Rolex Rant - Waitlist, Buying, Owning, Selling 

Intro is hilarious! I worked at a Rolex AD in my early 20's (1986) and I've been in love since.

Hang on, sorry… I just clocked! You guys have a FIVE camera setup. God bless the poor committed soul who does the edit on these. Great job chaps. Production quality alongside the great banter, really appreciated. 👑👑👑👑

"They’re not overplayed and they’re proper tools" - Is this where Tudor now has so much appeal as well? As a whole brand, they really seem to nail that space, without the hype and with the accessibility to customers.

Such a great conversation! Awesome chemistry between the three (four to include Marcus) of you! Thank you for making me smile on Sunday!

You guys are absolutely killing it with this channel/podcast. Wonderfully informative and entertaining to say the least. Thank you for what you do

This isn’t just my favorite watch podcast but it now tops the list of my favorite podcasts period. The production quality is awesome and the chemistry between you guys is on point. I’m in the same boat as Andrew as the only thing Rolex has out there that really intrigues me is the white gold yacht master on the oyster flex. That is something I’ve been wanting to get since it came out.

I absolutely love the idea of About Effing Time. It has become my favorite video to watch. Its interesting, its chaotic, its hilarious, its weird and it feels like hanging with good friends that are deeply into watches. I think this is the trick that you seem like the crazy (in a good way) watch obsessed mates every horological enthusiast should have :)

Awesome show lads! What utterly gets me are the stories from George! I love that he opens up and tells us these moments… we get to see his passion and soul. Would love to sit and drink coffee (or gin)with the three of you! Cheers from Canada!

I watch most of the watch related RU-vid channels out there and just ran into your channel, this is hands down the best watch podcast I have seen so far. The quality of the content, the relevant and smart analysis, genuine discussion and great production. Keep up the good work, you guys should be in the top 3 in terms of views and subscribers.

Great banter on a great content as always! I appreciate the fact that you didn't use Rolex as a clickbait but had a genuine love/hate therapy session. Well done guys!

I watched Nico’s watch roundtable with George and Andrew the Voice yesterday and this one today. What comes through clearly in this format is the love, passion, and especially the sincerity that everyone has about watches. Of course, taking the piss out of each other makes these shows truly entertaining! You’re like the Blue Collar Comedy Tour for watches. You guys should do a ComicCon-like panel at the next Watches and Wonders. That is one show I’d fly anywhere to attend! Oh yeah, George, I had the same experience with my first born and spent 3 months in the NICU. It makes you rethink everything. I’m very happy to hear you chose quality of life.

This is by far the best watch content on the internet today! Love the rapport and commentary.

Best episode until now. Nice intro and that movement of the tank which George brought to the gun fight was just beautiful!

Thanks guys. Great discussion. The b/w therapy intro was brilliant. You could do 5 minute therapy sessions for every brand.

It’s just a pleasure seeing you guys there. Super entertaining and informative for those who are really into watches. Keep on rocking ✌🏻

These conversations are therapy for me. I suspect my boss collects watches, but I really don't have anyone to talk to about them so this is the next best thing. Learn a lot too.

Such a brilliant cold open 🙌🏻 we are all thinking the same things 🤣 Such great content, editing and production quality happening with this show. PLEASE PLEASE keep it going, I will be here with you all the way to Ep.100 & beyond 👊🏻

You should do a Tudor episode where you talk about the crowd pleasing stuff they produce, and how they are trend watches for watch people - as Adrian often hints at. Loved this vid!

I find myself smiling the entire way through each episode. Well done!

Arguably the most entertaining watch YT channel regarding watches. Informative, entertaining and just plain FUN. Keep up the great work Lads.

Love the shows. You guys bring a great atmosphere to the watch world.

Great podcast! Looking forward to next episodes🍻

Brilliant episode! George’s candid story was incredibly moving. Bravo chaps

Great episode, probably your best yet. Good topic, well organized and some really good personal stories. Loved it. Now let’s talk some Grand Seiko fellas.

Very cool background story from George. Tag was my gateway drug into the watch world years ago, I still have those first two in my collection. Great episode guys.

My dad bought a Pepsi 1675 in 1977 while flying F-4s TDY in Germany. Mom flipped out that he spent $500 on a watch. When he retired from United Airlines in 2015 he was still wearing it and it had been, literally, around the world.

Love to see more of this kind in the future, just real talk about the watch and the history behind it. Exactly what I’m looking for.

