The Rolex hunt

Desperation is a bad thing. I've been in this game for nearly 60 years and never been "desperate" to get any watch. Especially a Rolex. Often I could afford one but never got one. I'll not cave to their marketing ploys. Plenty of lesser known and better watches available.

The demand for a Rolex is out of sync with their specs. Great watches? Absolutely! Better options available at better prices? Absolutely, just as @foghorn  says.

Never over extend yourself. This is true in skiing, finances, and even wanting of an object. 

Truly inspirational. Been eagerly waiting to get out of med school so I could finally get a few. 

now working on my research paper and I just realised how translational your wisdom is.

i am keen to get a gmt and the new seiko seems to fit in… what do you guys think? 
 

I also was looking at alternatives and saw the blancpain and the glashutte. at a more atractive price point also the mido ocean star… Btw I’m have a skinny wrist so nothing too big 

Just realised how to reply. thanks for your reply! 

You’re a little all over the spectrum with your price points and styles.  You did ask about a GMT.  Might I suggest this one:

https://www.ashford.com/glycine-gl0381.html It’s on sale for $650.

As other options, if you’re looking for a true/traveler’s GMT, maybe a BB GMT or a Longines Zulu Time would fit the bill.

@UnholiestJedi & @foghorn are spot on. I say this being on the other side of wanting a Rolex for many years. I don't have that burning desire but I've known it.  I only own Explorer models - an old Explorer II and a new 36mm. I've owned Subs, Datejust etc. I just like the Explorer from Rolex. One great thing about Rolex new marketing game is that you get to learn about so many other awesome brands. IMO,  Omega and Grand Seiko are killing it with design, tech and movements. These pieces are in the same retail price range with far superior movements & truly new design.  

I can't begin to understand what it feels like to finish Medical School and want to mark that accomplishment with a Rolex. I've mentioned other brands. To be fair IMO Rolex makes awesome watches. I smile because I even prefer their bracelets versus most watches.  I wear few watches with a bracelet now & when I do it is a Rolex. Dig in with one AD and bug the shit out of them. They know the game and expect the texts and calls. I did not have an option to wait until after work to look at the new 36mm.  I got the call and was given 30 mins to pay... yes pay in full or it was gone. I paid retail - it sucked but that is Rolex now. I digress.  Dig in, b3 ready to act on the watch you want. We are all watch addicted here so we get the desperation of addiction BUT hold out for the watch you want if it's Rolex or nothing.  Honestly,  I hope you the Rolex you want soon = you've earned it. Also, you will then be over the Rolex hurdle and looking to collect so many other awesome brands! Nothing like Spring Drive or Coaxial Movement to be fire up about.... I just put 2 more watches on your collection list. Best of luck and keep bugging that 1 AD to death!

Sir, honestly, I believe you are on the wrong site if you are asking if anyone is desperate enough to do whatever it takes to get a Rolex.  What I've come to discover about watch enthusiast communities is that everyone greatly admires Rolex watches - they're fantastically built, they have timeless designs, and they'll last a lifetime - however, a large proportion of the enthusiasts would much rather have other watches, even at MSRP.  There are true, loyal lovers of Rolex here on WC, but most of those folks got theirs before the Instagram Effect kicked in, or even today get theirs for MSRP, and would never pay a dime more than that.  Finally, since Rolex is coveted by muggles, and their muggle desire to flex has driven prices up, you cannot have a Rolex at MSRP - market price for most steel models is 50% - 100% premium on MSRP.

But, for ease of comparison, let's stick with MSRP.

Dive watches

• You could get a Rolex Submariner for $8,950 MSRP...

• Or, pick up a Glashuette SeaQ for $10,200

• Or, better yet, the Panodate for $12,400

• Or...  my pick would be the Grand Seiko SBGA463...  titanium and spring drive...  out of this world awesome for only $7,300!!!

GMT watches

• Rolex Explorer II for $9,500 MSRP

• Or get the Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer for $8,900

• Or, my pick would be the Grand Seiko SBGJ261 for only $6,800!!!

You said you're a doctor, right?

In my case, the only prescription is more Grand Seiko.  I started out buying Breitling and Rolex, and then very quickly came to the conclusion that I felt Omegas were far better value.  Then, I discovered Grand Seiko, and haven't had the desire to get another Swiss watch ever again.

I can get an omega from the airport VAT free. Been considering it for a while just that i have not yet made my mind. i did consider to get this - seamaster but realised it wears too big on me. And it was before I start reading about the speedmaster. 
I do plan to select one in the near future. Btw. i Did get to purchase a Rolex air king 116900 only that it wasnt what I always wanted and it was abroad. I impulsively got  it knowing that it’s Likely to be discluntined and that it was a super lucky thing to be offered one. I felt empty afterwards and never wore it - still has the stickers on it…since then the hype started. 

currentky I really like the blancpain fifty fathoms or the glashuttte originalfor for some reason. I did view everything else like Tudor but not clicking it. 

I'd look at Omega's catalogue and buy something nice from it, honestly.

Didn’t feel a connection with the bb Gmt. I haven’t seen the gmt Zulu yet. 

https://monochrome-watches.com/longines-spirit-zulu-time-gmt-watch-hands-on-review-video-price/

My Rolex desire were far earlier than the hype I only have instagram since February of this year….. I never get influenced by such things. 

always wanted a Rolex but could only come to afford it just recently. For the past 8 years always looking at their website and saving for it when I was a Student. Although I might have managed it a couple of years ago I still thought to prioritise stability before buying anything of that sort 

Funny enough I did consider all the above. Maybe missing the Reveso which is another cool piece I love.  and yes I wouldn’t pay a dime Above the MSRP being the watch enthusiast I am. 
 

