Hi guys,

I'm not a luxury watch collector but is looking to get one for my wedding end of this year and probably going to collect more as time goes by.

There are multiple brands in the market like rolex, omega, tudor, you name it... I know rolex are very hard to get these days with people snatching up the datejust in an instant.

I like omega watches as it looks modern for a guy in his early 30s.

What's your thought on this, my budget is around RM30-40k max.

Thanks all!

Grand Seiko

If you are looking for dress watch. Grand Seiko or Seiko presage is a good start.

While entry swiss made watch like oris has good dress watch like the rectangular model.

Based on your budget, maybe get Cartier tank?

International market for luxury watch keep dropping but Mal reseller market still very high markup

Assume since you're not a collector, you'd be looking for 1 watch that does it all and within your budget.

I'd strongly recommend the JLC Master Control 1000 Hours.

JLC reverso. Style, heritage 👍

Thanks for your suggestions guys, what about frank muller?

Also, the grand seiko suggestions, where do you normally get this time piece from?

tudor blackbay 58

Frank Muller is one of those brands the “true watch people” (also called WIS: Watch Idiot Savant) tend to scoff at, although not as hated like Hublot or Richard Mille.

I don’t know your tastes or your wrist size, so flying blind here.

Since you mentioned it as part of your wedding, does it have to be formal, ie; must have bracelet?

If you like Omega, check out the new Speedmaster. Just the regular Moonwatch Professional, not any of the heritage/limited editions. My pick would be the cheapest stainless steel model with the hesalite/acrylic crystal and closed caseback, because of the vintage vibe. My choice would be fabric strap (I’m not a bracelet guy), but if you insist on a bracelet then take it one step up with the sapphire crystal and display back variant, though I’m not sure if that model will fit your budget.

I’m personally a bit anti-luxury and prefer watches from a tier down, like Doxa, Sinn or Seiko Prospex. I would spend more on the Seiko SLA line which are essentially Seiko Prospex watches with Grand Seiko movements and finishing. The only luxury brand I’d consider is F.P Journe, but that’s way outside your budget.


This post has been edited by dev/numb: Sep 2 2022, 10:03 PM

I would recommend Rolex. I have went through this experience a decade ago, my watch choice came down to a Omega and Rolex. I choose Omega and now its worthless and the Rolex at its peak it was worth more than RM50,000. I would recommend to any young people to spend their money wisely and ensure that you purchase something with good value that doesnt diminish your networth. This will be important moving forward in life..

Since you are into Omega, you might want to take a look at the Seamaster or Speedmaster lineup.

Got a speedy hesalite in my late 20s. Since then it has been getting quite a lot of wrist time from me despite rotating with few other watches. Partly also due to I can wear it to office without worrying too much, not getting as much attention comparing to a Rolex.

Depending whether it's an invesment piece or it's a piece that you going to wear for a long period of time.

For me, if I plan to wear the watch, the market value probably won't bother me much since I know I won't be selling it.

I picked panerai over Rolex

blancpain bathyscape.

Rolex are for those who have absolutely no knowledge about watches- just buying the watch because “hey look at me, it’s rolex!”
Those who appreciate watches will purchase watches because they can afford it with no intention to sell. They purchase it for its heritage. If you’re selling your collection means you’re in financial deepsh*t.

I think this statement is a bit unfair

I have known those who have been buying rolexes way before all these hype, and with knowledge of watches
those days nobody need hey look at my rollie

and there are ppl selling the collection because they simply don't wear it anymore or they want something else

Therr is no perfect watches, u buy depends on your lifestyle…I find sub is the most balance and versatile for me..

Majority newcomers choose other brand because it’s not possible to get Rolex at retail..anymore

This post has been edited by swanlover: Sep 24 2022, 04:03 PM

If you’ve been in the game long enough, you’ll know who really knows their stuff and who’s just plain Jane salty.

It's hard to recommend since the timepiece shall be very special for the important day. It is not just about the brand and price, but also whether your heart will say - that will be the one that I am looking for. The one that clicks with you.

