Why did you choose Rolex over....

[DrLindaPhD]

For those of you who have spent over $10 to $15k for a Rolex, why did you choose Rolex over Patek Phillipe, or IWC, or Varcheron Constantine, Hublot, Adeumar Paguette, Ulysse Nardin, Girad Pigareaux, etc.

I seem to be gravitating toward Rolex vintage but I'm not sure why. I did learn that it is much more expensive to service some of these other high end watches. I almost purchased a vintage IWC but didn't because I really have not studied the company.

So, why did you choose Rolex over other high end watches? I'm curious.

[tranny]

I bought my WG Daytona because the Daytona is "the watch" I've always wanted. Honestly, I was ignorant of AP at the time, or I may have more strongly considered a ROOC. I still love the Daytona, but the ROO appeals to me more.

[ludicree]

I am into Rolex because I know them since I was a little kid. These are the only original professional/sports watches to me.

[Maxseven]

Omega / IWC / Breitling

Because Rolex watches hold their value much better than the above brands. Rolex also has superior brand recognition and is a quintessential status cornerstone. I also believe that Rolex is a better value in terms of longevity, timeless designs (most models) and engineering.

[MitchSteel]

I've had many brands of quality watches, but non of them stayed permanently in my collection....I don't know, just got tired of them, I guess,but Rolex always stuck around in the watch box.All I know, is I can wear any of my Rollies and not worry about them breaking or running funny, just reliable like a diesel Volvo.My collection is 100% Rolex.

[Clay]

There are other high end watches???

[Feras]

Originally Posted by Clay

There are other high end watches???

Many reasons, some: i am not into the weird dial shape of the Nautilus or the hublot or ap (sorry owners, its just my opinion). Rolex is a symbol of luxrious yet real time piece with no gimmiks included

[Wllnv19]

Originally Posted by Feras

Many reasons, some: i am not into the weird dial shape of the Nautilus or the hublot or ap (sorry owners, its just my opinion). Rolex is a symbol of luxrious yet real time piece with no gimmiks included

Pretty much some of the same reasons for me!

[versatile1]

Originally Posted by Clay

There are other high end watches???

Yeah, they're called "Designer" watches...............no thanks

[kbutler971]

I chose Rolex over the others because of style, ruggedness, dependability, and legacy. I do appreciate and admire the positive attributes of some of the others brands you mention, and this forum has been a real eye opener to the fantastic options out there. Lots to look at and admire, but for ownership in my real world I'm content to stick with Rolex.

[capote]

Rolex seemed like a good choice for a one watch collection. That was then, now I want another one there are still a few Rolex I would like but next up will be some kind of dressier watch, maybe JLC Reverso Grande taille, DD 1803 or a vintage Vacheron Constantin, or a Lange 1, but the last one is a few years in the future.

[Darlinboy]

Originally Posted by DrLindaPhD

For those of you who have spent over $10 to $15k for a Rolex, why did you choose Rolex over Patek Phillipe, or IWC, or Varcheron Constantine, Hublot, Adeumar Paguette, Ulysse Nardin, Girad Pigareaux, etc.

I don't always choose Rolex - I like some variety and there are several other worthy (IMHO) options, including several you mentioned. I do own both modern and vintage Rolex references that get regular wrist time. However, my current daily driver (for the office anyway) is an AP Royal Oak.

Don't know what will be next - probably something for my wife though. Since she's been eyeing the subs a pre-emptive strike may be in order, although she knows she is welcome to wear them any time.

Opinions are welcome and you'll sure get them here on TRF, along with an education from many fellow WISs! But, in the end , as with anything else, it's highly personal and you've got to go with what YOU like.

[ingoodtime]

Rolex was always the brand that came to my mind when I thought of high end watches and therefore, that is where I eventually set my sights during my days of aquiring watches. They are robust, a product you can wear with pride and confidence, have serviced (when necessary)and pass down generations. They have also remained true to original designs which is something I like, the family resemblence remains (and is very often copied). I am also comfortable with the 40/42 MM size watches.

Lastly, for some, the price of Rolex is as high as they can go and therefore some of these other brands remain out of reach ( as Rolex will soon be with all these price increases).

[HRV]

For me it was the watch brand I always wanted since I was a teenager. Even now I think they are really good value for the money we spend.... No regrets and looking for another one.

[Surefire]

My grandpa has a rolex a sub date that I always dreamed of having one someday, and know that I can afford to get one for myself I have a 114060 coming up.

