"It's just a watch".

[CPTL]

I've nearly posted this before....

I think some people buy Rolex because it's expensive and a symbol. Those folks are probably not too concerned with how it works, what the hiarspring is made of, whether the center links are hollow or solid, and whether 40mm is better than 45mm.

There are others who simply appreciate excellence and quality. They understand that you have to pay for that. Now I understand that you can get an Omega for less, and the movement, design, and reliability is roughly equal. But still--it's not a Rolex. The Omega is good, but to some people, "good" is not "good" enough. We're talking the difference between a $400/hour attorney and a $500/hour attorney. Both are good. Only one causes the opposing party to sweat at the conference table.

Not many Rolexes in my line of work, but there are a few. Before I bought mine, I asked a good friend and mentor, and Rolex wearer, whether I should get a Rolex or another brand I was looking at. He said this:

"You don't have to wear a Rolex to be successful. But, look around at the wrists of the guys running things--your question will be answered."

[GoISU]

I wish I could wear my watch everyday, I however have a job that prevents this. When some people notice my watch I sometimes get a little embarassed. I love my watch because my wife made sacrifices and put a lot of thought into getting it for me on our wedding day. I just hate being percieved as a show off, I am not a corporate man nor do I aspire to be. If I wear my watch in my work setting it is actually a liability for me. I appreciate my watch for it's quality, for some it would make me a target.

[leopardprey]

Reference Omega and Rolex. Yes, they are equal mechanically. The extra dollars come into play for people wanting the Name Recognition, rather than mechanical. Rolex is a recognized status symbol. How vain we all are.

[JostheBoss]

I'm so glad this concept was put out there because I was struggling with the reasons I wanted one myself. When finally I came to the answer within myself, I wanted to know what others felt. This has been one of the best discussions yet!

Here's my 2cents on the matter...

I saw my first rolex (SS Sub) on the wrist of the Head of Surgery at the hospital I interned at. It left a lasting impression on me and I've been fascinated since. To me, it's never been "just a watch". Here's what it is to me...

It's a Symbol: To a working man, it marks the reward of his own sweat. I'm a young doctor, and doctors work with their hands to turn their dollars. It took a lot of turns to get me to a place wher I can now afford my own. A Rolex shows that, most importantly to the wearer, smiling back every time you glance at it saying "Good show, well done, now carry on". It could also symbolise the love one has...for the value of one's work, the love of a woman, the love of a father. When you lay out that amount of cash for a gift you'll never wear, trust me, the symbolism of that relationship will get tested :)

It's an Idea: The truth is, people need an object they can attach such value to. Rolex positioned itself rather inventively to assume that role, and people respond to that. It was perfectly placed too...a timepiece! Brilliant! Attach value to the time you have on the Earth. The attainment of a Rolex becomes an event that divides things into "before this" and "after this". You also buy into the ideology of it all..Time is precious, time is constant, time is valued. A quality piece reflects all that.

It's an association: Rolex is solely responsible for most of the features we take for granted in wristwatches today...Oyster Perpetual Date, and more. Holding one says "yes, I am that type of person". Pride in your work, life, loves. Excellence always...Forever

[CPTL]

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Reference Omega and Rolex. Yes, they are equal mechanically. The extra dollars come into play for people wanting the Name Recognition, rather than mechanical. Rolex is a recognized status symbol. How vain we all are.

I don't think you get the point of my post. It's not a vanity thing. It's a perception thing. If we truly only cared about the label, would we be having discussions at length about the merits of ceramic vs. stainless steel, or the lineage of the Zenith Daytona movement? For that matter, would we all abhorr well made replicas?

Porche Boxter S vs. Audi TT Quattro: Audi wins every performance category except straight line speed and acceleration on dry pavement (in which the margin of Porche victory is very slim). However, poll people--even car lovers--about which is the more "high performance" sportscar. (BTW I'm not a car guy, so I'm drawing this example from an article I read in Car and Driver a year or so ago.)

People who buy Rolex, and care about the history and how it works, want "the best." And Rolex is, at least if you consider overwhelming popular opinion, "the best."

[GoldenBear]

It's really sad if you don't wear it because you are worried someone will comment on it (good or bad). It is just a watch. (A fantastic one at that). If you wear it "OVER" your jacket or sweater), like the guy in one of the pictures we've seen, then you have a problem. Women have jewelry, they wear it and not don't about what people think. If you have a Rolex, you should wear it with pride. Let the woman go on, you have nothing to be ashamed of. If you aren't willing to wear it, for whatever reason, you might as well have a Timex. Just my thought.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by CPTL

)And Rolex is, at least if you consider overwhelming popular opinion, "the best."

Quite true. I took my Sub to the camera shop I deal with a while ago to have them take some high def pictures of the clear caseback. I still remember the comment from one of the staff, "The best there is". That's the public perception.

Starting some time around the conspicuous consumption era of the 70's, Rolex has had arguably the most successful brand recognition ad campaign in history, with the possible exception of De Beers "A diamond is forever" and "Three months' salary" snow job.

