In the world of luxury watches, A Rolex tops the wish list of many men, but you might be surprised that personally, even though I admire the history of the company and what they’ve done with it, I’m not one of those men. So what are the seven reasons that a Rolex won’t be a new watch on my nightstand?
- Hear Why I Wouldn’t Buy a Rolex in This Video
- 1. Rolex Charges for Quality AND “Brand Name” Status
- 2. Rolex Watches are a Mass-Market Product, Not Necessarily Artisanal
- 3. Buying a Vintage Rolex is Not Without Challenges
- 4. Rolex Watches are Aggressively Counterfeited
- 5. Most Rolex Models Aren’t a Good Fit for My Personal Style
- 6. A Rolex Watch is a Status Symbol (That I Don’t Feel a Need to Have)
- 7. Personally, Watches Just Aren’t a Passion of Mine
- In Conclusion: Why Rolex Isn’t For Me
- Outfit Rundown
Hear Why I Wouldn’t Buy a Rolex in This Video
In truth, there are many reasons why I wouldn’t choose to buy a brand-new Rolex – specifically, seven. At the same time, I can think of one specific circumstance in which a Rolex might be right for me. Curious as to my reasoning? Read on to find out.
1. Rolex Charges for Quality AND “Brand Name” Status
Am I Just Paying For The Rolex Name?
The Rolex “brand” is too much of what I would be paying for with a given watch. Similarly, the value that used Rolex watches yield in the marketplace is mostly related to supply and demand, not because the watches are inherently superior to their competitors. Now, don’t get me wrong! Rolex makes good watches; they’re robust, they don’t need much maintenance, and they hold their value if you get the right model. But a Rolex is no more reliable, no more technologically interesting, and no more comfortable than other luxury watch brands on the market (that can cost a lot less).
Look At The Watch, Not The Brand Name
By searching around on the internet and taking a closer look at the retail price development of Rolex watches, you can clearly see that it far outpaces the rate of inflation. However, if you look at the product itself, it remains virtually the same, with only very slight changes mechanically. In other words, you’re paying twice as much not because the product has improved, but simply because the brand is more valuable now.
Is It Worth It?
In our “Is It Worth It?” video on Rolex watches, we discuss the pros and cons of buying and owning a Rolex timepiece. Do our views align with yours on this luxury watch brand, and will you be adding a new Rolex to your watch collection?
2. Rolex Watches are a Mass-Market Product, Not Necessarily Artisanal
Simply Put, Rolex Watches Are NOT Unique
When I have to make a choice between a good mass-market product and a good artisanal product, I choose the artisanal product 99% of the time. A luxury timepiece becomes luxurious because it is somewhat unique and limited. While there are different models of Rolex on the market, to the average onlooker they all look very similar, regardless of age.
Rolex does this by design, as they want their products to be instantly recognizable – so one Oyster Perpetual will look very similar to another, the overall design of the Submariner is largely unchanged, and many Rolex Daytona timepieces have very similar styling. So, if it’s instantly recognizable that everyone has a Rolex, it’s not a luxury product anymore. I’d say my style is very different from most other men, so why shouldn’t I also have a wristwatch that is different from other men?
Is A Rolex Really That Special?
Rolex produces eight hundred thousand watches a year, most of which look largely the same. On top of that, look at all the fakes that are out there in the marketplace–you’ll realize that Rolexes are a mass-market product with millions of watches that all look very, very similar to one another. Personally, I don’t want to spend thousands of dollars just to have something that is basically what everyone else out there has as well. So even though Rolexes are the archetype of a “nice watch,” I don’t want to spend that kind of money just to “keep up with the Joneses” and have the same watch.
3. Buying a Vintage Rolex is Not Without Challenges
Vintage goods are great to have, but vintage Rolexes can be very tricky–because there are so many fakes out there. I’m a big fan of vintage items for many reasons; one of them is that just by nature, they’re often unique items because they’re no longer produced. The original items may have been worn out or destroyed, so what’s left is naturally a “limited edition.” Also, until the late 20th century, things were often made to last–whereas today, things are designed to break three days after the warranty expires. Because of those reasons, I still buy a lot of things vintage, even though I can afford to buy new.
