I've never fancied Rolex at all. But just the last 6 months I've been getting an itch. Reading too much ******.

I've never fancied Rolex at all. But just the last 6 months I've been getting an itch. Reading too much ******.

As much as people carp about the price of Rolex, aren't they on balance one of the less expensive in-house watches? I haven't priced Zeniths with the El Primero in them lately( considering the movement, they might be the best movement bargain). I think there's a basic JLC that's not bad.

Also, technically speaking, Rolex does put out the Tudor line, which is mostly eta movements. I have come close a couple of times to buying (pre-owned, of course, can't get them in the U.S.) a chronograph, as the case is the same as a Daytona. Not the big image, but still a very nice watch.

Rolex is still crazy expensive. $8000 for a steel case and three hand movement? I cant blame them since they have no problem selling them, but they are definitely on the high end of the relative price spectrum. ...although Breitling seems determined to be in the same boat.

RJ i was just thinking about the Rolex pricing the other day too. it does seem nutty for a basic steel watch to be this high. i think 6500-7000 is a more fair price. but hey...they are rolex right?

In my opinion Rolex should not be considered a basic steel watch....sorry!! Breitling now has watches that retail for more than some Rolex watches. Does Breitling make all of the components of their movement? No. Does Breitling cast their own cases? No. Does Breitling make their own bracelets? No. They buy all the pieces from suppliers, put them together, polish it up, and throw an enormous price tag on it. They designed their own movement but a lot of the parts are purchased from suppliers. Rolex makes EVERY piece of their watches in house, they have their own foundry, cast their own cases, CNC machines to cut the parts for their movements, they manufacture every piece of their movement including the hairspring in house. They make their own bracelets and clasps in house. Show me that innovation from Breitling and then maybe MAYBE they'll be worthy of their new prices.

I get that, but take the DSSD for instance. Whats that thing cost, like $9000 (real question, im not sure)? I realize that they make everything in house, but they make so many watches that its almost like they have their own industry. If production were limited, it would make more sense to me. But considering their volume, the pricing seems expensive when compared to other watches on the market. DSSD at about $7500 and Sub C at about $6000-6500 would make a lot more sense to me. Still relatively pricey, but its a Rolex and youve got to pay to play.

Look at the new non-LE Navi, there is no reason why that watch should retail for around 9k like Shark said. A SubC at $7,400 is a much better value than a Navi at $9,000...better value, better movement, better watch imo. Not sure on the DSSD as im not a fan of that beast.

Agree. That Navi is a huge rip-off. Im not sure what the hell theyre thinking.