Awkward spot

[chaisson]

Long story short. First problem, got a Sub random ser # last Dec. for my 50th Birthday. Very nice watch. Second problem is in my line of work it's a "Rolex". Customers think I make to much $$$. Third problem is I have "really" want a Daytona, just love the look. Now I'm thinking I there might be a lower key watch like a Tag or something that might have the same look as a Daytona but still be good quality. I'm hoping someone here has some ideas.....

[Paladin]

I personally do not like the daytona because I do not like the busy dial of a chronograph. That said, No other chronograph has the presence of or looks like a Rolex daytona on the wrist.
..... sorry.

[McLovin]

There are lots of great choices that will fall under the radar of the non-WIS: Zenith El Primero, Omega Speedmaster Professional, Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Chronograph, for example.

[cedargrove]

Frankly I would get what you want. If that's the Daytona then go for it. I don't accept "customer thinks I make too much" as a valid reason not to.

However if you are open to considering other brands then consider a Zenith El Primero, such as the 36000vph, Striking 10th, or Captain chrono.

Personally I wouldn't consider TAG before over the alternatives already mentioned.

[gwalker]

I don't get this rationale. If I do my job well there is nothing wrong with making a good living. IMHO there is no difference in having a $8k watch or buying a new car every 3 years. I like to know the people working for me are successful. Usually people that save and buy Rolexes are responsible as well. If it really bothers them its your customer with the issue. Not you.

[hcivic91]

I respectfully disagree with what others have said. I am of the firm belief that perceptions matter, a lot.

I too had a similar concern when getting my first Rolex. It turned out to be unfounded however - my boss and coworkers don't seem to notice or care in the least.

I realize I've said contradictory things. To clarify, most wont notice or care. But if the once who does notices is important enough to your businees it will matter. And no matter however silly or petty the whole thing is you lose.

My $0.02

Joseph

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by hcivic91

I respectfully disagree with what others have said. I am of the firm belief that perceptions matter, a lot.

I too had a similar concern when getting my first Rolex. It turned out to be unfounded however - my boss and coworkers don't seem to notice or care in the least.

I realize I've said contradictory things. To clarify, most wont notice or care. But if the once who does notices is important enough to your businees it will matter. And no matter however silly or petty the whole thing is you lose.

My $0.02

Joseph

I agree with you that most won't notice or care. And maybe a person who matters will notice, but isn't it possible this could help instead of hurt?

[BarkMaster]

Be confident about yourself and the service you provide.

Your watch could have been left to you by your grandfather, for all they know.

I say keep the Sub... Save for the Daytona.

[hcivic91]

Originally Posted by cedargrove

I agree with you that most won't notice or care. And maybe a person who matters will notice, but isn't it possible this could help instead of hurt?

That is defiantly a possibility - having the panache to pull-it-off will be critical then. With Rolex the ability to make it look like its not a big deal is important. Age and humility help greatly with this.

[rr-nyc]

I have no idea why anybody would feel badly for buying nice an expensive things if they make an honest living.

I've worked in sales and always reward myself for success. Some people take care of themselves and others don't. I prefer to do business with those who are successful in their field and aren't afraid to show it through their appearance, which includes clothes, handbags and watches.

[77T]

Originally Posted by gwalker

If it really bothers them its your customer with the issue. Not you.

If you're selling then the customer perception can matter.

To the OP - you can go for a Daytona on a strap and maybe go under radar. Or dress a Rolex down with a simple NATO at work and then put the bracelet back on for other times.

[chaisson]

Originally Posted by gwalker

I don't get this rationale. If I do my job well there is nothing wrong with making a good living. IMHO there is no difference in having a $8k watch or buying a new car every 3 years. I like to know the people working for me are successful. Usually people that save and buy Rolexes are responsible as well. If it really bothers them its your customer with the issue. Not you.

With all due respect, It's my customer that pay's the bills. Went from driving Benz"s to Accords. Perception means alot........

[keschete]

The big solution!!!!Send your watch to me :) I will wear it!!!

[WhatTheDeuce]

How about a Tudor chrono?

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by hcivic91

That is defiantly a possibility - having the panache to pull-it-off will be critical then. With Rolex the ability to make it look like its not a big deal is important. Age and humility help greatly with this.

Agreed.

I deal with salespeople, and I'm typically more receptive to those who are well put together. I'd consider it a bit of a plus if they were wearing a nice watch (assuming they weren't intentionally flaunting it).

I did deal with a guy who was making it way too obvious he was wearing a U-Boat (not necessarily his fault as it was way too big to fit under his cuff). He didn't get the deal, but not because of his watch, but more because he was a bit of a prick in general.

[david_ord]

As a general matter, I've never been able to follow the "they might think I'm making too much money" reasoning. You can have too much of this or too much of that, but you can never have too much money. I don't know about you guys, but personally, I've never come across business people or clients who hold a grudge against me for "making too much money."

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by chaisson

With all due respect, It's my customer that pay's the bills. Went from driving Benz"s to Accords. Perception means alot........

Perception is reality to most. But I still don't get why you want to hide your watch....So you want you customers to think you've achieved moderate success and they can expect moderate results by doing business with you?

If I'm working with a realtor, for example, I want that person to be a top seller. Being that top seller means he's a top earner and I expect him to look the part.

[MoBe]

If you don`t value yourself then neither will others,wear what you want.

[Runnin' Rebel]

I don't get this, you bust your ass to make money and buy what you want. If your not acting like a moron and take care of the customer, service the customer as best you can then they should understand why your the best. Nothing wrong with this. It's their issue and attitude that's at fault here.

I've delt with people that have nice cars, ROLEX and houses and a lot are humble and gratiful and work their tail off to have nice things. Good for you, keep busting your ass to make people happy and it pays off. It's all about how you treat them, eventually they'll get it and understand what your about.

Reward yourself with that Daytona !!

[Cru Jones]

Especially when talking about a Submariner and not a rainbow Daytona, I think 99% of people won't notice or care. My feeling, without knowing you of course, is that most of the feelings you are having about the Rolex on your wrist are self-inflicted. Just enjoy the watch and go about your day.

[1675-David]

or wear a long armed jumper

[East Bay Rider]

It was a gift. Keep it and treasure it.

Buy a different watch to wear to work. keep the gift watch for after work and weekends.

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by chaisson

With all due respect, It's my customer that pay's the bills. Went from driving Benz"s to Accords. Perception means alot........

Did someone specifically tell you to trade down or was this something you thought would be a good idea? You asked a question and there are a lot of people giving you good advice in general here. Unless you have something you are not telling us, I recommend you wear it without over-thinking it.

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by chaisson

With all due respect, It's my customer that pay's the bills. Went from driving Benz"s to Accords. Perception means alot........

Then you must buy a Tag or likewise.

I'm sure you know what you are doing.

[azguy]

Whenever this comes up I shocked that people are not more self aware of what your customer may think about you wearing a Rolex

Good sales people are chameleon's and if your average customer is a Seiko/Citizen wearer, I would not be running around sporting a Daytona, IMHO

Just like if I was out car shopping I would wear an old Seiko and not a Rolex, maybe just me........

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by azguy

Whenever this comes up I shocked that people are not more self aware of what your customer may think about you wearing a Rolex

Good sales people are chameleon's and if your average customer is a Seiko/Citizen wearer, I would not be running around sporting a Daytona, IMHO

Just like if I was out car shopping I would wear an old Seiko and not a Rolex, maybe just me........

First, most people don't recognize Rolex watches, they recognize the name. So unless you're bragging about it, it will probably go unnoticed.

Second, good sales people are paid on performance- you sell more, you earn more. The more you make, the more you spend. What they spend that money on is their business

Third, so what if the average customer is a seiko wearer? Some very wealthy people don't wear watches at all and there are some people that don't have two nickels to their name wearing Rolexes. It sounds like you're the one stereotyping based on watch. You wear a beater to buy a car, why? Because you want to look "average" so you can get the "average" deal?Give me a break. The fact is that if the car salesman stereotypes based on a watch, he isn't more likely to rip you off for wearing a Rolex, that's for sure.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

First, most people don't recognize Rolex watches, they recognize the name. So unless you're bragging about it, it will probably go unnoticed.

Second, good sales people are paid on performance- you sell more, you earn more. The more you make, the more you spend. What they spend that money on is their business

Third, so what if the average customer is a seiko wearer? Some very wealthy people don't wear watches at all and there are some people that don't have two nickels to their name wearing Rolexes. It sounds like you're the one stereotyping based on watch. You wear a beater to buy a car, why? Because you want to look "average"? Do you can get the average mans deal... Give me a break. The fact is that if the car salesman stereotypes based on a watch, he isn't more likely to rip you off for wearing a Rolex, that's for sure.

I'm not sterotyping anyone, the OP is wondering what his customers think. Since I don't read minds I prefer to proceed with caution and not dress, talk or wear anything that would say "I make a ton of money", I'd rather the customer think we are equals.

Real story, I pulled up infront of customers house once in my Boxster, the first thing he says " I should go to work for your company, it looks like they pay much better". I never took the car on an appt again and drove my Jeep Cherokee and nobody ever comments on that.

[BarkMaster]

[QUOTE=azguy;3162752]Real story, I pulled up infront of customers house once in my Boxster, the first thing he says " I should go to work for your company, it looks like they pay much better".QUOTE]

I have had my client say the same thing. I am a high performer and they know it. They aren't about to dump me. I still dress, drive and act the same as always.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by azguy

I'm not sterotyping anyone, the OP is wondering what his customers think. Since I don't read minds I prefer to proceed with caution and not dress, talk or wear anything that would say "I make a ton of money", I'd rather the customer think we are equals.

I couldn't disagree more, you are sterotyping. You think that by dressing in nice clothes and wearing an expensive watch, people think you make a ton of money- more money than them. The fact is that good people treat all people as equals...Regardless of how much money they make and what they wear. They have nothing to do with each other. A douchebag is a douchebag and a good person is a good person, regardless of their socioeconomic standing.

Originally Posted by azguy

Real story, I pulled up infront of customers house once in my Boxster, the first thing he says " I should go to work for your company, it looks like they pay much better". I never took the car on an appt again and drove my Jeep Cherokee and nobody ever comments on that.

You make it sound as though that was a negative comment. What if the customer showed up driving a Veyron. Using your example in the previous paragraph, you wouldn't be "equals" so do you buy a Veyron before the next meeting or run away because your Boxter couldn't cover the taxes on his car? Or could it be that you can wear and drive what you want because it really doesn't matter? Probably the latter

[Widows Son]

Had a friend in HS who's dad owner a steel company in the US. His clients were very pro US. His dad always bought Lincolns, and his mom Jags and MB's. He would not be seen at work in a non American car.