Diamond rolexes? Why so lukewarm?

[blevine]

Noobie here. Love the forum but please forgive my ignorance and lack of knowledge.

It seems to me that people don’t really love the diamond references as much as the ones without. Some diamond versions don’t even seem to be selling for much more than the non diamond ones.

Can you give me some insight to why this is? I mean rolexes are awesome and valuable. Diamonds are valuable. Put them together and it should be ultra valuable. But it just isn’t so.

Why?

[Tools]

Watch enthusiasts like watches, diamond enthusiasts like diamonds. The former are seldom going to pay a premium just because a watch has diamonds regardless of their market value.

[RastabanStar]

Many people love diamond Rolex's, but I can think of a few reason's that they're less popular.

1. People think it's cooler to be more understated
2. Rolex's are blingy enough without the ice
3. Diamonds don't fit in with the tough, sporty aesthetic of Rolex

[twitch54]

gaudy ...........

[general]

Some with stones are over the top. I personally don't mind the subtle diamond hour markers. You are right though. Diamond studded pieces are looked down by most Rolex purists.

[SkyKing31]

Welcome to the forum

As for diamonds, it's a personal choice. Some models like the Day Date, and the Datejust look great with diamond dials and bezels. The sports models not so much, which is why the subs and gmt's no longer have diamond dials. I personally think the 5 digit reference two tone gmt's and sub's look great with serti dials, and I especially love my diamond day dates and datejusts.

[DoctorA]

Rolex is an already expensive watch and to me the “bling” of diamonds is more feminine and is not worth the extra $$$$

[schoolboy]

Welcome to the club

Very good question OP. I have wondered this myself.

I saw a Serti Dial Sub online one day and read that it came like that from factory. So I got excited wondering how much those go for. I quickly found out that they are less expensive than a lot of other models, and couldn’t think of “why.”

I think it comes down to what is in demand and what isn’t. This is what determines value.

For example, I’ve read on here that SS watches hold their value better than TT watches.

Which is interesting too.

I would think that this is the other way around, as in my area at least TT watches seem to be less common than SS.

However, I’ve also noticed on here that members seem to prefer either SS or PM models over TT.

So maybe that’s why SS holds it value better than TT.

Idk, just food for thought

[faaaaaaaasterrrrr]

Originally Posted by twitch54

gaudy ...........

this.

[henrylee]

I am personally not a fan of diamonds but like diamond dials on women.

[Magwitch]

I quite like my DJ41 with the diamond MOP dial. Very classy, dressy, and goes well with the jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel.

[DESH]

i happen to like both

[Reddy_Kilowatt]

Originally Posted by blevine

Noobie here. Love the forum but please forgive my ignorance and lack of knowledge.

It seems to me that people don’t really love the diamond references as much as the ones without. Some diamond versions don’t even seem to be selling for much more than the non diamond ones.

Can you give me some insight to why this is? I mean rolexes are awesome and valuable. Diamonds are valuable. Put them together and it should be ultra valuable. But it just isn’t so.

Why?

Do YOU think they look better? Would YOU pay more for a reference with diamonds? For me, the answer is unequivocally no.

[Lambo Jota]

Understated in white gold

[Raza_actual]

When I think of Rolex, there are things that are very Rolex and there are things that are very un-Rolex.

Sports watches that are understated, attractive, and durable with provenance, such as the Submariner no date and the Explorer line? Very Rolex.

Sports watches in precious metals or with gemstones? Not very Rolex, in my opinion.

When I was shopping for my Rolex, I wanted a very Rolex Rolex. So I gravitated to watches that were very Rolex and decided on a 114060.

Sure, a watch may be "jewelry", but to me, they're functional first. Of course, I have to like the aesthetics, but the functionality comes first. Everything I appreciate in a mechanical watch comes from the mechanical aspects, the romance of the adventures I could (but invariably do not) go on with them, the ruggedness about them, and the fact the watches look good while doing them.

When it comes to diamonds, well, there are two things. First, diamonds scream "I am jewelry and nothing else", which isn't what watches are to me. Second, I don't like diamonds.

And, if I'm completely honest, there's a third reason too, one of which I'm not too proud. I think diamonds are girly.

[polaris72]

Originally Posted by henrylee

I am personally not a fan of diamonds but like diamond dials on women.

