DO NOT Invest in Rolex Watches - 5 Reasons Why

Here are 5 reasons to not "invest" in Rolex watches, in my opinion.

I love watches, and it is a great and rewarding hobby. Though, it is always nice to be reminded in my opinion that they are for fun and enjoyment and not "investment".

[Odat]

Actually as someone who owned many Rolexes over the years, I can say with confidence if you buy a steel sports Rolex, you’re money will probably go no where even after many years. You might actually make a little. Instead of investment, I would call it a good store of value especially if you enjoy wearing them.

[Andromahlius]

To be fair, if I can resell a watch with no loss it's already a sweet deal, I got to rent the watch for free and wear it for some time. That's what I actually do with guitars.

[thebritishindian]

I’ve never understood watch collecting. I simply buy a watch if I like it, no matter if it’s a Speedmaster or a Casio. Wearing watches is the only thing that I enjoy

[paololorini]

Buy what you love, wear it, enjoy it!

[rickjason]

If I got the call for the Daytona, I would end up keeping it. $10, 000 extra will not change my life. Good point about selling your watch. The Dealer will give you garbage. If you sell to the individual, there is a good chance of being robbed.

[kokYnity]

This video is more about flipping and trading than investing. Investing means holding an asset for a longer period of time. I recommend comparing the price evolution of rolex watches with SaP 500 since 2000.

[vinhhuynh]

No Corporations have your best interests! It's all about maximum profit for them!

[Johnwis-gpyy]

Wearing a watch over years is to me worth more than money I paid for the watch. I am lucky that Rolex and Patek are the two brands that I like more than others When one decides to sell it, believe me that Rolex and Patek will retain most of its value. None of the “experts” take into account the value you get from wearing the damn watch. It is intrinsic so, for me, even more valuable than any monetary. My rule is buy what you wear and dont spend time with instagram flexing crowd and flippers

[RootBeerGMT]

I’ve never lost money on a Rolex.

Right now you can get SeaDweller 43s, TT GMTs Ceramics, and quasi vintage subs/GMTs are all solid buys and typically 13-15k. If you are chasing the “discontinued” game or the latest douchey release-you might be in a world of pain. But, I thank you for your investment advice nonetheless

[csyih]

Totally agree. No matter cheap watches (which admittedly makes most of my collection) to luxury watches, I no longer care much about resale value. I’d never buy a Rolex again in the grey market cause I lost money every time when I let those pieces go. Put my name down for the 2023 Kermit at the local AD and if I don’t get the call, no harm done. I’d simply buy what I enjoy from another watchmaker.

[OmidSoltan]

A very interesting and sobering talk. I especially liked the part about international matters that nobody takes into account when it comes to the watch market.

[watchwarrior]

Buying a watch used to be a trip to the watch boutique or Jewelry store and picking out the watch you could afford and what you liked .
I bought my first GMT Master 16710 that way in the 90’s and I still have it to this day .
Now due to all the hype and the flippers it’s made buying a watch for your father or your son a real pain .
I bought my father a Tudor BB58 blue dial and bezel for 4k because I waited for months for the Rolex AD to try to get me a simple No Date Submariner for my father . After 7 months I just bought the Tudor for my father .
He loves it and wears it everyday .
I will be giving my watches to my Daughter . Hopefully my grandchildren will have them when they are old enough .
Don’t fall for the hype and buy other things just to get a Rolex, get a rolex because it represents a milestone in your life or a gift for a loved one .
In the end you want the watch for what it is made for and that is telling time, not waiting to be sold in the future .

[RoderickTom-gevc]

I agree, buy what u want to wear, but it’s not safe now cuz people are getting robbed. Watches are not investments, it’s a hobby.

[masterdad-zfpo]

Very few watches make a good investment ~ at least those watches that us mere mortals can afford. Personally, I won’t wear a Rolex coz they’re way too common (yes, I do have one that I bought years ago, but I never ever wear it). I like wearing watches that any watch geek in the room would look at and want to see it and ask about it because they’re not common. As one of my ADs said to me (and he sells Rolex), when he goes into the gym, 50% of the guys there are wearing a Rolex. So, he doesn’t wear one either! I’ve yet to bump into someone who is wearing the same brand, let alone watch, as me (well, once, but that’s it)

[ntag]

Translation, things are finally getting back to normal. Rolex normally holds value better than most, meaning, with servicing costs and other related costs like insurance or precautions, Rolex holds value better. Yet it's still a cost.

[paulh]

FYI you can convert US cash into other kinds of cash anywhere in the world. Credit and debit cards can convert and extract cash from ATM’s anywhere in the world. Your Rolex can be stolen or scammed from you anywhere in the world .

[leeharrisonphotos]

People also need to factor in service costs, risk of damage whilst wearing.

[mnwka]

Great content! Very informative for a novice like myself. Thank you!

[alanhau]

Thank you. To me, watches are depreciable luxurious goods, where there is only a handful of brands and certain specific models that are above retail.
Now let's assume the meaning of investment: value creation (i.e. we should look for gains).

On the basis of 80% (ish) of watches are down ~30% (or more) the moment you walk out the door of a boutique, I do agree it is not an investment. I cannot even classify it as value retention for losing so much.

Also, what you need to WAIT in a boutique? does not mean you will be gaining. That happens with a lot of non-independent brands.

On the other hand, if you pick up a great condition piece in a secondary market, you shall be able to achieve value retention on the watch.

So rule #1 really understand and compare different brands, their models, history, specialty, and then #2 buy what you love.

[drnick]

You are so right John P. Watches are not assets. Very few high end, unique pieces could be but the most are subject of depreciation. Thank you for the advice!