Seeking Value in Vintage
Surprise! I feel the same way about watches. I have only a few, and most of them are vintage. As an example, look at the Reverso from Jaeger LeCoultre; it’s much smaller than most watches are today, yet I find it attractive on my wrist. I can wear it casually because its heritage is as a polo watch, hence its flippable case. At the same time, it has a black dial, so I can wear it in the evening with a tuxedo, or with a suit.
Is the JLC Reverso Worth It?
I’ve never seen any other Reverso quite like it in person. Because most of them are now gone, it’s probably even rarer than most limited editions out there. I bought it for a little over a thousand dollars, and I could probably sell it for more (because I got a good deal) but overall, I enjoy wearing it and I like the look.
Should You Buy A Rolex? (FAQs)
Are Rolex watches actually worth it?
Whether a Rolex is worth it not will be largely subjective, but from a practical point of view, a Rolex should be well made to a point of lasting many years. They also don’t typically require frequent servicing, making them a good choice for those less interested in spending a lot of time and money keeping their watches in top shape. Realistically, Rolex watches are built to be a practical piece first and foremost, which is acertainly a good argument for them being worth the money.
What’s the point of owning a Rolex Watch?
If you’re simply looking for an elegant timepiece, then a Rolex likely isn’t the right choice for you. If you’re looking for a timepiece that has many years of history that has acheived pop culture status, then a Rolex might be the choice for you. Essentially, the point of owning a Rolex in the 21st Century is largly because you value what the brand name can bring to you rather than the horological reasons behind owning one.
Why do people like Rolex so much?
The appeal of Rolex is similar to the Apple corporation; the products perform well, but aren’t the most elegant or luxurious solution. It’s largey a case of good marketing. As you can see in old Rolex ads, the emphasis on being a “manly” watch that only “the best” would choose has done a lot to raise the profile of Rolex to the heights it currently enjoys.
Is Rolex a status symbol?
Undoubtedly, Rolex watches are considered to be a status symbol. Many celebrities and other figures of importance have worn a Rolex throughout the years, and for many people this is the reason they desire to own a Rolex.
Is a Rolex actually a good investment?
Not all Rolex watches are exactly alike, although many will look very similar. For many collectors, things such as the age of a Rolex watch, the particular make, model, and styling ill also influence the price. It’s also very difficult to say which new Rolex watches will appreciate or depreiate in value as time goes on, so purchasing a brand-new Rolex as an investment may not be a great idea. Some vintage Rolex watches tend to gain more interest and a higher sum at auction, but it’s not a guarantee you’ll see a return on any money spent on a Rolex.
Do people notice if you have a Rolex?
Rolex, much like Apple or Tesla, is a highly recognized brand name. Furthermore, the design of many Rolex watches has been replicated throughout the world of horology, so people are bound to have some form of familiarity with Rolex timepieces. However, your timepiece needs to be a part of your style, and reflective of you as an individual – if you’re just wearing a watch to get noticed, then others may think negatively about your intentions.
Are Rolex watches respected?
Whether a Rolex watch is respected depends entirely upon the group in which you choose to wear the Rolex. Among other Rolex enthusiasts, sure, but for connoisseurs of fine timepieces a Rolex might not have the same level of intrigue as a rare or higher-grade timepiece might have.
Is it easy to buy a Rolex watch?
Much is said about the long waiting list for Rolex watches at an authorized dealer. If you’re looking to purchase a bran-new Rolex watch soon, chances are you’re not going to be very successful unless you’re not particularly fussy about the make and model you get. You’ll likely have better luck acquiring a pre-owned Rolex watch, as you’re not waiting for the watch to be made and shipped – what you see is what you get.
