Rolex Datejust proves a good investment

I recently was researching Rolex prices online. As I cross referenced several websites I noticed that the going rate for a once entry level stainless steel Rolex datejust with a fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet was now equal to several more desirable (in my opinion) sport models with the heavier oyster bracelets and more durable cases. This brings me to the question; Why have the Sport models such as Submariners, Explorer IIs, and Sea Dwellers not been given the same courtesy of inflation? Has the pricing structure at Rolex merely been dictated by the Marketing Departments theory on what is in? From what I gather the increasing cost of precious metals and unfavorable economic climate are to blame. Good for those who bought low. Bad for those who are planning any near future purchases.

High End Watches

Even people that aren’t collectors of high end watches have most likely heard of the Rolex brand. However, there are a number of other makers of fine wristwatches that make an excellent quality timepiece just as well if not better than the notorious Rolex brand. Brands such as Patek Phillipe, Panerai, Audemars Piguet , and IWC to name a few all have rigorous quality control standards (and prices to match)that rival those of the most expensive Rolex models.

Patek Phillipe is a Swiss watch manufacturer that was founded in 1851 by Polish immigrant Antoni Patek and Adrienne Phillipe of France. Patek Phillipe revolutionized the way automatic watch movements have been made by pioneering the minute repeater and the perpetual calendar functions. Throughout history the brand has been reserved for only the most prestigious of the upper class most notably Queen Victoria. Patek currently holds the record for the maker of the most expensive watch sold ever. In 1999 Henry Graves’ custom manufactured pocket watch was auctioned for 11 million dollars. The watch had 24 functions and was a one of a kind. To this day it still holds the record. However in April of 2008 a Platinum Sky Moon tourbillon manufactured by Patek Phillipe was auctioned of in Hong Kong for $1.5 million USD.

Panerai is an Italian based Swiss watch maker. It was founded in 1860 by Giovani Panerai. Panerai originally made a name for themselves by making high quality instruments that were commissioned by the Italian military. They were most recently brought into the spotlight by Sylvester Stallone as the Italian stallion is an advocate for this watchmaker and has been known to give them to friends as gifts. Also Panerai has recently teamed up with Ferrari to produce a model with the prancing pony on the watch face. This seems to be a popular trend for watchmakers as Breitling and Bentley team up, and Porsche and Rolex have had a strong relationship through racing sponsoships for years. It only seems natural that the best watchmaker in Italy team up with the most notorious car maker from Modena.

Since Stallone has been mentioned as an advocate for Panerai, it is only fitting that we mention the watch of choice for Arnold Schwarzennegger; Audemars Piguet. This watchmaker believe it or not also has its roots in Switzerland in the late 1800s. However, many of these early examples were re-branded by their major buyers such as Bulgari, Tiffany’s, and Cartier. It wasn’t until after the second world war that Audemar ramped up its research and development. After helping to manufacturer the thinnest pocket watch and the first skeleton watch the company came out with the Royal Oak line. This has been the money maker for the company since 1972 when the watch was first introduced. Its no wonder that this watch has become a favorite for the Terminator, one look at its rugged design and you totally understand why the iron pumping Hummer driving governor of California would be such a fan of this design. The company even designed a special “Terminator 3 Royal Oak” that was released in conjunction with the movie. Also if you happen to ever see the film you may notice that any character with relevance in the movie seems to be sporting an Audemars Piguet. I have seen some examples of the Royal Oak ranging from $16,000 USD all the way up to $150,000.


And last but certainly not least is IWC. IWC stands for International Watch Co. and is located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. IWC was founded in 1868 by an American engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones. Florentine may also be the inventor of outsourcing as he realized that skilled labor was cheaper in Switzerland so he decided to move his company to this “mecca of watchmaking.” It should be noted that IWC invented the first digital watch in 1885, which is a truly tremendous accomplishment. I have never seen an example of this watch but I assume it is not the typical type that we see today in a casio. The most popular IWC watch is most likely the Portuguese Chrono Automatic that retails for around $6000 for a stainless version and a little over $11k for a gold version. These watches are truly quality timepieces that I highly recommend picking up if you have the means.