[teoythong]

In life there will be people who will be willing to pay a premium for quality. Just like someone will fork out 2x the price for Merc, BMW or higher price for some expensive diamond ring, etc. I think it is the same. Of course an expensive car is an expense while an expensive diamond can be an investment. As for expensive Rolex watch. I think it can be somewhere in between.

[Ed Rooney]

Originally Posted by CPTL

"You don't have to wear a Rolex to be successful. But, look around at the wrists of the guys running things--your question will be answered."

That's worthy of a signature.

[ROGU808]

Originally Posted by Tools

.

...Hey....If ya' gotta ask....

HERE HERE TOOLS!!!!

[Gedanken]

When you get down to the bare facts, it is just a watch. It's not a matter of selling it short, but studied diffidence has its charm.

Why do I wear a Rolex and not a Timex? Simply because Timex hasn't made anything that's really tickled my fancy.

Am I the only one in my circle wearing a Rolex? Most times I am, but when I'm not and it's not given that the other party is a WIS, an appreciative nod of acknowledgement to the other person often suffices.

I'm an organisational psychologist, and Rolexes are not commonplace. However, my boss has a penchant for Brioni and while I settle for Hugo Boss, he appreciates my dress sense down to the watch.

[paschar3]

excuse me ; calling a ROLEX just another watch is like compairing a formula one race car to a model T, trust me it`s not just another watch, consider the I Q source of those who made the comment as well as there income and station in life, if a woman were to buy me a rolex i would feel the same way, as a former member of the army medical corp we had a saying, an opion is just like the rectum , everyone has one & they all stink the same . the next time you show your rolex to anyone.

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by paschar3

excuse me ; calling a ROLEX just another watch is like compairing a formula one race car to a model T, trust me it`s not just another watch, consider the I Q source of those who made the comment as well as there income and station in life, if a woman were to buy me a rolex i would feel the same way, as a former member of the army medical corp we had a saying, an opion is just like the rectum , everyone has one & they all stink the same . the next time you show your rolex to anyone.

Say what?

[paschar3]

opps! Make sure there deserving of it

[Gedanken]

With all due respect, I beg to differ.

The very image of the Rolex wearer, as evidenced by those who endorse Rolex, is one of an individualist who does what he or she does without excessive concern for what others might make of it. Why, then, be bothered if someone thinks it's just a watch or the best thing since horological sliced bread? As far as one is concerned, wearing a Rolex is simply a matter of course.

[citidon]

Originally Posted by yachtsales

I have head that "its just a watch" soo many times. It is not even worth the breath!

Yes, IT is just a watch. ITs the very BEST kind of watch!

[redshirt1957]

I wear a Rolex for my own pleasure. I wear my adult depends for others.

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

When you get down to the bare facts, it is just a watch. It's not a matter of selling it short, but studied diffidence has its charm.

Why do I wear a Rolex and not a Timex? Simply because Timex hasn't made anything that's really tickled my fancy.

Am I the only one in my circle wearing a Rolex? Most times I am, but when I'm not and it's not given that the other party is a WIS, an appreciative nod of acknowledgement to the other person often suffices.

I'm an organisational psychologist, and Rolexes are not commonplace. However, my boss has a penchant for Brioni and while I settle for Hugo Boss, he appreciates my dress sense down to the watch.

From your posts I figured out the psychologist part, but I not familiar with the job description of an organizational psychologist. Business mores, boundaries, interactions and such?

[ron17402]

There are many reasons people wear Rolex.

*Maybe they received it as a gift from a spouse/partner.
*Maybe they received it as a gift from parents/a family member.
*Maybe they received it as a corporate recognition.
*Maybe it is a fake.
*Maybe a Rolex is a insignificant purchase relative to their income.
*Maybe they stole it.
*Maybe they bought with a financial windfall.
*Maybe they are leveraged beyond belief.
*Maybe they inherited it.
*Maybe they found it on the street.
*Maybe they are/were in the Military with no expenses and disproportionate disposable income.
*Maybe they are average people who scrimped and saved.

The fact is that what a person spends his money on or wears as fashion is a very personal choice for which nobody can judge. The above reasons are why I don't judge anyone for anything material. Nor will I be judged.

I, and I'm sure many here, could write a book about the Rolex phenomonom. It could be the single most misunderstood luxary item and we must face the fact that many people simply will not, or cannot, or choose not to understand. And that's OK. Because we are all different. It's what makes the world a challenging and exciting place to live and grow.

On the flipside of the reasons people might wear a Rolex, there are many reasons people make comments.

I see many people wearing Rolexs and personally know many people who own Rolexs. They (we) are a diverse group of people.

I could go on and on, but I reiterate:

Rolex could be the single most controversial luxary brand in the world. Wearing one, especially flaunting one, opens up people's deep-seeded opinions about the brand.

OK, I'll stop now.

[GrandDaddy]

Yup, just a watch. I am wearing my "Pepsi just a watch".

