Anyone ever tell someone their watch isnt real?

[HyperM3]

Im asking this because this is the first time I feel slightly guilty about wearing a certain watch. My other watches were typically only recognized by fellow afficionados. However, EVERYONE recognizes a Rolex.

So, since I got this watch Friday night Ive been keeping it hidden. I dont want other workers knowing how I spend my money, or offend them if they think Im making too much. I would probably tell them it wasnt real so they dont judge the situation.

Also, with the economy the way it is I dont want anyone to feel uncomfortable when they see it and they can barely keep the roof over their head.

I've never felt guilty about a purchase before and I know I should wear this watch with pride. Am I in the minority here?

[thewatchguy93]

I can kind of relate to you.. However I wouldn't feel "guilty" as such, you have earned your money and done well for yourself and marked the part in your life with an expensive perchase. Theres no problem in that at all.

I have had to lie and say its not genuine a few times when a "dodgy" customer has entered my shop asking... "Is that a real Rolex".. If I think there maybe trouble, always answer no... Unless I can tell if they are interested in watches themself, not just to mug me!

[316lad]

When I first got my Sub I told my brother it was a £50 fake because I knew he'd tell my Mum before I did. I was in a sort of inverted Brewster's Millions type of situation so had to appear to be taking it easy with money.

Later on, of course, it didn't matter and I now flaunt it shamelessly wherever I go unless late at night on the back streets of London.

Guilt about ownership? Why? I worked hard and bought it to tell the time with a bit of style. End of story.

[azguy]

OP, I feel the same way sometimes and pick and choose how, why, when and where I wear my Rolex. My company just alid off 65 people and the ones that are here always think they are next.

[cbusjer]

Everyone goes through this in some way or another. I still lie to my better half about how much my watches cost -- not because I'm afraid I'll get into trouble, but because I don't want to have to worry about being made to feel guilty where that money could have been "better spent." Did you know you can buy a new datejust for $1500?

The point is, everyone spends money on things that other people would never imagine spending lots of money on. My friends would never have more than $15K wrapped up in watches, but I would never spend $30K on a 1960s race car that experiences something breaking on it every other week (my best friend's hobby).

Just enjoy your watch, and if you feel that guilty, volunteer in your free time helping other people (instead of lazily donating money). I volunteer with a couple of organizations here in town and it's very rewarding (and I'm sure if I felt guilty for doing well, it would help with that, too).

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by cbusjer

Just enjoy your watch, and if you feel that guilty, volunteer in your free time helping other people (instead of lazily donating money). I volunteer with a couple of organizations here in town and it's very rewarding (and I'm sure if I felt guilty for doing well, it would help with that, too).

Funny you say that. It went through my head how I could have donated the money from the watch instead and helped an organization(or two). But then, who really knows where that money goes these days. This is the first time Ive felt like actively participating!

[cgjane]

I used to care, but that all went out the window...I cant hide a Range Rover, so I don't hide my Rolex.

[smallcandle]

Don't feel guilty about it, but DO remember how fortunate you are to be in a postition to have such disposable income. If others see and comment on your watch just be humble about it and change the subject. People will always find SOMETHING to gossip about - that is unavoidable...

[scarab007]

I think you will be surprised at how many people don't notice your watch. Just wear it and be happy and who cares about how others feel. I think using the economy is a weak excuse IMO. If someone gets upset because you bought something or they judge you then you probably don't need to be hanging out with them anyways.

[bayerische]

Woot?

Why would you care? Don't just talk about and show your watch to others.

[Keeperoftime]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Im asking this because this is the first time I feel slightly guilty about wearing a certain watch. My other watches were typically only recognized by fellow afficionados. However, EVERYONE recognizes a Rolex.

So, since I got this watch Friday night Ive been keeping it hidden. I dont want other workers knowing how I spend my money, or offend them if they think Im making too much. I would probably tell them it wasnt real so they dont judge the situation.

Also, with the economy the way it is I dont want anyone to feel uncomfortable when they see it and they can barely keep the roof over their head.

I've never felt guilty about a purchase before and I know I should wear this watch with pride. Am I in the minority here?

No, I do it all the time. if an aficionado ask (easy to determine), I will tell them about them. Aficionados are easy to determine because they will say nice 5513 etc. If someone says I like your Sub, I say thanks. If they continue to inquire and aren't wearing a nice timepiece I don't really talk much. I'm not being a snob--it's just best in my opinion not to "show off" unless around enthusiast or Rolex lovers.

[Chris B]

You're thinking too much, just wear & enjoy

[alxforschnr]

Depends on the person that is asking.

[DiamondJack]

Hi Alex. There have been a lot of threads on this topic and you will find some people that think it's rediculous to worry about such things and some who feel the same way as you albeit to varying degrees.

People's insecurity about wearing what is seen by many (whether we agree or not) as a luxury item is a personal thing and everyone will be different.

