Statement watch in today’s atmosphere/market/mindset

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Very true. Did quite a bit of traveling last summer, and to be honest, I felt very lone wolf-ish...like the only person in the world that didn't have an Apple Watch.

Certainly people who can wear a Rolex, AP, PP can wear one, because it is of-the-moment technology.

Honestly, when my husband’s 16710 Pepsi got too expensive for his comfort level to wear every day, he switched to the Apple Watch. He’s a tech guy, and wears it when he works out, etc. The watch is insured for market value, but he knows what replacement cost is and, frankly, the watch stands out more now than ever.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Boopie

Agreed. I thought he was a one-house-guy until I saw an article (in the Wall Street Journal, I believe) about the listing of his current or former oceanfront house in the Laguna Beach, CA area. I didn’t hear him say it, but an interviewer attributed the statement to him of something to the effect that he wouldn’t mind having all of his money taken away, so long as he could keep his private jet. This is because the private jet (or “PJs” as the Roy family calls them on “Succession”) makes the biggest difference in lifestyle between the very wealthy versus everyone else (which makes total sense).

Private jets are great but I really want instant teleportation as I hate travelling, think I was born a century too early... if we are still around then.

[BrazenC5]

From a Rolex perspective, the flagship, Day Date.

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[thesharkfactor]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

The statement piece is when you are a billionaire or other established super-high net worth individual and you wear a $50 Casio or Timex.

Nail on the head!

[RyanJ]

Most people will never ever care what is on your wrist. Buy what makes a statement to you.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

Most people will never ever care what is on your wrist. Buy what makes a statement to you.

I think that’s changing though, at least temporarily. I used to never had any comment on my watches, but in the last year has become a more frequent occurrence despite downgrading what I wear in public.

[7enderbender]

I’m sorry. But the whole concept of a “statement piece” horrifies me. I’d rather wear my G-Shock then. The fact that the Rolex brand is associated with “statement pieces” kept me on the fence for a long time if I really wanted that Sea Dweller (classic, not the modern “statement piece”).
I wish I had the kind of disposable cash to buy the kind of watches that nobody recognizes as high end time pieces. I buy my stuff for myself and not for other people.

[helloworldies]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

I’m sorry. But the whole concept of a “statement piece” horrifies me. I’d rather wear my G-Shock then. The fact that the Rolex brand is associated with “statement pieces” kept me on the fence for a long time if I really wanted that Sea Dweller (classic, not the modern “statement piece”).
I wish I had the kind of disposable cash to buy the kind of watches that nobody recognizes as high end time pieces. I buy my stuff for myself and not for other people.

I loved the Aquanaut so much when it was the Rolex alternative that no one recognised.

[BogdanS]

Originally Posted by BumbleB

I still feel my JC is a real statement Rolex.

A big chunk of brushed steel with a blue dial.

You can’t mistake it for anything else but a Rolex.




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Oh… this one…




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[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by 7enderbender

I’m sorry. But the whole concept of a “statement piece” horrifies me. I’d rather wear my G-Shock then. The fact that the Rolex brand is associated with “statement pieces” kept me on the fence for a long time if I really wanted that Sea Dweller (classic, not the modern “statement piece”).
I wish I had the kind of disposable cash to buy the kind of watches that nobody recognizes as high end time pieces. I buy my stuff for myself and not for other people.

Nailed it

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by helloworldies

I loved the Aquanaut so much when it was the Rolex alternative that no one recognised.

Right? I’ve been wearing a Speedmaster for the vast majority of the last 30 years. People have recognized it maybe 5 times during that time. And those were watch people and that’s fine. It remains my favorite. In fact I recently bought another Speedy. They are becoming a bit popular for my taste at this point. Let’s hope that people lose interest in watches again (to a degree where the manufacturers and watchmakers still make a good living).

[RyanJ]

We can argue over this all day long but let's face it. Many many people buying watches are buying it for the name on the dial.

They could care less about anything else.

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

We can argue over this all day long but let's face it. Many many people buying watches are buying it for the name on the dial.

They could care less about anything else.

I know. And it’s kind of sad to me. I grew up around people who would make it a point to de-badge their Mercedeses and BMWs and such. They bought the high powered cars not for the car itself but to be able to pull their boats and horse trailers. And the boats were for family time and sports, not to show off at the yacht club. Unassuming wealth that you would never guess. I have a lot of respect for that.

[Ensign]

A lot has to do with a person’s generation and socio economic status.

I’m middle aged, middle class and the statement pieces are Daydates, Daytonas, and Subs. Gold Subs and gold Daytonas are the F off pieces.

Older guys tend to be more into Pateks and dress watches and younger seem to be more open to bling.

[inadeje]

Interesting thought provoking thread op.

