controversial Rolex demographics

[TauKappaEpsilon]

Good morning TRF. I'm thinking about buying my first watch and I really like the submariner (I like the two tone with the black face which I know isnt as popular here) but I've run the idea by some of my friends and they all seem to say the same thing. They all advise me not to buy a Rolex and go with another brand (such as Omega). Many people that I've spoken to all have this idea that people buy Rolex's as a status symbol and they dont necessarily care about the watch/know exactly what it is they are buying. What do you all think about that? Do you think that argument holds any weight, or do you think that the majority of people buying Rolexs genuinely like them?

I'll be 21 in a 3 months and every since I can remember, probably for close to 15 years, I've always loved the submariner and knew that I'd buy one when I could afford it. However, recently I've been doing some research and I've also come across Panerai which I really like, although the PAMs and the Subs are very different I really like both. All my friends tell me to go with the PAM over the sub without hesitation, but I can't make up my mind.