Does hype affect your purchase decision?

[1William]

The hype does have an impact but most of the time it takes me away from a watch not toward it.

[faimag]

To be honest, the hype plays a role if I already kind of like the watch and I am going back-and-forth "should I get it or not?". Being a hot model takes me over the edge and I buy it eventually. For watches that I don't particularly care for, hype does nothing.

[ts3]

I buy what I like. As a result, I have never had any Rolex.

The hyped watch I do own I got on the wait list for before the current hype (and I have liked it since the mid 2000s). What am I gonna do now that it turned into one of the most hyped watches of all? LOL

[Jamhot]

Very cool blue face or white face?

[Hollie_Rollie]

No. Because what is hyped up is most likely over priced and not worth their weight in gold. And this is coming from an owner of a Pepsi at retail. NOT close to a 20k watch but people are buying at double retail


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[rmlovett1]

It has affected me somewhat in the past, but not so much anymore.
My goal in this hobby/journey is to try everything I think I might like. I happen to like Rolex professional models, along with many other models that are popular, have since the late 80’s, and I’ve tried most everything on my “Id like to try that” list, in most metals and colors. Feel the same about other brands as well, and have done the same. Some have stuck, some haven’t, some are hyped, some aren’t....at this point, doesn’t really matter. There’s times when I’ll solicit opinions on here, but rarely does it sway me in any direction...just like to hear the vibe from WIS folks.
I’ve had most every combo of one of the most hyped watches of the moment (Daytona), as well as the hyped PP’s, etc....and don’t have any in the lineup at the moment. Actually just traded out a highly hyped Daytona for a not so hyped PP some would say ...that was crazy, some would say ... good move, don’t really care. Just going with my own flow these days.

[Brew]

Originally Posted by brandrea

just like Jerry and the marble rye.Attachment 1218612

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The wait list at the deli may not be as long as for some Rolex watches, but at least our numbers are posted.

I've never watched Seinfeld, but I remember my great Uncle Al leaving early Sunday mornings for the good rye bread in a particular Bayonne, NJ bakery (name escapes me). Highly competitive!

[B2 Stealth]

I appreciate many of the Rolex models but only GMT and diver watches appeal to me. History and how they fit my lifestyle make them the only Rolex models I prefer.

[Old Geezer]

Hype may draw my attention to a piece but I won't buy unless I actually like it. For example, the candy colored Explorers hold zero attraction to me and I would never own one at any price. Ditto for anything with a smooth bezel, even the platinum Day Date.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I buy what I like without regard for what you guys like. If anything “hype” encourages me to hunt where there is less demand. For instance I just picked up a used PAM 111 cheap compared to any Rolex and discovered a wonderful watch that I never would’ve considered in the absence of Rolex “hype.” So the only consideration I give to “hype” is the encouragement to consider new possibilities.

[Chester01]

Not in the least. Unlike many, here I’m not a Rolex guy or investor, I’m a watch guy and have always had different tastes. I think those influenced by hype are the ones that are more interested in investments than watches.

[Equity]

Only thing hype does for me is delay my purchasing because everyone is flipping them from the AD. Delaying those of us who really want one regardless of grey market profit.

So yes, it affects me 100%.


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[Notforme]

Hype does not influence my purchase decisions. I buy what I like and prefer less recognizable models. Also why I buy my watches without the cyclops. I buy Rolex for their reliability and hope to not be recognized for wearing a nice watch.

[JSol1]

Originally Posted by Epanerai12

As the owner of two of the least hyped SS models, no. But, the fact that one can enter a hyped model and get out with ease and with no loss makes "trying" a watch easy bc if you don't love it, you know you won't get hurt. Knowing you'll lose 30-50% off an Omega/Breitling/panerai makes the decision to buy heavier. I have been guilty of buying a hyped model here and there because there's no risk. If there was risk, I would behave differently.

Great point! 3 of my 4 current pieces are not ‘hype’ watches that I bought because I liked them. Since I’m not on the hunt for anything in particular next (from Rolex), but will probably pick up one more, I may consider something that I like and is easy to move if I ever choose to...I am a distinct minority in that I don’t care for the BLRO or Daytona SS. I tend to keep my watches and only moved one in 18 years because I just wasn’t wearing it anymore. It’s nice to know you will maintain value, but certainly not my driving motivation.

[Craigdwh]

sure does, if it's hyped I avoid like the plague.

SO MANY amazing buys on the market if you avoid the flex.

[Bigmozza]

Only ever bought what I like myself at the end of the day I’m wearing it and that’s all that matters to me I don’t get involved in the hype and would never pay grey price’s but each to there own have a great weekend everyone

[shaunylw]

I wouldn’t say affects my decision, but has made me look at watches because I’m interesting in why they are so popular. CHNR is the perfect example. I would never have considered a two tone GMT like that. But i tried it on and instantly understood why it’s popular. I won’t buy one but i get it.

Generally, i would like to wear something less popular that flys under the radar, but those days seem to be over.


