Why do you think Rolex is a status symbol?

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by Deep Sea

I don't think it's a status symbol at all. Anybody with as little as $2K can buy a used Datejust, so that hardly says 'status symbol'.

NOW, I think a lot of people who buy them think they are a status symbol. I lived outside the US for a few years, and where I lived, material goods were the mainstay of a status. Funny enough, though, Rolex was not the watch of choice...it was more Cartier, or so it seemed.

Those that do see it as a status symbol are likely lured in by......marketing. Rolex is likely the best in the world at it, and it shows.

-> This!

[Demosthene]

Originally Posted by bayerische

Really?

I always thought of my watches as a time telling device... Not status symbol. Shouldn't I have it glued to my forehead then???

A casio G-shock is a time telling device.

A Rolex is only purchased for two reasons.
1. Your a WIS with a genuine appreciation for the brand, design and the engineering of a mechanical watch.
2. A status symbol

While no doubt the majority of TRF members fit in the first category, its the second that makes Rolex the most recognised luxury watch brand in the world.

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by Demosthene

A casio G-shock is a time telling device.

A Rolex is only purchased for two reasons.
1. Your a WIS with a genuine appreciation for the brand, design and the engineering of a mechanical watch.
2. A status symbol

While no doubt the majority of TWF members fit in the first category, its the second that makes Rolex the most recognised luxury watch brand in the world.

And even though you give me two possible options, I'm somehow wrong in personally thinking it's not a status symbol.

You need to what you wright.

The Casio thing doesn't work. The sun is also a time telling device if you want. (even if it's hard to use at night or on an overcast day)

Just because one is out to buy a "time telling device" doesn't mean one must buy the cheapest one.

A suit from walmart is a suit, but would I buy it? No. I would buy a quality suit, say a Burberry or the like. No one will see the burberry sticker in it, so it's not about status.

Thus saying buying a Rolex or BMW or Ferrari etc is about status is shallow at best. Some probably do that, but those who only do it for that reason usually post a pic of a thousand bucks in small notes along with their Rolex, just to show their "status".

Cries and bans usually follow. So I don't think there's a lot of guys/gals here who buy their Rolex for status.

[ArcticMoose]

There, I fixed it.

Originally Posted by bayerische

Thus saying buying a Rolex or BMW or Ferrari etc is about status is shallow at best. Most probably do that.

Granted, you won't find them hanging out here, but Rolex sells a million watches a year.

[OrangeSport]

I think it is primarily a watch, but the quality image, longevity of designs, higher price than most people spend on a watch and successful marketing all combine to make Rolex a recognisable product that can be seen as a status symbol.

[guyrolex]

Originally Posted by Demosthene

A casio G-shock is a time telling device.

A Rolex is only purchased for two reasons.
1. Your a WIS with a genuine appreciation for the brand, design and the engineering of a mechanical watch.
2. A status symbol

While no doubt the majority of TRF members fit in the first category, its the second that makes Rolex the most recognised luxury watch brand in the world.

It is definitely a status symbol and one of the most and easiest to recognize status symbols in the world- most people on this forum buy Rolexes because they are watch aficionados who love the history, engineering, movement, looks and feel, and are not concerned with status, but I am sure the majority of non-WIS buyers buy Rolex as an easily recognized status symbol. I know people who buy Rolex and don't know the difference between automatic and quartz and don't even remember the model they are wearing- and they readily admit that they bought a new Rolex because they want to show their accomplishments in life to date. I don't agree with this view but I am not going to judge it. I was having dinner with a couple recently and the man, who neither wears nor has any interest in watches, said "nice Rolex". His wife said "how would you recognize a Rolex- you hate watches! His reply was "true, but every man knows a Rolex when he sees one." That is probably not true, but in the minds of non-WIS, Rolex is a huge staus symbol

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Deep Sea

I don't think it's a status symbol at all. Anybody with as little as $2K can buy a used Datejust, so that hardly says 'status symbol'.

Yesterday, I was talking to a guy who, having noticed my Rolex and learning its cost, said that my status was "insane."

So maybe to some, it is a "status" symbol.

