I got asked; "The Question" again, how do you answer it?

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Not a difficult job. You can start pointing out the differences between quartz and automatic movements. Then you can list complications and number of parts that these movements require. The difference between hand work vs mass production is important as well and the same with the history behind those brands. If she's still there and most important she's still paying attention, you can talk about marketing, the value it holds and materials used etc. If she's hot and you want to ruin any chance of getting lucky you can start talking serial numbers. On the other hand, the comparison with LV bags and stuff is shallow and a bit silly IMO.

I agree...but...the ladies' Patek Philippe Twenty-4 is Quartz. I'm not sure how PP can justify the price.

The car analogy isn't quite apt, because your whole body is surrounded by the car, you can feel differences when you drive it, etc. A TAG or Invicta can tell me the same time as my Rolex. Of course, after 15 years of daily wear my Rolex is still gorgeous, and an absolute delight to wear. It is truly a great watch.

[T. Ferguson]

Never been asked what makes a Rolex worth X thousands of dollars but my reply would be fairly simple - because that's what the free market says it's worth. Rolex sells about a million new watches a year at that price level and the resale value on them has a long history of being notoriously good, particularly in the long run.

[mondo74]

My take- if we're truly honest... As if anyone on this forum doesn't like the attention of having someone notice that house deposit sitting on your wrist. ☺ we might not overtly seek it, but it is nice to be noticed.

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[Desibaba]

I always wonder if I were stuck on a deserted island all by myself for the rest of your life would still want to wear a Rolex or drive a Mercedes? Say this island had everything you want. Food, Electricity, tv, etc but no one to show your nice stuff off to would you still want those items? If I had to be truly honest I think a big part of purchasing things like that is the attention we get from them or how it pumps up our ego.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Desibaba

If I had to be truly honest I think a big part of purchasing things like that is the attention we get from them or how it pumps up our ego.

Clearly, we all want to create an image to project to others and what we wear, drive, live in, create, listen to, and otherwise express help to form that image.

However, without a true appreciation of those things, they are simply a facade without substance.

If one chooses those things based on knowledge and appreciation for not only what they cost but of what the mean and how they enrich one's existence, then they become expressions of the deeper individual.

A friend of mine recently approached me about buying a luxury watch and he wanted me to tell him how to make some sense out of the wide variance in prices he was encountering on the internet for often the very same watches.

I had to be honest. There was nothing I could tell him in a few minutes that would satisfy his need.

The only rational way for him to make sense of it all was to immerse himself in the subject and to learn as much as he could about the brands and the models, to read about horology in depth and to learn the history of the various brands and the technological advances that have made each one into the brands they are today.

I told him that if he just picked out an expensive watch with a brand name everyone would recognize, the only thing he would have to show for it was a watch that cost a lot and everyone recognizes.

He nodded in agreement and told me he knew exactly what I meant because that's how he feels about the car he drives and how it's special to him because of its history, unique engine, structural balance, performance, and aesthetic design cues.

I said to him, "Now, you understand. Good luck in your search."

Would he drive the same car on a deserted island given your hypothetical scenario?

I know him well enough to say yes.

That's substance.

[SS_Sub]

The question about taking such things to a deserted island is a good one.

I could honestly say I would want to take them. I could happly sit and admire my watches

Same with one of my cars. It's tucked up in the garage covered up and rarely gets driven. Just love how it looks, have done since the day the salesman unveiled it on collection.

If the Mrs would let me, I'd have it in the living room.

[El Cascarrabias]

QUOTE=Desibaba;6435846]I always wonder if I were stuck on a deserted island all by myself for the rest of your life would still want to wear a Rolex or drive a Mercedes? . . . [/QUOTE]

Yes, I think I would.

. . . well, maybe not the Mercedes.

Originally Posted by Desibaba

. . . I think a big part of purchasing things like that is the attention we get from them or how it pumps up our ego.

Mixed into the reasoning behind why I bought my SDc and OP39 is that they're not flashy and don't draw attention. But I appreciate deeply the excellence that went into making these two watches plus their history.

I don't need others help with that.

[Watch Box]

The short answer is:

Status and marketing...

..like ALL luxury goods. ALL of them.


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[hdms]

My answer would be: I don't really know. Find out why and let me know.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Watch Box

The short answer is:

Status and marketing...

..like ALL luxury goods. ALL of them.


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I have to be honest with you.

I don't give a hoot about status or marketing.

Most marketing turns me off from products and the only status products I own are my watches--well, the ones I can talk about, anyway.

In every other way, I'm Joe Schmo.

Rolex builds a great product that speaks for itself.

Without marketing they wouldn't sell as many to be sure, but even without it there would still be at least a niche market for Rolex watches.

Without substance, marketing and status won't fly.