2 types of Rolex buyers

[kingblackbolt]

Originally Posted by estatehomes

Mr. King of All Bolts:

Don't knock it until you try it.

I can be quite gentle, even with my sandpaper hands.

Michael

HHmmmm so that would cretainly shed new light your comments regarding the new TRF policy..

Originally Posted by estatehomes

Then, (I think this is the correct order) you'll be told (not asked)
to hold out both arms at your side with your palms open and
pretend you're holding the hand of the "poster" that made you most mad

Maybe we could go to the "Milk and doughnuts room" to discuss this further?

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by Arturo

I got mine because I love a few good things of high quality that are tough and impermeable. I am very thrifty in so many ways. I have a beautiful home and love rugs. I will spend money on rugs. However, I get my non dress jeans and stuff like that cheap.... at costco or places like that... and would never blow money on designer jeans.

But I don't skimp on suits and especially I go the distance on shoes. It comes from a WW 2 Dad who was a successful, Ivy League educated man thanks to the GI bill and having lived as a child in the depression. He never skimped on clothing and shoes until his death....Brooks Brothers, Alden, Allen Edmonds. He would drive cars until the wheels fell off though, and cared little for cars as he was a Manhattan guy at heart who took the subway. He taught me to like quality, and I think that is why I like the Rolex line. He had a DJ forever and a bunch of Gruens and Hamiltons. I had a godfather from India who was a neurosurgeon who wore a gold Rolex DJ. I just associated the watch with accomplishment, not status.

And that is the Rolex marketing goal....to tether the brand with athletic, musical and scientific accomplishment. So I am a sucker for the marketing, and think, somehow, that I am in a good club of accomplished folks. I do not wear the damned things for status as I don't need that or particularly like that. It is the intrinsic beauty of these watches that attracts me.

I have an uncle who qualifies as really RICH, and he lives in New England and has a perfect LL Bean kind of life. He drives his American GM cars for 6 years before he gets another. He is very modest. But he has a gold President DD. his only watch I think, and he has had it for a long time. He made his money one dollar at a time, and gives half of it away.

So I associate Rolex with people of substance. I am sure there are the ones who go in and get one to show off, but I don't personally know them.

Agreed on the shoes; quality lasts. A well made shoe can last 20 years or more if looked after. Buying cheap is a false economy.

[AndrewG]

My Explorer 1 was bought for reputation, quality and simple yet classic design.
Also I don't see so well thus the contrasting hands against the black dial are really practical.
It also doesn't shout, 'expensive-looking watch, mug me!'

[mikey]

AndrewG, I like your post but seriously a man that walks into a Rolex AD and plunks down $10 Grand on a watch is doing it for more than sheer acomplishment. Be Real. I don't care about the poll. Everybody that has heard of Rolex and doesn't own one is probably because they can't afford one. If they got one they do want to show it off even if its just to post a hundred digital photos on the forum. Its pride and swagger. Be real about it.

Originally Posted by mikey

Everybody that has heard of Rolex and doesn't own one is probably because they can't afford one. If they got one they do want to show it off even if its just to post a hundred digital photos on the forum. Its pride and swagger. Be real about it.

Believe it or not, some people that can afford them don't buy them because they just don't like them (i.e. it's not to their tastes....thought I should clarify before being called a "hater" ). Case in point.....me. I owned one, and flipped it for something better suited to my tastes.

[mikey]

I had obsessed over owning Rolex and got my DJ for the reasons stated in the past. I built myself up and realized the watch was not worth the hype. I learned to love and appreciate them years later. I am contradicting myself.Sorry, but I purchased a Rolex because it was the best money could buy and the stigma that owning something that is somewhat exclusive. I could have cared less for the design or movement. Like owning a Rolls Royce or Yacht its something special. Everybody deserves something special.

[mikey]

Owning a Rolex? A male or female working a minimum wage job can own a Rolex with proper budgeting and saving, if so desired. You know why I know this? I was working minimum wage in college years ago. Case in point.

Originally Posted by mikey

Everybody that has heard of Rolex and doesn't own one is probably because they can't afford one.

Originally Posted by mikey

Owning a Rolex? A male or female working a minimum wage job can own a Rolex with proper budgeting and saving, if so desired.

