jewelry .... Tool watch

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Logic not allowed on forums

haha!

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by Blackdog

Some posts above someone asked what as the point of the thread. Valid question.
If it is to highlight that Rolex has been transitioning from tool to jewellery over the last decades, well I think it is true. But let's be fair, this is what most people want to buy today from Rolex. It's really no surprise these people tend to pamper their watches a lot more.

IMO, the Tool Watch is pretty much extinct.

When the term "Tool Watch" was coined, if you wanted to be able to tell the time you HAD TO HAVE a watch. Watches were necessary, and in themselves, a tool. If you needed to tell time or measure elapsed time under some stringent or extreme conditions, you needed specialized watches. This is were tool watches came in.

Back to modern day, watches are not really necessary anymore. Time is everywhere. And with respect to the specialized watches, in all cases better tools have been created that fulfill those functions in a much, much better way.

So what is a tool watch today ? A nostalgia item, mostly.

What you see in the Seiko is a watch that follows the spirit of the Tool Watches of yore a bit more faithfully: Relatively inexpensive, rugged and dependable.

Rolex will still give you rugged and dependable, but at a very different pricepoint.

Which one of the two options are you going to take underwater on your next diving trip ? Your choice, really. Both will be fine, and you will most likely be wearing a diving computer too anyway.

I was going to comment on this thread but you took the words right out of my mouth!

[watchwatcher]

Ah...the tool watch debate. How I've missed you...

[Lordofrolex]

I don't know about most but i wear my watches during all activies. Thats why i have a collection with different types of watches and complications.

[Evad3]

Move aside Rolex

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Evad3

Move aside Rolex

ftw.

[SeaAndSky]

Originally Posted by travisb

The Seiko is much more of a tool watch and although the newer Subs are more flashy, they can still be used as one if the owner intended.

Really? So just how is Seiko more of a tool watch in your opinion?

[SeaAndSky]

Originally Posted by landroverking

With those choices, jewelry.
If the top pic was a SD. Tool.
Most Rolexes today are worn as jewerley.
Having paid as little as $500 for GMTs & Subs in the 70s in those days they were tool watches.

So price decides whether something is a tool or not? Hmmm. I couldn't disagree more. A tool is a tool regardless of price. It's just a more expensive tool.

[KrismanX]

Some Rolex watches are tools, some Rolex owners are tools. It's all a matter of perspective and perception.

That being said, Rolex would be a high end tool, if considered in that way. A high-end, beautiful tool. Like a Porsche!

[SeaAndSky]

Originally Posted by Ragna

Is a screwdriver a tool ? Yes.

What if i raise the price of it to 10k ? Would it still be a screwdriver ? Yes.

Exactly. Now Ladies and Gentlemen, can we please just accept this logic and truth and just stop with these annoying "tool or jewelry" threads. In any event, I'm going to try to not respond anymore to these threads despite how much they annoy me and beg a response.

[axl911]

Some tools are more expensive than others. The price between a Snap-On wrench/socket is much different than Harbor Freight. And yes, there are HUGE debates whether the price justifies the functionality/usability/reliability/and LOOKs on them too

[Juantxo]

I don't believe Rolex Submariners, for instance, have ceased to be "tool" watches as they are very much the same they were decades ago, and tougher yet. What's changed is the technology of diving gear, the emergence of the great G-Shock, and many brands that have copied the Sub and are being sold at much cheaper prices.

There is nothing in the new Rolex watches that make them any less of a tool than they were decades ago. Moreover, they have never been "çheap" watches. When I bought my first DJ, a TT, I paid for it what any college educated young guy would make in a month.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by axl911

Some tools are more expensive than others. The price between a Snap-On wrench/socket is much different than Harbor Freight. And yes, there are HUGE debates whether the price justifies the functionality/usability/reliability/and LOOKs on them too

You make a good point too.

[Hairdude1]

My Rolex Ex1 is my tool (everyday) watch

[onthepond]

Many decades ago, I suffered the same stress over choosing Snap-On "tools" over (insert brand). Many decades later, with untold hours of wrenching, I still use those Snap-On tools. For those who know, they are like fine jewelry; a touch, feel & look that never escapes.

