Other watch brands after Rolex: evolution of a WIS

[binkie]

Was talking to a friend who is also a watch fan, and I mentioned how I've gotten into watches and Rolex in particular. He said he's over the Rolex stage and has moved on to other brands like IWC, Patek, Panerai, etc. I'm currently perfectly happy with my 3 watches, and couldn't fathom having another watch, especially a higher end brand. Do you find that you tire of Rolex and want something better/higher/more exclusive/more complications etc? If so, which brands and why?

[Lol-x]

Sometimes I do crave for another brand, but I do keep coming back again and again and again to Rolex

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Besides Rolex watches I have had an IWC "Doppelchronograph". Nice watch, but not Rolex.

I have tried on pretty much every watch brand (high-end, that is), including Patek, Vacheron et Constantin, Audemart Piguet, JlC, Lange & Söhne etc.

But I must say: IMHO, NO watch company beats Rolex in terms of PRECISION, QUALITY and DESIGN.

So I buy Rolex ONLY!

Period!

[mike]

Certainly there's other brands I admire for a specific reference(s).
Omega with it's great Speedmaster, Seamaster.
Blancpain for it's Fifty Fathoms.

Nothing has ever come along that's ever made me think to move from Rolex as a mainstay.

[jac67]

I also admire other brands, BUT I can only pronouce Rolex.


John.

[MOVEMENTS.DK]

Originally Posted by binkie

Was talking to a friend who is also a watch fan, and I mentioned how I've gotten into watches and Rolex in particular. He said he's over the Rolex stage and has moved on to other brands like IWC, Patek, Panerai, etc. I'm currently perfectly happy with my 3 watches, and couldn't fathom having another watch, especially a higher end brand. Do you find that you tire of Rolex and want something better/higher/more exclusive/more complications etc? If so, which brands and why?

I have been collecting Rolex watches for quite a few years. It was practically "my first love". And I was thus more than faithful to the brand for a very long time, many years in fact. I looked the other way trying to "avoid" some of the many (in my opinion) interesting brands on the market.

However, in 2004 I decided to try to take a peak at some of the other brands. And it did not take me long to fall in love with the then new IWC Ingenieur. "Unfortunately" this led to another IWC as well. Shortly after that Panerai caught my eye. And now I call 3 PAM's my own, etc. etc.

So my advice is to go for what turns you on and the moment. Just beware of the well-known bug that leads to too many watches - and in my case - too many brands (at the moment it at least feels that way..). And by the way ...beware, it can very well ruin your finances ...at least for a while ;)

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by jac67

I also admire other brands, BUT I can only pronouce Rolex.


John.

[Wisher]

I can barely afford Rolex, so I doubt if I could "move on" to PPs, VCs, Breguets, etc.--even if I wanted to.

[Dan Pierce]

Sometimes I do crave for another brand, but I do keep coming back again and again and again to Rolex

Agreed. I enjoy wearing other brands from my modest collection as a nice change of pace. However, I still find Rolex to be the gold standard [even thought mine are SS].
dP

[Letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by jac67

I also admire other brands, BUT I can only pronouce Rolex.


John.

I'm right there with you on that one. I'm not too worried about the rest of them but could somebody please give me the phonetic spelling of Panerai.

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by jac67

I also admire other brands, BUT I can only pronouce Rolex.


John.

So I take it you go for Dunkin' Donuts instead of croissants?

I do find watches like the Lange 1 absolutely beautiful, but given how rough and tumble (read clumsy) I tend to be, the Oyster case has always kept me with Rolex.

[kcmo]

I purchased my first Rolex in 2005, after wearing brands including Cartier, Breitling, and several others.....

...since then, I've ONLY WORN Rolex and have subsequently sold my others. Something about Rolex keeps bringing me back. I really just don't want to wear anything else

[nko51]

I am strictly Rolex. No other brand moves me.

[Tools]

I like and admire all watches; I also have a half dozen fine wall clocks.... Each has it's own character.

But nothing lights the fire inside me like a Rolex.....or the pursuit of one...





