Ever been embarrassed about the Rolex name?

[cferrel]

I try not to call attention to myself. No one notices my Rolex I think and if they do they probably think its rude or intimidated. I just enjoy wearing it. No other watch can measure up or feels right like a Rolex.

I spoiled my self too much I guess.

[skyedog]

Originally Posted by kcmo

Yes, I feel the same way. Really prefer not to mention the brand if I can help it. I'm sure others will chime in and say we're being silly, but I just don't like the attention or the stigma, despite the fact that I adore my pieces.

+1 Totally

[threemonkeys]

No shame here. I'm not the slightest bit interested in anyone noticing my Rolex and prefer to stay in stealth mode. But if someone asks, I just mention what it is the same as I would were I wearing a Timex.

[DiamondJack]

Hey guys and gals......wow, what amazing and thoughtful comments. Thanks ever so much for taking the time to respond with so much consideration and understanding

When I first posted I was a little unsure of the response and feedback I would get asking a question like that.......and yes I agree, a user name like Diamondjack doesn't immediately evoke a vision of the most considerate of people when it comes to visible wealth.......but really....I am Although, I did change my watch again on the Sunday evening....

Anyway, I thought it may just be me thinking too hard about a particular situation. But your thoughts, comments and experiences are all very reassuring and also enlightening. It's certainly great to know many of us have all had similar experiences wearing our beloved watches and also what a really nice bunch of people we have on this forum. I'm certainly very pleased to be a part of it.

Long may we continue

[kareemthedream33]

I always just say the model name and only say Rolex if pushed to say the brand.

[train-time]

You handled the situation very well and with considerable sensitivity; and yes Rolex does come with a degree of "social baggage."

I recall once wearing a very nice Blancpain on a strap to work one day and a co-worker who was fond of the type of watches one buys in hotel gift shops on vacation (and very proud of them) noticed my watch and asked what kind of watch it was.

It was understated; white gold which looked like SS with a black dial on a black strap. I said it was a Blancpain and there was a blank stare on his face, so I then said it was a Swiss brand from the jewelry store up the street.

He seemed content with my answer, but I agree that such an inquiry can be awkward. This particular Blancpain had a list price that was conservatively twice that of the average Rolex at the time, so I was somewhat relieved that he didn't go there. Some watches can fly under the radar, Rolex isn't one of them.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by esm

i would feel "uncomfortable" too.... but if it were me and i had someone (like your friend) staying with us, i dont think i'd be changing my watches 3 times a day.

X2

If I had an old friend in a similar financial situation stay at my place I would limit myself to one watch. 3 watches in 2 days is only flaunting.

[boogiebot]

seems like you are really good guy that just doesnt want to flaunt what you have to someone that is not as fortunate. its kind of you to think like this. most people just rub other peoples nose in SH** just to make themselves feel better.

you sound like a friend most people would be glad to have

[gargamel647]

When I get asked, I just say its a Submariner. (Or in your case a GMT)

[texex91]

Originally Posted by kareemthedream33

I always just say the model name and only say Rolex if pushed to say the brand.

Exactly what I do...Sub...Daytona...etc. Of course unless I am wearing my Panerai--then I say Panerai, and people go uh?

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

X2

If I had an old friend in a similar financial situation stay at my place I would limit myself to one watch. 3 watches in 2 days is only flaunting.

In hindsight, you're absolutely right and I would not normally change my watches so frequently or for that matter so blatantly.

But in my defence, I was staying at my holiday home and, with quite different activities undertaken during the day and evening, I always tend to change my watch. I prefer my lighter Cartier TT Galbee for golf as it is less noticeable on my wrist. I often wear my Breitling TT Navitimer in the evening since the leather strap is less heavy and the watch is quite dressy. I wear one of my subs for swimming and the GMT for a change or when travelling. The other one was a vintage Speedmaster on this occasion.

But the fact is I have a lot of watches, I am going to buy more and, whilst I don't mind being sensitive in terms of what I say or talk to people about them, I am most definitely not going to curtail my own personal enjoyment when it comes to wearing them.....

[crowncollection]

handled well in my opinion, i have been in similar situations and it is very awkward, i am very proud of my rolex collection and it is no secret amongst my friends i own many, but there are times you just do not talk about them.

[spuds]

I'd like to have enough money to be embarassed by it!!!!


But anyway "Diamond Geezah" are we seeing you again in November then....??
(I promise you can wear as many watches as you want & no-one'll think you're the slightest bit strange!! )

[spuds]

Originally Posted by gargamel647

When I get asked, I just say its a Submariner. (Or in your case a GMT)

Yup.

[renfield33]

I just say it is a gmt master. My mother in law asked my wife how much her lady datejust cost and her response was $300. She was shocked that it cost so much.

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by spuds

I'd like to have enough money to be embarassed by it!!!!


But anyway "Diamond Geezah" are we seeing you again in November then....??
(I promise you can wear as many watches as you want & no-one'll think you're the slightest bit strange!! )

Thanks Dan That's very reassuring And yes count me in..... I didn't realise we were getting it on again so soon but can't wait

[watchdaddy1]

I must be 1 of the few, embaressed never!!!!
I'm coverd w/ tattoo's so some look down @ me until they see , (if the know what it is a rolex) what I'm wearing then I shove it in their face soo too speak. In your situation though , you handled it like a gentleman, & I give you kudos for that.

