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Old 9 December 2008, 10:57 AM   #1
Toxicant
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When did Rolex owners become such

I've read one thread after another about how I scratched my watch...did you buy a tool watch or did you buy a piece of jewelery?

I wore my 1675 for 20 plus years working on cars, building houses and never gave it another thought. Yes I took my watch off when I was using a sledge hammer and a few other more dangerous activities but seriously, you people realize that these are tool watches not meant to be worn as jewelery?

I retired my 1675 gilt dial, small 24hr hand and bought a sub date. I'm wearing it everyday for work and that is what it was made for. My wife scolded me the other day for wearing a Rolex to work and I just laughed at her.

I have a Lie Nielsen block plane I use everyday, it was expensive but most tools are. I guess I just don't understand why people treat their watches as jewelery when in fact they are a tool and that is the reason why we bought them. All you day/date and date just people need not apply


So lets hear from the people that actually use their Rolex and not treat it as a diamond ring. Actually, I want all of you jewelery wearing Rolex people to take a 8d nail and put a big scratch in your watch and post a picture and say.

I wear a Rolex because it is the finest tool I own, it may have a scratch or two but it is still the finest tool in my box.

This is a family forum. No need for foul language.


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Old 9 December 2008, 11:03 AM   #2
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Sorry but I can afford only one Rolex and I'm not scratching it up unnecessarily.

To each his own...but I think twice where my LV is concerned.
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:04 AM   #3
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Rolexes stopped being genuine tool watches when Casio and the like came out with more capable tool watches at a fraction of the price. It's like the guys that spend $5K on a custom 1911 pistol when they'd be better served with a $500 Glock.
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:07 AM   #4
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Thanks for the edit!
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:13 AM   #5
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Do you really think your going to get a good response to the title of this thread??
I ask you, did you buy a diamond ring or did you buy a tool watch? If you bought a ring, well then cherish it, if you purchased a tool then use it.

And no, I didn't expect a good response because I'd say most of you purchased a diamond ring.

I use the diamond ring analogy because your wife/girl friend can wear one, you can't. So you bought a Rolex.
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:15 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by Toxicant View Post
I ask you, did you buy a diamond ring or did you buy a tool watch? If you bought a ring, well then cherish it, if you purchased a tool then use it.

And no, I didn't expect a good response because I'd say most of you purchased a diamond ring.

I use the diamond ring analogy because your wife/girl friend can wear one, you can't. So you bought a Rolex.
Time for me to step in, buddy!!

Why on earth would you think a Rolex is anything less in value or price than any damned diamond ring out there?

If you treat the diamond ring with a lot of tender, loving care......why not your Rolex?

If you need a tool watch, buy a damn CASIO and beat the living daylights out of it. Why would you want to do that to a watch worth several thousand dollars?

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Old 9 December 2008, 11:19 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by JJ Irani View Post
Time for me to step in, buddy!!

Why on earth would you think a Rolex is anything less in value or price than any damned diamond ring out there?

If you treat the diamond ring with a lot of tender, loving care......why not your Rolex?

If you need a tool watch, buy a damn CASIO and beat the living daylights out of it. Why would you want to do that to a watch worth several thousand dollars?

Cheers - JJ
Thanks JJ, my sentiments exactly!

Here's my tool watch that was made to take an intentional beating:



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Old 9 December 2008, 11:27 AM   #8
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Time for me to step in, buddy!!

Why on earth would you think a Rolex is anything less in value or price than any damned diamond ring out there?

If you treat the diamond ring with a lot of tender, loving care......why not your Rolex?

If you need a tool watch, buy a damn CASIO and beat the living daylights out of it. Why would you want to do that to a watch worth several thousand dollars?

Cheers - JJ
I'd say the difference is that a diamond ring can only be admired, there is nothing else it can do, where as a Rolex was designed to be a tool. Yes, diamonds can cut glass and many Rolex watches are for dress but the tool watches are meant to be worn and used as tools, not as a male version of a diamond ring.

Am I crazy to think that a Rolex is still a tool watch? <looking down at my sub date and wishing it had a plastic crystal>
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Old 10 December 2008, 02:50 AM   #9
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If you need a tool watch, buy a damn CASIO and beat the living daylights out of it. Why would you want to do that to a watch worth several thousand dollars?
IMHO - a Rolex can take a great deal of abuse without any noticeable side effects, BUT I agree, no need to intentionally beat one up - or any watch of any value for that matter.
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Old 9 December 2008, 12:37 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Toxicant View Post
I ask you, did you buy a diamond ring or did you buy a tool watch? If you bought a ring, well then cherish it, if you purchased a tool then use it.

And no, I didn't expect a good response because I'd say most of you purchased a diamond ring.

I use the diamond ring analogy because your wife/girl friend can wear one, you can't. So you bought a Rolex.
tool?- the words pot kettle and black come to mind.

