Rolex Guilt?

[watchwatcher]

I think Dr. Tom is spot on-as usual. And as Mike said, it is just a watch. A hobby.

To add, I don't really view my watch as an achievement. It's a possession I worked hard for, and scrimped and sacrificed for. I wear it for me and for me alone. I actually prefer no one notices. If they do, it's almost 100% chance that they won't "get it"...that is unless I'm lucky enough to meet up with another member from TRF someday.

[10XRolex]

Why feel guilt when you become accomplished? I would think one always strives to do better and to be better. Society as a whole will always show off their accomplishments; jewlery, clothes, cars, houses etc. Nothing to be ashamed of, it is a pride thing. You should be internally grateful for the those accomplishments. But more importantly about any watch on your wrist, car you may drive or house that you live in, we all and I mean all, put our pants on the same way everday and are no better than anybody else no matter what we have or don't have.

Enjoy your watch with a smile.

[Kyu]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

that is what hard work, grit, drive and determination get you in America good for you my man!

pops

[mikkel]

Work hard, you say, get a rolex, wear it with pride? Well, sure, I get that. I feel that way sometimes. However, I know for a fact that I'm the most successful of my childhood friends, in a purely materialistic sense, and I know some of them have worked just as hard as me, or endured a harsher life than me and they have a lot less to show for it.

So yes, I sometimes feel guilty. Though perhaps it's not about my watch, but more about the injustice of society, I don't know.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by bmpwatch

as others have said, your relatives should be proud of your success and anyone that thinks otherwise may not be worthy of your time. That said, if you wanna go "under the radar" while having a great piece, I think a Panerai would be the perfect choice for you....To "non-WIS" most won't really notice it, while those in the know as well as yourself will absolutely appreciate it for what it is....Im a huge Panerai fan and while they are becoming more popular, they are still a lot less recognizable to those "out of the loop" compared to a Rolex

most wont notice it? 44-47MM

[Jd Swiper]

I catch crap on my bikes and my lexus all the time. I know now I'm definetly gonna get it good when everyone sees my new GMT but I say screw them. They all can do the same thing as me and have the same, no secret mystery.. Just hard work. I think some of us just want it more than others which is fine. Let haters hate!! Lol

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I came from nothing and I am proud of my accomplishments. Internally proud that I created my own success. I do nothing, buy nothing, or wear nothing to boost, show off, or prove anything. Only because they give me personal joy and I will never be ashamed of that. I don't display my signs of achievements I live them

Tom, my friend, you quoted me earlier today and in turn, I am quoting you. Well said. Could not have said it better.

[Rolexbiker]

I guess it matters depending upon who your circle of influence is. Are they economic equals or are they in economic despair. Retiring from the music/entertainment industry I have made my own successes but remain close friends with people who are still struggling in the mid to late age trying to hold on to their music careers rather than succumb to a "regular job" with various degrees of success.

Artists seem to live on the extremes. Very successful artists wallow and drip with signs of success. I find this more prevalent in the RAP/HIP Hop world. The less one had growing up, the more "bling" one gets upon success.

While still struggling artists make do with little to "keep the dream alive". I found the amount of baubles one buys is directly related to how long it took for success. Those who made it late tend to live more humble lifestyles and are set in their ways. I guess I fall into that column. "Starving artists" who gain success late tend to live like starving artists for a long time afterward. I have been retired six years and only just began enjoying the fruits of success. I still turn jars upside down in the refrigerator...

[theloxmyth]

Originally Posted by mike

Don't over think it. It's a watch. Look at how many people buy an expensive car or some other thing that does the same thing something of lesser cost can do.

It's a hobby. People spend their money on a lot of things others feel is crazy. Enjoy it.

I like how you put it, Mike.

It IS a hobby and I was a WIS before I knew what it meant to be a WIS!






(Scans from photos)

[engin33r]

Yep... I understand OP's point of view. Which is why I own several different watches Brands with different values - so I can wear them depending on circumstances.

[Abdon]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I came from nothing and I am proud of my accomplishments. Internally proud that I created my own success. I do nothing, buy nothing, or wear nothing to boost, show off, or prove anything. Only because they give me personal joy and I will never be ashamed of that. I don't display my signs of achievements I live them

THAT, Doctor, is an OUTSTANDING response. I could not have said it better myself. I share your sentiments exactly.

[gwozhog]

99 percent of the population would agree that if someone spends thousands on a watch you are nucking futs. So i would not worry about feeling guilty. Make a smart purchase on a Rolex and its as good as cash if not better in the long run. The only guilt i have ever felt about owning a rolex was not buying one ten years earlier.

[bluerolex]

In my opinion. The OP have give the matter to much thought. I don't think one should feel guilt or pride at owning a watch even if it is a Rolex.


My experience here at least in the US is that most people will not notice. I been complemented many times on my watch, even from strangers.

Often they would ask if that the new "Guess or seiko" or something like that.

Also with all those good fakes out there, it is almost impossible to tell if it is on someone's wrist.

