Why I bought my Rolex..anyone else share these sentiments..?

[Glpstandard]

I apologize in advance. This should be a long post.

Let me start by saying a little about myself. Im 29 years old, in the military. My wife and I are in my opinion low to mid middle class (more on the low middle class end). I'm not in any position whatsoever to go out and buy a $7000 watch because I like the way it looks and need one to tell time like many Rolex owners are (and some claim to be). I bought mine with my hard earned money as a gift to myself after a trip to NYC and a purchase of a Faux-lex on Canal St prompted my obsession with owning a real one. So I bought my P Series Explorer II black dial after much research on the perfect Rolex for me (I still love the looks of the Expy II).

I was having a discussion with a gentleman at work who is somewhat of a watch aficionado I guess you could say. I was talking about wanting to pick up my next watch (which will be a sub $500 bang up every day watch) and asked if he preferred Citizen or Bulova and which he recommended. I then mentioned how I wanted to look into a Breitling as my next expensive watch purchase, and asked what he thought of them. He asked why I wanted a Breitling and questioned if it was a status symbol for me, and asked if I "really like watches that much".

I have to say, I felt a little offended, but I began to question myself. "Why do I want a Breitling?" I thought. Aside from the reputation of them being used by pilots, and the looks of them, it's just about the name. After giving it some thought, I replied with "it's not a status symbol, I enjoy having nice things, and I like the history behind Breitling". He nodded in approval of my answer, and the conversation went elsewhere shortly after.

So, here we are at my point in this thread. After questioning myself as to why I want a Breitling, I began to question, why did I want a Rolex to begin with? Is it a status symbol? Is it that I just like the watch I bought, and thought it looked cool? Is it to show off and pretend I have more money than I do? I find none of these to be an accurate reason for my purchase. It cant be a status symbol, and I definitely don't want to pretend I have more money than I do, because I don't brag or show off that I have a Rolex. I wear it very infrequently, and when I do, if someone asks what kind of watch it is, I get embarrassed and hate to tell people. When someone notices that it's a Rolex, I feel very self-conscious. It's definitely not that I just liked the watch and wanted it to tell time. I don't make enough money to buy a multi-thousand dollar watch just because I like it and needed something on my wrist to tell time.

So here is my reason (finally, the purpose of my thread):

I like having nice things. That's it.

I work hard for my money, and I overindulge at times. Do I live above my means? I don't think so. My wife and I do well considering our jobs. I have a few toys to show for it. Do I tend to give off the appearance I have more money than I do? Perhaps, but not intentionally. I bought my Rolex, as a sense of self achievement and accomplishment. It's a symbol of self worth, if you will. I wanted to be able to look at it on my wrist knowing that I am wearing a watch that costs more than some peoples cars. I wanted to look at my wrist knowing I am wearing the most well known name in expensive watches, something that is typically reserved for doctors, lawyers, businessmen and celebrities. It was a sense of pride for me. Nothing more, nothing less. If no one ever notices it's a Rolex, that's perfectly fine with me. I prefer people dont.

After much thought, that is the most honest, unbiased answer I can give on why I purchased my Rolex, and why I want to add a Breitling, an Omega Speedmaster and a Rolex Air King to my collection in the future. Does this make me a bad person? Would you say I own a Rolex for the wrong reasons? Is this frowned upon? Does anyone else share a similar reason for owing theirs? Something made me want to get that out there and see how others felt about this.

Again, sorry for the lengthy post..

[Old Expat Beast]

I collect Rolex for the heritage, design, quality and, to be honest, because unlike almost any other watches, I can sell them without loss if I ever get into financial difficulty. Your reasons are also perfectly valid.

[kilyung]

So in summary, you bought it because you like it. Same goes for many here.

[AK797]

Does it make you a bad person?

If we all said yes would you sell it?

You have your reasons and they are valid to you and that is all that matters. We all here have different reasons for buying our watches but you don't join and contribute to a watch forum unless you actually love your watch and that is the tie that binds us band of brothers.

[tkerrmd]

And that is reason enough and now one needs to make excuses for why they buy something they like, enjoy the fruits of your hard earned labor!!

[blue lion]

Originally Posted by Glpstandard

I apologize in advance. This should be a long post.

Let me start by saying a little about myself. Im 29 years old, in the military. My wife and I are in my opinion low to mid middle class (more on the low middle class end). I'm not in any position whatsoever to go out and buy a $7000 watch because I like the way it looks and need one to tell time like many Rolex owners are (and some claim to be). I bought mine with my hard earned money as a gift to myself after a trip to NYC and a purchase of a Faux-lex on Canal St prompted my obsession with owning a real one. So I bought my P Series Explorer II black dial after much research on the perfect Rolex for me (I still love the looks of the Expy II).

