Moving on from Rolex

[Aboutderntime]

I love my Rolex watches and have experienced a number of the sport models. They are robust and excellent timepieces that capture many of the icons in the watch world. I will probably never part with most of my current Rolex pieces.

That being said, sometimes they feel a bit redundant especially with regards to the dial (sub, gmt, exp ii, YM, etc).

I’m curious to know if there are any die hard Rolex fans that have made a jump to another brand that has captured a collection loyalty.

If so, I would be interested to hear about the brands (models) that caught your attention post Rolex and your experience with that process.

[ducatiti]

I've been going back and forth with Omega since Rolex is not readily available.

Love Omega's movement and finishing but there is something about Rolex that keeps me luring back. Rolex is my very first watch, and been a fan for years so this plays a huge part.

[Kenny G]

I think if one is in the position to collect Rolex, then the logical next move is to PP/AP/VC.

You’re 100% correct in the redundancy of Rolex sports models but watches were never meant to be collected. If they are, you’ll have redundancy no matter what brand you collect.

Personally, i wouldn’t want any more than maybe 3 watches from any brand….well, I might want them, but I wouldn’t buy them due to the redundant factor.

[Rollieo]

Originally Posted by Kenny G

I think if one is in the position to collect Rolex, then the logical next move is to PP/AP/VC.

You’re 100% correct in the redundancy of Rolex sports models but watches were never meant to be collected. If they are, you’ll have redundancy no matter what brand you collect.

Personally, i wouldn’t want any more than maybe 3 watches from any brand….well, I might want them, but I wouldn’t buy them due to the redundant factor.

Second this

[robinmgb]

Originally Posted by Kenny G

I think if one is in the position to collect Rolex, then the logical next move is to PP/AP/VC.

You’re 100% correct in the redundancy of Rolex sports models but watches were never meant to be collected. If they are, you’ll have redundancy no matter what brand you collect.

Personally, i wouldn’t want any more than maybe 3 watches from any brand….well, I might want them, but I wouldn’t buy them due to the redundant factor.

I agree, personally I sold any Rolex models once I’d made the step up as never wore a Rolex again, they become redundant and unloved

[N_Architect]

Originally Posted by Kenny G

I think if one is in the position to collect Rolex, then the logical next move is to PP/AP/VC.
...

^^This

After x4 Rolexes, I moved to PP (x2), AP (x1), Lange (x1)
Once you make the move, there is no turning back really

However...

If for any reason you ever need something more practical, easier to repair, and more rugged to wear daily, the only way is returning back to Rolex.

All the rest (the Panerais, the Omegas, or whatever else), some of them are are not bad but nothing retains value and offers durability as a Rolex does.

Something to keep in mind.

[Cr_Zeek]

Originally Posted by N_Architect

^^This


All the rest (the Panerais, the Omegas, or whatever else), some of them are are not bad but nothing retains value and offers durability as a Rolex does.

Something to keep in mind.

Everything retains more value than money. FWIW

[Cauhauna]

Originally Posted by N_Architect

^^This

After x4 Rolexes, I moved to PP (x2), AP (x1), Lange (x1)
Once you make the move, there is no turning back really

I'm in the same boat; i have a Daytona, Sub, Exp 2, and Sky-Dweller.
Not only is that enough, it's too much. I wear my Daytona every day, and the rest sit. I'm actively exploring AP and PP.

I will likely trim down the Rolex collection; my two must keep are Daytona and Sub date.

[burnthesehills]

Originally Posted by N_Architect

^^This

After x4 Rolexes, I moved to PP (x2), AP (x1), Lange (x1)
Once you make the move, there is no turning back really

However...

If for any reason you ever need something more practical, easier to repair, and more rugged to wear daily, the only way is returning back to Rolex.

All the rest (the Panerais, the Omegas, or whatever else), some of them are are not bad but nothing retains value and offers durability as a Rolex does.

Something to keep in mind.

Not sure about the “durability” comment. My Panerai and Omega are definitely as durable as any Rolex. And my G-Shock is more durable than all of them.

[Tylerlsu2008]

I only have an Exp II and hoping to get a GMT in due course, but after that I would be happy. I agree on the redundancy point. I enjoy the Omegas, Panerai, and IWC in my collection very much.

For me, Omega is the brand that i'm the most naturally drawn to as a peer to Rolex.

[Cauhauna]

Originally Posted by Tylerlsu2008

I only have an Exp II and hoping to get a GMT in due course, but after that I would be happy. I agree on the redundancy point. I enjoy the Omegas, Panerai, and IWC in my collection very much.

For me, Omega is the brand that i'm the most naturally drawn to as a peer to Rolex.

i have good news for you.
your explorer 2 is a GMT; it even says so in the manual

cheers

[Jack T]

I too have had my run with Rolex. They are great watches, among the very best in my collection, but I’ve had the ones that I want.

Omega makes a first rate watch, my Aqua Terra and Planet Ocean are rock solid, aesthetically pleasing, give me pleasure whenever I wear them.

Likewise, Grand Seiko, beautiful finishing, precision movements and eye catching dials. They aren’t all as robust Rolex, but they are beautifully made time pieces.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I’m not post-Rolex but I’m in acquisition stasis for the moment. I have a solid array of watches and don’t yearn for anything but inevitably that day will come. I have the same number of Panerai as I do Rolex but that’s not a statement or a strategy. As far as the process it’s totally organic, I buy what I want when the opportunity presents itself.

[burnthesehills]

My Omega Seamaster 300M is as good if not better than my Submariner ever was. It is also readily available and much less expensive. I still love Rolex, but I can definitely recommend Omega especially if you are looking for bang for the buck.