(I do hate daylight savings time though)

[Floridadogg]

Originally Posted by Tools

I like and admire all watches; I also have a half dozen fine wall clocks.... Each has it's own character.

But nothing lights the fire inside me like a Rolex.....or the pursuit of one...





(I do hate daylight savings time though)

That sums up my feelings. And within Rolex, I only like the Daytonas and subs. I will spend my serious money on Rolex, and buy less expensive watches with pin money.

[puffnmo]

Rolex is my main obsession too. But I also like variety, and also wear a Cartier, Ulysse Nardin, Panerais, and IWC.

Swiss Army and Hamilton are brands I enjoy wearing also, and they are easier to "pick up" on a sudden urge. Oh, and I love the Omega PO.

Currently I am thinking it would be nice to trade in a couple of watches that I'm tired of for something vintage. It would have to be unusual, softly glowing, gently worn and meticulously taken care of... Larry.

[FBender]

Well apart from being a great watch, it does have other advantages.

[Letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by FBender

Well apart from being a great watch, it does have other advantages.

My kinda girl.

[Green Arrow]

Originally Posted by binkie

Was talking to a friend who is also a watch fan, and I mentioned how I've gotten into watches and Rolex in particular. He said he's over the Rolex stage and has moved on to other brands like IWC, Patek, Panerai, etc. I'm currently perfectly happy with my 3 watches, and couldn't fathom having another watch, especially a higher end brand. Do you find that you tire of Rolex and want something better/higher/more exclusive/more complications etc? If so, which brands and why?

Jaeger LeCoultre, more complications, more reknowned work on movements, beautiful casings and dials. Girard Perregaux, interesting dials, in house movements such as the 3300, Ball for better lume, etc.

Rolex is a high end tool watch, but until the Clownmaster II, not known for complications. I buy Rolex for a robust, accurate, sturdy, dependable watch with a look that I never tire of.

[leopardprey]

THere are a lot of other brands I really like and whose quality is outstanding. But there is just something about a Rolex (probably all those National Geographic Ads brainwashing me over the years, and the impression I got a young soldier seeing senior NCOs and Officers wearing Rolex and the abuse they put the watches through).

Other Brands I really admire and have owned:

GP
Ulysse Nardin
Blancpain
IWC
Panerai
JLC
Omega
Glashuette Original

[GoldenBear]

I've got 2 Subs and just got a new Breitling Emergency to mix it up. If I get a 4th (not likely) it will be a Rolex.

[watchgeek]

One of the main reasons I collect Vintage Rolex watches is that I find that they hold thier value so well (same with Patek). Whereas, some watches like cartier lose their value almost instantly when you take it out of the box. I like the fact that I have these liquidable assets that if I was ever stuck for cash I can sell one.

[USMCsilver]

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

... could somebody please give me the phonetic spelling of Panerai.

Pan-er-eye

[ohlins]

other than rolex, there are so many sought after choices out there.....to cater for all differing views, opinions, tastes and wallet size....

[Blue Bull]

Panerai and Glashutte,do come to mind ... The problem is there is always another Rolex that one can ad to the collection.In my case a black Daytona,is the next purchase.Hows that ,a white and black ss Daytona,in my collection ??

[Mort]

After being into Rolex for the last 15 years and finially getting the DD I always dreamed of, I have gotten a little bored with Rolex just for the fact, I never really had other real highend watches. Dont get me wrong, I still adore my two rollies, but I also like to have variety in my collection. Plus I have grown to love some dress watches on a nice straps. So my collecting has broaden into other brands.

I still were my rollies all the time, but since I bought my Patek, it has seemed to have gotten a ton of wear. The same goes for my Cartier Santos.

[Perdu]

I never think of moving up the chain, but I'm dreaming of the Omega gmt at nights.

[jac67]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

So I take it you go for Dunkin' Donuts instead of croissants?

Croiss, Cwos, Cwes......................oh heck give me a damn donut!


John.

[supermarz]

there are many many other brands out there that i am really fond of. Patek, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, even Roger Dubuis and Cartier to name a few
my next one hopefully is an annual calendar from patek.... my GRAIL watch ....