The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex WatchTech

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 17 May 2008, 05:13 AM   #1
patrick_b
"TRF" Member
 
patrick_b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Massachusetts, US
Posts: 48
Why mechanical watches? Why Rolex?

I find this question posed from time to time and recently tried to verbalize the answer to the questions, "why Rolex," and even, "why mechanical watches?"

I love the fact that the watch on my wrist doesn't need electricity or a microchip or a battery. I treasure that my wristwatch was very likely assembled by hand and hundreds (maybe thousands) of small parts; gears, cogs and springs work in concert every second of every day...with precision that matches or (in some cases) exceeds its battery powered cousins.

As designers and engineers strive to make products smaller and lighter these days, the heft of a steel mechanical wristwatch conveys quality. I find it confidence inspiring that the logo on the dial stands for hundreds of years of mechanical and design innovation. In an era where corporate mergers are commonplace, the Rolex Coronet stands alone, atop a heap of companies specializing in 'luxury goods'...a private entity that continues to attract enthusiasts and the general public alike. While it's aesthetics that drew me to fine watches, it's their craftsmanship that kept me coming back.

Unlike my cell phone, flat screen TV and laptop, mechanical wristwatches have remained virtually unchanged for generations, a mainspring, escapement, case, dial and hands. The term 'obsolete' doesn't enter into the equation. The average person would be hard pressed to differentiate between a 2008 Rolex GMT and one from 1968. My mechanical watches, both modern and vintage continue to work with the same precision as the day they left the factory. If history is an accurate measure, these manufacturers will continue to service them, keeping them running for generations to come. In a day where many product's effective life cycle is measured in months, mechanical timepieces can increase in intrinsic value over the years.

It's only handcrafted products that share this trait...and sadly, many can't point to even one item made by hand that they use daily. From the shoes on which we walk to the cars we drive, there are very few handcrafted items I use daily. I'm pleased to count my wristwatch as one of the remaining few.

Care to share your thoughts on the matter?
patrick_b is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 05:21 AM   #2
KLM
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Real Name: Kevin
Location: Texas
Watch: 14060M
Posts: 172
Awesome post Patrick! I must agree 100%
KLM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 06:00 AM   #3
f16570
"TRF" Member
 
f16570's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Real Name: F
Location: Scotland
Watch: Exp II White Face
Posts: 4,272
Thank you for posting this says it all in a better way than I ever could. You are so right in what you say
The best post on TRF lately, no should I, what do you think, will it be safe to wear, or the dreaded price increase....................
Thank you for re focusing the mind on why I bought this watch in the first place.
__________________
Why have what's new when you have what's best.
f
f16570 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 06:03 AM   #4
JJ Irani
Fondly Remembered
 
JJ Irani's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Real Name: JJ
Location: Auckland, NZ
Watch: ALL SOLD!!
Posts: 74,319
Well thought out post, Patrick. You've just about said it all.....nothing more to add, except to say just one thing:

Want a watch with a heart and a soul? Then buy one with a lot of moving parts inside it!!
__________________
Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!!

I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!
JJ Irani is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 06:30 AM   #5
patrick_b
"TRF" Member
 
patrick_b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Massachusetts, US
Posts: 48
Quote:
Originally Posted by KLM View Post
Awesome post Patrick! I must agree 100%
Quote:
Originally Posted by f16570 View Post
Thank you for posting this says it all in a better way than I ever could. You are so right in what you say
The best post on TRF lately, no should I, what do you think, will it be safe to wear, or the dreaded price increase....................
Thank you for re focusing the mind on why I bought this watch in the first place.

Thanks guys!!


Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ Irani View Post
Well thought out post, Patrick. You've just about said it all.....nothing more to add, except to say just one thing:

Want a watch with a heart and a soul? Then buy one with a lot of moving parts inside it!!
Very well said, JJ. I like that one a lot.
patrick_b is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 06:36 AM   #6
GMTJOHNNY
"TRF" Member
 
GMTJOHNNY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: John
Location: LONG ISLAND, NY
Watch: 2007 DAY DATE 18KT
Posts: 1,378
As a scientist, I remember hearing that "lasers would replace knives" a long time ago. Now lasers are used to sharpen knives.

