Do you think that a Rolex intimidates people?

[SUPERDOC]

I wonder if anyone else can relate...

It seems as though whenever I wear a non Rolex, my UN, Breguet, Corum, Pam, I always get compliments/comments... Nothing specific, and totally from non-wis types, but usually, "nice watch", or something similar...

But no one has ever said that when I wear one of my Rolex watches...

Now, no one ever crosses the room to say something about my watch, usually we are engaged otherwise, and the comment is made in closing etc...

So what do you think it is?
Is it that they think that a Rolex doesn't need a compliment -even a nonwis knows Rolex.
Or are they intimidated,
Or are they mentioning my other peices because they've never seen anything like them, and, even if they've never seen a Rolex, they've seen countless "homages" from timex to seiko, that they seem too pedestrian...?

Or maybe its just me... But no body other than Rolex owners ever say anything about my Roli...

[Rsvrider]

I live in Dallas, and I get the feeling that non Rolex owners view Rolex owners in a bad light. I dont care, I love it and I wear it for me. But I get your comment, people seem less approachable when I wear mine. And granted, I dont own a Daytona or a DD YG or anything comparable. We are talking Sub here.
Could it be the main stream media and the use of Rolex to personify A$$holes?

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Rsvrider

I live in Dallas, and I get the feeling that non Rolex owners view Rolex owners in a bad light. I dont care, I love it and I wear it for me. But I get your comment, people seem less approachable when I wear mine. And granted, I dont own a Daytona or a DD YG or anything comparable. We are talking Sub here.
Could it be the main stream media and the use of Rolex to personify A$$holes?

Texas Timex

[nim]

maybe a YG 18kt rolex, to a certain extent, is intimidating

[gwozhog]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Texas Timex

What is it with people from Denver always raggin on Texans?

[gwozhog]

The watch commands respect. It does not need a compliment.

[paverman]

I can't believe anyone would be intimidated by a watch.
I've never had anyone say anything about my watches, including AP's, panerais, Pateks, Langes, rolexs, etc. I really don't think non wis's even notice others watches, IMO.
I notice other's, however.

[ingmar]

Maybe if you're wearing a Rolex people assume you know it's a "nice watch". My experience is the exact opposite.

The only compliment I've ever received was while wearing a submariner. Royal Oak, literally three times the watch, received nothing. Ever.

[h999r]

If wearing Rolex people mad at you , how about Patek or Richard Mille ?

[FremStar]

Simple answer - No

[mboverst]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Simple answer - No

2x

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by SUPERDOC

Do you think that a Rolex intimidates people?

No. 99.999% of the people on this planet wouldn't recognize a Rolex if you smacked 'em in the eye with it. They've probably heard the name and developed unrealistic perceptions about them, but that's about it.

[DCgator]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Simple answer - No

Agree.

[snaggle]

I do think the OP is right to a certain extent about intimidation or more of a case of jealousy I would imagine.

The way I think of it, would be, just how you mentioned they comment on your non-rolexes - its probably because they do look nice and appealing, so people say "nice watch" without even knowing it is really more than what they think it is (they probably just think it looks nice and couldn't cost more than $500).

But with a Rolex, they automatically know its value, or close to how much it would cost, and don't say nice watch or anything, they are jealous and probably don't want to make you feel good about yourself.

Im not saying what I mentioned is always the case, but this could be the reason on certain occasions. I also personally don;t care anymore, and infact prefer nobody notices my watch - Im just giving this input as a reply to the OP.

[T-Rip]

No,..I wouldn't care if they did...lol

[handsfull]

Some people....once they discover it is a Rolex....do act differently. "intimidated" maybe the wrong description, but I think yes....I've had people react in a negative manner, as they can't identify with anyone willing to spend more than $20.00 for watch aka-Timex. Ironically, it tends to people with alot more money than I possess.

[AJMarcus]

I was told by a non WIS once that everyone who wears a watch recognizes anything with a cyclops on a metal bracelet is usually a Rolex. A watch alone , however, does not impress or intimidate IMO. It is rather the whole package.