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[Laurie]

Sure, it does for me. I find the new green sub and ss daytona fantastic pieces. I would love to have them. Anyway, in the real world 99% of the people around me have zero interest for my blro or sub and therefor it still comes down to what i personally enjoy.


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[brucethemanlee]

No

[csaltphoto]

Of course it did. I wanted a sub for half my life. It was at least partly due to the carefully crafted marketing and mystique that Rolex created around the watch. There are literally hundreds of decent waterproof watches that would get the basic job done as well as a sub and for less $. At the end of the day though... It had to be a sub. The sub (and spinoffs) literally have generations of hype built around them.

[samson66]

Never has, never will

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[Alfa2109]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

It does. I buy what I like but i am affected by the hype and the opinions of others. So what others like can sometimes affect what I like.

Value retention also affects what I buy, and hype affects that too.

This ... though I must say I’m a bit embarrassed to admit it.

[Gunna]

yes...

[IR201]

I don't think you can have this conversation separate from assessing where the hype for certain models or Rolex as a brand originated and whether it is artificial or justified, including relative to other options.

My default hypothesis is that we are all affected in some way, though to varying degrees, whether we think we are or not.

This is not to say that everyone one of us loves all hot models, or that none of us loves 'ugly duckling', overlooked models.

For me, some examples of hot models I am not interested in owning: daytonas of any kind, the tiffany blue OP41, and skydwellers of any kind.

Some examples of unloved models that I love: my explorer 39 T-Rex!

Sometimes the hype around a piece has pushed me to try it even though I normally wouldn't. I've had two experiences with this, and they went in different ways.

One was the hulk. I'm not that into green but wanted to try it due to all the hype around it. Maybe the watch community knows something I don't? I got it, tried to make it work, but then wound up concluding, you guessed it, that I'm not that into green. I gave it to my dad as a gift knowing he would appreciate it far more.

The other was the JC D-blue. This one I always thought it was cool but it was never on the top of my list. I was convinced that it would be too heavy and big for me. I tried a lot of other Sea Dweller options before it (SD4K, SD43, 16600). But lately the hype around the D-blue has been rising, as have the prices, and I figured why not see what all the fuss is about before prices get even higher, it gets discontinued, etc. I gave it a shot and I love it! I am connecting with it way more than I thought I would. And I find it amusing that I avoided it all this time.

[CFR]

Hype forces me look at certain watches much more than I otherwise would. Most of the time, that has a negative influence because I end up disliking the watch even more every time I see it. Patek Nautilii and Rolex Daytonas are examples of that dynamic for me. The dislike has nothing to do with the fact that they're hyped, though. It's just statistics, as I tend to like only a very small number of watches that I see.

There's one watch that I did buy largely because of the marketing, and it happens to be a Rolex: the DSSD 116660. When Rolex first introduced this back in 2008, I wanted it immediately because I liked the concept even though the watch is way too big for my wrist and looks ridiculous on me. Yes, I like how it looks, but I never would've bought it if its overengineered design wasn't so hyped. [I sold it last year and bought the blue/black dial 126660 JC.]

Originally Posted by brandrea

just like Jerry and the marble rye

Classic -- thank you for that!

[glocksmith98]

If I like it I buy it, as long as it's not a markup that is ripping my head off

[sj24k]

Marketing and media hype certainly plays a role for most people. No way around it. Those reading and posting on something called “Rolex Forums” are probably more susceptible to it than most. Yes, I know there are some out there who are here for technical info, historical perspectives, pure entertainment, etc. but it’s pretty hard to avoid being influenced by hype these days — even if only in the most subtle ways.

How we choose to respond to that hype is a whole different story. And I absolutely love seeing the bell curve of responses here. It pretty well mirrors what I’ve seen when it comes to the buying process for any luxury good or service. The full list of our intrinsic and extrinsic motivators would be an equally long and interesting thread.

Personally, I love marketing, branding, and behavioral science, and have definitely been influenced by hype over the years. Sometimes it influences me to pay more for things than I should, sometimes it completely repels me in other directions, and sometimes it just makes me want to learn more, open my mind, and explore.

I think if I was being completely honest, I’d say my current watch collection came to be partly because of hype, certainly at some level. And while I do my best to only pull the trigger on pieces that speak to me and make me smile, I’m well aware that my tastes, likes, and desires have been formulated over many years, thanks to many influences.

Great thread. Thanks.

[Brny11]

Pepsi is one I don’t really want, but would buy if I had the opportunity (I likely wouldn’t if it was easy to obtain).

It is a cool watch, but older are better. Older have shot up so much, not worth it anymore.

Other than that, I would turn down a Daytona (or admittedly buy it to flip). The PMs are amazing. The SS are so overrated IMO.

Same for skydweller. They are VERY cool, but too big. I’d rather a flutted DJ41 all day. Would I buy it if presented opportunity? I hate to admit it, but likely yes.

[CFR]

Originally Posted by stevenj24k

The full list of our intrinsic and extrinsic motivators would be an equally long and interesting thread.

You should start that thread if you ever feel so inclined!!

[Jonah10]

Nope, I buy only what I like!


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