Uh....okay.

[Prince]

Originally Posted by Avalon

Uh....okay.

Pointing out inconsistencies, Al?!?

Originally Posted by Prince

Pointing out inconsistencies, Al?!?

Yes I am!....

No, I'm not.....


Maybe I am.....


What was the question again?

[kingblackbolt]

Originally Posted by mikey

AndrewG, I like your post but seriously a man that walks into a Rolex AD and plunks down $10 Grand on a watch is doing it for more than sheer acomplishment. Be Real. I don't care about the poll. Everybody that has heard of Rolex and doesn't own one is probably because they can't afford one. If they got one they do want to show it off even if its just to post a hundred digital photos on the forum. Its pride and swagger. Be real about it.

While I agree that there are some people who can't afford a Rolex and desperatley want to own one there are those who can afford a bank vault full of Rolexes but choose not to spend the money or buy another more exclusive brand like Patek. I met a CEO of a major companie and he was sporting a Casio G Shock which you can pick up for $40 from Ebay... so to each their own taste no?

[waltk1026]

I bought my first sub back in 78, the new president last year to personally enjoy quality and impress myself with these Rolexes not to impress anyone else. Believe it or not over all these years I don't know anybody I impressed. Most people don't know by looking a Rolex from a Timex. We all know, and that's what counts. So I could not get any happiness from a fake.

[mikey]

Its kinda funny to hear others paying a few thousand bucks and all this doubt in purchasing a Rolex authenticity. I paid a mere $1060 for a Datejust with silver dial and 3035 movement. I was a student with barely enough money to buy my books for class and owned a genuine 1970s Rolex! Things have changed

[RT]

Originally Posted by padi56

Dont think you can categorised Rolex buyers just into two categories.Would agree to many non WIS types the brand Rolex now have such a very powerful brand image. That your average guy on the street now by mainly the tremendous pure marketing power over the years by Rolex. Believes they are the best watches in the world,and invented everything in the watch world today.It really is that simple.But some a bit more educated in the watch world, may know the real facts and this is not totally true.

Now if you were to take let's say 100 non WIS people at random from the street and show them say a £4,000 Rolex and say a £35,000 Patek Philip or many other high end lesser known brands. I would say that 90- 95% would choose the Rolex over the Patek/other brand. Simply because of the brand awareness and the fact that the word "Rolex" is always linked to luxury,and quality.This is all down to the amazingly shrewd and clever marketing though the years by Rolex.Old Hans was quite a remarkable man,he seized every new watch idea, or patent available to call his own,and any new movement design,to make his watches a better product.And the old saying with Rolex
today if it ain't broke why fix it.Designs have not changed much in 40 plus years,sure a few very minor cosmetic,and slight movement changes,but little else.

Now in the very early years, Rolex seized every sporting or expedition venture to sponsor and get his watches into the public limelight.You could say that Hans was one of the first to see the real power of advertising.And having a good product with very clever marketing thats what has made Rolex into the most recognised watch brand today.But as much as I respect the brand but mainly now for the history of the Rolex company and a very fine product.After being around watches for well over 30 years,and my first real fascination with a Lucerne mechanical watch.But now I can respect all the many brands in todays watch world.Right from Rolex to Patek to Seiko to Alpha they all have there place in this crazy horological world.

So now IMHO Rolex is now becoming a "victim" of its own success.And in danger of becoming the Timex of past days.There are now millions upon millions of them in the world today.So if you are into the Prestige of a once pretty exclusive watch afraid now its slightly lacking, its perhaps now, because they are quite a expensive Prestige.Rolex have a great history, but so do many other brands out there today.Rolex they are, without doubt, the largest independent Swiss watchmaker. Producing around 850,000 plus watches a year, and they sell every watch they make so they say. They are dependent on no one single market today, you could really say that the world is their OYSTER.(excuse the pun).But now IMO straying too far away from there tool watch routes,I am sure old Hans is turning in his grave,with some of the latest IMO abominations.

************************************************** ********Someone once asked, "What so good about a Rolex?" The answer was, "Its marketing department!"

