Rolex = materialistic sometimes?

[veilstylez]

Anyone here ever feel a little too materialistic sometimes? I mean, rolex is a brand and it is something that is material, right. And to the general public, Rolex is know to be somewhat of a status $$$ symbol. And im sure that 90% of people buy rolex just for that.
I know I shouldn't care about what other people think. But sometimes in situations when your around yours humble friends and family or anybody that dont really care for timepieces. I honestly kind of hide my watch and hope nobody notices. To these people that dont understand our passion can totaly think that we can be materialistic, no? I mean I know I didnt buy my watch to be noticed or whatever. But somethings I can't help feeling that way or maybe I just dont want people seeing me that way.

Or does anyone here sometimes ever feel a little shallow? ...like when you notice yourself always looking at other peoples wrist when out in public.
Sometimes I'll catch myself checking out other people wrist just too see what they are wearing. And sometimes I feel shallow. haha

I dont know...I mean I have friends that like expensive cars and watches just because of bling status. and the watches are just for show and I just dont want people to look at me that way. Its like buy a watch because you like it not because its bling.

Stupid?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Buying a Rolex is not a matter of status to me. I buy it simply because I like the QUALITY, DESIGN and HISTORY of Rolex watches in general (well except the "Leopard's Daytona" and the Yuckmaster III ).

I couldn't care less what people think when they see me wearing a rolex watch

[veilstylez]

Yes, I know most of us WIS here buy watches for there own enjoyment and because WE like the brand. But is it not possible that the people out this community can look at us as materialistic?

[frostie]

Originally Posted by veilstylez

Anyone here ever feel a little too materialistic sometimes? I mean, rolex is a brand and it is something that is material, right. And to the general public, Rolex is know to be somewhat of a status $$$ symbol. And im sure that 90% of people buy rolex just for that.
I know I shouldn't care about what other people think. But sometimes in situations when your around yours humble friends and family or anybody that dont really care for timepieces. I honestly kind of hide my watch and hope nobody notices. To these people that dont understand our passion can totaly think that we can be materialistic, no? I mean I know I didnt buy my watch to be noticed or whatever. But somethings I can't help feeling that way or maybe I just dont want people seeing me that way.

Or does anyone here sometimes ever feel a little shallow? ...like when you notice yourself always looking at other peoples wrist when out in public.
Sometimes I'll catch myself checking out other people wrist just too see what they are wearing. And sometimes I feel shallow. haha

I dont know...I mean I have friends that like expensive cars and watches just because of bling status. And watches just for show and I just dont want people to look at me that way.

Stupid?

Enjoy your watch and you should care what other people say since you love it. It's ok to look at other people's wrist . I do it all the time

[veilstylez]

Originally Posted by frostie

Enjoy your watch and you should care what other people say since you love it. It's ok to look at other people's wrist . I do iy all the time

hahaha I know I cant stop doing it too

[Obsession]

Originally Posted by veilstylez

hahaha I know I cant stop doing it too

same I do it too =) your ideas are exactly same as mine, I ll buy a rolex later and I will wear it just sometimes, nights, alone, I dont like to be seen and noticed with shinning TT blue sub, even when I wear my Folex everybody looks differently =)) Im sure that most of them think that it s real.

[frostie]

You don't have to care if people think that you are materialistic. The most important thing is to enjoy your watch and to look at others people wrists All of us here are rolex geeks and we love it

[Flyjet601]

Yeah.....materialistic!

I friend of mine was telling me how overpriced my TT GMT II was and ridiculous it is to spend that much on a watch......as we where swimming in his $45,000(that he borrowed) inground pool

To each his own......

[frostie]

Originally Posted by Flyjet601

Yeah.....materialistic!

I friend of mine was telling me how overpriced my TT GMT II was and ridiculous it is to spend that much on a watch......as we where swimming in his $45,000(that he borrowed) inground pool

To each his own......

Sounds ironic

[Flyjet601]

Originally Posted by frostie

Sounds ironic

More like hypocritical. Everybody has something that turns their crank! Watches, painting, flowers, whatever.......but some people judge what others enjoy.

Case in point..the water in my $3500 pool was just as wet as his $45000 pool......other side his $30 Seiko tells time just as well as my Rolex. So be it.....

