To keep or not to keep?

Mar 23, 2017,15:53 PM
 

Hi all,

so, I purchased a sky-dweller in 2014, mainly because I really liked its bezel-controlled movement (cal 9001). And, that time it was only available in precious metals, so I went with the WG ivory dialed one. In general, in a watch, I value a movement much more than precious metal case. For example, if I have to pick a sub/gmt/daytona, I'd always go with the SS version.

I enjoyed this watch for three years, and it became my only watch. It feels great on the wrist and it is insanely beautiful, at least to my eyes.

Then Baselworld happened yesterday. This cal. 9001 movement is now available in SS at one-fourth of the price. So, in this new scenario, the value proposition is suddenly different. The huge price differential is due to PM case only, not due to the movement.

What to do?

Head says --- Sell it --- but, the problem is I really like and enjoy this piece.

Heart says --- Keep it --- but, essentially the same watch is available in SS for 1/4th of the price, and also violating my original principle.

And, sadly the visual difference between this one and the new white-dial one is really minor, based on pics. And, arguably, the SS dial can be viewed as the "better" one due to added lume and stick markers.

What to do ... follow head or follow heart?

[Some pics attached for easy reference]

Thanks all!!



new SS version (only bezel is WG):




Old all-WG version:




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Absolutely magnificent

 
 By: Seconds : March 23rd, 2017-16:48
I hear what you\'re saying but I love the new stainless steel white dial it looks clean and very crisp it opens up the dial more and very easy to read stunning regards,

For me the new white dial

 
 By: MTR : March 23rd, 2017-16:54
looks cleaner and better. Have you also seen the new black dial? Best, Thomas

Trade it in

 
 By: RuK : March 23rd, 2017-16:54
I would take it back to the dealer that you bought it from as selling it now will be rather painful. Not a great place to be in but clearly Rolex had it's reasons. Hope the AD will treat you well when taking it back in and offer you good value.

I never paid much attention to this watch, now with this release in SS, my opinion is

 
 By: Tyo : March 23rd, 2017-17:17
we will see it more often. My 2 cents about you concern if you are not into good seek it back and with the extra fund buy a second watch

I never thought I would see an SS Sky-Dweller

 
 By: ifraher : March 23rd, 2017-17:29
And having read on some forums they would never release a non precious versions I resigned it to unobtainable status but now they have done it the black version could be my first Rolex, really like the subtly of the annual calendar indication, and the bez... 

Keep it...

 
 By: Watches4ever : March 23rd, 2017-17:44
I have been putting off getting this piece due to its price, now perhaps I can start saving for the SS version. As for you sir, I would keep it, a WG Rolex still retained a good value and people would know easily its a WG over the SS version. Same movemen... 

Keep the white gold it is a stunner....I chose when judging because of its beauty and value addedness hehe cant get that with SS and although it makes it more affordable

 
 By: Rogi : March 23rd, 2017-19:32
I dont't think Rolex should of done it that way....the precious metals would have been the way to go.

Yup ..

 
 By: diracpoint : March 23rd, 2017-22:04
I remember that day ... I was not hoping anything because there were so many gorgeous watches

Personally I prefer

 
 By: Luis6 : March 23rd, 2017-19:58
the combination of and contrast between the white gold case and ivory dial.

+1 [nt]

 
 By: chk : March 23rd, 2017-20:48

True ...

 
 By: diracpoint : March 23rd, 2017-22:05
the ivory dial matches well with the subtle yellowish hue of WG

Keep it, it looks great and it remains a wonderful watch.

 
 By: kesharoo : March 23rd, 2017-20:18
While Rolex may have the Skydweller in SS and TT, it remains a high priced item for many. Enjoy your watch.

Thanks ...

 
 By: diracpoint : March 23rd, 2017-22:07
I am leaning that way now,

Two tone is $40k cheaper...

 
 By: jim vancouver : March 23rd, 2017-21:08
So, do you think that there is anything like $40k worth of bullion in the WG watch?

WG $56k, SS/WG $16k [nt]

 
 By: jim vancouver : March 23rd, 2017-21:37

I'm just making a general comment about ,,,

 
 By: jim vancouver : March 24th, 2017-00:21
... the merit of non precious metal watches. This is a good time to buy luxury watches. Technology and design is very advanced. Competition is keen. Most brands are reaching down market. OP can downgrade and pocket $25k cash. Almost enough for SS AND SS/Y... 

Any idea about the ...

 
 By: jim vancouver : March 23rd, 2017-21:40
... long term WR of the bezel-controlled watch? Seems to me that the watch will need services more frequently because of the extra linkages into the case?

I have washed ...

 
 By: diracpoint : March 23rd, 2017-22:00
it under tap water regularly for last 3 years. No problem so far. I trust their Oyster case

The most interesting Rolex imo

 
 By: Mr Glass : March 23rd, 2017-23:26
two of my favourite complications executed cleanly. I know the dial is not everyone's cup of tea but it is mine. I was waiting for the steel version for ages and now it is a real option for me price wise. As for your dilemma: 1. It's a great dilemma to ha... 

It was and still is available in steel / white gold. This year, the new thing is that it is available in steel / yellow gold.

