Surprised by how rarely people recognize my Subby

[mjtql]

I bought my first SS Sub a couple of months back and have to say I'm surprised by the fact that I've received very few compliments on it . Don't get me wrong, I didn't buy the watch in an effort to impress others (in fact I ended up going with the Sub because it's more subtle and I don't consider myself a very flashy guy). I think I'm definitely noticing a generational thing here though....my Dad flipped over the watch when I purchased it and asks me to bring it out when his friends are around, etc. but when I wear it at work and even out on the town, very few people seem to recognize it (average age is 25 in my office). I did have one great compliment though - I was in a meeting with 4 other gentlemen and right at the end of the meeting one of the guys (early 30s) blurts out "that is an awesome watch by the way...WOW", this then caught the attention of the others in the room and I have to say, it did feel good . I thanked him and emailed him the next day asking if he was also a watch enthusiast and he told me that 2 of his friends have the exact same watch and he knows what great tools they are.

So, I guess to sum up my thought here - I didn't purchase the watch so that people would shower me with compliments but I guess I was hoping for more people (other WIS) to notice it so that I could at least have some good conversations about Rolex, etc. This just doesn't seem to be the case though. Do my fellow Subby / SD owners out there have their watches noticed very often? If so, does the "younger" crowd usually recognize it? We hear and read about the mechanical watch making a resurgence and I guess I assumed it was being driven by the younger generation taking an interest in the art of watchmaking but perhaps that's not the case.

I know "younger" is a relative term and that I'm only 29 so no offense intended

[Bisquitlips]

Mike,

Same here on my YM and it is rather blingy! Gold / SS and Black MOP. Just a couple of people have noticed it, but that is ok.

The fact is only the people who know and love timepieces will ever notice it. With all the look alikes out there where some Seikos and others that have the Rolex look, there is no reason why people should notice our watches unless they are educated in the subject.

These people are as rare as our watches. The real reason to own a Rolex is that it speaks volumes to you. About your love of quality. Your achievements in life. And your obvious good taste!

The real question is how many times a day do you drooooooooool on your Rolex?

Post a photo of your Sub and I'll notice it for you! Howz that?

[karmatp]

The fact is that most people just don't care about watches, they don't look for them or even notice a nice one when they see it. My watches have never been noticed and that is fine by me, I prefer it actually.

[dcmachead]

I was at a reunion of sorts with some former colleagues on Friday and I caught someone craning their neck to check out my GMT-IIC as I was talking to them--they either knew what it was or they liked it :)

[Atlanta]

I've never paid attention to whether people notice or not, but I can say - no one has ever told me they noticed.

[mretzloff]

Originally Posted by mjtql

I assumed it was being driven by the younger generation taking an interest in the art of watchmaking but perhaps that's not the case.

Several kids in my highschool have noticed mine. I think it's because they know the name of "Rolex", not because of their interest in watches, though.

[mjtql]

I think you hit the nail on the head bisquitlips and I guess the fact that people like us are rare is what makes the whole Rolex thing so much fun.

[bradg]

I have been complimented on my sub only by those who know what it is. The folks who arent into watches really dont notice. THe last compliment I had was from a guy who has Rolex and a Vacheron. He saw it right away and commented how beautiful it was. It is nice and makes you feel good when it is noticed and usually evolves into some conversation.

[Dan Pierce]

Wis's like us can't understand why everyone ain't ate up like the rest of us.
dP

[bradg]

We are always trying to catcha glimpse of someones watch..at least I am...just to see what it is. I was with a guy the other day and he is rather wealthy...had on a cosmograph looking deal...I could not tell what it was but commented to him how nice it looked hoping he said it was a Rollie....wrong....Seiko to my disappointment, but it looked good from 10 feet away. Not a Daytona though!

[milspec]

lemme tell you something ... everyone notices what watch you got on ... just like your clothes, your shoes, a watch on a man is an extension of his arm ... especially the ROLEX SS Sports models, they shine from a mile away .... for subs and SD, there is something special about that steel and black combo that is a beacon and the way they cut the bezel, it acts like a mirror in reflecting light ....

everyone knows you got an expensive watch and most keep their mouths shut .... the ROLEX name is a household name and probably after the words "God" and "Money", the word "ROLEX" is most recognized

I have had a few people stare at my SD a few times in a meeting ... it sure feels good to be recognized ... those staring had movados or tags on so they were pretty informed ... even those who are not into watches, stare because of the blk/steel combo ... it is magical ....

People notice everything about you ...from the top of your head down to your feet, you are analyzed when you meet someone, the same way you analyze them ....or we analyze and scope each other out ....

People might not know it is a ROLEX but they will remember that it was one elegant watch and it will leave an impression on them and had you worn a little mickey mouse watch, they would remember that also ... people remember and notice more than you think and can imagine ....

