Calling BS- Rolex still a tool watch !

[TK-710]

Originally Posted by Beelzy

Lol! Wear it while changing a flat tire on the side of the road. Then it's a tool watch.

I was driving down the New York Thruway the other day in my unmarked work car when I came upon a vehicle that had just caught on fire. Once I was sure the driver and occupants were clear and were not injured I popped my trunk to retrieve my fire extinguisher. I was reaching in with my left hand and holding the trunk with my right when I decided to grab my reflective vest with my right. Just then a gust of wind caught the trunk and blew it shut on my left wrist straight across the bezel and crystal. As soon as it hit I had two thoughts. My watch just probably saved me from a broken wrist. My watch is toast. But the FD was still a ways out so with no time to think about it I carried on with what I was doing. An hour later after everything was done I looked down to see just how bad the damage was and not a scratch. I know most people won’t be fighting fully engulfed car fires while wearing one but I’ve changed a tire or two with it on as well.

Call it a tool, call it jewelry, whatever it is I’ve been wearing mine just about 24/7, including to work, for two years straight. It has a few bumps and bruises but I couldn’t care less.

I know a handful of other LEO that were theirs 24/7, including a couple on our SORT team. When you save for years for a once in a lifetime purchase you might as well get your money’s worth.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by JR16

I agree Neil, and that was part of my point.. it’s all about perspective and who is wearing the watch. Like likestheshiny said above, a “pretty” tool is still a tool if you use it as such. :cheers!:


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Yup, and soon we won't be able to even label it as tool or jewellery as the non-binary's become the mainstream.

[MJK737]

Good on ya, and thanks for taking the time to post pics, it looks like you had a great time.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by Bluside

Great tool watch.

Off topic....How do you like your Ebike? (See, I noticed the Bosch thing) I just bought a Trek XM700+. To go with my BLNR, of course.

I just rented this one for the day bc I wasn’t confident I can make the ascents on this ride on a regular mtb... and it was amazing! I def would not have made it to the top without it. At home now and just checked out a few treks at my LBS yest but not sure around me an e-bike is needed. I ride a Trek Fuel EX 8 on the trails/mtb parks here and used it on my downhill mt rides last month.


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[oldman2005]

Rolex are tool watches and a very expensive one. I wear my helmet, gloves, and protective gears when riding mountain bike because I know I may crash and I know my Rolex may not survive a bad crash so the question is are you ok if you damage your Rolex and spend lots of cash to fix it? If it's no big deal then go for it!

Going for a shuttle ride soon, should I bring GMT or Daytona:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxZf7GBI5hY

You think my Daytona will be ok:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkRaBJI9fk8

[GTC]

Originally Posted by JES77

I know a handful of other LEO that were theirs 24/7, including a couple on our SORT team. When you save for years for a once in a lifetime purchase you might as well get your money’s worth.

I was a sworn reserve state trooper for years in the S.E. U.S. I finished the last years wearing an Explorer II, and what was remarkable were the thousands of incidences of recoil that watch had to endure through training which was exacerbated by wearing the watch on my right hand putting it in direct line with the recoil force originating at my right palm. That watch ended up pretty scuffed up. The watch was never effected as far as I know and keeps the same -1 it always has. BTW, as far as I know, no one noticed it, or didn’t mention it which they surely would have as that is a culture of incessant needling with colleagues.

Originally Posted by JR16

I just rented this one for the day bc I wasn’t confident I can make the ascents on this ride on a regular mtb... and it was amazing! I def would not have made it to the top without it. At home now and just checked out a few treks at my LBS yest but not sure around me an e-bike is needed. I ride a Trek Fuel EX 8 on the trails/mtb parks here and used it on my downhill mt rides last month.

