better than Rolex

[MoonDogJerry]

Originally Posted by Tools

Is a Patek worth an extra 90,000........... Well I would have to say no...

But then I would also say that a Bugatti Veyron is not really worth $1,700,000 dollars either..........

But if you are able to drop that kind of money on a watch or a car........ you do it........ "better" doesn't become part of the equation..........

Those were the days.
http://************/attachment.php?atta...1&d=1276432702

[SSSS]

What he said

I feel the same way.

Originally Posted by gmh1013

I like the look of a Rolex better than most ...because they change so little over time.
My GMT looks almost like one from 30 years ago....plus they have one of the best resale
value out there.
My second choice is Omega choice...long history with Speedmaster and Seamasters....
I have had several of them and never have been disappointed.
Ive had several Breitlings but over time I have grown tired of the over sized watch and
going back to smaller (36mm) watches....
Even if I won the lotto I would never pay 75k for any watch.....money better spent
or to charity...my limit on any one watch is about 10k.

[ChicagoBigHouse]

I have to define better:
finer finishing
More elaborate movements
more intricate designs (such as guilloche dials)
hand made/ machine made
more complications
more exclusive/rarer to see in public

Thus, following my definition, 'better' watches are:
PP
AP
Vacheron (although I don't really like any of their offerings)
A. Lange and Sohn

Now are they any more accurate, no. Offer more functionality, no. Hold their value better than rolex, no...

But when you ask that question, I think about these brands.

[Boopie]

I think you also have to take resale into account, too. Plus, for me, I have only one "expensive" watch to wear every day, regardless of the occasion (e.g. casual clothes to dress suits to formal wear). If I had the means to own, say, 10 luxury watches, and could have a specific watch for a particular occasion, then my answer would be different.

There are, of course, more expensive watches than my Rolex Yachtmaster. But, I must say, that there are very few automatic watch options for women, even Patek. The Blancpain 50 fathoms watch in white looks amazing, but it doesn't come in a ladies' size (I will not wear a 40mm+ watch).

I have not babied my watch in any way...I wear it swimming in the ocean and swimming pool, while shooting at the range, playing tennis, etc. Plus, I use the bezel several times a day, to time everything from a meal I'm cooking to time on a parking meter. Plus, despite some scratches on the bracelet's PCL, it looks amazing for a watch that I've worn almost daily for 9 years.

So yes, I could think of some other watches that are "better" than my Rolex. I'm sure that I could find a stunning, high-end watch to wear with a formal gown for a particular fancy occasion (I have my eye on a vintage gold Patek for that very purpose). I'm sure that if I were a serious jogger, I would find a digital jogging watch to wear on a run. Certainly, if I were a scuba diver, I would find something else to wear for that purpose, too.

While there are other watches that may be better for a particular situation, I seriously don't think there is any other watch that could have served my all-purpose, all-occasion function so well, and held up so beautifully, for 9 years. I see no reason why my watch can't function for another 20 years.

[Redrubicon]

Originally Posted by andrew79

Nice summary... rolex = mercedes in terms of brand image.

Gads...I just hope my Rolex is built better than my last MB...it was a mechanical nightmare!

[Chipmunk]

What's better than a Rolex.........ROLEXES?

[HL65]

This is a Rolex Forum--taste is subjective. Rolex is arguably the most recognized watch--well marketed and sold to the masses--that is the masses that can afford them. Patek, AP, VC, A Lange Sohne, Breguet, etc....hand made watches that there are far fewer of in circulation and made each year. Again-taste is subjective--for me--I love Patek, Lange Sohne, Audemars Piguet and Breguet--why--I rarely see others wearing them and most have no idea what they are. They are unique and have amazing movements that are visible to the eye--for Patek, Breguet and Lange that is. I still love Rolex--but it is a completely different experience--a great daily wearer and will hold up through anything. All of the top watch companies make great watches that have appeal to their followers--the wallet in the end will dictate most decisions--and it is tough to beat Rolex overall--which is why they are the most recognized top brand.

[rfknauss]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

This is a Rolex Forum--taste is subjective. Rolex is arguably the most recognized watch--well marketed and sold to the masses--that is the masses that can afford them. Patek, AP, VC, A Lange Sohne, Breguet, etc....hand made watches that there are far fewer of in circulation and made each year. Again-taste is subjective--for me--I love Patek, Lange Sohne, Audemars Piguet and Breguet--why--I rarely see others wearing them and most have no idea what they are. They are unique and have amazing movements that are visible to the eye--for Patek, Breguet and Lange that is. I still love Rolex--but it is a completely different experience--a great daily wearer and will hold up through anything. All of the top watch companies make great watches that have appeal to their followers--the wallet in the end will dictate most decisions--and it is tough to beat Rolex overall--which is why they are the most recognized top brand.

Well stated Ken ..... I agree!

