Quality or Status?

[kmleffler]

I've been wondering about whether most people buy a Rolex for the quality of the watch or for the status that wearing a Rolex implies?

I have owned many Rolex watches going back to my first Rolex in 1969 and I must admit that I initially bought a Rolex for the status and not for the quality of the watch. As time went on that changed and I bought more for quality and dependability. I have a DSSD and a GMT 2C.

I just purchased a pre-owned Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronometer. You can see the watch here: http://www.grand-seiko.com/collectio...e/SBGC001.html The quality of the watch is fantastic and in the 3 weeks that I have had it, it has gained 2.5 seconds. It is a mechanical watch, it does not have a battery. Until this month the watch was only available in Japan, it is now available in N.A. But, I have the impression that most people, even those that say they are know watches would not appreciate this watch and would just think of it as a "Seiko". I think that this is more true in the West. In Japan they do not have a brand called Lexus, they only have Toyota.

I am interested in hearing your opinions.

[BarkMaster]

Yes.

[gettocard]

Originally Posted by BarkMaster

Yes.

4,999 posts man...c'mon,join the fight once more to go 5k

I've just got it for it's rich history,legacy,quality and classic design. I did not have to give up something in my life for it neither I had to borrow money from the bank. I dress like a bum,I drive a Toyota ,I've never worked a day in my life (self employed) but if I knew my Rolex would make an impression on someone I would be very sorry about it (very sorry for that superficial jerk).

Congratulations for your Grand Seiko,it looks amazing !!

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by gettocard

4,999 posts man...c'mon,join the fight once more to go 5k

WOO-HOO!!! Didn't even notice.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by kmleffler

I've been wondering about whether most people buy a Rolex for the quality of the watch or for the status that wearing a Rolex implies?

I have owned many Rolex watches going back to my first Rolex in 1969 and I must admit that I initially bought a Rolex for the status and not for the quality of the watch. As time went on that changed and I bought more for quality and dependability. I have a DSSD and a GMT 2C.

I just purchased a pre-owned Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronometer. You can see the watch here: http://www.grand-seiko.com/collectio...e/SBGC001.html The quality of the watch is fantastic and in the 3 weeks that I have had it, it has gained 2.5 seconds. It is a mechanical watch, it does not have a battery. Until this month the watch was only available in Japan, it is now available in N.A. But, I have the impression that most people, even those that say they are know watches would not appreciate this watch and would just think of it as a "Seiko". I think that this is more true in the West. In Japan they do not have a brand called Lexus, they only have Toyota.

I am interested in hearing your opinions.

Japan do not have have a brand called Lexus?????

Yes they do! and they have dealers all over Japan.........
Status and quality are BOTH important to most people thats just my opinion!

[Speed]

My reasons:

Design Appeal, Quality and Brand History

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by Speed

My reasons:

Design Appeal, Quality and Brand History

I'm with Speed...

[Puffy]

Originally Posted by Speed

My reasons:

Design Appeal, Quality and Brand History

Me too

[ttomczak]

Originally Posted by Speed

My reasons:

Design Appeal, Quality and Brand History

+10...

And I have a Seiko direct drive also... Heavy and doesn't sit like my rollies...

It's like the cliche on a Harley...
"If I had to explain, you just wouldn't understand"

That to me is a Rolex...

[Dr. Robert]

In some parts of the world Grand Seiko is both quality & status.
I bought my Rolexes for both the quality & status.....I have seen & handled Grand Seikos......they are well made, excellent fit & finish, very precise timekeeping......but Seiko has only been selling upscale watches in the USA for a short time...i.e. "Ananta"......too big for me, but again, beautiful, well made & precise.....soon watch folks in the USA will know Seiko has upscale offerings.
Most of my watch collection is made up of watches from the Wilsdorf clan & the Seiko family...from now on I will only buy those marques......probably a Grand Seiko next year if my biz is good!

[Dr. Robert]

p.s. according to Wikipedia........the Lexus marque is now sold in Japan, only in last 5 yrs., the Acura marque was supposed to be sold in Japan by 2010, scheduling has been delayed......& the Infinity marque isn't sold in Japan.

[kmleffler]

My point on Lexus is that it is not, I believe, a separate brand name in Japan, it is a model of Toyota. Every body in japan knows that Lexus is just a higher quality Toyota.