Its a watch- not a screwdriver. It tells the time and has a few other functions but for the price why should we all go out and wreck them.
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Old 9 December 2008, 12:49 PM   #11
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...I use the diamond ring analogy because your wife/girl friend can wear one, you can't. So you bought a Rolex.
"His name was Rico, he wore a diamond..."

Nevertheless, I am in the "tool' camp. Is that the minority here?
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Old 9 December 2008, 12:54 PM   #12
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"His name was Rico, he wore a diamond..."

Nevertheless, I am in the "tool' camp. Is that the minority here?
He was escorted to his chair, he saw Lola dancing there

I believe some are and some are not. They sports models are rugged and suit all occasions but i woudl noe purposely go and wreck my watch.

P.S when we spoke the other day, it reminded me of a book that i wanted- Twenty Years After, should arrive tomorrow.- Have you read it?
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:11 AM   #13
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I have tool watches but they're not my Rolexes. I'm particular with them and also my cars. Sorry.
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:26 AM   #14
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I have tool watches but they're not my Rolexes. I'm particular with them and also my cars. Sorry.
Me Too !!
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:21 AM   #15
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Rolexes stopped being genuine tool watches when Casio and the like came out with more capable tool watches at a fraction of the price. It's like the guys that spend $5K on a custom 1911 pistol when they'd be better served with a $500 Glock.
I disagree. Just because one company popped up, doesn't mean that another has stopped doing what they were for a long time already.

The models with like the Sub date, no date, LV, SD, Exp, ExpII and Deep Sea are still very much tool watches in every sense. The GMT IIc is also. If you really want to get down to it, you can say the Daytona is a tool watch for a race car driver.

I agree that they are getting away from it a bit with polished center links, but for the most part, the sport line up are still very much tool watches.

Just my
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Old 9 December 2008, 12:33 PM   #16
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Rolexes stopped being genuine tool watches when Casio and the like came out with more capable tool watches at a fraction of the price...
I respectfully disagree. One of the reasons that the SS Sub Date is so popular in the offshore oil world is because it is exactly a "tool" watch. OTOH, I have had my Casio break on me overseas, and my Ironman's batteries have died on me overseas. I just got back last Wednesday from spending a month in a very remote part of Africa that stages for offshore drilling. There are no places nearby where one can purchase replacement batteries. I need a watch that won't die and that can take a beating. Rolex does the job.

As for wearing in it with a suit or tux, let me quote Dell Deaton, "A Rolex is designed to go from casino to combat in zero seconds flat". My SS Sub Date goes as good with my khakis and steel-toed boots as it does with my Canali suits.

Cheers,

Mike
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Old 9 December 2008, 12:45 PM   #17
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I respectfully disagree. One of the reasons that the SS Sub Date is so popular in the offshore oil world is because it is exactly a "tool" watch. OTOH, I have had my Casio break on me overseas, and my Ironman's batteries have died on me overseas. I just got back last Wednesday from spending a month in a very remote part of Africa that stages for offshore drilling. There are no places nearby where one can purchase replacement batteries. I need a watch that won't die and that can take a beating. Rolex does the job.

As for wearing in it with a suit or tux, let me quote Dell Deaton, "A Rolex is designed to go from casino to combat in zero seconds flat". My SS Sub Date goes as good with my khakis and steel-toed boots as it does with my Canali suits.

Cheers,

Mike
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Old 9 December 2008, 07:14 PM   #18
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I respectfully disagree. One of the reasons that the SS Sub Date is so popular in the offshore oil world is because it is exactly a "tool" watch. OTOH, I have had my Casio break on me overseas, and my Ironman's batteries have died on me overseas. I just got back last Wednesday from spending a month in a very remote part of Africa that stages for offshore drilling. There are no places nearby where one can purchase replacement batteries. I need a watch that won't die and that can take a beating. Rolex does the job.

As for wearing in it with a suit or tux, let me quote Dell Deaton, "A Rolex is designed to go from casino to combat in zero seconds flat". My SS Sub Date goes as good with my khakis and steel-toed boots as it does with my Canali suits.

Cheers,

Mike

AMEN BROTHER! The sub date with the elapsed time bezel is perfect for 99.9 of timing operations it can be operated when wet (unlike pushers on a chronograph) it can take a good hit. AND the sapphire crystal is a BIG improvement, infact I would not buy a sub to wear unless it is a SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL!

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Old 9 December 2008, 07:32 PM   #19
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AMEN BROTHER! The sub date with the elapsed time bezel is perfect for 99.9 of timing operations it can be operated when wet (unlike pushers on a chronograph)
My Omega SMP Chrono takes offense to this statement...
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:08 AM   #20
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Amen. I wore my new LV for two straight days of leaf cleanup in our yard while constantly operating a stihl blower/vac. My neighbor wears his 16610 while playing golf. My other neighbor had his ss dj on while reaching into his hedges to string his christmas lights last night.

