[aonanj]

Hi, I recently decided to purchase one of two watches: either an Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon (likely 311.92.44.51.01.004; $12k authorized retail) or a Rolex Datejust 41 Wimbledon dial (fluted bezel on jubilee bracelet; $15k grey market new). I realize these two pieces don't look especially similar, but I find both immensely appealing and near a price point I'm comfortable with. Neither would be intended to be a daily driver, and because they're different and I love both, I can't decide which to buy. I've decided to settle this dilemma based on long term value. I'm not purchasing with the expectation of appreciation, since neither seems especially scarce or likely to become so in the foreseeable future.

That said, neither seems especially likely to experience dramatic depreciation if adequately maintained and cared for. My hesitation is that the Rolex climbs outside $15k if acquired from an authorized dealer. If I find both of these watches equally appealing to the point at which the sole deciding factor is long term value, would anyone recommend against the Rolex due to grey market acquisition? I'm unfamiliar with grey market purchasing, but I assume there's some risk built into the discounted price point. So assuming such a risk, does that risk reduce the long term value of the Rolex by over $3k or otherwise make the Omega a better choice?

Also willing to hear alternatives at this price point that anyone considers clearly superior to the Wimbledon Datejust 41 and Speedmaster DSotM (apart from divers). Really appreciate any opinions or insights here, even if to tell me both would be mistake (would also appreciate why).

 

[Bucks]

This post needs pics!!! I would be reluctant to buy grey with the Rollie as they are the most faked watch around. Otherwise both are solid choices.

 

[Nippero]

That said, neither seems especially likely to experience dramatic depreciation if adequately maintained and cared for. My hesitation is that the Rolex climbs outside $15k if acquired from an authorized dealer.

This part confuses me... That Rolex is $9,900USD retail (Rolex Datejust 41 Watch: White Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and white gold - m126334-0022), an AD would be selling it new for retail price. So I'm not sure what ADs you're looking at, if anyone is selling it to you for 15k, thats grey market inflated prices.

DSOTM will depreciate the moment you buy it because it hasn't been sucked into the insane grey market watch bubble yet. Check Chrono 24 and you'll see it for around 10k depending on what specific reference and condition. On the flip side, you can likely get it for less than $12k new if you haggle with some ADs.

 

[aonanj]

This part confuses me... That Rolex is $9,900USD retail (Rolex Datejust 41 Watch: White Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and white gold - m126334-0022), an AD would be selling it new for retail price. So I'm not sure what ADs you're looking at, if anyone is selling it to you for 15k, thats grey market inflated prices.

DSOTM will depreciate the moment you buy it because it hasn't been sucked into the insane grey market watch bubble yet. Check Chrono 24 and you'll see it for around 10k depending on what specific reference and condition. On the flip side, you can likely get it for less than $12k new if you haggle with some ADs.

Sorry, you're correct in terms of suggested retail, but I haven't been able to find a Rolex authorized dealer with that exact configuration for sale. It's entirely my particularity here -- if it's not that exact Datejust 41 configuration, then it's the going to be the Omega.

 

[De Wolfe]

Buy the watch you like most on your wrist, "future value" no one can know or apprehend

 

[aonanj]

This post needs pics!!! I would be reluctant to buy grey with the Rollie as they are the most faked watch around. Otherwise both are solid choices.

Done. Thanks!

 

[Digmac]

The Roman numerals and the color of the dial on that Rolex just isn’t working for me. The lone index at 9 is awkward as well.

The DSOTM would be my pick. I think you’re getting more watch for the money too.

 

[aonanj]

The Roman numerals and the color of the dial on that Rolex just isn’t working for me. The lone index at 9 is awkward as well.

The DSOTM would be my pick. I think you’re getting more watch for the money too.

Honestly, I've been going back and forth between these two for a couple months, waiting to have a bonus check in hand before buying, and the Rolex's incongruity at 9 had never occurred to me. Now that you've pointed it out, I hate it and I'm 100% visiting an Omega dealer tomorrow. Poll closed lol

 

[M.N.A]

Paying 15K for a Wimbledon Datejust is pretty steep, if you want to pay over retail for a Rolex that maintains a better resale value then you should consider a Rolex sport SS such as a Sub, GMT, this way it would be easier to sell / flip at minimum loss. Don't believe all this hype as some of it is very much exaggerated and is driven by grey dealers who want to take advantage of the current situation. Although a Wimbledon Dial is a sought after configuration however, it is not going to be same as a Hulk or a Pepsi since there too many variations that are easier to source with less general interest. At 15k expect to lose 15% to 20% immediately at current market price while a SS hot model would lose 5% to 10% .

