Why are Rolex Watches so frowned upon
Discussion
I have always had a Rolex Watch of one type or another throughout the past 30 years, but when ever mentioned they always get sneered at by the general public. They are the most faked watch out there so obviously people desire to own them but never seem to get the credit they deserve in my humble opinion.
What are your thoughts?
What are your thoughts?
I'm not sure about the premise in the question; are they really 'so frowned upon'?
Rolex are the most famous luxury brand watch. For that reason, whilst many actually want one, others will avoid the obvious 'badge' status of a Rolex, and some will resent the fact that someone else owns a Rolex. Couple that with the huge business of fakes and look-alikes gives plenty of opportunity for those that sneer to do so.
Since more people like them than dislike, they keep selling.
Rolex are the most famous luxury brand watch. For that reason, whilst many actually want one, others will avoid the obvious 'badge' status of a Rolex, and some will resent the fact that someone else owns a Rolex. Couple that with the huge business of fakes and look-alikes gives plenty of opportunity for those that sneer to do so.
Since more people like them than dislike, they keep selling.
Well I guess they can be the go to choice as if you are going to spend a lot of money on a possession then why not on something that increases in value over time (as long as you buy the right model). I have owned other brands such as Breitling, but that just haemorrhaged value and gave me wrist ache as it weighed so dam much.If Rolex are sneered at then why are they the "go to watch"
They are an obvious choice of luxury brand for people who don't know much about watches. Some people don't like that.
That doesn't mean they're a bad watch. They make a fantastic timepiece, and they're also bought by people who know a lot about watches for that reason.
Yes, there are more leftfield choices and there are more expensive choices, but if you asked your average Joe to name a luxury watch brand then Rolex would be the most popular answer.
They are a bit of a victim of their own success.
That doesn't mean they're a bad watch. They make a fantastic timepiece, and they're also bought by people who know a lot about watches for that reason.
Yes, there are more leftfield choices and there are more expensive choices, but if you asked your average Joe to name a luxury watch brand then Rolex would be the most popular answer.
They are a bit of a victim of their own success.
cbmotorsport said:
They are an obvious choice of luxury brand for people who don't know much about watches. Some people don't like that.
That doesn't mean they're a bad watch. They make a fantastic timepiece, and they're also bought by people who know a lot about watches for that reason.
Yes, there are more leftfield choices and there are more expensive choices, but if you asked your average Joe to name a luxury watch brand then Rolex would be the most popular answer.
They are a bit of a victim of their own success.
That doesn't mean they're a bad watch. They make a fantastic timepiece, and they're also bought by people who know a lot about watches for that reason.
Yes, there are more leftfield choices and there are more expensive choices, but if you asked your average Joe to name a luxury watch brand then Rolex would be the most popular answer.
They are a bit of a victim of their own success.
I certainly wouldn't look down on a Rolex although equally, Rolex watches don't impress me.
Personally while Rolex make a fine product to me they smack of a lack of imagination.
As has been mentioned they are the watch that those who come into some money buy because they've heard of it. I'm sure a lot of those folks buy it simply because it's a Rolex and not necessarily because they like it.
It's a bit of a shame as it's tarnished what is actually a decent product.
I prefer to see someone wearing something a little less obvious - JLC, Girard Peregaux, Breguet or even Parmigiana Fleurier. It shows they've actually thought about what they've bought and bought it for a reason other than its what everyone else buys.
In many ways Rolex is the horological equivalent of BMW and Apple.
As has been mentioned they are the watch that those who come into some money buy because they've heard of it. I'm sure a lot of those folks buy it simply because it's a Rolex and not necessarily because they like it.
It's a bit of a shame as it's tarnished what is actually a decent product.
I prefer to see someone wearing something a little less obvious - JLC, Girard Peregaux, Breguet or even Parmigiana Fleurier. It shows they've actually thought about what they've bought and bought it for a reason other than its what everyone else buys.
In many ways Rolex is the horological equivalent of BMW and Apple.
daddy cool said:
Flashman65 said:
If Rolex are sneered at...
Are they? Seems to be more your opinion than objective fact.Flashman65 said:
...then why are they the "go to watch"
Are they? Seems to be more your opinion than objective fact.Some people do think all Rolex wearers are a bit flash and they are of course entitled to their view, however ill informed.
lostkiwi said:
In many ways Rolex is the horological equivalent of BMW and Apple.
or Porsche?
Depending on the model, Rolex will outperform all of the above in terms of lifetime value for money.
I’ve had several over the years and the 3 I have now are all very reliable and worth more than I paid for them, but I also have other watches, several of which are somewhat left field choices, with helps illustrate the weakness of sweeping generalisation.
Edited by andy tims on Monday 8th October 19:15
I have had Rolex on and off since I was 18 when I bought a used Datejust Jubilee for £550 froma local jeweller. It was just over a months salary at the time and when I sold it I got 2.5x that. I have had stainless and bi metal subs and always made money on them when I sold them because every now and then I have a wobble and want some £££ for something. The bi-metal was odd though - I was sat in a restaurant on Lanzerote with it on and was observing some other english people and how they behaved - at least 2 had bi-metal subs on and I decided at that point I did not want mine anymore. I get endless people in my shop wearing stainless subs and I have concluded that they are not for me now despite the appreciation in £££. I now wear a 1960s Omega Seamaster - its my current fad along with an IWC - I just feel they are more understated and I like to try and be more individual so I don't think I will own another Rolex although I have a hankering for a Daytona but it seems the ship has sailed and they are now at a price point where I don't see the value but who knows where that will be in 10 years ....
Ziplobb said:
I have had Rolex on and off since I was 18 when I bought a used Datejust Jubilee for £550 froma local jeweller. It was just over a months salary at the time and when I sold it I got 2.5x that. I have had stainless and bi metal subs and always made money on them when I sold them because every now and then I have a wobble and want some £££ for something. The bi-metal was odd though - I was sat in a restaurant on Lanzerote with it on and was observing some other english people and how they behaved - at least 2 had bi-metal subs on and I decided at that point I did not want mine anymore. I get endless people in my shop wearing stainless subs and I have concluded that they are not for me now despite the appreciation in £££. I now wear a 1960s Omega Seamaster - its my current fad along with an IWC - I just feel they are more understated and I like to try and be more individual so I don't think I will own another Rolex although I have a hankering for a Daytona but it seems the ship has sailed and they are now at a price point where I don't see the value but who knows where that will be in 10 years ....
Old Seamasters can make money too. I had a Quartz one I bought used for £550 and sold for £1000 10 years later. I have a 1968 filled gold one I paid £72 for on eBay and it's now valued at over £500 10 years later. As you say understated too.
I'm sure that very often that sneer means "How could you spend that much on a watch?"
Which is funny. Spend say, £8k on a car, five years later sell it for not much more than scrap, and nobody questions your choice, even if you were in debt for the thing and it needed £3k in servicing, MoT, tax, insurance and repairs in that time. Spend £7k on a Daytona as I did five years ago and see the silly price of a replacement now, and some will sneer. And the servicing costs are cheaper throughout the life of the watch!
Well, that's my man-maths logic at play
Which is funny. Spend say, £8k on a car, five years later sell it for not much more than scrap, and nobody questions your choice, even if you were in debt for the thing and it needed £3k in servicing, MoT, tax, insurance and repairs in that time. Spend £7k on a Daytona as I did five years ago and see the silly price of a replacement now, and some will sneer. And the servicing costs are cheaper throughout the life of the watch!
Well, that's my man-maths logic at play
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