There are several high end european timepiece manufacturers other than Rolex, Omega, and Tag Heur. I really do suggest looking into these timepieces mentioned above if you are looking to spend some money on a great time piece but don’t necessarily want the attention that a Rolex may bring.

The Porsche 959

In 1986 Porsche unveiled their very first Supercar, the 959. This AWD twin turbo beast was a technological marvel. Although very few were ever made(about 230) Even fewer of these european cars were ever imported into the United states due to emmissions laws as the car had no catylitic converter.The 2.85 L Flat 6 engine had an outpt of 450 bhp and a top speed of 197 mph. Not bad numbers for a car made 20 years ago. You would actually be hard pressed to find a contemporary car that can keep up with the Porsche 959. 

When the car went on sale the MSRP was $225,000. Yet it actually cost Porsche double that to produce the car. Then why even bother you ask? The car was meant to be and was used by Porsche as a racer, yet had to produce/sell a certain number of copies to the public to be accepted into certain leagues. It dominated the rally scene, and several other track races.

The Porsche 959's production was discontinued in 1989, and since then the price for these cars has gone up. 

If you can actually find one of these Holy Grails I would't be surprised to see a going rate of almost a million dollars for it. Why do you think Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld are on a very short list of people that have one in their garage?Yet why would you spend this kind of cash on an old Porsche when you can have a slightly faster car in a Carrera GT ( also discontinued) or even a new 997 turbo? The answer, exclusivity. Knowing that you will never pull up to another one is enough reason for some.

Rolex Sport Models

Any collector of high end watches most certainly has at least one Rolex in his vault. Yet why is this?
For starters the company makes an excellent automatic swiss movement. They have an expansive range of models that are R&D’d in laboratories that come straight out of a James Bond movie…literally! 007 sported a Submariner in numerous Bond flicks and novels.

This company is not merely a product of marketing and cheap product placement though, many of their watches are designed for use in real applications. For instance, Bond needed a divers watch. The Rolex Submariner has an expansion clasp that allows it to fit over a wet suit, yet also can quickly downsize when the suit is no longer needed. The watch also has a rotating bezel to monitor submersion times and thus keep an accurate measure of tank capacity. Rolex sport models are also notorious for their durable cases and punishable bands.

Another notable classic, is the Rolex Daytona. This timepiece was intended for use on the racetrack. Equipped with a tachymeter, and one of the finest chronographs ever produced. The Daytona allows for racers to record accurate lap times, and even measure land speed. Some may recall Paul Newman wearing a Daytona in the 1972 film “Winning” an Indy car movie.This model eventually became synonymous with Newman, and a particular dial on the watch is called by many collectors the Paul Newman Daytona. An original example of this piece is the Holy Grail of Rolex Daytona’s. It is not uncommon to find these watches for well over 20,000 USD.

The Rolex GMT- Master and the Explorer II are also great watches. Although internally the same, these two watches are differentiated by their face and bezels. The GMT master, was designed to help pilots or other people with jet set lives to keep track of the time back home. This can be very useful when you are halfway around the world and have had a few to many drinks and feel the urge to call the wife, girlfriend, or both. Some may recall Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I. sporting a Rolex GMT Master.

The Explorer was designed for use by cavedivers. The watch is equipped with a 24-hour hand and bezel which allows for people who have no access to daylight to have accurate measures of the day. Since most users will never need to use the watch for this purpose the 24 hour hand can also double as a second time zone.

These are just a few examples of the sports model watches the Rolex has developed with adventurists in mind. Other notable watches are the Yachtmaster, Air King, and the Sea Dweller. Rest assure it is by no coincidence that so many collectors have chosen the Rolex brand. They offer a model suited to practically anyone’s lifestyle and tastes and are a true investment watch.