I would suggest you to survey first at outlet that have multiple luxury brands such as The Hour Glass, Cortina Watch, Swiss Watch Gallery. Just to get the feeling which watch model that you would more interested in. You can move to different outlets to finalize your list before making decision.

okok I admit Im salty Jane
cannot afford premium when retail is half of it, but no stock

I think just buy the watch that speaks to your regardless the brand
just hope you get the best bargain

its ur money, if it makes you happy, then that's the watch for you

I don't think he means you bro

We can say a lot of things about how Rolex runs its sales model, but arguing that people that sell a Rolex are someone with no understanding of its heritage just shows how much the person doesn't know about watches.

Sorry to say, for your first lux watch, dont ever get G.Seiko.....

Once you are much more familiar with the market, then decide if you want to get a G.S.... and that would be 4th 5th or 6th watch..

Whoa... i dont expect this here...

As a bathy owner myself, I would give you a

Since you are buying it for your wedding, I suggest getting a "His & Her" pair, meaning you likely need a model that have both men and lady's size, unless your wife have ...uh... ample wrist girth...

THat said brand wise..

1. Rolex I would say no, cause of the current premium, dont pay... BUT Datejust would be a nice men/women pair cause they comes with various size

2. JLC, Blancpain, Piaget, Breguet, Chopard etc... exquisite pieces, but 99% of your friends will never know the value or even heard of the brand

3. PM/Omega/IWC, Zenith, Breitling... likely good choice. Famous enough that the masses atleast heard of them, pretty decent watches too.

4. Tudor, Longines, B&R, Ball etc... not really high on the horology list, also well below your budget (I'm assuming 40k per piece).

5. PP, AP, Lange, VC.... out of budget.

Edit : 6. Cartier, a pair of Santos, or Tank would be very nice for a wedding pair watch

This post has been edited by MeToo: Sep 26 2022, 03:02 PM

I think the recent GS releases with the new 9S/9R movements are really compelling options within the rm30-40k space.

Not cheap, but you’re getting hell a lot of watch for the money. Their case designs are not for everyone though, and needs to be tried on in person before deciding.


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I'm not saying GS is bad, I'm saying its not for everyone, especially a new collector.



This post has been edited by MeToo: Sep 26 2022, 05:00 PM


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i was wondering why people hated Hublot tho.
im not into watches. but whenever chilling with my friends, they talk watches.
but when i ask them bout what they think bout hublot x murakami. they were like.. wat? hublot? pfft.

Hublot? Many youtube video on why ppl dislike hublot.. maybe their non convention advertising? The way the dilute their brand (from very cheap to very exp watches), their low end watches using standard movement but asking for premium etc etc etc

BUT..... that only applies with horology snobs, regular Joe with some money, they will still think hublot is a luxury brand and happily pay retail for it...

aha. got it.
its like, when i wana buy ORIS.
my friend told me, why bother ORIS. go get Tissot better.

yada yada yada, they teach me abit la bout the engine etc etc.

Agreed. There is a lot of heritage behind what they do, but it’s not always for everyone.

Big fan of the murakami, but typically think they’re somewhat overpriced.
Zenith offers a better value proposition I reckon.

This post has been edited by Chinoz: Sep 26 2022, 05:16 PM

Between Oris and Tissot.... I prefer Oris...

I have 2 Oris.. Big Crown and Atelier Skel, wife also got 1.... hardly see any wrist time... last worn like 3+ yr ago...

I also have a Tissot... last worn... er.. 7+ yrs ago?

in the end, its self preference.
hahaha.

Its also about sentimental value....

Like the watch i got to celebrate my kid's birth.... now sell can make 100% above retail... but wontt sell...

Or like the watch my late dad pass down.... wont sell...

Oris Aquis

owning a black dial or grey dial or blue dial?

i love bathy and fifty fathoms.

I think there is no wrong with liking Hublot
I can't afford one but doesn't mean I will ask others to avoid Hublot
I think some of their design is nice

GS is for those atas collector, when u are so bored of other brands, and u never bother about value or what not, then GS here I cum

I am not sure about others , I can’t pay high price for a ETA/Valjoux modified movements watch…

If I am paying for the price , must be In-house…

die die must in house ka

ok la, im more into aesthetic than movement

see liao shiok then should be fine

um.. mine abit diff.. like graphite coloured brushed dial, sedna+titanium... its a limited edition.