Many decades later, I still wear my Rolex, 24/7, including when wrenching, welding, in meetings ... or dining out. Never serviced, it keeps accurate time well within Rolex parameters.

Both are fine tools ... I chose Snap-On for the reputation, looks, feel & function, and paid a premium. My first recall seeing a Rolex at work was on the wrist of a farmer whose arm was covered in mud, unplugging an irrigation system. Lots of mud. He rinsed his arms off and there was the watch. He, others like him, myself see them as tools; beautiful tools that just work, forever. Beautiful, fine tools to be used.

To each ...

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by SeaAndSky

So price decides whether something is a tool or not? Hmmm. I couldn't disagree more. A tool is a tool regardless of price. It's just a more expensive tool.

Great response. I could expect no less from a Campagnolo man.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by onthepond

Many decades ago, I suffered the same stress over choosing Snap-On "tools" over (insert brand). Many decades later, with untold hours of wrenching, I still use those Snap-On tools. For those who know, they are like fine jewelry; a touch, feel & look that never escapes.

Many decades later, I still wear my Rolex, 24/7, including when wrenching, welding, in meetings ... or dining out. Never serviced, it keeps accurate time well within Rolex parameters.

Both are fine tools ... I chose Snap-On for the reputation, looks, feel & function, and paid a premium. My first recall seeing a Rolex at work was on the wrist of a farmer whose arm was covered in mud, unplugging an irrigation system. Lots of mud. He rinsed his arms off and there was the watch. He, others like him, myself see them as tools; beautiful tools that just work, forever. Beautiful, fine tools to be used.

To each ...

Snap-On, Campagnolo, Rolex...!!! You guys are rocking my world.

[Ritch99]

A tool is a tool...regardless if the user actually uses it. The cost or appearance of said tool has nothing to do with its status or purpose of being a tool. Rolex time pieces are tool watches...Those that say they are not, have not taken into account that modern Rolex time pieces are more robust, accurate and longer lasting than Rolex product from earlier times.

The fact of the matter is that Rolex's marketing department has succeeded in their marketing goals and their product is now more appealing to the masses, incidentally, not only as a tool watch, but as a luxury item based on price point. In the end, one of the most recognized brands on the planet.

I really believe that anyone who says Rolex are no longer a tool watches, is basing their opinion on just that...their own opinion.

Tell me, which production watch Rolex has ever produced that could with stand 3999m below the surface of the ocean before the deep sea. NONE...Remember, I said production. Compare pics of the first Rolex to go to the bottom of the ocean and the one that sat outside of the sub James Cameron built and piloted to the same depth.

Do we not agree that Rolex has advanced their tech, metallurgy and mechanical efficiency since, say the 1970's?

We all know the answer is absolutely yes they have. Their product has always cost more. Quality costs money. If you want the best, you have to pay for it.

How many in here are actually qualified to designate what is or is not a tool watch? Not many I am afraid.

[SeaAndSky]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

Great response. I could expect no less from a Campagnolo man.

Thanks! This particular discussion just drives me crazy. I use my 116710 every day at work for it's intended purposes. As I'm not tethered to my phone I use the watch as intended to tell time and get to work on time and get the jet out on time. The GMT hand, which is set to GMT, helps me quickly evaluate weather charts and forecasts. And when in different timezones, a quick spin of the bezel to indicate local time via the GMT hand gives me the local time without fussing with changing the hour hand. I'd say that the my Rolex is a useful tool. And I'm old school. I don't wear jewelry.

[J!m]

Originally Posted by axl911

Some tools are more expensive than others. The price between a Snap-On wrench/socket is much different than Harbor Freight. And yes, there are HUGE debates whether the price justifies the functionality/usability/reliability/and LOOKs on them too

Well, I think this is a bit different in that I have broken every brand of tool I have owned and snap-on is the most durable for me. So there is some value to me there. The lifetime warranty from sears on craftsman tools is nice but not if you are constantly driving to sears to replace broken tools...

With the Seiko / Rolex debate I think they are equal in most if not all mechanical comparisons. Accuracy is debatable but the Seiko can be adjusted too...

In this case it really comes down to what you like and can afford. I don't think either is "better" from a technical standpoint.

[Boaters]

They are both tools like comparing Snap On to Craftsman

[Volatile Agent]

Does a tool watch have to be "cheap"?

