What's so good about Rolex?
Discussion
Just reading through some of the posts in the "Watches" forum and I'm curious as to what sets Rolex apart from some of the less expensive brands?
Is it more accurate or more reliable? My Casio has been flawless for the last 10 years. Does it look nicer? There are plenty of "homages" out there at varying degrees of comparative cheapness.
Or is it just a way of letting other people know that you've achieved a certain level of success in life? Absolutely nothing wrong with this IMO but it's the only reason I can think why people would spend so much on a watch.
Is it more accurate or more reliable? My Casio has been flawless for the last 10 years. Does it look nicer? There are plenty of "homages" out there at varying degrees of comparative cheapness.
Or is it just a way of letting other people know that you've achieved a certain level of success in life? Absolutely nothing wrong with this IMO but it's the only reason I can think why people would spend so much on a watch.
Countdown said:
Or is it just a way of letting other people know that you've achieved a certain level of success in life? Absolutely nothing wrong with this IMO but it's the only reason I can think why people would spend so much on a watch.
I think Rolex are at the lower end of the "look at me" scale , many more expensive brands out there NeMiSiS said:
Universally known brand = Universal currency.
Try buying yourself out of trouble with a £10 casio.
Is that anywhere near the main reason why people buy them? In case they run out of money?Try buying yourself out of trouble with a £10 casio.
Thought any benefits like that would be outweighed from the risk of getting mugged...............
Lost soul said:
I think Rolex are at the lower end of the "look at me" scale , many more expensive brands out there
Hmm, disagree somewhat, I think Rolex are near the top of the 'look at me' scale and this is why they are so successful.There are more expensive brands, however they're largely unknown to thre masses and therefore I suspect something like a Patek complication or much less 'look at me' despite being several times the price of a typical Rolex.
Janosh said:
Lost soul said:
I think Rolex are at the lower end of the "look at me" scale , many more expensive brands out there
Hmm, disagree somewhat, I think Rolex are near the top of the 'look at me' scale and this is why they are so successful.There are more expensive brands, however they're largely unknown to thre masses and therefore I suspect something like a Patek complication or much less 'look at me' despite being several times the price of a typical Rolex.
The 911 of the watch world - mass produced, see them everywhere and owned equally by clueless nobs as well as enlightened enthusiasts. That's why it's unfair to stereotype either group of owners, you can never tell.
The indisputable fact is they make very good watches; sturdy in-house movements, the best case in the world (probably) and they don't really depreciate compared to the rest of the market. There is no doubt that many, many people buy them because other people recognise them but a Rolex is more than the sum of it's parts; history, marketing, brand awareness and functionality all combine to make something that seems more special than it actually is - many people aspire to own a chunk of steel because of a word on the dial. I do love mine; is it my favourite brand or even favourite watch, no not at all, I prefer JLC and Breguet for pure pleasure. But the simple Rolex is still something special every time you put it on.
Most dealers seem to agree that the one do-it-all watch is a stainlesss sports Rolex.
The indisputable fact is they make very good watches; sturdy in-house movements, the best case in the world (probably) and they don't really depreciate compared to the rest of the market. There is no doubt that many, many people buy them because other people recognise them but a Rolex is more than the sum of it's parts; history, marketing, brand awareness and functionality all combine to make something that seems more special than it actually is - many people aspire to own a chunk of steel because of a word on the dial. I do love mine; is it my favourite brand or even favourite watch, no not at all, I prefer JLC and Breguet for pure pleasure. But the simple Rolex is still something special every time you put it on.
Most dealers seem to agree that the one do-it-all watch is a stainlesss sports Rolex.
Thanks for your post -
yeti said:
The indisputable fact is they make very good watches; sturdy in-house movements, the best case in the world (probably) and they don't really depreciate compared to the rest of the market. There is no doubt that many, many people buy them because other people recognise them but a Rolex is more than the sum of it's parts; history, marketing, brand awareness and functionality all combine to make something that seems more special than it actually is - many people aspire to own a chunk of steel because of a word on the dial. I do love mine; is it my favourite brand or even favourite watch, no not at all, I prefer JLC and Breguet for pure pleasure. But the simple Rolex is still something special every time you put it on.
Most dealers seem to agree that the one do-it-all watch is a stainlesss sports Rolex.