[Rock]

The problem with the "guilt" issue is that in Western society, most of us have a LOT of stuff that is far removed from 'essentials'.
If you are going to feel guilty about your watch then you should probably feel guilty about your nice car, the boat, the TV, the holiday, the house, what you spend on booze, the Jet Ski, etc etc.
If you feel guilty about all this stuff, then maybe you need to sell it and give the proceeds to the poor and live in a smaller house and ride a bicycle. Hang on, some people don't have a house OR a bicycle, so sell those too and be homeless and walk.
Wait a minute, now YOU need charity from someone.

The challenge is to find a level of consumption that your conscience can live with.
Some achieve it through rationalisation, some by avoidance, either way it's between you and your conscience. What others think is not important.

[brandrea]

The best things in life aren't things. Just my opinion. As for what others think of my lifestyle choices ... That doesn't even enter the equation.

[Roger1079]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I came from nothing and I am proud of my accomplishments. Internally proud that I created my own success. I do nothing, buy nothing, or wear nothing to boost, show off, or prove anything. Only because they give me personal joy and I will never be ashamed of that. I don't display my signs of achievements I live them

Now those are words of wisdom. Everyone feeling guilty over buying items that make them happy regardless of what they are or what they cost should take note of Tom's post.

Nobody should ever be embarrassed of personal success or any of their purchases. Anyone can be successful if they choose to and family should be happy for your success rather than make you feel uncomfortable over it. Do what makes you happy and be proud of it.

[Roger1079]

Originally Posted by Rolexbiker

The more I got into researching the more I appreciated the work that goes into a fine watch. What I find strange is the same elements go into a $300 watch as a $8000 watch. Both keep great time. Rolex is a lot like Harley Davidson.

The Rolex doesn't burn as much oil though.....

Sorry, couldn't resist. What you said is a very good comparison though. Harley Davidson's cost more than double and up from Yamaha and Honda who make some fine and reliable cruisers, but a Harley is a Harley just like a Rolex is a Rolex despite other watchmakers making quality pieces for much less. You pay more for the name, but few if any motorcycle manufacturers have the long and rich history that Harley Davidson celebrates. I must say again, very good comparison.....

[Roger1079]

Originally Posted by GB-man

If you cant tell the difference between a 76 dollar MK watch and a rolex, you really shouldn't buy a rolex.

He never said he couldn't tell the difference. He just stated that he finds it amazing that companies can sell watches that on paper have similar function and depth specs etc, but there is such a massive variance in price between them. Don't take what I said out of context though. I highly doubt anything made by Invicta or Michael Kors will be around to give to your kids 30 years from now so the quality difference is obvious, but I am sure there is a much lower gap in the percentage between parts cost and finished product when comparing an Invicta to a Rolex.

[engin33r]

Rolex aren't selling watches, they're selling lifestyle...

If you feel guilty wearing a rolex at any point, it means their marketing division is doing something right. That is precisely what they wanted, for you to have a feeling about it.

[VICI]

This thread has brought out a lot of personal stories and points of views...

I also came from nothing, my mother worked very hard and I learned that work ethic from her. I supported myself from 13 yrs old with a fake work permit. A friend wanted to wash cars, I went to a limousine company and got their place as a contract and hired more kids.

Once done with school, I knew it was about connections to get to the right job. I started without any.

Today, I am the most successful of all my friends but am humble 100% of the time. I can eat a steak or a burger and be perfectly happy.

See, to some, money changes their personalities. To me, understanding that money helps but doesn't define is the basis for my life. When my friends come over and park their beat up '99 Hondas or whatever in my driveway, we get together and have a great time. It's not about the watches, cars, house, clothes, etc - it's about being a good person.

And if people wants to be jealous, let them. I know what I am.

I'll end it with this:

When I will buy a yacht, I will name it 'Happiness' - for everyone that says money can't by happiness =) lol... Jk!

[Sarko]

I do not feel guilty since like many people here, I have earned it all myself. Originally born in a wealthy family until the war (Bosnia) started. Fled the country as a 11 year old and as a refugee I was growing up on welfare. I can say that I have started from the bottom. I would feel guilty if I had what I have and would not support and help my relatives where I can.

[Northbound]

Yes, I have experienced this. I could not, and would not wear my Sub-C in front of friends or family. I struggled really bad with it and ended up parting with my sub. I could not justify the expense if I didn't feel good about wearing it anytime/anywhere. That being said, I miss the sub. A watch makes a personal statement, as do a lot of luxury items. I just wasn't comfortable with the statement I felt it/I was making:(

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by cdm765

Perhaps not relevant to some, but for those of you who have grown up lower-middle class, do you ever feel a sense of guilt displaying signs of achivevement such as a Rolex watch? I have done relatively well at a young age but still struggle with this! I feel it could be awkward visiting relatives etc with a recognizably expensive brand.

That being said, I am very excited to be in the market for a 16570 Polar...

