Why are we so Obsessed?

[Santiago79]

For one they have captured the higher end watch market for decades and as a people we want the luxury to say we own a Rolex because of the cost.
They have mad a name for themselves which became popular and were never a one hit wonder.
Its also a way of showing our social status in society

[dtwer]

It's like asking "why do people drive a BMW when there are Bentley or Rolls Royce to be had?"

I don't know, maybe all my needs are adequately met by paying a BMW price tag rather than a Bentley or Rolls Royce price tag?

[Rolexflex]

It seems like nearly everyone from the elderly to teenagers seem to have a universal understanding that Rolex is high value quality. Chances are that noone will ever ask you what a Rolex is, they just seem to know that you have something very special. Definitely adds to the lust factor and magnetism of obtaining a Rolex.

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[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by socalwatchcollector

Marketing, Marketing, Marketing. JLC is one of those brands that doesn't get looked at as much but they make beautiful watches. Their marketing isn't good otherwise everyone would want one.

Why JLC? Mostly dress watches, I just checked to be sure. I don't see the link, it's not a versatile brand. VC is though.

[glamorama]

Originally Posted by Xenon

Quality
Durability
Reliability
Craftsmanship
Recognition
Value Retention

Sounds about right.

The thing that makes Rolex special for me is the consistency and integrity. For me Rolex, IKEA and Apple are favourite brands in terms how they manage their business.

[Ghost410]

Originally Posted by Xenon

Quality
Durability
Reliability
Craftsmanship
Recognition
Value Retention

This was always my understanding. They are a more reliable, durable timepiece than other high end manufacturers

[Luap1976]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

AP and patek are much harder to get for retail than a rolex

[DG123]

Rolex is the best brand name for watches.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

I think folks compare AP too much with Rolex which is not right. AP or Patek is truly luxury watch for rich clientele with limited folks. Rolex, Omega are playing on different level. They are luxury watch for middle class men and above who aspire to own one and they create the maximum noise.

Rolex produces almost a 800K to million watches and Omega produces 600k to 800k watches whereas AP is just 45k yearly production and Patek is around 60K and most of them readily available. Not even 1/10th of either brand. No comparison in any way IMO!

[magicwonder]

Recipe is simple, make a good product, market it heavily, add to it a little dash of Instagram and FB then when it picks up. limit the supply.
There is really no reason for these watches to sold out at the AD and be sold for so much more on secondary market. I for one refuse to pay into this, got my watch when I could walk into AD and pick one that I want.
The way I see it, its only a matter of time, when the hype fades, the herd will move to another pasture.

[Posh Gentleman]

"I think folks compare AP too much with Rolex which is not right. AP or Patek is truly luxury watch for rich clientele with limited folks. Rolex, Omega are playing on different level. They are luxury watch for middle class men and above who aspire to own one and they create the maximum noise."


True wealthy people don't care about these brand silliness. They get whatever the hell they want. Also, some very wealthy people I know are very busy people. They are too busy with work, social aspects, relationships, etc to even care about the minute differences between AP vs Rolex, or BMW vs Bentley or whatever.

I am more of the belief that luxury goods don't portray anything about you - social class, wealth, or whatever. Any Joe on the street can get an AP or Rolex, if he truly wishes, by either blowing 100% of savings or going into debt.

I buy Rolex because I enjoy it and I love the way it looks / fits on me. I don't wear it as an "aspiration" or "status symbol" or whatever. I could care less.

True status / wealth is shown by the size of your bank account, not how many goodies you own.

[Rolex-istanbul]

i dont lust it either, i saw an old Rolex submariner on special forces guys in Afganistan (British) and chat with them. they told me its the best and i love the shape of it.

I did have Casio protrek in that time till have it tough. After 12 years later i bought my own submariner.

But now a days i am really in to the Nomos Club 38mm white dial. If i can find a spare 1200 euros i will buy one.

[Flyoverguy]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

Marketing and numbers produced.

[illiguy]

If you have to ask, you’ll never know.

[Avs Fan]

My 126660 DSSD with the 3235 movement is +1 second over the last 6 days. In my opinion, additional finishing of a tool watch movement beyond the current standard is not necessary. For me, this Rolex movement is at the very least - in the conversation.