I did collect many g shocks taking advantage of Student discounts and tax refunds while travelling abroad 

If you like the Reverso, I’d get it.  I love my Master Control Date from JLC. They make great pieces that you can actually walk into an AD and buy.

MSRP or BUST! I love Casio, Seiko, and Grand Seikos, too 👍😊

Hi @Drmedme, 

Well, count me in! 

I have also one nearby local AD here in Germany and I am a "frequent" customer already. 
However, I am on a waitlist for a Sub (no date) for nearly a year now.
My age at 26 is also not the best thing, I guess. 
The money isn't the issue, but I guess that the admittedly "older" staff is a little bit reserved. 
I hope to get a call one day but if I am completely honest with you, I just like the classic design of the Sub (the complete package) and nothing else quite compete with it. 

After the Sub there are only some Omega watches which interests me. 
Since I am constantly saving up for the Sub, I would like to buy the Sub first and no Omega. 

Best regards to you in London and stay strong! 

Sebastian

Welcome to WC my friend have you considered Tudor?

Yep, especially the black bay 58 but I wasn’t so Convinced. I will eventually get a Tudor but just not now.

I’m amazed none mentioned the blankpain - I was looking for some feedback on those. as I might also buy it at a considerably lower price than msrp- 

I know what you're going through but luckily for me I've never been drawn to Rolex. A lot of watch enthusiast say the pleasure is in the hunt for the grail watch. I've now learned to use the time to do the research. If you're set on a Rolex then I'm afraid I can't offer any advice as to me it looks like the AD holds all the cards at present, but situations change and it might be worth holding out. 

I can’t get a Rolex lately but I’ve had great experiences buying a Blancpain, Glashutte Original, Cartier, and even a Chanel J12 for my wife.

There are fantastic brands and watches out there.  I don’t know why people fixate on Rolex. 

Heya, welcome! I might have missed it in the comments but which Rolex model(s) are you interested in? My brother was able to acquire a DJ41 in the setting he wanted after a few months, without any prior purchases. I am not sure which one specifically but he said it was Watches of Switzerland in London.

My opinion is a little different from many of the other respected members here: if you want a Rolex, get a Rolex. In the mean while, there are many watches at attainable levels that can help scratch that itch, like that Mido you mentioned. Very nice, if you don't mind all polished surfaces. I believe the Blancpain FF is very different from the Sub. Respected in their own rights.

What I have found though, is that sometimes trying on a watch, wearing the watch for a few days give you a completely different perspective sometimes. I was deadset on collecting 5 dress watches throughout my life and well, there's a 45mm quartz pilot watch in my collection currently.

I also think meeting a good sales rep is just part of the hunt (for luxury watches). I've met some terrible persons when looking for a Tudor. Not even Rolex, Tudor. On the other hand, I've also met some wonderful reps showing me their pre-loved Rolex and whatnots.

Good luck with your hunt, and once you meet that great representative, I'm sure the Rolex you are coveting will be in your hands sooner than later.

I am so pleased I joined as reading your comments somewhat calms me down and vents my frustration. 
 

I don’t know what the future holds but one thing is sure. Impulsive buys are harmful and our thoughts and taste change a lot. 

Buy vintage Rolex. Its an "old money" watch anyway. People never look past the dial logo to tell how old it is. A good serviced vintage sub will outlive you and is affordable. A bank account will mean more than jewelry for any young man

WoS is one of the most monopolistic AD here imo

congrats to your brother! 

I am looking forward for an explorer! frankly I had saved up for a multitude of watches (not exlusevly Rolex) but never had the courage to spend until I could secure some stability. I did put time and effort into a few endeavours when I was a Student and got lucky I guess. Bare in mind that I come from a highly financially unstable family! and a penny to me is really worth its weight. 

To put an end to a paradigm of irony…. 

so much of value retention consciousness yet the whole idea of value is purely based on marketing and demand. 
 

To an impending collapse of an economy something it’s only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. At a certain point the arbitrary measure of value will reach its peak and the hyperinflated demand will fade in comparison to the intrinsic value. 

so i dont see the ever expanding sustainability of that… this what distinguishes MSRP purist and the general public speculators! 

Yet we would jump at the oppuryunity to buy deals below MRSP? isn’t it ? In principal maybe. so just let it be… the Unfairness is instilled in the economic mechanisms  

to be honest im thinking the longer im in this hobby the more I want to stay away from rolex.

I only like the root beer, explorer 1+2 anyway tbh 

Understandable. Watches were not the first things I spent a large amount of money on, but they felt more like necessary purchases than watches for sure. I guess all I can say is remember what this feeling!

Assuming you're working for the NHS soon - good luck from the other side of the pond. 😁

Get a Tudor first. It is from the same company, Rolex.  

Rolex is for stuffy old doctors.  I can see you rocking a Moser or F.P. Journe.  A Cartier is nice if it is your style.  If you must get a dive watch, any supercompressor is a good choice.  If it must look like a conventional diver consider Blancpain Fifty Fathoms or Omega Seamaster. Don't pay Patek, Rolex or Tudor money just so they can treat you poorly.