2 types of Rolex buyers

[nko51]

In my opinion Rolex buyers can be categorized in just 2 ways! those who know and appreciate Rolex quality and design, and those that think it's just a status symbol, which one are you?

[padi56]

Dont think you can categorised Rolex buyers just into two categories.Would agree to many non WIS types the brand Rolex now have such a very powerful brand image. That your average guy on the street now by mainly the tremendous pure marketing power over the years by Rolex. Believes they are the best watches in the world,and invented everything in the watch world today.It really is that simple.But some a bit more educated in the watch world, may know the real facts and this is not totally true.

Now if you were to take let's say 100 non WIS people at random from the street and show them say a £4,000 Rolex and say a £35,000 Patek Philip or many other high end lesser known brands. I would say that 90- 95% would choose the Rolex over the Patek/other brand. Simply because of the brand awareness and the fact that the word "Rolex" is always linked to luxury,and quality.This is all down to the amazingly shrewd and clever marketing though the years by Rolex.Old Hans was quite a remarkable man,he seized every new watch idea, or patent available to call his own,and any new movement design,to make his watches a better product.And the old saying with Rolex
today if it ain't broke why fix it.Designs have not changed much in 40 plus years,sure a few very minor cosmetic,and slight movement changes,but little else.

Now in the very early years, Rolex seized every sporting or expedition venture to sponsor and get his watches into the public limelight.You could say that Hans was one of the first to see the real power of advertising.And having a good product with very clever marketing thats what has made Rolex into the most recognised watch brand today.But as much as I respect the brand but mainly now for the history of the Rolex company and a very fine product.After being around watches for well over 30 years,and my first real fascination with a Lucerne mechanical watch.But now I can respect all the many brands in todays watch world.Right from Rolex to Patek to Seiko to Alpha they all have there place in this crazy horological world.

So now IMHO Rolex is now becoming a "victim" of its own success.And in danger of becoming the Timex of past days.There are now millions upon millions of them in the world today.So if you are into the Prestige of a once pretty exclusive watch afraid now its slightly lacking, its perhaps now, because they are quite a expensive Prestige.Rolex have a great history, but so do many other brands out there today.Rolex they are, without doubt, the largest independent Swiss watchmaker. Producing around 850,000 plus watches a year, and they sell every watch they make so they say. They are dependent on no one single market today, you could really say that the world is their OYSTER.(excuse the pun).But now IMO straying too far away from there tool watch routes,I am sure old Hans is turning in his grave,with some of the latest IMO abominations.

[Prince]

Originally Posted by padi56

...you could really say that the world is their OYSTER.(excuse the pun).

And an excellent pun it is too, Peter!

[Alcan]

I've been involved in mechanical devices since I was 16. I work with, and teach, electronic transmission valve bodies with clearances of .0006". I bought my Rolex because I appreciate the quality.

[nko51]

Originally Posted by padi56

Dont think you can categorised Rolex buyers just into two categories.Would agree to many non WIS types the brand Rolex now have such a very powerful brand image. That your average guy on the street now by mainly the tremendous pure marketing power over the years by Rolex. Believes they are the best watches in the world,and invented everything in the watch world today.It really is that simple.But some a bit more educated in the watch world, may know the real facts and this is not totally true.

Very informative information and insite!

[ashu2289]

I feel mostly of us here are type 1. Its possible that some of us might have purchased their first rolex because of its status (type 2) but after owning one we now are all type 1.

[Obsession]

Just for look and shining, the designs perfection and quality of steel and real gold, but too expensive.

[nko51]

Originally Posted by aykun325

Just for look and shining, the designs perfection and quality of steel and real gold, but too expensive.

Which of the parts do you feel is over priced? Gold part!

[chris_nor_cal]

patek phillipe. bfd. they look like effeminate little girl watches. give me a rolex any day

[Dan Pierce]

Only matters if it impresses me! Rolex does.
dP

[C.J.]

Honestly? I think we all have a little bit of type two in us If we wanted a great tool watch for $3000 less than a Rolex but every bit (if not more) as durable we'd be on an Omega forum. In reality, Omega is as reliable, rugged and dependable as a German Shepherd. It is now what Rolex once was. I love mine, but I wear my Rolex all the time.

I, like a lot of others here, certainly don't wear mine for the bling or prestige factor, if you saw how I dressed or what I drove, you'd see that straight away I think a man should be comfortable with who and what he knows he is, regardless of what watch he wears, car he drives or what any other material object can portray.

I bought a Rolex for the name the tool watches of the past made for the company. That's why I made the selection of watch I did. But, I for one, don't really like where the company seems to be going in the future.