4. Rolex Watches are Aggressively Counterfeited
Fake Watches Can Be Surprisingly Accurate
Counterfeit Rolexes are produced in such big numbers that their quality is actually rather good, even at a much lower price point. There are also a lot of OEM (“Original Equipment Manufacturer”) parts, and when you repair your watch and service it, they could potentially be used. When you buy from reputable dealers, they have a reputation on the line–which is good, because they don’t want to sell you fakes (otherwise, they’d lose their business).
Be Prepared to do Some Detective Work When Buying a Rolex
At the same time, dealers can buy watches from wholesalers, which can come without the box and papers sometimes. Maybe a given watch was serviced at one point in time by an unauthorized Rolex dealer, who put in parts that are exactly the same in shape, but not authentic Rolex parts. In these cases, if you were to want to resell the watch one day, it would likely be marked as being partially fake. As such, there are many risks involved when buying a pre-owned Rolex that you have to keep in mind.
Even if you’re working with a reputable seller, maybe there’s a part in there that is not original and authentic. If you truly want to buy a 100% original timepiece, the only certain method is to buy a new Rolex, which comes with a high retail price.
5. Most Rolex Models Aren’t a Good Fit for My Personal Style
Are Rolex Watches Actually Stylish?
The models of Rolex that hold their value are the “sports” or “professional” models. Meanwhile, my style is more formal and more dressed up than most men out there; because of that, I prefer dress watches when wearing a timepiece. Now, Rolex has a dress watch line (which is not so well known) which is called “Cellini.” The Rolex pricing structure puts this line much higher than many of their stainless steel sports models (which usually sell for six to ten thousand dollars themselves). Most Cellini watches are made out of gold, and because gold is so much more expensive, the retail price is higher.
The upside to Cellini watches is that they’re not faked as often, and you can pick up vintage models for as little as three or four thousand dollars. Personally, I find sometimes that their looks can be very dated depending on the decade they were produced, but they also have very classic watches in their lineup.
Rolex Cellini: The One Reason I Might Buy a Rolex
In other words, here’s the “special exception” in today’s article: if I would ever buy a Rolex, it would most likely be a Cellini in a classic gold color. I could wear it with a tuxedo or with other more formal clothes that I’m likely to wear. The overall design is closer to an element of fine jewelry which is just much more my style because, in my opinion, it’s smaller, slimmer, and more elegant than a sports watch with a stainless steel bracelet.
6. A Rolex Watch is a Status Symbol (That I Don’t Feel a Need to Have)
As you know, I run my own business: the Gentleman’s Gazette website and the Fort Belvedere e-shop. I’m not doing million-dollar sales deals in boardrooms across corporate America – but if I were doing that, I think I would strongly consider buying a Rolex watch, because it can indicate success and signal to the other person, “This guy is serious.” As such, it’s more part of a uniform than an expression of personal style.
A Timepiece Has to Fit Your Personal Style
On the other hand, I have an online and offline track record that is very public. People can see that I’m really into men’s clothing, they can see that we have happy customers – so I don’t need to prove anything to anybody with the watch I am wearing.
It’s because of this desire to show off with an expensive watch that many people put a lot of stock into owning a Rolex, creating a “high demand” for certain models. Many men will proudly share stories of how they’re known by name at various Rolex dealers and how they’re “on the waitlist for that GMT-Master II that’s had scarce availability in recent years”. Personally, I’m very happy to be my own person and buck the trend by focusing on curating a wardrobe and watch collection that works for my style. I don’t need to be on long waiting lists just to replicate what celebrities and many other men are wearing.
7. Personally, Watches Just Aren’t a Passion of Mine
If you know me, you know that I’m truly passionate about a lot of things. However, watches are simply not one of them. For example, if I drive a fast car, I feel very emotionally attached to it, I feel alive. When I see a nice watch, I like the look of it–but emotionally, it leaves me cold. I mean, I honestly like the look of certain watches; the Reverso, the Tank Americaine, the Royal Oak, the Patek Phillippe Calatrava, or watches from A. Lange & Sohne. However, when push comes to shove and I have to decide to put money down, I’ll most often decide to spend my money on other things.