Best episode so far. Great stuff!

You guys are on to something here! The balance between the three of you is on point, I love the distinctly different voices, camera angles and editing too. Banger first season, and you can tell it's not by accident! Hope you're all committed to sticking it out for a while to see it grow 🤟

Just saw this... a little late to the party... I would like to add that I have a Rolex Sea-Dweller and used it for 16 years as a professional diver in the oil fields of Nigeria and the North Sea. It rarely left my wrist and was with me through many bell runs down to depths exceeding 800 feet in some cases... what I can say is it did what it was meant to do, and did it exceptionally well. From 1988 to 2003 it was with me through thick and thin. My personal take on this is not that perhaps so many people have a certain model, but more about what that model means for them.

Beautiful story George. You are a man of great integrity. Feeling loved and supported even at great monetary lose is priceless.

I agree with others; probably the best technical /visual presentation yet. Good topic and some interesting experiences and insights shared. Well done.

Man, I just love the concept of AET and the chemistry between you guys. Just blabbering about watches and personal stuff for 45 minutes, without getting boring for just one second... mates, I'm effing hooked.

George opening the Radiomir case back and reveiling the Rolex Movement - talking about a mic drop move 🥵😍 - fantastic episode 👍🏻

Agree with many on here, best channel I watch by far. Congrats Gents. Love the promotion of independent brands.

I’m drawn to AET for the same reasons why Adrian loves explorers - “They’re not overplayed and they’re proper tools”

Re: Explorer II, I never looked into one once they went 42mm. Having finally tried one on I have to say it wears really well and added it to the list with the AD. Great watch. Another Rolex that despite the recent hype didn’t get as much prior to the new colors, the Oyster Perpetual is a great watch. Have the last gen olive dial 34mm and it’s fantastic. Adrian did a video on someone’s white dial 34mm a few years back and that looks fantastic too.

The problem with the Rolex brand is too many people have them. You go to dinner with friends and all the men have a Submariner ! Friends with teenagers and a degree of wealth, spoil their children on their 18 and 21st birthdays with Rolex watches. They used to be a luxury brand to aspire too. When your friend’s teenage children wear them and have never worked, suddenly the shine disappears ! That means you look elsewhere . . . . . You want to wear something more individual. Have to say this is where Bamford comes into play ! But i’ve just bought a beautiful Tissot 2000 and a Bamford Tag RUF. Much more exciting !

Great show gentlemen. I love the Omega wall clock. Where did you get it?

Hi ! Great videos. Where do you get the wall clocks !!??

New to the podcast and new to loving watches. Great show!

I finally got to the BYOI segment and you guys brought Fears! Yes!!! I’ve been hoping Nicholas would get noticed more. His attention to the tiniest details is impeccable. My Brunswick Salmon always makes me smile; it’s a joy to wind every morning. :-) As I wrote before, the watchmaker’s personality has become a major selling point for me. Now to find the right Bamford GMT for me…

great show guys cheers

This was much needed. Great episode gents! I've been collecting for a long time and it still falls back to Rolex every time. It took me 4.5 years and several ADs across many states to finally land my Batman, it truly was a journey! For that person out there that thinks it won't happen, keep at it. I lost hope many times, bought 3 watches from other brands during the time I was waiting but nothing scratched the itch. And even now that I have my BLNR, I want the Explorer II Polar and LV Sub to add to the collection. Rolex makes some really cool watches. I definitely want another Omega and Panerai Submersible as well, but Rolex is still crushing it. This is definitely more an illness than a hobby. 🤦🏾‍♂️

Can you guys please tell me where you get the wall clocks from?

Excellent episode guys 👏

When I first got into high end watches about seven or so years ago, I definitely liked Rolex but avoided it because I thought it was too “blingy” based on the polished bits of the watches. I wanted the previous gen models, from the 90s and 00s instead. That said I didn’t feel like paying current MSRP for those at the time when I could get a new one. So I got my Reverso, a Geophysic, my Skipper and some Speedmasters. Then I decided I actually liked current Rolex design aesthetics and am glad I did. I still like the prior generation and vintage stuff, but current gens are great and I love my watches. I keep passing on other watches waiting for my AD to deliver something else from the list. That said, if I didn’t have an AD that delivered I’d definitely be looking at other things, specifically Cartier. I wouldn’t pay over MSRP for a Rolex unless it was a discontinued reference and even though I’d only go slightly over assuming I really wanted it.

