RVAg02 said:

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Turns out I had a uber Rolex connection that I didn't realize.

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<Checks screeen to upper right, 27 new private messages>

I like the grand Seiko. The pattern on the face reminds me of the iris of your eye. Pretty cool.

schmendeler said:

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I prefer the Omega. I don't love that Grand Seiko puts the power reserve on just about all their watches. Put it on the case back, imo.

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That is what they are doing with the new 5-day power reserve spring drive watches:
https://www.caratco.com/collections/grand-seiko/products/slga007-lake-suwa-5-day-spring-drive-limited-edition

It doesn't get much love but I saw the globe master in person at the omega boutique last week and the dial is very nice. Similar price range as above. It looks even better in gold as it has a green hue to it.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-constellation-globemaster-co-axial-master-chronometer-39-mm-13033392103001

TP Ag '87 said:

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Sure it's mentioned on this thread elsewhere but what's the prevailing opinion out there on Ball? I know it's not Rolex or Omega but I've seen a few I like.

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Im a big fan of Ball watches. I have an Engineer Master ii diver and a Aero GMT Hydrocarbon. Really enjoy them. My wife gave me the GMT for my first Father's Day and requested series 416/1000 for April 16th which is our daughters birthday. Also has the time engraved on the back. I'd really like a NEDU but seems overkill to have 3. not a current pic but this is my GMT.

I get the feeling that Rolex doesn't want to overreact because they have a few reasons to believe the situation will correct itself:

1. Bubbles build because speculation is a self-perpetuating phenomenon. The last thing Rolex wants to do is raise retail prices, have the bubble pop, and have a no date sub retail at $12k with grey market value of $9k.

2. How many people are out there who want to pay well into the five figures for a mass-produced stainless steel watch? It is hard to imagine that these prices are sustainable.

3. If there is a recession or worldwide economic slowdown then demand will plummet. Rolex won't want to be caught out having raised prices right before this happens.

4. Everything that becomes cool eventually becomes ubiquitous and then becomes uncool. If all the Sneetches have Rolexes on instagram then at a certain point it's no longer cool, and people will move to something else. Again, Rolex won't want to be caught out having raised prices right before this happens.

Scarcity is never bad for any brand, but Rolex has been an esteemed luxury brand for a long time and I'm sure they don't like not capturing a lot of the value of their products, ceding power to the grey market, and alienating some loyal customers.

In short, my own personal speculation (which means nothing) is that I think they'd raise retail prices if they thought these grey market prices were here to stay. They aren't because they think the bubble will eventually pop.

I'm impressed with the quality for the money. I think it's going to get a good amount of wear going forward.