[esm]

I'm pretty open minded about watches and have always looked at other brands, but for some reason I have always gone back to Rolex.

I remember I was looking at an Omega TT Aquaterra but got the LV instead.
Wanted an IWC Portugese Auto but got a GV instead.

Was looking at either a VC Overseas Auto Date and AP Royal Oak Auto Date but got a DJII.

Then I was interested in VC Overseas Chrono White dial but got on the SS Daytona waiting list, and it will be here in Sept.

Now I'm interested in a GMT watch made by one of the popular, high-end watch brands... wondering which Rolex I will end up getting...?!?

:-)

So... Rolex is "the best" brand for me at the moment.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by rfknauss

Well stated Ken ..... I agree!

Thanks Richard!!!

[uracowman]

Originally Posted by ChicagoBigHouse

I have to define better:
finer finishing
More elaborate movements
more intricate designs (such as guilloche dials)
hand made/ machine made
more complications
more exclusive/rarer to see in public

Thus, following my definition, 'better' watches are:
PP
AP
Vacheron (although I don't really like any of their offerings)
A. Lange and Sohn

Now are they any more accurate, no. Offer more functionality, no. Hold their value better than rolex, no...

But when you ask that question, I think about these brands.

Is this a serious statement? The most complex movement Rolex has is the daytona/YMII movement. Look at companies like the ones you listed or JLC.

[sparky_magoo]

Nothing in this world is better than my DeepSea.

[uracowman]

Originally Posted by sparky_magoo

Nothing in this world is better than my DeepSea.

You must be one of those people who is suckered into advertising. I love my Rolexes but as far as mechanical movements, attention to detail and finished quality are concerned, Rolex really is second rate, maybe even third. I don't care who you are but you cannot compare rolex to brands like PP, AP, JLC, IWC, Hublot and my personal favorite, Ulysse Nardin. Please don't bring up the "omg they are more expensive" bit either because a few of the companies I listed above are in the same target price range.

There are many companies out there that have better movements and greater attention to detail than Rolex has at the same or lower price. There are a lot of things on my Rolexes that peeve me and they are all things that Rolex claim as normal. A few that come to mind are uneven distribution of the substance that glows in the dark on the sport model hands and slightly crooked cyclops.

[handyhsl]

hey man.. if you claim the attention to detail of Rolex is not that good.. then look at your signature :)
116713 is TT GMT2C, not 11713 :)

Originally Posted by uracowman

You must be one of those people who is suckered into advertising. I love my Rolexes but as far as mechanical movements, attention to detail and finished quality are concerned, Rolex really is second rate, maybe even third. I don't care who you are but you cannot compare rolex to brands like PP, AP, JLC, IWC, Hublot and my personal favorite, Ulysse Nardin. Please don't bring up the "omg they are more expensive" bit either because a few of the companies I listed above are in the same target price range.

There are many companies out there that have better movements and greater attention to detail than Rolex has at the same or lower price. There are a lot of things on my Rolexes that peeve me and they are all things that Rolex claim as normal. A few that come to mind are uneven distribution of the substance that glows in the dark on the sport model hands and slightly crooked cyclops.

[uracowman]

Originally Posted by handyhsl

hey man.. if you claim the attention to detail of Rolex is not that good.. then look at your signature :)
116713 is TT GMT2C, not 11713 :)

my apologizes I will fix that.

But in reality it isn't that great. For the amount people pay, you expect everything to be perfect and a lot of times it isn't. These are mistakes that only picky owners will ever notice or care about but that is regardless.

[Watchdog]

I would imagine there are "better" watches based on various criteria; however, I know there is no watch I would rather wear.

[Hogtown Fatty]

This isn’t the easiest of questions to answer. First and foremost criteria should be: what does the wearer require of a watch? The answer to that will very seldom yield something more than a Seiko/Fossil/whatever, because very seldom does anyone need to know more than the time and date. A Rolex will have superior build quality and reliability— their MO is longevity and rigidity—, so they are, in many ways, the very best ‘basic’ tool/sport watches one can buy. But one would be a fool to believe that it’s hard not to better Rolex insofar as artistry, complications, etc. go. There are several brands which are ‘better’ than Rolex in those regards, but no watch is perfect, and you’ll find those ‘better’ watches lack in the rigidity and reliability of a Rolex. Beautiful finishing serves no purpose other than to exhibit the artistry of a maker/brand- it’s merely superficial. Also, we can all objectively admit that most complications serve no purpose today other than to boast a makers/brands talents. But those things don’t stop us from splurging for an A. Lange, Patek, Vacheron, Mille, Dufour, Smith, FPJ, etc. We are, after all, fans of the art of horology and all those brands are the very finest makers of watches, working at a level which transcends the need for just basic time-telling. When you buy into one of those brands, you buy into their beautiful, storied, rich histories, and of course their next-level craftsmanship. A Rolex is a simple, but very strong tool, while those other brands I mentioned are displays of art. I am grateful there is room for both in this world.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by greekbum

For me nothing is better than my GMT. Are there more expensive? Sure, I buy and wear what I want and don't really care what others think or say.