+1.

Some guys like to also wear diamond rings etc., I do not wear any other jewelry, not my cup of tea.

[blevine]

Thank you for all the intelligent replies. Makes a little more sense to me now. I totally agree that diamonds look out of place on a sports watch like the sub gmt etc.

But on some of the dressier pieces they complement the watch’s classy dressy look. I personally don’t think diamonds are girly unless it’s in an engagement ring. I was looking at a Dj 41 with the fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet and I think the diamond hour markers take an already blingy watch up a notch. Let’s be honest. When you have a watch that costs more than most people’s car “understated” or “under the radar” doesn’t seem to apply. Just my personal opinion.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by twitch54

gaudy ...........

This.

And they’re more for women on a watch.

[EDL7]

I saw a 39mm white gold Cellini with black diamond dial the other day and it really looked good..I was surprised..
But I think they/Rolex would be better off offering less gaudy black diamonds for men..or perhaps..just one diamond at the noon or 6:00 position..

[JacksonStone]

I like the DJ41 with diamond hour markers. I actually find the dial more proportionally pleasing, with compact "dot" style markers, as opposed to sticks. And the diamond model has no lume on the hands, which I think makes them look in better proportion to the dial. My ideal DJ41 would be Rolesor with a blue/diamond dial on Jubilee bracelet. It'll definitely have some flash, but that's OK. I've got a black SS Sub if I want to fly more under the radar.

[enjoythemusic]

Am sure there's more, yet here are TWO thoughts:

1. Watch guys are watch guys, they're generally not into diamonds.

2. Style and fashion, and here's where diamonds are more 'socially acceptable'.

Of course on timepieces such as the Day-Date diamonds may be more 'neutral ground' and so might crossover between #1 and #2. In some situations, such as being a musician, you might 'need' bling or 'ice' as it is part of the overall public appearance. Others who enjoy water sports might want a diver's watch, where you really need normal luminous dial markings.

Dealer's choice. The whole point of life is to have fun.... or something like that. JMHO

And oh yeah, enjoy your time

[VicLeChic]

Diamonds are the extra step into jewelry which guys are generally not into. Most men prefer their sports luxury watches to look like competent and dependable professional instruments more than pure jewelry. A trait probably hard coded in the left brain.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by VicLeChic

Most men prefer their sports luxury watches to look like competent and dependable professional instruments more than pure jewelry. A trait probably hard coded in the left brain.

How do we explain the popularity of YG Subs, then?

[tyler1980]

the only diamonds i would ever consider on a watch are Baguette Diamond hour markers, maybe. Thats it. Any other diamonds on the dial or bezel are a non starter for me.

[SkyKing31]

These two in my collection have aftermarket diamond dials but they still look nice. Don’t like them as much as my all factory dials, but I do need diamonds to go with my glasses


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[joli160]

I like them, those subtle diamond markers on the WG Sub 116619LB i.e. are just stunning. The way Rolex uses diamonds is another testimony of their craft mans ship.

It's less main stream and perhaps that's why it is supposedly not so popular.
Price may have something to do with it as well ?

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by joli160

I like them, those subtle diamond markers on the WG Sub 116619LB i.e. are just stunning.

Which markers are those? The WG Sub has white gold markers with Chromalight.

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by joli160

I like them, those subtle diamond markers on the WG Sub 116619LB i.e. are just stunning. The way Rolex uses diamonds is another testimony of their craft mans ship.

It's less main stream and perhaps that's why it is supposedly not so popular.
Price may have something to do with it as well ?

Price probably has a ton to do with it .. Especially diamond set MOP and Meteorite dials .. The cost of those dials alone cost more than the price some older DJ's sell for on fleabay ( E Bay )

[VicLeChic]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

How do we explain the popularity of YG Subs, then?

PM is probably as far as most men will go. Many will chose understated WG over YG. PMs are noble material, they feel heavy which is still considered a quality more often than not. You hear and read every now and then about the heft of a PM piece being praised. When you add diamonds it becomes a bit much IMHO.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by VicLeChic

When you add diamonds it becomes a bit much IMHO.

I would definitely not do diamonds with YG! (And truth be told, I can think of a lot of Rolexes I would get ahead of the diamond DJ. I just like it.)