Why Rolex?

[Mr. K]

Hello guys. I know I said I was supposed to be staying away from these forums to study for a upcoming test, but just too hard to stay away.

Since I was away I bought a OQ 17000 and in the process of ordering an explorer. That means some watches will have to go. My Omega AT quartz is one of them. Will sell it to a friend for $300USD. (Someone is getting a deal.) First sold by a dealer earlier this year.

Now to my question of WHY ROLEX?

I look at the AT case and it just seems better built than my DJs. The lugs look stronger, it has SEL, the bracelet seems stronger. Hidden clasp.

But with all that said, I just seem to be drawn to Rolex like a moth to a light. On the surface the Omega case build seems every bit as good as Rolex. Maybe better. (Not taking into consideration the movement.)

But in my mind, Rolex will always be king to me. I think Omega makes GREAT watches. But to me they will always be second to Rolex. Could be the movement, resale value, and I like the fact that Rolex does not heavily discount.

But looking at the AT, I wonder how much of it comes down to marketing and brand perception. I do not want to bash Omega at all because I like the brand a lot. But what separates Rolex apart for you guys?

[Mr. K]

How silly of me, the answer was so simple.

[JuniorPhatFarm]

Originally Posted by Atomic

The chicks dig it.

Right on the $$$...

[padi56]

Well why Rolex well that question must have been asked on many forums 100s
of times.Well some say its for the in-house movement,but now just mass
produced,like many others.Some say for the prestige factor,some say its the
best brand in the world.But your Rolex is one of the most reliable accurate workhorse watches produced today.But so are a good few others including Omega.But none have the marketing brand image of Rolex.Now that is very important to some,myself now quite happy to wear anything from a Poljot to
a Rolex.And what you wear on your wrist,should be your choice and not what
the market tells you wear.

[Rockrolex]

As Padi said, that question has been asked many times, and answered in many ways. But the bottom line is - subperb marketing. As you yourself noted, there are other watches that are equal to Rolex in materials and/or workmanship. But none has the cachet or status of Rolex. What makes Mercedes the desirable car it is? Same thing. Marketing.

However, it must be said that both products began life as high quality manufactures. Rolex came up with a number of innovations while maintaining a reputation for quality and ruggedness. And it was among the first to do so. By keeping to its tradition of building high quality, tough, and good looking (even though not the most imaginative) designs, it has been able to hold on to its reputation and therefore its marketing presence.

Why are you drawn to Rolex? Because as much as we all bitch about it, it's a wonderful, high quality, rugged timekeeper. And we love it.

[BruceS]

I think, for me, I've come to the conclusion that it's a combination of classic looks, robust movement, and comfort. Rolex bracelets fit me right out of the box, perfectly. May not be the best, but they're the only bracelets I leave on the watch and continue to use. I love them!

Those are the only reasons I have.

[Mr. K]

Bruce, I think you hit the nail on the head and made me realize something when you said classic.

I guess one of the many reasons I am drawn to the brand is it is classic. You just got an explorer, I will hopfully get mine at Christmas. But the explorer, the sub, and the DJ, over the years they just seem to remain classic.

I like that. Look at a sub, DJ, or explorer from 20 years ago and compare it to a new one. Different? Yes. But still very much the same.

Other watch brands seem to always be coming out with new models. That keeps their brand "fresh". But I guess I prefer classic to a "fresh design."

[BruceS]

I know. I longed for "fresh design" and strayed away from Rolex. I was lured by finely finished bracelets, stylish cases, etc. In the end, I wasn't happy. I love my Explorer so much that it's already like a part of me. I never felt that with my Breguet or my Panerais. I had FUN with the Panerai, but it was never like a part of me.

[dman]

First off, great to see ya Mark, hope you are well. For me it is a few reasons, the wearing comfort and classic good looks is a biggie. The name does have a personal ring of achievement, and I can.

And the biggest of all, what Johnny said.

[dman]

Originally Posted by BruceS

I had FUN with the Panerai, but it was never like a part of me.

I know what you mean Bruce, put for me it was a total different expierence, I find that I like my YM, but I also like having other quality brands to go to.

[JJ Irani]

Hi Mark,

Glad to have you back. Well, Omega do make excellent watches and are good value for money. The finish on their cases and bracelets is something to be admired. I've owned quite a few in the past and never really had a problem with any of them....but, at the end of the day, we get inevitably drawn to the BEST brand out there - Rolex!!

There certainly is something about this brand that hypnotises and mesmerises us, no doubt about that. The fact that it has the same limited selection (which most of us know verbatum) probably adds to that allure. It's also one brand where most of us are reluctant (just like the manufacturers themselves) to see too much change in the product. Most of us are content to see the same models year in and year out....just so that we never feel that our existing models are going out of style.

And this tradition that Rolex has so stubbornly stuck to, is what makes Rolex a bit unique from other brands. Of couse, I haven't even started to discuss things like its dependability, ruggedness, good looks, resale value, etc. But that's another story.

[BruceS]

Originally Posted by Atomic

The chicks dig it.

Oh yeah, at least 3 times a day I have some gorgeous babe say, "OMG. Is that a Rolex? Please let me stroke your arm and feel the magnatism of that manly timepiece".

Bloody nuissance it is. I'm gettin' an IWC

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by BruceS

Oh yeah, at least 3 times a day I have some gorgeous babe say, "OMG. Is that a Rolex? Please let me stroke your arm and feel the magnatism of that manly timepiece".

Bloody nuissance it is. I'm gettin' an IWC

If the babes really say that, then remind me to wear a watch on EACH arm!!! Stroke away, baby, stroke away!!!

Originally Posted by Atomic

The chicks dig it.

That and the fact I didn't know better at the time......

[RogerF]

Why Rolex? Since I was a little kid (7 or 8) I have been interested in watches especially my dad's TT DJ, my uncles and other members of the family also had TT DJs. I started checking out what my mom had in her collection as well (she's a WIS) and started learning about other names, bigger more prestigious brands. At the age of 12 my mother being the crazy WIS bought me a 16233, she showed it to me on my 12th b-day and put it away. She brought it out every once in a while for me to wear for xmas or chinese new years or just so my dad could wear it to keep it running.

Now once I turned 16 or 17 and my mom finally gave me the watch not only had the value of the watch doubled, but the world of watches really intrigued me. Over the last 10 years or so I have tried out or accumulated watches from over 20 brands including JLC, VC, GP, and ML. But in the end while passion for other brands have come and gone the one brand that always remained number 1 with me was Rolex. So lately I have decided that I want to complete a well rounded Rolex collection.

Right now I am extremely close and I love it!! Words cannot express how I feel about my rolex collection, although not very large it is only missing a chronograph. I have a dressy one, a divers, a pilot, and even a exploration watch.

Also the feeling I have these days of having the hard time of choosing amongst these 4 beauties always puts a smile on my face.






This is a great hobby, I love it simply because if I ever need the money Rolexes are pretty much the easiest watches to unload for top dollar and also with the classic designs replacing one in the future is very easy. I really hate watch companies that change the look of their watches every 4-5 years. I like the idea of a young guy who falls in love with a watch and can grow up saving for the next 15-20 years and still be able to buy the same watch he saw in the display window decades ago.

[JJ Irani]

Good post, Roger!!

[RogerF]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Good post, Roger!!

Thanks buddy, sometimes expressing how we feel about our insane hobby is hard. I am sure everybody knows what I mean, only ppl like us can understand and appreciate the feeling.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by RogerF

Thanks buddy, sometimes expressing how we feel about our insane hobby is hard. I am sure everybody knows what I mean, only ppl like us can understand and appreciate the feeling.

Very true, Roger. It makes us feel so good and proud to just know that we are sporting something so well-made on our wrist.