[Watch Fan]

I personally like the way you handled that situation and I agree with your concerns. I enjoy owning and wearing my Rolexes, but I have never felt the need to gloat about it or to advertise it. On the rare occasion when someone has noticed a watch and asked if it was a "real Rolex", I always just say "I wish it was a real one, but no it's not."

If the person asking the question is anything less than another watch collector, what would be the point of the rest of the uncomfortable conversation? Better to just end it with a simple "no, it's not real".

[cgjane]

How do you strut around again?

[cody p]

I tend to keep it to myself more and more. I don't really want to deal with the negative energy of a judgmental arsehole if I don't have to.

[SUBversive]

I think you need to have some balance. After reading these pages fir a short time you would think every Tom dick and Harry have subc's. If you take a step back you see that the number of people who wear a watch that costs over $1500, let alone a rolex is pretty low. So ya I think most people don't even know how much a rolex costs, other than "big bucks."

[paddy_crow]

I've had a Rolex on my wrist for 35 years, I don't really remember ever having an issue saying the brand name when someone asked.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

In hindsight, you're absolutely right and I would not normally change my watches so frequently or for that matter so blatantly.

But in my defence, I was staying at my holiday home and, with quite different activities undertaken during the day and evening, I always tend to change my watch. I prefer my lighter Cartier TT Galbee for golf as it is less noticeable on my wrist. I often wear my Breitling TT Navitimer in the evening since the leather strap is less heavy and the watch is quite dressy. I wear one of my subs for swimming and the GMT for a change or when travelling. The other one was a vintage Speedmaster on this occasion.

But the fact is I have a lot of watches, I am going to buy more and, whilst I don't mind being sensitive in terms of what I say or talk to people about them, I am most definitely not going to curtail my own personal enjoyment when it comes to wearing them.....

It is just part of being a WIS!! Our brains are wired a little different.

[LTM]

Folks at work know I'm a watch guy. I've helped a few co-workers out with taking out links, recommending certain jewelers, etc... Of course, there's always the one "clown" (you all know the type... loudmouth, always got something smart to say...) in the office likes to try and embarrass people when they find out your hobby, interest, etc...

So one day when we're about to have our daily morning meeting he stands next to me and loudly asks, so everyone can hear, "so what watch are you wearing today?" And it's hard to explain... but the way he asks the question when he's being a prick like this is so .... obnoxious.

Without hesitating I responded, "it's a brand you're not familiar with.... it's called a Rolex." The corresponding laugh amongst the group was priceless.... and his attempt to chuckle it off was more than telling as his face turned beet red.

I understand the consideration you have for your friend in hard times, but never be embarrassed over the things you work hard for in life.

[Oyster1982]

I never get embarrased because I wear a Rolex and someone else does not. When someone at work asks me what watch am I wearing I say Rolex. If they dont like it not my problem. I have friends who are financially challanged and they are aware that I have two Rolexes and know that I work like a dog to buy them.

[britincali]

I gotta admit im like that too, on a couple of occasions when asked about my EXP II I just say "its an explorer" and leave it at that, only one took a closer look and noticed rolex.

[DiamondJack]

Very interesting and enlightening posts everyone. Thanks for contributing.

In an attempt to summarise, it seems to be pretty clear that we all recognise that the Rolex brand does come with a lot more social baggage than pretty much any other watch brands. This is quite evidently due to the long history of the brand and the absolutely fantastic marketing job Rolex have done over the years. They also make some incredible timepieces.

Some of us appear to be far more acutely aware of this aspect than others and will tone down conversational topics to avoid the brand name being at the forefront of discussions..... particularly with friends and/or family, some of whom may be less able to afford luxury goods than others.

Others are quite proud and, indeed, openly so, of the fact that they have been able to acquire a Rolex through their own hard work and endeavours and have absolutely no issues in terms of who knows about it.

I dont think there is a right or wrong and, whilst I fall into the first camp when conversing with family and friends, I also enjoy the bragging rights that come with Rolex ownership when in the company or work colleagues or business associates.

I suppose, ultimately, we all enjoy owning a brand that is so widely recognised and desired. Long may this continue

[Puffy]

You did the right thing, Steve, no need to rub it in your wife's friend's face seeing she's going through a hard time financially...

[MaxCargo]

Originally Posted by LTM

Folks at work know I'm a watch guy. I've helped a few co-workers out with taking out links, recommending certain jewelers, etc... Of course, there's always the one "clown" (you all know the type... loudmouth, always got something smart to say...) in the office likes to try and embarrass people when they find out your hobby, interest, etc...

So one day when we're about to have our daily morning meeting he stands next to me and loudly asks, so everyone can hear, "so what watch are you wearing today?" And it's hard to explain... but the way he asks the question when he's being a prick like this is so .... obnoxious.

Without hesitating I responded, "it's a brand you're not familiar with.... it's called a Rolex." The corresponding laugh amongst the group was priceless.... and his attempt to chuckle it off was more than telling as his face turned beet red.

I understand the consideration you have for your friend in hard times, but never be embarrassed over the things you work hard for in life.

Need to quote Richard Kuklinski: Loud mouth people are the easiest to kill

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by MaxCargo

Need to quote Richard Kuklinski: Loud mouth people are the easiest to kill

he was the toughest meanest arse on this planet!! loved reading his book

RIP