Why Rolex?

[C.J.]

Is it mainly Rolex for most of us. I guess so judging by the name of the forum, but why? There are so many great watches to be had. Most with outstanding movements, intricate complications and incredibly high standards of craftsmanship. They too have a long and accomplished history and deeply rooted heritage. So what is it that draws us to Rolex so much more than the other brands?

This thread has been done before. I said it then and I'll say it again:

Why Rolex?

Cuz the chix diggit!

[RogerF]

I am chinese and I have a need to compensate for certain things =(

[Launch Mini]

cuz I kant spell Nardyn Ulyss, Philp patey, Carter or longjeans, pannery, sayko,...

[betrezra]

That's like asking a Harley Davidson owner "Why Harley"?

He will most likely reply with: " you ever seen person with a Honda Tattoo?".

:) :) :)

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by C.J.

Is it mainly Rolex for most of us. I guess so judging by the name of the forum, but why? There are so many great watches to be had. Most with outstanding movements, intricate complications and incredibly high standards of craftsmanship. They too have a long and accomplished history and deeply rooted heritage. So what is it that draws us to Rolex so much more than the other brands?

Because of the lack of one serious answer whatsoever, I’ll step in. In my childhood, ca. 1969, the only watches of any consequence were Rolex’s. 800 guilders for a plain steel watch was unheard of and back then I knew they must have been special. At Atheneum (Dutch pre-university High School, Latin is compulsory) one boy in my class wore a Rolex. He was Chinese and his parents moved from Hong Kong to Rotterdam when he was still a baby. I was in awe, such an expensive watch! I managed to get a catalog from an AD (now they wouldn’t give it out to a 18 year old) a couple of years later. About that time I was heavily into watches.

The reason I eventually (after two Cartiers) choose Rolex was a. The Sub and b. the less then perfect reputation Rolex have. In the world of ‘haute horlogerie’ Rolex is an underdog, a commoner. I’m not even sure if that term applies to Rolex. But the more people look down on Rolex (too flashy, too loud, too pimpy, too ‘hey, look at me’ and too replica), the more I stand by my choice. But I’m a sports model guy only. To me the Sub is the summit of all sports watches, durable, classic and stylish in one package. Who could ask for more?

[Launch Mini]

I'll add a bit of seriousness also.
Part of the reason is simply it's marketing. Not on my part. I appreciate the brand for more than the name.
But, it's like Harley, Mercedes, Posche, Ferrari.. names people relate prestige to.
You tell the "average" person you have a Panerai, Ulysses,IWC, even Breitling, they don't have a clue.
You say "Rolex", they might not know the intricacies of the watch line, but they know it's a high end watch.

Hi CJ - I guess I'll say that for me, it's not mainly Rolex. Yes, I have one but the Rolex brand is not where my primary interests lie........

I do appreciate them for what they are, but they are far from being my "main" brand (not that I have a main brand).

I have one simple rule of watch collecting, I buy what I like (and can afford).

[dman]

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

cuz I kant spell Nardyn Ulyss, Philp patey, Carter or longjeans, pannery, sayko,...

[dman]

Originally Posted by betrezra

That's like asking a Harley Davidson owner "Why Harley"?

He will most likely reply with: " you ever seen person with a Honda Tattoo?".

:) :) :)

[RogerF]

Ok I'll be serious now.


Plain and simple, if it aint broke dont fix it. A 10 year can look at a Sub or DJ today and in 8-12 years when he is ready for one it will still pretty much look the same as when he first laid eyes on it. I love how Rolex doesnt change its style to be trendy. They keep changes to a minimum, look at the new GMT and Sub anniversary editions. They give us a glimpse of what the future will bring to its models.....not much change and thats the way I like it.

It might be years and years before I will be ready for (read able to afford) a Plat DD or WG Daytona on bracelet, but I am pretty sure that in 10 years it will still be the same watch I fell in love with.

[Launch Mini]

Very true Roger.
BTW, any word on what Rolex might have in mind for the 100 year mark? That should be 2008.

[RogerF]

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

Very true Roger.
BTW, any word on what Rolex might have in mind for the 100 year mark? That should be 2008.

Dont know about Rolex, but Roger wants to have a WG DD with smooth bezel and president bracelet for 2008 =) hmmmm what dial though....

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by RogerF

Dont know about Rolex, but Roger wants to have a WG DD with smooth bezel and president bracelet for 2008 =) hmmmm what dial though....

METEORITE!
By the way, I agree with your thoughts in that post. Rolex always maintains that timeless classic design. It's reliable. No unexpected changes.

[dman]

Originally Posted by RogerF

Dont know about Rolex, but Roger wants to have a WG DD with smooth bezel and president bracelet for 2008 =) hmmmm what dial though....

WG my ass, go for my ultimate Rolex grail, the PLT DD.

[JJ Irani]

Why Rolex? Becasue it does everything a good, solid, reliable, dependable, sturdy, long lasting, accurate, comfortable, flashy, blingy and instantly recognisable watch is supposed to do!!

[padi56]

Well why Rolex well that question must have been asked on many forums 100s of times.Well some say its for the in-house movement,but now just mass produced,like many others.Some say for the prestige factor,some say its one
of the best brand in the world.But your Rolex is one of the most reliable accurate workhorse watches produced today.But so are a good few others including brands like Omega and quite a few lesser brands.But none have the marketing brand image of Rolex.Now that is very important to some,myself now quite happy to wear anything from a Poljot to a Rolex.And what you wear on your wrist,should be your choice and not what the market dictates or what the prestige factor tells you wear.

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by RogerF

I am chinese and I have a need to compensate for certain things =(

Roger,

I'm Japanese. I think most asians have a wristwatch gene that just can't be denied.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Mr. K

Roger,

I'm Japanese. I think most asians have a wristwatch gene that just can't be denied.

Originally Posted by Mr. K

Roger,

I'm Japanese. I think most asians have a wristwatch gene that just can't be denied.

That's funny... the asian girls I've dated have told me something quite different.