[ntan]

Family pressure

[nick c]

Watching the old James bond movies

[NickTruswell]

Originally Posted by nick c

Watching the old James bond movies

X2 and now having read the original novels it makes the brand connection even strong

[russellnyc]

I once read a definition of a sports car as one you could race competitively on the track with little or no additional prep. Both of my street cars live up to this definition, and both have seen track time. When I drive them on the street, I have the pleasure of imagining those possibilities.

In the same way, the fact that I could summit Everest with my Explorer and saturation dive with my Deepsea gives me the pleasure of possibilities.

I wanted a pedigree of durability, ruggedness, and tool-like authenticity in harsh environments. This speaks to my values, and why I chose a sub, sea dweller, and explorer. I admire the other watches you mentioned, but see then more as jewelry or luxury playthings rather than as tools (even though some are certainly engineered to be tools or tool-like). Ironically, I rarely use my watches as tools, but knowing I can gives me pleasure.

Add to that the layer of vintage -- someone 40 years ago could have taken this watch on a commercial diving expedition gives me a sense of possibility mixed with history that is absolutely delicious.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by russellnyc

I once read a definition of a sports car as one you could race competitively on the track with little or no additional prep. Both of my street cars live up to this definition, and both have seen track time. When I drive them on the street, I have the pleasure of imagining those possibilities.

In the same way, the fact that I could summit Everest with my Explorer and saturation dive with my Deepsea gives me the pleasure of possibilities.

I wanted a pedigree of durability, ruggedness, and tool-like authenticity in harsh environments. This speaks to my values, and why I chose a sub, sea dweller, and explorer. I admire the other watches you mentioned, but see then more as jewelry or luxury playthings rather than as tools (even though some are certainly engineered to be tools or tool-like). Ironically, I rarely use my watches as tools, but knowing I can gives me pleasure.

Add to that the layer of vintage -- someone 40 years ago could have taken this watch on a commercial diving expedition gives me a sense of possibility mixed with history that is absolutely delicious.

But you could summit Everest with pretty much any watch, and saturation dive with a load of watches rated 100-200m.

[Beelzy]

I chose Rolex because I got tired of breaking watches.

From Seiko to TAG, "Ive seen a million faces and I've rocked them all". (Guns and Roses)

I have knocked of crowns, popped of indices and hands, you name it. I am hard on watches.
Rolex makes a tough watch and I prove it almost daily. There is a reason some folks call a Rolex watch "The Texas Timex".

[Rockrolex]

A potential client wanted me to search for a country where he could manufacture knock-off Rolexes and Rolex couldn't come after him. As an incentive, he sent me a very good YG DD knock-off. When I checked it against the real thing, it looked very much like the real deal. I couldn't bring myself to wear it because I knew it was fake. But that started me down that long and slippery slope. I found a couple of TT DJs that looked really nice and were reasonably priced. Then I found my absolute favorite(see below) from a grey dealer. After that, I saw a YG DD that a friend had, and when I saw one at a good price, I snatched it up.



But I am not tied to Rolex. I also have a JLC Master Geographic (which I am wearing today), a GP ww.tc, a Glycine Airman 9, a Breitling Navitimer Olympus, and a few others in my stable.

[blue lion]

Originally Posted by Beelzy

From Seiko to TAG, "Ive seen a million faces and I've rocked them all". (Guns and Roses)

Or Bon Jovi but who's counting?

I like the look, the resale, and the durability of a Rolex.

[kilyung]

It's the toughest luxury watch and a good place to start collecting.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by kilyung

It's the toughest luxury watch and a good place to start collecting.

X2

[landroverking]

Originally Posted by kilyung

it's the toughest luxury watch and a good place to start collecting.

x2

[Sbuckaroo]

Starting with a Rolex watch doesn't preclude owning other high brand watches, although other brands could be prohibitively expensive, at least for me at this time. Still, the Rolex legacy and its recognition worldwide is a great bonus. Plus, they look cool and are dependable

[subtona]

Originally Posted by kilyung

It's the toughest luxury watch ...

i like this

wanted it for a daily wear 24/7... it has worked out perfectly

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by kilyung

It's the toughest luxury watch and a good place to start collecting.

It'd be hard to argue with this logic.

[russellnyc]

You could also drive an '88 Toyota Corolla or a 2012 Mercedes S Class at Watkins Glen, but would that be any fun?