Ultimate Response to “Why did you spend so much $$$ on Rolex?” Thread

[floater156]

Clearly, we all love Rolex, and we also know that a lot of people think we’re crazy for spending thousands on a watch. I’ve seen several threads about how to respond when someone asks us why we bought Rolex, and the answers are typically pretty general: the history, workmanship, quality, design, durability, etc. I thought it may be nice to have a thread where we go into more detail so our members can have an intelligent response to the loaded question many of us are bound to hear.

I’m going to make a list of traits on why I think it’s worth it to own Rolex and then try to go into a little detail.

Movement: Rolex doesn't use a battery to operate. It uses over 150 moving parts, and when serviced on a regular schedule it keep time well after you're dead and buried. Every aspect of the construction of a Rolex is done in-house to ensure precision quality.

Materials: Rolex uses 9904L steel, which is highly corrosion resistant and virtually scratch proof. The gold in Rolex is solid 18k gold.

Resale Value: Some Rolex models you could buy used, wear for a couple of years, and sell it later for a profit. Not many items hold their value like a Rolex

Durability: The Rolex hairspring is not affected by magnetic fields and is 10x more resistant to shocks than the average automatic watch.

[impalass]

I've loved the Rolex brand since I was a child and spotted my first Submariner in an AD window. When I finally bought my fist one (5513) in the late 70's I new nothing of all the fine traits you've listed.

Now as a more educated WIS these traits are all great bonuses, but I'd still own a Rolex without them.

[david_ord]

How about the over-engineering? Despite the fact that I'll never dive 2 miles, I find value in the fact that my watch is designed to take the pressure of a 2 mile submersion.

[moviefreak]

Because I can....
I can wear them everyday...
I can use them in sports or dressier situations...
I can get them wet..
and if I feel like it..
I can sell it at almost no loss after years of use..

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

Because I can???

...And because I want!

[Blue Owl]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

...And because I want!

And the most important thing is.....It's Rolex.

[FremStar]

Rolex is just the gateway into real masterpieces like Patek, Vacheron, and Audemars... If someone has to ask you that question then they have no idea what our hobby is all about...

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Rolex is just the gateway into real masterpieces like Patek, Vacheron, and Audemars... If someone has to ask you that question then they have no idea what our hobby is all about...

Sam is right about me. I've spent the 7-10k on each Rolex before because I wouldn't spend the $30k+ to play with the big boys. Still a few more weeks of waiting until I'm really called an idiot for my AP. IMO buying watches is no different than being a member at an exclusive CC, taking tons of vacations, buying cars, hunting trips, etc.

[liptonnr]

Originally Posted by gwalker

Sam is right about me. I've spent the 7-10k on each Rolex before because I wouldn't spend the $30k+ to play with the big boys. Still a few more weeks of waiting until I'm really called an idiot for my AP. IMO buying watches is no different than being a member at an exclusive CC, taking tons of vacations, buying cars, hunting trips, etc.

Well said!

[capote]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Rolex is just the gateway into real masterpieces like Patek, Vacheron, and Audemars...

I agree Sam, gateway is exactly right. Sooner or later this sickness will lead to the trinity territory.

[Adam.]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Rolex is just the gateway into real masterpieces like Patek, Vacheron, and Audemars... If someone has to ask you that question then they have no idea what our hobby is all about...

I started looking at Patek. Where does the addiction end? I like Rolex but think there is a Patek in my future.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

Because I can....

This is my reason......

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

Because I can???

That's all that needs to be said

[floater156]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

That's all that needs to be said

This is the opposite of what I was looking for

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by floater156

This is the opposite of what I was looking for

Originally Posted by floater156

... I thought it may be nice to have a thread where we go into more detail so our members can have an intelligent response to the loaded question many of us are bound to hear...

There is no "intelligent response" that will justify spending so much money on a watch when speaking to someone that just doesn't get it...period.

If you have to come up with justification for the way you spend your money, you should question your choice of people that surround you.

So rather than trying to find justification on why you spent that money on a Rolex, think about your rebuttal to someone that responds to your bullet pointed list with these simple facts:
There are more accurate watches that cost less.
There are automatic watches with equally reliable movements that cost less
There are watches that have as much heritage that cost less

"Because I can" certainly starts to look like the most appropriate answer after you realize that those great things that make Rolex a Rolex don't mean anything to a non-wis

[Starwalker]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

That's all that needs to be said

x2!

[rr-nyc]

904L is definitely not scratch proof but is more corrosion resistant than the more commonly used 316L because of a higher nickel content. 316L is harder and more scratch resistant than 904L.

If given the choice, I would have preferred my Rolex be made of 316L

[A.J.R.]

Heritage.

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by a.j.r.

heritage.

x2

[unmenuae]

Originally Posted by A.J.R.

Heritage.

[Lmbeauleap]

The few people that know I own it look at me like I have a duck on my head. Nobody I know owns one and I rarely see one in the wild around here.

The only responses I give that doesn't bring long discussions is "because I want to" and "because I can".

