I think Rolex jumped the shark

[imsayingthough]

I get it but i think this can be said about any currently popular big brands now.

Rolex
AP
PP
RM

The only difference being rolex is the most popular out of the ones listed because of accessibility - lowest price point - lowest barrier to entry.

[djyolky]

Originally Posted by Dr.Stu

OP (Seth), Great post, & a great thread! (Can't believe I've read through 256 posts!) As you can tell from the responses, a lot of us feel a lot of your frustrations with the brand & the whole distribution mechanism (or lack thereof). I think the discussion has been great & I wanted to comment on a number of the posts, but at this point, I would just be echoing what a lot of members have already stated. I have been in & out of Rolex a couple of times during my collecting- started with a TT Date for graduation (has been my regular work watch most days for 30+ years). I was out learning about & buying other brands for years, feeling that I had my Rolex, picked-up a couple of others over the years, but a number of years ago- and just after they became tough to get- I decided I wanted a BLNR, and got sucked-back into the Rolex vortex.



I think taking a break from Rolex for a number of years & collecting other brands really helped & circling back again I again appreciated the watches (but not the brand), for all they are. The frustrations of dealing with all the modern day BS (e.g. with a great purchase history, I have been waiting 7 months for a white gold Daytona Oysterflex (50% deposit!) and am told I "might" get it this Fall) has been well represented in this thread, so I won't repeat it, and I have been, once again, spending time (and money) with the other brands. You wouldn't think that Rolex and their AD's would want to alienate watch lovers (and watch buyers) like us, but that is where we are.



That said, I did want to respond to at least one of the other posts, so:



Why is my watch so underrated? Evidently, it is underrated by you. That should be your only concern.

Why don't I wear my other watches since buying a Daytona? Because you like the Daytona more.

Is this the ultimate Rolex? The ultimate Rolex is probably in a vault in Geneva, but yours is still pretty good.

Should I pay over MSRP? If you have more cash than time, then go for it. Otherwise, wait.

Best air, land, and sea collection? Explorer II (16570)

White or black dial? Yes.

Hot pink or grape dial too feminine? For you, yes. For me, no.

36mm too small? Your wrist. Your eyes. My call? Okay, yes, too small.

Easiest watch to flip? Ask your AD. They will definitely know.

Can I put a hidden clasp on my new Datejust? Shouldn’t you have asked before you bought it?

Should I brush the PCL's on my Daydate? If you want to ruin it, sure, go ahead.

Is this too blingy? For me, no, but I don’t think you can pull it off.

Best under the radar Rolex? Tudor.

Which watch to wear to work, a wedding, a dance recital? Busy day. If you are dancing ballet, a Cellini. If you are a modern dancer, probably a Milgauss Z-blue

Do you garden with your Rolex on? I “everything” with my rolex on.

$10k budget...what to buy? 1) Sort the Rolex web site by MSRP. 2) Buy anything < 10K (Don't forget to include tax.)

Rubber or leather band? A bracelet, period. (P.S. Oysterflex is NOT a bracelet.)

Is this considered a frankenwatch (pic heavy)? If you have to ask, it is.

Is this a scratch or a defect? Neither. It is OCD.

Is this the next in demand model? Hold on while I call John Mayer.

Which of these rings goes best with my HULK? A boxing ring is the ring that goes best with your Hulk. (And maybe a wedding ring.)

Who does blue better than Rolex? How long do you have?

Are twotone watches coming back? Are hyphens coming back? (Also, two-tones are out?)

Is this the most expensive Daytona you have ever seen? Unless it’s Paul Newman’s ($17.6 M), no.

Does wearing a Rolex make you feel uncomfortable? No, but it will make you feel uncomfortable.

Would you wear Rolex on a job interview? Depends who I am interviewing.

Best line to use on a heckler? I’m sorry, I don’t understand you. I don’t speak Moron.

Do you put your Rolex in your pocket when walking in a bad area? No, that bulge in my pocket is something else.