I was having a discussion with a gentleman at work who is somewhat of a watch aficionado I guess you could say. I was talking about wanting to pick up my next watch (which will be a sub $500 bang up every day watch) and asked if he preferred Citizen or Bulova and which he recommended. I then mentioned how I wanted to look into a Breitling as my next expensive watch purchase, and asked what he thought of them. He asked why I wanted a Breitling and questioned if it was a status symbol for me, and asked if I "really like watches that much".

I have to say, I felt a little offended, but I began to question myself. "Why do I want a Breitling?" I thought. Aside from the reputation of them being used by pilots, and the looks of them, it's just about the name. After giving it some thought, I replied with "it's not a status symbol, I enjoy having nice things, and I like the history behind Breitling". He nodded in approval of my answer, and the conversation went elsewhere shortly after.

So, here we are at my point in this thread. After questioning myself as to why I want a Breitling, I began to question, why did I want a Rolex to begin with? Is it a status symbol? Is it that I just like the watch I bought, and thought it looked cool? Is it to show off and pretend I have more money than I do? I find none of these to be an accurate reason for my purchase. It cant be a status symbol, and I definitely don't want to pretend I have more money than I do, because I don't brag or show off that I have a Rolex. I wear it very infrequently, and when I do, if someone asks what kind of watch it is, I get embarrassed and hate to tell people. When someone notices that it's a Rolex, I feel very self-conscious. It's definitely not that I just liked the watch and wanted it to tell time. I don't make enough money to buy a multi-thousand dollar watch just because I like it and needed something on my wrist to tell time.

So here is my reason (finally, the purpose of my thread):

I like having nice things. That's it.

I work hard for my money, and I overindulge at times. Do I live above my means? I don't think so. My wife and I do well considering our jobs. I have a few toys to show for it. Do I tend to give off the appearance I have more money than I do? Perhaps, but not intentionally. I bought my Rolex, as a sense of self achievement and accomplishment. It's a symbol of self worth, if you will. I wanted to be able to look at it on my wrist knowing that I am wearing a watch that costs more than some peoples cars. I wanted to look at my wrist knowing I am wearing the most well known name in expensive watches, something that is typically reserved for doctors, lawyers, businessmen and celebrities. It was a sense of pride for me. Nothing more, nothing less. If no one ever notices it's a Rolex, that's perfectly fine with me. I prefer people dont.

After much thought, that is the most honest, unbiased answer I can give on why I purchased my Rolex, and why I want to add a Breitling, an Omega Speedmaster and a Rolex Air King to my collection in the future. Does this make me a bad person? Would you say I own a Rolex for the wrong reasons? Is this frowned upon? Does anyone else share a similar reason for owing theirs? Something made me want to get that out there and see how others felt about this.

Again, sorry for the lengthy post..

Well written post. I had an Invicta Sub knock-off that I liked. That led me to where I am...

[coralfarmer84]

I agree with a lot of what you said. I like quality, I also like the prestige. It has nothing to do with wanting attention. I totally understand your achievement self worth theory.

[Tridor]

Your reasons are just as good and valid as any.

[jjnd08]

You don't need to justify your actions to anybody...well, your wife may say different about that!

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by kilyung

So in summary, you bought it because you like it. Same goes for many here.

[rodneygt3]

First, thanks for your service in the military. Nothing wrong with making a special purchase for something you are passionate about. I truly believe doing things 100% and going all in. Either you do something right on not at all.

You like watches and nothing wrong about purchasing a watch you desire.

[BNA/LION]

I like them.

[newu5er]

Buy once, cry once. I live buy that and I've never been disappointed. That saying prevails through most purchases we will make as customers and, in most cases, there is a reason why quality costs what it does. You could buy a cheap mattress......every two years or you could go ahead and buy one of the best.

The way I look at it, you are going to wear your watch(es) very often just as you will most certainly sleep in your bed at night. In some areas of life, you shouldn't skimp and in others, if you have an appreciation and perceive the quality...you do it.

[14060m]

Well written
I agree can I "afford" an $8000 watch probably not
But I don't overindulge often
Life's short
And it makes me feel good
Enough said

[Goodwill63]

Regardless of your reasoning, your post was honest and well thought out. There is nothing wrong with buying yourself something that represents your hard work and aspirations. There is a special feeling to owning or giving something to someone that you have earned.