Seeking Joy in Other Avenues
As an example, I prefer cufflinks and rings over watches; I know many men don’t, but I do. They’re collectible, they’re a lot less expensive, and they’re more unique. Now, rings and cufflinks are an accessory, just like a watch, so emotionally they’re not as exciting as driving a fast car and feeling the acceleration and the breaking. At the same time, I would say I still like cufflinks and rings more than watches. Frankly, I’d struggle to remember to put on a watch, because it’s just not natural to me. I like to have my wrist free of any weight, even though I know that if I wore a wristwatch every day, I would probably become used to the weight.
In Conclusion: Why Rolex Isn’t For Me
In a nutshell, I would not buy a Rolex because first, it is not my style; second, I don’t really care for the design that much; and lastly, it is simply too expensive, and I would rather spend my money on other things. Just because the world around you loves Rolex doesn’t mean you need to have one if it’s not your style. Conversely, just because a lot of other men like Rolexes doesn’t mean you can’t like them, too. We truly believe that big purchases of this nature should be more about staying true to yourself, especially considering all the marketing hype around watches that’s out there right now.
To illustrate this point: Brock McGoff from the Modest Man did a video about buying his first Rolex recently; at the end of the video, he mentioned that no one ever called him out on his Rolex, and he thinks that no one really noticed it! At the same time, he seems very happy with his investment, because he likes the look of it and it makes him feel good. If that’s you, then by all means, go out and buy a Rolex. For me, it’s just not that big of a deal, I prefer other watches, and overall, I like other things more than watches.
What do you think of our appraisal? Would you buy a Rolex–and if so, would you go new or vintage? Share with us in the comments below.
Outfit Rundown
In today’s video, I am wearing a Rolex GMT Master with a blue and red dial and a black face in stainless steel. I also chose cufflinks in lapis lazuli with sterling silver and a carnelian in sterling silver because they are red and blue, so it works well, and is consistent with my watch.
My jacket is a double-breasted petrol blue fresco jacket that is a part of a suit. I’m wearing it with a pair of dark brown and white seersuckers and a woven leather pair of penny loafers. It’s a very summery combination.
Because of that, I added a white shirt with a knit tie in a mottled gray, which is from Fort Belvedere, just like the white Italian linen pocket squares with hand-stitched or embroidered polka dots, which works well with my outfit. It picks up the white of the shirt, as well as the blue of the GMT Master and my cufflinks.
Raphael,
The vast majority of “Rolex” watches out there are fakes. Consequently, most people think you’re wearing a fake, even if it’s genuine. I care what other people think about me—otherwise I wouldn’t be following this blog—and I wouldn’t want people to have even the slightest suspicion that I was wearing a fake. That, for me, is reason enough.
Nowadays, “What to think?” about Rolex is sort of all over the place. Is the watch real or fake? Is the wearer, then, real or fake? Does he appreciate/need a tough, accurate timekeeper, or is he just trying to impress?
It just doesn’t make the definite statement the wearer is probably hoping it does.
Purchasing a Rolex, or any watch, from an authorized dealer should help
Hi Raphael,
Good Video. Thanks for sharing your point of view. Here’s mine: there really are significant changes to most rolex models, but I guess that depends on what you consider significant. The wearability and durability of newer rolex bracelets is significantly different by any standard, I have both new and old, and find myself not willing to purchase another with the old style bracelet. Although there are changes to the movements, they are not visible and could be considered not significant. You are correct about price – the key is getting a deal- which is nigh impossible today with a sports model. The Cellini is pretty much the “dog” of the line. Looking at a dress watch, I would also prefer A. Lange & Son or Patek or even JLC. Rolex does make great sports watches that are (compared to Patek 5711 or AP Royal Oak) competitively priced. The steel sports models do, as you point out, tend to hold their value and if purchased correctly can be sold for at or near the same price, rendering use and enjoyment of them nearly free. I have bought and sold a couple and made money on them. This is not the case with the Breitling watches I have owned.
