ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

peterskinner · 4 July 2016, 07:07 PM

Well, do they? They make striking looking watches, iconic watches, genre defining watches...but good looking watches ?
This question was raised by a friend who is a major collector (128 high-end watches.) He has come to the conclusion that Rolex make surprisingly few great looking watches.
I know this sounds daft, given the fame and sales of Rolex, but I kind of see his point. And then there's the vexed question of what constitutes 'good looking' anyway. But it got me thinking. Which makes a change.

dysondiver · 4 July 2016, 07:19 PM

subjective , i guess.

Cru Jones · 4 July 2016, 07:52 PM

watches don't become "iconic watches, genre defining watches" without being good looking. just seems like your major watch collector friend has different tastes.

UnicoJG · 4 July 2016, 08:07 PM

In all honesty, no. Rolex has the name and they make great reliable watches, but not aesthetically. Without discussing the watch movements, there are many watch brands that look better than Rolex watches. But they are NOT Rolex!

The Libertine · 4 July 2016, 08:12 PM

I, for one, think Rolex makes great looking watches.

sathwik · 4 July 2016, 08:18 PM

They make good looking watches, but not the best looking watches. And they don't make good looking movement or at least a good looking winding rotor

capacitance · 4 July 2016, 08:25 PM

IMHO...Imitation is the best form of flattery. There are a lot of watch companies that emulate/copy Rolex...and I am pretty sure Invicta does not sells so many of their watches because of durability or quality. I would say the Sub C is very iconic "man's" tool watch. Definitely a specific niche, but appealing because of it.
Out of curiosity? Does your friend give his top favorites? 128 watches, I would love to see that collection, sounds interesting to say the least.

Smax · 4 July 2016, 08:26 PM

They're good looking to me (especially the sports models) but the key selling factor is how solid Rolexes look compared to most major brands.

liuk3 · 4 July 2016, 08:31 PM

Go buy something else if you want. Vote with your wallet.

joe100 · 4 July 2016, 08:34 PM

Not all of their designs are hits, but we don't covet these expensive little machines because they're not pleasing to the eye

AK797 · 4 July 2016, 08:57 PM

They look great to me. I've been to AP and PP but I still love the look of many Rolexes.

japenney · 4 July 2016, 09:24 PM

I think there is atleast one Rolex model that would appeal aesthetically to anyone. I guess that is all we can hope for from a major watch brand. Most people do not buy multiple watches of the same brand. Unless we are looking at collectors.

cop414 · 4 July 2016, 09:27 PM

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think that many Rolex watches look absolutely great, a couple not so much. Several I've learned to love after time, I never liked the look of the Sky Dweller until I learned about its complications now I think it's a stunner.

ming the merciless · 4 July 2016, 09:44 PM

Some look very good, some I'd have to sell immediately if I was given one.

GoingPlaces · 4 July 2016, 09:52 PM

100% subjective.

THC · 4 July 2016, 09:55 PM

I constantly think the other brands do not make good looking watches. But as stated, all tastes are different in everything

Jason71 · 4 July 2016, 09:58 PM

*Yawn*

1William · 4 July 2016, 10:01 PM

Subjective answer. I think most Rolexes are beautiful, a few, not so much. As a brand they are the best. At least to me.

RolexxxeloR · 4 July 2016, 10:02 PM

Though Rolex is my favorite brand, I'm only interested in about a third of the line overall... So for me, it's a valid question. There isn't one dress watch (e.g, Datejust, OP, Cellini) I'd ever consider purchasing from Rolex.

never ready · 4 July 2016, 10:15 PM

Like people have said, its personal choice when it comes to looks. I only chose my watch (ER Daytona) as imo its stunning and its a bonus that its a Rolex

Roboshap · 4 July 2016, 10:20 PM

As many have noted, it's a subjective thing, but there's good reason why Rolex watches, regardless of the model, are so often imitated and popular. The brand is known for making timeless and classic designs that I think are very eye-catching in terms of appearance and general appeal, especially their use of color in many different references.

peterskinner · 4 July 2016, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capacitance

Out of curiosity? Does your friend give his top favorites? 128 watches, I would love to see that collection, sounds interesting to say the least.

He's a private sort of guy and doesn't really display his watches. I do remember once when a cushion moved on the sofa, and behind it was a Day-Date, with diamond bezel, which he had 'forgotten.'
His prize watch is a George Daniels, so rare he keeps it in a safe at Harrods. One day I want to at least handle it (you have to wear protective gloves.) In truth, he's in it as an investor first, watch lover second. I know he agrees with the notion that Patek and Rolex are the best long-term buys.