Best watch stand ever made? Broken Orbita watch winder.

How should I clean my Rolex? 1) Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and ammonia-free soap. (MUST BE ammonia-free!) 2) Be sure the crown is screwed down. 3) Apply this soapy water all over your watch using your hands (don’t dump it in the water). 3)Now, gently scrub the watch to clean it of all dirt particles. 4) Once the Rolex has been cleaned, wipe off the soap solution with a dry cloth. OR, Ignore it but for exhaling on it and wiping the crystal with a Tee shirt for 30 years, as I have. (Still looks great.)

How often to clean my Rolex? Really? If it’s dirty, clean it. If not, don’t (Really, is it just me?)

Do you sleep with your Rolex on? Only on days I sleep with my shoes on.

Do you shower with your Rolex on? Depends. Am I alone?

Do you dive with your Submariner? Do you spelunk with your Explorer II?

Is this too tight or too loose? Your wrist. Your nervous system. My call? Okay, too loose.

Why no love for my watch? I love my watches. You love your watches. (Not my job.)

Best beater Rolex? A Speedmaster. On a Nato. (No such thing as a beater Rolex.)

Can I sell a Rolex after I buy it or will the AD ban me? Moot. Your AD has already banned you just for asking this (they read TRF).

Should I buy this watch without the plastic hang tag? Yes, but be sure you get that white foamy rectangle thingy that comes with the box. That’s really where all the value is.

Why not buy Tudor instead of Rolex? So, I’m guessing you drive a Volkswagen instead of a Porsche.

Which Rolex has best resale value? The other one- the one that you really liked more and were going to buy but didn’t because it was supposed to have a lower resale value.

Did the AD insult me or am I being too paranoid? Probably both. No, definitely both.

Rolex a tool watch or jewelry? Sport models: 5 digits- tools; 6 digits- jewelry; Non-sports models: You’re not asking this, right?

Is this a spec of dirt? It is a speck. How bad do you need to know what it is?

Is the crown misaligned? The crown is fine. Your OCD meds, however, need to be increased.

Is this real or fake? If you don’t know, you shouldn’t have bought it.

You have a lot of time.

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[zjd168]

Originally Posted by imsayingthough

I get it but i think this can be said about any currently popular big brands now.

Rolex
AP
PP
RM

The only difference being rolex is the most popular out of the ones listed because of accessibility - lowest price point - lowest barrier to entry.

Yup, very simple.

[Calatrava r]

As resale value is so vital, if not paramount, to the modern Rolex customer, it is understandable that so many questions deal with what should come with the watch, how to protect the watch from any discernable damage, and what is the best long term buy. Demand outpaces supply of desired models so there are also a lot of complaints that the watches cannot easily be bought at MSRP. Things which are not a hot topics are horological significance of the various models/movements and their history. Its the world we live in.

[Jim]

Originally Posted by superdog

I just think, for me, I barely even want to wear one anymore. I don’t want to be seen with one on. I never understood why I used to read about real watch enthusiasts that hate Rolex. I think I’m starting to get it. Keeping a few favorites, moving the rest. I expect I’ll come back like I always do.

But so many cool brands out there. So many cool watches. And so many tool bags that think their 10k$ watch is a tool watch and they wear them only for themselves and dont care what anyone else thinks. And watch gods forbid their tool watch that only for them gets a scratch.

Can’t get em. Treats their dealers badly. Minimal creativity and imagination. Disdains their clientele. Deigns to grace us with pics of the watches you can’t get. This enormous crowd that thinks they are special because they wear a Rolex.

Like I say, to me, Rolex has jumped the shark.

When I see a Rolex on someone now, I wonder if they like watches, or if they just want the brand. When I see something else on someone, I start to think they might be actually cool watch person.