[East Bay Rider]

I leave my sleeves down at work. It's a petty place where people have to justify their every purchase. Jealousy is rampant and even the folks who have money justify why they can't afford gas prices, heating oil, tires for their sensible 4 door cars etc. or gossip about the person that just bought a new family car. It's not a happy place.
Rolex? A few people have seen mine but the rest would never understand. I'd rather not even talk to them about it.

[swissautopro]

I was at a family Christmas party just last night. The conversation eventually drifted to work and the economy. As I am the only self-employed individual in the family, I was asked for my opinion and input. After I had given my , someone stated that things must be going well for me as they noticed the Rolex on my wrist.

People definitely notice, but, depending on the company you're in, some will be more comfortable mentioning it, and others will not, in my experience.

In my opinion, one thing to remember is this; a Rolex is a statement of success in the eyes of a LOT of people. Not to me. I wear one because I am a watch fanatic, and feel Rolex is the epitome of the highest quality timepiece you can own. I don't wear one for the "shock" factor. But for a lot of people, a Rolex is out of reach, which tends to make some people feel uncomfortable about commenting on one.

[Eli]

People usually notice when it's a big watch. Subs aren't in like they used to be. Now you need a Breitling for Bentley or a Uboat to get some attention. Try something with polished links... That helpls a lot.

I don't get any compliments on my Daytona or my GMT2c. But I don't care.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by mjtql

I think you hit the nail on the head bisquitlips and I guess the fact that people like us are rare is what makes the whole Rolex thing so much fun.

Mike,

Now that is a fine watch! I want one bad!

[rcarney]

Those who appreciate fine time pieces are in a select club and the real joy for me is when someone knowledgeable about watches recognizes you as a member of that club from the time piece you're wearing. But for that moment to be meaningful, it can not happen daily. It must be more of a rare event... a random meeting of connoisseurs.

[Alcan]

The reality is that 99.9% of the population wouldn't recognize a Rolex if you smacked 'em in the eye with it. WIS's are a very small minority.

[cody p]

that whole theory about people noticing everything about you seems a little overdone to me (people tend to be pretty self absorbed). they may notice obvious flash, but not more normal, understated stuff. the ss rolex models are more understated, sure the fit and finish is there, but most would have to move in for the kill to discern it's a rolex... and even then they'd still ask if it was real???

[Tools]

You have to practice flashing it and sticking it under their noses..

Practice these lines:

. "What time ya' got, My Rolex seems to be a couple of seconds off !"

. "My Rolex says it's time for a latte... anybody else ?"

. "It's sure tough to pick out the right Rolex in the mornings any more !"

Once you get these down, and practice projecting from the diaphragm, you should get noticed a lot more..

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by Tools

You have to practice flashing it and sticking it under their noses..

Practice these lines:

. "What time ya' got, My Rolex seems to be a couple of seconds off !"

. "My Rolex says it's time for a latte... anybody else ?"

. "It's sure tough to pick out the right Rolex in the mornings any more !"

Once you get these down, and practice projecting from the diaphragm, you should get noticed a lot more..

[KJacques]

Originally Posted by milspec

lemme tell you something ... everyone notices what watch you got on ... just like your clothes, your shoes, a watch on a man is an extension of his arm ... especially the ROLEX SS Sports models, they shine from a mile away .... for subs and SD, there is something special about that steel and black combo that is a beacon and the way they cut the bezel, it acts like a mirror in reflecting light ....

I have had a few people stare at my SD a few times in a meeting ... it sure feels good to be recognized ... those staring had movados or tags on so they were pretty informed ... even those who are not into watches, stare because of the blk/steel combo ... it is magical ....

You're fooling yourself if you really believe that everyone notices or cares about what watch you are wearing. You appear to want them to notice it because of how it makes you "feel good to be recognized."

Personally, I would want the watch to be the last thing that catches someone's eye and impresses them.

[WatchTimes]

Go to a strip bar and I promise the girls will be all over your watch..

I rarely get people who comment when I wear a Rolex BUT
one time in the NWA World Perks lounge some dirt ball was in
there with his wife (he was wearing the worst fake Sub I have
ever seen) and he was next to me.... He said to his wife
now thats a fake watch honey...

For some reason it was the wrong day to P*** me off and I
decided to school this guy and explain this was the newest
Rolex the DSSD and how and why his watch was clearly a
fake and then asked if he had anymore ?'s, he told me to
F myself and I nicely said have a good trip but people who
don't know what they are talking about should keep their
mouths shut, I don't care if you watch is real or fake BUT
when you decide to talk trash right in front of me when you
don't know what you are talking about I am going to explain
the facts to you.... Now, I am leaving and I truly hope you
enjoy your watch as thats all that really matters when it comes
down to it.

