Rolex As A Status Symbol

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

What about omega and Tag heuer? Oris? Hamilton?

Where is the line then?

How much does the watch have to be worth strapped to your wrist for people to say “oh wow look at that symbol of status” ?

Just curious

The line is this. General population perception + Rolex brand name = expensive watch. The actual $ amount and availability is not even a consideration, it is the name Rolex. Other brands, not so much.

Imagine if this question was on Family Feud, “Name an expensive watch”. What do you think most people will say? They won’t say Omega, Tag, even Patek and AP because most people don’t know of the brand. They would say Rolex. It is that simple.

Doesn’t mean we buy them because they are status symbols, but you can’t change perception.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

What about omega and Tag heuer? Oris? Hamilton?

Where is the line then?

How much does the watch have to be worth strapped to your wrist for people to say “oh wow look at that symbol of status” ?

Just curious

Now that’s an interesting question

IMHO, the general population knows what a Rolex is. It’s an “expensive watch”. Everything they do positions their brand in a way that conveys “expensive and exclusive”, even though to WIS its not.

Most folks who aren’t into watches, wouldn’t know what an Omega, Tag, Hamilton etc etc etc are. I’d go so far as to say most would not know what a Patek is, but they do know what a Rolex is

Therefore, Rolex is sort of the de facto status symbol.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JRell

The line is this. General population + Rolex brand name = expensive watch. The actually $ amount and availability is not even a consideration, it is the name Rolex. Other brands, not so much. It is that simple. Doesn’t mean we buy them because they are status symbols, but you can’t change perception.

Beat me to it as I was bumbling about me keyboard

[JRell]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Beat me to it as I was bumbling about me keyboard

Lol me too - I added an upgraded response using Family Feud.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JRell

Lol me too - I added an upgraded response using Family Feud.

There you go … the number one answer is

[JRell]

Originally Posted by brandrea

There you go … the number one answer is

Rolex. Exactly.

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Now that’s an interesting question

IMHO, the general population knows what a Rolex is. It’s an “expensive watch”. Everything they do positions their brand in a way that conveys “expensive and exclusive”, even though to WIS its not.

Most folks who aren’t into watches, wouldn’t know what an Omega, Tag, Hamilton etc etc etc are. I’d go so far as to say most would not know what a Patek is, but they do know what a Rolex is

Therefore, Rolex is sort of the de facto status symbol.

Grew up somewhere near or around “lower middle class”… never saw a Rolex outside adverts (primarily Road & Track magazine) and TV/film.

Had awareness of only three luxury watch brands: Rolex, Patek and Cartier.

I think that awareness (1980s in my case) is likely similar today among the general public.

To test, I queried ChatGPT:

If you surveyed the general world population, the three most frequently named luxury watch brands, in order of familiarity, would likely be:
1. Rolex – Rolex is the most recognized and iconic luxury watch brand worldwide. It is synonymous with prestige, precision, and luxury, making it the first brand most people would mention.
2. Omega – Omega has strong global recognition due to its association with space exploration (the Moon landing), the Olympic Games, and James Bond. It is well-known even outside the luxury watch target market.
3. Cartier – While Cartier is known primarily for its jewelry, its watches, such as the Tank and Santos models, are widely regarded as luxury pieces. The brand has a broad reach, especially in the general population, beyond the watch enthusiast community.

This ranking reflects the brands’ widespread name recognition, rather than their appeal strictly within luxury watch markets.

Patek Philippe would likely rank just outside the top three, perhaps in the fourth or fifth position, depending on the survey audience. While Patek Philippe is one of the most prestigious and respected brands within the luxury watch market, known for its craftsmanship, heritage, and high value, its name recognition among the general population is somewhat lower compared to brands like Rolex, Omega, and Cartier.

Patek Philippe is more recognized and revered among watch enthusiasts, collectors, and those familiar with ultra-luxury brands, but it is less likely to be mentioned by the broader, non-specialist public. Its reputation for exclusivity and high prices keeps it more niche compared to more universally known brands like Rolex.

