Got back from Vegas, felt almost a visceral disgust at how many Rolexes I saw

[the dark knight]

This is TRF, I've been on this forum a while, I've owned basically every Rolex sports model at one point or another, my first "grail" was a Sub, I still own a Sub. Rolex has been my favorite brand since I seriously got into watches.

But I just had to vent that this past weekend was probably the first time I got seriously turned off by the brand.

Took a weekend trip to Vegas, first time in over 5 years I've gone during the summer. Everyone is wearing short sleeves, tons of watches. And my goodness. I am not exaggerating these numbers. At least 20 Rolex for any other brand of watch (including Apple Watches). I even played a game where I sat down and watched people pass by me and counted how many consecutive people were wearing a Rolex (it was 6).

I think I saw literally every single model.

I'm not one of those ironic non-conformist people. I still love Rolex. But man, I came away with just a newfound appreciation for non-Rolex watches if for no other reason than how rare they are. The only multiples I saw of the same non-Rolex luxury watch that I recall were from 3 brands. AP (RO), Patek (Nautilus), and Omega (Seamaster and Speedmaster). And overall I still saw very few of these compared to Rolex.

I personally wore my new Tudor BB58 GMT. And I'll be honest, in the past when I've taken trips like this and wasn't wearing a Rolex and saw some in the wild, I'd kind of miss my own and wish I wore it. Completely opposite experience this time. And ironically I got more compliments on the Tudor than I ever have in Vegas or elsewhere wearing a Rolex, so go figure.

In terms of the Rolex world, the only model I don't think I saw a single time was the Explorer I. And while I did see a small number of 16570s, I did not see a single 6-digit Exp II. So in terms of a modern Rolex that has all the goods but would be quite rare to see out in the wild, I've started really yearning for a white dial 226570.

But overall, I think I'm really going to start focusing my attention on non-Rolex going forward.

[JR16]

Rolex makes around 1 million watches a year to patek’s 60k. Literally tens of millions Rolex watches in circulation… not surprising they are seen a lot in vegas.


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[the dark knight]

Originally Posted by JR16

Rolex makes around 1 million watches a year to patek’s 60k. Literally tens of millions Rolex watches in circulation… not surprising they are seen a lot in vegas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Yea, but you could say almost the same about Omega. But I see a ton of more Rolexes.

[911991]

Originally Posted by JR16

Rolex makes around 1 million watches a year to patek’s 60k. Literally tens of millions Rolex watches in circulation… not surprising they are seen a lot in vegas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

100%, last time I was in Vegas I saw a bunch of Rolex's in the pawnshops there too. Lots of money won and lost in Sin City, so not surprised...

[AAMD11]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

This is TRF, I've been on this forum a while, I've owned basically every Rolex sports model at one point or another, my first "grail" was a Sub, I still own a Sub. Rolex has been my favorite brand since I seriously got into watches.

But I just had to vent that this past weekend was probably the first time I got seriously turned off by the brand.

Took a weekend trip to Vegas, first time in over 5 years I've gone during the summer. Everyone is wearing short sleeves, tons of watches. And my goodness. I am not exaggerating these numbers. At least 20 Rolex for any other brand of watch (including Apple Watches). I even played a game where I sat down and watched people pass by me and counted how many consecutive people were wearing a Rolex (it was 6).

I think I saw literally every single model.

I'm not one of those ironic non-conformist people. I still love Rolex. But man, I came away with just a newfound appreciation for non-Rolex watches if for no other reason than how rare they are. The only multiples I saw of the same non-Rolex luxury watch that I recall were from 3 brands. AP (RO), Patek (Nautilus), and Omega (Seamaster and Speedmaster). And overall I still saw very few of these compared to Rolex.

I personally wore my new Tudor BB58 GMT. And I'll be honest, in the past when I've taken trips like this and wasn't wearing a Rolex and saw some in the wild, I'd kind of miss my own and wish I wore it. Completely opposite experience this time. And ironically I got more compliments on the Tudor than I ever have in Vegas or elsewhere wearing a Rolex, so go figure.

In terms of the Rolex world, the only model I don't think I saw a single time was the Explorer I. And while I did see a small number of 16570s, I did not see a single 6-digit Exp II. So in terms of a modern Rolex that has all the goods but would be quite rare to see out in the wild, I've started really yearning for a white dial 226570.

But overall, I think I'm really going to start focusing my attention on non-Rolex going forward.

Come to NYC. Every tourist has a Rolex, yet when you see your fellow local New Yorkers it’s when it gets interesting. Unfortunately I’ve been in TRF for over 14 years now, I’m pretty turned off by Rolex. Like you I’m a contrarian, so Rolex doesn’t do it for me anymore.

[Lukla]

Maybe Vegas is an exceptional place for Rolex (and luxury/highend watches in general). Having said that I believe you in that we see whole lot more Rolexes these days. I am with you in that I started with Rolex but have been exploring other brands in the last 5 years or so.

I still enjoy wearing Rolex as a casual and rugged purpose watch but wear Breguet, Patek and Lange for more special occasions.

[the dark knight]

Originally Posted by Lukla

Maybe Vegas is an exceptional place for Rolex (and luxury/highend watches in general). Having said that I believe you in that we see whole lot more Rolexes these days. I am with you in that I started with Rolex but have been exploring other brands in the last 5 years or so.

I still enjoy wearing Rolex as a casual and rugged purpose watch but wear Breguet, Patek and Lange for more special occasions.

Yes, the time/place (this weekend, Las Vegas) was exceptional in the sense that I've never seen even close to that number of Rolexes, much less luxury watches.

Cartier and Omega are the number 2 and 3 Swiss watch companies by revenue after Rolex. Yet I genuinely saw more solid gold Daytonas than I did steel Santos or Speedmaster or even Apple Watches. Not exaggerating. No need to even get into the # of Subs or GMTs I saw.

Even going into the ADs was just not as exciting, when I literally see all those watches on people's wrists just walking around.

OTOH Vegas is awesome for watch shopping. The Palazzo has an AD that has a string of "boutiques" lined up, notable Lange and Vacheron side by side. That was fun.

[gnuyork]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

. The Palazzo has an AD that has a string of "boutiques" lined up, notable Lange and Vacheron side by side. That was fun.

and Breguet!

[charger_vital]

Yeah, I find myself never wearing my Pepsi or my Speedy... always opting for one of my independents. I'm actually considering getting rid of both to get something more unique. They just don't feel that special anymore. But to each his own.

[febie111]

Need I say more.


.

[ganagati]

Originally Posted by febie111

Need I say more.


.

I’m still kicking myself for not getting the barakuda at MSRP when I had the chance. I went for a 116600 instead….

[brandrea]

Did you have fun otherwise?

[Mr Ben]

I think this is pretty true. I’ve still never seen anyone else wearing a 226570 black or white dial in real life since I bought mine nearly 2 years ago.

Should I be happy my watch is still unusual to see or sad that so few others appreciate them?!

[brandrea]

It’s all relative I suppose. Where I live (just outside of the GTA) I rarely see a Rolex or any nice watch for that matter. Not that it’s not an affluent area, but I just don’t see them

Anyway, I’m sort of the opposite … when I travel and see a lot of folks wearing nice watches I find it interesting

[travisb]

It wouldn't put me off.
No surprise in Vegas or any highly populated or touristy area.

[espanol]

I've had similar observations. Been fortunate to have traveled and lived on three different continents, with about 90 countries visited under my belt. One of the many global consistencies of these travels has been Rolex. You will find Rolex watches everywhere. Much more than any other brand. Most extreme cases have been Las Vegas and Dubai.

Similar to your sentiment, Rolex has lost it's allure in the last few years. Wearing my BLRO just isn't the same anymore. Almost like I'm conforming to this hyper-consumerism dealer scarcity nonsense even though Rolex is actually pumping these out like hotcakes. It's been gamified; no longer totally about the watches. It's about status to many, which is a huge turn off.

[DoubleDeac]

Originally Posted by espanol

Similar to your sentiment, Rolex has lost it's allure in the last few years. Wearing my BLRO just isn't the same anymore. Almost like I'm conforming to this hyper-consumerism dealer scarcity nonsense even though Rolex is actually pumping these out like hotcakes. It's been gamified; no longer totally about the watches. It's about status to many, which is a huge turn off.

Bingo. Contrary to what many have said about this stance, I actually hate it when I get noticed wearing my watch. Rolex, or more generally, watch collecting was more of a niche thing in the past (before the days of Hodinkee, YT, Instagram, etc) where only those in the hobby knew about them. Now, it appears to have taken on a new life of status symbols, commodity investing, and a check box for those desperate to get attention and validation from others.

The reality that this cohort of folks came into the watch space and changed what it used to be is what individuals like me lament... and seeing so many of these watches on the wrists of ppl is just a confirmation of this. It has nothing to do with feeling bad or insecure because others are wearing the watch.

[espanol]

Originally Posted by DoubleDeac

Bingo. Contrary to what many have said about this stance, I actually hate it when I get noticed wearing my watch. Rolex, or more generally, watch collecting was more of a niche thing in the past (before the days of Hodinkee, YT, Instagram, etc) where only those in the hobby knew about them. Now, it appears to have taken on a new life of status symbols, commodity investing, and a check box for those desperate to get attention and validation from others.

Said it better than I could.

Like the watches, but don’t like what they represent to many.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by espanol

Said it better than I could.

Like the watches, but don’t like what they represent to many.

Yep, agreed.