[Route 66]

For me it's the quality and the exclusivity.

Quartz watches are (nearly) a dime-a-dozen and I like having the type of watch that not everyone else is wearing.

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by Stevarn

For me it's the quality and the exclusivity.

Quartz watches are (nearly) a dime-a-dozen and I like having the type of watch that not everyone else is wearing.

But if you had a Grand Seiko quartz watch you may change your mind.....incredibly precise, the fit & finish of the watch is excellent.
And by the way Grand Seikos are still made entirely by man.
I know Rolex has the Swiss elves....but they also use robots.

[multimedia]

Originally Posted by Stevarn

For me it's the quality and the exclusivity

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding, but can we really put Rolex and exclusivity in the same sentence? What I mean with this, is that now a days, Rolex is far from exclusive - just look at their production numbers.


Cheers,
Joe

[mailman]

The quality and history of Rolex is why I bought it. I often wonder about poeple who buy something due to status.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by mailman

The quality and history of Rolex is why I bought it. I often wonder about poeple who buy something due to status.

+1.

Exactly why I bought mine. Plus, after wearing my father's Datejust for the last couple of years, I want something to pass on as a heirloom to the next generation.

[Frogman4me]

Grand Seiko quality I am sure is better than Rolex and many probably wouldn't even consider buying a 7-10k "seiko". everyone knows Rolex, most except WIS guys know much about Grand Seiko or Credor. Its something about Rolex history and magical brand name that draws most people in. I love both for two completely different reasons.

[Frogman4me]

You have to see in person and handle a Grand Seiko to understand it's quality as many believe anything branded seiko is a quartz and cheap. Exclusive to Japan for so long until now. Hopefully AD's will begin to have them by next year and everyone will see for themselves

[tictocChuck]

Rolex appealed to me because of it's timeless, well-considered designs (although they have made some ugly non-professional models on occasion...ha!), excellent quality and feel, accuracy for a mechanical watch, and pure personal satisfaction from having one strapped on the wrist. Like all luxury items, some folks buy it to flaunt it (bling factor)....but I try NOT to draw attention to my watches in public. I think of a fine Swiss watch as reward/luxury derived from hard work/toil for one's personal enjoyment.

PS: I've had a Seiko Kinetic for 10 years and it runs flawlessly and was my first "expensive watch" some years ago....I totally respect Seiko and think they make a fine/durable/attractive product.

Cheers

[pz93c]

Nothing wrong with a Spring Drive.

Congrats.

[HL65]

Timeless look--best sports watch and quality craftsmenship!!!

[joe100]

To me, Rolex wouldn't be appealing without the history. There are a few of you who will know what i'm on about here but its the grown-up boys way of playing dressup every day. Put on an explorer and you feel ready to climb K2 or the GMT Master II and your suddenly in the cockpit of PanAm or BA 747 somewhere over the pacific. The history, the design, the quality...and a little childish ambition...every morning before your first cup of coffee

[jatco]

Both

[AlexisD]

Let's face it: today, Rolex brings status, quality, in house movement, history...for a nearly reasonnable price!

[gettocard]

Originally Posted by AlexisD

Let's face it: today, Rolex brings status......

It breaks my heart reading these kind of things......

[bayerische]

Quality.

Most Rolex models can be had as copies, not many non wis people will know.

So I might get some "status" from owning Rolexes, but not much. I Enjoy the quality.

[Nica64]

Both!! but quality was the #1 reason.

[Sixxgrand1]

Ruggedness, look, design, feel, fit, comfort, reliability, accuracy, readability, build quality, history, not a fad watch, not a trend follower, rare wrist sighting (unless you are at a PGA event..;)

[Dweller of the Sea]

I really like their movements, they just work, and for years and years with great precision.
I really like the timeless design, that has survived for 2-3 generations different styles/tastes.
I really like their history, especially their "tool-watch saga", no company can beat so much history on several models.
Lastly I like the status, but I didn´t need it, I would buy for all the above reasons. I see the status as a two-eged sword. Some see a great watch, others a showoff. I don´t dress that fancy, so many probably think that my Rolex´are fake, but I don´t really care, I know its kosher.