Has your opinion of Rolex changed over time?

[Spoonage]

My tastes changed dramatically. In HS and College I hated wearing watches. Never gave them a thought. After college I got into watches (mechanical engineer) so what first drew me in about them was the mechanics of them, the movement, how you get something so accurate. The quest of timekeeping. I originally never gave a Rolex a thought because it seemed like it was on every director's, VP's, and president's wrist I saw and I didn't want to fall into the crowd so I purposely stayed away. That in combination of I wanted exhibition backs to stare at the movements. After a couple years of collecting other brands I fell in love with the Daytona and told myself I would someday own a Zenith Daytona black dial. Never dropped the hammer on it though more of a grail thing. I had opportunities to get one but always purchased something else. Fast forward a couple years and I wanted the Kermit but never bought it. Fast forward to now and my first Rolex is a BLNR. And now I'm eyeing the DSSD and the Sub ND trying to figure out which will be next. I will eventually still get a Daytona but it has moved down my list as I do have my heart and eyes set on a PP as well.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree Mike but IMO Rolex has now almost lost there tough almost indestructible watch image,and now gone for a more bling watch jewelry image.

Luckily, the watch image has no effect on actual performance. A modern Rolex is just as tough as an old one, if not more.

[fmc000]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Luckily, the watch image has no effect on actual performance. A modern Rolex is just as tough as an old one, if not more.

[fullcourt]

i always saw rolex as a brand one purchased when 'you made it'....whatever that meant. to be honest i had no desire to ever own a rolex, was happy with my panerai omega steinhart, etc....

i helped some clients with a project, and made a joke that if the deal was successful they should buy me a rolex. little did i know that the deal was wildly successful and last christmas (2013) i was given a daytona as a gift.

now that i own a rolex, it's nice and i do enjoy it, but it's not my 'go to watch' it's not my travel watch, it's my change of pace, want to wear something different watch.

i could have traded it or sold it outright or gone to the ad that day and cashed it in, but it was a gift from some special friends and i'll always cherish it.

looking to make a purchase in 2015, not sure what it will be, maybe a sub, maybe another panerai, maybe a tag heuer monaco....lol

[Mystro]

I like the watch but hate the company. The Rolex bizzare post sale controlling aspect doesn't sit well with me.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by AK797

It shouldn't look fake, I'm sure the very best fakes have exact 2.5 mag these days. It's the gold and the real feel of quality and depth that they can't ever replicate.

True. I haven't seen a fake that looks as good and the weight would be extremely tough to duplicate. The magnifier is just so different from my other 4 subs and yachtmaster. Maybe I'm just being too picky.

[Brushpup]

Overall I love Rolex. I don't care as much for some of their recent offerings as much as the older ones but I still believe there isn't a better watch made by anyone. There are finer, more exquisite hand crafted makes, but none are better in my opinion. I really admire the long time owners such as mike who embrace and enjoy all the new models. I'm still working on that, but I really respect it. There are many owners/collectors with similar levels of experience who feel Rolex left behind tool watches long ago, and these are the models I came too first and love with a passion. So, I always try to keep that perspective when I judge a new offering. Some things they come out with now I just don't understand, but change will always come.

As mentioned, Rolex is a leader, and the vast majority just mimic them and try to keep up, and my opinion about that will likely never change.

[landroverking]

The only thing that changed in my mind was when it dawned on me that Rolex was not at the top of the watch food change.
Don't get me wrong it's still my favorite brand, but I now know there better watches.

[Rolexbiker]

I felt that way about Harleys for years. Always rode big Japanese V Twins. Though HD was over hyped Yuppie bike. Felt the same about Rolex Watches. In Harley world the self proclaimed "real bikers" call those of us who can afford to by new ones 'Rolex Riders" I decided to complete the package. Actually I bought into the Harley as a good investment thing. It's not really. Better than most, but one can still lose their shirts if they don't by right and spend too much on the bike.
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I bought a Harley (Actually three of them this past year), before I found one that fit and recently bought a Rolex I am waiting on Fed Ex for.

I believe Rolex is an "American Icon" Watch, I Can now say I have the American "Hat Trick" of Icons. HD, Vette and a Rolex. The HD will likely be sold next year I am getting too old and really have no place to go, A lease return Lexus RC350 may take the Vettes place in a couple years. And I will likely keep a Tacoma close by when the CRV lease is up.....and buy the wife a new Mazda CX5 to replace her RAV.

There was a time I thought Rolex was pretentious and ostentatious. But since doing some research, and getting past the "Harley type marketing" ........of all my toy spending, the 14 Rolex Dateless Sub, is probably the only actual "investment" that could hold very close to it's initial value going forward.

[AF_Rob]

My opinion of Rolex has changed over the years. Though, it was never really bad to begin with. It was more of a natural progression. As I have gotten older, I have learned more about watches and watchmaking. My disposable income has increased over time which allowed me to put it towards finer pieces and as I have gotten older, my taste has leaned towards simple (not loud) designs. Rolex is a logical fit at this point in my life and I feel will be for some time.

[Rolexbiker]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

Definitely admire them for the ruggedness and durability while still being a nice piece of jewelry. Unfortunately, the latest issues with the Cyclops magnifier is concerning. Their reputation is too good to let this type of quality control issue slide. Even with just a quick glance, my 116613LB looks fake because of the low magnification.

One of the reasons I chose the non Date. I wanted the new clasp but noticed at the AD the cyclops was only 1.5X...Well much less than 2.5X. Looked like a Rep. They had nothing to say about it. The other reason was I did not expect to wear it every day and did not want to deal with setting the date every time I want to wear it. .

[wisguy]

I guess it's a journey for most of us.

My dad used to like watches but he was not obssesed as I am now, he used to own a few Rolex and Cartier only.

I gave me one of his when I turned 18 and that started my journey with Rolex, I used to think it was the TOP watch in the world but later I started to like other brands more.

I now see Rolex as the top TOOL watch that can withstand almost anything, but I certainly prefer others (although they are out of my budget).

[azguy]

Quite frankly, the longer I own and wear one the less special they are. I could easily sell all my Rolex's and wear my Omega's without missing a beat. At the end of the day, it's a watch...

[yessir69]

I know this is an old thread and this is an old article but this really rings true for me.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.for...zed-watch/amp/

I've come full circle and am the stage three Rolex person. After years with no Rolex (4 Pateks 2 Audemars, etc) I just bought an LV SubC and couldn't be happier.

It's funny how outlooks change over the years.

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[Lol-x]

The quality of Rolex watches will bring you back, or bring you as a first timer to the brand.

The solid build quality and incredible performance of Rolex watches is enduring.