Are You A Rolex Leader...or Rolex Follower......

[Tools]

We all come together here because we have a love and passion for time-pieces and most importantly, the Rolex watch..

But...........

Do you decide which Rolex you want based on it's history, mechanics, engineering and the rich heritage that Rolex has. Then show your pride and joy here and wear it proudly because you know as much about it as you can. ?

Or did you jump on the bandwagon of the Rolex name and you want to be seen with the famous marquee on your wrist. It alone kicks your status up a notch... ?



Well......which is it.........

[Russ1974]

I don't think you can put a blanket statement out like that and expect people to slot neatly in to one of the two choices!!!

[Phill (UK)]

Definitely the former

[frostie]

Well first i got brainwashed from Rolex advertising and from the attention that rolex gathers around it's watches but then i had to make some thoughts on which watch i would like to own and find out about it's history, practicality and engineering

Both have worked for me but the final decision on which rolex to buy was made after critical thinking

[DSJ]

I bought/own/wear Rolex because I have aspired to do so for a long time. I picked the models I have because they correlate with my perception of my personality and because I enjoy their appearance and function.

[SteyrAUG]

I'm a guy who likes nice things and happens to own a Rolex.

[Quicksilver]

I think most adherents to this site will be of the former category otherwise they probably would not be posting here. The purchaser of bling, the person that follows the crowd or wants to be flash is unlikely to display any real interest in his watch or the history of the marque or the depth of knowledge possessed by many people here.

Having said that, I would think that almost every Rolex wearer to an extent wants to be noticed through their choice of watch.

[ral]

Datejust... TT.... flutted bezel... hell I did not even know there were so many other Rolex choices... GUILTY

I need to buy another one to save my soul

[Dan Pierce]

I wear Rolex because it does a great job and looks great doing it.
dP

[mgm]

I think neither... I admired the watch on my father's wrist for many years, and before he died in 2000, he gave it to me. Said he didn't need it any more. I've been wearing it since then, and it suits me; a balance of formal and sport. I know enough about Rolex to know it is a quality piece, but I wouldn't mortgage my life to own one. It is not an important ingredient in my sense of who I am, but it does fairly well represent my approach to material goods. I don't own many things, but the things that I own I love; and are not a manifestation of the disposable economy nor tied to planned obsolescence.

[TempoKing]

I like to re-assure myself every day that..finally "I have arrived".

That is why I buy Rolex watches, to wear (for status mainly) a different one
every day, which means, that the same watch will be worn again... 5 years and 345 days later.

The above time frame is correct, if I will stop buying today any [more] Rolex watches.

Please smile..:-)

[Atlanta]

Originally Posted by DSJ

I bought/own/wear Rolex because I have aspired to do so for a long time.

Me too after watching dad, mom, and uncle enjoy theirs for years.

I came here for direction and advice regarding which model was right for me - and ended up buying something different than I originally intended to (GMT vs. DJ or Sub).

[watchnut]

I was fascinated with wristwatches from the time I was in junior high and a buddy had a Bulova his parents had given him. My folks did'nt have much but I got one just like it for graduation. Can't remember when I became aware of Rolex but I've always liked the better things in life. I worked too hard for my money to waste it on something of little intrinsic value.

[BigHat]

We wouldn't be hanging here if we were so shallow as to buy for status. That said, I think the prestige thing drives most sales; we can thank Rolex ads for that. Biggest flaw I think we see here -- we fail to realize TRFers are 1/100,000,000 of the Rolex base. I knew that for awhile, but watching an AD have to explain how to set and wind a watch a few times confirmed it.

I'm not automatically enamored by Rolex and actually had spent lots of $$$ on watches before buying my first Rolex. Grew to appreciate what a "deep pockets" watch maker could do in terms of making a solid mass-produced time piece.

That said, I have "followed" some of you on the Millie. Probably wouldn't have bought it if you all brainwashed me with all the pics.

[sea-dweller]

For me -

Do you decide which Rolex you want based on it's history, mechanics, engineering and the rich heritage that Rolex has. Then show your pride and joy here and wear it proudly because you know as much about it as you can. ?

[Jimbits76]

I bought my watch because I have trouble with my eyesight.

I can't believe I paid thousands for a Timex.

J

[f16570]

Always loved the brand, however the watch I wear smiled. End Off.

[buz-lh]

Honestly, my initial interest many years ago was because of the second reason. However, I had other interests and demands which took most of my time and all of my money. As I've moved to a different stage in life, I have a whit of wisdom gained from many mistakes, and undertook a bit of study before I actually made the purchase of my first. Still, that part of my ego that created the initial desire is still a part of me so I can't say that it didn't enter into the decision. I joined this forum after that purchase and through it learned some of the history of the different series and my next purchase was based more on what little knowledge I have gained here. So, I think I am probably like most people where both sides of the equation come into play when I consider a watch for myself. I don't think many of us would own a Rolex regardless of it's history if it looked like this:

[mgm]

Originally Posted by buz-lh

I don't think many of us would own a Rolex regardless of it's history if it looked like this:

Hey! The waterproof "toilet bowl" Rolex!

[nko51]

I am a leader.

[Bobareno]

I liked my Fathers watch, a GMT 1675 (1967), so I got one, a GMT 16750 (1981). Guess I just jumped on the band wagon, but it's been a nice long ride!

[roadcarver]

I love automatic watches, and the waterproofness of the watch is what sold me.

For sure I'm not a Rolex snob

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Bobareno

I liked my Fathers watch, a GMT 1675 (1967), so I got one, a GMT 16750 (1981). Guess I just jumped on the band wagon, but it's been a nice long ride!

Hey...

There's nothing wrong with jumping on the bandwagon.........

And as evidenced by your presence here, you're not intent on just "flashing" your Rollie, but you want to connect with other enthusiasts and it's become more than just a watch, but rather an Adventure..........

..............Perfect.........

[mingo]

I like watches....always have. Bought one...check that off the list. I like cars....check. I have goals in life that I strive for. I hope I make most of them come to fruition. Higher end things come with time.....:)

[SLS]

I will admit that I always wanted a Rolex Sub, not really sure why but I was enamoured by the look of the watch. So I would say that for my first Rolex, a SD, I am a bandwagon guy...but not really into the status symbol aspect of it though. Then after a few weeks of ownership I was interested in learning more about my watch and was intoduced to another watch site by collector friend of mine and then I was hooked! So for over the past four years I have spent countless hours on sites such as this soaking up as much information as I can.
~Scott

[SPORTSFAN]

Hi,
I bought my 1st. one (SS Date) in 1994 because I wanted a Tough Waterproof watch that I could wear every day.
The reason I ended up with the Rolex was because I was offered interest free credit.There was NO way I would ever have put down £1400 for this but when I realised that I would not miss the money to make the payments and after 12 months I would own this magnificent timepiece it was one of the easiest decisions of my life.
The others just followed,no conscious decisions really I have just bought them as I felt like.
I don't idolise the brand (I think they make some awful pieces)but for a watch that will last a lifetime I think they can't be beaten.



Regards Mike.

[highroller]

Answer is both..... A and B

[f16570]

Yep we all lead and are all followers. Like it or not that is how it is.

[stevemulholland3]

Yes master.........

[shedlock2000]

i think its a great question Larry, and very interesting responses. Im not sure i am in either though, (but i do love to be awkward!)

I got mine as i love the reputation, class and distinction in owning one, and i got a GMT as i use its functions. I love the pedigree of the watch as well as its reputation in life as well as its statement in movies. Im part apprieciation of mechanical prescision and part 'bond wore it' but the defining factor is, i use a GMT for its functions, and its quite simply, one of the best!