Why would I feel guilty for having something I worked for and paid for with my own money?

[Castor]

For reasons I don't understand I sometimes feel a little self-consciece but never guilty.

And guilty of what? Guilty of working hard for everything I have? Guilty of struggling in the face of great adversity? Guilty of enduring the sometimes heartbreaking events of life? Sure, everyone goes through these things in life & often the vagaries of life say that one person can afford (& want) a Rolex & someone else can't (& doesn't want) a Rolex. What I do know is that other people very often get & do other things to commemorate their work, struggles, & heartbreak of their own lives.

Guilt?! There's a lot of people with a lot less money than me (and I don't have that much) that have so much more in life in terms of other riches that I would trade my Rolex in for in a heartbeat!

Who should envy who?

[Rolexbiker]

Originally Posted by Roger1079

The Rolex doesn't burn as much oil though.....

Sorry, couldn't resist. What you said is a very good comparison though. Harley Davidson's cost more than double and up from Yamaha and Honda who make some fine and reliable cruisers, but a Harley is a Harley just like a Rolex is a Rolex despite other watchmakers making quality pieces for much less. You pay more for the name, but few if any motorcycle manufacturers have the long and rich history that Harley Davidson celebrates. I must say again, very good comparison.....

Originally Posted by engin33r

Rolex aren't selling watches, they're selling lifestyle...

Again Sort of like Harley Davidson. I rode Yamaha for years out west when I rode 10K a year. now I am mostly in the SE. I ride maybe 2-3K a year THUS I bought the Harley. Which retains a lot of its value with low miles.

But in the end the Yamaha is better all around. Not so much cheaper anymore unless one buys a left over. Then again Harley has leftovers nowadays as well.

But like my Vette, I am collecting American Icons.Although the Rolex is not American It can still be considered an Icon. That holds it's value IF one buys right. Like anything desirable.

[Chaching]

Buy and wear what you like (with in reason) and who cares what everybody else thinks!

[Rolexbiker]

Originally Posted by Northbound

Yes, I have experienced this. I could not, and would not wear my Sub-C in front of friends or family. I struggled really bad with it and ended up parting with my sub. I could not justify the expense if I didn't feel good about wearing it anytime/anywhere. That being said, I miss the sub. A watch makes a personal statement, as do a lot of luxury items. I just wasn't comfortable with the statement I felt it/I was making:(

Interesting. I would not struggle with family. They can all afford to buy one and choose not to. But they have their own expensive joys and toys Horses in one case, Cars in another. Multiple Motorcycles in another. All costing far more than a Sub, They would ridicule me though for buying a $7000 watch. Simply because unlike their hobbies where more money buys a better horse, car , bike, boat or motor home. A stainless steel Seiko keeps as good or better time than a SS Rolex. My motorcycle riding brother who buys Ducatis and CBRs at 59 years old still ridicules the Harley as a moniker not a motorcycle. He did not ridicule the Corvette though since it IS the best value for the performance capability in the market.

If one were to be completely honest, The Rolex is really bought purely for the name. Its not a better diving watch than a G Shock. It does not keep better time than a Seiko. It is not unrecognized like a hundred other far more expensive $$$$$ "fine" watches one could easily mistake for a Kors. Watches were it takes a week for one person to polish an internal part.

Somehow $7K for a watch is too much only because one can spend far less and get the same end game. Good timekeeping. But I want one...and before I jump I am doing some real (shopping) and soul searching,,,We don't get what we pay for really. Except a name....Sort of like Harley Davidson where $20K+ can buy a MUCH better motorcycle in every metric except for the visual and long term value.

[Rolexbiker]

Originally Posted by Chaching

Buy and wear what you like (with in reason) and who cares what everybody else thinks!

lot of people care what other's think. Many who are employees especially care, People who have mirrors in their homes care, people who post pictures of their stuff on sites like theses and other hobbyist sites care. We do care whether we admit it or not. We do care. You are not human if you don't care what others think of you. That would be a sociopath.

[HogwldFLTR]

I question whether people who feel guilty about owning Rolexes also feel guilty about having money in 401Ks or other holdings. Wealth is wealth regardless of the form. Rolexes are just a way to have money invested or saved. The money isn't thrown away. FWIW, I came from a middle class back ground and I've been lucky to improve over what my parents had to a certain extent. I have no guilt about hard work and the effort I've expended nor for the rewards that have been provided.

[Thatguy]

Originally Posted by Rolexbiker

I think that is a false equivalency


The difference is you cannot buy a $300 boat that will do what a $30,000 boat will do. But you can easily buy a $300 watch that will do EXACTLY what a $30,000 timepiece will do....in many cases better.

You cannot buy a car cheaper than the Corvette that does what a Corvette can do. Either you buy the real thing or you buy a Miata.

I think a Corvette is a good example. Most people buy a car to cart around themselves and their family. A cheap sedan will do a better job than a corvette of that especially if their family is >2. On the track that is a different story but everyday driving with speed limits a corvette is not a better choice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk