Why I wear a Rolex (from a non-watch-guy)

[the_natural]

Mercedes Gleitze
Sir Francis Chichester
Sir Edmund Hillary
Tenzing Norgay
Jacques Cousteau

I’m not a “watch guy." Six months ago I wore a Swatch Once Again every day. In about a week, I’ll get my first, and what I mostly hope to be last, Rolex.

I was worried about the flashiness and the stigma of wearing one, but ultimately I wanted what is arguably (amongst the non-watch-types) the best watch there is; something very well-made, something I can pass down to my son, something with staying power. Almost more than that though, I wanted to be, in a very small way, apart of the heritage of what really makes Rolex so special: gutsy people who did gutsy things.

Those names above (as well as others) are what largely make Rolex in my mind; and maybe every so often, when I look down at my watch, I’ll be reminded of them, and reflect on what I’m capable of; because I don't feel like a very gutsy person most of the time.

[bmpregler]

Congrats, so what are you getting?

[Jack T]

So, are you getting an Explorer? Hardly flashy.

[locutus49]

I'd get a Sub. With Cyclops.

[sickened1]

I'd get that new Explorer with the lume on 3, 6, 9. It looks terrific!

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by Jack T

So, are you getting an Explorer? Hardly flashy.

I am, the outgoing 214270 "T Rex", in part due to its understated nature.

I tried on and considered many. Thought I wanted a Sub, but wanted to buy something new, and just couldn't do the new square design (which obviously takes out quite a few models). I like having a date but really didn't want a cyclops (though ironically the Swatch had one and I was fine with it). I also like that the Explorer seems to be less common than a lot of other models.

[Old Expat Beast]

A great list of achievers. Bear in mind, though, that (contrary to popular belief) Mercedes Gleitze only wore a Rolex Oyster on her second "vindication" cross-channel swim, which she failed to complete.

http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/rol...m_gleitze.html

[the_natural]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

A great list of achievers. Bear in mind, though, that (contrary to popular belief) Mercedes Gleitze only wore a Rolex Oyster on her second "vindication" cross-channel swim, which she failed to complete.

http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/rol...m_gleitze.html

I actually did know that; but she still deserves to be in the gutsy category.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by the_natural

I actually did know that; but she still deserves to be in the gutsy category.

She does indeed, and I'm sure she completed the first swim. Just not sure that Rolex deserves the credit it still claims (with some careful wording) today on that one.

[Boaters]

Get a Sub or Explorer

[49ers101hitters]

Originally Posted by locutus49

I'd get a Sub. Without Cyclops.

[docmarioce]

SD 4000. I just got mine and is such a beautiful watch to constantly be looking at. Besides it matches all your wishes in your list.

[TK-710]

Congratulations. And great choice. I like the "T Rex" version better than the new one as the hands never bothered me and I prefer the look of the non lume 3,6,9. I also relateto your reasoning. I bought my first and probably only Rolex two months ago for a lot of the same reasons. Enjoy

[RGAmos]

Why am I not on your list?

[Vaxe]

Can't go wrong with any Rolex, congrats in advance

[HunterThompson]

Great choice. The "old" 214270 is a "lifer" - you'll never need another watch. It's a classic.

Congrats - post some wrist shots when you get it

[Andad]

Originally Posted by RGAmos

Why am I not on your list?

x2

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by the_natural

I am, the outgoing 214270 "T Rex", in part due to its understated nature.

I tried on and considered many. Thought I wanted a Sub, but wanted to buy something new, and just couldn't do the new square design (which obviously takes out quite a few models). I like having a date but really didn't want a cyclops (though ironically the Swatch had one and I was fine with it). I also like that the Explorer seems to be less common than a lot of other models.

That's a great choice, I have the same model and I wear it almost every day. Versatile, reliable and understated, best of luck.

[rmlovett1]

Great choice! Congrats!:)

[AK797]

And no mention of Fleming/James Bond. You'll be fine.