Well said. While I’ll flip stocks or real estate all day, I view any part of my wardrobe as a personal selection. ( But it doesn’t hurt to know you’re not taking a bath? ) Being “underwater on a position” tends to haunt us, for all our better efforts…
Great article. I agree with you and the above comments. I plan to get a Tudor Black Bay because I really like the watch and how it makes me feel. That’s good enough for me.
Excellent choice. All the dependability and styling at a 1/3rd the price. Can’t go wrong.
I also prefer the look of certain Tudors over Rolex. But I’ve heard rumours of quality issues.
You realise Tudor are part of the Rolex company.
To each his own. I don’t care what other people think. I love Rolex watches for what they are, not their status. I also love that the ones I own will hold a good value. I bought mine new, and I thought carefully & obsessively, and nothing else came into the picture. Now leave we who just like Rolex alone! Sheesh. So judgy…
I will start a watch company called FauxLex, which will counterfeit counterfeit Swiss Watches. My brand will have “authentic” Swiss details: holes in the dial, and it will Yodel everytime I see a cuckoo clock. Any investors?
Many years ago a friend bought a watch from, no kidding, a guy in an alley off Times Square, who had them on his wrists/arms, and in his coat, a pure stereotype hustler.
It looked very much like a Submariner, but was branded “Relox”, and that’s what the guy was selling it as, “Hey, mister, interested in a gen-u-ine Relox?”. Stan was so amused, and probably drunk, that he bought it for around $25, and he said that after five years it was still keeping pretty good time.
A brilliant piece. Finally someone who does a wonderful “the emperor has no clothes“ review of Rolex. The watch is over-priced, and over-hyped – – as you’ve pointed out toward the beginning of the post. You’re paying mostly for the name and very little for the average quality.
If you don’t care about watches, why would you bother writing an article about them?
As clickbait. I thought I was going to find compelling reasons as a consumer of Rolex and other fine watches. The last reason is all that is needed for this article. It’s like saying “7 Reasons I’d Never Eat at a Michelin Star Restaurant” #7. Personally, I View Food Simply as a Means of Sustenance.
I disagree Phil. The definition of clickbait is content that entices people to click that is deceptive, typically sensationalized or misleading.
We did none of that. In fact, we published an in-depth guide on Is It Worth It Rolex, first. And I mention that in this piece and it is also linked. Second, we called that piece 7 Reasons I’d Never Buy a Rolex (and 1 That I Might). I indicated, that this is an opinion based piece where I share my subjective reasoning. The goal was to show people, that even though something can be objectively worth it and a great investment, it may not be the right piece for you, and that is the watch buying advice. IF you want something that retains the value well, and that’s all you care about, get a Rolex. If it doesn’t suit your style, that’s ok. You can buy something else.
I have also often said, that I am not a huge wristwatch guy. I still have more than probably most men, but it is not my passion. I provide that information so you can decide if you want to take my opinion seriously or not. I am not hiding anything.
We deliver on everything we say we will, and don’t provide less or more. So calling it clickbait, is simply incorrect. We are big believers in never deceiving anyone in our audience. Every email, every title, every product clearly tells you what you can expect, and if you don’t want that, or if you are not interested in opinions, then you don’t have to waste your time on it.
For example, when I watch your latest video titled “Moynat Mid-Autumn Festival Gift 2019: Unboxing” I have to go through the description to learn, that this it was a “gift”. If I saw that in the title or the hashtags below the title, I would have all the information to determine if I want to watch content that is produced with gifted products or not.
So I as the consumer would like to know from the get go if they provided this thing to you or not. The first three hashtags you add in your description will pop up right by the title.
We always use #notsponored so people know what it is.
