Hostility!!.......or closet envy??

[Nigel Tufnel]

You handled yourself well and as a gentleman should. In the future, you could always retort by saying something to the effect that "just because I don't wear a Patek doesn't mean you should assume I don't already own one" or "I choose not to have the bulk of my net worth on my wrist, unlike you", or best yet "a gentleman doesn't need to draw attention to his watch, or that of others. Those in the know, know."

[Perdu]

Peevish fun, that's all. I wouldn't take it to heart.

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by stockjock1975

Hello again all at TRF! Lately, I have encountered a couple unusual responses to my SS Sub that I wear daily on my wrist. Now, I will be the first to admit that 99% of the people walking the planet have no idea of a Rolex compared to a Timex. And I am fine with that - I wear the timepiece that makes ME happy.....and could care less what others think.

Well, about 4 months ago, I was sitting at the bar in a very upscale resturant just having a cocktail and minding my own business when I noticed a couple of professionally dressed businessmen looking my direction. It seemed a little odd, but I didn't give it a second thought. Finally, one of the men, leaned my direction and asked how long I've owned my Sub. I politely responded back. Well, he next pushed up his shirt and asked if I "wanted to see what a REAL timepiece looks like".....and proceeded to flaunt his Patek. I took the high road and commented on how nice it was, then closed my tab and moved on. Still, I could not believe the nerve of someone to make a statement like that. I chaulked it up to excess alcohol consumption on their part and went on with my life.

Well, about 2 weeks ago, I was at a business mixer event and was wearing a golf shirt. Out of the blue a man approached me and struck up a conversation about my Rollie. I was more than happy to talk about watches....afterall, I can only talk about business so much before I want to jump off the nearest cliff, and I thought this would be a refreshing change. I noticed he was wearing a VC (don't know the exact model but it had complications out the wazoo!!! Looked very expensive!) and complemented him on his taste in timepieces. In a very pompous tone, he responded back that if I "ever wanted to upgrade from that conveyor belt brand, he could help set me up with something much better." Wow!!! Talk about an unprevoked cheap shot - and very uncalled for, I might add!

So my question to all of you is very simply this - have you ever been the target of the 'Rolex Haters' out there? If so, what's your story? I must say, that I just don't get it. What gives someone the audacity to insult what I hold dear because they believe they have better. What happened in this world to common courtesy, decency and all around good manners? I have complimented people many times in the past on the Bulovas, Seikos and Citizens on their wrist. Why must the higher end of the watch society get as petty as a group of school children?

Well, thanks for listening to my rant. Best wishes to all!

Anybody that measures the value of a watch by the price alone is pretty damn misguided. Patek? Other than wildly priced watches, what is the brand's (Patek) claim to fame? Omega has the moon. Rolex has plenty to lay claim to as well. Seems like the prestige and VALUE should be tied to accomplishments, not just price.

Judge the watches by craftsmanship, durability and brand history.

[Ed Rooney]

Brand history is it. When has Patek or VC been worn for anything more adventurous than cold-calling? Rolex, Breitliing and Omega have all been to space. Without Rolex, Patek would still be making pocket watches.

Or you could order 2 beers, and dare him to drop his watch in one of them while you do the same.

[bullbanker]

Hey buddy, the jerk store called, they are running out of you!

Shameless US television reference - Seinfeld - but seems to apply here.

[SLS]

LOL, sounds like they both wanted a Sub....and the next time you see the jerk with the PP, say well, yeah I know this is POS, but my PP has been in the shop for the past year and a half...I hope I'm not six feet under by the time I get it back! =)
~Scott

[GradyPhilpott]

This thread actually sounds like what one normally reads on an Invicta forum.

I wear my Timexes as proudly as I wear my Rolex.

If a man's sense of self-worth resides on his wrist, he's not worth getting worked up about. His insecurity follows him everywhere, even into his dreams.

