What is it?

[Gaijin]

All my adult life I dreamed of owning a Rolex. Now that I have one (or more) what is it? Can we put our finger on it? What is it that draws us to Rolex? This brand? Is it the craftsmenship? The history? What is it? I am addicted, but I don't know why...

[leopardprey]

All of the above. For me:

All the Rolex Advertisements we have observed over the years, linking Rolex to adventure, fine arts, and exploration.

As a young soldier, noticing the older NCOs and Officers wearing Rolex watches.

Owning a peice of wealth on your wrist, that reminds you of your hard work, sacrifices, risk, etc.. that allowed you to finally own. And you can take with you wherever you travel.

The unique mechanical movement inside and the functions the watch have.

[Gaijin]

I mean I have no drug or alcohol addictions...but Man, there is nothing better than being in an AD and buying a new Rolex....

[jasonbellevue]

It started out as all the things that you had mentioned, the brand, craftmanship, the history, my family's tradition...and now I'm not sure anymore, my wife said it's a sickness...YES, that's what it truly is for me...a sickness, a malady of some kind.

To prove my point, just the other day, I was just looking at some of my bookmarked favorites, and I just 'accidentally' clicked on Cayce's website, 15 minutes later, I ended up buying a LNIB Z series Submariner 16610...*sigh*

Here's a snapshot of what I bought the other day...

[leopardprey]

Well, that is another thing Kansaivet. Many people can not believe how much we spend on a watch. Well, I do not smoke, drink in excess, gamble. If I look at how much some of my buds or people I work with have spent on those three over the last 10 years, it is probably much more than the Rolexes I purchased. ( a pack a cigarettes a day will cost around $1200 a year. That is $12,000 in 10 years. Enough to buy both a SS and TT Rolex).

Also, to me there are two nice things a man should have. A really nice watch and a really nice Pocket Knife.

[Wisher]

Rolex all of a sudden grew on me and the more I read the more I wanted. The more I saw, the more I wanted. I concur that it's all of the above. For me, I got to a point where I had sacrificed and saved and now it's my time to splurge on me.
My rationalization is that where I live, I need no car. I haven't had one in 12 years. I haven't had to pay for car payments, gasoline, insurance, parking, etc.

One point has always been fascinating to me is the brand recognition around the world. The name Rolex is synonymous for "watch", something in line with Kleenex for tissue, or Scotch tape for celo tape, or Jello for gelatin. I think of how many times I've seen movies or watched TV and a character wins a lotto or gets into some hard cash at the casino or even gets money in worse ways. He doesn't get a watch. It's never just a "watch" but a Rolex. Like, "Hey, he wins the lotto and gets a Rolex." (not "watch"). Nobody would say, "Hey, he wins the lottery and gets a PP (or Breguet, or VC, or ..... you fill in the blank)

There's something special to me, being able to own that kind of "superlative" recognition.

[leopardprey]

SOunds good Wisher!!!

USA:

Gas for 1 year (average) $2400
Car Insurance for one Year ($1080)
Car Payments for one Year, average vehicle ($4800) (I used to pay $500 a month, 60 month loan for my Toyota Truck)
Car Registration, plates for one year ($400)
Car Maintenance and Cleaning for one year ($250)

Total cost for owning a average car in America: $8930

That will get you one or two Rolex watches!!!

That is one of the reasons I can afford Rolex Watches as well. That is why for the last 5 years been working overseas, no transportation or housing cost.

[Robb]

There is nothing better than the thrill of opening that green box!!!! I love it too!!!

[leopardprey]

Rolex definately has the name recognition. Take 98% of the general public and offer them a SS Sub or SS DJ and also offer them a VC, PP, etc.. And they wil all choose the Rolex, cause in their mind it is the top of the list. Only WIS people will know the PP or VC is worth 3-4x as much!

[astcell]

Jason, that same site ha a nice Pres available....

[Prince]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

All my adult life I dreamed of owning a Rolex. Now that I have one (or more) what is it? Can we put our finger on it? What is it that draws us to Rolex? This brand? Is it the craftsmenship? The history? What is it? I am addicted, but I don't know why...

That pretty well sums it up for me, Tom. I had actually dreamed of owning one even in childhood! And now, to own several... WOW!!!

[Rawhyde]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Rolex definately has the name recognition. Take 98% of the general public and offer them a SS Sub or SS DJ and also offer them a VC, PP, etc.. And they wil all choose the Rolex, cause in their mind it is the top of the list. Only WIS people will know the PP or VC is worth 3-4x as much!

I'd take the VC or PP. Then I'd sell it and get a Rolex and pocket the change!! I live a somewhat rugged lifestyle and Rolex has proven to me that they are reliable and robust.

Rawhyde

[haakon59]

There are a lot of reasons to like and get addicted to Rolex and many have listed them here over and over again. It's a brand that makes an impression on people. But isn't there a social aspect to this that often goes unmentioned? Owning a Rolex is like being part of a club, in a sense. Because so many people like Rolex, owning one becomes a rite of social acceptance and many seem to enjoy their identity as a "Rolex owner". If I had to guess, this is one of the reasons people get addicted: it makes them feel good, it helps them feel "they belong". Sounds strange, I know. And how many things do you know in life that work as reliably as a Rolex watch?

[Rawhyde]

Originally Posted by haakon59

And how many things do you know in life that work as reliably as a Rolex watch?

That's a question that might deserve its own thread, but here are a few thing that fit the bill...

Maglight Flashlights
Snap-On Tools
Beretta Shotguns
Dillon Reloading Machines

I think it'd be interesting to see what else belongs on that list.