Same for computers to replace clocks- now they are used to assist in the manufacture them!

Interesting how the "new" technology once thought to replace the
"old standard" is actually used to move the old standard further. I love human creativity! Amazing!

Mechanical keeps the human spirit within the watch, a digi-watch is [to me] cold and not personal- too sterile.

__________________
ROLEX DAY DATE 118238 (2007)
ROLEX DAY DATE 18238 (1997)
ROLEX GMT 16750 PEPSI (1987)
ROLEX AIR KING 14000 (1991)
ROLEX GMTIIC TT 116713LN (2008)
GMTJOHNNY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 08:06 AM   #7
patrick_b
"TRF" Member
 
patrick_b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Massachusetts, US
Posts: 48
Quote:
Originally Posted by GMTJOHNNY View Post
As a scientist, I remember hearing that "lasers would replace knives" a long time ago. Now lasers are used to sharpen knives.

Same for computers to replace clocks- now they are used to assist in the manufacture them!

Interesting how the "new" technology once thought to replace the
"old standard" is actually used to move the old standard further. I love human creativity! Amazing!

Mechanical keeps the human spirit within the watch, a digi-watch is [to me] cold and not personal- too sterile.

Very interesting. And certainly something I hadn't even considered. Very well put.
patrick_b is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 08:22 AM   #8
DS/B MINI S
"TRF" Member
 
DS/B MINI S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: Mike
Location: Charlotte NC
Watch: SD & Exp II
Posts: 961
I guess my love of watches stems from the fact that everything we do revolves around time. The mechanical aspect of automatic and hand wound watches fascinates me. The tolerances needed to make the gears, levers, bridges, etc perform are almost magic.

Of course, I also enjoy and take pride in the fact that I can own something that is considered 'world class.' Like custom knives, it feels good to use something that can be considered the very best.
__________________
16600 Sea-Dweller
16570 Explorer II (White Dial)
DS/B MINI S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 06:36 AM   #9
Chris B
"TRF" Member
 
Chris B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 9,631
Great post Patrick, spot-on & couldn't add anything to the replies
Chris B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 09:43 AM   #10
bsodmike
"TRF" Member
 
bsodmike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Sri Lanka
Watch: PP 5146 & AP 15300
Posts: 281
Quote:
Originally Posted by patrick_b View Post
It's only handcrafted products that share this trait...and sadly, many can't point to even one item made by hand that they use daily. From the shoes on which we walk to the cars we drive, there are very few handcrafted items I use daily. I'm pleased to count my wristwatch as one of the remaining few.
Off the top of my head, three items I use daily that are handcrafted

__________________
Here's my 2016 Watch collection with Patek, Audemars, Rolex, Omega - SOTC Video 2016
bsodmike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 10:41 AM   #11
vjb.knife
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Vince
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Watch: Rolex Sub & GMTIIC
Posts: 626
Quote:
Originally Posted by patrick_b View Post
If history is an accurate measure, these manufacturers will continue to service them, keeping them running for generations to come. In a day where many product's effective life cycle is measured in months, mechanical timepieces can increase in intrinsic value over the years.
I liked your post and agree with almost all of it. I am not trying to throw a monkey wrench into the good thoughts but I just wish this part of your post was entirely true of Rolex. Unfortunately Rolex has stopped servicing quite a few of the older models.
vjb.knife is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 10:45 AM   #12
BiG JeEzY
"TRF" Member
 
BiG JeEzY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Real Name: Jerome
Location: N. California
Watch: GMT I/EXP II/DJ
Posts: 3,351
Very well said Patrick, I dont know what else to say, your thread is incredible. Very brilliant indeed. I could not agree with you more.