[RT]

Originally Posted by kingblackbolt

While I agree that there are some people who can't afford a Rolex and desperatley want to own one there are those who can afford a bank vault full of Rolexes but choose not to spend the money or buy another more exclusive brand like Patek. I met a CEO of a major companie and he was sporting a Casio G Shock which you can pick up for $40 from Ebay... so to each their own taste no?

************************************************** ********
We all like different things. Some people like driving fancy cars, some like wearing expensive watches, some like expensive wine, some would spend their last penny on making their house nice, some lady may blow her entire paycheck on a silk dress. As long as whatever makes us happy, go for it.
That CEO who you mentioned is probably not a watch fan. With the kind of salary he is receiving, obviously he can afford the best watch in the world. But then, he might have tacked away his best watches and only wears a $40 Casio. I do, my daily watches are a couple of mechanical Bulova and Gruen.

[RT]

Originally Posted by kenlperry

Of the 2 options listed I had to select the status symbol because I wanted a genuine Rolex, so that's what I bought. I honestly think anyone who buys a Rolex is fooling themself if they say they didn't buy it as a status symbol. They have so many cheaper brands of watches that look just like the various models of Rolex(Invicta in particular), so if you just liked the design or look of the watch you could buy something similar for alot less money. Don't forget about the fakes/replicas either. They look identical, so you could buy one of those for alot less too. They have solid end links, solid center links, sapphire crystals, swiss movements, stc.. So if buying a genuine Rolex is not a symbol of status then I don't know what it is. And the quality... Don't get me wrong, the quality is great, but it's not perfect. Rolex watches lose and/or gain seconds a day just like any other mechanical/automatic watch. The crown on the winder doesn't always line up perfectly when screwed tight. It's the luck of the draw. I do think that the service you'll get for the life of owning your genuine Rolex watch is a big PLUS though.

************************************************** ********

I may be weird but I am definitely type I. I enjoy the movement(s) of the different Rolexes, especially the vintage ones. My Rolex collection is safely tacked away in the bank vault. It is pretty difficult to show off my Rolexes where they are stored. Meanwhile, my daily watches are a Bulova and Gruen.

You will never catch me wearing a quartz watch no matter what brand or how expensive it is.

[blueface]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

ROLEX - 'cause I just love the brand - always have and always will!!

My feelings exactly. Besides, I don't do status symbols.

[TARDIS]

Originally Posted by chris_nor_cal

patek phillipe. bfd. they look like effeminate little girl watches. give me a rolex any day

No PP are not little girl watches IMHO.

Senior men with old money maybe, but not 'little girls'

Steve

[Alex Stylianou]

Did we discuss this ?

[idolz]

Definately STATUS SYMBOL!!!!

Yes a fine Time piece... but Too much tossing about it.....

Rolex has SUPER Wank value......... I just Bought a 2003 GMT MASTER Gold and Black..... I know Ive now became the same..........a wanker!!!!

[GoldenBear]

I don't think the two are mutually exclusive. You can appreciate the style and quality and at the same time feel a sense of pride that you have a very special and expensive watch. I know plenty of successful friends (making over $1 mil./yr.) They are into biking/swiming/running, etc. They could afford ANY watch out there yet they have the plastic/rubber sports watches. Not everyone is into watches like the people on this forum are.

[Floridadogg]

I had a President 24 years ago and sold it because it was too heavy for work. I must admit I enjoyed the compliments it drew. Now, as a retired person, I am buying a TT Daytona and have been promised a SS Daytona by my AD eventually. I will wear the Rolexes socially. Ihave a very nice Baume and Mercier quartz that reminds me of a Cellini. I wear that for everyday.

[Oyster Lover]

I buy Rolex watches because I can't walk by an ADs shop window without stopping and foaming at the mouth... It just gives me lots of enjoyment to wear the watch, knowing the history, and appreciating its craftsmanship, and of course its prestige (no way getting around it!).

[oldman2005]

I'll be honest and say that I have Rolex is because they're nice watches that everyone knows about but not everyone can afford, I love wearing my $30 sandles, dress in a $25 T-shirt and a $45 shorts, and wear a status symbol sport watch that cost $5000.

It's a material world here, enjoy it if you can but don't let it drive you.