I am accountable to no one as to what I spend my money on. Anyone who asks......I let them know just that.
If I dont want people to know what I have I will go live in the bush, not likely......but people will always judge you not matter what you have. Human nature.......

[Dan Pierce]

Materialistic? Sure. Too materialistic? Not really. Everyone has something they spend a few $$ on. For me [us] Rolex is one of those pleasures.
dP

[Teofilo]

I think the main thing is how you have got yourself into a postion to own/wear a Rolex.
If you have worked hard and saved hard, who gives a damn what others think.
I still get a huge amount of pleasure every day from wearing my Sub. Why should I deny myself that just to appease others. Stuff 'em !!!!!

[frostie]

that's the right thinking peter.

[wonghonchung]

I don't think buying watches is materialistic as long as you don't buy it to flaunt it or to show off, and unfortunately Rolex has become a "show-off" brand for many people. I buy my watches for personal enjoyment, I swear that no one knows the difference between the watches I wear and a $100 department store watch.

[nko51]

Having a quality timepiece makes you frugal! not materialistic.

[DaveN]

Keep a sense of humor about you:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=20852

[Gedanken]

Hiding it's just as bad as flaunting it - either way you're paying attention to the difference between you and the other person. It's a watch, you wear it - what's the big deal?

[ron17402]

People often spend a lot of money for their passions, whether it be a nice vacation, a nice car or upgraded options, a swimming pool, hot tub, motorcyles, boob jobs, toy trains, antiques, jewerly, or on any number of toys that cost as much as a Rolex.

Not to mention that rock of an engagement ring you see on my girls hand.

Why don't they have to justify their purchases? Most of those things noted above will either depreciate rapidy or are just memories. Do we ask them to justify their purchase? A Rolex is something that can be used, appreciated, and still retain timeless value and style. Meanwhile, it is something that be handed down to your children. A Rolex never goes out of style and the quality makes it a very viable long-term investment.

It's art that can be worn. Something of extraordinay quality.

Long story short; I don't think that anyone owning a Rolex should be considered materialistic. It does show that they appreciate high quality and can afford nice material things. It is possible, however, that materialistic people do own Rolexs.

I debated this issue too. But the kind and honest folks here help me overcome this feeling.

[finance21]

I find that most people who are not into watches will not even notice what you have on your wrist. The general public can’t tell the difference between a Seiko and a Rolex.

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by finance21

I find that most people who are not into watches will not even notice what you have on your wrist. The general public can’t tell the difference between a Seiko and a Rolex.

It's not most people that I think he is talking about. Most people can't read the dial from a distance, and who cares about them anyway. It's the people that can read the dial, your friends, family, co-workers that can make someone feel self-conscience about owning a Rolex. And even though they may not care that much about watches, there's something about a Rolex that just looks different. The crown symbol is universally recognized by most people. Not to mention the cyclops.

I notice Rolex's all the time and have never thought that any of them were materialistic. To me, it shows that they appreciate quality, they are successful, or have generous spouses or parents.

Now a diamond encrusted Rollie does smack a little of materialism, but I don't think that is what we're talking about here.

[Arturo]

I have a couple of bad habits. Watches and shoes. I like Shell Cordovan shoes which is a subspecialty of shoes made from a horses ass. Very expensive, but last forever and attain a patina that is not available with other leathers. And I guess my watch "habit" is not too florid...2 Rollies and an Omega is all I have. The shoe thing...well that is another story.

I look at this sickness this way: I have been careful not to get into financial debt over any of this, and I could have worse habits like booze, prostitutes, drugs, gambling and all that. My kids are the protective membrane around my life keeping me away from those things, and keeping it real. I have so much responsibility for people's lives that I sometimes feel overwhelmed. I reward myself every few of years with a nice watch, and so what if it is not necessary. I could put that money into an account, and it could benefit me later. But part of life is about living in the present and Rolex is a very present moment kind of thing.

Just do it with care, save for them so you don't go in debt for them, and enjoy your accomplishments as you deserve that. I know people who are mechanics, cops, disabled EMT's, doctors, landscapers etc...who have a Roller. It is just one of those distinctive things that some people think they deserve. And that is a good thing, as if you think that, you will live life like you do and accomplish the things necessary to maintain that level of desire.