[BraveBold]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

What about omega and Tag heuer? Oris? Hamilton?

Where is the line then?

How much does the watch have to be worth strapped to your wrist for people to say “oh wow look at that symbol of status” ?

Just curious

It has little to do with price - unless you significantly narrow the audience to only those in the know.

Any watch over $1k and possibly lower, is in the broadest luxury category. Call it sub-entry… but spending $1k on a watch is so unnecessary as to be a “global luxury.”

If you focus only on the watch category itself, rather than a general “luxury purchase” and narrow it to those buying such things… $3k+ is probably fair.

But as far as “status symbology” … wearing an FPJ will confer this in narrow circles… typically where status means less… because typically the purchase is not aspirational. To the general public a Rolex or Cartier is a bigger “status symbol” because they are going to be recognized by the largest number of people, the the general perception that the wearer has a certain degree of wealth.

A lot of the misunderstanding in this thread is between the general (rather objective, that a Rolex IS clearly a status symbol as PERCEIVED) vs the specifics to the wearer (the why/purpose of ownership/intent to convey etc).

Two things can be true at the same time: Rolexes are status symbols AND the wearer is not primarily (or partially) wearing one for that purpose.

[7enderbender]

I like to think that the nicer quality items I own are for my own enjoyment. There are a few material things that I care about. I always loved watches since I was young and pressing my nose against the store windows in Switzerland admiring all the Blancpains and Omegas when the watch industry first recovered from the quartz crisis. Rolex I didn’t pay much attention to since they already then were often considered a “luxury” and fashion item which is something I still dislike (call it reverse snobbery if you will). So I was off to owning and wearing my Speedie for many years (still my favorite). There are Rolex models that stand the test of time obviously and serve a purpose - and are very study and reliable. So I ventured into that eventually but I’m still selective in where and when I wear them given that it’s a brand recognized as a “luxury” item by non-watch people.
I have the same problem with some of my guitars, my bicycle and my Leica. I ended up with specific (and very expensive items) because they are purpose built and are considered some of the best for a reason. The backstory for why one would use such items is often missed or misunderstood. And yes, there are people who will buy a Leica or a fancy Martin or Gibson just because they can and like to show it off. I personally don’t really like to stick out with things like that. One reason why I haven’t looked deeper into a 911 yet. Love those cars but for one, the choice of what I like in particular are becoming more limited (either vintage or bare bones) and I wouldn’t want to drive to work in one of those or even park it at my house. Though I know that we really shouldn’t care too much what others think.

[gamingdoctor]

Price does not always correlate to public perception. A fully loaded Honda Accord will cost more than certain BMW or Mercedes models but obviously that doesn't mean the honda is a status symbol.

[INC]

Originally Posted by JRell

For what it is worth when I Googled it, first AI result:

AI Overview

Status symbols are things that indicate wealth or social standing, such as expensive cars, jewelry, and clothing. However, status symbols can also be immaterial, such as non-fungible tokens.
Examples of status symbols
Cars: Luxury cars like Porsches and Ferraris
Clothing: Haute couture, designer handbags, and other fashionable clothing
Jewelry: Rolex watches and other expensive jewelry
Real estate: Mansions, penthouses, and large houses

What AI does not understand is the point:

A status symbol is never one or a single thing in itself, but always the whole picture. Even if you have SOME of the above, it only means that you "were able to buy it". So it does not tell you ANYTHING about "who you are".

In other words, the story is actually the other way around! You can HAVE a certain status, TO WHICH certain things belong. Just because you have a Porsche does not make you "rich" or upper middle class. And just because you have a Rolex does not make you a part of a high-society.

I think there is nothing more disappointing than when someone wears a Rolex and gets out of a disgusting car, or appears in old and unprepossessing clothes. Ergo - to quote a Hungarian proverb - in this case a Rolex will be on him like trousers on a cow. A Rolex in such a case not only does not indicate his status, but it makes him look ridiculous.

