better than Rolex

[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.

[RolexPete32]

Rolex is top of my list for what I need. Some would say Patek or another really high end brand.

[aelvin]

I would say... Patek too!

[mike]

The question might be "better" in what way?

Finely detailed movement? Patek comes to mind.

Luminosity? Panerai, Omega, and several lesser priced brands come to mind.

Accuracy? Quartz is the king (thought a properly regulated mechanical watch is amazing)

Functionality? Rolex is pretty good, but honestly a G-shock does more than a half dozen watches combined.

Ability to take abuse? Getting tough now. Rolex mechanical movements are about as tough as they come and go a lonf way in estavlishing the heritage that is the brand.

In the end it really depends on what you expect of the piece. Rolex, however, does most things as good or better than most out there and can be serviced without breaking the bank.

[Tools]

As Mike is saying... "Better" is subjective... unless you have defined parameters or working criteria, then it is simply an unsubstantiated opinion..

Patek, for example, is simply more expensive; so by what "standard" could it possibly be defined as "better"... or any other watch for that matter.....

When you are talking high end luxury name brand watches, isn't it all a bit like saying what color of paint is "better".........

[Wildwing]

Better is subjective, but you just might want to read up on Patek, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and a handful of others.

Rolex is the Chivas Regal of watches. But if I can get my hands on a snifter of Springbank, Ardbeg, or Bowmore..., well, you know.

And this is coming from a Rolex afficianado.

Enjoy the Rolex. Don't get caught up on how it compares to others.

[uracowman]

My concern is if the premium charged by companies like AP, PP and Breguet are worth the surcharge. This isn't rolex in particular that I am comparing these to, but lets say comparable brands in the same price range such as Breitling, Hublot and Panerai just to name a few.

So the question is, is a $100,000 dollar AP, PP or Breguet really worth the $90,000 extra you spend compared to a Rolex, Breitling, Hublot or Panerai? Perhaps some other people who are a bit more versed or horology could clarify this but regardless of the materials used or the craftsmanship involved, there is no way those high end, six figure watches can be that much better.

[biggums]

Rolex just does it right! They build em tough, beautiful, strong, classy, brilliant, macho, stylish, sexy, etc, etc,.

The others are weak to me!

[chris russell]

watchmaking company is within a country mile of being as serious about mechanical watch accuracy, reliability and value as Rolex. The closest is, believe it or not, Seiko.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by uracowman

My concern is if the premium charged by companies like AP, PP and Breguet are worth the surcharge. This isn't rolex in particular that I am comparing these to, but lets say comparable brands in the same price range such as Breitling, Hublot and Panerai just to name a few.

So the question is, is a $100,000 dollar AP, PP or Breguet really worth the $90,000 extra you spend compared to a Rolex, Breitling, Hublot or Panerai? Perhaps some other people who are a bit more versed or horology could clarify this but regardless of the materials used or the craftsmanship involved, there is no way those high end, six figure watches can be that much better.

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..........

[srgriff]

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..........

Well said!

[uracowman]

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..........

I'll agree with that as well but to normalize the situation, lets use basic statistical analysis and delete outliers. In our case, lets remove the top 10% and lowest 10% of people as far as income and reevaluate.

And TECHNICALLY, the Veyron is worth 1.7 million. Bugatti isn't making a single penny off every one they sell, but I know where you are coming from.

[karmatp]

If you go pick up a Watchtime at your local bookstore you will see some amazing watches, and they better, maybe in some areas but Rolex makes a great sport or tool watch for the money. Many will say that models like the seamaster are just as good as the sub, and rightfully, the seamaster will probably give you just as solid of performance for your lifetime, it really is all personal preference.

In the big scheme of things, $5000 for a mechanical watch is more on the low end, spend $10000 and you are getting into watches like the IWC Big Pilot and the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, both or those are superior to all the Rolex sport watches I have ever owned, again, just my opinion.

[dannyny]

Originally Posted by Tools

As Mike is saying... "Better" is subjective... unless you have defined parameters or working criteria, then it is simply an unsubstantiated opinion..

Patek, for example, is simply more expensive; so by what "standard" could it possibly be defined as "better"... or any other watch for that matter.....

When you are talking high end luxury name brand watches, isn't it all a bit like saying what color of paint is "better".........

more expensive is not always "better" we all would agree on this when it comes to high end watches and our beloved rolexes but im sure there are watches out there that are better than a rolex in every category, look, function, accuracy, price, and value...is there another watch in the market that is sort after like the daytona is? ppl are willing to wait years or pay a mark up where as other watches are greatly discounted?

