Rolex "feel"

[D_o_S]

Hi guys,

consider the following 3 images please:

(IMG by Rippin)

(IMG by PeteNYC13)

(IMG by Chogge)

Now, set aside the brand. Which watch looks the most well made, the most exclusive, the most luxurious to you?

I know this is a Rolex forum, but I think some multi-brand owners will (maybe) see what I'm getting at. Doesn't the PO just look the "best" in terms of craftsmanship? If the brand logos were erased, don't you think you'd stop by and ask someone what watch they were wearing in case of the PO, but maybe not so in the case of the other 2 (Rolexes)?

Don't get me wrong, I am a Rolex fan. But somehow, the Sub just gnaws at me for what it is and what it could be. I can appreciate a classic (like a Porsche), but I cannot appreciate an something that looks old for the sake of not improving it in any way.

Let's take the Porsche as an example. The design principals of the 911 have stayed the same ever since, but over the years, modernization has taken place, and you can undeniably tell (i.e. anyone that has a moderate interest in cars) a 993 Porsche from a 997.

With the Sub, to me, it seems like Porsche trying to sell a 993 today, because "it's the eternal classic" and "why fix something that isn't broken". I mean, look at the PO's case, the combination of brushing and polished edges, the index markers, the dial... Then look at the Rolex - doesn't it seem old? Compare the bezels. Take a look at the bands - both are brushed, if that's your poison, but the PO undoubtedly has a better clasp. I doubt it has ever failed on anyone. Yet till now, Rolex has stuck with a piece of bent metal... Look at the glass - the PO has antireflective coating on both sides (I'm guessing), wheras the Rolex has none.

Now look at the GMT II c. This, in my opinion, is a step in the right direction (the case size is acceptable for me at this level). The ceramic bezel adds to the luxury feeling. The PCLs also improve the overall impression. But then there's the maxi everything, which sort of takes away from the appeal...

Does anyone understand? In brief, do you think you're paying for more than the brand with the Rolex? I mean, Rolex has become such a status symbol, yet at times (like now), I feel it has just ridden it's wave of success, and not done much to strengthen its position. Omega, on the other hand, has worked its way up, and I would not hesitate to call it among the most bang for buck watches.

Some may retaliate that's a Rolex is about the movement, not the case. Come on, do you really think Rolex makes the best movements? Look at AP, PP, VC, Breguet, JLC etc... they obviously CAN be bothered to make a nice case for their movement.

In summary, did anyone ever feel like people will buy a Rolex no matter what, even if it was a low quality piece (like chinese quality), but still had the Rolex logo on it, people would still buy it? And it would still be so highly regarded?

Looking forward to your opinions, and please don't think that I'm bashing Rolex, I'm just trying to understand.

(On a side note, I think the DJ models are much more representative looking, or the Explorer I, but that has a DJ-like case, and the story behind it is sort of weird... I think if Rolex could sort of shift their dress/suit-like thinking into their sports range, it would be for the better)