"It's just a watch".

[East Bay Rider]

I recieved my SS GMT-Master II as a 15th wedding anniversary gift from my wife. I have worn it every day since.
The following monday afternoon at work I happened to be out in the shop and we were talking about the weekend, my anniversary, resturaunts etc. and I showed some of the people in my company's assembly area my new watch. While some were surprised and happy, others in the room exclaimed that "It's just a watch". I quickly explained that it is in fact a generous gesture of love and sacrifice from my wife. (Good cover - It's a cool watch.)
I also explained that it's a mini machine, lots of moving parts/springs, durable etc. but let's face it - most people don't get it. The argument is that a $20.00 watch will last a few years and then they just buy another $20.00 watch. In the end they spend less.
Maybe I shouldn't call them uninformed, just uninspired.

So...
Why do you have a Rolex and not a Timex?
Are you the only one in your circle wearing a Rolex and if so what is the reaction of those around you who just don't get it?
What is your line of work? Is a Rolex commonplace?

[Ed Rooney]

If any of them drive anything more than the most basic auto, they are hypocrites.

[Bama]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

If any of them drive anything more than the most basic auto, they are hypocrites.

That's a good way of looking at it.

[gha]

It seems everyone has their priorities, and can justify them in their own way.
I have a friend that goes on and on about how ridiculous it is for someone to spend that kind of money (Rolex $) on a watch, yet she will spend any amount of money on new jewelery, or a nice bottle of wine, or a really nice dinner, etc. I do not wear my Rolex around her, and she doesn't even know that I have one. I just smirk when she goes into her tiraid, and she has no idea why. Some people just do not seem to care about the amazing mechanical attributes, history, and technology of a Rolex. Same as they would never look at buying a Porsche, or BMW, or Mercedes, etc. They have no appreciation of these things, and seem to feel that if you are into them, you are just trying to "show off" and get people to notice you. To each his own.

[Tools]

.

...Hey....If ya' gotta ask....

[ROGU808]

Originally Posted by Tools

.

...Hey....If ya' gotta ask....

HERE HERE TOOLS!!!!

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by gha

I have a friend that goes on and on about how ridiculous it is for someone to spend that kind of money (Rolex $) on a watch, yet she will spend any amount of money on new jewelery, or a nice bottle of wine, or a really nice dinner, etc. I do not wear my Rolex around her, and she doesn't even know that I have one. I just smirk when she goes into her tiraid, and she has no idea why.

Why don't you wear your Rolex around her?

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by ron17402

Why don't you wear your Rolex around her?

And why not tell her the truth and see what she says? Is it just happenstance that you don't wear your Rolex around her, or do you consciously take it off so she won't see it?

[gha]

I consciously do not wear it around her because I kind of enjoy listening to her go on & on about something that she has no idea about, yet is so opinionated. Certainly is not going to listen to my (or all of our) point of view. That is, until possibly she "catches the Rolex bug", then, of course, they will be the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Point being, I think it's funny how people justify certain things, change their tune, etc.

[ohsixx]

"Showing off" to people who work in the assembly area is probably not a good idea. Makes them jealous and wanting what you have - a Rolex.

I think their response was predictable!

[ron17402]

Originally Posted by gha

I consciously do not wear it around her because I kind of enjoy listening to her go on & on about something that she has no idea about, yet is so opinionated. Certainly is not going to listen to my (or all of our) point of view. That is, until possibly she "catches the Rolex bug", then, of course, they will be the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Point being, I think it's funny how people justify certain things, change their tune, etc.

I just don't understand your logic or fear in wearing it around her, but then again, I don't know you or her. There may be a hidden dynamic going on.

If you're secure in your owning a Rolex, then it would be a golden opportunity to educate her. The amusement of listening to her backpeddle after you eloquently discuss the merits of owning a Rolex would be priceless.

[Chris B]

And the Mona Lisa is just a painting

[yachtsales]

Originally Posted by Chris B

And the Mona Lisa is just a painting

Here here!!!

[mcubed]

Heck why don't I just dump all my bookshelves and get cinder blocks and boards-does the same thing, oh and the good china while I am at it, why not just use Dixie plates? Does the same thing....and I am sure my wife would be happy to give her engagement ring back for one made of aluminum foil, I mean it's just a silly old symbol anyway.

So I spent $3300 on a nice (used) watch, many of my friends spend more than that on plasma TVs and electronics every few years....The Rolex I only had to buy once....and I get to enjoy it 24/7 wherever I am. Can't say that about most other expensive purchases......

[gha]

Originally Posted by mcubed

Heck why don't I just dump all my bookshelves and get cinder blocks and boards-does the same thing, oh and the good china while I am at it, why not just use Dixie plates? Does the same thing....and I am sure my wife would be happy to give her engagement ring back for one made of aluminum foil, I mean it's just a silly old symbol anyway.

Exactly, mcubed. People are funny with their own priorities. I love it when someone goes on & on about things they know nothing about, slowly shoving their foot into their mouth, deeper & deeper. Makes life interesting.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I don't think that a Rolex watch is entirely unattainable for most people if you REALLY want one.

