To wear a Rolex or not wear a Rolex

[bodhipooh]

I disagree with the general statement that a lot of people make (in this and other threads) that goes along the lines of "nobody notices watches". In some countries, cultures, or regions, people *will* size you up and take notice of everything you are wearing, or not wearing, and what kind of image you project. Sometimes this is done consciously, but other times it is very unconsciously. I am Hispanic, and I can tell you that in Hispanic cultures it is very normal to do this, and particularly so in some countries (Mexico comes to mind, but the same can be said of many others) and the same is true of many cities around the US (Miami, NYC, Dallas, LA are places where I have noticed and witnessed the behavior/tendency first hand) and that is simply normal (to me, at least) but overall this is also normal human behavior, but most people don't realize it or acknowledge it. Anytime you interact with someone, you immediately assess each other. This is a primal behavior, a relic of our evolution of basic "fight or flight" response to new things. In any case, I believe that a lot of people do notice, but some will simply do so subconsciously so their brains "archive" the observation as just another data point, others may actively notice and simply not say something (because it is the "polite" thing to do, or not do) and others react and say something (which can be awkward, or funny) but a lot more people notice than some here seem to think. In any case, whether people notice, or not, it is solely on them how they react. As others have pointed out, you should be comfortable with your watch and what you choose to own, or you will always find yourself "suffering" through a process of self doubt, or self questioning. That's too emotionally draining, even if you don't realize it.

Most of my clients (I am an IT consultant in NYC) do notice the watches, but rarely do they comment. Occasionally, I get a jealous/derisive/passive-agressive comment (such as "well, must be nice" or "we are paying you too much!") to which I usually just shrug my shoulders and reply with "I work really hard, spend my money wisely, live frugally at times, and like to enjoy the finer things in life". Let them seethe with envy.

And, to the person who made the analogy of pink shirts: that was a perfect way to put it. I *love* wearing pink shirts, as well as flower dress shirts. I find them elegant, and they appeal to my sense of aesthetics, and OF COURSE people notice. The typical reaction from guys is "dude, what's with all the pink shirts!?" or many more years ago "are you gay?" which is now too un-PC to be uttered in public (ha!) while most women react with "nice shirt!" or "i like the way you dress" and guess what? I don't care one bit... I wear the shirts I wear because I like them. What people think or don't think matters very little to me.

All this to say, wear the damn watch, and enjoy it! Life is too short to be consumed by what others think or say.

[EDL7]

let them seethe with envy.

lol!

[gregmoeck]

Don't wear it in, keep in pocket, then half way through go to bathroom and put it on wrist

[Bluside]

I understand your concern. Since you are even asking the question, it may not be the best choice. I'm sure nobody will notice, but if your are going to be uncomfortable then wear another watch.

[Bluside]

OOPs...I just saw you went to the party last night. Did you wear your Rolex?

[judodave1964]

I've being wearing rolex watchs for nearly thirty years and never received a comment.

[mtgjr]

If you have to ask that question, you bought the wrong watch.

[phil40000]

I hope the OP is trolling us? But if for reals you are putting too much thought into this. I truly wonder how people like this cope in the world. Your OP would put me off being a customer of yours due to your lack of confidence and to make a rational decision. Just wear the watch, no one will give a crap.


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[R G]

Originally Posted by phil40000

I hope the OP is trolling us? But if for reals you are putting too much thought into this. I truly wonder how people like this cope in the world. Your OP would put me off being a customer of yours due to your lack of confidence and to make a rational decision. Just wear the watch, no one will give a crap.


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Fair comment.

[pablo5]

99% of people won't care or notice. The watch is meant to be worn and enjoyed. I would only worry what my parents or grand parents cared about my financial decisions if I owed them money and/or they were supporting me. As a self supporting individual this isn't the case and they enjoy seeing my new watch acquisitions as much as I do!


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[cferrel]

no one will notice unless its solid gold.

[Wcdhtwn]

Wear it. If someone asks and you are uncomfortable about it just say it was a gift. They don't need to know it was a gift from you to you.

[VicLeChic]

In your case I would wear it.

The only times I wouldn't wear mine is when meeting up with people who struggle financially, being drunk or walking in a rough area. Other than that no problem at all.

[707soldier]

OP tell us what happen at the party..

[encarter13]

Sorry for the long delay. I tend to avoid technology on the weekends.
I did wear the watch and it wasn't mentioned. I did notice it get a few long looks, but nothing was said. Had a great time at the party and I got to enjoy my watch as well. Conversely, tonight at dinner my sister yelled "Is that a Rolex?!?!"

BTW, I posted a picture on the way to the party to let everyone know I did wear the watch. I even made a joke that I went with a peach shirt instead of a pink!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by encarter13

Conversely, tonight at dinner my sister yelled "Is that a Rolex?!?!"

She hadn't just returned from an office party where she tried to throw a Cosmopolitan at a Rolex wearer?

[bigpopaz]

Originally Posted by AK797

She hadn't just returned from an office party where she tried to throw a Cosmopolitan at a Rolex wearer?

[encarter13]

Originally Posted by AK797

She hadn't just returned from an office party where she tried to throw a Cosmopolitan at a Rolex wearer?

HAHA! Not my sister's style at all. However, she was at a party where her boss, a female dentist, showed off her collection of 6 Rolex timepieces.

[daveo5]

What kind of a silly question is this??

[69mach351]

A lot of people put this question aside, but it is one that may not be taken lightly. I have a number of clients on the lower end of the economic scale, but have a fair amount of control over how much money their employer spends with me. There are situations where I would never consider wearing a rolex. On that same note, there are places that I wouldn't consider wearing a cheap watch, because well, when in Rome. I will always tend to play it safe though. A few hours without it on my wrist is fine if it gets me closer to purchasing my next.

[exador]

We had a salesman that used to visit clients in his Lamborghini Gallardo a few years ago.
Said clients started to ask if they were paying too much so he was asked to tone it down.
He went out and bought a second hand BMW for the job...

[MikeMc]

I agree with everything Grady Philpott says:

If you're really that concerned about what others will think of you, will you really enjoy wearing it?

Maybe for the setting, it's not the right watch to wear.

There's nothing wrong with considering the feelings of others, if you think they might be offended or worse.

On the other hand, not many folks pay that much attention to wristwatches these days, unless you're wearing a smartwatch, which I think people do notice.

I just retired from an Rolex AD with three Rolex watches and fifteen others, and I think there are times you don't want to look "rich" or "ostentatious". Make the choice appropriate for the occasion. If it's an Explorer or a stainless Oyster Perpetual, then wear it, all others don't. I wear mine 95% of the time but I don't if I'm negotiating a price or with someone that wants money from me.

[BNA/LION]

IMHO this should not even be a decision.

Always wear the clothes, shoes and watch you have and drive the car you own and be the person you are. If you change to adapt to other people you lose you own identity!

[Racerdj]

My suggestion is to put it on and enjoy it. No need to alter your behavior.

[HeartRolex]

I love seeing men in pink shirts. It says loads about their self-confidence.

[VIG]

Wearing a Rolex is always the right answer.

[Iloreyix]

I posted earlier on this thread about being slightly self-conscious wearing my sub to a family party.
I forgot all about it, wore the watch - not a durn comment. Or even glimpse.
I was almost disappointed

[RolexPete]

Wear the crap out of that Rolex!

[descartes]

It's just a friggin Rolex, not a $200,000 Patek. They sell a million of them a year to people who wear them to work, meetings, parties etc. It's not really that extravagant of a possession. I really wouldn't sweat it.

[ajas]

Just wear it and don't worry

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