I use my 16710 often while flying through time zones and always need to know GMT time as this is the universal time in aviation. So I use it to its capability to determine time in 3 zones.

My Rolex GMT is just as useful today as it was to the Pan Am guys decades ago. Now, I have other cheaper watches that can do perform similarly, but not better.

Is my 16710 a tool watch? Of course. Can I spend less for a watch that has the same function? Yep. A car is a machine that takes you from A to B. Is a Ferrari considered to not be an automobile because it costs more than a Prius?

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by fungo

For the price people pay for rolexes, it is definitely jewelery. For less than 500 squid, you could have gotten a real tool watch that can do much more than just tell time.

But for 500 quid can you purchase a watch that is accurate to within a second a day without reliance on a battery or computer (which can run out of power or fail at any moment)?

[fungo]

Originally Posted by Ragna

Is a screwdriver a tool ? Yes.

What if i raise the price of it to 10k ? Would it still be a screwdriver ? Yes.

I would demand the screwdriver do more than screw/unscrew for that price. It better be able to cook and clean

[lefty1999]

Many decades ago, I suffered the same stress over choosing Snap-On "tools" over (insert brand). Many decades later, with untold hours of wrenching, I still use those Snap-On tools. For those who know, they are like fine jewelry; a touch, feel & look that never escapes.

Many decades later, I still wear my Rolex, 24/7, including when wrenching, welding, in meetings ... or dining out. Never serviced, it keeps accurate time well within Rolex parameters.

let me ask you do you have a complete set of tools that you keep and use to avoid using your Snap-on every chance you got?

the thing is you USE your Snap-on.. I know that you said that you wear your Rolex 24/7 but lets be honest the vast majority wouldn't wear an $8000 watch as a beater..

Ah by the way, you know what we call a beater, that's the real tool watch because what we are pampering isnt

[onthepond]

Originally Posted by lefty1999

let me ask you do you have a complete set of tools that you keep and use to avoid using your Snap-on every chance you got?

the thing is you USE your Snap-on.. I know that you said that you wear your Rolex 24/7 but lets be honest the vast majority wouldn't wear an $8000 watch as a beater..

Ah by the way, you know what we call a beater, that's the real tool watch because what we are pampering isnt

Great response Lefty. And the Snap-On tools, while used, are not "beaten"; the quality simply makes them timeless, aesthetically and by function. When I hear references to "beater watches", I'm invariably lost. If it has a specific function for an activity (a GPS ...) I get it, it's simply the right wrench/tool for the job. These watches are far more robust than many give them credit for. I'll bet more watches are damaged when dropped, taking them on & off?

In aviation, we refer to this mindset as a "hanger queen"; watches make the "safe queen" status. I live an active life (motorcycles, bicycles, shooting, hiking, diving ... along with work), usually wearing the appropriate gear; always wearing my Rolex. I suppose the distinction may be I don't wear a Rolex as an investment, or for status. It is a beautiful tool that serves me well - a pleasing function.

I do get the fear by some and the cost of the piece. But I could use the same analogy when landing on roads, beaches, fields ... in my planes. They are also expensive, to buy and or repair. My philosophy is to live and enjoy fine tools, not beat them. I have yet to damage my watch, decades ... The riskiest exposure it experiences is being near, in reach of one of my parrots; they can steal a crown in the blink of the eye. Admittedly, it enjoys character, just as I do at a senior age; the REAL tool

I use, but don't abuse; whether I am working or playing.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by SeaAndSky

Thanks! This particular discussion just drives me crazy. I use my 116710 every day at work for it's intended purposes. As I'm not tethered to my phone I use the watch as intended to tell time and get to work on time and get the jet out on time. The GMT hand, which is set to GMT, helps me quickly evaluate weather charts and forecasts. And when in different timezones, a quick spin of the bezel to indicate local time via the GMT hand gives me the local time without fussing with changing the hour hand. I'd say that the my Rolex is a useful tool. And I'm old school. I don't wear jewelry.

Same with Campagnolo. It's not like I keep a SRAM equipped frame to go riding. Moreover, I have never had a road bicycle with anything but Campagnolo and I use my bicycles hard. Even the Hampsten/Eriksen I have set up with an 80th anniversary Campagnolo group.