[chriseskew24]

Some people have to measure there importance on this earth buy there belongings, and if they lost everything tommorow they wouldent know who they where.... Others like the finer things inlife but do not measure there self worth by there belongings. but by how they provide for there families, how they go out of there way for others,and how one day they will be gone but had left there stamp on this earth... And you my friend i belive fit the second bill.


Oh and by the way defenantly closet envy.

[SLS]

Originally Posted by jnoble

Was the guy on the right the one who insult your Rolex?????

Why are the two guys on the upper & lower left smiling so much!
~Scott

[Singslinger]

I would have saiid "Although Patek (or VC) make nice watches, they're not for me - for the price I think they're vastly overhyped and simply too flimsy for my needs'' (which is the truth in my case).

[cody p]

Originally Posted by jnoble

Was the guy on the right the one who insult your Rolex?????

[cmr]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

This thread actually sounds like what one normally reads on an Invicta forum.

I wear my Timexes as proudly as I wear my Rolex.

If a man's sense of self-worth resides on his wrist, he's not worth getting worked up about. His insecurity follows him everywhere, even into his dreams.

there is an invicta forum? i like invicta. i have had 2 of them and my nephew took them away from me. thank god he didn't see my seiko monsters!

[Wolfgang427]

Ignorance is bliss. Goes to show that money can't buy class.

[JCLZ]

Expensive watches and cloth is not what makes the man. You demonstrated more class that they did and that´s something you can´t buy with money.

[Boopie]

The VC group photo is just priceless!

Great comebacks, too.

I haven't seen such watch snobs yet. If I did I might say that a PP wouldn't stand up to the shock from my pistol's recoil at the range....

If I ever for a moment thought that someone with a more expensive watch was better than me (or, heaven forbid, that I am a better person than someone wearing a cheaper watch) I would think of all of the jerks on the road I've seen with much better cars than what I drive. Driving a Ferrari doesn't make you a better human being.

[Leighton]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

Or you could order 2 beers, and dare him to drop his watch in one of them while you do the same.

Good one, Ed! I'll tuck that one away in the old memory in case the opportunity presents itself.

[golfball123]

those guys are morons... we wear what we like and that is final... we do not wear a watch that others will like... we live our own life...

[entropydave]

I just happen to wear a watch and it happens to be a Rolex because I like the understated looks and they are hardwearing; I guess I am a little more complex that that VC wearer, as I am more than just a walking ad for Rolex. I pity the fellow who feels the need to belittle someone because of the watch that they wear - I more than the sum of my parts, I am ME!
Ho Hum...

[C. Davidson]

Well, since I am fairly comfortable with my knowledge of Rolex and other Swiss Timepieces in general (Thank you TRF), I would ask either gentleman:

"What makes you think your Pateks/VC's any better?" I would put the ball in their court and let them make their case.

Im guessing (going out on a limb here) that most people who buy a Patek, like most who buy any Swiss Timepiece, have no clue whatsoever about their watch.

Then I would simply "show them the light" through point and counterpoint. It would at least make them think twice about entering the ring with a Rolex WIS.

By the way, WatchTime came out with a Special Issue on Patek Philippe a few years back. Good for basic knowlegde, call 1-888-289-0038 for copy, I think its $15.00. The Ultimate Watch Magazine, 00/24 Dec 07/Feb 08, also has a good article on Patek Philippe.

[Chris B]

They're just idiots who need a ego massage to get them through the day, I bet they're scared of spiders though

[C. Davidson]

O.K., now this is really bad, and should probably never be said, but here goes...

So he insults your Rolex and shows you his "superior" Patek. You then yell loudly, "OH MY GOODNESS, YOU HAVE A $30,000 WATCH ON!!!, $30,000, I CANT BELIEVE IT, RIGHT HERE IN FRONT OF ME, ON YOUR WRIST, IS $30,000!!!!"

Hopefully this sudden commotion (which is what he wanted right?), will gain the attention of the less savory people in the bar.

Well, like I said, this would be very childish and sophmoric. Not a way a TRF member should act in public. My apologies for even suggesting this.