Blushed, I highly recommend checking out the Pedego Ridge Rider. I sold mine when moving to Alaska.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by oldman2005

Rolex are tool watches and a very expensive one. I wear my helmet, gloves, and protective gears when riding mountain bike because I know I may crash and I know my Rolex may not survive a bad crash so the question is are you ok if you damage your Rolex and spend lots of cash to fix it? If it's no big deal then go for it!

Going for a shuttle ride soon, should I bring GMT or Daytona:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxZf7GBI5hY

You think my Daytona will be ok:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkRaBJI9fk8

It seems the two are mutually exclusive to me.

[Golf&Watches]

They are great watches. Though they are not even close to tool watches.
This year -
116719 - not sure how, bezel failure £750
116610 - banged on the side of a boat -£195
116710 - falling incident (not on wrist) - £195

The previous twenty years, I replaced two bezels on aluminium GMT's cost around £80 total!

They are barely fit for purpose! 👍🏻

[donq]

I have made the claim that the 5 series watches are closer to being "Tool Watches" than the 6 digits.

I suppose I should justify my claim in a bit more depth.

First of all, we have to define what a tool is.

Here are the two top listings on Google dictionary:

noun: tool; plural noun: tools
1.
a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function.
"gardening tools"
synonyms: implement, utensil, instrument, device, apparatus, gadget, appliance, machine, contrivance, contraption; informalgizmo
"garden tools"
a thing used in an occupation or pursuit.
"computers are an essential tool"


I think we can agree on the definition of a watch. An instrument for measuring time.
All Rolexes fit this description.

I am more concerned with the second definition of a tool. "A thing used in an occupation or pursuit."

As far as occupational use goes (setting aside hobbyists for the sake of argument), we have to consider when a tool becomes obsolete, or at the very least less commonly used and/or less desirable for practical purposes.

Using dive watches as an example, when first introduced they were considered an essential piece of gear for tracking bottom times, decompression stops etc.
There were no better alternatives to a mechanical dive watch.

As time went on, electronic dive computers replaced dive watches as the instrument of choice. They were better suited to the task, and the dive watch become obsolete as the tool of choice. They still worked just as well as they did before, but they had fallen from favor as the preferred tool for the job.

The same situation occurred with multiple time zone watches like the GMT Master.

I'm not saying they don't serve the function they were designed for anymore, but that they have been replaced by better equipment which has become the preferred tool for the job.

Now, while the five digit series may not have been around during the heyday of their intended use, the are, temporally speaking, closer to the time that watches were the preferred tool for the job.

I would never say that the six digits aren't fine watches, or that the five digits are more capable tools than the six digits. I'm only saying that the five digits are closer (both in design and time frame) to the days when these watches were the best available tool for the job.

[007_Omega]

They are luxury timepieces that can be used as tool watches. The increase in polishing, white gold, platinum, etc.. all point to that fact.

Can they be used as a tool? Yes. Would I personally use them as a tool? Yes. Are they strictly speaking a "tool watch?" I honestly can't claim that with a straight face.

We have quartz watches that keep more accurate time and you can get a G-Shock which is basically indestructible.

Just look at how Rolex' prices have increased over the years vs inflation. The move to luxury is evident but thank God they still have amazing quality and can be used for the original purpose. If that was not the case, I'd have been done with the brand.

I do have to laugh at the 5 digit worshippers who think no lug holes=the death of the tool watch because we all know that having a pin ready and being able to put your watch on a NATO on a whim is essential to a watch's true function. lol...

[MJK737]

Originally Posted by JES77

I was driving down the New York Thruway the other day in my unmarked work car when I came upon a vehicle that had just caught on fire. Once I was sure the driver and occupants were clear and were not injured I popped my trunk to retrieve my fire extinguisher. I was reaching in with my left hand and holding the trunk with my right when I decided to grab my reflective vest with my right. Just then a gust of wind caught the trunk and blew it shut on my left wrist straight across the bezel and crystal. As soon as it hit I had two thoughts. My watch just probably saved me from a broken wrist. My watch is toast. But the FD was still a ways out so with no time to think about it I carried on with what I was doing. An hour later after everything was done I looked down to see just how bad the damage was and not a scratch. I know most people won’t be fighting fully engulfed car fires while wearing one but I’ve changed a tire or two with it on as well.

Call it a tool, call it jewelry, whatever it is I’ve been wearing mine just about 24/7, including to work, for two years straight. It has a few bumps and bruises but I couldn’t care less.

I know a handful of other LEO that were theirs 24/7, including a couple on our SORT team. When you save for years for a once in a lifetime purchase you might as well get your money’s worth.

Hell yeah and stay safe! For what it’s worth, I wore my GMT Master for a year in Afghanistan both inside and outside the wire. No worries...

[JR16]

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

They are luxury timepieces that can be used as tool watches. The increase in polishing, white gold, platinum, etc.. all point to that fact.



Can they be used as a tool? Yes. Would I personally use them as a tool? Yes. Are they strictly speaking a "tool watch?" I honestly can't claim that with a straight face.



We have quartz watches that keep more accurate time and you can get a G-Shock which is basically indestructible.



Just look at how Rolex' prices have increased over the years vs inflation. The move to luxury is evident but thank God they still have amazing quality and can be used for the original purpose. If that was not the case, I'd have been done with the brand.



I do have to laugh at the 5 digit worshippers who think no lug holes=the death of the tool watch because we all know that having a pin ready and being able to put your watch on a NATO on a whim is essential to a watch's true function. lol...

Originally Posted by donq

I have made the claim that the 5 series watches are closer to being "Tool Watches" than the 6 digits.

I suppose I should justify my claim in a bit more depth.

First of all, we have to define what a tool is.

Here are the two top listings on Google dictionary:

noun: tool; plural noun: tools
1.
a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function.
"gardening tools"
synonyms:implement, utensil, instrument, device, apparatus, gadget, appliance, machine, contrivance, contraption; informalgizmo
"garden tools"
a thing used in an occupation or pursuit.
"computers are an essential tool"


I think we can agree on the definition of a watch. An instrument for measuring time.
All Rolexes fit this description.

I am more concerned with the second definition of a tool. "A thing used in an occupation or pursuit."

As far as occupational use goes (setting aside hobbyists for the sake of argument), we have to consider when a tool becomes obsolete, or at the very least less commonly used and/or less desirable for practical purposes.

Using dive watches as an example, when first introduced they were considered an essential piece of gear for tracking bottom times, decompression stops etc.
There were no better alternatives to a mechanical dive watch.

As time went on, electronic dive computers replaced dive watches as the instrument of choice. They were better suited to the task, and the dive watch become obsolete as the tool of choice. They still worked just as well as they did before, but they had fallen from favor as the preferred tool for the job.

The same situation occurred with multiple time zone watches like the GMT Master.

I'm not saying they don't serve the function they were designed for anymore, but that they have been replaced by better equipment which has become the preferred tool for the job.

Now, while the five digit series may not have been around during the heyday of their intended use, the are, temporally speaking, closer to the time that watches were the preferred tool for the job.

I would never say that the six digits aren't fine watches, or that the five digits are more capable tools than the six digits. I'm only saying that the five digits are closer (both in design and time frame) to the days when these watches were the best available tool for the job.

Hard to disagree w these sentiments . One can even say that there is no such thing as a mechanical “tool watch” anymore and that the g-shocks/Apple watches / garmins are the modern day wrist tools.


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[The Libertine]

Good to know a 6 digit GMT can handle saunas and pool.

[onemany]

They can definitely function as tool watches but they are really marketed as jewelry and status symbols now. The price point isn't helping keep up the tool watch image either.

When they were built and intended to truly function as tool watches people like Jacque Cousteau wore a sub diving, Sir Edmund Hillary wore an Explorer to the summit of Everest.

Today Nico Rosberg, Roger Federer, and Michael Buble are Rolex Ambassadors.

[Greg5512]

I think that they are tool watches...is a chainsaw any less of a tool than a handsaw? Far more expensive to purchase, probably exponentially more expensive to repair (than to just buy a new handsaw)...much more fancy looking...automated versus hand (wound)...upgrades or evolution to me do not make it any less of a tough item...I bet if Jacques Cousteau were alive and still diving he’d forgo a vintage Submariner and use a new one or new seadweller, assuming he chose a Rolex, of course.

I personally think that they are all tool watches if used as a “tool.” I know some tools who wear watches! ��

I have owned many models over the years...new and vintage...and my personal opinion is, that in their day, any Rolex sport watch was as tough as the company could manufacture and up for any task from the office to construction site...from the sea to air...military or civilian use...or just an awesome looking timepiece.

[Torque Time]

WELL DONE!! I wear a 1971 4 digit TT DJ everyday and it is a tank. It takes what I throw at it and keeps on running!!

Proud to see someone who is not scared to use their watch as designed! Great post!

[mrblue]

Tools? Not exactly for the price they now demand. You wore while riding your bike and sitting in a sauna. Not exactly demanding activities. Call it a tool if you want but they really are expensive jewelry.

[MTBer]

Imagine if actual tools were sold the way Rolexes are-

Hardware Store owner: “Sorry, it’ll be a 3 year wait for that stainless steel hammer. But if you buy a few hammers made out of solid gold from me first, I can probably get you one in a week or two.”

Customer: “Why would I have to do that? Can’t they just make more steel hammers? And why would you even make a hammer out of gold?”

Hardware Store owner: “Restricting supply helps keep the hammers desirable. People wouldn’t want them as much. And the gold ones are pretty! Sure they’re extremely expensive and not as good at actually hammering stuff, but hey, Veblen Tool!”

[ale70]

Originally Posted by MTBer

Imagine if actual tools were sold the way Rolexes are-

Hardware Store owner: “Sorry, it’ll be a 3 year wait for that stainless steel hammer. But if you buy a few hammers made out of solid gold from me first, I can probably get you one in a week or two.”

Customer: “Why would I have to do that? Can’t they just make more steel hammers? And why would you even make a hammer out of gold?”

Hardware Store owner: “Restricting supply helps keep the hammers desirable. People wouldn’t want them as much. And the gold ones are pretty! Sure they’re extremely expensive and not as good at actually hammering stuff, but hey, Veblen Tool!”

Still laughing. Good one!!

[173rdabn]

Wear it like you stole it. Folks who claim they're not tool watches won't wear them in the rain. Afraid they'll leak and have to run to an AD for a checkup.

[TheWatchEnthusiast]

Originally Posted by Fujiman

Tell you what, while I've worn my Sub on some vacations and outdoor activities, I almost always wear a less expensive quartz field watch. Then again, I don't post a dozen pictures of a watch on my wrist showing off blurry vacation pictures in the background.

If a guy can’t post a dozen pictures of a watch on his wrist at a watch forum then what’s the purpose of the forum itself ?
By the way what you posted is a statement and not really an opinion. More like a mean unsolicited and unnecessary statement. ( and that’s my opinion )

[HNIC]

Originally Posted by MTBer

Imagine if actual tools were sold the way Rolexes are-

Hardware Store owner: “Sorry, it’ll be a 3 year wait for that stainless steel hammer. But if you buy a few hammers made out of solid gold from me first, I can probably get you one in a week or two.”

Customer: “Why would I have to do that? Can’t they just make more steel hammers? And why would you even make a hammer out of gold?”

Hardware Store owner: “Restricting supply helps keep the hammers desirable. People wouldn’t want them as much. And the gold ones are pretty! Sure they’re extremely expensive and not as good at actually hammering stuff, but hey, Veblen Tool!”

That’s an awesome analogy.

So when we see vintage Rolex aka tool watches clean, pristine, and/or stored over the years, can we assume they also were valued as jewelry?
How about a wedding ring costing $500, $5000, or $50,000? Should it be worn more or less through daily life....?
A watch is a tool, an accessory, and can also be symbolic of something. Different to each of us- enjoy it and understand it’s what makes up this forum.


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[007_Omega]

Originally Posted by 173rdabn

Wear it like you stole it. Folks who claim they're not tool watches won't wear them in the rain. Afraid they'll leak and have to run to an AD for a checkup.

It's so annoying when I run into people who baby their Rolex or only save it for special occasions.

The whole idea of Rolex is that it is meant to withstand punishment, not to say you need to treat it badly but they are built to be worn. People get too caught up with the name on the dial or maybe it's the price tag?

There are other brands that offer stunning dress watches that suit being babied.

The big reason I love Rolex is the fact that they are built with a purpose. It's part of the reason that the "holy trilogy" companies don't appeal to me as much. Sure, they offer levels of finishing that Rolex doesn't but none of them can match Rolex' robustness.

[G'ed]

Originally Posted by MTBer

Imagine if actual tools were sold the way Rolexes are-

Hardware Store owner: “Sorry, it’ll be a 3 year wait for that stainless steel hammer. But if you buy a few hammers made out of solid gold from me first, I can probably get you one in a week or two.”

Customer: “Why would I have to do that? Can’t they just make more steel hammers? And why would you even make a hammer out of gold?”

Hardware Store owner: “Restricting supply helps keep the hammers desirable. People wouldn’t want them as much. And the gold ones are pretty! Sure they’re extremely expensive and not as good at actually hammering stuff, but hey, Veblen Tool!”

Or maybe you want this two tone hammer? The handle is 100% Oystersteel!

[kaiserphoenix]

I agree many of the watches are just so much more robust then people
claim it to be. However i would def avoid the sauna....


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[AK797]

Veblen Tool is right.

[gsteve]

I wish they made a rugged model , all brushed , matt ceramic bezel , rubber strap with deployment.

[Finslayer83]

In full tool mode.

ToxicNato / Scurfa Classic dive strap. Soft and insanely comfortable, this is the best wearing combo for this watch and I love the oyster...

[MTBer]

Originally Posted by HNIC

That’s an awesome analogy.

So when we see vintage Rolex aka tool watches clean, pristine, and/or stored over the years, can we assume they also were valued as jewelry?
How about a wedding ring costing $500, $5000, or $50,000? Should it be worn more or less through daily life....?
A watch is a tool, an accessory, and can also be symbolic of something. Different to each of us- enjoy it and understand it’s what makes up this forum.

If clean and pristine after all those years, I'd say yes, it was probably valued as jewelry from the moment it left the jewelry store.

I'm not sure wedding rings are a fair comparison because their purpose has always been ornamental and symbolic. Whether someone babies their $50k, $5k, or even $500 ring though would be as much a personal decision as whether or not someone babies their watches.

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

It's so annoying when I run into people who baby their Rolex or only save it for special occasions.

The whole idea of Rolex is that it is meant to withstand punishment, not to say you need to treat it badly but they are built to be worn. People get too caught up with the name on the dial or maybe it's the price tag?

There are other brands that offer stunning dress watches that suit being babied.

The big reason I love Rolex is the fact that they are built with a purpose. It's part of the reason that the "holy trilogy" companies don't appeal to me as much. Sure, they offer levels of finishing that Rolex doesn't but none of them can match Rolex' robustness.

Does it really annoy you to see someone choose to be careful with their expensive possessions? Would it bother you to see a $200k Range Rover without a scratch or any trace of mud?

Originally Posted by G'ed

Or maybe you want this two tone hammer? The handle is 100% Oystersteel!

Does that mean the head/face is the gold part? Sounds useful...sign me up!

[vivicorsi]

Sometimes it’s my relaxing toolwatch if not in the mountains biking or hiking;)