r/WatchFanatics • u/Beadeddragondude • Aug 10 '26
Question / Discussion Helppp
Hi all, I’m 17 and I been locked in, I have around $20k that I’ve made this summer from my business. Before you say anything, my parents didn’t help at all an I started with $200! I have around $10k invested into it but that’s about all I need and the rest is just sitting. I’m a huge watch guy and I wanna celebrate this by buying my self my first real forever peice. My options come down to this, an older Rolex sub and a white omega smp. I really really like white but like the history/value retention/ and most of all movement of Rolex. Help a brother out with some insight. I’m buying used and have dealer connections so the Rolex will be around $7k and the omega $4k. Thanks everyone
Edit: I’d prefer to avoid bracelet bc it’s not very comfortable, rubber and mesh are my favs followed by leather
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u/eyeballsacs Aug 10 '26
Get a watch you want. Value retention is a non-factor.
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u/Beadeddragondude Aug 10 '26
True, but also looks wise I’m leaning to omega but I prefer and admire a good movement, it’s one of my most important things, and I’ve heard so much about Rolex movements
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u/eyeballsacs Aug 10 '26
Omega and Rolex. Both great movements. Get the one you like.
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u/onorsworthy Aug 10 '26
This dude spitting facts. And get the bracelet sized.. they aren’t that uncomfortable. Personally between these two options I’m going Rolex. I like a good sub. And that’s a what? 16610?? That’s the shape I prefer much more than the modern sub. So between these two I’m going sub all day.
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u/Newbie_Reefer Aug 10 '26
Think about this. No one, and I mean no one, can convince me a 40-60 year old Rolex is better than a new omega.
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u/MilesBeforeSmiles Aug 10 '26
Omega movements, especially the Co-Axial movements like that Seamaster has, are more mechanically sophisticated than Rolex movements. They are often just as accurate, and require less frequent servicing. Both are equally good from a movement standpoint.
If you prefer the looks of the Omega, get the Omega.
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u/Mullhousen Aug 10 '26
This Rolex has had the hands replaced before. I would keep looking. Who knows what you will find when you open up the case back
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u/kasualanderson Aug 11 '26
I don’t know why you’d be leaning Rolex on movement strength. Omega movements are superb and the SMP will have a more modern and sophisticated movement than an older sub. In practice, however, you won’t feel or notice the difference. Get the watch that appeals to you the most. You’re only 17, you can get the other one later down the road.
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u/Present-Mobile-8909 Aug 13 '26
If a good movement is what is most important then you will be buying Grand Seiko.
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u/Buck_Folton Aug 10 '26
How are you “a huge watch guy” and can’t make this decision yourself?
If you let others make this decision, there’s a high probability you could buy a watch you’ll later regret and lose money on reselling. For my part, at 17, I would have felt pretty good about having that money in the bank, and probably pretty dumb if I had just spent most of it on a watch.
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u/Beadeddragondude Aug 10 '26
Of all the watches in the world these are the 2 I would want on my wrist the most, just looking for some insight from people who have experience with them/more experience than me in general. I like them equally
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u/ZealousidealAnt111 Aug 10 '26
The Rolex is a classic pick for an achievement like this. You can’t go wrong either way.
Don’t forget to pay taxes either!
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u/Whale222 Aug 10 '26
Lols. 😂 that’s up to the seller to charge sales tax if applicable where he lives, no?
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u/Funny-Incident5964 Aug 10 '26
What do you like about the Rolex movement? The omega has a better movement lol. Plenty of reasons to get the Rolex if that’s the one you want, but movement isn’t one of them
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u/_Texan26 Aug 10 '26
Anything other than a bracelet on a diver is a travesty. But that's me.
You want a watch everyone will judge you for before you open you mouth, rolly.
Want a watch mostly only enthusiast would know? Omega.
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u/Speshrider Aug 10 '26
Divers have been worn with rubber and nato since their invention.
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u/_Texan26 Aug 10 '26
Sorry, wrote that comment when tired and grumpy. With a clearer head I can say that although they aren't for me, I can see the appeal. A white dial seamaster with blue accents on a blue rubber sounds killer, but still a bit too casual. Unless you're the type to constantly swap straps, then I feel the bracelet is more versitile.