THANK YOU!!! Everybody hates a winner: the New York Yankees, the New England Patriots, and others. For some reason, people are drawn to dissing something that has a mass appeal, and is of good quality. Rolex watches are tough, well constructed, have a high resale value, and have a great track record in terms of servicing. I totally understand why someone would want something more unique, but it usually starts with bashing Rolex for just being a successful brand. So they’ve done great marketing? Great. They make great watches and know how to market them. Good for them. There’s kind of a reason that you see more vintage Rolexes all over the place than you do of any other brand. They have a great track record in every way. That stands for itself and speaks for itself. I do think the author was not necessarily bashing Rolex, but let’s give Rolex credit for what he has done for the entire watch industry. I see all sorts of high-end brands on websites that sell for far less than their retail value. A good investment is a good investment. Rolex is a good investment. The bottom line is I think a lot of people just don’t like winners and like to try and knock them down a peg.. Who cares?
Stephen, this is not a standalone video but to be watched in conjunction with Rolex Watch – Is It Worth It. In the other video I talk about the objective measures. This is about more subjective ones. Something can be objectively great, but still be the wrong choice on a subjective level.
I agree with you, every really successful company has great marketing, it is essential. The resale value is so high because many people value the watches and so forth…
Great article on a subject dear to my heart: Rolex. I’ve been a fan and owner of the brand for over 40 yrs. Recently, I wanted to buy one after many years wearing Cartier. Much as I love the sport and performance Rolex, it seems like everyone has one. Like Sven I don’t want to do what everyone else is doing. I ended up with an ’05 Rolex Cellini Danaos XL that I really like. It is relatively slim, 38mm gold case, leather strap. I had Rolex service it. An elegant watch with a sturdy Rolex movement for $5k. From what I read these days, there is a trend moving away from the big watches that dominate the wrist to thinner, more simple watches that don’t broadcast their presence. The Danaos fits this style. Watches, gotta love ’em! Thanks Sven for your articles on the watch collecting hobby.
It’d be a Cellini for myself as well. The styling, as Sven notes, is much more in alignment w/ my overall classic dressing style. Trying to shoehorn a Submariner into that is going too far. And with Cellini, you still have all the legacy factor of passing quality down thru the generations!
Well said. As a person with small wrists, most Rolexes just are too big for me. I prefer the more minimalist look.
I appreciate your very honest opinion, and yes Sven, I’d much rather have that Mustang too!
Great article and subject. I like watches a great deal but I think of them more as interesting accessories that can be swapped out like neckties. I also like them to “do something” – like wearing a Casio Mudmaster for hiking, or a Slo just for the way it keeps time. I work for a luxury retailer and in the watch world of good, better, best, I am personally okay with good and better. A friend and retired retail watch buyer told me was that if I want a Rolex I’d be just as happy with a good knock-off. According to him, it will keep time as well and if you’re buying a Rolex as a status item most people can’t tell the difference.
Pretty certain any watch that is in that kind of price range is going to have a “brand tax” – but people keep buying so they keep charging. The rest of the points are more or less moot, if I had the spare money to drop into a watch like that I’d probably get one. But for now I will stick with my Hamilton.
Slowing down in a car is braking not breaking. But you did say cars weren’t your thing :).
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If one wants a watch to actually keep time, and with little maintenance, it’s not the Rolex. Instead, look elsewhere, at Baume Mercier, for example. Classic elegance, reasonable price, little maintenance other than changing the battery and waterproofing gasket about every year AND it keeps the time.
Everyone has an opinion… and I do not share yours. I’m in to horology and have a rather large collection of watches, including 16 Rolex. If purchased correctly they’re not only a pleasure to wear, but are also good investments. I enjoy reading the articles here and watching the videos and have purchased several of your Fort Belvedere items (quite high quality, I’ve found).
I’m questioning why this silly article was even published. The reasons are as lame as the day is long. If you’re not a watch person then what’s your point? Write and publish articles that have validity for a mass audience, who cares about your personal reasons.
See, the beauty of running a website is, we can write and publish whatever we want, and people can decide to read it or not. The title is very clear, that this is a subjective piece. If you are not interested in it, do not read it.