Other than the "history/brand/marketing" what else does a Rolex do that a Casio can't? Because, as far as I can see, it is JUST the "history/brand/marketing" that differentiates Rolex from other watches. Which, in simple terms, is badge snobbery.Most dealers seem to agree that the one do-it-all watch is a stainlesss sports Rolex.
Countdown said:
Other than the "history/brand/marketing" what else does a Rolex do that a Casio can't? Because, as far as I can see, it is JUST the "history/brand/marketing" that differentiates Rolex from other watches. Which, in simple terms, is badge snobbery.
Why pick Rolex for this 'debate'?Why not mention any other brand of mechanical watches? A Casio can do what they can do as well, as can looking at your phone or computer.
As a novice in the watch world ,as I am maturing I am becoming more interested in watches.
Yeti has nailed it,for me a Rolex is indeed the Porshe of watches.
I was In Selfridges yesterday to try on the Cartier de Calibre in steel with steel bracelet.
I was surprised how big it was compared with say the Tank ranges.
I liked it,certainly a "statement "watch not sure if it was a bit too much for me as an everyday watch.
I had a look at the extensive range of Rolex and they are a quality watch that can comfortably be worn any day and for a range of activities.
Not wishing to be controversial but I did wonder if,for my purposes,I might be better off with a Seiko for say £200 for everyday and the Cartier for weekends etc.
I also has a look at the Tag Heuer Monaco and was slightly dissapointed that it looked less imposing than I had imagined,although I did not have an opportunity to try it on.
Yeti has nailed it,for me a Rolex is indeed the Porshe of watches.
I was In Selfridges yesterday to try on the Cartier de Calibre in steel with steel bracelet.
I was surprised how big it was compared with say the Tank ranges.
I liked it,certainly a "statement "watch not sure if it was a bit too much for me as an everyday watch.
I had a look at the extensive range of Rolex and they are a quality watch that can comfortably be worn any day and for a range of activities.
Not wishing to be controversial but I did wonder if,for my purposes,I might be better off with a Seiko for say £200 for everyday and the Cartier for weekends etc.
I also has a look at the Tag Heuer Monaco and was slightly dissapointed that it looked less imposing than I had imagined,although I did not have an opportunity to try it on.
Edited by avinalarf on Monday 2nd June 12:44
I bought one (GMT Master) because I like it and wanted a birth year watch (1970) plus I wanted something I could pass on as an heirloom.
I knew by buying a vintage Rolex it would not only retain some value but would also be reliable and tough enough to wear every day - which it is, and stays well with COSC standards. Yeti's point about the 911 is correct - if I was going to buy a classic sports car I know a 911 would retain some value, be every-day drivable and have no problem with getting spares and service. It also helps that Rolex, like Porsche are both (at least on the surface) quite conservative about updating their design language so the older models don't look as dated compared to newer models as most brands.
Might be the predictable choice but that doesn't make it wrong....;)
Can't see the point in bringing Casio into it - I have several Casio watches and viewed objectively as time keeping instruments they are fantastic. But (most) people who buy luxury watches don't do it objectively.
I knew by buying a vintage Rolex it would not only retain some value but would also be reliable and tough enough to wear every day - which it is, and stays well with COSC standards. Yeti's point about the 911 is correct - if I was going to buy a classic sports car I know a 911 would retain some value, be every-day drivable and have no problem with getting spares and service. It also helps that Rolex, like Porsche are both (at least on the surface) quite conservative about updating their design language so the older models don't look as dated compared to newer models as most brands.
Might be the predictable choice but that doesn't make it wrong....;)
Can't see the point in bringing Casio into it - I have several Casio watches and viewed objectively as time keeping instruments they are fantastic. But (most) people who buy luxury watches don't do it objectively.
ecain63 said:
I never bought a 911 because I never wanted to slot into the short, bald / balding, middle aged man in a suit stereotype. Dilemas!
I've had two 911s, both were brilliant. I have had a dozen Rolex or more and all were brilliant. I'm tall(ish), hair aplenty, in my 30s and wear jeans to work. Such is the joy of stereotyping
As Yeti mentioned above, Rolex make very good watches period.
There are other brands out there, but in my experience Rolex seems to make a model / combination of dial colour that will suit just about anybodies taste - whilst still allowing the owner to show their personality through this.