To quote another Hungarian saying: "Clothes do not make the human." Just because someone has a Rolex, they can still be infinitely stupid and primitive. And just because someone isn't interested in watches, they can still be a member of a higher social class, even with a nice Seiko. Because the expectation is not that someone who belongs to the middle class should have a Rolex, but that what they have should be beautiful, neat, and show that they wear it because they value it. That's why I think this "mania" may stem from the fact that about 30-40 years ago, wearing a Rolex was the perfect example of someone being demanding, professional, loving the good, precision and reliability. Because back then, not many watch brands could put that on the table.

In my opinion this legend lives on. But it is not about a status symbol!

It is about an admiration of the pursuit of making the perfect:

tool watches

for the professionals.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by INC

What AI does not understand is the point:

A status symbol is never one or a single thing in itself, but always the whole picture. Even if you have SOME of the above, it only means that you "were able to buy it". So it does not tell you ANYTHING about "who you are".

In other words, the story is actually the other way around! You can HAVE a certain status, TO WHICH certain things belong. Just because you have a Porsche does not make you "rich" or upper middle class. And just because you have a Rolex does not make you a part of a high-society.

I think there is nothing more disappointing than when someone wears a Rolex and gets out of a disgusting car, or appears in old and unprepossessing clothes. Ergo - to quote a Hungarian proverb - in this case a Rolex will be on him like trousers on a cow. A Rolex in such a case not only does not indicate his status, but it makes him look ridiculous.

To quote another Hungarian saying: "Clothes do not make the human." Just because someone has a Rolex, they can still be infinitely stupid and primitive. And just because someone isn't interested in watches, they can still be a member of a higher social class, even with a nice Seiko. Because the expectation is not that someone who belongs to the middle class should have a Rolex, but that what they have should be beautiful, neat, and show that they wear it because they value it. That's why I think this "mania" may stem from the fact that about 30-40 years ago, wearing a Rolex was the perfect example of someone being demanding, professional, loving the good, precision and reliability. Because back then, not many watch brands could put that on the table.

In my opinion this legend lives on. But it is not about a status symbol!

It is about an admiration of the pursuit of making the perfect:

tool watches

for the professionals.

I really think we are overthinking it. People in general think Rolex watches are expensive. Does that make the owner rich or more successful by itself? Obviously not.

[kritameth]

Originally Posted by gamingdoctor

Price does not always correlate to public perception. A fully loaded Honda Accord will cost more than certain BMW or Mercedes models but obviously that doesn't mean the honda is a status symbol.

I'll have you know, my 2007 Honda Accord pulls.

[INC]

Originally Posted by JRell

People in general think Rolex watches are expensive. Does that make the owner rich or more successful by itself? Obviously not.

Exactly

[TexEd]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Now that’s an interesting question

IMHO, the general population knows what a Rolex is. It’s an “expensive watch”. Everything they do positions their brand in a way that conveys “expensive and exclusive”, even though to WIS its not.

Most folks who aren’t into watches, wouldn’t know what an Omega, Tag, Hamilton etc etc etc are. I’d go so far as to say most would not know what a Patek is, but they do know what a Rolex is

Therefore, Rolex is sort of the de facto status symbol.

Yes Rolex watches are definitely status symbols; expense and exclusivity together with their appearance are what works for me. If they were not relatively expensive I would have no interest in them and would not be purchasing them.

[Boothroyd]

I was pretty clinical in buying Rolex. Figured I could wear one for a number of years and get value out of it if sold. Netting it out, probably cheaper than buying some mid-tier "luxury" watch that would lose all its value.

No one looks at me as a trend setter, so the luxury argument didn't sway me. Well engineered, durable, all that--that's why I bought the two (pedestrian) models I have.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

I was pretty clinical in buying Rolex. Figured I could wear one for a number of years and get value out of it if sold. Netting it out, probably cheaper than buying some mid-tier "luxury" watch that would lose all its value.