O.K., I'm going to get behind some cover now, let me have it

[chemist]

If I said I am type 1, I lie. If I want a rugged, reliable watch, I buy a citizen or seiko. When I go sailing, I wear casio pathfinder. Citizen is on when I do my yardwork. I only wear my yachtmaster or DD at work or going out.

Originally Posted by chris_nor_cal

patek phillipe. bfd. they look like effeminate little girl watches. give me a rolex any day

Well, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I appreciate most brands for what they are. Rolex for being a solid, reliable watch (forgetting about the bling/crap models), and PP for the fine finishing, and level of complications they produce. I even appreciate my Alpha for what it is - an inexpensive chronograph that is incredible value for the money. To me the brand is less important than what the watch offers.

To dismiss any brand because they "look like effeminate little girl watches" is pretty petty in my view. I have not yet found a PP model that "speaks to me" enough to purchase, and I am actually looking for a vintage model. You can certainly dislike a brand all you want, but expressing it the way you have is just plain odd. YMMV.

[nko51]

Originally Posted by chemist

If I said I am type 1, I lie. If I want a rugged, reliable watch, I buy a citizen or seiko. When I go sailing, I wear casio pathfinder. Citizen is on when I do my yardwork. I only wear my yachtmaster or DD at work or going out.

I bang my SS Sub date againest the basement wall!

[mikey]

Type 2
I have my A900 Samsung to tell me the time and make calls. I hardly look at my Rolex. I feel it on my wrist because of the tension.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by nko51

In my opinion Rolex buyers can be categorized in just 2 ways! those who know and appreciate Rolex quality and design, and those that think it's just a status symbol, which one are you?

For me, Rolex is DESIGN & QUALITY.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by nko51

I bang my SS Sub date againest the basement wall!

Yeah! BTW: Did you have the clasp fixed?

[JJ Irani]

ROLEX - 'cause I just love the brand - always have and always will!!

[cbrenthus]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Only matters if it impresses me! Rolex does.
dP

+1. I bought it as a status symbol to myself. I wear it daily, but I don't flaunt it; I like knowing what I have, but I really don't care if others notice

[kenlperry]

Of the 2 options listed I had to select the status symbol because I wanted a genuine Rolex, so that's what I bought. I honestly think anyone who buys a Rolex is fooling themself if they say they didn't buy it as a status symbol. They have so many cheaper brands of watches that look just like the various models of Rolex(Invicta in particular), so if you just liked the design or look of the watch you could buy something similar for alot less money. Don't forget about the fakes/replicas either. They look identical, so you could buy one of those for alot less too. They have solid end links, solid center links, sapphire crystals, swiss movements, stc.. So if buying a genuine Rolex is not a symbol of status then I don't know what it is. And the quality... Don't get me wrong, the quality is great, but it's not perfect. Rolex watches lose and/or gain seconds a day just like any other mechanical/automatic watch. The crown on the winder doesn't always line up perfectly when screwed tight. It's the luck of the draw. I do think that the service you'll get for the life of owning your genuine Rolex watch is a big PLUS though.

[jac67]

Originally Posted by chris_nor_cal

patek phillipe. bfd. they look like effeminate little girl watches. give me a rolex any day

I accept you views.

But, I really like this girly one!




John.

[nudie]

I wanted to choose both options because I own Rolex for quality and also for the status. But since I can choose only one, I looked deep into my heart and chose status. Decision based solely on the fact that I do not truly believe i would have spent so much money merely for the quality of the watch. We are all paying more for the brand than the aricle. I see no problem in this as perceived value is an individual's choice.

[diablojota]

I bought a Rolex for more than status. I rarely purchase anything because of status. If that were the case I would be using a Dull (Dell) computer. Think different. I bought a Rolex because of quality and history. Not status. I have nothing to prove. I don't have money and need an expensive watch to show that I do. I use my Rolex, wear it daily and it does get beat up. I know that eventually I can send it back and get it serviced and looking as good as new. It's simply a watch, something to tell time with and the only piece of jewelery I wear. Simple, elegant and reliable.

[President]

They appeal to me in both ways.

[sandman98]

Agree with Spacedweller--Rolex means DESIGN and QUALITY

[Launch Mini]

Originally Posted by jac67

I accept you views.

But, I really like this girly one!




John.

I'll take one of those girly watches too

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by jac67

I accept you views.

But, I really like this girly one!




John.

I'd wear a skirt and high heels if it would get me that watch Talk about a grail watch

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by C.J.

I'd wear a skirt and high heels if it would get me that watch Talk about a grail watch

And would you waltz with one of my sheep in that ensemble, tosser?

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

And would you waltz with one of my sheep in that ensemble, tosser?

For that watch? I'd have to seriously think about it

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by C.J.

For that watch? I'd have to seriously think about it

What a sight that would make. I'd give up my Blue Sub just to see sheepy and you having a go at the Viennese Waltz!!!