The first Rolex that really set my passion for the brand ablaze was the Daytona. This preference hasn’t changed over the past 3 decades. I’ve had (and have) those references that many consider today’s contemporary statement watches, but I still gravitate to my “if I could only have one” - the Daytona.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

The statement piece is when you are a billionaire or other established super-high net worth individual and you wear a $50 Casio or Timex.

This is just disappointing to me. Car enthusiasts are probably disappointed when they learn multimillionaires drive cheap cars and don't care about cars too.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by Onikage

This is just disappointing to me. Car enthusiasts are probably disappointed when they learn multimillionaires drive cheap cars and don't care about cars too.

I think usually the ones the own sports teams and clubs still brandish the 5711 greens...

[Dr H A]

Daytona white dial 116500
Patek 5711 blue
AP royal oak 15202 jumbo

[JSCP]

I think Rolex steel or PM make a statement to others, whether they know, or don’t know Rolex.

People that don’t know about watches, and even don’t know Rolex can tell is a “fine” watch.
But they don’t care. I think in their mind a Rolex Day Date cost $100,000 retail.

So go figure

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Interesting thought provoking thread op.

The first Rolex that really set my passion for the brand ablaze was the Daytona. This preference hasn’t changed over the past 3 decades. I’ve had (and have) those references that many consider today’s contemporary statement watches, but I still gravitate to my “if I could only have one” - the Daytona.

Since my interest in Rolex for the past 22 years ,its always been Daytona .
The market confirms.

[thenewrick]

Non watch people have no idea how much Rolex costs. They think an expensive watch is like $500 and a gold watch is like $2000. I don’t think a lot of folks would tell a friend that wasn’t into watches they bought a watch that retails for $15k for $50k 2nd hand. I think you’d get the same reaction if you told them you bought an NFT for $50k. It depends on the company but the average friend would probably first think wow that’s a lot of money. Then think wow that’s totally crazy and probably a waste of money. Not saying they’re instincts or right or wrong. That’s just probably what they’d think.

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Non watch people have no idea how much Rolex costs. They think an expensive watch is like $500 and a gold watch is like $2000. I don’t think a lot of folks would tell a friend that wasn’t into watches they bought a watch that retails for $15k for $50k 2nd hand. I think you’d get the same reaction if you told them you bought an NFT for $50k. It depends on the company but the average friend would probably first think wow that’s a lot of money. Then think wow that’s totally crazy and probably a waste of money. Not saying they’re instincts or right or wrong. That’s just probably what they’d think.

Oh well, that’s like showing up to a rehearsal and somebody says: hey, that guitar sounds nice. You should get that refinished.
At that point just nod and tell them you like it the way it is.

[HogwldFLTR]

There are all sorts of statements to be made in life. Some examples below:

1) I've obviously got wealth.

Yellow gold diamond bezel DD.

2) I'm a WIS.

So many watches fall in this category: Grand Seiko, any high end non yellow gold Rolex or other high end watch company watch.

3) I don't care what other Rolex collectors think.

Any lower end watch from less distinguished houses.

4) I'm a regular guy watch collector.

Any Hamilton field watch.

There are so many statements a watch can make; these are just a few. More than just pointing out statement watches the question should also be, "what is the statement the watch makes?"

[JSCP]

Just take a look at Watch Eric’s several “what does your watch says about you?” youtube short reports on severa, watch a few….

hilarious.

You will get some answers from the pro-grey dealer

[Wee-Willie]

Originally Posted by JSCP

I think Rolex steel or PM make a statement to others, whether they know, or don’t know Rolex.

People that don’t know about watches, and even don’t know Rolex can tell is a “fine” watch.
But they don’t care. I think in their mind a Rolex Day Date cost $100,000 retail.

So go figure

OR $5,000....Most people know nothing about watches, or care that much, just give them their phone or, at most, an Apple Watch.

I have a 1999 Air King & a 2021 Day Date..the only comments about them are from other Rolex wearers!

[EEpro]

Originally Posted by JSCP

I think Rolex steel or PM make a statement to others, whether they know, or don’t know Rolex.

People that don’t know about watches, and even don’t know Rolex can tell is a “fine” watch.
But they don’t care. I think in their mind a Rolex Day Date cost $100,000 retail.

So go figure

Father in law asked me if my yellow gold sub was "what like 4 or 5,000"

[007_Omega]

PM Rolex is back on the map. People woke up and started realizing again that Gold>SS for status. It was getting crazy when the SS Pepsi and white gold models had such a small gap. People who bought PM during the height of the PM negativity made out like bandits. Good for them, they went against the trend and now they are on top.

I’m not a status guy. I love the practical application of a hard wearing steel professional model but even I was shaking my head at the idea that steel is the new gold.

SS is way more accessible than gold so that market is bigger and more discussed. There are a hell of a lot more people who can drop $10k than $40k.


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