Rolex New Old Stock Collection Debate

Key Points from the Discussion

• One collector defends the NOS approach, likening it to preserving rare art or historical artifacts, arguing that some watches are meant to be kept unworn for future scholars and enthusiasts to appreciate their original factory condition.
• The author clarifies that his NOS collection, including a Rolex GMT-Master 16710 and Submariners, is not for sale and stems from a genuine passion for Rolex as a collector and fan.
• A prominent forum member expresses a common sentiment that collecting is primarily about wearing and appreciating watches, finding little empathy for keeping them sealed in a safe.
• The discussion raises the question of whether the motivation behind NOS collecting is purely investment-driven or if there's a deeper personal enjoyment in preserving the watches in pristine condition.
• Another member supports the idea of sealed collections, drawing a parallel to collecting sealed coins, where the absence of fingerprints and preservation of original condition is a source of enjoyment.
• Some contributors express difficulty understanding the pleasure of collecting watches that remain in boxes, highlighting a preference for watches that begin their 'life' with the owner and accumulate wear.