Which has more collectible value?

[cruvon]

Hi, bugging you guys with my newbie questions again:), thanks for being patient with me. When buying a Rolex with a prospective collectible value would you buy one that's from the beginning of the model lifecyle or one at at the end before it got discontinued?

Which of my assumptions below is True or False
1) If buy from the initial few series of a model than would be more collectable because would be a vintage plus discontinued model

2) If bought from the end of the series before being discontinued, the watch would have more life left in it while still being a discontinued model, it doesn't matter if it's got years behind it since they all have a certain lifespan so buying end of series with more life is better.

Thanks again:)

[Christiaan]

There would be arguments for both.

Lets say you bought a Sub LV, F serial (arguably the first series of the watch) and

1. Got a low serial number...say less than 100000
OR
2.bought the last of the non ceramic LV subs with a high serial number

Both may be sought after by collectors because of these traits.

[ecsub44]

I'm not sure I would bother buying a watch and speculating to it's collectibility. There's just no way to know.

If I wanted to buy a watch for collectibility purposes, I'd get something that is collectible TODAY. But even that would just be a guess for how it will be valued in the future...

[mike]

Not sure I understand the "lifespan" thing. There are timepieces older than any of us that work just as they did when new.

I have pieces that are well over 40 years old that keep time just as they did the day I bought them. Proper care is the key.

[horseco]

I think buying what interesting, but not necessarily popular now, may be the winning formula... the white Milgauss or YG Yachtmaster II come to mind... low or high production # is less important, I feel....

[MonBK]

As soon as my crystal ball is back from service I'll let you know.

[SLS]

Watches are a bad investment....realistically most people will never sell them, and when they do, they are desperate so they drop the price for a quick sale. If you are trying to justify the purchase to your SO, then that's a different story altogether! Also, if purchased new from an AD, modern Rolex Watches will depreciate for the first 10 or so years, after that, you may see some appreciation, but not much!
Scott

[ssmui]

Buy a watch that interests you TODAY, regardless of its intrinsic future collectablity.

[subloverR]

I have a used Rolex for more than year now - everytime I inquire about its value in the market, it is very close to what I paid. I consider this as a very good investment: First, the value did not drop, and I have been enjoying the watch free for a year (in case I decide to sell it).

[horseco]

Originally Posted by ssmui

Buy a watch that interests you TODAY, regardless of its intrinsic value as future collectable.

I can't see why a watch cant be a long term speculative investment like a stock or commodity...

[subloverR]

Totally agree....

[Danand]

Originally Posted by horseco

I can't see why a watch cant be a long term speculative investment like a stock or commodity...

Speculative definitely. I think with the number of rolexes made these days the likelihood of making a significant profit is pretty poor unless you have a really long time to wait. Better off putting the money in a conservative tried and true investment IMO. Or go to the casino if you want to tempt your luck for a big pay off.
Using a watch as an "investment" is likely just a rationalization of making a purchase of another watch. And to me the idea of buying (for example) a Milgauss and storing it for 40 years just doesn't seem right.

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Hi, bugging you guys with my newbie questions again:), thanks for being patient with me. When buying a Rolex with a prospective collectible value would you buy one that's from the beginning of the model lifecyle or one at at the end before it got discontinued?

Which of my assumptions below is True or False
1) If buy from the initial few series of a model than would be more collectable because would be a vintage plus discontinued model

2) If bought from the end of the series before being discontinued, the watch would have more life left in it while still being a discontinued model, it doesn't matter if it's got years behind it since they all have a certain lifespan so buying end of series with more life is better.

Thanks again:)

I would buy the newer of the two (end of the series). If they are from the same series, then they are identical watches, one is just much newer, and therefore likely in better condition. The watch will become more sought after it is discontinued, not merely because it is old. The new random serials will make it difficult to even distinguish between the old and new within a series.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Christiaan

There would be arguments for both.

