Why Rolex?

[nighthawk77]

Recently, no doubt in part due to the shortage of availability, grey market prices, and frustrations this is causing, I am seeing more and more bashing of the Rolex brand. This had me wondering, why does Rolex remain so in demand? Nobody is forced to buy Rolex, so what attracts people to the brand rather than turning to other readily available alternative brands?

There are many great brand alternatives available which match Rolex in most aspects including history, build quality, innovation, functionality and design. Most can even offer better availability and lower costs. So is it better brand recognition through a vastly superior marketing scheme by Rolex, or is it a case of human nature whereby people want what they cannot have?

For me, I like the history of the brand, the quality of the products and the iconic designs - but I also recognise these qualities in other brands. I'm curious to hear what others think in relation to this.

[JParm]

Because it is the best known brand, the history is great and there's nothing that can beat them (at that price point).

And honestly speaking, the general public only cares about the name. Rolex vs. Breitling vs. Omega vs. fill in the blank - who wins when speaking to someone that has no knowledge of watches outside of hearing the Rolex name?

[westsiderkg]

Solid resale value.

[sillo]

Because I know I can wear it anywhere in basically any situation and it's going to be accurate, durable and reliable.

I also appreciate the large community and massive amount of knowledge behind Rolex collecting which makes it easier to make informed decisions about watches.

The large community also helps ensure I'll be able to get these things serviced for the foreseeable future.

Lastly, knowing I won't lose significant amount of money helps take the sting out of shelling out large chunks of money. It's also nice to have a hobby that you can't get out of in an emergency.

[padi56]

Simply because Rolex are no longer watches just little more than £££££$$$$ to many.

[spare]

All of the above, but primarly aesthetics for me. There is something that has always attracted me in the sport watches' designs of Rolex.
Whether that is due to exposure to years of subliminal marketing or actual design language, I can't tell.
I do appreciate (and own) iconic pieces from other brands as well though.

[Syed117]

So simple!

Because those five letters arranged in that way give me worth as a person than some other letters like AGEMO or OKIES arranged in a different way.