30-40k per watch ka

if i was you and lolek cannot get then i'd just go for one of those omega speedmaster / seamaster / constellation depending on your taste

or a Cartier Santos

or a Zenith Chronomaster

or a uhhhh idk resell price lolek DJ41?

sedna on the bezel and the crown?

Yes, and the buckle, you know where its going...

Rolex makes good tool watch. Something you can wear daily and instantly recognizable. Trust me retaining wealth is the most important thing in life. Fast forward decades later you will thank yourself for the decision you made earlier. Life always has up and down, when one hit a financial issue the watch with decent resale will help to keep you afloat and make a comeback. And when youre good again you can always buy back the same watch and even more into your collection

macam the hk movies, buy Kam Lou , so eat grass time can pajak

Since it is for your wedding, may I suggest, Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin. A classy, elegant dress watch well suited to wedding settings…

If you're not buying to sell then it does not matter.
A Rolex is still, afterall, a Rolex

yea, I told my fren this when he bought a batman at a high105, then drop to 85k, he was so sad

I told him as long u buy to wear doesn't matter, cos even if it goes up to 135k u won't be selling it , so y are u sad when it drops to 85k?

shiok sendiri he say

If you are buying to sell then it doesnt matter, if you are buying to wear, then confirm sorhai.com paying these premium. Its liek paying 300k for a proton when you can get a BMW for the same price.

Gonna feel really foolish to buy 105 and current at 85...dem bohsong...

But as far as I know, those loaded Datos, TSri ain't paying any premium pricing...those on illegal bz , fast bucks from btcoins or FOMO will…

How so?
You buy to wear and enjoy even if you pay a premium you don't sell you won't make any losses. Price go up or down does not concern a watch collector

If you buy to sell, you buy high sell low then really sohai.

Then in a few years price surge up and some people will knock themselves for not buying earlier when prices are cheaper. In the end FOMO buy at the peak.... happened in 2020/21

This post has been edited by Rolexseller123: Oct 31 2022, 06:42 PM

this one Dato legal biz worrr

actually simple la, sorhai or not, as long the person can afford it, its his money
not up to others to condemn him, if you ask me, yes, I sour grape, if I have his money, I also just buy
he likes the proton and can pay 300k for it, his pasal, his money
and he may have a fleet of Bmw or merc as well

How plp splurge is none of our concern la…just trying to imply (usually la) those paying premium are those earning fast bucks ..

Most plp here also ain’t paying premium , else the rant and rave? Lolx!

boss I know la, not saying u la

yea, frankly mostly who are willing to pay premium, also laundry ones hahahah
cuci ah cuci

Depends on how badly u want it ..lolx

But watch market are getting very uncertain , particularly with shitty PRC Econs and zero covid policy , still sucks to the max..

If you are talking about Rolex in particular then one will pay a premium whether to grey dealers or through "bundle deal" with AD. Its just impossible to walk into a Rolex AD to buy a sports model these days, anywhere in the world.

I am still getting watches…but

FYI, no more”bundle deal” due to strict new Rolex policy…and public outcry ….

Everyone just reg to as normal interest lists …god knows when y will get one…lolx

I think it depends on your AD and the $$$ of your relationship with AD lo. Usually if AD say put you on the normal interest list then is BS la. Its a nice way to tell you to go away.

Sad but true..

Zero chance for ordinary plp buying their first Rolex..

99.99% of all watches will lose money.

Covid luxury good surge will repeat itself? If you wanna take that bet, well good luck to you

99.99? I would not say that la.
Even if you buy a rolex today from AD, you are still in the money.
And some Rolex will appreciate in the long run. Like in decades.

As for covid luxury surge will repeat, i don't know. It could when China finally opens up and Russia stop fighting Ukraine? Or it may not. Who knows?

Pretty sure more then 99.99% bro... total watch market is about USD65+ billion...

As for Rolex, before covid I still walk into AD to get DJ for my mom with discount. Only model not available were the subdate/gmts. Explorer, YM etc all easily available. Heck with this kinda premium, if not for sentimental reason i would have sold mine as well. A regular daytona/GMT should not cost more then a calatrava...

Anyway, lolex sells 1M+ units a year... this false demand will not hold up. RIgth now its like a circle jerk, mostly dealers trading to other dealers for slim margin, musical chair.

Ya. 10 years ago i walk in can still get submariner from AD. So unless you go time machine...good luck getting one anytime soon.