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[1st amg]

This does not bother me. You were visiting the nightlife capital of the world, where everyone brings their best, whether its their clothing, jewelry or watches. Otherwise, in my travels, yes, you see Rolex, but nothing like a place of Vegas culture. So, I would not read into this too much. Besides, we are all humans and we all like nice shiny things.

[Cru Jones]

Personally, I do not define my enjoyment of my watches based on what others choose to wear….

[rlx123]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Personally, I do not define my enjoyment of my watches based on what others choose to wear….

Agree


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[georgew]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Personally, I do not define my enjoyment of my watches based on what others choose to wear….

yeah, this.

[Harry-57]

Seeing other people wearing Rolex doesn't fill me with an almost visceral disgust, so I'll stick with what I like and everyone else can please themselves.

[Easy Rhino]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Seeing other people wearing Rolex doesn't fill me with an almost visceral disgust, so I'll stick with what I like and everyone else can please themselves.

This.

I wear my Rolex watches for my enjoyment, not others. I wouldn't know if others see mine although in some settings professionals will remark on mine.

If the Rolex sales numbers are accurate, Rolex has produced about 20 million watches since I got my first one. Given that they are luxury items, I find it no surprise to see them frequently when in the vicinity of large crowds that would be expected to include persons that purchase luxury items.

The most frequent conversations I have about Rolex watches are with doctors, in upscale restaurants, while flying, or in wealthy cities. Seems normal to me.

I suppose what I'm guessing is that some feel as if their watch should be more exclusive.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Seeing other people wearing Rolex doesn't fill me with an almost visceral disgust, so I'll stick with what I like and everyone else can please themselves.

+1.

[xrole]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

This is TRF, I've been on this forum a while, I've owned basically every Rolex sports model at one point or another, my first "grail" was a Sub, I still own a Sub. Rolex has been my favorite brand since I seriously got into watches.

But I just had to vent that this past weekend was probably the first time I got seriously turned off by the brand.

Took a weekend trip to Vegas, first time in over 5 years I've gone during the summer. Everyone is wearing short sleeves, tons of watches. And my goodness. I am not exaggerating these numbers. At least 20 Rolex for any other brand of watch (including Apple Watches). I even played a game where I sat down and watched people pass by me and counted how many consecutive people were wearing a Rolex (it was 6).

I think I saw literally every single model.

I'm not one of those ironic non-conformist people. I still love Rolex. But man, I came away with just a newfound appreciation for non-Rolex watches if for no other reason than how rare they are. The only multiples I saw of the same non-Rolex luxury watch that I recall were from 3 brands. AP (RO), Patek (Nautilus), and Omega (Seamaster and Speedmaster). And overall I still saw very few of these compared to Rolex.

I personally wore my new Tudor BB58 GMT. And I'll be honest, in the past when I've taken trips like this and wasn't wearing a Rolex and saw some in the wild, I'd kind of miss my own and wish I wore it. Completely opposite experience this time. And ironically I got more compliments on the Tudor than I ever have in Vegas or elsewhere wearing a Rolex, so go figure.

In terms of the Rolex world, the only model I don't think I saw a single time was the Explorer I. And while I did see a small number of 16570s, I did not see a single 6-digit Exp II. So in terms of a modern Rolex that has all the goods but would be quite rare to see out in the wild, I've started really yearning for a white dial 226570.

But overall, I think I'm really going to start focusing my attention on non-Rolex going forward.

You buy Rolexes to feel special and different, then you went to a city KNOWN for being visited by a lot of people with money and saw a lot of Rolexes... and now you no longer feel special or different? You say you now feel... disgust? Very interesting descriptor to use, what exactly are you 'disgusted' at?

But anyway, congrats, you are clearly very insecure.

[Tim Plains]

I think if you care what other people have on, or are wearing your watches for other people (look at me, I have a Rolex, I'm special), you wear this brand for the wrong reasons. I love models with long lineages. That's part of the appeal for me when it comes to Submariners, Speedmasters, Gibson Les Pauls, HD Sportsters. I don't care if there's a billion others out there like mine. They are successful for a reason.

[1William]

Vegas and some other locations would be outliers in seeing luxury goods and especially Rolex. In most places you might see a few but not consistently. I enjoy looking at watches, both at retailers and on the wrists of others but it does not impact my like or dislike of a brand especially a brand that I own and have personal experience with. I own Toyota/Lexus products and see them everywhere but it does not change the fact that it is a great brand and I have had wonderful ownership experiences with them over the years. Take a step back and figure out why this triggered you. You could have just as easily been impressed at the great watches on peoples wrists and enjoyed it all. When you figure that out then you might better understand what is motivating your thoughts.

[Blofeldt]

Purely from an observational and anecdotal point of view, I see very few people wearing a Rolex in London these days. Possibly due to the reported increase in Rolex 'rippers'. Having been to Vegas many times, It is a watch spotters paradise!