This is nuts, I remember when you could walk in off the street and buy a Rolex. Buying a Rolex is a once in a lifetime experience for many people, notable birthdays etc.

Best episode yet. Hands down hands up.

Always a pleasure fellas. Be well, stay healthy, and I'll be looking forward to the next one. Cheers...

Favorite Chanel! Cheers 🥃

George's story at the end brought such good closure to the episode

Awesome content! Keep them coming! Would love to hear an episode of your ‘Justifiables’ haha! :)

As a very proud owner of a Fears, I can't sing their praises high enough. They're just excellent. I've worn mine - an Archival 1930 Small Seconds - on several life occasions because it's the watch I feel the very most at home in. I love it, and it feels right. I've got a moderate collection, and I don't wear my Fears everyday. But no matter the watch I'm enjoying, I'll think about the Fears. I'll think about my love for watches. And its a real grounding point for me in the watch world now. It's the first watch I've ever agonized over. And the service, the quality, the sense that this is a business that acts with the weigh of 175 years of history - It's all *really* there. You feel it, from the box it arrives in with an exquisitely hand-tied bow and lovely unique deep blue stain, to the little documentations with it that you really could just own that one watch - or maybe it an another fears - for most of the rest of your life. On the Archival specifically: There are 175. Of those 136 are two-hand models with a new old-stock movement from the 1960s (I believe); There are 39 of the Small-Seconds, which house a movement from the mid-30s. The series is numbered individually on the case back from 1846 - the year of first founding - to 2021 - the 175th anniversary. Numbers 1846-1976 and 2016-2021 are the two hand model, representing the active years. Numbers 1977-2015 are the small seconds, in recognition of the 39 years of dormancy. Number 1846 has been provided to the collection of the Bristol Museum, and I believe one or two others were retained by Fears to commemorate their history in their collection, meaning ~172 are available for private ownership. All 39 small seconds are either sold or otherwise accounted for. A number of two-hand models are available from retail.

Got my Polar Explorer II from the AD in November. It did something I never thought would happen...it took over the title of 'my favorite watch in my collection' from my Seamaster 300M.

Are those market shares for only new watch sales or new and vintage?

awesome show. love it

I agree. The Explorer 2 is the best Rolex I've owned and seen anywhere for that matter. It has the biggest, clearest and most legible dial for starters. Sits flat and comfortably on the wrist. The orange GMt hand gives it that slight flare that others don't have. It's be far the best. Now in the market for the latest 225670

liked the vide just for the intro alone keep them coming

6:30 what does this pie chart represent? Turnover or units sold?

Wait a sec… Following your analogy, Rolex obviously isn’t VW, nor is it BMW. It obviously is Mercedes!!!

Awesome job 🤙🏻

"Seeking validation as a human" - about effing time someone said that. The love hate relationship with Rolex is so well expressed here. Best effing watch content on RU-vid. Cheers from Singapore.

Got to be one of the best watch podcast out there.

Outstanding episode gents!

Really appreciating the balance you three bring to each other. Adrian feels very much the "everyman" who is closest to my stances on things (even when he's "Captain Boring"), Andrew seems like an ivory tower of watch journalism, and George represents Tag Heuer. Just kidding, he's that interesting fringe that is past a lot of the standard stuff and interested in weird and new things. You guys are really great!

Love the banter. I am in the "enjoying Rolex" stage - recently got my first 2 Rolexes from an AD who has taken a liking to me. A Datejust last October and a Starbucks in June. They are overhyped and overpriced, but also the 2 best watches I've owned (and I've owned a lot of watches). I'd equate Rolex with Mercedes Benz - most people can not afford one but almost everyone on the planet knows what a Rolex is and what it stands for. To the non-watch enthusiast (99% of the world's population), they are a symbol of accomplishment, success and status.

The way I look at Rolex today is a combination of all the elements of superior watchmaking, history, luxuary, affordability, marketing, investment potential without actually topping the charts in any of the categories. There are Other brands that may topple them in or or more, but there is none that tops them in all the categories

Interesting chart. Lets see where Tudor and Omega will be in 2022. Both have done some good stuff lately thus would be interesting to see the updated ranking.

.. No one mentioned that Nicholas from Fears once worked for ROLEX 😁 Great episode guys!!😎👍👍

Superb as always

The best new horological buddy hangout channel out there.