This obviously does not compare to the paces Toxicant has put his through. It is nice wearing a watch that is designed to handle serious abuse and should be a part of all of the days activities...
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:10 AM   #21
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I'm wearing the watch I got married in and have been for close to aww gosh a year! and the 5513 sitting in a heap on the nite stand. Yes I too only take it off when I know I'm going to be working around stuff I know I'm not going to be paying any attention an banging my knuckles.
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:14 AM   #22
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I have a Rolex for working in the yard, and a different one for wearing to a fine dinner...

If I'm welding something, I take it off..........I've melted enough crowns and crystals to learn that lesson............
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:16 AM   #23
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I have a Rolex for working in the yard, and a different one for wearing to a fine dinner...

If I'm welding something, I take it off..........I've melted enough crowns and crystals to learn that lesson............
Ditto. Thanks for editing the (inappropriate) title.
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:18 AM   #24
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I have a Rolex for working in the yard, and a different one for wearing to a fine dinner...

If I'm welding something, I take it off..........I've melted enough crowns and crystals to learn that lesson............
When I first learned to weld, I was welding some new bars on some grousers on a track loader. It is amazing how deeply a piece of slag will melt into your skin if you're not paying attention.
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:26 AM   #25
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Not for me... I'm not paranoid about it but I baby my Rolexes for sure! If I have to get down and dirty I have several substitutes...

As for your original subject line I guess all I can say is:

MEOW


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Old 9 December 2008, 11:29 AM   #26
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Before there was such a thing as a G-Shock, there was Rolex, the king of all beaters.

Those days are gone, I guess, and although each man decides to do with his stuff as he will, there are just some things I won't subject my Rolex to.

I have a nice G-Shock for those things.

On the other hand, since I got my Explorer about 2 months ago, it's gotten plenty of wrist time and I don't pamper it. It has gotten plenty of fine scratches all over the bracelet and a couple of very small dings on the bezel.

That is as it should be. The Explorer is a beater, but I'm not going to purposely beat it to death.
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Old 10 December 2008, 02:57 AM   #27
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Apples and Oranges

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Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott View Post
Before there was such a thing as a G-Shock, there was Rolex, the king of all beaters.

Those days are gone, I guess, and although each man decides to do with his stuff as he will, there are just some things I won't subject my Rolex to.

I have a nice G-Shock for those things.

On the other hand, since I got my Explorer about 2 months ago, it's gotten plenty of wrist time and I don't pamper it. It has gotten plenty of fine scratches all over the bracelet and a couple of very small dings on the bezel.

That is as it should be. The Explorer is a beater, but I'm not going to purposely beat it to death.

What you may have paid for that watch 20 years ago, in 1988 dollars, might be comparable to what a G Shock or other such quality “beater” costs today.

I know that my Sub Date can probably take anything that can be thrown at it but I also know that when I wear it it’s like having $6000.00 on my wrist. While I may “know” that in my mind it’s still difficult to not be a little careful with it - overprotective no - but certainly aware of the fact that, while durable, rugged etc... and designed to take punishment it is also a very valuable item and not, IMO, to be abused or treated recklessly. Much like my car which, while I know is designed to be driven in a “spirited” manner, and I take every opportunity to safely do that when I can doesn’t mean I wind it out to the redline for every shift on the way to the grocery store. Sure it “could” take that but it doesn’t make it a good idea.
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Old 10 December 2008, 02:59 AM   #28
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What you may have paid for that watch 20 years ago, in 1988 dollars, might be comparable to what a G Shock or other such quality “beater” costs today.

I know that my Sub Date can probably take anything that can be thrown at it but I also know that when I wear it it’s like having $6000.00 on my wrist. While I may “know” that in my mind it’s still difficult to not be a little careful with it - overprotective no - but certainly aware of the fact that, while durable, rugged etc... and designed to take punishment it is also a very valuable item and not, IMO, to be abused or treated recklessly. Much like my car which, while I know is designed to be driven in a “spirited” manner, and I take every opportunity to safely do that when I can doesn’t mean I wind it out to the redline for every shift on the way to the grocery store. Sure it “could” take that but it doesn’t make it a good idea.
Good thinking, Mark. Why beat up an expensive item which will then cost you an arm and a leg to fix?

JJ
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Old 10 December 2008, 03:22 AM   #29
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Good thinking, Mark. Why beat up an expensive item which will then cost you an arm and a leg to fix?

JJ
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Old 9 December 2008, 11:47 AM   #30
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I have a Swiss Army as my beater watch, and a few others, but my Rollie is my pride and joy. I worked too hard for it and I'm not going to just bang it up because I can. I dont know about you guys but a few grand is a few grand, no matter what! I'm not planning on splitting any wood with my Rolex on. I dont know...maybe I'm goofy. I know they can take a beating but.....I'm no millionare...Doesnt make sense to bang the heck out of a fine timepiece.
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