So basically, wearing a Rolex does not have to mean that you are well off or that you are showing off. It could also mean that you just like QUALITY and DESIGN.

At my work, there is a girl who is wearing a men's DJ 16200, and she is DEFINATELY not in the well-earning part of the company.

We often have a Rolex chat together, though, and the first day I went to work she came running and asked me "Are you wearing it?!" (she referred to my SS Daytona that I had told her that I would be wearing for the first time that day).

We both share the fascination for Rolex, but my other collegues don't think of me "showing off".

So don't be ashamed wearing a Rolex.

[Destroy]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

but my other collegues don't think of me "showing off".

Ah, but the Danes are a pretty practical people Bo.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

I don't think that a Rolex watch is entirely unattainable for most people if you REALLY want one.

So basically, wearing a Rolex does not have to mean that you are well off or that you are showing off. It could also mean that you just like QUALITY and DESIGN.

At my work, there is a girl who is wearing a men's DJ 16200, and she is DEFINATELY not in the well-earning part of the company.

We often have a Rolex chat together, though, and the first day I went to work she came running and asked me "Are you wearing it?!" (she referred to my SS Daytona that I had told her that I would be wearing for the first time that day).

We both share the fascination for Rolex, but my other collegues don't think of me "showing off".

So don't be ashamed wearing a Rolex.

Good answer Bo.

I love your avatar.

[arttay10]

For me a Rolex was one of those things that in younger life, you looked at and promised that one day you'd have one. It marks a personal acheivement for me - to myself.
If anything - its inspired me work harder to afford my next one.
We all set out our own priorities depending on circumstance - so long as we can live and be happy with our own descissions on how we prioritise - does it really matter what others think?

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

Are you the only one in your circle wearing a Rolex and if so what is the reaction of those around you who just don't get it?
What is your line of work? Is a Rolex commonplace?

I teach automotive technology at an Ontario college, and I'm the only one in my workplace who wears a Rolex. However, one colleague has just ordered a new factory fresh engine for the 1940 Chev hot rod he built from the ground up and has around $40K into. Another is on his 3rd or 4th airplane (I've lost count now). Another has Lord knows how much tied up in his 3 time national record holder 1970 Chevelle drag race car. Still another just bought his wife another Harley to match his.

None of us think that any of the others are foolish with their money, just different interests. We're all into machinery, mine just happen to be smaller. A lot smaller.

[gha]

I agree with everyone's comments. Ron17402, I think that the next time she starts "going off" about Rolex, I will listen for a bit, then "whip it out" (the watch, I mean). As you said, her reaction should be priceless.
Thanks, gha

[wmthedirector]

its just a watch, and what a person spends on his watch is his business , right ???

[Ed Rooney]

In 1996 I spent far more than the cost of a Sub on a PC that I used for 2.5 years and spent another $1000 upgrading.

A nice 1080p HDTV is more than I paid for my sub, and those things only last a few years.

TV's and computers are essentially worthless after a few years.

My Rolex will NEVER be worth less than I paid for it.

I look at it this way. I just won't get leather in my next car......oh, who am I kidding.

[Destroy]

Originally Posted by Ed Rooney

I look at it this way. I just won't get leather in my next car......oh, who am I kidding.

So true...... in my case I didn't opt for the wing mirrors that fold back electronically......

[teoythong]

In life there will be people who will be willing to pay a premium for quality. Just like someone will fork out 2x the price for Merc, BMW or higher price for some expensive diamond ring, etc. I think it is the same. Of course an expensive car is an expense while an expensive diamond can be an investment. As for expensive Rolex watch. I think it can be somewhere in between.

[zak98]

agreed.. and as someone else stated above.. you cannot strap the 1080i/p plasma to your wrist and enjoy all day (at least not yet)

one of my hobbies is model railroading. as with any hobby, amazing what you can spend.

if it brings you enjoyment.. whos to say what is the proper amount to spend on a watch or any item.

your choice, your money... wear it, enjoy it, try to pass on the passion....

thanks!

[BigHat]

I agree with most of the posts here disputing the fact that "it's just a watch."

One point that may have been missed, that I have observed, is that even people that know it's more than a basic watch will nevertheless make that assertion. I have always worked among a large group of peers, both in and out of the military, where we all made roughly the same amount. Sadly, the wife acceptance factor (WAF) in home theater parlance, varys greatly. So do familiy size, goals and obligations.
Your friends probably would love to have the same cars, watches, etc. but they will not / cannot. Rather than just admit it, they rationalize a reason why they are wiser than you for not having them. It eases their sense of deprivation.
I find there is no point debating the issue with them. I simply smile and say that I enjoy it and no one is doing without food, water or braces because I bought it so be happy for me.

[f16570]

Good points Ed Rooney. I am not interested in what anyone else thinks about my watch. I do not stand in the pub 7 nights a week, subscribe to Sky TV, have car loans or have a medicinal herb habit.
I always wanted a Rolex since I was a boy and I worked hard to get it, so if you are upset by my acheivment to bad......

f

[daunwaun]

The thing is you have to appreciate what you buy because if you dont there is nothing in this world that you will buy or attain that will make you happy

[yachtsales]

I have head that "its just a watch" soo many times. It is not even worth the breath!