A watch is not just about telling the time - just like cars there is more than just going from A-B. Rolex also has a huge history in watch making, as do many others for that matter but (up until recently) Rolex IMO offered good value for money.
Chris
There are other brands out there, but in my experience Rolex seems to make a model / combination of dial colour that will suit just about anybodies taste - whilst still allowing the owner to show their personality through this.
A watch is not just about telling the time - just like cars there is more than just going from A-B. Rolex also has a huge history in watch making, as do many others for that matter but (up until recently) Rolex IMO offered good value for money.
Chris
As Yeti mentioned above, Rolex make very good watches period.
There are other brands out there, but in my experience Rolex seems to make a model / combination of dial colour that will suit just about anybodies taste - whilst still allowing the owner to show their personality through this.
A watch is not just about telling the time - just like cars there is more than just going from A-B. Rolex also has a huge history in watch making, as do many others for that matter but (up until recently) Rolex IMO offered good value for money.
Chris
There are other brands out there, but in my experience Rolex seems to make a model / combination of dial colour that will suit just about anybodies taste - whilst still allowing the owner to show their personality through this.
A watch is not just about telling the time - just like cars there is more than just going from A-B. Rolex also has a huge history in watch making, as do many others for that matter but (up until recently) Rolex IMO offered good value for money.
Chris
yeti said:
Countdown said:
Other than the "history/brand/marketing" what else does a Rolex do that a Casio can't? Because, as far as I can see, it is JUST the "history/brand/marketing" that differentiates Rolex from other watches. Which, in simple terms, is badge snobbery.
Why pick Rolex for this 'debate'?Why not mention any other brand of mechanical watches? A Casio can do what they can do as well, as can looking at your phone or computer.
Btw nothing wrong with badge snobbery either....I'm not a Communist!!
Countdown said:
No particular reason to pick on Rolex apart from the other thread where people were upset about "fake" Rolexes.
Btw nothing wrong with badge snobbery either....I'm not a Communist!!
You could pose the same question about everything though. Why buy clothes from anywhere other than Primark - after all, they cover your modesty just the same. Why buy anything other than a base model Japanese car - after all, it'll get you from A to B just the same. Why buy anything other than the "basics" range of food - it'll fill you up just the same, etc. Btw nothing wrong with badge snobbery either....I'm not a Communist!!
Countdown said:
No particular reason to pick on Rolex apart from the other thread where people were upset about "fake" Rolexes.
Yeah I guessed that, it provides some enjoyment in the lounge. A very toxic thread posted by a known troll. I fell hook line and sinker!Had it been about a fake TAG or Omega, it would have gone the same way.
You have a good idea of what you are getting. Rolex have a long history of being in the public eye, and so are within people's comfort zone when it comes to buying a celebration watch. Its continuity and ubiquity ensure its worth.
Imagine a game of 'Pointless', "Name a watch brand." Rolex would be one possible answer but it would garner far too many points.
This may change with the internet allowing people to view and research other luxury brands in more detail, but conversely this could also devalue some of the more esoteric brands. For example, an F.P.Journe would have been a well-informed connoisseur's choice, now it takes a couple of clicks (and a well-insulated credit card) for anyone to go "That looks nice" and buy one.
Imagine a game of 'Pointless', "Name a watch brand." Rolex would be one possible answer but it would garner far too many points.
This may change with the internet allowing people to view and research other luxury brands in more detail, but conversely this could also devalue some of the more esoteric brands. For example, an F.P.Journe would have been a well-informed connoisseur's choice, now it takes a couple of clicks (and a well-insulated credit card) for anyone to go "That looks nice" and buy one.
DanL said:
You could pose the same question about everything though. Why buy clothes from anywhere other than Primark - after all, they cover your modesty just the same. Why buy anything other than a base model Japanese car - after all, it'll get you from A to B just the same. Why buy anything other than the "basics" range of food - it'll fill you up just the same, etc.
With the examples you give I think there's a noticeable difference in quality whether its power, handling, acceleration, taste, etc etc. Put it another way - for the above examples - even if you couldnt see the badge you'd have a good chance of telling the difference between a high end German car and a Hyundai, or a Shatto Lafeet vs a Vin du Table, or a Hugo Boss suit compared to a TK Maxx.
If you took the badges off a Rolex and a Sekonda would people be able to tell the difference? How?
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff