Miss the good old days…

[Dr.Mehr]

I first purchased a Rolex watch around 2011. It was a date just 2 and then later I purchased a ceramic Submariner date. Then a few months later I found out about the Ceramic Submariner LVC aka Hulk. I flipped my submariner for the Hulk.
I was able to wear it around the world in places like Europe, Canada, US, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and never ever was I worried about it being stolen from me. Nobody really noticed my Hulk for many years and neither commented on it.

But this all changed around 2018. People starting commenting on my Hulk and other watches. I’m fortunate to have a few watches but now do not feel safe wearing them because they attract too much attention. Everyone knows what I’m wearing and looks at them as very expensive watches. This isn’t why I purchased my watches. Currently wearing my CHNR while the Hulk and Skydweller blue sit in the safe. The CHNR is the one watch catches least attention so far.

I purchased them because I like the aesthetics, the complications and the quality.
The current climate has changed it all and I’m more conscious while wearing any of my watches.

I miss the old days when you could wear a rolex watch and only you and those into horology knew what you were wearing.

[SocialMediaUser]

Originally Posted by Dr.Mehr

I first purchased a Rolex watch around 2011. It was a date just 2 and then later I purchased a ceramic Submariner date. Then a few months later I found out about the Ceramic Submariner LVC aka Hulk. I flipped my submariner for the Hulk.
I was able to wear it around the world in places like Europe, Canada, US, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and never ever was I worried about it being stolen from me. Nobody really noticed my Hulk for many years and neither commented on it.

But this all changed around 2018. People starting commenting on my Hulk and other watches. I’m fortunate to have a few watches but now do not feel safe wearing them because they attract too much attention. Everyone knows what I’m wearing and looks at them as very expensive watches. This isn’t why I purchased my watches. Currently wearing my CHNR while the Hulk and Skydweller blue sit in the safe. The CHNR is the one watch catches least attention so far.

I purchased them because I like the aesthetics, the complications and the quality.
The current climate has changed it all and I’m more conscious while wearing any of my watches.

I miss the old days when you could wear a rolex watch and only you and those into horology knew what you were wearing.

Yes the problems and fears us genuine horologist have to suffer today.
I do not know if I can bear that burden of living in constant fear when I go ouside unable to protect my beloved precious from the evils of todays world.

I think the solution to our nightmares is to donate it all to Fady Adib Farid Qaddoura Aljiousis re-election campaign

[28mm]

Interesting we created threads at the same time with similar musings.

I started a bit over 10 years before you did and remember being offered a Serti dialed two tone Submariner for 40% off lol. Didn't like it then or now but still 40% off!

When the first green bezeled Submariner came out I remember seeing it and thinking "that's interesting' but was busy living my life and was still reconciling if it was really ok to have 2 or 3 of the 'same' watch!

Everyone knew Rolex! but not to the extent that people without much means will strike up conversations asking if a 116710N is a good investment! Happened recently in a very unexpected place and that was a first for me!

[Calatrava r]

In the good old days, you could also buy anything you wanted when you wanted it. Maybe not a SS Daytona, but that was it.

[arcampado]

I hear you OP. Pre-pandemic we would frequently vacation in Aruba and I would always wear my watches without fear of anything happening. Fast forward to last month when we went back for the first time in a couple of years and it was the first time that I actually felt uncomfortable wearing my watch based on the looks and comments that I received. Granted this time it was a rose gold olive dial DD and not the usual Submariner variety but still there was a noticeable difference from just a couple of years ago. Maybe it was just me being overly paranoid, but nonetheless I can say that I relate to what you’re describing and I’ll probably be more judicious about which watches that I bring with me on vacation.

[inadeje]

There are always two sides to every story.

Good old days = easy access, less cache
Present days = impossible access, intergalactic cache

Rolex hit the high notes 117 years after its creation. Some would say not before time.

[Kyle3130]

OP, I bet if you had kept the standard black Sub Date you wouldn’t be getting “too much” attention on your colorful (loud) pieces. Kind of comes with the territory if you know what I mean.

