Is Rolex the best wristwatch in the world?

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by timedate

if rolex isnt the best, then what true mechanical watch is?

It is debatable but some names in the hat would probably be Greubel Forsey, some of the really high end PP, VC, RM, ALS and FPJ. MB&F. Roger smith. Dufour. There are several other brands that belong on this list.

Really the order you place them in depends on what you value. Brand and history, finishing, creativity, innovative vs traditional movement architecture etc

This is like asking is the bmw m3 the best car in the world?

[SMD]

click bait

[mangoseed]

Best as a durable everyday wearer, but if you want a dress watch, advanced complications or hand finishing then it is behind Glashütte Original and nowhere near to Jaeger-LeCoultre.

[Fenix84]

Voted no. Rolex definitely wins as the best status symbol but its not the highest quality watch, not the most accurate watch and not the most durable watch. There are many other watch brands out there producing pieces that are just as good or even better.

[herts9]

best? probably not

most recognizable and iconic? probably so

[KeithP]

Depends on criteria- for the criteria that matter most to me- yes.

[Atone]

Originally Posted by Etschell

I think so, but I am biased.

Thoughts welcome. To me the fit and durability are quite fantastic.

no

[NoVaSubowner]

I voted no as well. In terms of movement decoration and intracacy look to the big 3 ( PP, AP, VC) and possibly LS and JLC..

Build quality? I think the newest Rolexes are at an all time high in terms of case work and dial quality. Still not quite up to the others mentioned here with the possible exception of JLC.

But, having owned watches from AP and PP, I can safely say for an everyday wearer at a price point of less then half of a PP Calatrava 5296 or 5227, my DJ 41 checks all the boxes. Iconic design, durability, luted dial, metal bracelet. Even with a Sub in the drawer, I still have less $$$ sunk into watches that for me provide as much satisfaction as my Patek.

Don't get me wrong, love Patek and I loved the Royal Oak. But for what Rolex offers, it's pretty hard to beat for the price.

Still, I dream about that YG 5146 I saw at the Patek Boutique in NYC. Maybe if the lotto strikes....

[encarter13]

Best, IMHO.

However, I know that my opinion only has value to me.

[Justinmg]

Maybe best at retaining value and the illusion of exclusivity. Other then that lots of better brands.

[TruthBalance]

As it's the finest watch I own, to me yes, it's the best.

[Gerardus]

Only Rolex owner but.. the best? ...I do not know....Certainly the best marketing machine.

[ltmgeller]

For me it is

[mfm22]

No .. Roger Smith and few others but Roger Smith wears a Rolex , so ...Maybe !

[Deroya]

Most recognizable brand? Yes, best watch in the world.. No, because there is no true answer to this question

[ShaneR]

What? No absolutely not. Do they have the best movements? Nope. Design? Nope. Innovation? More so on the manufacturing side than much of horological significance. Durability? Perhaps. Value for dollar? Absolutely not. Is Rolex the best watch brand? I think no doubt.

[rolexpatek363]

No.

[Calatrava r]

Voted yes. At the price point and for what it is designed for, nothing comes remotely close.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by GB-man

It is debatable but some names in the hat would probably be Greubel Forsey, some of the really high end PP, VC, RM, ALS and FPJ. MB&F. Roger smith. Dufour. There are several other brands that belong on this list.

Really the order you place them in depends on what you value. Brand and history, finishing, creativity, innovative vs traditional movement architecture etc

This is like asking is the bmw m3 the best car in the world?

Stephen Forsey for sure, but not so sure about this Robert Greubel chap, sounds suspiciously like an EU guy... can you tell I'm watching way too much UK news?

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by mfm22

No .. Roger Smith and few others but Roger Smith wears a Rolex , so ...Maybe !

[Gold Crown]

How could it be? Its a production line watch they make thousands of them each year Nopeitinopenopenope!

[richard371]

Best in its league.

[RolexReviews]

Best? probably not. Everyone's view on best is different depending on their needs and style.

But man, I recently did a video review for my mom's Lady Date Just which she has worn frequently for 20+ year's and still looks great and works flawlessly (watch has never been serviced which was not what I was expecting to hear.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

[carlhaluss]

I voted "Yes" simply because I know that if I had only one brand in my collection, it would be the one brand that would satisfy me the most. Not that I wouldn't look at other brands and drool. But this is the brand I keep coming back to, even when I haven't owned one for a while. I also believe they represent incredible value. I have had a few of the OP34s, and actually miss owning one. That model is just as much a Rolex as any other model.

That is saying a lot, as I own 7 different brands right now, including a Patek and an H. Moser. Plus Panerai, Zenith, Omega and Nomos. My sole Rolex is an Explorer 1, soon (hopefully) to be followed by an SD43.

Regardless of any comments I read on the forums, I will always defend the Rolex brand. And my Rolex AD, although he sells many other brands, strongly believes in Rolex.

Anyway, I won't keep rambling, just wanted to add my

Cheers,
Carl

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by AK797

Stephen Forsey for sure, but not so sure about this Robert Greubel chap, sounds suspiciously like an EU guy... can you tell I'm watching way too much UK news?

[rolexinfl]

Yes

[ap1]

This is the ultimately biased group. Can’t be yes but clearly dear to us all

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by ap1

This is the ultimately biased group. Can’t be yes but clearly dear to us all

I’m actually very surprised the poll is nearly 50/50 when you include undecided. I would have figured it would have polled more in favor of Rolex here.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I’m actually very surprised the poll is nearly 50/50 when you include undecided. I would have figured it would have polled more in favor of Rolex here.

Most recognizable - yes
Most wearable - yes
Finest - no way no how


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gerry62]

Yes

I like a few watches
and those few are Rolex