The Watch Site banner

What's with this Rolex thing?!

16K views 64 replies 36 participants last post by  MikeyT  
#1 ·
Ok I happen to really love the looks and history of the submariner...thing is I don't think I can wear a Rolex.

In all honesty I cant stand to be longer than a couple of minutes with 98% of the people who wear a Rolex ...the other 2% are you WIS guys who can still appreciate other brands and do not buy a watch as a status symbol only....

Anyway yesterday me and my girlfriend were doing some Xmas shopping when we walked past a Rolex AD. I like to take her opinion regarding my watches (she always surprises me with her honest random replies ) and asked her to come in with me to take a look at a no date sub.

First thing you have to ring a bell for the shop manager to open the door...then he was handling this watch like it was the last piece of Platinum left on planet earth. He then half heartedly asked what I was wearing. I told him it's an Orient star, at which stage he almost gave me a bit of bitter look ....as if I do not afford or deserve his Rolex...at this stage I put on my OS 300m and walked out with my head high.....as of course I couldn't have been wearing a more fitting watch ;) ...

I walked out even less willing to get a Sub than I walked in. I mean there are many higher end brands (Breguet, Blancpain, JLC, GO, PP etc...)....why do people who wear Rolex think that they are so special? Is it the same in your country?

Anyway do anyone here feel the same? What would you do if you were in my position...I really don't want to be passed as one of these Rolex guys...
 
#2 ·
Oh no, this thread could open up a **whole**, HUGE can of worms!! :57:


I think the simplest answer is that the purchase of a watch is solely down to personal preference - be it prestige, history, looks, fashion, whatever. If it was any different, we'd all be wearing $10 watches or just looking at our mobiles.


I used to own a Rolex GMT II - I bought it simply because I LOVED the looks and the history; in fact, it's still probably my favourite all-time watch. Yes, I was asked the 'Is it a fake?' and 'Are you a Rolex-wearing d*uche?' questions, but I didn't care. I loved it and wore it for me and me alone. However, eventually I got into vintage watches and sold the GMT to buy more - no regrets.


There are plenty of stereotypes with watch buyers, just as there are stereotypes in life. Given that, I suppose general rule is (or should be) buy what YOU like, for the reasons YOU like it. And ignore the rest.


:great:
 
#5 ·
UKRower said:
Oh no, this thread could open up a **whole**, HUGE can of worms!! :57:


I think the simplest answer is that the purchase of a watch is solely down to personal preference - be it prestige, history, looks, fashion, whatever. If it was any different, we'd all be wearing $10 watches or just looking at our mobiles.


I used to own a Rolex GMT II - I bought it simply because I LOVED the looks and the history; in fact, it's still probably my favourite all-time watch. Yes, I was asked the 'Is it a fake?' and 'Are you a Rolex-wearing d*uche?' questions, but I didn't care. I loved it and wore it for me and me alone. However, eventually I got into vintage watches and sold the GMT to buy more - no regrets.


There are plenty of stereotypes with watch buyers, just as there are stereotypes in life. Given that, I suppose general rule is (or should be) buy what YOU like, for the reasons YOU like it. And ignore the rest.


:great:

Well said...guess I'll just have to convince myself cos I really happen to like the heritage of the sub...or at least I should only wear it with long sleeves :)
 
#6 ·
Personally (and I say this with a straight face), I wouldn't want to own a Rolex. That might be due to my own potentially unjustified and ignorant prejudices, and I will freely admit that.

I guess I just don't see myself as a "Rolex guy", whatever that means. That is in large part due to the fact that my values (as it relates to watches) are likely to be quite different from that of the stereotypical Rolex owner.

I'll still maintain that, generally speaking, the stereotypical Rolex owner doesn't really appreciate his Rolex as a watch, but rather as a piece of jewelry/status symbol/wrist-mounted measuring stick.

Just my opinion.
 
#8 ·
I've wanted a sub for a while, but things keeping coming up! I think I'll get around to it sometime, but I will have to sell a good chunk of my collection...and I'm not sure that would be so fun to me. So it will probably be put off! I mean, I get to wear so many cool pieces: 6306s, 6309s, 6105, tuna, darth, MM300, arnold, 007, skxa35, 009. Some of these I can't imagine selling...so alas, no sub.


On another note, whenever I check out subs, I'm amazed at how small they are. I mean my MM300 seems like a beast in comparison. Tuna, even more so. Darth, well we won't compare sizes.


I also have a Bill Yao LRRP, which is based on a rolex milsub....with one improvement: size, a healthy 42.5mm. The LRRP milsub really satisfies my rolex sub cravings and allows me to continue to pour cash into my seiko diver addiction! Besides, I don't have the $ 80K+ or so to actually buy a real milsub. One question is how a rolex purist would view my watch. I know on the rolex forums there are some who like Bill's work, and some who just hate homages.
Image

Image



I snapped this pic a year ago of a GMT on a vet who was volunteering on the SS Jeremiah O Brien Liberty Ship based out of Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco (during fleet week)....pepsi and acrylic crystal, how cool is that! The nice gent had so many stories about this watch....I was so fascinated. He probably thought I was a freak. I'm not a GMT person, but this awesome vintage rolex changed my mind.
Image



"The Rock" during a foggy fleet week (summer before last).
Image
 
#9 ·
Hey Etienne, I agree with most that you say.


Sucks to be turned off in such a way. Sad and unwarranted.


But give another try down the road, you are the 2% being a WIS with the proper intentions of ownership.


I'm not a Rollie fan, but do like the history, and like the GMT or DSSD.


Maybe one of these could fill that void for the time being.


This one from Bill Yao is kinda cool.





The gold accents is what caught my eye.


Image

Image

Image





based from the James Bond Rolex Submariner is the new ref. 6538 model
Image



Image



Bill Yao does some nice work.
 
#10 ·
rich people here wear rolex coz it's popular or just too cheap rather than getting more expensive ones. my younger brother a 21 year old wears a two-toned rolex.

i too would love too get a rolex sub but ithink it's impossible for now. i'm looking for other altenatives at the moment like a seiko mod :great:
 
#11 ·
I am no rolex guy but if i could, i would want to own a sea dweller (not the deep sea version). I am fascinated by the built and the heritage behind the watch.

I think this is more impt when one can look beyond the $value$ of the watch and appreciate it as a piece of mechanical marvel or a page out of history, as itself whether or not it is a rolex or a seiko for that matter. whenever i say this to my dad, he will always snigger at me saying i can't afford so it's sour grapes :banghead:


but that's just me. and i am proud that along the journey of this hobby, i have also poisoned many with my seikos >:D
 
#13 ·
Peahi said:
I snapped this pic a year ago of a GMT... I'm not a GMT person, but this awesome vintage rolex changed my mind.

[/quote]
This is the exact Rolex my dad gave me, a GMT1675 circa 1969 or so. Mine is in almost as nice condition, except the bezel is a little faded toward the outside. I can't believe the prices these things are fetching now! But here's the thing - I can remember my dad joking 20 years ago, "It's a Rolex, but it doesn't keep that great time!." So recently, maybe 2 yrs ago, I had it serviced at a local shop (Precision Watches in PA, Rolex authorized). Had the crystal replaced, stem repaired, and hands replaced because they were pitted. And it still loses 5 min every 2 or 3 weeks! Do I love it anyway? Of course. But I had to go and pick up this Seiko SKZ269 because the GMT is worth too much to beat up in my day to day routine anymore.


I have to say, I am looking forward to my Seiko automatic and NOT having to worry if it's 5 min fast (my preferred setting), right on time, or slow. When I have to walk to the bus stop in freezing cold to meet my little one, I don't want to spend an xtra 5 mins standing like a human icicle out there. But I have been going early because the Rolex just isn't the "superlative chronometer" it's supposed to be. When the girl turns 18, she can sell it and put a down payment on a nice car!
 

Attachments

#15 ·
below is personal opinion, IMHO

in my country, well, in my town

u cant argue the stereotype ..

Big shots -- Rolex
Young arising star -- Tag Heuer
Old man and poor man try to be cool -- Seiko

thats the stereotype..

Rolex can be bought and sold, almost instantly...
they represent Pride .. High Status Symbol

most people dont care about other Haute Horology (Patek, JLC, GP, etc etc )

I love Rolex..
I own Sub Nodate and GMT Master 16700

but all are worn by my wife

why ?
The Rolex makes her work easier...