[henrylee]

Originally Posted by Dr.Mehr

I first purchased a Rolex watch around 2011. It was a date just 2 and then later I purchased a ceramic Submariner date. Then a few months later I found out about the Ceramic Submariner LVC aka Hulk. I flipped my submariner for the Hulk.
I was able to wear it around the world in places like Europe, Canada, US, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and never ever was I worried about it being stolen from me. Nobody really noticed my Hulk for many years and neither commented on it.

But this all changed around 2018. People starting commenting on my Hulk and other watches. I’m fortunate to have a few watches but now do not feel safe wearing them because they attract too much attention. Everyone knows what I’m wearing and looks at them as very expensive watches. This isn’t why I purchased my watches. Currently wearing my CHNR while the Hulk and Skydweller blue sit in the safe. The CHNR is the one watch catches least attention so far.

I purchased them because I like the aesthetics, the complications and the quality.
The current climate has changed it all and I’m more conscious while wearing any of my watches.

I miss the old days when you could wear a rolex watch and only you and those into horology knew what you were wearing.

Haha OP is right. My Sub, Batman, and Pepsi was getting way more attention than my CHNR.

[1665fan]

Vintage is the best way to fly under the radar…….new Rolex are flash and jewelry

[waterking]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Vintage is the best way to fly under the radar…….new Rolex are flash and jewelry

Yep....but they sure look cool.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by waterking

Yep....but they sure look cool.

Yes they are…….no collection is complete without vintage and new….

[77T]

Originally Posted by 1665fan

Vintage is the best way to fly under the radar…….new Rolex are flash and jewelry

I have to agree. I’ve had the larger cases and just appreciate the Classic 4 or 5 digit models more.


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[red1108nyc]

I still remember in 2008 in Aruba, the AD would have Submariner and Sea Dweller for me to try and offered to hold one for me with a slight discount. I really do miss those days.

[ROLEX*]

Originally Posted by 77T

I have to agree. I’ve had the larger cases and just appreciate the Classic 4 or 5 digit models more.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I tend to agree on vintage is flying under the radar.

Side thought:
How do you wear/protect the vintage watch especially the bezels made of Aluminium and ensure we wear without damaging the value of the watch?

Song sharing: https://youtu.be/WY6nQK7zbsk

[77T]

I wear them like any other watch but not worried much about changing value due to normal use.




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[WatchesNBlondes]

Gotta move to another brand then and no one will know.

[Jpccarguy]

I do think it’s a different world, but I still want to live my life, and enjoy and appreciate the pieces I’ve been able to acquire. That’s where insurance gives peace of mind.

[stark1]

In 2014 or so, I tried on the ceramic sub for the first time. I thought it looked OK, nothing special. I put it back on the jewelry tray that the SA was holding, said thank you and started walking away. The SA then said something to the effect of "what kind of discount can I offer to incentivize you to purchase today?" I waved my hand and said "I'll think about it". And that was that.

[DRS Enabled]

It's true. A Pepsi GMT used to be a everyday tool watch 5-10 years ago. Today you're basically wearing a first year accountant's annual salary or a mid-level sedan on your wrist.

[MAINEZX10]

Those were the good days. I started buying Rolex watches in 2006. Everything was available besides SS Daytona’s. My grey guy would have good variety of used watches and could get most pieces BNIB for less than going to the AD, including taxes.

[pescoba]

Originally Posted by DRS Enabled

It's true. A Pepsi GMT used to be a everyday tool watch 5-10 years ago. Today you're basically wearing a first year accountant's annual salary or a mid-level sedan on your wrist.

this 10000% percent

[shaunylw]

Imagine how the RM guys feel! For years they could wear a couple hundred on their wrist and only the folks really into horology would notice. Now, the bad guys now what to look for and they stick out.

[Speeding911]

Agree. I wear Rolex to tell time but I know where and when to strap on my Apple Watch.