[dannyny]

Originally Posted by Wildwing

Better is subjective, but you just might want to read up on Patek, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and a handful of others.

Rolex is the Chivas Regal of watches. But if I can get my hands on a snifter of Springbank, Ardbeg, or Bowmore..., well, you know.

And this is coming from a Rolex afficianado.

Enjoy the Rolex. Don't get caught up on how it compares to others.

thanks

[larsr]

Others will no doubt disagree, but for me, Rolex makes the "best" sport watches, regardless of price. However, Rolex does not make the "best" dress watches, that honor belongs to Patek IMHO.

[uracowman]

Originally Posted by larsr

Others will no doubt disagree, but for me, Rolex makes the "best" sport watches, regardless of price. However, Rolex does not make the "best" dress watches, that honor belongs to Patek IMHO.

But unless you were filthy rich to the point where you slept on 100 dollar bills at night, who would ever buy a Patek?

[Dr. Robert]

Nothing is better than Rolex....I also have a soft spot for Tudor.

[ral]

Originally Posted by larsr

Others will no doubt disagree, but for me, Rolex makes the "best" sport watches, regardless of price. However, Rolex does not make the "best" dress watches, that honor belongs to Patek IMHO.

No disagreement here...

Rolex and Patek inhabit different spheres. A Patek "sports" watch like the Nautlilus or Aquanaut is really a sporty dress watch, but not something you are likely to wear if you went on an Artic expedition, climbed a mountain, went sailing, diving... etc.

Rolex does have a line that is similar to some Patek's. The Cellini and Caltrava's would be competitors... with a big price gap in between. Patek's competitors are Vacheron Constantine, Breguet, A Lange & Sohne and to some degree IWC and AP. I think Patek is tops, but AP's offering are nicer than the Nautilus and Aquanaut I think. On the ladies watches, Breguet has better offerings than Patek.

Rolex direct competitors are IWC, Panerai, Omega, Tag Heuer. I think Rolex is on top in this field.

[dannyny]

Originally Posted by ral

No disagreement here...

Rolex and Patek inhabit different spheres. A Patek "sports" watch like the Nautlilus or Aquanaut is really a sporty dress watch, but not something you are likely to wear if you went on an Artic expedition, climbed a mountain, went sailing, diving... etc.

Rolex does have a line that is similar to some Patek's. The Cellini and Caltrava's would be competitors... with a big price gap in between. Patek's competitors are Vacheron Constantine, Breguet, A Lange & Sohne and to some degree IWC and AP. I think Patek is tops, but AP's offering are nicer than the Nautilus and Aquanaut I think. On the ladies watches, Breguet has better offerings than Patek.

Rolex direct competitors are IWC, Panerai, Omega, Tag Heuer. I think Rolex is on top in this field.

good comparison

[gmaines]

A rolex is a very classy watch....you get what you pay for....

[dwr]

Why is Rolex the most successful?

[patek5107]

Hello,
I have seen some mistrues and I feel obligated to correct the error.

In another post the following comment was made:-
"So the question is, is a $100,000 dollar AP, PP or Breguet really worth the $90,000 extra you spend compared to a Rolex, Breitling, Hublot or Panerai? Perhaps some other people who are a bit more versed or horology could clarify this but regardless of the materials used or the craftsmanship involved, there is no way those high end, six figure watches can be that much better. "

I am a multi-brand owner - I have a small collection of 6 watches - 2 Cartier, 1 Patek and 3 Rolex.

I believe people are making the wrong assumption about Patek and Rolex. Patek is closer in price to Rolex than you think...

I believe the prices are similar.... perhaps 20-30% more for the Patek.

For example - compare my White Gold Calatrava 5107 (retail US$24,000) to a Steel 16234 Rolex DateJust (Retail US$6,000-). Sure there is a huge difference... but if we compared a SOLID WHITE GOLD ROLEX DATEJUST to the Patek - the price is within cooee of each other.

Eg. Patek 5107 (Calatrava with Date) in Gold about US$24,000-
This is similar to a Rolex Day Date in Gold.
The Patek is however on a leather strap. A gold Patek bracelet version of the Patek with be US$50,000!

BUT THE Patek has alot more "hand made" craftsmanship.... so the premium is for the uniqueness.... say 30% more for the uniqueness/hand made appeal.