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by locutus49

I'd get a Sub. With Cyclops.

Can't go wrong with a sub

[cht]

Sounds like you had a nice few drinks of the Koolaid, no offense, just trying to help.

Remember Rolex has spent BILLIONS on marketing and advertising....

Do some research so you know what you are ultimately buying.

Rolex mass produces 1,000,000 watches per year.

There are many posts here where people feel let down when their watch was not hand made, has QC issues, has defects, stops working in a few weeks, takes weeks to months for service, needs >$600 for regular scheduled maintenance, etc.

Good luck!

[phillycheez]

Originally Posted by cht

Sounds like you had a nice few drinks of the Koolaid, no offense, just trying to help.

Remember Rolex has spent BILLIONS on marketing and advertising....

Do some research so you know what you are ultimately buying.

Rolex mass produces 1,000,000 watches per year.

There are many posts here where people feel let down when their watch was not hand made, has QC issues, has defects, stops working in a few weeks, takes weeks to months for service, needs >$600 for regular scheduled maintenance, etc.

Good luck!

You drinking some funky kool-aid as well.

I recommend doing some research yourself on Rolex...

[vman]

Originally Posted by cht

sounds like you had a nice few drinks of the koolaid, no offense, just trying to help.

Remember rolex has spent billions on marketing and advertising....

Do some research so you know what you are ultimately buying.

Rolex mass produces 1,000,000 watches per year.

There are many posts here where people feel let down when their watch was not hand made, has qc issues, has defects, stops working in a few weeks, takes weeks to months for service, needs >$600 for regular scheduled maintenance, etc.

Good luck!

+1

[Rocket_Man]

Originally Posted by the_natural

I am, the outgoing 214270 "T Rex", in part due to its understated nature.

I tried on and considered many. Thought I wanted a Sub, but wanted to buy something new, and just couldn't do the new square design (which obviously takes out quite a few models). I like having a date but really didn't want a cyclops (though ironically the Swatch had one and I was fine with it). I also like that the Explorer seems to be less common than a lot of other models.

Personally I think the WG 3-6-9 Explorer is a little too flashy. The new Explorer with the lumed 3-6-9 brings it closer to the classic 1016 reference that so many identify with the Explorer.

You could remove the Cyclops from the Sub if you wanted. Or get the no-date Sub,

[PaulChronometer]

Originally Posted by the_natural

I am, the outgoing 214270 "T Rex", in part due to its understated nature.

I tried on and considered many. Thought I wanted a Sub, but wanted to buy something new, and just couldn't do the new square design (which obviously takes out quite a few models). I like having a date but really didn't want a cyclops (though ironically the Swatch had one and I was fine with it). I also like that the Explorer seems to be less common than a lot of other models.

Congratulations ­­­­­– great choice! It captures precisely what you are looking for in a watch.

[polaris72]

Congrats and welcome to gutsy forum. It does feel good wearing one and the white gold 3-6-9 is my favorite watch as well. Maybe not as flashy as other Rolexes, but make no mistake, people will recognize it's Rolex, some just by its signature bracelet.

[Snow-Dweller]

Congratulations on a classic.

[cht]

Originally Posted by phillycheez

You drinking some funky kool-aid as well.

I recommend doing some research yourself on Rolex...

Did I say something incorrect that I need to research?

[cataby]

Originally Posted by cht

Sounds like you had a nice few drinks of the Koolaid, no offense, just trying to help.

Remember Rolex has spent BILLIONS on marketing and advertising....

Do some research so you know what you are ultimately buying.

Rolex mass produces 1,000,000 watches per year.

There are many posts here where people feel let down when their watch was not hand made, has QC issues, has defects, stops working in a few weeks, takes weeks to months for service, needs >$600 for regular scheduled maintenance, etc.

Good luck!

Never understood why people who feel this way have over 1,000 posts on a Rolex forum. If you don't care for Rolex's, why exactly do you spend so much time here posting?