Only question I have is, which Rolex model started it all for you when it comes to your love for the brand?

__________________
-Rolex Explorer II Black dial 16570 (circa 2001)
-Rolex GMT Master I Pepsi 1675 (circa 1978)
-Rolex Datejust TT Champagne 16233 (circa 1991)
-Vintage Longines Automatic La Grande Classique
-Vintage Seiko 6138 Automatic Chronograph with "Kakume" Dial
BiG JeEzY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 11:03 AM   #13
Rawhyde
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Real Name: Craig
Location: NW Georgia
Watch: Blue Sub+Tud Chron
Posts: 834
Great post! I haven't had any luck with electronic watches, and not much with non-Rolex mechanical watches either. I stay with whatever works, and Rolexes work!

Rawhyde
Rawhyde is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 11:52 AM   #14
jlwc1974
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Singapore
Posts: 86
Quote:
Originally Posted by patrick_b View Post
I find this question posed from time to time and recently tried to verbalize the answer to the questions, "why Rolex," and even, "why mechanical watches?"

It's only handcrafted products that share this trait...and sadly, many can't point to even one item made by hand that they use daily. From the shoes on which we walk to the cars we drive, there are very few handcrafted items I use daily. I'm pleased to count my wristwatch as one of the remaining few.
i dont think Rolex watches are hand crafted
jlwc1974 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 06:39 PM   #15
marshallr47
"TRF" Member
 
marshallr47's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Real Name: Ron
Location: Alabama
Watch: Daytona,TT Sub,GMT
Posts: 4,673
Patrick, I totally agree with you. Nothing beats a wonderful timepiece. Well said.
__________________
Ron
marshallr47 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 10:12 PM   #16
Trurolexer
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: USA
Watch: 5513MaxiI+PreComex
Posts: 18,421
Well said, Patrick!!!
Trurolexer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 11:10 PM   #17
ROLEX MAN
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
ROLEX MAN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Martin
Location: Home and Away
Watch: you? "YES PLEASE"!
Posts: 3,716
one of these remaining few for me is:
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
__________________


it's not just about telling the time...

happy rolexing...



I'm just a man with a passion
ROLEX MAN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 May 2008, 11:19 PM   #18
koevoet
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 81
Well said,one of the best posts I have read,and as somone else has mentioned, in this disposable culture that we are forced to live in it re-focuses the mind to what quality and craftsmanship really mean. Spot on Old Bean!
__________________
Never argue with a fool,he will only bring you down to his level and beat you with experience!
koevoet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 May 2008, 05:22 AM   #19
patrick_b
"TRF" Member
 
patrick_b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Massachusetts, US
Posts: 48
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trurolexer View Post
Well said, Patrick!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by marshallr47 View Post
Patrick, I totally agree with you. Nothing beats a wonderful timepiece. Well said.
Thanks for the feedback guys!

Quote:
Originally Posted by koevoet View Post
Well said,one of the best posts I have read,and as somone else has mentioned, in this disposable culture that we are forced to live in it re-focuses the mind to what quality and craftsmanship really mean. Spot on Old Bean!
Well said koevoet. A good re-focus can't hurt at all!
patrick_b is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 May 2008, 06:08 AM   #20
Portzed
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: Bryden
Location: Lincolnshire - UK
Watch: My 1st 60's Timex
Posts: 435
Patrick, the trick that 'did it' for me (in terms of appreciating a mechanical movement) was when I got my 1st SD in '90...I lived in awe of Rolex in those days...still do!!!.

I then had a first born in '95 and as a baby she would 'lull' off to sleep listening to the 'ning a ning a ning a'
that the movement made.

These days..she's 12 she still, (when on an adolescent downer ) asks to have my SD to go to bed with.

It gets her off to sleep in a rocket!
Portzed is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 May 2008, 01:00 AM   #21
patrick_b
"TRF" Member
 
patrick_b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Massachusetts, US
Posts: 48
Quote:
Originally Posted by Portzed View Post
Patrick, the trick that 'did it' for me (in terms of appreciating a mechanical movement) was when I got my 1st SD in '90...I lived in awe of Rolex in those days...still do!!!.

