Rolex is no longer a tool watch??

[Clogger]

I have been giving this some thought as I own 2 of the Classic Tool watches by Rolex.

Rolex have always marketed their sports line as the ultimate tool watch and yes while I agree you can wear all of the sports line for their intended purpose, in this day and age I really don't think they clasify as tools but rather Jewllery.

Forget the vintage lines and look at the current line up. While I think the new Sub does look great. It has a more fragile bezel, a more complicated clasp and a much higher price tag.

I seriously doubt hardly any people will walk into an AD and drop $7000+ dollers for a watch to use as a tool for the intended purpose. Even the new adverts for the Sub have a guy pictured in a suit. Most when wanting a tool watch, a G-Shock or something will come to mind way before a Rolex.

Maybe in the old days, a Rolex GMT or a Sub was the ultimate tool as there was no other choice, but the price then although was expensive was no near the value of one these brand new in the current market.

I am just as guilty of this as anyone else, I am sure some will post some pics of them using a Sub for Diving or a GMT for flying but I am on about the other 99.99% out there.

Yes it is nice that our shiney things can perform, but lets not kid ourselves any more that we buy these as tools.

Interested to hear your point of view.

[Colnago]

I agree....they will still do what they are intended to do but history has definitely changed things....

Look at it this way, 40 years ago there were no digital watches, they weren't far away and when they first came along they were expensive in the extreme, it didn't take long for the price to plummet....anyway....at that point if anyone needed to wear a watch as a tool in some hostile environment then more often than not a Rolex would be the choice if the person could afford one.....this was when they were truly a tool watch.

Skip a few years forward and the electronic watches had come down in price drastically, some were quite robust, but most if smashed could be easily (and cheaply) replaced......it seems obvious looking back that it's no surprise that persons working in a hostile environment would far rather risk a cheap replaceable watch than a very costly one.....

The watches Rolex produce are still more than capable of taking on the environments they are designed for.....but not many choose to use them this way anymore......which is a shame, but understandable

[Speed Metal Army]

Balls to that.I wear mine everyday and thump on it.I am a weld tech,and a nondestructive test tech.It is an M series milguass,and it gets no special treatment at all.Its covered in beat marks,and I barely wind the poor thing.So between welding Shedule pipe,and exposing the watch to radium constantly,Id say its one hell of of "tool" watch.Ive had numerous other brands on my wrist,and many of them couldnt take it.My Millie keeps great time and doesnt care when we work in a mine for 6 weeks.I bought this thing because it is built to last.

[Clogger]

Originally Posted by Speed Metal Army

Balls to that.I wear mine everyday and thump on it.I am a weld tech,and a nondestructive test tech.It is an M series milguass,and it gets no special treatment at all.Its covered in beat marks,and I barely wind the poor thing.So between welding Shedule pipe,and exposing the watch to radium constantly,Id say its one hell of of "tool" watch.Ive had numerous other brands on my wrist,and many of them couldnt take it.My Millie keeps great time and doesnt care when we work in a mine for 6 weeks.I bought this thing because it is built to last.

Speed I think you have missed the point of my post slightly.

[Speed Metal Army]

Originally Posted by Clogger

Speed you have completly missed the point of my post.

Cheerfully withdrawn!Although I did buy mine as a tool and tool only.Sooooo....Your point about not being a tool watch is???

[Colnago]

Originally Posted by Speed Metal Army

Cheerfully withdrawn!Although I did buy mine as a tool and tool only.

Well, not the first ones anyway....but I am not shy to use them either....this picture has been posted a few times before but not many people beat their watch up to this degree....

[steubi1]

Well, the question is: What is a "tool watch", and who really needs a tool watch? I personally have worn in the past a plastic swatch and it has proven to be almost undestroyable, and well, if it happens, you spend 50 $ and buy a new one...
I guess 99% of us Rolex lovers do not need a tool watch, most of us having jobs which do not include deep sea diving or any other extreme activities.
But the point is: I love to wear my Sea-Dweller, for its classic look, its history and, yes, I think it is a watch for men....

Regards
Tom

[Clogger]

Originally Posted by Speed Metal Army

Cheerfully withdrawn!Although I did buy mine as a tool and tool only.Sooooo....Your point about not being a tool watch is???

As I said Speed, I believe all of the sports line up are fit for purpose. However you are one of the minority that has walked into an AD and actually bought a Rolex to use as an every day beater for work. Most folks regard any of the Rolex line up as a luxury timepiece.

The point is really that at the end of the day a Rolex is just to dam expensive to be classed as a tool watch these days (IMHO), Once upon a time Rolex was the choice of the professional... "add job title here" but these days there are hundreds of choices out there that really fit the bill better.

[Puffy]

See how JOcke's DJ looks after a hard day's work...

[Howie]

All sports watches are marketed to make you feel as if you can do something - even though you probably won't. That's part of the allure.