[RogerF]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Very true, Roger. It makes us feel so good and proud to just know that we are sporting something so well-made on our wrist.

So are you saying I shouldnt be using them to get laid? oh well I still got my car


Seriously though I like my watches mainly because no one knows they are there. maybe once or twice a year the watch on my wrist might get noticed. Only my close friends look because they know I am a

[AJC]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

If the babes really say that, then remind me to wear a watch on EACH arm!!! Stroke away, baby, stroke away!!!

I hope you are only talking about your two real arms only.

Why Rolex?.........

The versatility of the watch.Being a one watch guy now,I can wear it out for good or bash around on the property and not worry about hurting it.

Aaron

[dman]

Originally Posted by BruceS

Bloody nuissance it is. I'm gettin' an IWC

Great idea mate.

[Gedanken]

Why Rolex? Simple - I've seen wearers of Breitlings, Omegas, Zeniths and, dare I say, Panerais talk till they're blue in the face justifying their choice, but a Rolex is a Rolex. It's a Zen thing.

The houses that are spared that need for explanation include JLC, PP and Lange, but for the way I wear watches, they're somewhat lacking in constitution.

Of course, the classic design doesn't hurt either. Along with my Wayfarers and chinos, I don't have to pay attention to some pompous sartorial commentator going, "Oh, dahlink, that's so five minutes ago". Fashion is today, style is forever and they can suck it in.

[BruceS]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Why Rolex? Simple - I've seen wearers of Breitlings, Omegas, Zeniths and, dare I say, Panerais talk till they're blue in the face justifying their choice, but a Rolex is a Rolex. It's a Zen thing.

The houses that are spared that need for explanation include JLC, PP and Lange, but for the way I wear watches, they're somewhat lacking in constitution.

Of course, the classic design doesn't hurt either. Along with my Wayfarers and chinos, I don't have to pay attention to some pompous sartorial commentator going, "Oh, dahlink, that's so five minutes ago". Fashion is today, style is forever and they can suck it in.

Right on brotha

[Gedanken]

Amen!

To a great extent, it's in the sentiments that the name invokes - the name Rolex pretty much explains itself. One of my favourite Rolex-related lines from the movies comes from Confidence: "There I was, Armani and Rolex. There he is, JC Penny and Timex".

[dman]

I have seen Omega wearers try to justify it and even some Rolex owners, but a Paneristi knows you don't need to explain it, just put it on and you know.

[Atl]

Originally Posted by BruceS

Oh yeah, at least 3 times a day I have some gorgeous babe say, "OMG. Is that a Rolex? Please let me stroke your arm and feel the magnatism of that manly timepiece".

Bloody nuissance it is. I'm gettin' an IWC

Stroke your what?? OH, you said arm.

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by BruceS

Oh yeah, at least 3 times a day I have some gorgeous babe say, "OMG. Is that a Rolex? Please let me stroke your arm and feel the magnatism of that manly timepiece".

Bruce, obviously you are getting the full benefits from your Rolex "Stroke Master".

[maverick]

Going to the next levels like Patek, Lange or IWC they are more dressy and not as robust. I do not want a watch I have to baby. I am not in the market for a Swatch made watch. I do not want a watch that looks like Robocop just took it off. Rolex watches can easily be repaired and re-finished which is convenient. Others may have to be sent across the sea and may take months to get back. A Rolex is good for dress or with jeans, a real all around type watch. It has as good a resale value as any and better than most. Rolex makes a stylish, robust, very accurate watch which is affordable enough that most have more than one. The 'tool' watch concept has it's advantages. What else does a person need in a watch? =) maverick

[dman]

Originally Posted by maverick

What else does a person need in a watch? =) maverick

Diamonds, lots and lots of diamonds.

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by dman

Diamonds, lots and lots of diamonds.

It's time to come out of the closet, Daren - I always figured you for a Leopard Daytona fan!