I certainly don't see it as one, however.

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

I didn't see your post. "Moron is a status, you know, as well as a clinical term at one time.

Originally Posted by jemwatch

cause they are awesome!

And they certainly are awesome.

[gwozhog]

Originally Posted by Deep Sea

I don't think it's a status symbol at all. Anybody with as little as $2K can buy a used Datejust, so that hardly says 'status symbol'.

NOW, I think a lot of people who buy them think they are a status symbol. I lived outside the US for a few years, and where I lived, material goods were the mainstay of a status. Funny enough, though, Rolex was not the watch of choice...it was more Cartier, or so it seemed.

Those that do see it as a status symbol are likely lured in by......marketing. Rolex is likely the best in the world at it, and it shows.

Only 2k for a watch. I guess this a Kings amongst Kings forum. If Rolex is not a status symbol then I guess I have been living in a cave my whole life. Sorry but Rolex is the finest watch made on the planet. It commands more respect than other watch made. Sure you can buy plenty of more expensive watches but 99 percent of the population has never even heard of them anyway. So how much of Status would that be. If you spend 2K on a datejust you are in the club and If someone said incoming all of you would be congratulating him. I don't think I ever heard someone say incoming. Check out my new Fossil. It has the same features as a Daytona and only cost me 200 bucks.

[Le Chef]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

Sorry but Rolex is the finest watch made on the planet.

If you think this true then you need to get out of the cave and make your way to the nearest AP, FP Journe, Lange, Patek, Vacheron dealer and recalibrate what "finest" means. It's worth the trip.

[JJL]

Originally Posted by Deep Sea

I don't think it's a status symbol at all. Anybody with as little as $2K can buy a used Datejust, so that hardly says 'status symbol'.

NOW, I think a lot of people who buy them think they are a status symbol. I lived outside the US for a few years, and where I lived, material goods were the mainstay of a status. Funny enough, though, Rolex was not the watch of choice...it was more Cartier, or so it seemed.

Those that do see it as a status symbol are likely lured in by......marketing. Rolex is likely the best in the world at it, and it shows.

Are you serious? "Anybody" and "$2k for a watch" don't mix with the majority of people. I'm sorry man. I live in a fairly wealthy area in Connecticut, and even here there are several people that marvel over a $400 Movado watch and consider that a huge luxury purchase. I'm not sure what area you are from or where you grew up but those of us who are fortunate enough to afford these watches are in the minority without question.

Rolex is definitely considered a status symbol to many, but not necessarily the reason we wear them.

[Widows Son]

It's not a status symbol. There are MANY brands out there that cost 10X than a Rolex. People tend to spend their $$$$ differently. I'd never spend $50,000 on a new car that can be bought for 1/2 that in a couple of years. But if you have that kind of income, go for it!!!

[Jimbits76]

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

[yannis]

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

I think the answer on the question whether Rolex is a status symbol depends...it can be a status symbol in certain societies or local divisions of societies.
Also its top ranking on recognizable brand names could be due to marketing, bomb proof design, the breakthrough inventions such as the oyster case and the first diving watches made from Rolex that came as a result, the first places it achieved from time to time in depth ratings with watches such as the Sea-Dweller, people like us who have given so much attention to it and more.

[Rags]

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

My wife also. She wants to know what my rolex does differently as opposed to my Tags or Seikos..

[Wehtiko]

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

Gee, at least you had to get a watch for your wife to consider you a moron...

[Route 66]

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

[HORNBLOWER]

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

HA HA HA, I hear ya.....

[Jeffa32]

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

x2

Although is warming to idea of getting herself a better watch.

[Kevin.S]

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

[Goose]

Originally Posted by Jimbits76

It aint a status symbol in my house. My wife still thinks I'm a moron!

J

Kind of an old thread, but I had to applaud that post.
My wife just doesn't get it.

Anyway, back in the 80's I wore my 16013 pretty much exclusively. Had a meeting with this gal on my team and, out of no where, she says "I know that Rolex is a fake". I didn't say a word and kept our conversation on business. So, to her, it must've meant my being ostentatious about perceived wealth. For me, it's a nice watch.