Client (big shot client) are more tame and respectful , when my wife flash The Rolex in her arms
Boss are more respectful

even when my wife goes shopping

all the boutique and shop sales person will greet her, open door, take anything my wife want to see and try
just by wincing at her Rolex..

so she just make the best profit of Rolex High Status symbol to her benefit

She knows its a good watch
and she love how her husband (me) collect vintage Grand Seiko and King Seiko
but she love how Rolex makes her being first priority (coz of the stereotype)


can u imagine when I cant get to handle a Rolex in a Rolex AD, simply coz I wear ugly old Grand Seiko
but when my wife came in and flash her Sub
Red Carpet ??

I know its sickening
but thats the cold fact


Some of my old Rolex that makes my wife's work as accountant much more easier

Sub 5513
Image

Image


Old GMT Master
Image


Old Datejust
Image


Me.. me love understated beauty and Haute Horology of Seiko .. :))
 
#17 ·
Well, yes, the problem is people.


Many people buy Rolex for investment and status.



Salespeople have to profile their prospective customers.


You can't judge a book by its cover. But it happens all the time.


Its the whole "Pretty Woman" character scenario where she doesn't get service because of her attire.


This is my take on the listed correlation. Kinda opposite from the above post.


Big shots -- Grand Seiko
Young arising star -- G Shock
Old man and poor man try to be cool -- Rolex
 
#18 ·
sharkfinDave said:
Well, yes, the problem is people.


Many people buy Rolex for investment and status.



Salespeople have to profile their prospective customers.


You can't judge a book by its cover. But it happens all the time.


Its the whole "Pretty Woman" character scenario where she doesn't get service because of her attire.


This is my take on the listed correlation. Kinda opposite from the above post.


Big shots -- Grand Seiko
Young arising star -- G Shock
Old man and poor man try to be cool -- Rolex



yup
it always the " Pretty Woman" scene all over again..

since I am a doctor, I need to wear as ugly watch as possible
if I wear Rolex,
my patients would have a negative thinking on how the doctor is " Money Oriented " etc etc
patients needs to have a poor doctor who wear this old battered watch.. so the perspective is , this is a good not " money oriented " doctor...

for me is

Big Shots : Haute Horologie
Most non WIS big shots : Rolex
Arising star : Tag Heuer , Omega and Panerai (another crazy strong brand)
most people : casio and china watch
 
#19 ·
Haha, thats interesting Music Healing.


I always check my doctors wrists to see if they're wearing anything interesting.
you're right, usually nothing that stands out. My dentist does wear a Longines.
I will ask them next time if they've got any Rollies. lol. :D More than likely I'm sure.


And yes, you're right about the real big shots wearing haute horologie. watches that are 5-6 figures and up are beyond imagination.
 
#21 ·
music_healing said:
for me is

Big Shots : Haute Horologie
Most non WIS big shots : Rolex
Arising star : Tag Heuer , Omega and Panerai (another crazy strong brand)
most people : casio and china watch

You may have to adjust your ratings scale! Here's a Casio that has a ton of useful features, solar powered too. But too rich for my blood, at least this month. It's almost $500.
ProTrek
 

Attachments

#23 ·
sharkfinDave said:
I always check my doctors wrists to see if they're wearing anything interesting.
you're right, usually nothing that stands out. My dentist does wear a Longines.
I will ask them next time if they've got any Rollies. lol. :D More than likely I'm sure.

my doctor wears a Panerai and has a rolex wallpaper on his computer desktop.
that could explain why he charges so much for his consultation fees :-[ :banghead:
 
#24 ·
Rolex make very good dive watches. If you really like them and want one then get it. Nothing else will be a worthy substitute. Nobody will notice you're wearing it so perception is irrelevant. Just enjoy it.

But they are also very expensive. I like my 16600 a lot but I wouldn't have sold my watches to get it. It is an addition to a collection, not a substitute.

As for the size thing. Unless your wrists are 8 + inches 40mm is not small and looks great.

Oh yeah, get a 16600 instead of a sub. It is rarer, cooler, better engineered, and you get SEL with no cycles.
 
#25 ·
big-e-294 said:
my doctor wears a Panerai and has a rolex wallpaper on his computer desktop.
that could explain why he charges so much for his consultation fees :-[ :banghead:
:))

if you are consulting with a doctor wearing old Seiko or Omega watches
with picture of Grand Seiko in his computer desktop
and picture of vintage Seiko diver in his laptop..

dont forget to say hello to me , ok... ^-^