I then had a first born in '95 and as a baby she would 'lull' off to sleep listening to the 'ning a ning a ning a'
that the movement made.

These days..she's 12 she still, (when on an adolescent downer ) asks to have my SD to go to bed with.

It gets her off to sleep in a rocket!
That's very heartwarming, thanks for sharing.
patrick_b is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 May 2008, 11:49 AM   #22
DSJ
"TRF" Member
 
DSJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: David
Location: USA
Watch: your step!
Posts: 7,882
Well said, Patrick!
__________________
Rolex. The Rolex of watches.
16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II,
2552.80 SMP
DSJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 May 2008, 02:43 AM   #23
DrSheily
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 37
Right on!
DrSheily is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 May 2008, 01:53 PM   #24
Haroldglen
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Real Name: Harold
Location: Ohio
Watch: Rolex Datejust
Posts: 75
A great post. Very well said. You expressed the views of all of us who have chosen to own and wear a Rolex. Every time I look at my SS DJ I admire it for being such a precision instrument and a work of art. Many people have no appreciation for this and they would not recognize a Rolex from a Seiko. However, we who are members of this forum share this common bond of appreciation for these beautiful instruments, which we can someday hand down to our children.
Haroldglen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 August 2022, 10:18 AM   #25
gerry100
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: NY
Posts: 752
Rolexes may stop but they never die
gerry100 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 August 2022, 11:35 AM   #26
77T
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 41,953
Why mechanical watches? Why Rolex?

This is one time I appreciate a 14y.o. post being resurrected…

The OP, plus some well respected members shared some reassuring thoughts in this crazy time we find ourselves in currently.

Before Rolex became trade bait, investment voodoo, and impulsively sought after, we marveled at their engineering and the intrinsic value of a handmade mechanical timepiece.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 October 2022, 06:19 AM   #27
Easy Rhino
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Real Name: Kevin
Location: Now Tennessee
Watch: 2-Line Sub & DJ41
Posts: 413
Add this to it. Versus a cheap electronic disposable appliance watch that you won't remember having within a few years after dropping in the trash bin, a Rolex on your wrist reminds one of the striving for quality over cheap utility.

The striving for quality is what separates us.

One doesn't need a fine car to reach a designation nor a fine wine or whisky/whiskey or cigar to enjoy a fine moment, nor a fine house to keep out of the weather.

But it surely helps.
Easy Rhino is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 October 2022, 07:04 AM   #28
INC
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
INC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Budapest, HU
Watch: 17000B, B+W
Posts: 2,363
While I completly agree with OP, I still wish to add my opinion to this thread.

I've had mechanical Rolexes but never really enjoyed them. I was tired of having to move them or else they would stop and in this case I had to set the day and time manually. This was the reason why I switched to quartz Rolexes, which ones I really like, because I can put on any of them at any time. There is no need to set the time/date, there is no need to worry about them. For me, these kind of precision and simplicity are the real features. Probably this is a different kind of mentality, as I think that these Rolexes are not cheap disposable applianes. :)
INC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12 October 2022, 07:41 AM   #29
Rebel
"TRF" Member
 
Rebel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail
Location: New Albany
Watch: Tudor Sub 75090
Posts: 8,241
I've been a WIS all my life. Sure, Casio watches adorn my wrist in the right occasion.....Rolex and automatics are just part of being a WIS (for me).
__________________
-------------------------------
Member of the Nylon Nation
Rebel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 December 2022, 11:20 AM   #30
Cliffnopus
"TRF" Member
 
Cliffnopus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2022
Real Name: Clifford
Location: Foxboro, MA
Watch: Rolex 126621 Yacht
Posts: 196
Great post Patrick, right on point.
Cliffnopus is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches

Asset Appeal

Wrist Aficionado


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.