I have owned 4 gents Pateks in my life and they were all purchased used:-
1) Patek 3919 18K calatrava - bought used for $7000-
2) Patek 3944 quartz 18K calatrava - bought used for $4000-
3) Patek quartz ulgy 70s piece in 18K - bought for US$2200-
4) Patek 5107 in white gold - bought for US$12,250-

All 4 above pieces are in line with Rolex prices. Infact the Patek 5107 decision was boarderline with a few Rolex options - new Rolex SS Daytona, used Gold Sub, used Rolex President.

Personally I feel Rolex prices are within reach of Patek prices... albeit the Patek line kicks in at the mid level rolex pricing. This is because Patek does not make much stuff in Steel or Sports.

Compare the entry Patek - Calatrava 18K on a leather strap. What is the Rolex equal? Say a Day Date? Solid Gold Rolex DateJust? These prices are within cooee of the Patek range.

I find it very interesting to compared solid gold 18K cartier new prices... a new ladies Cartier Ballin Blue is about $25,000 in 18K - not very far off Patek or Rolex.

I think the confusion is because Patek makes a few high end complications - THESE ARE NOT VOLUME MOVERS! Patek bread and butter pieces are CALATRAVA on a leather strap! Just like the average Rolex is not Platinum with Diamonds.....

[G.A.R.Y]

Rolex is not a watch, it is a flag on the highest mountain. Platinum is more valuable than gold, but gold will always the gold standard.

Rolex is without a doubt the most highly prized sough after watch the world has ever known. PP a better watch? No woman will ever be sexier than MM

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by ral

No disagreement here...

Rolex and Patek inhabit different spheres. A Patek "sports" watch like the Nautlilus or Aquanaut is really a sporty dress watch, but not something you are likely to wear if you went on an Artic expedition, climbed a mountain, went sailing, diving... etc.

Rolex does have a line that is similar to some Patek's. The Cellini and Caltrava's would be competitors... with a big price gap in between. Patek's competitors are Vacheron Constantine, Breguet, A Lange & Sohne and to some degree IWC and AP. I think Patek is tops, but AP's offering are nicer than the Nautilus and Aquanaut I think. On the ladies watches, Breguet has better offerings than Patek.

Rolex direct competitors are IWC, Panerai, Omega, Tag Heuer. I think Rolex is on top in this field.

Nailed it (IMHO).

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mike

the question might be "better" in what way?

Finely detailed movement? Patek comes to mind.

Luminosity? Panerai, omega, and several lesser priced brands come to mind.

Accuracy? Quartz is the king (thought a properly regulated mechanical watch is amazing)

functionality? Rolex is pretty good, but honestly a g-shock does more than a half dozen watches combined.

Ability to take abuse? Getting tough now. Rolex mechanical movements are about as tough as they come and go a lonf way in estavlishing the heritage that is the brand.

In the end it really depends on what you expect of the piece. Rolex, however, does most things as good or better than most out there and can be serviced without breaking the bank.

Originally Posted by tools

as mike is saying... "better" is subjective... Unless you have defined parameters or working criteria, then it is simply an unsubstantiated opinion..

Patek, for example, is simply more expensive; so by what "standard" could it possibly be defined as "better"... Or any other watch for that matter.....

When you are talking high end luxury name brand watches, isn't it all a bit like saying what color of paint is "better".........

x2

[Roselló]

Timex................

[Jim232118]

Rolex and Patek Philippe are both the best. They are the best at what they specialize in. I don't think Patek Philippe could come close to Rolex in the sport model category, being able to produce that volume with that level of quality is Rolex's specialty. And I don't think Rolex can produce the grand complication watches with the level of hand craftsmanship that Patek Philippe produces. They both know this and that is why you will probably never be able to compare Rolex and Patek Philippe to determine which is best.

[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.

[jldc]

Originally Posted by uracowman

But unless you were filthy rich to the point where you slept on 100 dollar bills at night, who would ever buy a Patek?

There are many, many people who would say the same about Rolex. This might include me up until a few weeks ago.

Your best "bang for the buck" watch is the $5 digital, you buy at Wal-Mart when you have no watch at all. After that, every dollar you invest gets you less and less. It's not that hard to make a very persuasive argument that Timex or Casio make the best (ie, most practical or cost-effective) watches. Quartz watches keep better time than mechanical watches and there's no real need to service them or even replace the battery. Just buy a new one every few years. You'll never spend as much a you would on any Rolex, new or used.

People buy high end items because they like them and (I hope) they can afford them. Understand that lots of people just shake their heads when they look at the prices of a Rolex watch - even more so for the more expensive brands.

"Best" and "better" are purely in the eye of the beholder.

Now help me decide between a white face Explorer II and a GMT-IIc for my first Rolex.