[guyrolex]

Originally Posted by Alcan

No. 99.999% of the people on this planet wouldn't recognize a Rolex if you smacked 'em in the eye with it. They've probably heard the name and developed unrealistic perceptions about them, but that's about it.

I disagree a bit here-the majority of professional men recognize a Rolex instantly- I get constant comments on my DSSD, Daytona and GMT IIC across the US financial community. Even my non business friends or acquaintances stare at my wrist in social settings and sooner or later ask "so....is that a Rolex?" one non-wis friend once said in a public gathering when others were talking watches "every man recognizes a Rolex on another man"!

[MortgageGuy]

Not at all, I have said it before and will say it again as many have. I dont believe 99% of the population notices that you are wearing a watch let alone a Rolex. Sure a diamond encrusted something or other will stand out but your run of the mill Sub, GMT... Especially in SS... Trust me no one notices

[gwalker]

No. Unless its a watch person 90% of people don't even know or care what a Rolex looks like. They know the name not the watch I've been with my fiancé 4 years. We see her parents 4-5x week. They are well off and enjoy nice things and about 6 months ago her dad asked what kind of watch I wear. I raid Rolex and he looked at it for a bit and handed it back. Just said he never noticed it and thought Rolexs looked different. You can wear any kind of watch and people will say is that a Rolex because that's the only watch brand they know.

[Time2time]

No.

[liuk3]

Originally Posted by Rsvrider

I live in Dallas, and I get the feeling that non Rolex owners view Rolex owners in a bad light. I dont care, I love it and I wear it for me. But I get your comment, people seem less approachable when I wear mine. And granted, I dont own a Daytona or a DD YG or anything comparable. We are talking Sub here.
Could it be the main stream media and the use of Rolex to personify A$$holes?

To be honest reading some of the things posted on this forum make me not blame people for a negative view or stereotype of Rolex owners. First of all, it seems like many are always fishing for some kind of compliment from others for wearing a Rolex watch. I love my watches, and I don't need people to tell me how great they are.

Second, I often read posts wrought with condescension or superiority. Memorable posts coming to mind have included words such as being "firmly in the top 1%" (LOL), bragging about wealth, how superior their profession might be, or how well-educated they are. "God complex" comes to mind when I read these posts. It's actually pretty laughable at times how full of themselves some people can get. I can only surmise that many non-Rolex owners are able to pick up on the attitudes of these people likely strongly lacking in E.Q. and thereby perpetuating a negative sterotype to Rolex owners. The saddest part is that these people likely have no clue how negatively they carry themselves to the average person around them.

I count as close friends people of a wide variety of socioeconomic demographics and backgrounds. It's made my life much more fullfilling. What success I have is as much to do with dumb luck to have been raised in the environment I was. I don't begrudge someone if they aren't in the top 1% or didn't go to an Ivy league school. I was just lucky to have received opportunities in my life. Hope this post might get Rolex owners to potentially check themselves and re-evaluate how they treat others. I can imagine some Rolex owners do enough on their own to damage our collective reputations or stereotypes.

[z0mghenry]

I've never gotten a compliment on my SubC and I don't think it intimidates anyone. I have some coworkers that kinda jab at me and say why would I waste money on a watch (in a kidding manner of course).

[zama]

I live by the adage walk a mile in my shoes. I think 97% of people don't care/know about watches. Have a look at the average wrist, it tends to have a 5 year old scratched Citizen, Timex etc. As such most would not know what a high end watch is worth or probably care. The more up market the industry such as high end finance people are more attuned to displays of wealth so more may show interest. I think on top of that most Rolex's are understated, my dateJust is not overly showy against a world of 45mm+ sun dials from Graham and the like. I think a full Gold Rolex may draw some attention but most don't. I am sure we will all have mixed opinions, I am coming to the end of 2 weeks wearing my new to me DateJust and not one comment, but I don't care in the slightest, and I doubt I have intimidated anyone. I do think we as owners of nice watches go looking for others, i.e. a glance at a wrist or two, but the same cannot be said for the general public.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Alcan

No. 99.999% of the people on this planet wouldn't recognize a Rolex if you smacked 'em in the eye with it. They've probably heard the name and developed unrealistic perceptions about them, but that's about it.