I found your post heartfelt and I wish you the best on your potential Rolex journey. Life is short, cliche I know, so enjoy in good health!

[cop414]

Nothing wrong with your reasons, my feelings are mostly the same in addition to the heritage aspect and the fact that hopefully a grandchild and quite likely a great grandchild will someday wear my watch.
Great post BTW!

[bparone]

What the hell is a 'Ro-l-ex'? ��

[Presa canary]

I bought it for the chicks. Your reason is almost as valid:) good post and thanks for your service. You deserve all the good things in life...

[E70x5]

For me it's a difficult feeling to describe but anyone who owns a Rolex has felt it before. From the moment you first see the watch, to the research, to the hunt, and finally the moment it's on your wirst. That feeling is the reason I'm obsessed with Rolex. . . heLP! ! !

[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by Presa canary

I bought it for the chicks. Your reason is almost as valid:) good post and thanks for your service. You deserve all the good things in life...

Hey, that's my schtick.

OP - your reasons sound very valid. And in the end, don't ever feel you need to justify your purchase to strangers. I'm comfortably middle class and support a family of five on one income. Can I really justify why I need my watches? Probably not. As I take care of essentials first, I have no regrets whatsoever.

Thank you for serving. We love you guys and gals! Bro hug.

[Onikage]

I bought mine because upon seeing it I thought it was one tasty mofo, which it is. I've since bought and sold several upon realisation of this universal sentiment. The fascination with tasty watches continues..

[liu_watch]

"I bought my Rolex, as a sense of self achievement and accomplishment...It was a sense of pride for me. Nothing more, nothing less."

I think that sums up your reasons for buying a Rolex. A valid one - after all, this is exactly what Rolex marketing is attempting to achieve.

Personally, I purchase a Rolex because I like the quality of their watches and their philosophy to watchmaking - conservative, purposeful and reliable. I have yet to experience a sense of achievement or pride. In fact, I don't wear my Rolex than often because I fear that people would think I have a sense of achievement or pride by wearing it. But I still like to have them in the collection and wear them from time to time to appreciate the fine watchmaking. Does that make me a hypocrite?

On a conceptual level, you don't need to justify owning a Rolex because it is legal and ethical. On a philosophical level, some may ask themselves the implications of over-indulgence, extravagance, alternative use of money, etc.
So, how far do we want to torture ourselves with cognitive dissonance?

[polarinda]

Rolex is a great hedge.

[Tombstone]

You deserve the watch and nothing else matters. For years I was very negative on this forum about Rolex and ther pricing. I was negative because I honestly believe most Rolex owners are lower middle class to middle class working professionals. I was easily angered with each Rolex price increase feeling most people like me work really hard to own a Rolex and with each price increase the dream of owning Rolex was pulled further away. I chose to change my view and I chose to shut up about small things Rolex did which angered me.
At the end of the day you wear the watch (damn nice choice I might add) and you are happy nothing else matters. Thank you for your service my you live a long and happy life with your loved ones and your Rolex a your side.

[landroverking]

I feel your reasoning is fine. As for me I buy any watch to please me and no one else.

[Bangel]

I think it's perfectly normal for someone to be willing to spend more on things that hold special appeal to them.

Moreover, while the price may cause reason for pause, so long as the purchase is made responsibly, the resulting happiness will be worth the dollars spent.

Enjoy your watch!

[Ru4scuba]

As a fellow military member, I can relate to some extent. You don't join the military because of the money...that's for sure. My affinity for nice watches has taught me not to judge others opinions on the value they place on the dollar and what they would buy w/it. I love watches and would (and have) spent a decent amount of coin on them. Ironically, many of my peers are happy with their $30 casios but spend a hefty amount on their vehicles...

To each his own. You've earned it, spend it on what you want.

I will say that I've found few WIS in the military in my time in. Whenever I see a nice watch and comment on it, it turns out the buyer is often not a collector.

[MetalNuts]

I don't have any particular motive buying things. Of course I liked it, at least at the moment I bought it. The basic question is that shouldn't I reward myself for something I like and which I can afford. What's wrong to save my penny for a Rolex than for a luxury vacation overseas.

[Joearch]

History, design, technical resolution and classic looks. Here in Los Angeles most people don't seem to notice what's on the wrist. Or don't comment much. I guess it shows I care about the things I mentioned...mostly to me.

[Urosfan]

Your reasons are your own. As long as you enjoy it that is what counts