Submariner = divers' watch
GMT = pilots' watch
Explorer = spelunking watch
Milgauss = scientist's watch
Daytona = race car drivers' watch

Personally, I don't pilot planes, work near strong magnetic fields, or race in the Indy 500. I did go snorkeling with my sub once though, just for the hell of it (and to take some pics)!

[mike]

While I've never been one to shy away from wearing a Rolex in any enviornment Rolex themselves has stated they make "luxury" timepieces now (albiet one of the toughest on the planet).

[Clogger]

Originally Posted by mike

While I've never been one to shy away from wearing a Rolex in any enviornment Rolex themselves has stated they make "luxury" timepieces now (albiet one of the toughest on the planet).

Very well said Mike.

[poppydog]

I think I get your drift, but I have to say that I have (amongst other brands) a Sub and a SD and I use them both to dive with in all conditions from warm, clear Caribbean waters to cold (38F), murky lakes.

As you say, I didn't buy them for work, but I did buy them to dive with.

[4 Ranges]

$5k-$10k...for a beater?? What for? What does it prove? There are cheaper alternatives, and it displays poor judgment to wreck a piece of such value. For most of us, we have to save to own a Rolex. To then wreck it is silly to me.

[petespendthrift]

I agree with the original poster. On this forum there are a mixed bunch - including many who saw the National Geographic adverts years ago or had some other similar experience and have a love of the vintage and classic utilitarian models. There are also many who know or care nothing of that heritage but love the brand name, quality and like a bit of fashion or bling. The later group love the changes but the former group are nostalgic about the break with the past.

One thing is certain though - we don't need these type of watches anymore as the age when tough and accurate wristwatches were only available to those prepared to pay a premium is over. We now pay the extra money to buy the watch that gives us ownership pleasure.

Rolex's desire to charge ever higher prices means that their watches must offer more luxury than is desirable in a purely practical watch. Form no longer follows function - it's now a product of the selling price. The new designs don't give me as much pleasure to own and I have far less interest in them. In fact I find them a bit of a liability for everyday careless wear.

The Deepsea is the first new dive watch model Rolex have produced in decades - but in an age where divers use computers and virtually any standard wristwatch is waterproof enough, the dive watch has become obsolete technology. Rolex did not design it to actually be used, they designed it to be bought by people with high disposable incomes who want a luxury and fashionable timepiece. I think the design features qualities that would not be desirable in a working watch but are desirable in a luxury watch. This lack of authenticity turns me off, hence the reason I like the Sea-Dweller but would never buy a DeepSea.

The sad thing is Rolex seem so intent on modernising they are not leaving any truly classic (and iconic) models. They are forgetting to give us choice, even if we are a minority - Omega seem to know something Rolex don't. Yes, the new bracelets etc. feel better quality, but to use a car analogy, the new Range Rovers are far more luxurious than a Jeep Wrangler or Land Rover Defender and do some things far better but they are still classed as a 4x4 offroader and are no where near as good at this role (expect expensive bills) and are almost exclusively used as a luxury road car.

No one makes us buy a particular brand so it is silly to complain but then it's also silly to pay so much for something that can be bought so cheaply.

[InVision]

My DD Diamonds on Meteorite is a "Tool Watch". Seems that it draws all the looks and can be used to blind or memorize any assailants.



All kidding aside I believe you are correct. Probably the only modern tool watch is the Milgauss.

Mike

[Frankie13]

Well, I bought my GMT because I love watches and personaly think it's one of the cleanest and awesome looking time machine on the market and comes with the Rolex quality.I always said that if somebody loves watches just has to own at least one Rolex.
Since all of my family is in Germany and I quit often travel overseas or talk to them via Webcam I always use my 2nd timezone on my GMT and this was another reason for me to go with the GMT. My next one, hopefully the WG Sub in blue will just for the beauty and wanna have reason!

[hcivic91]

For me to best understand and contribute to this argument I need to redefine what 'tool' means. For me, a business man, it means the watch, Rolex in this case, can take whatever I throw at and preserve its function and look. Surely what I subject a watch to is different from a saturation diver or an explorer. But my needs are no less valid than theirs. Rolex, obviously, recognizes this and has increasingly catered to the upper-middle class.

The most fun I have reading Rolex fora are the personal stories. Stories of the events the watches have shared with their owners and the abuse they have been subject too along the way. As a parent, I know that any watch that can survive the abuse inherent in raising kids is tool enough for me. The fact that I can pass the watch along in 50+ years is further testimonial to ruggedness even if I have never smashed it with a hammer.