Rawhyde

[Dan Pierce]

Although, like a true WIS, I still lust after more watches, both Rolex and non, I was not really satisfied till I aquired a pro series Rolex. Somehow that felt like I've finally found a watch that could do it all and look good doing it.
dP

[Tools]

.
Rolex certainly has the allure of having something very few can obtain or appreciate.

What I can't figure out is why I have this "need" to have more than one....Sometimes more than one of the same model...

And I keep looking for a good deal for my next one....

[SSD]

What works as reliably as a Rolex? Many things, I'd guess. H&K pistols, my Rock River AR and Springfield Armory M1A, Bosch power tools, anyone's list could go on and on. But having something that well made on your wrist is more personal, and who cares if folks don't notice or understand! Being a member of "the Rolex club" brings things in addition to the heft and feel of a fine watch. I don't think people who buy one to imperess others realize that. Yes, a Rolex is a status symbol, even to oneself. The addiction is of one involving personal gratification, JMO. And I like it!

[mike]

Originally Posted by Tools

.


What I can't figure out is why I have this "need" to have more than one....Sometimes more than one of the same model...

And I keep looking for a good deal for my next one....

Yeah..you need help Larry.....

[jasonbellevue]

Originally Posted by astcell

Jason, that same site ha a nice Pres available....

Whoa, and a nice one too Robert! It wasn't there when I purchased the Sub the other day....hmmm....wifey's going to kill me if I buy another one.

[Prince]

Originally Posted by mike

Yeah..you need help Larry.....

Your knowledge base is extensive in this case, Mike!

[Blue Bull]

Childhood dream.Parents could afford to buy me one, as a gift,but decided I need to work for one myself.Good lesson.
11 years studying,three degrees later,age 30 and broke ...still could not buy one.Then at age 31,bought a GMT II red/black.It was fantastic owning that first one.The longer one has to wait,the more special .... Now,I am priviledged to own four.That is indeed a priviledge ....

[Gaijin]

Owning 4 is indeed a priviledge...

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

All my adult life I dreamed of owning a Rolex. Now that I have one (or more) what is it? Can we put our finger on it? What is it that draws us to Rolex? This brand? Is it the craftsmenship? The history? What is it? I am addicted, but I don't know why...

It's JJ!

[WES]

Originally Posted by Rawhyde

That's a question that might deserve its own thread, but here are a few thing that fit the bill...

Maglight Flashlights
Snap-On Tools
Beretta Shotguns
Dillon Reloading Machines

I think it'd be interesting to see what else belongs on that list.

Rawhyde

Did someone say Beretta Shotguns? Right up there with Rolexes in my opinion!

[leopardprey]

Wes, Nice guns! LIke the middle one the best!

Yes, there is just something about fine watches, knives, and guns.

Funny thing is whenever I meet someone who is into one of the above, usually turns out they also are into the other two as well!

Can't tell you how many friends I have had over the last several years that are into collecting knives and guns as well as Watches!

[Bama]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

All of the above. For me:

All the Rolex Advertisements we have observed over the years, linking Rolex to adventure, fine arts, and exploration.

As a young soldier, noticing the older NCOs and Officers wearing Rolex watches.

Owning a peice of wealth on your wrist, that reminds you of your hard work, sacrifices, risk, etc.. that allowed you to finally own. And you can take with you wherever you travel.

The unique mechanical movement inside and the functions the watch have.

I think it's all those things, Chad. I buy into advertising and marketing. People associate Rolex with wealth or status (or at least some do), but it's more than just a flashy piece of jewelry on your wrist. The fact that I can own one means I have accomplished something. I've wanted one since I was a kid and am proud to own one now. Rolex is different that Patek or some other brands. Many of us fancy ourselves as Renaissance Men - wrestling the alligator during the day and dancing with the lady at night. With a Rolex sports model I wouldn't have to change watches to go from one to the other. Even if I don't take the Rollie out on some rough and tumble adventure it's nice to know that it would be able to handle it if I decided to. Rolex is great for the boardroom or out in the field. I agree that every man should own a fine watch and for me Rolex meets that requirement and then some.

[leopardprey]

Many of us fancy ourselves as Renaissance Men - wrestling the alligator during the day and dancing with the lady at night.

Thanks for the advice, I knew I had something screwed up. I have been wrestling with the ladies during the day and dancing with the alligators at night! Damn, Damn, Damn. Now I know why I am still not married! LOL LOL LOL

Good post and well said Bama!

[Bama]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Many of us fancy ourselves as Renaissance Men - wrestling the alligator during the day and dancing with the lady at night.

Thanks for the advice, I knew I had something screwed up. I have been wrestling with the ladies during the day and dancing with the alligators at night! Damn, Damn, Damn. Now I know why I am still not married! LOL LOL LOL

Good post and well said Bama!

[Rawhyde]

Originally Posted by WES

Did someone say Beretta Shotguns? Right up there with Rolexes in my opinion!

Great pics! Is the O/U in the middle a 687EELL or a Jubilee? I have 2 390's both synthetic avengers 12 ga and 20 ga, a 686 Onyx Sporting, and a 687 EELL Diamond Pigeon Sporting. I have a Model 92 and a Stainless Bobcar also!

Beretta are mighty hard to beat!!

Rawhyde

[Ed Rooney]

The thing that attracts me to the brand is cred. I like things that have been proven solid and reliable. I also like things a bit on the utilitarian side. A Rolex has been any place that's worth going, done everything that's worth doing. Yeager, Sweigert, many thousands of professional soldiers, divers, pilots...the list goes on. None of these people chose Rolex because they want to look wealthy or impress chicks.

...ok, maybe the pilots did.