The irony is I usually will tell people my watch was a gift and most
likely a fake when I am asked

[Perpetuator]

Although Rolexes are relatively rare in comparison to other brands, we WISs are even more rare. A huge proportion of Rolex owners wear the watch for status and image as opposed to the history, tradition, and craftmanship. They probably couldn't name more than two different models ("Submariner, Datejust, and uhhhh...."). So the fact is that even a lot of Rolex wearers don't care all that much, eg, the guy I saw just the other day driving down the expressway in his convertible Mercedes CLK with a 16613 dangling off his wrist. That said, however, more people probably notice our watches than we realize, they just choose not to say anything out of respect/social graces. A lot of people wouldn't feel comfortable with someone noticing their watch, even if it's only to pay a compliment. Depending on the setting, however, I will definitely pay someone a compliment on their timepiece, esp if it's a Rolex

Oh and, yes, the gold diggers often seem to notice as well.

[DC watchman]

Originally Posted by Perpetuator

Although Rolexes are relatively rare in comparison to other brands, we WISs are even more rare. A huge proportion of Rolex owners wear the watch for status and image as opposed to the history, tradition, and craftmanship. They probably couldn't name more than two different models ("Submariner, Datejust, and uhhhh...."). So the fact is that even a lot of Rolex wearers don't care all that much, eg, the guy I saw just the other day driving down the expressway in his convertible Mercedes CLK with a 16613 dangling off his wrist. That said, however, more people probably notice our watches than we realize, they just choose not to say anything out of respect/social graces. A lot of people wouldn't feel comfortable with someone noticing their watch, even if it's only to pay a compliment. Depending on the setting, however, I will definitely pay someone a compliment on their timepiece, esp if it's a Rolex

Oh and, yes, the gold diggers often seem to notice as well.

Agreed. I don't even bother to extend a compliment anymore.

[herfdude]

I have worn an SS Daytona as my everyday watch for years and have rarely had anyone notice or comment on it...........

Conversely on the special occassions when I wear my YG YM ll or my Platty PM meteorite dial, I have received numerous comments and compliments on both of them.

Very rarely (more like never) does the person noticing have any idea what kind of watch it is, they just like the look of them...........

[MACRAME QUEENS]

Originally Posted by JYogi

Go to a strip bar and I promise the girls will be all over your watch..

I rarely get people who comment when I wear a Rolex BUT
one time in the NWA World Perks lounge some dirt ball was in
there with his wife (he was wearing the worst fake Sub I have
ever seen) and he was next to me.... He said to his wife
now thats a fake watch honey...

For some reason it was the wrong day to P*** me off and I
decided to school this guy and explain this was the newest
Rolex the DSSD and how and why his watch was clearly a
fake and then asked if he had anymore ?'s, he told me to
F myself and I nicely said have a good trip but people who
don't know what they are talking about should keep their
mouths shut, I don't care if you watch is real or fake BUT
when you decide to talk trash right in front of me when you
don't know what you are talking about I am going to explain
the facts to you.... Now, I am leaving and I truly hope you
enjoy your watch as thats all that really matters when it comes
down to it.

The irony is I usually will tell people my watch was a gift and most
likely a fake when I am asked

Nice! Glad you called him on his fake. I wouldve done the same if somebody told me my 16610 badge was fake.

I always say mine is fake if at the office-don't get drilled at work.

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by JYogi

Go to a strip bar and I promise the girls will be all over your watch..

Or just tape a $100 bill to your head.

[Mike B]

I simply don't care if people don't notice my watch. In fact, I prefer it that way. I didn't buy the watch I have in order to say "look at me !! I have a Rolex on !!". (Not that any of use do that anyway, I'm just saying), not many people know what a Casio G Shock looks like let alone a Rolex. I've worn a Sub. for 3 years, and not ONE person complimented me on my watch. No hard feelings, I know what it is, it's there if I need to know what time it is (after all, that's the reason why I bought it in the first place. . . . to tell time lol). True, if someone DID notice the watch, that would be good as well, and would probably start talking watches with that person for hours. But truth be told, the majority of the population has no idea what a Rolex looks like . . . . they just know the name.

[simoesm]

Originally Posted by karmatp

The fact is that most people just don't care about watches, they don't look for them or even notice a nice one when they see it. My watches have never been noticed and that is fine by me, I prefer it actually.

Nobody ever told if they noticed my Subdate, much less someone compliment me on the watch.
I have had friends ask me the time and I one even grabbed my wrist to see the time and showed no reaction at all. I think he saw the time and did not even "saw" the watch make.
I do not mind at all. I got it for myself and not for the others. I feel more comfortable this way.

[hooliganhooker]

Mike,

Gotta say I love your sig. I'm currently on my 4th and one of my personal favorite axims is...