[cmr]

you know i have been thinking about this all night while i was at work. everybody i work with knows i like watches and my wife and i wear rolex. about once a week somebody will come and show me their new timex, seiko, bulova or an old watch that their father left them (same type brands). i always tell them the good points about their watch and why it is a great watch. lets face it, most of them are great watches.

i could never bring myself to try and belittle someone because of a watch they were proud enough of to come show me wasn't an expensive swiss watch. all that matters is that they are happy with it. what happened to the op of this thread aggravates me.

[C. Davidson]

Originally Posted by cmr

i could never bring myself to try and belittle someone because of a watch they were proud enough of to come show me wasn't an expensive swiss watch. all that matters is that they are happy with it. what happened to the op of this thread aggravates me.

Completely agree with you. I would never talk down to someone based on what type of watch they were wearing. Not everyone sees value in wristwatches and many people choose to spend their money elsewhere.


Its just hard for me to not light someone up when they belittle my watch (has yet to happen).

[Tony-GB]

Anyone who appreciates & collects watches will be open minded enough to appreciate all makes of watches for the different markets they appeal to. Casio, Seiko, Lorus, Rotary etc, all have their place. I have an AP & have first hand experience of how Rolex is referred to as a "f* paper weight" by watch snobs.

I think Patek would be mortified if they knew a customer was displaying such arrogance.

I know Rolex make 800,000 a year, but AP make 30,000 & that ain't exactly exclusive.

I always think guys who try the one upmanship game with a complete stranger are hiding some deeper insecurity. Maybe their lacking in some department & have to overcompensate...?

Their trying to upgrade from a peanut to a cashew

[C. Davidson]

Originally Posted by Tony-GB

I always think guys who try the one upmanship game with a complete stranger are hiding some deeper insecurity. Maybe their lacking in some department & have to overcompensate...?
Their trying to upgrade from a peanut to a cashew

Im going on the insecurity thought, I like that, makes sense.

So the guy just insulted your Rolex....

You say: "O.K., nice watch, but can you do this?" Then go to the prettiest girl in the bar, explain the situation, and ask for any number (doesnt have to be real) and a real bonus would be for her to kiss you on the cheek in front of that guy.

Go back to the guy and ask, "Can your Patek do that?"

Again, extremely childish and immature. Not suggested.

[cmr]

Originally Posted by C. Davidson

Im going on the insecurity thought, I like that, makes sense.

So the guy just insulted your Rolex....

You say: "O.K., nice watch, but can you do this?" Then go to the prettiest girl in the bar, explain the situation, and ask for any number (doesnt have to be real) and a real bonus would be for her to kiss you on the cheek in front of that guy.

Go back to the guy and ask, "Can your Patek do that?"

Again, extremely childish and immature. Not suggested.

no patek looks as good on a pretty girl as a daytona does and that is the truth!!!

[jaeger]

Some of the replies in this thread are as moronic as the comments made by the Patek and Vacheron wearing bozos in the original post.

[Lol-x]

This is one reason why we don't have a lot of other brand forums, it just gives guys the opportunity to insult others.

While I'm at it, anyone who insults another forum member or creates antagonism will be given something more to think about

[SKSeoul81]

Originally Posted by Tony-GB

I know Rolex make 800,000 a year, but AP make 30,000 & that ain't exactly exclusive.

I think the Rolex fab churns out closer to 1 million watches a year and I'd say AP is very exclusive at only 30K, that's pretty steep. Nonetheless, pretty pathetic figures you bumped into I'd say probably some over hyped sales or marketing guys with too big an ego, but has nothing to do with envy I'd say.

However, I never understand why most people here always thinks that people who buy expensive watches appreciate the timepiece? I'd say 80% of the people out there don't even care about the history, complicated mechanics etc. they just want to show that they can buy an expensive status symbol. And of course with these numbers there are going to be a bunch of wankers among them.

[Bluehinder]

Tell them you prefer conservative brands like Ferrari and Rolex.