[psv]

Why I'm obsessed with Rolex?

Because I'm shallow, materialistic, and insecure enough that I have to flaunt to the world I can buy a $10K watch (that cost 1/5th of that to make?).

;-)

[TankTom]

They do luxury and practicality (together) better than anyone

[RWH]

Originally Posted by psv

Why I'm obsessed with Rolex?

Because I'm shallow, materialistic, and insecure enough that I have to flaunt to the world I can buy a $10K watch (that cost 1/5th of that to make?).

;-)

+1 can confirm

[Rolexflex]

Originally Posted by psv

Why I'm obsessed with Rolex?



Because I'm shallow, materialistic, and insecure enough that I have to flaunt to the world I can buy a $10K watch (that cost 1/5th of that to make?).



;-)

The correct answer

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[Nav01L]

I have one Rolex and really like it. Don’t feel a need for another. It’s special because it was „my first Rolex“ which is indeed a bit of a cultural phenomenon. Like a sort of right of passage. But not sure it’s an obsession. It’s just something that for 2 or 3 generations has been unaffordable to those who start out in life and then came into reach eventually when things settled into place. So it’s like a generally recognized sign among young first world adults that you’ve let your childhood behind you... at least in terms of wealth.

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by psv

Why I'm obsessed with Rolex?

Because I'm shallow, materialistic, and insecure enough that I have to flaunt to the world I can buy a $10K watch (that cost 1/5th of that to make?).

;-)

Or you just express it in this very poignant and concise way :)

[Ensign]

It appeals to our demographic. Most of us are middle aged, middle/upper income men. Growing up in the 80s/90s it was a necessity to have a good watch. It was smart to have a well made, durable watch. A lot of us got Rolexes for graduation presents or first bonuses. Do young fellas get watches for graduation presents anymore?

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by Posh Gentleman

I am more of the belief that luxury goods don't portray anything about you - social class, wealth, or whatever. Any Joe on the street can get an AP or Rolex, if he truly wishes, by either blowing 100% of savings or going into debt.

True, lot's of Joes spend way more on their truck.

I buy Rolex because I enjoy it and I love the way it looks / fits on me. I don't wear it as an "aspiration" or "status symbol" or whatever. I could care less.

+1, nice to have a quality item on you, that will probably increase in value. I have to say I doubt it hurts in the business world, people like to deal with successful people.

[NachoNeal]

Originally Posted by psv

Why I'm obsessed with Rolex?

Because I'm shallow, materialistic, and insecure enough that I have to flaunt to the world I can buy a $10K watch (that cost 1/5th of that to make?).

;-)

you had me at shallow, materialistic and insecure.

[denmanproject]

As far as movements go, I have owned a few AP's and while it may be prettier the movements were far from 'better'

Personally I love Rolex for their comfort, versatility and reliability

[Kostas]

The first thing I noticed when first handling a Rolex was how solid it felt, the feel of unwinding the crown, the tightness of the movement when adjusting it.

Just feels like it’s going to last a lifetime.

And everything just works well as intended, I’ve had other watches where I would struggle to get a fingernail under the crown to pull it out, or other issues but with a Rolex everything is well thought out.

[Old Expat Beast]

Longterm marketing.

[RyanJ]

Originally Posted by psv

Why I'm obsessed with Rolex?

Because I'm shallow, materialistic, and insecure enough that I have to flaunt to the world I can buy a $10K watch (that cost 1/5th of that to make?).

;-)

This is the actual answer for many that very few will admit.

[Greglaw]

They are awesome looking timepieces...I’ve owned several over the years from new to vintage...I try other brands but keep coming back...it’s like anything else we just love them.

[mmmmp]

Ever try getting a Lange, Girard Perregaux or Glashutte repaired? Rolex, the one company that *least* needs Service Centers and repair networks worldwide offers unparelled support and assistance to owners. They still support decades old references (within reason) so owners can feel safe knowing their watch can always be repaired & brought up to 'like new' if desired.
History, design, recognition and lifetime support - that's quite a few gòod reasons to buy a Rolex.

As for "obsessed", speak for yourself. I appreciate good quality, I've never been obsessed by anything material.

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