[GoldenBear]

My wife and I went a wine tasting dinner at the summer home of a friend (in Napa) last weekend. They are Silicon Valley executives and vintners. During the long evening 8 of us sampled at least 16 different bottles of wine and champagne. Some of these bottles (one from 1964) through magnums of 1988 Cristal Rose and rare sauternes cost over $1,000 a bottle. They are all totally into wine and traveling the globe to drink it and buy it (not to mention grow it). None of them are into watches. They are all tech geeks and use their phones or tech gear for telling time. They wouldn't consider buying a $2,000 watch even though spilling that much wine would be a faux pas but no big deal. The food was even more over the top. To each his own. Nice to have friends like that. Like they say about boats, it's great to own one, it's even better to have a friend that owns one. Extravagance is an individual choice.

[John685]

Originally Posted by veilstylez

Or does anyone here sometimes ever feel a little shallow? ...like when you notice yourself always looking at other peoples wrist when out in public.
Sometimes I'll catch myself checking out other people wrist just too see what they are wearing. And sometimes I feel shallow. haha

I dont know...I mean I have friends that like expensive cars and watches just because of bling status. and the watches are just for show and I just dont want people to look at me that way. Its like buy a watch because you like it not because its bling.

Stupid?

Materialistic???

IMHO, there are two types of people who wear Rolexes. Those that appreciate Rolex for it's quality and history and those who want to impress their friends and acquantances. I place myself in the first group and could care less about the other group. The second group obviously has some self-worth issues and Rolex is probably only one of several ways they are trying to impress or influence others!

[Vanessa CW21]

In the mall I work, I see 80% of the women walking around in a +$1,000 purse... that they'll get tired of in 2 months, and buy another one! I rather buy one $5000 watch that'll last me forever and generations to come!
Is it materialistic??... probably! I don't NEED this watch to survive, but so don't I need new jeans every year either, or upgrading a diamond?? What's that about?
We all have our own desires and wishes, and when we're able to accomplish one of them, it makes us feel special, and I think that's what this watch buying is about!

Vanessa

[veilstylez]

haha dang..you guys are so right. Very true huh, I dont have to justify my purchase. I did buy my watch for myself. It just that other people don't understand it, but everyone is different.

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by veilstylez

haha dang..you guys are so right. Very true huh, I dont have to justify my purchase. I did buy my watch for myself. It just that other people don't understand it, but everyone is different.

If you spend enough time talking about your Rolex purchase, some people may end up understanding a little bit about the reason we love Rolex. However, most will still just look at you like your crazy. And if you feel the need to continue rationalizing it, you end up looking like your trying to convince yourself.

I would say the best thing is to just be yourself. Don't try to hide it, explain it, rationalize it, justify it.

I spend 4 times the cost of a SS Rolex on my girl's engagement ring, and she has yet to have to explain or justify it.

As men, it's our only real jewerly. It's an expression of our taste and style.

Just enjoy it.

[Interested Bystander]

It, a Rolex, really isn't that expensive, really.

If I'm being totally honest and I look in my storage shed and garage combined and look at all the "junk" I've collected over the years, that has no value now, not to mention the thousands of dollars worth of other stuff that has been thrown out by now,

I actually think if I had saved that money I could have bought 10 Rolex's and have some real value out of it.

There isn't a single person I know from Doctor to Garbage man, that hasn't wasted thousands of bucks on something useless they don't even posses any longer.

It would even be more prudent to get a Rolex than many of the wasteful things I've done in the past.

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by Interested Bystander

It, a Rolex, really isn't that expensive, really.

If I'm being totally honest and I look in my storage shed and garage combined and look at all the "junk" I've collected over the years, that has no value now, not to mention the thousands of dollars worth of other stuff that has been thrown out by now,

I actually think if I had saved that money I could have bought 10 Rolex's and have some real value out of it.

There isn't a single person I know from Doctor to Garbage man, that hasn't wasted thousands of bucks on something useless they don't even posses any longer.

It would even be more prudent to get a Rolex than many of the wasteful things I've done in the past.

That is sooo true.

[2wheelseadweller]

Plus it holds its value and if you need cash you can turn into cash. Alot better investment than stupid clothes. Heck it even gives you the time.

[Blue Bull]

Materialistic is cheap,quality is timeless