As for OMEGA, my advise is don't pay the asking retail price, you should look for a good discount between 10% to 20% off. You should also consider that you will lose 20-25% in case you want to sell it in the future, so if it retails at USD 12K you should get it at 10K and sell it for 7 to 8K down the road at current market price.

In summary you would lose almost that same amount for both watches, unless Rolex prices keep going up aggressively which in my opinion is unlikely to happen especially for datejusts.

My advise is to try sourcing a new DJ from an AD at retail even if it is a different dial configuration as all 41 DJs look stunning especially with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet, I would also consider an OMEGA moon watch 3861 sapphire.

 

[aonanj]

Paying 15K for a Wimbledon Datejust is pretty steep, if you want to pay over retail for a Rolex that maintains a better resale value then you should consider a Rolex sport SS such as a Sub, GMT, this way it would be easier to sell / flip at minimum loss. Don't believe all this hype as some of it is very much exaggerated and is driven by grey dealers who want to take advantage of the current situation. Although a Wimbledon Dial is a sought after configuration however, it is not going to be same as a Hulk or a Pepsi since there too many variations that are easier to source with less general interest. At 15k expect to lose 15% to 20% immediately at current market price while a SS hot model would lose 5% to 10% .

As for OMEGA, my advise is don't pay the asking retail price, you should look for a good discount between 10% to 20% off. You should also consider that you will lose 20-25% in case you want to sell it in the future, so if it retails at USD 12K you should get it at 10K and sell it for 7 to 8K down the road at current market price.

In summary you would lose almost that same amount for both watches, unless Rolex prices keep going up aggressively which in my opinion is unlikely to happen especially for datejusts.

My advise is to try sourcing a new DJ from an AD at retail even if it is a different dial configuration as all 41 DJs look stunning especially with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet, I would also consider an OMEGA moon watch 3861 sapphire.

Really appreciate the thoughtful response. Neither would be intended as an investment piece, but $10-15k is pretty huge sum to me, so thank you for some estimations/alternatives that I can consider

 

[HiggsBoson]

1000% the DSOM. I find the Rolex 'Wimbledon' probably one of the ugliest Rolex watches, available. It's a real horror...

 

[OTL]

1000% the DSOM. I find the Rolex 'Wimbledon' probably one of the ugliest Rolex watches, available. It's a real horror...

The Wimbledon dial isn't for everyone. I think it looks amazing in 2-tone, with those green/black numerals and gold tones going together perfectly. I don't understand why the steel variant is so popular though. There isn't enough contrast between the dial and the rest of the watch!

 

[Rodentman]

I wouldn't consider a watch an investment nor would I pay over list.

 

[Cod Holliday]

1000% the DSOM. I find the Rolex 'Wimbledon' probably one of the ugliest Rolex watches, available. It's a real horror...

As ugly as it is it's only second to skydweller.

 

[pauliewalnutslikeswatches]

Wimbledon Rolex is the worst looking one in their catalog.

 

[MackyP]

Just checked Joma, Blue Fluted Jubilee 126334 now at almost $15k. Insane.

 

[HiggsBoson]

As ugly as it is it's only second to skydweller.

Yup, I'd agree, mate. The Skydweller is ugly a f***, too.

 

[HiggsBoson]

The Wimbledon dial isn't for everyone. I think it looks amazing in 2-tone, with those green/black numerals and gold tones going together perfectly. I don't understand why the steel variant is so popular though. There isn't enough contrast between the dial and the rest of the watch!

You're not kidding....

 

[rand777]

DSOM all the way between these particular two. If looking to maximize long term value, you could alternatively probably get a new moonwatch and something else like an El Primero variant used for a similar price as there are some great deals on Zenith to be had.

 

[GrouchoM]

I dunno.... should I eat an apple or a kumquat?

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