[JimSnyder]

To me a collection is not every one of the newest Rolex watches. Mix it up

[tictoc1]

Among well known brands, I like zenith and JLC as brands that offer a large variety in there line up

Also Check out
- Christopher Ward, that has a nice striking hour watch which is a steal at the price its offered at
- Yema
- King Seiko
- Aventi, unique design but its a little bold for most people
- Frederique constant

[TheWatchmen]

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

To me a collection is not every one of the newest Rolex watches. Mix it up

Lol I don’t know how many ceramic Pepsi/ green Submariner/ White Daytona “collections” I’ve seen here but there are a bunch.

[pendlepants]

Rolex was my first luxury watch and I’ve bought a number of them, but have since moved into a lot of other brands for the reasons you mention. I’ve got a Panerai for the distinctive design, love Omega for the finishing and quality of the movements, have some smaller/micro brand watches like Grand Seiko and H. Moser for the value/quality ratio of their finishing, and have started seriously collecting Cartier for the balance of their history in watchmaking and the quality of their pieces.

I think that some diversification over time is natural and part of a move from love of a watch to love of watchmaking. That’s something to be celebrated!

[Joearch]

I enjoy a blended collection of Rolex and Panerai. Many don’t understand Panerai, which is fine with me. I have been wearing them for 20 years or so and like the older references that stay close to the DNA of their origins. Nice counterpoint to Rolex every now and then.

[Yobber76]

Originally Posted by Joearch

I enjoy a blended collection of Rolex and Panerai. Many don’t understand Panerai, which is fine with me. I have been wearing them for 20 years or so and like the older references that stay close to the DNA of their origins. Nice counterpoint to Rolex every now and then.

I was one of those that didn't understand Panerai. But in the past 2 years I decided to diversify my collection. I was tired of the hunt. I still have 3 Rolexes, but my recent purchases have been a Tudor, a Breitling, and most recently a Panerai Luminor. I don't know if it's the honeymoon period or not, I haven't taken this Pam off for more than a day since I bought it. I was considering an Omega next, we will see.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Joearch

I enjoy a blended collection of Rolex and Panerai. Many don’t understand Panerai, which is fine with me. I have been wearing them for 20 years or so and like the older references that stay close to the DNA of their origins. Nice counterpoint to Rolex every now and then.

X2
Rolex and Panerai just go so well together in a collection as they both have their own unique iconic design, robust built and attitude on the wrist.

[mykii]

I went from Rolex to AP/PP but the shenanigans there have me coming back to Rolex, and frankly, Omega. Omega has a lot of interesting vintage, Neo-vintage, and modern pieces, which have become interesting to me again.

[bluestreak]

I haven’t moved on from Rolex. The three I have are fairly different (Polar Explorer 2, LV sub and OP). The two brands that interest me the most recently are JLC and Zenith. I think they have some interesting watches. I’ll eventually get an Omega.
My AD has me on the list for a Patek 5212, but I’m not holding my breath.
I’ve personally have no interest in AP or VC.

[airchitect]

I’m thinking about this myself. Thinking of limiting my Rolex collection to two or three core pieces and then moving on. I really want to try an omega though I don’t always love their aesthetic. I’d also like a Santos, a couple GS, a Navitimer, etc… I feel like it’s time to break loose a little bit. Could def do a Panerai or something of that ilk if the right model were to come along…


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[Malum]

I like Rolex Sea Dwellers and Explorers , IWC and Breitling Pilot watches and Omega Speedmasters .These are the watches I enjoy . I do have an issue now , I really want the Ti YM . Damn it .

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Malum

I like Rolex Sea Dwellers and Explorers , IWC and Breitling Pilot watches and Omega Speedmasters .These are the watches I enjoy . I do have an issue now , I really want the Ti YM . Damn it .

I really want the titanium Yachtmaster as well. If I get it I will likely sell my LV sub since I have a rule that I can only have one example of a particular movement in my collection. It kind sucks because that watch was hard to get, lol.

[10klakes]

Rolex does it for me, but I’ve hit a note with my collection that has satisfied me. I’ll still study and follow releases or threads, but my acquisition of more (at this time) has subsided. I appreciate other brands, but I’m not going to be a collector of watches, I’m a collector of Rolex. But that’s just me…

[csaltphoto]

Rolex does have a strong continuity of design language which is part of the strength of the brand. One thing to keep in mind is that until recently Rolexes were seen as a "One watch for life" kind of watch. Even with the different iterations, a Rolex looks like a Rolex (The different Cellini's being an outlier but even these are extremely well thought out and executed dress watches)

Rolex basically has 3 designs. Rotating bezel sports watches. 3-handers in a variety of flavors. And the Daytona. The YM2 and Skydweller are kind of outliers but YM2 DNA is Daytona and Skydweller DNA is DJ.

For me, one Rolex is enough. If I were to branch out I would get something like a Santos. If I wanted to spend car money on a watch a Nautilus maybe.

[usmc_k9_vet]

I’m a huge Rolex fan, but I wouldn’t necessarily say I’ve made a jump to another brand. I intend to get more Rolex, but I’ve also got Omega and H. Moser and would love to add an AP, PP, and VC someday.

I put Rolex and Omega on the same level when it comes to build quality. Obviously Omega are readily available and cheaper than a similar Rolex. For my first all precious metal watch I’ll be going with Rolex hands down. I just think they do a better job in that area. I do like Omega’s movement tech.


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[mmbiker]

I told myself one watch per brand.

But lately, I been thinking a second Rolex again…. Breaking my own rules…


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