Some people just don't get it...

[superdog]

I'm not sure I get it.

[KDS777]

FWIW............

I read today that the worldwide watch market is something like 29 million units.

1.7 % of those are produced in Switzerland.

Yet those 1.7% account for 58% of the total value of the 29 million produced.

[marmalade1]

To the OP:
You seem to be trying to make an objective argument about a subjective decision; that will never work.

The value *is* subjective.

Subjective = matter of opinion (beauty, fun, etc.).
Objective = matter of fact (temperature, weight, number, volts etc.).

Same for much of Modern Art; to me it is largely a mockery, but to those who are in the know, it is exciting, new, evolving and valuable.

There is therefore - in my opinion - a gotcha argument: "I enjoy it".

PD



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[javert34]

I have had a similar discussion with many people I know. The discussion usually centers on their pointing to a $15 watch with the assertion that it tells time just as a Rolex, PP or any other fine timepiece. If the objective is to simply tell the time, I could not agree more and there is no argument. I also receive similar comments about the fine writing instruments I own. A 25 cent disposible pen will work just as good, if it better than a Pelikan or a Montblanc, if the goal is simply to write or to sign your name to something.

I have a number of colleagues that are "car guys" which has provided me with the best argument in the Rolex v Timex-type debate. Start by contrasting a Honda Civic with a Ferrari or a Rolls Royce. If the goal is simply to go from point A to point B, then the argument is exactly the same. In fact, I would argue that going to the grocery store is far less of a hassle in your 1994 Civic than in a Ferrari. Having once been the proud owner of a 94 Civic back in college, I speak with some authority on the matter. It was indeed hassle-free and a very reliable piece of transportation, if not terribly plain. But I never really cared, because I was just trying to get from A to B.

For me, and for every one on this forum, I think I can speak for all saying that what is on your wrist is not about simply telling the time. It is not, nor has it ever been about "A to B," but rather about the experience. It is about the craftsmanship. It is about the history. It is about the fact that my 15-year old son has fallen in love with watches and what they are about and what they represent. Yes, a Timex or a no-name toy watch will tell you the time, but it does not create the experience; the journey. If your are not a "watch guy/women/person" you will likely never get it, just as I never minded driving my Civic back when. I can can certainly appreciate a Ferrari or a RR, but imagine how many Red Subs I could buy for one of those!

[rr-nyc]

Just like everything else in this world, some people see the value in premium goods while others don't.

I don't entertain those that want to argue whether something is "worth it" or not. They'll never change my mind and I'm not interested in trying to change theirs.

[wantonebad]

To me it's simple, the materials while important don't make up the value, the labor itself isn't the key either though it used to make up the bulk of the manufacturers expense. It's the context and the alchemy, and if you have to explain that to a rational person with an opposing view you aren't going to get very far. Doesn't mean you're wrong or that he's right, just means there is no common ground. It's fine we're all different and have our irrational passions whatever they may be, just cause this guy doesn't agree or get it doesn't mean anything other than he won't be TRF's newest member anytime soon.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

To me it's simple, the materials while important don't make up the value, the labor itself isn't the key either though it used to make up the bulk of the manufacturers expense. It's the context and the alchemy, and if you have to explain that to a rational person with an opposing view you aren't going to get very far. Doesn't mean you're wrong or that he's right, just means there is no common ground. It's fine we're all different and have our irrational passions whatever they may be, just cause this guy doesn't agree or get it doesn't mean anything other than he won't be TRF's newest member anytime soon.

Alchemy's a good word, just like when we say - chemistry between two people, it's not so definable, you just know.

[East Bay Rider]

Here's an argument:
Rolex are virtually free.
In time your sports model Rolex will be worth as much or more than you paid for it providing condition and documentation/box/papers of course.
What other product can you use daily and eventually sell or trade it for more than it's original value? (No it's not an investment)