).

From what I've read since yesterday I suspect many may feel the same. If that is the case what direction will your collection go in - Tudor, Omega, AP?

[watchwatcher]

It's good to be content. If you've got two great watches you love, why go in any direction at all?

[HL65]

Wish I could say the same would save me so much money! You are a lucky guy!!

[GRabens]

I agree. Prices are absurdly high. Artificial supply under serves market demand on popular models. At some point other brands start to become more attractive rather than deal with the constant frustration of trying to get one of the few watches in their current lineup that you like.

[~JJ]

Nope, I was impressed with the releases from both Rolex and PP... also, loving the new JLC line that was released at SIHH. I personally love watches, regardless of brand. Don't let not getting a certain piece or the short sited watch investor types pull you out of the hobby, stay strong!

[busytimmy]

I'm a little put off myself, too. Mostly about the square cases and somewhat about the sales tactics.

[karmatp]

That is a good thing. Now if you decide to add another watch, you can enjoy another brand. 40 million in marketing has many around these parts brain washed.

[DoctorA]

I’m disappointed and will need to take (or force myself if I can) some time off and reconsider my collection and what to keep, what to get rid of but definetly am looking at other brands now!

[FTX I]

High expectations lead to big disappointments.

[Mystro]

I went through a Rolex cooling off 10 years ago. It gave me some time to focus on other brands to add with my Rolex watches. Not being brand centric keeps it fresh and is more interesting.

[Maiden]

Nothing wrong with that, brands evolve, tastes evolve, Rolex cant be all things to all people. You have two great references you like, so explore other options.

[zjd168]

ease, for the supply issue, the only model that is really very difficult to get is Daytona SS. Others might take some time and effort but reachable.

[Lol-x]

This happens every year after Baselworld...

[AK797]

Still love the brand but the headache of getting these SS watches is not helping altho it makes the forum a lot more lively. I won't have more than one SS Rolex now and the LVc is happily taking that space so I'm cool.

[1largecockpit]

Originally Posted by maxiboy60

I bought my 16610 sub in '08 and added a 114270 Explorer in '16. I can hand on heart say that no watches in the current Rolex stable interest me and have been rather disappointed with the Baselword '18 offering. Maybe that is a good thing given that I would have to wait years to acquire one of the new models if I did have interest.

Given the design direction, the supply issues and the price increases (vintage and new) of 2018 Rolex I am seriously wondering if I will add another to my collection again (tough life I know!).

From what I've read since yesterday I suspect many may feel the same. If that is the case what direction will your collection go in - Tudor, Omega, AP?

Step up , if you truly want a special Rolex one the boys don't fight over , grab your b.lls and dig deep . Buy a precious metal model. Owning a PM model is like owning a sub in the late 90`s early 2000 . Stand out from the crowd .

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by AK797

Still love the brand but the headache of getting these SS watches is not helping altho it makes the forum a lot more lively. I won't have more than one SS Rolex now and the LVc is happily taking that space so I'm cool.

Yacht-Master hitting the road, Neil? I like the blue dial. Beautiful watch.

[SpeedyTuomas]

I feel you - only a few classic models that I would want and even they seem overpriced for steel watches and too hard to find - so blaah.

[fishingbear]

I have felt this way at different times with the brand over the years. It tends to ebb and flow with buyers having different tastes and needs, so a company like Rolex can’t please everyone every year.
Personally, I am at a time right now where as I didn’t have a lot of new interest for many Basel years then the new ceramic Daytona dropped...
...then the 126600 Sea Dweller...
...then the 326934 SS Sky Dweller...
...and now the new SS Pepsi GMT.
So in the last year or so I went from little new interest, to acquiring the SD43 + White dial Daytona and have a new blue sky-dweller and SS Pepsi on order.

[dafuture]

Personally, I've been disappointed in how Rolex handles their sales model and supply.
As someone who works hard to save for each piece I own, it out and out sucks that I'm completely unable to just go buy the watch I like.
It's almost as if Rolex is saying that they don't want me as a customer because I can't also afford their PM models. I know that's a bit harsh, but when I'm hearing quotes of 5 years to get a Pepsi GMT because I can't buy a Day Date, I'm not sure what else to think.

[JJK]

I still love them but not at 10k minimum.
I may turn one of my explorer 1s into a 5 digit sub and call it good. Or a 39mm Tudor sub.

[scarlet knight]

I like the Tudor Pepsi GMT at 66% off the Rolex Pepsi GMT.

[Jhowton23]

variety is the spice of life. buy what you like. its as simple as that!

[codecow]

Omega isn’t an option really. They’re figuring out how to sell Speedmasters at Daytona prices and some of the 3500 (lol) limited pieces are semi hard to get.

[alexxelor]

I understand you ! I also prefer the old lines ...

[benlee]

AP is a lot worse actually if you do not like high price, insane waitlist and lack of availability. Maybe Tudor or Omega. Or better buy nothing and save $$

[Speedbird-1]

Hands up, who can't see we're being 'played'?
It's the market.
We all know, the most desirable 'things' always come at a premium, one way or another.
Be it, expensive watches, fast cars, big sparkly diamonds, nice houses or, some
might say, beautiful women (other genders are available).

We moan about the cost, but, in the end we're happy to 'stump up', to get
that which we most desire.

So play the game, buy your Omega, PP, AP or whatever.
But ,you know that, in
you heart that, that 'Rolex' will be calling you, like a Siren from the mist
of your local AD.

[Fabrice M]

I think what you dislike about Rolex is precisely what I love. I also would argue that there is no design direction, and what I mean by that, is the Rolex design direction has always been the same since it was founded: small, incremental changes to make the original better. If for example you look at the new SS Pepsi, it is the same as the one made 50 years ago, but with a stronger case, better steel, better jubilee bracelet, better movement, scratch résistent ceramic bezel, etc... but the overall design is the same. With Rolex, it is always about “how can we make the last iteration:better”.

[DKRanger22]

You can look at it twofold: yes, prices are going up, but so are used values. Long term, it's hard to lose on a Rolex purchase. With most other brands, depreciation hits like a ton of bricks the minute you pull out of the AD'd parking lot.

[superdog]

I fell out of love in the past.

I moved every one of my Rolex watches.

I came back. I learned that lesson the hard way. I don't love the mother ship. I don't love the way they are behaving. I don't agree with their business practices.

But I love their watches. And clearly they are in control. So I will simply sit back and do my thing.

[tbonesteak]

I hope EVERYONE feels like this...

Cheaper prices and no waiting lists for me