~JJ · 4 July 2016, 10:22 PM

Subjective, debate till your blue in the face. I'm just curious which brand(s) your friend believes lead in aesthetic design.

peterskinner · 4 July 2016, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~JJ

Subjective, debate till your blue in the face. I'm just curious which brand(s) your friend believes lead in aesthetic design.

I don't know. He has a soft spot for some JLCs and Pateks. Me, I think ALS take some beating for aesthetics, but they don't do some key genres such as dive watches. IWC make rather attractive looking models. And Nomos watches seem to me to have a minimalist look which is very elegant.
You can't really claim first-place in design when your watches are plastered with somewhat boastful writing about 'superlative' and so on.
Don't misunderstand. I like Rolex a lot, but they are probably not in the first rank for looks. Not for me, anyway. I buy them for other reasons...mainly their sheer quality of build and their amazing history. And their integrity. It's Rolex as an all-round package which is probably the key to their market dominance.

RRGHOST1 · 4 July 2016, 10:33 PM

It is subjective,i don't like AP,PP or any skeleton designed watch made by anybody but that's just me, however good the movement looks.

ap1 · 4 July 2016, 10:41 PM

Yup

Andad · 4 July 2016, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterskinner

Well, do they? They make striking looking watches, iconic watches, genre defining watches...but good looking watches ?
This question was raised by a friend who is a major collector (128 high-end watches.) He has come to the conclusion that Rolex make surprisingly few great looking watches.
I know this sounds daft, given the fame and sales of Rolex, but I kind of see his point. And then there's the vexed question of what constitutes 'good looking' anyway. But it got me thinking. Which makes a change.

Do you own any?

T. Ferguson · 4 July 2016, 10:48 PM

I like the overall looks of most of the Rolex line. I'm gonna guess part of the reason for your friend's comment is the lack of the classic looking dress watch in the Rolex branded line. But throw in Celini and booyah! Especially the new ones, they're beautiful.

landroverking · 4 July 2016, 11:14 PM

Great looking yes. Are there better watch brands with better fit and finish. Yes!

peterskinner · 4 July 2016, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

Do you own any?

Yes, a SD4000 and a Prince. I've also owned four other models. I like Rolex, they are my favourite brand. But I also like Mercedes and I don't think they are the most handsome cars.
You can like something without believing it to be flawless. And things are of course subjective. That doesn't mean people can't have interesting opinions. Without subjectivity we could only chat about mathematics and logic. Everything fun in life is subjective

4 July 2016, 07:07 PM	#1
peterskinner "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: East Sussex U Posts: 1,351	Do Rolex make good looking watches? Well, do they? They make striking looking watches, iconic watches, genre defining watches...but good looking watches ? This question was raised by a friend who is a major collector (128 high-end watches.) He has come to the conclusion that Rolex make surprisingly few great looking watches. I know this sounds daft, given the fame and sales of Rolex, but I kind of see his point. And then there's the vexed question of what constitutes 'good looking' anyway. But it got me thinking. Which makes a change.

4 July 2016, 08:31 PM	#9
liuk3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,354	Go buy something else if you want. Vote with your wallet. __________________ "Appreciate your life!"

4 July 2016, 08:34 PM	#10
joe100 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Joe Location: New Mexico Watch: Explorer Posts: 12,840	Not all of their designs are hits, but we don't covet these expensive little machines because they're not pleasing to the eye __________________ It's Espresso, not Expresso. Coffee is not a train in Italy. -TRF Member 6982-

4 July 2016, 09:27 PM	#13
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,246	Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think that many Rolex watches look absolutely great, a couple not so much. Several I've learned to love after time, I never liked the look of the Sky Dweller until I learned about its complications now I think it's a stunner. __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

4 July 2016, 09:58 PM	#17
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	Yawn __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

4 July 2016, 07:19 PM	#2
dysondiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: tom Location: northern ireland Watch: my fins Posts: 10,063	subjective , i guess.

4 July 2016, 07:52 PM	#3
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,300	watches don't become "iconic watches, genre defining watches" without being good looking. just seems like your major watch collector friend has different tastes.

4 July 2016, 08:07 PM	#4
UnicoJG "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: U.S.A. Watch: Always! Posts: 557	In all honesty, no. Rolex has the name and they make great reliable watches, but not aesthetically. Without discussing the watch movements, there are many watch brands that look better than Rolex watches. But they are NOT Rolex!

4 July 2016, 08:12 PM	#5
The Libertine Banned Join Date: May 2014 Real Name: Mike Location: BOS Watch: 16710;14060;214270 Posts: 6,375	I, for one, think Rolex makes great looking watches.

4 July 2016, 08:18 PM	#6
sathwik Banned Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Bangalore Watch: 116506A Posts: 397	They make good looking watches, but not the best looking watches. And they don't make good looking movement or at least a good looking winding rotor

4 July 2016, 08:25 PM	#7
capacitance "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: US Watch: SD4k, SD43, PAM233 Posts: 77	IMHO...Imitation is the best form of flattery. There are a lot of watch companies that emulate/copy Rolex...and I am pretty sure Invicta does not sells so many of their watches because of durability or quality. I would say the Sub C is very iconic "man's" tool watch. Definitely a specific niche, but appealing because of it. Out of curiosity? Does your friend give his top favorites? 128 watches, I would love to see that collection, sounds interesting to say the least.

4 July 2016, 08:26 PM	#8
Smax "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: SEA Posts: 34	They're good looking to me (especially the sports models) but the key selling factor is how solid Rolexes look compared to most major brands.

4 July 2016, 08:57 PM	#11
AK797 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Neil Location: UK Watch: ing ships roll in Posts: 59,369	They look great to me. I've been to AP and PP but I still love the look of many Rolexes.

4 July 2016, 09:24 PM	#12
japenney "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Real Name: Josh Location: Canada Watch: undecided Posts: 4,777	I think there is atleast one Rolex model that would appeal aesthetically to anyone. I guess that is all we can hope for from a major watch brand. Most people do not buy multiple watches of the same brand. Unless we are looking at collectors.

4 July 2016, 09:44 PM	#14
ming the merciless "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: England Posts: 459	Some look very good, some I'd have to sell immediately if I was given one.

4 July 2016, 09:52 PM	#15
GoingPlaces "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 5,356	100% subjective.

4 July 2016, 09:55 PM	#16
THC 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Tom Location: Mandeville La Watch: 126333 Posts: 10,666	I constantly think the other brands do not make good looking watches. But as stated, all tastes are different in everything

4 July 2016, 10:01 PM	#18
1William 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 47,787	Subjective answer. I think most Rolexes are beautiful, a few, not so much. As a brand they are the best. At least to me.

4 July 2016, 10:02 PM	#19
RolexxxeloR Banned Join Date: Jul 2015 Real Name: Mario Location: Westland, MI Posts: 481	Though Rolex is my favorite brand, I'm only interested in about a third of the line overall... So for me, it's a valid question. There isn't one dress watch (e.g, Datejust, OP, Cellini) I'd ever consider purchasing from Rolex.

4 July 2016, 10:15 PM	#20
never ready "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Norwich Watch: Daytona ER Posts: 32	Like people have said, its personal choice when it comes to looks. I only chose my watch (ER Daytona) as imo its stunning and its a bonus that its a Rolex

4 July 2016, 10:20 PM	#21
Roboshap "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Real Name: Adam Location: South Florida Watch: 116710 BLNR Posts: 18	As many have noted, it's a subjective thing, but there's good reason why Rolex watches, regardless of the model, are so often imitated and popular. The brand is known for making timeless and classic designs that I think are very eye-catching in terms of appearance and general appeal, especially their use of color in many different references.

4 July 2016, 10:22 PM	#23
~JJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Chicago Watch: explorer Posts: 2,292	Subjective, debate till your blue in the face. I'm just curious which brand(s) your friend believes lead in aesthetic design.

4 July 2016, 10:33 PM	#25
RRGHOST1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: luke standing Location: england Watch: Rolex TT SubC Blue Posts: 3,997	It is subjective,i don't like AP,PP or any skeleton designed watch made by anybody but that's just me, however good the movement looks. __________________ RRGHOST1

4 July 2016, 10:41 PM	#26
ap1 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: usa Posts: 19,537	Yup

4 July 2016, 10:48 PM	#28
T. Ferguson "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Left Coast Posts: 7,025	I like the overall looks of most of the Rolex line. I'm gonna guess part of the reason for your friend's comment is the lack of the classic looking dress watch in the Rolex branded line. But throw in Celini and booyah! Especially the new ones, they're beautiful. __________________ *Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.*

4 July 2016, 11:14 PM	#29
landroverking "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Jay Location: TEXAS Watch: Daytona Posts: 7,648	Great looking yes. Are there better watch brands with better fit and finish. Yes!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)