Disruptors The Watch Guru: Making Millions Collecting Watches & The Truth on Rolex - Tom Bolt
Jan 19, 2026
Tom Bolt, known as the 'watch guru', shares his expertise on high-end wristwatches and the current luxury watch market. He discusses the alarming rise in watch-targeted crime and urges collectors to choose discreet pieces for safety. Tom compares the investment value of Rolex to real estate and critiques the modern watch market, especially remakes versus originals. He highlights the significance of vintage pieces like the Patek 2526, provides insight into watch trends, and reveals tips for successful collecting and investing.
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Wear Watches With Discretion
- If you won't wear a watch, buy art or something others can enjoy instead.
- Be discreet wearing flashy watches in London to avoid becoming a target.
Value Is Defined By Street Price
- Street (dealer) prices, not retail list prices, determine a watch's investment performance.
- Even undesirable Rolex models have outperformed many houses and savings when judged by real market values.
How The Daytona Created The Market
- Tom describes the 1988 Zenith-series Rolex Daytona as the 'game changer' that created the premium collectible watch market.
- He recalls buying them new for £1,550 and seeing their street value skyrocket soon after.