No one looks at me as a trend setter, so the luxury argument didn't sway me. Well engineered, durable, all that--that's why I bought the two (pedestrian) models I have.

I'm the same. I wanted a Sub since I was a kid, did the research and figured I basically couldn't lose. Pick the right Rolex and they are basically free to own.

Yes, they are durable and and a "good watch", they do "watch things well"; are accurate, easy to read, comfortable, nice looking. The luxury thing didn't really ever come into the equation. Yes, a 10K watch is a luxury definitely but I don't see it as such, given the value proposition. Something that loses most of it's value after you buy it is a true luxury, the buyer doesn't care and just wants it. Also Rolex design is ubiquitous.

[Kingcobb]

Originally Posted by INC

What AI does not understand is the point:

A status symbol is never one or a single thing in itself, but always the whole picture. Even if you have SOME of the above, it only means that you "were able to buy it". So it does not tell you ANYTHING about "who you are".

In other words, the story is actually the other way around! You can HAVE a certain status, TO WHICH certain things belong. Just because you have a Porsche does not make you "rich" or upper middle class. And just because you have a Rolex does not make you a part of a high-society.

I think there is nothing more disappointing than when someone wears a Rolex and gets out of a disgusting car, or appears in old and unprepossessing clothes. Ergo - to quote a Hungarian proverb - in this case a Rolex will be on him like trousers on a cow. A Rolex in such a case not only does not indicate his status, but it makes him look ridiculous.

To quote another Hungarian saying: "Clothes do not make the human." Just because someone has a Rolex, they can still be infinitely stupid and primitive. And just because someone isn't interested in watches, they can still be a member of a higher social class, even with a nice Seiko. Because the expectation is not that someone who belongs to the middle class should have a Rolex, but that what they have should be beautiful, neat, and show that they wear it because they value it. That's why I think this "mania" may stem from the fact that about 30-40 years ago, wearing a Rolex was the perfect example of someone being demanding, professional, loving the good, precision and reliability. Because back then, not many watch brands could put that on the table.

In my opinion this legend lives on. But it is not about a status symbol!

It is about an admiration of the pursuit of making the perfect:

tool watches

for the professionals.

I dont know but this post reads like a status symbol...


Look I wear clothes I like, drive a truck I like, and wear rolexs because I like the watches.

I Could give a hoot about what others think of such.

Chances are that guy wearing rolex in plain clothes and driving an old car could buy and sell you.

I'd use Warren Buffett as an example but he'd never waste money on a rolex.

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Kingcobb

I dont know but this post reads like a status symbol...


Look I wear clothes I like, drive a truck I like, and wear rolexs because I like the watches.

I Could give a hoot about what others think of such.

Chances are that guy wearing rolex in plain clothes and driving an old car could buy and sell you.

I'd use Warren Buffett as an example but he'd never waste money on a rolex.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[INC]

Originally Posted by Kingcobb

Look I wear clothes I like, drive a truck I like, and wear rolexs because I like the watches.

Despite the seemingly different opinions, I think we are talking about the same thing. I think it is true for you too, that you dress the way you like, drive the car you like, because it is THE natural for you. If you like Rolex, you will wear it. And so? Wearing a Rolex does not say anything about your social status. We simply wear this watch because we like it.

Chances are that guy wearing rolex in plain clothes and driving an old car could buy and sell you.

If you wear that watch and drive that car, then without further ado. But no a chance if his car will look like this:

I'd use Warren Buffett as an example but he'd never waste money on a rolex.

You're probably right about that! I also think Warren Buffet would never buy a sole Rolex. I think he would rather buy the whole foundation. I would call this a status symbol! After all, why buy one when you can buy everything?

[HL65]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I guess he wasted money on a Rolex.

