Why did you buy your Rolex?

[ChrisCraftJack]

At lunch today, the discussion came up, "why did you buy a Rolex?". This was asked long-time friend and Omega enthusiast. "To buy a Rolex is just plain stupid" he said. "They can't do what a Omega can and cost more." Sure.

For me, I buy a Rolex to mark an occasion in life, whatever it may represent to me on various levels of importance. When I was young, I always remember my father and grandfather wearing their Rolex's and certain ones would come out on certain occasions. Sort of a family tradition.

Since I am new here, I do not have the ability to start a poll, but was curious about the motivation of being a Rolex owner/wearer.

So here is a crude poll; Did you buy your Rolex for:

1. Status symbol/"I earned it"
2. Fit and function
3. Family tradition
4. Looks
5. Had to have one
6. Other

[Armyguy03]

6 - after serving 10 years in the Army, this was my gift for putting up with the "hurry up and wait" BS, now when I'm waiting, I can look at something nice when figuring out how long I have been waiting.

[imwatchingu]

Originally Posted by Armyguy03

6 - after serving 10 years in the Army, this was my gift for putting up with the "hurry up and wait" BS, now when I'm waiting, I can look at something nice when figuring out how long I have been waiting.

Lol...that's a great answere!

[Art 1]

I needed a watch. Wife liked the blue dial.

[Mickey®]

Quality...hand it downability.

[floater156]

Originally Posted by Mickey®

Quality...hand it downability.

x2 + looks. I'm not a big fan of the look of Omegas. Sounds like he was jealous of your Rolex based on his nasty comment.

[alanc]

Because I wanted at least one thing that (in my view at least) was the best of its kind.

I see it as the Porsche of watches - not the most expensive or the fanciest, or the best performing - just the best combination of style and function, and just enough exclusivity.

[jhamiltonwa]

A watch sits on your wrist all day; you look at it often; it should be the best you can afford.

Not being wealthy enough for a collection, I need a single classic looking watch that can go with me where I go. It needs to be robust and it needs longevity, literally and stylistically. And it must be waterproof.

Then there are the brand related reasons, authenticity, tradition, reputation and image.

Nothing ticks all those boxes like a white dialed SS Datejust, which incidentally I don't own. I got the Air-King-Date because I like a smooth bezel and the shop went into only had fluted bezel Datejusts.

24 years later I'm happy with my choice.

[Zdenek]

Because I need a reliable watch that can withstand something not a jewelry.

[brkanand]

A crown for every acheivement as they say! Later it became a habit. Breaking this habit is not easy though!

[Micha]

Originally Posted by brkanand

A crown for every acheivement as they say! Later it became a habit. Breaking this habit is not easy though!

actually impossible

[Mephist]

Originally Posted by brkanand

A crown for every acheivement as they say! Later it became a habit. Breaking this habit is not easy though!

Same. I told myself that the day I had earned my first $ 100,000. I would buy myself a very nice watch. It ended up at Rolex, after looking at Panerai, IWC, JLC, Omega and many more. My next was wean I had doubled the money, also ended up with Rolex, and the third was wean I graduated from the university I go to, again a Rolex. The 4th Rolex was just an upgrade of the first.


ChrisCraftJack you said "They can't do what a Omega can and cost more." Sure."

What did he mean by that? It depends on what model but most of them can do just the same and some more and some less. Also it depends on what you need and what you appreciate. Like for me, I love the daytona, but all the functions of it other then telling the time is more or less useless for me, same with an Omega Speedmaster. I much rather want a date. Same with a day-date I love the look of it. But the day function is also useless to me, I always remember what day it is. For me what is of critical importance is that it got a good movement, is waterproof (at least 100m, yet I never swim deeper then 2-3m) and that it can handle lots of beating, (904L steel) and lume. Date would also be a great bonus but no need. The rest I can do without and is only a bonus, not important.

[Roller07]

because i like great looking watches

[Zed82]

I fell for the history of the Submariner and of the people that are associated with Rolex throughout the history.

TRF was also a contribution since i also wanted to discuss watches.

[ChrisCraftJack]

Originally Posted by Mephist

ChrisCraftJack you said "They can't do what a Omega can and cost more." Sure." What did he mean by that?

He's an attorney. He thinks everything he says is gold. Been my friend for quite sometime. I have to like him the way he is sometimes.

[landroverking]

To please me and no one else.

[Kokoshawnuff]

Originally Posted by landroverking

To please me and no one else.

X2

Simple but more than enough of a reason

[tdegroot]

Because I wanted one.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Armyguy03

6 - after serving 10 years in the Army, this was my gift for putting up with the "hurry up and wait" BS, now when I'm waiting, I can look at something nice when figuring out how long I have been waiting.

What a great answer!!!

[nick c]

since i was a kid i liked Rolex watching James bond movies

[TSts]

Iconic watch that I wanted.

[MalcolmSquare]

4.5

[tommyjr9]

Many reasons, something over the top, achievement , looks, name, etc etc

[rodrob59]

Always wanted one and a logical step up from Omega.

[bigwatchman]

Out of necessity.... just always liked the brand and styling.

[beshannon]

I buy and wear what I like, I do not need any other reason

[kilyung]

A crown for every achievement

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Armyguy03

6 - after serving 10 years in the Army, this was my gift for putting up with the "hurry up and wait" BS, now when I'm waiting, I can look at something nice when figuring out how long I have been waiting.

What a great answer!!!

[J.jun]

A brand that ya gonna encounter sooner or later when ya like watches! To me, most watch lovers/collectors will own a Rolex at some point of time, but whether they'll like the brand and the watch is another totally different matter!

Bought mine to mark a great year!

[rob]

3. Family Tradition, Mom and Dad both have em!