So lets get under the crystal.

[sparksgmt]

So for this thread, we need to take it a step deeper to try and understand. I have noticed that for every hobby or interest in the world, you can find a core group of dedicated people who live, sleep, eat whatever their hobby might be. I have personally been through a few myself, mostly athletic types including cycling, motocross, and basketball(yes their are basketball forums too), but find myself deeper satisfaction from watches than the others. Now of course watches aren't as exciting as some of the other pastimes(pun intended), but they seem to have a draw that the others do not, a different kind of draw.

To me putting on a nice timepiece like a Rolex every morning is in away a status thing, but more a subtle gesture than anything else. Because for the most part the only people you will impress or gain attention from are others who place value on well...watches. Mostly.

Also the quality, history, style, and reputation that a brand like Rolex brings, has a large pull on consumers none the less.

After thinking about this for a while, i cant help but think that the major draw of fine timepieces is about status. Even the most die hard, "i wear my watch for me" type argument cant help but smile (even if not externally) when someone notices, and is impressed by their watch of choice. And this joy can be multiplied exponentially on the occasion that someone where to notice and appreciate something subtle like Platinum DD, and be given a comment from someone "in-the-know" about their watch selection.

So basically I'm curious to find out what some of you think about this, and what draws you to spend large amounts of money and put time into this hobby. Is it really for just you, or do you really just want to be a member of the exclusive "club"?

Thanks for reading

feel free to post any thoughts, opinions, or ideas

[BBHHUS]

For me it's about working hard and being able to reward yourself. For myself I have always loved watches. I've had everything from Casio to Breitlings. No doubt Rolex is a status symbol but so is driving a BMW, Lexus etc. I really don't care what others think because I worked hard to reward myself. Being a member of the exclusive club is nice because there are many members you conversate with who have like ideas as well. Do I believe Rolex is exclusive in making excellent time pieces? No I don't but they are excellent watches which happen to hold value pretty well. When you buy a Lexus yes your buying a status symbol but you also know it will last a while. Just my 2 cents.

[rmfnla]

Conversate..?

[jamesbondOO7]

2010 was a very bad year financially. So I had to buy myself a Rolex to feel good...
The first (and only until now) I bought when I was 30 and had become a company director.
I don't feel like 30 (otherwise I would have wasted 24 years of my life as Mohammed Ali said), but it brought back some of that good feeling.
And yes, every day when I put on my Rolex (if I have not kept it on during the night), I have the same pleasure and I love the feel of its weight on my wrist.
What I like about Rolex? It has been associated with great characters, from James Bond to Placido Domingo. It sponsors some great events, horse sports in particular, it is automatic so it takes power from you somehow, the design is great, it is robust and be worn in swim trunks as well as with a tuxedo. And some friends and family I love(d) or admire(d) had one.
When I look at watches, the only ones I like usually are Rolexes. Something right about the design.

[rmfnla]

You had financial woes so you bought a Rolex?

You are my idol!

[moviefreak]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

You had financial woes so you bought a Rolex?

You are my idol!

Rolex watches attract good luck...

[London Gent]

Excellent post.

For me there are 3 main factors:

a) A personal sense of achievement and self satisfaction in being able to pay cash for a watch from a brand I have loved for a long time.
b)WIS type obsessive analysis of the history, quality and functionality of Rolex products.
c)Status and recognition ( more of a beneficial bonus in relation to the main two points above, petty - but true, YES I do feel good when I see someone checking out my watch on my morning commute. )

Really interested to see what others have to say...

[fxrshog]

Simple, pay back for my years of labor. Never was one who felt the need to gain permission to spend my $$$$$$$$$!!!!

[JBat]

I'm fascinated by watches in general and mechanical watches in particular. Rolex's history, innovation and quality are what draw me to them. I couldn't care less what others think, and I prefer that they don't notice what I'm wearing; it annoys me. Most never do.

[Badfish179]

It's a watch I wanted since I was 18. Short story. I was in the Navy on a sub. Friends bought Rolex subs at the Px. I didn't go with them because I'd never heard of Rolex and spending $500 bucks on a watch was cutting into my "beer budget". When I saw their beautiful watches, I wanted one but it was too late we pulled out. Back in the states they were $1,000 and the prices continued to rise. Rolex was always just out of reach until two years ago. Now I have a DSSD and a 5512. I would have never believed I could have ONE Rolex let alone TWO. What a blessing! I wear Rolex for it's military connection, history and because I wanted a Rolex since 1980.

[marcinthemiddle]

A new take on an old subject...

[THEROK]

let's cut to the chase... insecurity.

[jamesbondOO7]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

You had financial woes so you bought a Rolex?

You are my idol!

Woes is a stong word. Income was low, but finances are strong. But the answer is yes.