It’s clearly obvious that IWC and Zenith must be looking at the dismal supply of Rolex sports watches and thinking this is our time to capitalise on the current market.
Both have introduced magnificent watches at cost effective prices compared to a comparable Daytona, as an example.
Hope this trend continues and people rethink on what you can have on your wrist today, versus listening to all the BS about you will have to wait 5 to 10 years to be considered.
Just my thoughts.
Yes, taking a good hard look at IWC
Better watches, too, imho. See also Omega. Just my opinion. But people want "Rolex" and the fewer they make the more people want 'em. <shrug>Originally Posted by geoffcotton
Unfortunately with Rolex and Patek seen mainly as a commodity in the market, with more and more people seeking them out to get on the money making flipper train, the rest of the market is relying on enthusiasts. Rolex are certainly not making fewer watches but with AD’s slipping the in demand money makers out the back door to the known flippers and secondary dealers, who are in turn buying up the AD’s redundant stock of non moving Iwc, Zeniths etc, the situation of availability in store windows of Rolex etc will not change in the foreseeable.
Mark Worthington jewellers is a secondary market dealer but if you look at their constant supply of brand new unworn Rolex, all of course nicely marked up, you would think they have a direct link to Rolex itself, as the supply never stops and this is probably replicated all over the world at this moment. There are probably more steel Rolex sitting in the secondary market dealers windows than there is on the Rolex factory floor.
No need to limit it to IWC or Zenith, I'd have thought. That said, I look forward to see your Incoming threads in the not-too-distant future.
The IWC Mark XVIII and Spitfire models are very handsome. Sadly, they don't seem to make either one without the date function.
It beats me why no one bought that Zenith Tipo in sales corner or for that matter why you would sell one (unless short of cash).
Yet you didn't buy it.
The Tipo reissue lug to lug is quite big and it doesn't "wear" that small either - I'd have one already if it was a couple of mm smaller.
I don’t see the logic in an AD risking their business model with Rolex by selling to the grey market direct, do you?
Rolex would immediately revoke any contractual obligation with the AD.
So who supplies the grey market, the stork?
Its available from most supermarkets
Clearly watch flippers.
It depends on what you are after I suppose.
I was in a Rolex AD yesterday and I was told I would need a purchase history of an item (they did jewelry as well as asked me to think about them for birthdays and Christmas) and they wouldn't be able to offer me the watch I wanted as my first Rolex from them. I've not got the cash to play those sorts of games so it won't be happening but what would be my alternative from zenith or IWC?
I was after a GMT function and zenith don't do one (as far as I can see) and the IWC is about £4k more expensive.
There's other brands but that's what I wanted so nothing is appealing at the moment.
No need to ‘grovel’ for a mass-produced Rolex; there are thousands of them all over the place, so much over-supply that grey dealers actually turn them away (it’s true) . So, if you want, pay the price, but then forget the whole thing. Who would want to care about such trivia. There must be loads of buyers, like me, who ceased caring. You wear a watch, that’s the end of the whole stuff. It’s just another watch, one of many, many, thousands. Get it serviced, forget Rolex, prices, all the rest of the tedious stories. You’ll feel free. That’s a good feeling. Always, it’s just a watch.
Strange to say, but I know I will never buy, or sell, another Rolex.…... Let our hobby become just about money, and you ruin everything.
Last edited by paskinner; 31st July 2021 at 09:52.
The issue with other brands like Zenith and IWC is their very strong pricing while curbing discounts. So yes they may be available, but at 20-30% overpriced (IMO) I ain't buying.
Having picked up both a Zenith EP 3600 and an IWC 5001 black dial from SC some years ago at great prices, I can state that wearing either one gives me significantly more satisfaction than strapping on an anodyne Rolex Sub or GMT.
Prior to lock-down, I worked around the UK. Each week I would spot several steel Rolex on the wrist of the young wannabes - always worn loose to maximise the perceived value.
The 5001 or EP are perfect pieces for work or evening wear, and are great conversation starters with someone who knows a little about horology, rather than the latest 'hot' Rolex.
Bought wisely after the initial owner has taken the hit, both brands could be said to represent the thinking man's choice of wristwatch.
I don’t think the post comes across as a ‘thinking man’s post’, TBH.
Lol.
You've missed my point - the whole idea is being able to buy new from an AD. Yet other brands have also jacked their prices up into very strong pricing.
I don't believe there is a supply issue on Rolex at all, it's just that many of us are not part of, the supply. You either play the game, or you don't. Once you can accept that or accept perhaps it's not for you, there is a lot of pleasure to be had via other brands and the hobby in general, both new and used including the wonderful IWC and Zenith.
I mean, this is a thing of beauty with a gorgeous movement:
• https://www.chrono24.com.au/zenith/----id19769848.htm
Or this:
•
Last edited by stix; 31st July 2021 at 15:08.
No idea what a thinking man's watch is.
Wouldn't want any watch on my wrist to be "conversation starter"
Was the original owner who took the hit not thinking? Is it only a thinking man's watch if you got it second hand?
Zero clue what wearing a watch loose on the wrist has to do with perceived value.
Not even going to start on the wannabe nonsense.
Worth remembering that. Daytona is one of the most easily buyable. Anyone, anywhere, can buy one, latest version and finish. If you are ready to pay, that’s it. All over. A few minutes on line. There are many thousands of them, and have been for years. Hardly ‘rare’….but expensive, yes. Though, given price rises, they are not expensive either. Hence the popularity.
‘I suppose the comic bit is Daytona is one of the easiest watches to buy, available everywhere, in minutes. Easier to buy than many rivals.
P
Last edited by paskinner; 31st July 2021 at 11:20.
It’s a retail masterclass from Rolex, works well for them and the dealers. Sadly some of the dealers let them down. I’m lucky as I have used an excellent family AD for years and recently found another not too far from my new home who helped me out.
Some of the used prices are madness, same for patek and AP. Vacheron are looking like more and more of a bargain these days.
Zenith make some great watches, love panda dials and the tipo. Omega quality has certainly ramped up and they have the metas movements, word is they are clamping down on discounts from dealers too.
Last edited by Middo; 31st July 2021 at 11:37.
Must admit i do agree
Much prefer this iwc to my rolexs
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Zenith and IWC make some cracking watches. No doubt about it and can give as much pleasure, if not more than other more celebrated or in-demand watches. It is not as if you only own Rolex or you own the other brands. One can enjoy them all without it being a Rolex vs other brands issue. People who couch their arguments in these terms probably miss the essence of the hobby. Or are a wee bit defensive or insecure about their choices.
Regarding OP’s point about the current Rolex availability situation and an opportunity for Zenith/IWC to capitalise on it, I would be glad if it happens. But, somehow it doesn’t work that way. Certainly for people in the hobby it is a plus if other brands try harder to occupy the vacuum caused by Rolex.
Last edited by RAJEN; 31st July 2021 at 18:08.
Funny enough there is an IWC pop up in Liverpool today.
So, is this a forum for people who love watches, or is this a forum of ‘modern banking’. Not watches, money.
Good point,
I've spent more on a couple of watches in the last few months than in the previous 20 years, neither of which is likely to make a profit if I was to flog them, nor were they particularly difficult to source, I imagine that for some - watches are just part of their investment portfolio.
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
The simple answer is both. Both are entitled to buy them for whatever reason they wish. There is absolutely no need for one side to dislike the other. Go in peace etc.
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