re: Rolex prices tanking

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work on submarines where I inadvertently slam my wrist into everything and none of it is soft.

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Sounds like you need a Swatch Watch protector from the 80s. Damn I’m old!


I saw a report the other day that Chinese people are buying less luxury items. When the pandemic restrictions lifted they went out and bought a ton of luxury items, but that has steeply declined recently. Wonder how much that plays into it.

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I've reduced down to a 2 watch collection because it keeps it simple. I think a lot of people are doing this and pushing more supply out.

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I’m trying to do better about this. I have a few watches that I keep mostly for nostalgia even though they get little or no wrist time. A lot of the watches I own were bought to celebrate some milestone in my life. Finishing grad school, first big promotion, that sort of stuff.

To your point about alternatives to Rolex; I’m definitely seeing a movement with younger professionals away from Rolex. I think some of that is rooted in the AD shenanigans, secondary market pricing and perception that Rolex represents old money and acknowledging that the perceived scarcity just isn’t real.

I think some now proudly wear brands like Tudor which are extremely well made watches at a relative bargain by comparison to Rolex. I picked up the Tudor Harrod’s Black Bay last year and it’s quickly become a favorite of mine.

Classic 50’s era Rolex type styling. House made internals. Didn’t break the bank. Gets lots of compliments and people wanting to see it.

I think Panerai, IWC and others sort of fall in this same space as alternatives to Rolex. I think Omega has always positioned itself as being every bit as good as Rolex.

Increasingly; I’m becoming a fan of Grand Seiko. That Lake Suwa edition they dropped is on my short list of ones I want in my collection. I’d argue that dollar for dollar GS makes the best watches on the planet and their dials are second to none. That Japanese styling just isn’t for everyone.

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I’d rather own a $30k Rolex than a $30k car or boat. Rolex will hold it’s value much better.

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I guess that’s the redneck in me??. I’d rather drive a sxs down to the river and drink a few beers and do some catfishing.

I’m not buying a watch for it to hold its value because I’ll probably never sell it.

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Panerai

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I know Arnold and sly made these huge in the 00s and they lost popularity in the past decade.... Is panerai back?

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Is panerai back?

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I don’t know that I’d say they are back; so much as enjoying a little renaissance. The styling is very distinctive and appeals to people looking for something different. The PAM is sort of timeless in that way.

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I’m not buying a watch for it to hold its value because I’ll probably never sell it.

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It’s if you have to sell it for whatever reason it will hold it’s value much better than other depreciating assets which I avoid like the plague. Nobody needs a wristwatch in 2025. I hate modern Rolex watches and I’ve had all of them except for a Daytona. Sold them all and just collect 5 digit Day Dates now.

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panerai

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Love the Radiomir, hate the size.

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Didn’t they get caught lying about their movements a few years back?

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They have caught flack on a few occasions for misrepresenting their movements. Selling some fairly generic mechanisms at what many consider a premium. I think the majority of consumers are unaware.

Thought there was also an issue of the Panerai movements getting rusted?

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Panerai is toast…. Too many models and too easily faked

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It’s a watch you buy because you like it. Will still hold $ better than a Tag but just make sure you get at a nice discount.