There are 7.8 billion people in this world. If just 0.5% wants to buy a rolex that's like 35m. 1m+ Where got enough? Lol

out of the 1m unit... only a small % is what ppl actually want hahahaha

unfortunate how the watch industry is dictated by its secondary value right now, but yet it makes logical sense as watches have become its own asset class.

for rolex, i feel the currently trend and the trend for the next year or so would be " eh u see got lolex for sale ah? dont care just buy only!!".

that's why AD's are grabbing most of consumer's balls as they know our pattern.

profile building ma

SA ask u, u want mah, 2 tone DJ?
OK whack

Then list at carousell for very near retail price

Thats what I saw happening in SG carousell

Bro, they don't openly ask for bundle purchase anymore as New Rolex policy prohibits that…

Now they will sincerely ask you to reg , while the dark lord behind run the show, stock allocation…lolx!

This post has been edited by swanlover: Nov 3 2022, 03:47 PM

Sell on Carousell?!?!?
You are more likely to be robbed than make a sale...

Honestly, after getting an immaculate sub from one of the oldest grey in Mal, I was surprised a watchmaker pinpoint to me the case is slightly dented (not easy to see)

And my friend also got another sub from a grey but later RSC refused to honor warranty citing watch tempered (could be opened for verification purposes by last owner).

I don’t have much confident in grey, dunno, maybe I ain’t having much luck with grey…

I know you are a grey dealer but maybe tone down a little on the fear mongering.

Luxury watches still a thing in nov 2022 ?

You bought pre-owned or brand new? If pre-owned then some dinks and scrathes are to be expected.

Normally if its original i.e. not fake RSC will still service it. I suspect RSC don't want to service it coz its most likely fake.

This post has been edited by Rolexseller123: Nov 4 2022, 12:26 PM

100% sure it’s original but somehow, RSC refused to honor warranty citing Watch ‘tempered’.

After that, we don’t do grey anymore…

Sorry if i appear to be fear mongering. I also sold on carousell before. But my experience is there are alot of dodgy buyers and sellers on the platform. I have since stopped. I guess what i am trying to share is buy (or sell) at your own risk on the platforn. Afterall it does not give grey a good rep if people are being swindled/robbed.

And think about it. If a buyer is willing to shell out RM30+k for a Rolex on the grey, why would they want to buy it from some unknown guy on a platform? Just go to a reputable grey dealer and buy. Don't take the risk just to save a few k and risk unforseen circumstances. And do not - i repeat - do not - pay for goods you have not received i.e. don't pay full for a watch they are "ordering" for you. If you must, put down a deposit of not more than 5%-10% or walkaway. Treat it as money already "lost". Honestly i don't know why people still do it despite the high profile TradeNation case.

Sorry to hear that

There are good grey and bad grey..

I once bought a sub from the MOST reputable and Oldest grey in Malaysia , and yet they never tell the sub case is slightly bend at one angle …(until a watchmaker pinpoint to me..)..

Maybe unlucky, really can’t do grey anymore…

Yeah again did you buy from them with the understanding it is pre owned or brand new? If its pre-owned some dink and dents or bent are to be expected. Others wore it before. Hence pre-owned. That's why pre-owned are slightly cheaper than brand new. If they staye brand new or unworn then i would demand a full refund from them.

It’s pre-owned, the condition is immaculate, even with dink and dents are expected without issues , but with case/chassis bend?

Under normal circumstances watches case ain’t gonna bend easily unless…

If it is pre-owned then there will be a few of these. The onus is on you to check.
But the fact that a watchmaker point out to you means that it is not visible to the normal person. So i don't think its entirely the grey fault as dinks and dents are normal for pre owned what's more something a normal person cannot detect.

Think of it as buying a second hand car.
If you miss a spot and later found out there are dents in certain areas you did not check then that is on you.

If you cannot stand these dinks and dents then i suggest you tell your grey you want brand new unworn. A bit more pricey but no such issues.

This post has been edited by Rolexseller123: Nov 4 2022, 01:15 PM

ok la, sg carousell not as bad as my

sg case is trade nation, jb also got case, under some Dato it seems, 40 million gone

That's what the grey and scalpers and resellers will preach.