[Linzjnr]

Originally Posted by Lmbeauleap

The few people that know I own it look at me like I have a duck on my head. Nobody I know owns one and I rarely see one in the wild around here.

The only responses I give that doesn't bring long discussions is "because I want to" and "because I can".

X2

I only have one other friend that owns one (apart from the new friends I've made here on TRF and enjoy a bevvy with)

I don't care what people think and I don't feel I need to justify it to anyone, it just makes me feel good wearing a Rolex...'nuff said

[capote]

Answer to thread title: Mind your own business

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by capote

Answer to thread title: Mind your own business

I like your style

[moviefreak]

if someone ask me that I would say:
some people like to buy expensive cars that they only use a couple of hours a day... after years of use they sell them at a huge loss just to get a new one...
on the other hand.. I wear an expensive watch.. I do not wear it only a couple of hours a day.. I wear it all day.. (and it is safe with me)... and it will probably hold it's value better than other luxury items... so it is a win win situation..

[gslaskin]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

if someone ask me that I would say:
some people like to buy expensive cars that they only use a couple of hours a day... after years of use they sell them at a huge loss just to get a new one...
on the other hand.. I wear an expensive watch.. I do not wear it only a couple of hours a day.. I wear it all day.. (and it is safe with me)... and it will probably hold it's value better than other luxury items... so it is a win win situation..

Very thoughtful response. I like this. Hard to argue with the above.

[A.J.R.]

Because WINNING!

[dimitros]

Originally Posted by A.J.R.

Because WINNING!

Charlie Sheen is that you? :p

[padi56]

Originally Posted by floater156

Clearly, we all love Rolex, and we also know that a lot of people think we’re crazy for spending thousands on a watch. I’ve seen several threads about how to respond when someone asks us why we bought Rolex, and the answers are typically pretty general: the history, workmanship, quality, design, durability, etc. I thought it may be nice to have a thread where we go into more detail so our members can have an intelligent response to the loaded question many of us are bound to hear.

I’m going to make a list of traits on why I think it’s worth it to own Rolex and then try to go into a little detail.

Movement: Rolex doesn't use a battery to operate. It uses over 150 moving parts, and when serviced on a regular schedule it keep time well after you're dead and buried. Every aspect of the construction of a Rolex is done in-house to ensure precision quality.

Materials: Rolex uses 9904L steel, which is highly corrosion resistant and virtually scratch proof. The gold in Rolex is solid 18k gold.


Resale Value: Some Rolex models you could buy used, wear for a couple of years, and sell it later for a profit. Not many items hold their value like a Rolex

Durability: The Rolex hairspring is not affected by magnetic fields and is 10x more resistant to shocks than the average automatic watch.

Movement: Rolex doesn't use a battery to operate. It uses over 150 moving parts, and when serviced on a regular schedule it keep time well after you're dead and buried. Every aspect of the construction of a Rolex is done in-house to ensure precision quality.

They still out source manufacture of mainsprings,but with a little care from its owner then yes they are good for 50 plus years.

Materials: Rolex uses 9904L steel, which is highly corrosion resistant and virtually scratch proof. The gold in Rolex is solid 18k gold

Fact 904L SS yes its slightly more corrosion resistant but, fact 904L will scratch easier than 316L, its not a harder or a more scratch resistant S.Steel. And 18ct gold is 18ct gold which is 750 parts pure gold the other various alloys like copper.

Durability: The Rolex hairspring is not affected by magnetic fields and is 10x more resistant to shocks than the average automatic watch.

This is what the marketing tell us ,but what Rolex does not state its 10 times more resistant to what.And in the real world would doubt if the average wearer would notice any real difference over the Nivarox ones they have used for the past 40 years.

Resale Value: Some Rolex models you could buy used, wear for a couple of years, and sell it later for a profit. Not many items hold their value like a Rolex

Agree Rolex watches have always held there price well in the market place.But today many see Rolex watches as little more than $$$£££ and many today just wear the brand.And not many care about the Rolex history today except perhaps the WIS type,in todays world Rolex its now to many just wearing a name on a dial.

[GradyPhilpott]

I met a man at a bowling tournament this weekend who was wearing a vintage Sea Dweller (circa 1975) that was in excellent shape, except for some scratches on the acrylic crystal.

I marveled at it and showed him new 14060M and told him about my Explorer and my DJ.

He gave me an astonished look and asked my why I would ever buy another Rolex when one would last a lifetime.

l just smiled and said that I cannot help myself. I have this disorder and that I'm a Watch Idiot Savant, otherwise known as a Watch Nut.

I think that's explanation enough for most people who think a person is bonkers for owning even one.

If they're up for conversation, you can talk about history, tradition, heritage, innovation, the benevolent foundation, the involvement in the improvement of the global community, materials, value, etc., but if you go on too long, they will either fall asleep or just walk away.

The less said the better.

If find that most people are annoyed by Rolex watches, so it's best to let sleeping dogs lie.