Ultimate Response to “Why did you spend so much $$$ on Rolex?” Thread

[david_ord]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

I've heard so many people tell me that community college degrees are just as good as Ivy League certificates, that JC Penny jeans are every bit as fashionable and durable as designer goods, that their Hyundai gets them to the 7-11 every bit as quickly as my Jag (that's a Subaru to them of you wot know me) and all these things are true. Watches tell time. A decent Seagull movement is mechanical, automatic, and accurate, and sells for under $200. So why do it? I've learned very little in this complex world BUT have come to the conclusion that YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Yes, your Timex will get you to the brothel on time for the noon-time special, but when I'm feeling a little dragged, a little more like "life is living me" rather than me living life, a nice watch can be a minor inspiration. I want to be like a Rolex, doing the same things as those around me, just with a little more style and a little more quality.

Again, we need to set up a TRF comments rating system, with 0 being trollish and 5 being exemplary. Under this system, this post would receive a 5 from me.

[MoBe]

The ultimate response to an ignorant question is to ignore the person in total silence.Once that person has got the message I then throw in a smile for good measure,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,because it makes me feel good.

Try it some time,you`d be surprised at how effective silence can be when used at the right time and place.

[689maple]

I wear rolex because I want to.

I represent a real "operator" in his family and business matters here in his hometown and he wears Rolex because he said that if all else fails he can always try to trade his watch for a ride out. He had a friend do so in a Latin American country about 3 years ago--true story. Some of his brother soldiers wear expensive IWC for the exact same reason. These are some of the guys who also often wear two watches for decidedly different reasons than most WIS types who wear two.

[theloxmyth]

Because, for all time, I can say I owned a Rolex...once.

(Past tense because my #2 son just got accepted to Pitt Med and my #1 son is attending graduate school at UC Berekely. And there goes all my little bit of money! )

I'm going to strive to keep them thar watches, sons!

[seanthome]

Most of my clothes I buy pretty cheaply. Jeans, shirts, even suits can be found in good quality at warehouse sales, online, and even at Costco. But for my shoes and watch, I always spend for really high quality. For some reason its the article of clothing that seem to matter the most to me.

Also like the idea of having something valuable of mine that I could give to my son later on. Don't think he'll want any of my old shoes.

[handsfull]

*Because there are VERY FEW mechanical things that haven't been changed/altered/improved or altogether eliminated with time....

*Because there is nothing else that can be functionally used/worn daily that you can pass on to your son after you die, short of your pocketknife. The symbolism is hard to argue with too: When you stop moving (your time has expired on earth), the movement will stop. Poetic really.

[Megalobyte]

It seems to me the best answer, in order to dispell the idea you're wasting money on a luxury item, is that if you get your Rolex at a decent price, you can usually wear it for free and recoup most, all or even a little bit more than you paid in the future. Something is not really expensive if it's free right?

[petesjag]

Because its simply a beautiful object to own...like any other beautiful thing...no more reasoning necessary...

[dimitros]

Originally Posted by A.J.R.

Because WINNING!

Charlie Sheen is that you? :p

[Satsu]

Because every day I feel like I'm living more and more in a throw away society. Buy the plastic cheapo device, keep it for a few months to a few years, throw it away and buy another one. Eventually you find that everything you touch in your daily life fits that description and there really isn't any joy in using it.
I love things that are well made. Even a well engineered screw driver or acoustic guitar. The second I put my hands on it I can tell this thing was well thought out. That it's going to last for years and every time I pick it up it will be a joy to use. That's the difference to me of my Rolex vs a plastic watch. I wear my Rolex every where, for everything. I get real enjoyment in using, touching, looking at it and will continue doing so for the next 20 years.
That's what I tell people.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

I just say "Because it makes me smile". This usually leaves people speachless.

[Linzjnr]

Originally Posted by Lmbeauleap

The few people that know I own it look at me like I have a duck on my head. Nobody I know owns one and I rarely see one in the wild around here.

The only responses I give that doesn't bring long discussions is "because I want to" and "because I can".

X2

I only have one other friend that owns one (apart from the new friends I've made here on TRF and enjoy a bevvy with)

I don't care what people think and I don't feel I need to justify it to anyone, it just makes me feel good wearing a Rolex...'nuff said

[wunderkinde]

Originally Posted by joe100

A gentleman would never ask that question in the first place.

I say, that is a sporting right jab, what?! ;)

Your response made me literally laugh out loud. It's so true, and yet such an under appreciated attitude today. Hearing something so obvious is actually...humorous. Apparently at least on TRF, it's not an archaic concept!

[superdog]

Originally Posted by seanthome

Most of my clothes I buy pretty cheaply. Jeans, shirts, even suits can be found in good quality at warehouse sales, online, and even at Costco. But for my shoes and watch, I always spend for really high quality. For some reason its the article of clothing that seem to matter the most to me.

Also like the idea of having something valuable of mine that I could give to my son later on. Don't think he'll want any of my old shoes.

agree.

[gmh1013]

Because I can...dont care if it cost 5k or 25k.....still buy it.

[nauticajoe]

I vote "D"- all of the above.

[mitcht]

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

I just say "Because it makes me smile". This usually leaves people speachless.

Simple and very true :)

[artbypaul]

" Why not? "

[gslaskin]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

if someone ask me that I would say:
some people like to buy expensive cars that they only use a couple of hours a day... after years of use they sell them at a huge loss just to get a new one...
on the other hand.. I wear an expensive watch.. I do not wear it only a couple of hours a day.. I wear it all day.. (and it is safe with me)... and it will probably hold it's value better than other luxury items... so it is a win win situation..

Very thoughtful response. I like this. Hard to argue with the above.

[baybombers]

Because I always wanted one.

[jolimont]

Because I can

It gets more annoying when they ask you how much it costs?

How the heck are you supposed to answer that?

[fenderu2]

Come on. Not 1 person has said they bought it, even a little bit, to impress people or look a little bit rich?? It's not a sin or illegal you know, even though everyone seems to duck around this response. I even see some defense mechanisms where people justify that they only bought their Rolex was for all reasons other than bling. HEY, bling is ok, and it's not a character defect to want to look good and successful. You can admit it. Don't apologize or make up other reasons as to why you like your watch. Do we really believe someone bought a $20,000 to $50,000 Rolex because of the precious movement inside of it that no one will ever see, or understand, or care how it works?? Is there really more craftsmanship, technology and materials in a $100k Patek or Rolex than there is in a $40,000 car?? Please. You pay a rather hefty premium for a brand name. It's ok. You've done well and can reward yourself with a nice watch. But don't pretend you bought a Rolex because you didn't want anyone to notice?? At least be honest with yourself and others.

[wisguy]

Cause I can...

[Vallhalla68]

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

I just say "Because it makes me smile". This usually leaves people speachless.

Perfect

[Chewbacca]

because its an obtainable, multi life stage, lifestyle tool, luxury item, membership into a worldwide club of global enthusiasts, leaders, followers and general dingbats who appreciate beautiful things made by generally miserable people following a timeless script of stoic discipline and relentless passion to make beautiful things that nobody needs, but everybody can appreciate.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by floater156

This is the opposite of what I was looking for

Originally Posted by floater156

... I thought it may be nice to have a thread where we go into more detail so our members can have an intelligent response to the loaded question many of us are bound to hear...

There is no "intelligent response" that will justify spending so much money on a watch when speaking to someone that just doesn't get it...period.

If you have to come up with justification for the way you spend your money, you should question your choice of people that surround you.

So rather than trying to find justification on why you spent that money on a Rolex, think about your rebuttal to someone that responds to your bullet pointed list with these simple facts:
There are more accurate watches that cost less.
There are automatic watches with equally reliable movements that cost less
There are watches that have as much heritage that cost less

"Because I can" certainly starts to look like the most appropriate answer after you realize that those great things that make Rolex a Rolex don't mean anything to a non-wis

[liptonnr]

Originally Posted by gwalker

Sam is right about me. I've spent the 7-10k on each Rolex before because I wouldn't spend the $30k+ to play with the big boys. Still a few more weeks of waiting until I'm really called an idiot for my AP. IMO buying watches is no different than being a member at an exclusive CC, taking tons of vacations, buying cars, hunting trips, etc.

Well said!

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by handsfull

*Because there are VERY FEW mechanical things that haven't been changed/altered/improved or altogether eliminated with time....

*Because there is nothing else that can be functionally used/worn daily that you can pass on to your son after you die, short of your pocketknife. The symbolism is hard to argue with too: When you stop moving (your time has expired on earth), the movement will stop. Poetic really.

I think you've hit on something...one's time on earth represented by a fine watch.

When my Dad gave me his treasured Omega Speedmaster some 20 years ago, I was in a time of transition in my life. Dad gave me that watch, one he'd bought with me at age ten standing at his side, to remind me that this time of transition and growth was MY time. Precious time.

I'm wearing that Moonwatch right now, and now I think of my time with Dad. He died 5 years ago, but that watch gives me a special connection to him.

I hope it, and my other watches, someday do the same for my daughter, even as they remind her that her time is precious and hers to spend in a way that is fulfilling to her.

Now, as for my Sub, well, I bought that one because of James Bond!!

[SSG215]

I finally bought two Rolex watches this year because I have always been intrigued by the brand and it's history, but could never afford one. Now after serving four years in the Marine Corps and finally establishing a solid career for myself the reason is very simple, and one I've seen often on this thread, because I can.... :)

[phil_blm]

I bought mine b/c of the status symbol and for the beauty of the design. i do not wear it every day b/c of the type of work and environment i work in, but i sure as hell enjoy it. When it's on my wrist i jus look at the shiny bezel and beautiful dial and i'm jus so happy with where i have reached at this stage of my life.