Like a lot of things when something is percieved as being prestigeous, exclusive or of high status it is sometimes human nature that we strive to achieve these things thinking we are somehow bettering ourselves with reaching the ultimate pinicle of our goals. However once we have reached this stage in our life and/or financial worries no longer exist we come to the conclusion that it is all been a little pointless. Once you can afford any watch the game continues for the next best thing, the likes of PP for example - when I think of this I see people just chasing their goal and not common sense. So like the OP I "get" why some folk wear other brands, particuarly when i know the person wearing it could afford ANY watch. Sometimes its cool to be under the radar.

[Henrimontgomery]

Originally Posted by Jim

Like a lot of things when something is percieved as being prestigeous, exclusive or of high status it is sometimes human nature that we strive to achieve these things thinking we are somehow bettering ourselves with reaching the ultimate pinicle of our goals. However once we have reached this stage in our life and/or financial worries no longer exist we come to the conclusion that it is all been a little pointless. Once you can afford any watch the game continues for the next best thing, the likes of PP for example - when I think of this I see people just chasing their goal and not common sense. So like the OP I "get" why some folk wear other brands, particuarly when i know the person wearing it could afford ANY watch. Sometimes its cool to be under the radar.

You speak the truth friend.

To be honest, I am not wealthy enough “to not buy” a Rolex. I can’t buy a watch for 10 or 20k and lose 60% of its value. As simple as that. My money is being invested in various places, and the free income I have is saved for future ventures.

But if I had more cash flow, I would get some other interesting watches. But I’m stuck being middle class, buying Rolexes.

[Sublovin]

I understand many of your points. Most of what you say is really old news though. Rolex being a status symbol, people wearing a Rolex only because it’s a Rolex.......been going on for several decades!
Things like this tend to go through cycles. Rolex has proven that their model works, and until it doesn’t, it’s hard to dispute. To me “jumping the shark” would be selling the watches online or at every Macy’s, and advertising 30% discounts.

[Bobby T]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

I understand many of your points. Most of what you say is really old news though. Rolex being a status symbol, people wearing a Rolex only because it’s a Rolex.......been going on for several decades!
Things like this tend to go through cycles. Rolex has proven that their model works, and until it doesn’t, it’s hard to dispute. To me “jumping the shark” would be selling the watches online or at every Macy’s, and advertising 30% discounts.

Back in the 70's and 80's, when Rolex was even more of a status symbol, 30% discounts were quite common.........

[Krash]

I guess I just don’t have time to worry about such things...


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[shipitfresh]

Sometimes I feel guilty about how much I treasure my Rolex. That being said, when I rinse my watch off before getting out of the shower. it surprises me every time how great it looks. And as an analog guy (large vinyl record collection), I appreciate the intricacies of it's movement and am surprised by it's accuracy (it's lost less than 4 seconds this month). Rolex strikes me as a company that truly cares about the quality of the products they manufacture. Did it cost too much? Who can say? I didn't have to adjust my lifestyle to buy it and I feel very fortunate.

[42itus]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

You speak the truth friend.

To be honest, I am not wealthy enough “to not buy” a Rolex. I can’t buy a watch for 10 or 20k and lose 60% of its value. As simple as that. My money is being invested in various places, and the free income I have is saved for future ventures.

But if I had more cash flow, I would get some other interesting watches. But I’m stuck being middle class, buying Rolexes.

This makes a lot of sense. Buying a Rolex is a no brainer because of the value retention. When I look at any other brand I have to think real hard because I know I’m going to take a hit if I change my mind.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by superdog

I’ve made some great friends here. I speak to many almost daily.

I say this to empathize that I’m not looking to ruffle any feathers. Just a comment on a watch forum.

For years, I’ve been back and forth with my a love/hate relationship with the brand.

Love the watches. Great style, robust, fun to wear, great lume and the bracelets and clasps are awesome. Albeit, I’m gravitating to the older models. I do find a lot of the more recent models a bit clunky. Not all. But some for sure.

That all said, they treat their AD’s poorly and their clientele worse. You can say that they are building the brand, making it more exclusive. But considering how many watches they actually make, that’s not a very good argument.