Lets say you bought a Sub LV, F serial (arguably the first series of the watch) and

1. Got a low serial number...say less than 100000
OR
2.bought the last of the non ceramic LV subs with a high serial number

Both may be sought after by collectors because of these traits.

LV F arguably not the first series of the LV....Sorry----Y is!! Early F's also had Mark 1 dial but Y is the first series--also Mark 1 dial of course.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by mike

Not sure I understand the "lifespan" thing. There are timepieces older than any of us that work just as they did when new.

I have pieces that are well over 40 years old that keep time just as they did the day I bought them. Proper care is the key.

Thanks for logic Mike!!!

[jdc]

Condition,provenance and price are more important considerations than age. Buying for future investment is pure speculation who knows what future trends and fashion are going to be? Many bought bubblebacks years ago anticipating a boom, turned out to be more of a bubble.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Hi, bugging you guys with my newbie questions again:), thanks for being patient with me. When buying a Rolex with a prospective collectible value would you buy one that's from the beginning of the model lifecyle or one at at the end before it got discontinued?

Which of my assumptions below is True or False
1) If buy from the initial few series of a model than would be more collectable because would be a vintage plus discontinued model

2) If bought from the end of the series before being discontinued, the watch would have more life left in it while still being a discontinued model, it doesn't matter if it's got years behind it since they all have a certain lifespan so buying end of series with more life is better.

Thanks again:)

Real serious watch collectors would not give a toss what the case letter was, its the watch they are interested in.And IMHO no modern day Rolex would be classed as collectible by any real serious watch collector.And I have Rolex watches from the 1920s still alive and ticking, and will be still ticking long after I am gone.And why today is Rolex watches all about $$$££££ will this or that model etc.You buy a Rolex knowing with a little care from its owner it will last a life time.And if you ever need to sell that watch if you get a return then thats a added bonus of owning and wearing for years one on the finest watches made today.Thats whats buying a Rolex is about its not all $$$$$$£££££ buy the watch because you want too.

[RolexWatcher]

cruvon, you want to be sure you are getting a collectible? Get something now that is a collectible.

If you want to speculate on getting something now that might become a collectible in the future, your guess is as good as mine.

[Paulie 50]

Originally Posted by SLS

Watches are a bad investment....realistically most people will never sell them, and when they do, they are desperate so they drop the price for a quick sale. If you are trying to justify the purchase to your SO, then that's a different story altogether! Also, if purchased new from an AD, modern Rolex Watches will depreciate for the first 10 or so years, after that, you may see some appreciation, but not much!
Scott

X2.

[HL65]

PS--If you are buying a modern watch for an investment--best of luck to you! Buy it to wear and enjoy or don't buy it!

[cruvon]

Hi guys, thanks for the advice. If a collectible looking at something from the 60's-70s, is that old enough or still too modern?.. For a modern watch as a collectible I guess is very difficult to say whether they would have any extended value because of the numbers they are produced in so true for those I wulod just buy something I like.

[watchf]

Originally Posted by RolexWatcher

cruvon, you want to be sure you are getting a collectible? Get something now that is a collectible.

If you want to speculate on getting something now that might become a collectible in the future, your guess is as good as mine.

I agree. If getting a modern Rolex just get one in a good condition and a good deal. If getting a vintage collectible then worry about the collectible details.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Hi guys, thanks for the advice. If a collectible looking at something from the 60's-70s, is that old enough or still too modern?.. For a modern watch as a collectible I guess is very difficult to say whether they would have any extended value because of the numbers they are produced in so true for those I wulod just buy something I like.

Of course 60-70s vintage and no not too modern!! Take the time to educate yourself and read up on vintage if that is your interest.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by mike

Not sure I understand the "lifespan" thing. There are timepieces older than any of us that work just as they did when new.

I have pieces that are well over 40 years old that keep time just as they did the day I bought them. Proper care is the key.

Speak for yourself Mike.

You are correct and as we move forward technology makes it easier to manufacture and repair replacement parts.