[zak98]

agreed.. and as someone else stated above.. you cannot strap the 1080i/p plasma to your wrist and enjoy all day (at least not yet)

one of my hobbies is model railroading. as with any hobby, amazing what you can spend.

if it brings you enjoyment.. whos to say what is the proper amount to spend on a watch or any item.

your choice, your money... wear it, enjoy it, try to pass on the passion....

thanks!

[BigHat]

I agree with most of the posts here disputing the fact that "it's just a watch."

One point that may have been missed, that I have observed, is that even people that know it's more than a basic watch will nevertheless make that assertion. I have always worked among a large group of peers, both in and out of the military, where we all made roughly the same amount. Sadly, the wife acceptance factor (WAF) in home theater parlance, varys greatly. So do familiy size, goals and obligations.
Your friends probably would love to have the same cars, watches, etc. but they will not / cannot. Rather than just admit it, they rationalize a reason why they are wiser than you for not having them. It eases their sense of deprivation.
I find there is no point debating the issue with them. I simply smile and say that I enjoy it and no one is doing without food, water or braces because I bought it so be happy for me.

[f16570]

Good points Ed Rooney. I am not interested in what anyone else thinks about my watch. I do not stand in the pub 7 nights a week, subscribe to Sky TV, have car loans or have a medicinal herb habit.
I always wanted a Rolex since I was a boy and I worked hard to get it, so if you are upset by my acheivment to bad......

f

[SeaGoer]

I have read 3 pages worth of posts on why we wear a Rolex watch instead of a Timex. Many put forward good and thoughtfull reasons explaining the reward, recognition, achievement, association, etc notions behind it.

So , why do I wear a Rolex and not a Timex?

Because I CAN.

End of story. More and more I feel that a person who has the audacity to ask you such a question deserves this answer.

[gha]

Originally Posted by JostheBoss

I'm so glad this concept was put out there because I was struggling with the reasons I wanted one myself. When finally I came to the answer within myself, I wanted to know what others felt. This has been one of the best discussions yet!

Here's my 2cents on the matter...

I saw my first rolex (SS Sub) on the wrist of the Head of Surgery at the hospital I interned at. It left a lasting impression on me and I've been fascinated since. To me, it's never been "just a watch". Here's what it is to me...

It's a Symbol: To a working man, it marks the reward of his own sweat. I'm a young doctor, and doctors work with their hands to turn their dollars. It took a lot of turns to get me to a place wher I can now afford my own. A Rolex shows that, most importantly to the wearer, smiling back every time you glance at it saying "Good show, well done, now carry on". It could also symbolise the love one has...for the value of one's work, the love of a woman, the love of a father. When you lay out that amount of cash for a gift you'll never wear, trust me, the symbolism of that relationship will get tested :)

It's an Idea: The truth is, people need an object they can attach such value to. Rolex positioned itself rather inventively to assume that role, and people respond to that. It was perfectly placed too...a timepiece! Brilliant! Attach value to the time you have on the Earth. The attainment of a Rolex becomes an event that divides things into "before this" and "after this". You also buy into the ideology of it all..Time is precious, time is constant, time is valued. A quality piece reflects all that.

It's an association: Rolex is solely responsible for most of the features we take for granted in wristwatches today...Oyster Perpetual Date, and more. Holding one says "yes, I am that type of person". Pride in your work, life, loves. Excellence always...Forever

Excellent point of view, and a great way to look at life in general.
gha

[Alcan]

.

[mborkow]

Originally Posted by CPTL

Porche Boxter S vs. Audi TT Quattro: Audi wins every performance category except straight line speed and acceleration on dry pavement (in which the margin of Porche victory is very slim). However, poll people--even car lovers--about which is the more "high performance" sportscar. (BTW I'm not a car guy, so I'm drawing this example from an article I read in Car and Driver a year or so ago.)

for the record (i believe you are talking about the motor trend head-head comparison), the TT compared well to the Boxster (non-S) though the Boxster still came out on top (#1 Boxster, #2 BMW Z4, #3 Audi TT quatro). The Boxster S is in a different league :-)

here is the article:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...onclusion.html

[Transient]

This thread has been covered before with the same ridiculous comments. If you don't have the balls to wear a Rolex, the answer is simple; don't buy one. If you don't have the balls to drive a Ferrari, don't buy one. That being said, don't parade it around and throw it in everyone's face. What I do with my money is my business, no-one else's.

[GrandDaddy]

Originally Posted by Transient

This thread has been covered before with the same ridiculous comments. If you don't have the balls to wear a Rolex, the answer is simple; don't buy one. If you don't have the balls to drive a Ferrari, don't buy one. That being said, don't parade it around and throw it in everyone's face. What I do with my money is my business, no-one else's.

I totally/completely/undoubtedly/unequivocally/100 percent agree with you.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Transient

This thread has been covered before with the same ridiculous comments. If you don't have the balls to wear a Rolex, the answer is simple; don't buy one. If you don't have the balls to drive a Ferrari, don't buy one. That being said, don't parade it around and throw it in everyone's face. What I do with my money is my business, no-one else's.

Yep .....Me too...