+ 5,000,000

Well said Al

[roley798]

I don't think a watch has the ability to intimidate someone.... It may cause a few people to become jealous tho

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by liuk3

To be honest reading some of the things posted on this forum make me not blame people for a negative view or stereotype of Rolex owners. First of all, it seems like many are always fishing for some kind of compliment from others for wearing a Rolex watch. I love my watches, and I don't need people to tell me how great they are.

Second, I often read posts wrought with condescension or superiority. Memorable posts coming to mind have included words such as being "firmly in the top 1%" (LOL), bragging about wealth, how superior their profession might be, or how well-educated they are. "God complex" comes to mind when I read these posts. It's actually pretty laughable at times how full of themselves some people can get. I can only surmise that many non-Rolex owners are able to pick up on the attitudes of these people likely strongly lacking in E.Q. and thereby perpetuating a negative sterotype to Rolex owners. The saddest part is that these people likely have no clue how negatively they carry themselves to the average person around them.

I count as close friends people of a wide variety of socioeconomic demographics and backgrounds. It's made my life much more fullfilling. What success I have is as much to do with dumb luck to have been raised in the environment I was. I don't begrudge someone if they aren't in the top 1% or didn't go to an Ivy league school. I was just lucky to have received opportunities in my life. Hope this post might get Rolex owners to potentially check themselves and re-evaluate how they treat others. I can imagine some Rolex owners do enough on their own to damage our collective reputations or stereotypes.

I concur .....began noticing that trend for the past few weeks and finding it nauseating myself. The true irony is the items purchased/possessed cannot add to the character or provide class to the owner(s). Bad form at it's best.

[liuk3]

Originally Posted by handsfull

I concur .....began noticing that trend for the past few weeks and finding it nauseating myself. The true irony is the items purchased/possessed cannot add to the character or provide class to the owner(s). Bad form at it's best.

I should add that the vast majority of people on this forum are fine, but the ones who do stand out with their attitudes, well..., they stand out... :rofl

To paraphrase your statement above, "money can't buy you class".

[Randy63]

Hello all,

Long time lurker here. I enjoy reading and learning about Rolex watches on this forum..

I must say I really enjoy my Submariner. After seeing how boastful and arrogant a few posters can be I just shake my head.

As others have said I'm very grateful and lucky to be able to afford a Rolex.

Here is a post made by a Rolex owner on another forum.

Well first lets be honest about the cost factor. When it comes to luxury items, which I am not sure a Rolex is at this time. The watch is fairly cheap...

Why would you care what people think. Or for that matter being on the radar?? It is not a Patek now is it? the Rolex did not cost more then ones average wage for the year?? Ok maybe in some third world country.

Expensive would be the bill I just got back from the dealer on my brake job a set of pads and CCB rotors? all around. Now that would run me a few of these damn ROLEXS!!!

It is a watch nothing expensive... Just wear it.

This dude should be ashamed of himself although I'm sure he'd disagree. I actually feel embarrassed for him.

Randy

[Baco Noir]

Originally Posted by SUPERDOC

I wonder if anyone else can relate...

It seems as though whenever I wear a non Rolex, my UN, Breguet, Corum, Pam, I always get compliments/comments... Nothing specific, and totally from non-wis types, but usually, "nice watch", or something similar...

But no one has ever said that when I wear one of my Rolex watches...

Now, no one ever crosses the room to say something about my watch, usually we are engaged otherwise, and the comment is made in closing etc...

So what do you think it is?
Is it that they think that a Rolex doesn't need a compliment -even a nonwis knows Rolex.
Or are they intimidated,
Or are they mentioning my other peices because they've never seen anything like them, and, even if they've never seen a Rolex, they've seen countless "homages" from timex to seiko, that they seem too pedestrian...?

Or maybe its just me... But no body other than Rolex owners ever say anything about my Roli...

My guess is that non-WIS's don't recognize your other brands as "high end watches" but appreciate them ascetically, thus the compliments. As for saving the Rolex compliments to the end, they might recognize them earlier due to their iconic nature and might be trying to be respectful and not draw attention to your "expensive" watch.