Why are we so Obsessed?

[Polarexplorerii]

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

[Onikage]

Well most of us have been wearing one for a bit.

[zjd168]

AP PP hot items are harder to get at retail price

[socalwatchcollector]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

Marketing, Marketing, Marketing. JLC is one of those brands that doesn't get looked at as much but they make beautiful watches. Their marketing isn't good otherwise everyone would want one.

[BillA]

Human nature: What we can have, we do not want. What we cannot have, we want.

[Xenon]

Quality
Durability
Reliability
Craftsmanship
Recognition
Value Retention

[Tools]

Many of us appreciate the brand, it's history and contributions to the watch community, and the mechanical technology approach Rolex takes.

Thankfully, in this world, there are many different tastes; otherwise we would all be pretty boring.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

Speaking for myself I do not lust over Rolex or any other brand, myself been around mechanical watches for around 60 years.And over those years have gained respect for all brands from so called high end to so called low end.

[Calatrava r]

By best movement if you are referring to hand adornment and finishing you are right, but in terms of performance it stands out as a top tier movement in the industry being among the very best for robustness, reliability and accuracy.

[Posh Gentleman]

why Rolex?

many reasons.

1. Value retention. I don't like the feeling of dropping $15-25k on a timepiece / jewelry, knowing that it will instantly lose 50% of its value the moment I walk out of the AD / boutique. Which is the case for vast majority of non-Rolex watches. Granted, I am not a watch flipper and I don't intend to sell my Rolex ever but I just like the fact that my Rolex will keep its value. It is a psychological boost for me..

2. Size. I have a small wrist, and Rolex fits my wrist perfect with 40mm and it looks best proportioned to me.

3. Looks. This is very subjective. but I think Rolex GMT / Daytona are 2 most beautiful sport watches to look at. AP ROO on rose gold is very eye catching, and I wouldn't mind owning it but it is way out of my price range.

4. Price. Rolex ain't cheap, but I wouldn't drop $25-40k on a non-PM watch just because it has AP / Patek logo written on it. That's a lot of money to spend on one timepiece / jewelry. Rolex pricing (if acquired at a decent price for a desirable model) hits sweet spot for me. Not too expensive so that I wouldn't think too much about a purchase for a model I really want.

5. build quality. Rolex watches are built like a tank and easy to maintain. I don't know if this will be the case for AP / Patek.


I've seen many people say why pay premium for Rolex when you can get Omega for half the price.. well this is very subjective but I just prefer the looks / history / size of Rolex much better than anything Omega. I tried on a few Omega's and it didn't sing to me at all.

Watch is very much like a jewelry, so you should buy what sings to you. It is an emotional investment.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Xenon

Quality
Durability
Reliability
Craftsmanship
Recognition
Value Retention

[Crazy Lugs]

Timeless design, build quality, accuracy.

[ZeGerman11]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

You will need to define and quantify, “best movement.” What dictates “best,” and what non-anecdotal evidence do you have to support that claim?

Also, have you tried to go to Patek or AP and buy a Nautilus or RO at retail? Their secondary market mark-ups do not reflect easy to obtain watches. Sure, the Patek dress watches are available. So are Cellinis and gold Day Dates.

Not a Rolex fanboy by any means. You can see my watch history in my signature. However, Rolex offers an extraordinarily good value proposition when you look at the sum of the parts (materials, comfort, accuracy, looks, durability, reliability, and so on). That is why I have left the Rolex club only to return again and again in fairly short order. It’s just so good at doing what it’s supposed to do.

[StillTrying]

All watches listed so far are great, high-quality watches. What sets Rolex apart is the masterful branding. As a brand it can’t be beat.


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[Chewbacca]

Wearing a Rolex gives CJ instant six pack and tripod flex - and CJ always asks to speak with the manager when CJ’s coffee is not how CJ likes it.

#teamrolex

[johnorpheus]

AP and PP don't do anything for me at all. Omega on the other hand...

[007_Omega]

Rolex is one of the greatest marketers in the history of mankind.

On a personal level, I love their designs and reliability. PP and AP are not nearly as robust and reliable as a Rolex.

Most non-enthusiasts have been sucked into the marketing. There are watches and then there is a Rolex. Rolex is a Rolex. Plenty of people think Rolex is the highest end watch, has the smoothest sweep, is the most accurate, has the nicest finishing, etc...

In recent times, it has been two things that have driven up the hype to insane levels:
1. Instagram/Social Media
2. Resale Value

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

but we are so obsessed with this brand.

Some are, some are not.

Rolex makes a great watch, nothing to be obsessed over IMHO

[swish77]

Simply because a lot of the Rolex designs are beautiful and classic. Yes, you want a good movement and a reliable watch, but for a lot of guys it comes down to looks. Some other higher-end brands, such as the Holy Trinity, have fussy, dated designs, often with cluttered dials.

In general, I find Rolex sports watches are just more handsome than most other watches. Throw in the cool factor, the "unobtainable" factor, and all the history, and Voila!

[joli160]

A Rolex never goes out of style, they age gracefully

[jlovda]

Originally Posted by socalwatchcollector

Marketing, Marketing, Marketing. JLC is one of those brands that doesn't get looked at as much but they make beautiful watches. Their marketing isn't good otherwise everyone would want one.

This. ^^^

[173rdabn]

The same reason people drive BMWs. Not the fastest, or best handling, etc. However, when you drive one, there's a subliminal feeling of WOW. Same with the Rolex. Just my two cents.

[NachoNeal]

I don't know why the obsession, but I disagree that it's caused by marketing.
Personally, I've never seen a rolex television commercial and never heard a rolex radio ad.
And although I've seen some rolex ads in various magazines, honestly they're totally non memorable.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Xenon

Quality
Durability
Reliability
Craftsmanship
Recognition
Value Retention

Yup


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[schoolboy]

Because you can wear a Rolex to the driving range and I don’t think you can do that with an AP or Patek


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[Wedders]

I think it’s watch snobbery. Most none watch people have heard of Rolex and think they are the top most expensive brand available. They probably have never heard of AP or PP.
Some Rolex owners play up to this wanting people to think look how successful I am.

[brandrea]

There are a lot of great watch branded out there to be sure, but for the money Rolex is a great value.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

By best movement if you are referring to hand adornment and finishing you are right, but in terms of performance it stands out as a top tier movement in the industry being among the very best for robustness, reliability and accuracy.

I was going to say the thing.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

I need a watch to put up with what I dish out, AP/PP make excellent jewelry. I don't wear my watches as jewelry.

[Brew]

Out here in the boonies there isn't much else to chose from.