[snowbird]

I agree with the OP . . . yes a Rolex can still be used for diving and other kinds of adventures, but a $30 Timex Ironman is just as good (and better in many ways) in terms of functionality . . . I love Rolex but today it's a luxury item with a history (in the pre-quartz era) of being a tool watch . . . just like many people still ride horses and sail in sailboats for fun, but few would claim they are serious options today in terms of practical transportation,

[Clogger]

Originally Posted by snowbird

I agree with the OP . . . yes a Rolex can still be used for diving and other kinds of adventures, but a $30 Timex Ironman is just as good (and better in many ways) in terms of functionality . . . I love Rolex but today it's a luxury item with a history (in the pre-quartz era) of being a tool watch . . . just like many people still ride horses and sail in sailboats for fun, but few would claim they are serious options today in terms of practical transportation,

Agreed Snowbird

Rolex Subs,explorers etc.. have a great history and were originally designed as tools for a job, I think this is what appeals to a great many of us on here and there is nothing wrong with that.

[Seventh Son]

You dun have to possess the skills of Micheal Schumacher to own a Ferrari.

[Clogger]

Originally Posted by Seventh Son

You dun have to possess the skills of Micheal Schumacher to own a Ferrari.

Dispite the fact he drove a F1 car, how many Ferrari dealers sell those?? Cant say I have ever seen one on the forecourt for sale LOL

[Tools]

I disagree....

Rolex is available for their intended purpose for anybody who wants to spend the money. Sure, there are cheaper alternatives.... just like there are for everything in life. But that doesn't mean that one should get themselves the cheapest alternative to achieve their purpose.. In my shop, I use the best tools I can afford, then take care of them to last a lifetime. I don't intend to use cheap tools with the idea to toss them when the first task is over.

Why buy a Timex to toss when you want a Rolex to keep..

Ford or Mercedes

Maytag or GE

Macy's or WalMart

Snap-on or Craftsman

I will agree that most who buy a Rolex likely do so because of the name and prestige. But that can be said of any high end brand name.. Not everybody goes for the top when "cheap" will do the same job, but some do.

As mentioned though.. Rolex doesn't sell "tool" watches, they sell high end luxury products to Professionals or discriminating consumers..

To say that they are not a tool though, when they still are, albiet an expensive one; ignores the history and implies that they are no longer functional - or that somebody is foolhardy to use an expensive tool. However, the price you choose to pay for your tool is (or should be)irrelevant.

Perhaps though, we do agree, but simply perceive it differently..............

[16610v]

They are "tool watches", only if you don't care to use it as tool, most likely because you don't care the amount of money you spend on it.

For normal people, they wear a Rolex not because it is a good tool, but because it is luxury and show you reach certain social status. It is not a good move to treat it as a tool for normal ppls since it is not cheap at all

[CKLinLA]

I agree with Pete - a tool watch is one where the watch's form
follows its function -- to a large degree. But, IMHO, I think its basically
a personal opinion as to where and whether the tool/non-tool line has
been crossed. Some of us are a lot more tolerant and others a lot more
strict on how closely form needs to follow substance.

I think most everyone will agree that Rolex has moved more towards
form and 'fashion' in recent years, its just that some think they've already
crossed the line into non-tool, and others think they have not.

Originally Posted by petespendthrift

.........
.... Form no longer follows function - it's now a product of the selling price. The new designs
don't give me as much pleasure to own and I have far less interest in them.
....

[cwwhk]

I am a little too obtuse to get the subtlety here. A watch is used to tell time foremost. A Rolex does that well in a well made package. That's good enough in my book. Everything else is just a bonus.

Functions such as GMT hand, Daytona chronograph sub dials, Sub or SD waterproof rating are nice add ons, but are available from much cheaper means. No body buys a GMT IIC because it can tell time in 3 time zones. My iPhone can do a lot more time zones and cost much less than GMT IIC. And I don't even know any professional divers in my circle of acquaintances, let alone one who will spring $8,000 for a SDDS for work.

Cut away all the hype, you still have a very well made watch in a Rolex. That's why I like them. I consider all my Rolex pieces the perfect tool to tell time.

[td1500]

i pretty much agree with the OP.
personally i think that rolex is much more towards fashion/luxury (call it what you may).
there are a few exceptions to this, i think that that the only true 'tool' watches are the non date sub, the seadweller, and the explorer.
some of you may disagree but i think the sub date can't be classed as a tool watch because the cyclops is useless underwater, also i feel a proper tool watch shouldn't be offered in precious metal alternatives (that is why i include the sd in my list)... roast me at will but that is just my take on it.

[wholesaleneon]

Another thing some of you might consider is, it can be a tool, just by owning it. In my business, selling my product (signs and neon) means I have to sell myself. People take you much more seriously when you have a nice suit and a rolex, rather than a pair of jeans and some cheap digital watch.

[cody p]

it's tough enough to be a 'tool watch' - but the pricing discourages rough usage. i use it as a tool to tell time - works real good!

[rfknauss]

Larry, your post says it all ....... I agree with you!