It’s gotten to the point where everyone wants one. It’s the symbol for success. But I think Rolex is a victim of their own success.

Comments like “I wear a 40k$ Rolex” which just happened in the news seem right about the attitude of many wearers of the brand these days. Like they are special or something.

All the while, the brand couldn’t care less. You can’t even get most of their watches. They are literally laughing at the enthusiastic buyer that can’t get the watch they want so they whine and complain. At least I picture them laughing.

Recently an article came out praising Rolex for giving us an early Xmas present by showing the world their latest designs. The watches that won’t be out for months and will only go to the very very few anyway. Unless you are willing to pay market value, which I am. Just not for Rolex. At least not today I’m not.

Yet, tons of people will freak out when they graciously submit a couple of tweaks to a line that’s become long in the tooth. New bezels, new metal configs etc. With all their power, the still are doing nearly nothing new. But people will freak out anyway. Get on lists, and hope and pray they can spend all this money.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t fault Rolex. They are brilliant. And they have successfully kept their mojo for decades. Not easy. Wish I could do that. So impressive.

I just think, for me, I barely even want to wear one anymore. I don’t want to be seen with one on. I never understood why I used to read about real watch enthusiasts that hate Rolex. I think I’m starting to get it. Keeping a few favorites, moving the rest. I expect I’ll come back like I always do.

But so many cool brands out there. So many cool watches. And so many tool bags that think their 10k$ watch is a tool watch and they wear them only for themselves and dont care what anyone else thinks. And watch gods forbid their tool watch that only for them gets a scratch.

Can’t get em. Treats their dealers badly. Minimal creativity and imagination. Disdains their clientele. Deigns to grace us with pics of the watches you can’t get. This enormous crowd that thinks they are special because they wear a Rolex.

Like I say, to me, Rolex has jumped the shark.

Tudor = cool.
Breitling = cool.
Omega = cool.
VC = super cool
I’m even thinking hublots are cool lately.

When I see a Rolex on someone now, I wonder if they like watches, or if they just want the brand. When I see something else on someone, I start to think they might be actually cool watch person.

Flame suit on. I’m prepared. But would love to discuss thoughts with anyone that actually doesn’t feel hurt by this and wants to talk watches.

This place might be called Rolex Forums, but it’s a great place for some really cool watches besides Rolex too.

Nothing has got me excited with Rolex watches over the past 20 years,in the real world you could count on one hand the real new models released by Rolex.Most are just cosmetically changed old ones,but today they only got to change a few screws or a insert colour to declare a new watch.Then the internet hype kicks in, and the must have hype follows.After the so called new watches released perhaps 6-9 months after some will be for sale.But as Rolex watches are no longer thought of as watches now little more than ££££$$$$,many will end up on the grey with speculators hopefully selling for profit.Where like today most all models are available in there hundreds to those willing today crazy money for them.So the saga will continue in many ways the WIS type has made a rod for his/her own back.

[jagwap]

Originally Posted by Bobby T

Back in the 70's and 80's, when Rolex was even more of a status symbol, 30% discounts were quite common.........

Before that Omega were the status symbol. They were more sort after and expensive in teh 50s & 60s than Rolex. Rolex wasn't the best watch in the world, just as it isn't now.

[icnbne]

I love rolex, but also dont feel the need to jump through hoops and play games to obtain one

Plenty of other nice watches to explore while i wait for the recent hype to die down

[TempoKing]

The Dark Side
I start selling Rolex watches 51 years ago
Back then the Rolex watch company was great to deal with, the customer was king
and their authorized agents were treated with the respect they deserved from a truly
great watch company.....plus we had all the current models on display and in stock
No shortages, no laughing, no deposits to order, no false promises that they will deliver
a customer the Steel Daytona he wanted.

Today I still sell Rolex watches privately
...but the Rolex watch company now ...belongs to the dark side.