Substitute Sub for GMT and 2x!!!

[abozz]

For me there is no mechanical sport watch better than Rolex, now if we talk about high horology, complications and finishes there are many like Lange, Patek, AP, Vacheron, etc

[wytrader]

I think the market is a pretty good spot to see how the world value similar watches.

Steel non complication watches the world value AP and Patek higher than Rolex and Rolex above Omega, Tag, Tudor etc.

For many on this forum the brand Rolex is the endgoal and for others its a platform to jump up from there.

There are technically better watches for a lower price than Rolex and there are also technically inferior watches priced higher than Rolex. The watch that gets the most juices flowing, the biggest smile is the best one for you.

[Quailhunter]

“Better” implies a comparison. “Comparison” implies evaluating defined criteria. I don’t think I have ever seen a scientific evaluation of top end watches. Even if it existed, I seriously doubt many would use it to make their buying decisions. I believe nearly all high end watch buying decisions are made based on filling some emotional need.

I’ve filled my emotional watch needs with Rolex and Patek. I’ve satisfied my real needs with Swiss Army and Luminox.

I’ve found Patek to be extremely expensive watches to own apart from the initial price. I’ve found Rolex watches to be very reasonable watches to own. The Swiss Army and Luminox cost me $20 every few years for new batteries. My wife’s Patek cost me just under $1000 for a new battery. It had to go back to the factory for a complete service and a new battery. We got it back in about 9 months. It had been keeping perfect time before the battery expired. Both of my Pateks cost about $2000 and 6 months when they needed service. The Rolex services usually cost well less than $1000 and take about 1 month at most.

So, my criteria include cost of ownership and time to repair as well as visual appeal.

[Submariner SS]

Patek is at the very top, but I wouldn't say it makes Rolex look like a Timex. You'd think it does though if you listen to my friend who owns a few Pateks- he keeps referring to my Rolex as "the duty free watches"

One day I'm bound to find a Patek in a duty free shop and will rub it in his face so bad it will leave marls

[HL65]

8 year old thread...Wow! LOL

[lord91]

Originally Posted by dannyny

hey guys i wanted to know which brands do u consider "better" than Rolex. i know a lot of ppl are going to say to each its own but im sure there is a brand that hands down make rolex look like a casio or timex... just wanted ur opinons what a step up from rolex would be i know there must be tons.

Depending on the criteria, you will find brands that are "better" than Rolex. But make it look like a cheap inferior one, no way.

[Sarosh]

Rolex watches are built to last, like literally outlive you and probably more and more further down the line. You hear of some watches not being serviced for decades and decades, and they work fine and keep good time. When was the last time I heard of a Patek or VC or AP lasting for 25+ years without a service? I haven't.

If you want heritage and haute horology go for one of the Holy Trinity. If you want something on your wrist which is robust, and almost as accurate as a quartz (tough, I know) and a watch which you wont need to constantly worry about incase by chance you knock it against a wall or a door, get a ROLEX.

Rolex is king. Others certainly come close, but when you are looking for the complete all round watch at a good price for what it is, then Rolex is your one!

[RedLs3]

Better as in how? Patek is perceived as better but id rather have my sub or deepsea or datejust then most patek. There just tougher watches then most and can really take abuse. Easier to resell and pretty much get your money back what you invested.
I cant say that with 99% of other brands. For me so far it is the best all around and what i wear most

[landroverking]

Lots of Rolex fan boys here. IMO Rolex is the best mass produced watch.
But there really is better watch brands such as Patek.
A Toyota and a RR will both get you where you are going.
So there's lots of watches between Timex and Patek.
Some would say Grand Seiko is better than Rolex.

[Quailhunter]

My AD friend was telling me of a Patek wearer who would not clap at performances because he was afraid of damaging his grand complication watch. Probably overly cautious, but he was wearing one of the most complicated Pateks.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

My AD friend was telling me of a Patek wearer who would not clap at performances because he was afraid of damaging his grand complication watch. Probably overly cautious, but he was wearing one of the most complicated Pateks.

he was mistaken. When you have the cash to buy a Patek like that, you hire someone to do things like clapping for you.

[RedLs3]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

My AD friend was telling me of a Patek wearer who would not clap at performances because he was afraid of damaging his grand complication watch. Probably overly cautious, but he was wearing one of the most complicated Pateks.

This is a reason i cannot justify these types of watches and dont understand how they can be perceived better. Yes a high end complicated movement from pp is better then one from rolex.... only because rolex doesnt produce any yet. Im sure the cellini line will catch up in a few years and pull many of those customers away from patek, vc and als.