[Yobber76]

Originally Posted by Krash

Whether people want to admit it or not, a Rolex watch is a status symbol. But does it really matter? I also like watches that aren’t status symbols.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Exactly. Anything you buy or do that would set you apart from your peers, is done to add status. That "status" can be very different levels of expense, depending on your surroundings. It can be watches, cars, handbags, shoes, home appliances, what zipcode you live in, you name it. If it causes a reaction of attention or praise, and you're pleased by that reaction, it gives you "status".
That's not wrong, it's natural. We all want to feel like we do things that people notice positively, it is part of ego. Even if you don't flaunt your possessions, they carry a level of "status".
There are a zillion threads and posts on this forum where people show their watch collection for a zillion reasons. But ultimately what is wanted from that is positive attention, and the more positive response the better. How does that not make Rolex a symbol of status?

[Al Roy]

It’s been 30+years and I really can’t remember why I purchased my first Rolex..I know it was never about status I just wanted a watch for work and in the last 20 yrs with my Sub it just fits and wears and is part of me..we enjoy cruises and I alway see lots of Rolex’s but never see anyone flaunting their watches..I don’t care if people think it’s real or fake to me it’s just a watch..now my wife that might be a different story!! She has 3 and the last one took 3 hours to pick out at DavidSW

[huncho]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lmao, not only did he pick a guy who has a rolex but also one of the few who have daily'd a yellow gold DD for decades

[bluestreak]

I always find it funny how vehemently people insist they don’t care what *anyone* thinks of them. Not friends, or family, or coworkers or members of the opposite sex. I guess I’m jealous at these people have evolved to the point that transcends basic human nature.

Also funny, a thread with hundreds of posts claiming that people do not buy a multi-thousand dollar wristwatch to project any sort of image whatsoever. And many actually bristling at the mere suggestion, as if it were absurd to even consider.

Of course it’s a status symbol. What are we even doing here?

[TexEd]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

I always find it funny how vehemently people insist they don’t care what *anyone* thinks of them. Not friends, or family, or coworkers or members of the opposite sex. I guess I’m jealous at these people have evolved to the point that transcends basic human nature.

Also funny, a thread with hundreds of posts claiming that people do not buy a multi-thousand dollar wristwatch to project any sort of image whatsoever. And many actually bristling at the mere suggestion, as if it were absurd to even consider.

Of course it’s a status symbol. What are we even doing here?

Agreed, and I find it funny that many of the photo's shown on TRF by Rolex owners showing off their watches are of guys sitting in their Porsches, BMW's, Ferrari's, etc. Just another way of making the status symbol statement.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

I always find it funny how vehemently people insist they don’t care what *anyone* thinks of them. Not friends, or family, or coworkers or members of the opposite sex. I guess I’m jealous at these people have evolved to the point that transcends basic human nature.

Also funny, a thread with hundreds of posts claiming that people do not buy a multi-thousand dollar wristwatch to project any sort of image whatsoever. And many actually bristling at the mere suggestion, as if it were absurd to even consider.

Of course it’s a status symbol. What are we even doing here?

agreed, it's cope to the max

[Kevin of Larchmont]

To paraphrase Shelley:

“Look upon my Rolex Ye Mighty, and despair!”

I repeat, it’s only a status symbol if people know you’re wearing it.

[GradyPhilpott]

Thorstein Veblen

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorstein_Veblen

[eugenetsang]

If Rolex wasn't considered a "status symbol", you guys wouldn't be on here posting nonsense about the brand and its different models. Showing off your "very first purchase" and etc.

Everyday I see on here, users trying to "flex" on threads which are labled, "WRUW". If Rolex wasn't such a "status symbol", we wouldn't be having weekly threads about it..

More importantly, if Rolex wasn't a status symbol, we all would be wearing Timex and Armitron watches. But we're not. It's ok to show off what's on our wrists... After all Rolex is the KING of marketing. And sadly we all fell for it.