How you guys feel about Rolex is the same feeling I get after I pine for any watch for several months or more and then finally get one. There is always more dopamine released when I finally pull the trigger on a watch than how I feel about it a month later.

Top notch. A true heavy weight channel in the watch world. Keep it up guys.

BYOI - just picked up a Bruvik Fjord N2.0 Sognefjorden in Oslo. What a watch!!!

Good talk today. I bought a 5 digit gmt partly because they are still a bit more unique. A modern Rolex will always look exactly the same as someone elses

Thank you Mr Bamford for adopting the (now contrarian) view that Panerai has some interesting pieces in its back catalogue. I was however hoping that the popular hate for Panerai would continue a while longer, so I could pick up a PAM360 for less than £12k.

Favourite podcast so bloody good

Great to see the shoutout to Fears. They're beautiful watches and deserve more attention.

Great episode! As a dad, I really connected with George's story. And as a man, just wanna aspire to look as good as Andrew did in that t-shirt 😃 And hopefully, one day, my local AD calls me about the Polar Explorer II

Love it guys as always..... Bamford say tired of seeing all these people around me wearing Daytonas. Brother you are not running in the same circles as most people my friend. Keep making great video's gentlemen.

Amazing episode! Total validation for me. I don‘t have a Rolex, (can‘t afford it atm anyway) never wanted one at first, saw the Explorer II, loved it to bits beeing a proper sturdy tool watch. Only other one i really love is the Yachtmaster 42, but not attainable in any way sadly.

George is excellent in that opening! Lmao!!

Love your show, so we'll done and thought out. Also purchased some four pillars and sold my only Rolex 😀 winning 👌 keep up the honestly lads. Gary from the Sunshine coast

Where am I when it comes to Rolex? I’m in the ‘yet to experience Rolex’, but probably never will. The mantra ‘your best watch is the one you can afford’ rings so true with me. I most definitely won’t be able to afford one, either new or grey market. And if I could find a vintage Rolex in my price range, I could never afford the upkeep costs. …and I am honestly OK with it.

Great share.

Rm 2.7 ?is this by volume or price?

I had no interest in Rolex at all for such a long time. Then I wanted a Sub, then I wanted an ExpII, then a Daytona. The reality is I'm not dropping the cash needed to get one at any point likely...unless it's a Pepsi GMT 😄

this chart is weird.. is it in pieces or in value, is it sales per year or it is total number (value) in circulation?

My question here is, are tudor sales in those Rolex numbers of 28,8 % included ? Thanks. Greetings Florian. Keep going with AET !

Are clear prescription Persols TTH?

Would love to see an update on how the patina is looking on Andrew’s Tudor BB58 bronze.

I'm right there with Adrian. I have this inner talk where I caution myself not to jump into the sea and wrap my arms around the first and biggest creature I see, which in this case is Rolex. If tuna is the chicken of the sea then Rolex is the chicken of the watches. I wish it wasn't but the 28% AND the overall presence doesn't leave much choice. So it's very inevitable and unavoidable to have them on the path. And it's a good gateway drug into the more sophisticated side of watch collecting. So in that sense I think I have to thank them. Good episode by the way. Would have been nice to see what exact era of watch collecting you guys are in now, personally.

Thankfully I've never been hung up with the Rolex brand. They've mostly reminded me of old men. With all of their offerings, my favorite is still the Explorer.

Can you do a show on an alternative to the steel yacht master with slate dial.

Great entertainment thanks 🙏

We can all “hate” on Rolex right now, just over hyped, not the state or the art in design/movements, not as “exclusive” anymore, boring, etc - but if your AD calls for a Steel Daytona, GMT, Submariner, Skydweller, you’re taking it. But for me, I just bought a 2019 Tudor Black Bay Chronograph S&G for $4k, and absolutely love it. After tears of trying to get a Panda after six other Rolex purchases and two Grand Seiko’s with my AD, I just said whatever on the brand, and frankly the Tudor features a date, and in most every way is as good.

People can hate Rolex, but they CANNOT be denied. The Rolex brand has done more for the credibility of mechanical watches and their current, highly desirable status than every other brand combined. Are they the best watchmaker? Not even close. Are they the most recognizable globally? BY A MILLION MILES. I bought my humble Oyster perpetual date 34 15200 in 2004 before this new order of things and I will never part with it.

I did like 999 and this was for 1k likes. Great episode 👍

Beautiful story, George. Never been a fan of Tag Heuer but am now.