 
 By: amanico : March 23rd, 2017-23:43
Now, if you are thinking to let it go, or if you are disturbed, you should let it go... Best, Nicolas

Steel/WG was never available before ...

 
 By: diracpoint : March 24th, 2017-11:43
Earlier it was a PM-only model. This year, new things are steel/WG and steel/YG. And, for the steel/WG model, only fluted bezel is WG, everything else is SS. My posted pics are for steel/WG model. Cheers,

Keep the white gold

 
 By: radone : March 24th, 2017-08:00
Rolex today is anything but exclusive. Gold is the only tint of exclusivity one can add to a Rolex that is also available in steel. Besides, I prefer the heft of gold, I feel that I am wearing a WATCH. Best, Radone

Post makes no sense

 
 By: watch-er : March 24th, 2017-10:28
to me. You probably could barely trade even your watch for the new one. Been there done too many times. If you like your watch as you do keep it.

????

 
 By: jim vancouver : March 24th, 2017-12:29
The 3-year old PM watch should be worth at least $30k to a dealer. Possibly $35-40 to a direct buyer. The new SS/WG watch is only $14.4k? www.ablogtowatch.com

Should and are is the question.

 
 By: watch-er : March 24th, 2017-15:12
You can net money but its a lousy deal. Just buy the steel/gold and have both watches. The demand for used all gold Rolexes in today's world is not too strong. Too much bling and not under the radar, the "gold" standard today. They can sell them new but t... 

These numbers

 
 By: diracpoint : March 25th, 2017-08:34
look reasonable to me. And, I bought it ~ 3 years ago, before at least two price increase/currency adjustments, with a decent discount. So, even if I sell now, I won't lose much. But I think I'll keep it.

It's your watch and your decision

 
 By: jim vancouver : March 25th, 2017-12:26
However, think ahead. What would you do with the cash if you trade it in for a SS/WG? What would the resell value of the gold watch be in two years time?

It is a keeper

 
 By: jcs2000 : March 24th, 2017-16:13
I have the black faced version with Arabic numerals on the 18k white gold bracelet. Purchased for the look and because of the complications (annual calendar with GMT) is a great mix. The reality with Rolex is that all the models have a SS equivalent at so... 

I am a fan of

 
 By: diracpoint : March 25th, 2017-08:24
the black dial WG as well. It is probably the most sporty looking model in the Sky-D PM range. I think I am going to keep my WG one. Cheers!

You excited me briefly until

 
 By: TS1987 : March 25th, 2017-01:49
I found out that it was white gold and stainless steel. That is half baked and unacceptable. Full steel or full gold for me. Half measures are unacceptable.

To be fair,

 
 By: diracpoint : March 25th, 2017-08:21
Rolex fluted bezels are always made with gold. It has something to do with the technology they use. The fluted bezel on SS datejusts are also gold. But I see your point ... I prefer only one type of metal as well. Cheers,

Hopefully, your keep the one you have

 
 By: watch-er : March 25th, 2017-10:16
and maybe wait for the all steel w/ gold bezel only. That is the best of all worlds.

Yes, I would prefer that

 
 By: TS1987 : March 26th, 2017-02:41
as the bracelet is Rolesor.

Keep it

 
 By: ilie.adrian : March 25th, 2017-13:57
You have the watch for you or you want other to know your is gold? Anyway the PM model are different dial!

Re-read your own words. You would be crazy to sell yours.

 
 By: MichaelC : March 26th, 2017-08:01
Very easy recommendation after reading your post. I would encourage you to add an all steel model with one of the other dials, then you will have 2 rather different looking pieces. But do not sell the one you have had and has been such a loyal companion. ... 

Love the new one But

 
 By: ripper444 : March 26th, 2017-13:26
Keep the one you have. The dial is much nicer with the Roman numerals. You can always sell it later as it retains value.

Definitely keep it ..

 
 By: ksharif99 : April 4th, 2017-05:30
You don't buy a Rolex to sell or replace in 3 years. If its me, and can afford it, I would buy the SS one black / Blue dial. Khaled

OMG ...

 
 By: jim vancouver : May 15th, 2017-20:04
... Christies just had an auction May 15th in Geneva. Lot 245 Sky Dweller WG. Very low price!!!!!

So, price realized ...

 
 By: diracpoint : May 15th, 2017-20:50
is approx. USD 22k, which is roughly CAD 30k, whereas MSRP of that particular version of sky-d is ~45k CAD. So it seems to me like 33% off, similar to typical grey market discount on pm models. Nothing special ... unless I am missing something. And this i... 

?

 
 By: jim vancouver : May 15th, 2017-21:08
The new Evergold strap watches are USD45k according to the Rolex site. Looks like their prices are not holding up; to Rolex standards. Surely, the new SS models has something to do with it. You're not alone. A Lange has just issued a new Saxonia Thin 37mm... 

Does it ...

 
 By: diracpoint : May 15th, 2017-21:22
specify USD on the website? I think it is displayed in local currency. Either way, I think I'll keep mine for the time being ... I gave it a lot of thought and am pretty sure in this case 1 > 2 Cheers!

Skydweller ss availibility

 
 By: NickHH : May 23rd, 2017-07:12
Saw watch in SF. The Rolex rep said availibility will be tough in ss. He said approximately half as many ss skydwellers as ss Daytona will be made in first year.