28yrs later and it's -2sec/24hr. Band's stretched. But I think it's in better shape than that woman, or me.

[mjclark32]

One of the most easily recognizable watches due to marketing, yes. A status symbol I don't think necessarily think so.

[rr-nyc]

It's a status symbol to those that don't know about watches but are influenced by marketing. To watch enthusiasts, perhaps not but I doubt more than a few would have ever known about Rolex if it weren't for their marketing.

It's marketing that has made Rolex an aspirational purchase and its marketing that allows the brand to produce and sell 900,000 watches per year. No other watch brand has their name and logo spewed on affluent lifestyle events and media like Rolex.

[(DMB)]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

It's a status symbol to those that don't know about watches but are influenced by marketing.

BINGO

Rolex is viewed by watch enthuiasts as a watch company with a long history, many "firsts" in the field and many classics and future classics. Rolex is viewed as a status symbol by, for lack of a more appropriate word ... douchebags.

[kkwn98]

Originally Posted by (DMB)

BINGO

Rolex is viewed by watch enthuiasts as a watch company with a long history, many "firsts" in the field and many classics and future classics. Rolex is viewed as a status symbol by, for lack of a more appropriate word ... douchebags.

That is both unnecessary and untrue.

[petesjag]

Originally Posted by (DMB)

BINGO

Rolex is viewed by watch enthuiasts as a watch company with a long history, many "firsts" in the field and many classics and future classics. Rolex is viewed as a status symbol by, for lack of a more appropriate word ... douchebags.

sorry but I don't expect to see this use of language on this forum. It's more like high school locker room garbage! Grow up mate...

[mike]

Originally Posted by (DMB)

BINGO

Rolex is viewed by watch enthuiasts as a watch company with a long history, many "firsts" in the field and many classics and future classics. Rolex is viewed as a status symbol by, for lack of a more appropriate word ... douchebags.

You know,...I was simply going to delete your post (and probably you), but since several have quoted your lack of taste on a board read around the world I'll simply say one more idiot remark and you can find another place to play.

[superdelsol]

For some, a Rolex serves as a resume on the wrist. Business people notice a Rolex, as do many service providers at hotels and restaurants.
I think Rolex ownership can serve as a symbol of achievement, as they say: "Rolex a crown for every achievement".

[Demosthene]

Originally Posted by bayerische

And even though you give me two possible options, I'm somehow wrong in personally thinking it's not a status symbol.

It's not a status symbol for you, but for a vast amount of people in the world it most definitely is.

Originally Posted by bayerische

You need to what you wright.

Touché

Originally Posted by bayerische

Just because one is out to buy a "time telling device" doesn't mean one must buy the cheapest one.

A suit from walmart is a suit, but would I buy it? No. I would buy a quality suit, say a Burberry or the like. No one will see the burberry sticker in it, so it's not about status.

Thus saying buying a Rolex or BMW or Ferrari etc is about status is shallow at best. Some probably do that, but those who only do it for that reason usually post a pic of a thousand bucks in small notes along with their Rolex, just to show their "status".

If your purchasing a Rolex because you appreciate the quality, then you fall within the WIS category. My points are not mutually inclusive.

Originally Posted by bayerische

So I don't think there's a lot of guys/gals here who buy their Rolex for status.

Did I not already say that?

[pannocchia]

wow! i'm really happy about these very interesting discussion about it!
A lot of people that maybe don't know anything about watches think that it's a luxury symbol, and my study it's about it. It's so interesting that most of you don't think so!

[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by pannocchia

wow! i'm really happy about these very interesting discussion about it!
A lot of people that maybe don't know anything about watches think that it's a luxury symbol, and my study it's about it. It's so interesting that most of you don't think so!

I agree. People not familiar with watches really are surprised when they see I have a Rolex. For them, there's still the 'wow' factor. Remember, we're all pretty knowledgeable regarding used watches, costs, where to buy, etc. But someone in the office or walking down the street more than likely hasn't taken the time to research cost and availability.

And I think most people would look at spending 1,000's of dollars on a watch as either nutty or a sign of disposable income.