My own approach is..... first and foremost to definitely wear your new watch....no question. You sound like you have saved and presumably prioritised this over other things. Other people will spend money on all sorts of things you will never even know about since they don't wear them. So never be ashamed or concerned about what other people think since everyone and I MEAN EVERYONE will have a different opinion on pretty much everything

But second, and equally important, is not to brag about it or flaunt it since for many people, a Rolex watch is an expensive luxury item, so something they buy after they have paid for normal every day items and in most cases only with very spare and disposable cash - if they are lucky enough to have any.

I rarely even mention the name Rolex and if asked what my watch is just refer to it as a Submariner or GMT or Explorer whatever. You are never going to change people's opinion or attitude to the Rolex brand since Rolex themselves have spent millions of dollars over the last 50 years marketing it to the entire world.....

So just enjoy it and stop worrying

[HyperM3]

I appreciate and respect everyone's responses. I absolutely do enjoy wearing my new watch, dont get me wrong. I just never felt this way when I was wearing my Panerai, Cartier etc. Ive never been one to succumb to labels, I just buy and enjoy what brings a smile to my face in life.

[Watch Professor]

If someone should remark on a watch I'm wearing (no one ever does) I'd point to my 11 year old car and say that I'm wearing my new car on my wrist.

[Grumpy Badger]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

I would probably tell them it wasnt real so they dont judge the situation.

I think I'd be inclined to judge someone more harshly for wearing FAKE goods than for spending their hard-earned money on a nice watch...

Originally Posted by cbusjer

Everyone goes through this in some way or another. I still lie to my better half about how much my watches cost -- not because I'm afraid I'll get into trouble, but because I don't want to have to worry about being made to feel guilty where that money could have been "better spent."

I can't agree that everyone goes through it... I spend my money on things that I NEED to buy and, whatevers left, I invest or spend on things I WANT to buy... I certainly wouldn't lie to the Long-Haired General about what I've bought since a) It's my money and she doesn't mind, and b) she's not stupid and, especially with the Internet, it would be easy as pie to catch me out!

I can't imagine why anyone would rather be a liar than say they had a nice watch!

[CashGap]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

I think I'd be inclined to judge someone more harshly for wearing FAKE goods than for spending their hard-earned money on a nice watch...

I'm with you. I'd try not to, but I'd wonder about their judgement.

[DS_Obsessed]

I tell people mine is fake all the time. But I tend to poor-mouth people. Not out of embarrasment but I tend to shy away from, how much did you pay for that" conversations.

[tattooedfagin]

i'm more worried about people spotting that my Maybach is really a Skoda

[cornerstore]

Since I put ETUR ends and rubber straps on mine I feel the watches are much less conspicuous and I get way less comments.It's that Oyster bracelet that gets the recognition not so much the watch.When mine are on the Oysters I feel I'm walking around with a flashing sign literally and figuratively.Don't go bargain shopping wearing a Rolex its a exercise in futility.

[petesjag]

Originally Posted by Chris B

You're thinking too much, just wear & enjoy

Well said...

[bighaole]

I was once in Beijing, on the street where they sell all the knockoff stuff. Some guy said what a good fake I had and offered me two Breitling fakes in trade. I politely declined.

Honestly, I had the same feeling when I bought my Daytona. But I was amazed that this watch, which was such a personal grail, has gone completely unnoticed by my co-workers. Frankly, more of them noticed a $350 dive watch I recently started wearing, due to it's large size.

Just remind yourself, you bought your watch for yourself, not for how other people would perceive you. Insure it so you're protected, and wear + enjoy it for the wonderful time piece it is.

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

However, EVERYONE recognizes a Rolex.

I think that most people don't recognize a Rolex.

[petesjag]

At least the way I was raised, one should never ask what one payed for this or that..just not done.
I dont mingle with people who would ask, so its not a problem to wear around friends..
Secondly, no one would expect me to wear anything but an original..
If anybody did ask such , then they are no friend of mine, so I wouldnt even respond..

[Chipmunk]

Don't worry about what others think.

Wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle .......I'm sexy and I know it.

[Art 1]

No, that is something that I would not do. I usually mind my own business.

[GradyPhilpott]

There's a psychotic fellow in my neighborhood who approached me as I was getting into my car a few years ago and I guess he was asking for money or just babbling about something, when his gaze fell on my watch and he moved closer and asked me if it was a Rolex.

I have to admit, and I'm not proud of it, that I lied and said that it was fake and cost $100 on the internet.

He immediately offered me $150 for it.

Naturally, I sheepishly declined.

It was just a reminder that crazy doesn't mean stupid.

[cody p]

You bought it to wear it. So you might as well wear it and enjoy it. Don't flaunt it and be humble about it (if asked) and I think you'll avoid grief.

[OrangeSport]

I can relate to this. A lot of people, especially in these times, are struggling. I know some people I work with are, and I would hate to rub their nose in it. I would not say it was fake if asked, but I don't flash it about either (although I don't hide it).

To be honest though, very few people notice what watch you wear.