Buy to enjoy yes, but are you a water fish? Ok lah, if you Datuk with RM400 million net worth, paying scalper price is nothing to you, help the economy. For the average Joe, stupid to pay premium when you still have car and house debts.

Cause even when you have no intention to sell, when shit hits the fan and you need money and cashflow, you going to sell your car, your house, or the Rolex first?

One of the values of Rolex, it will always sell/convert to cash easily. More liquid than your house.

No. That's stupid. Again i say this a thousand times watch is NOT an investment. You want casflow go put in FD or high yield savings account like endownus you want investment go buy bonds or stock.

If you can't afford then don't buy a rolex. Go for an omega or smtg that suits your budget like a tag heuer. Rolex is not for everyone. Its a luxury goods for a reason.

You should treat buying a watch like buying a car. You don't buy a mercedes coz its liquid and can easily sell right? Same principal.

This post has been edited by Rolexseller123: Dec 30 2022, 12:55 PM

Talk until like ROlex is haute horology and the epitome of luxury

Nope its not. Its actually an entry level luxury if you ask me. But its not mass market product like smart watch dunno wat iwatch either. You want haute horology look at Patek, vacheron, etc.

This post has been edited by Rolexseller123: Dec 30 2022, 01:04 PM

ROLEX<- if you know their history is really good watch. But then, how they treat their customer is another ass. thus, for me, is not relevant now until they change some of their strategy. Dont hate me, just go research...

OMEGA<-- great watch, but some hate it because mass production..
ZENITH <-- icon chronomaster looks good!
IWC <-- great too if you like the design. they have 41 now! thats superb nice instead of their usual 43!
PANERAI <-- well, if u like the design, otherwise, hurmmm...
many more brands, just do your research and pick 1 you love the most...

Well demand and supply my friend. Fact is there is way more demand for rolex than the rolex factory can churn out. Hence not enough stock. And rolex is not the type to flood supply to meet demand and destroy the brand.

It’s not an investment.

Most of us average joes work, have income, have commitments. I may rock several watches, I am not wealthy. I enjoy my watches and my life.

I bought my watches to enjoy. Not a business or to make money off of it.

That being said, if I’m unlucky to have been laid off, have family members with medical complications and need cash cause exceeded insurance coverage, while at the same time still having to serve my car and house loan.

What options do I have? Pawning the crown is the easiest, fastest way, that makes the least impact. Losing the car? Makes my life difficult to commute. Losing the house? I can sleep in the car but I can’t shower. Losing the crown? It is okay, I will get it back one day.

I can afford it, but shit hit the fan, which is common in life.

So paying reseller prices for it doesn’t make sense because you can’t afford it. If you are wealthy, by all means.

Buying a Mercedes, you’re still not paying scalper price. The point I’m making is not against buying a Rolex, but buying it, or the AP or PP 5611 at ridiculous reseller prices, where realistically average joes can’t afford.

Shortage is caused by resellers cause all the watches are sitting in their showroom….

Man the amount of watches I saw sitting on reseller shelf in HK pre-covid was nuts.

This post has been edited by Jason: Dec 30 2022, 02:34 PM

big jaws control the stocks.

resellers connecting to the big jaws.

big jaws set the price.

resellers follow the margin.

This post has been edited by Mattressdepot: Dec 30 2022, 05:39 PM

2023 soon guys.

Time to move on from the 2021 rhetoric.

2023 will be a game changer as Rolex now allow their AD to resell and do whatever they want…

AD vs Grey..

my personal take la, if it ever crosses ur mind need to pawn the watch, then u still got this debt that debt, pls do not buy a luxury watch, regardless it is a retail Rolex or any other brand

to spend 5 figure on a watch is a luxury dy, be prepared it is stolen or 0 in value

for rainy days, u keep tat figure in a bank safer

there are other watches that can wear n enjoy which cost much more lesser and nevertheless tells the time also, just minus the flex

abit kesian the old greys, pre 2016 all go to them, cos cheaper than AD, nowadays all scold them, because higher than retail, now grey should be selling white gold sub lower than retail, but I dont really see ppl snapping it up, if this was 2021, retail white gold sub, all snap up

Well said bro.

Old money views vs new money.

Well said. Can afford to buy 40k watch, can't afford to pay 40k debt.