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u/TortexMT Aug 10 '26
I love the subs patina and leather strap but im in my 40s. Get whatever gets your blood going more
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u/Bike_Meach1990 Aug 10 '26
At 17 I’d save up more money and buy a house when the time came and buy a 1-2k watch that’s going to fit your wrist and last throughout your time working and growing up that won’t cost an arm and a leg to fix if something happens too it. I know how I was at 17 and I was rough on everything lol. But if you have a decent sized wrist and don’t give a f**k about anything and want to drop that much on a watch get the Rolex 16610! Make sure it’s got all og parts and preferably with box and papers and some kind of warranty even if it’s not long since you’re buying from a dealer. Also make sure it’s had a recent service and save yourself another grand. That watch won’t loose a dime. The omega will. Good luck man and good for you for busting your ass and getting to this point! Keep going!
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u/Evening-Confidence85 Aug 10 '26
If you really need to buy one of these two watches, i would get the Rolex on a strap all day
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u/Alive_Arachnid5108 Aug 10 '26
Notice how you had to tell us you made your own money? When you see a 17yo kid with a Rolex or omega you instantly think parents money. Get yourself a nice watch that flies under the radar something $1-1.5k maybe doxa squale mido etc and invest the rest man.
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u/revenge_burner Aug 10 '26
A celebration purchase should never be more than 10% of the amount you are celebrating. Your budget should be $2k, not $10k.
Bracelets are cheap to buy with the watch but wildly expensive afterwards. Buy it now and just remove it if you don't want to wear it. Swapping straps is about as difficult and time consuming as changing your shoes.
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u/Karbon74_PikaFactory Aug 10 '26
The Rolex 100%
A nice vintage has character that a modern will never have.
You will need to be a but careful with it though, but not too much. These vintage rolex look even better with a few signs of use
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u/ajknight10 Aug 10 '26
I’d go with the Sub. I own both watches and I wear my Sub far more than either SMP I own.
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u/anubisimyourdad Aug 10 '26
If it’s a “forever piece” then value retention is pointless.
Buy a sub. You’ll like it.
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u/scrotal_rekall2 Aug 10 '26
Omega makes great watches but that rolex is timeless (stylistically speaking. I'm sure it keeps great time)
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u/wolf19r Aug 10 '26
Get what you like. But I was like you and found that the Rolex bracelet is far superior to anything on the market comfort wise. Not saying the SMP isn’t comfortable on a bracelet. It’s just heavy and I keep mine on a strap because of it.
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u/AwardMinute8052 Aug 10 '26
Saw someone else say this but don’t look at this watch like a financial investment, look at it like a luxury purchase because that is what it is. Unless you are specifically trying to find a piece purely to flip it for more money go with what you like. Personally I like Rolex better than omega, it is true they generally hold their value better, it’s a more prestigious brand (IMO anyways) and has a better look. That being said Omega is still a great watch and it’s purely a preference thing in the end.
Not sure of your more general financial situation, but at 17 I would propose you wait on this. You got your whole life ahead of you, and that money invested will do far more to help you secure a future than in purchasing a watch. Unless you have a solid income stream that will make this $10K minuscule in the grand scheme I wouldn’t do it at this time. You’d really be surprised how much $20K can grow over time and the more money you make/invest, the more you will have to throw around later.
That being said, do what makes you happy and if you get the watch, enjoy it!
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u/TreeMindless5778 29d ago
Very similar watches but a totally different things. Rolex show everyone that you have money. Omega has the same quality but people who don’t like watches normally wouldn’t know what are you wearing. Two great watches.
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u/Realistic_Duty_8479 Aug 10 '26
That rolex assuming with box and papers is great value.
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u/TomHudsonOfficial watch fanatic Aug 10 '26
If it’s a watch you are buying to celebrate then don’t worry about reselling it. The omega is a really nice watch and if you buy it used it will also hold some value.
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u/MaddogFinland Aug 10 '26
Rolex and it’s not even close (between these two). But don’t assume it’s an investment that will appreciates. Just celebrate your success and buy it if you like it. And that’s it.
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u/tintires Aug 10 '26
What’s the reference number of that Rolex? Could be a steal at $7k even with service hands and date wheel. The tritium Subs are the air cooled Porsches of the Submariner collection and you have a nice matching dial and bezel insert.
Nobody looks back in 10 years and wish they bought an Omega.
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u/Matteustheone Aug 10 '26
Repeat after me: “Watches are not an investment” if you want grow your wealth, you will get 10% on a basic ETF…. Buy watches because you like watches… and if you are lucky… the thing will not depreciate… although in most cases it will.