Looking at the numbers, more than 100,000 people have expressed an interest in this content within 48 hours, and they spend an above-average time on that content. So obviously some people are interested in it. You may not be one of them, and that is ok. But don’t assume that you know what our audience likes because you simply don’t, and you have very little data to base your assumptions on.
I trust your judgment and your ability to determine if something is worth your time or not. If it isn’t simply don’t consume it.
Excellent thinking…
best regards…
Santy
I also agree that, although in the traditional sense, Rolex has always symbolized success and refinement, they would not be my first choice. My passion in watches leans towards the Art Deco style of the 40s and 50s. I also own two very old Tudors, a bubble back gold and a 60s model. Because they have various connections to Rolex, just getting one cleaned is $500. That would buy a very nice, better looking, quality Deco style watch that would look and function perfectly.
Great article.
Those Submariner and GMT Master watches are ugly brutes.
I don’t wear watches but if I did it wouldn’t be Rolex. You look like a sad poser trying to impress by wearing the obvious.
Exactly, Simon.
Rolexes are for poseurs.
Some of the folks replying to this article don’t even wear watches, so I suppose they should stay with their smart phones to tell the time. I purchased my first Rolex (GMT Master II) new in 2001, and it has been a most excellent and reliable tool in that time. I also have other fine watches, and I will tell you that there is no more durable mechanical watch available at any price than a Rolex Oyster. None. My watch has seen daily use and still runs as a certified chronometer should, +3 seconds/day. When it begins to run erratically I will have it serviced. I bought my Rolex because it was built like a tank, looked great and with the multiple time zone function exactly what I needed for daily travel. A Rolex Oyster is a status symbol, to be sure, and some purchase it for that reason. But those who know fine watches know just how great they really are. There are more expensive timepieces out there than a Rolex, but they are not as durable and cost more to service when needed. Prices for all high-end Swiss watches these days are ludicrously high, even Rolex, so purchasing a nice used model is a good option as well. The Cellini line is great for those who don’t like Oysters, and are great to wear with a suit.
Agree wholeheartedly with the above, there are many brands that outshine Rolex in style and craftsmanship, Swiss or otherwise. One that springs to mind is Grand Seiko, one should not be put of by a name as these are hand assembled in small quantities, their technology is second to none and the finish is equal or better than watches costing thousands more and vastly superior to Rolex.
I love to listen to people who have never owned a Rolex try to beat the brand down. Comparing a Seiko to a Rolex is like comparing a rolls Royce to a sedan. Just look at seiko dive watches, they are in themselves a fake Rolex. They have copied the design. Buy a Rolex then come back and comment. Clowns. I own many different luxury Swiss watch brands and best bang for buck is a Rolex. Don’t kid yourself. If you can’t afford one don’t be bitter at the folk that can.
Great comments.
I have spent much of my career working in China. Almost every businessman and corrupt official there sports a “Rolex.” Personally I wear an obscure Breitling model which no one to my knowledge has ever bothered to counterfeit. One reason I know this is that I have accompanied/guided many Western colleagues who wanted to buy high-end fake watches, and during their negotiations I generally have side conversations in Chinese with the dealers who always comment that they have never seen a watch like mine.
I am 100% in agreement with you here. I have always said that you can have the money to buy a Rolex but for the money you can buy better quality, nicer looking watches. Like your article there’s nothing more lovely than a Vintage Patek or Jaeger Reverso. I’ve always likened it to having the money to buy a Ferrari but you can buy cars which are better to drive and cost less. The Ferrari & Rolex are status symbols, a Rolls Royce & Reverso are much better
It all comes down to personal preference.
Hi friends
Herr Schneider, all of your points ring clear. The status symbol remark reminds me of an anecdote one of my professors told me several years ago.
In 1990, when the college was evaluating candidates for the collegiate presidency, one candidate continually raised his cuff during the interview, which was highly distracting. My professor realized the candidate was trying to draw attention to the fact he was wearing a Rolex. The candidate was not hired…
I agree with a lot of points discussed here. It’s true that the price of a Rolex increases not because of the quality but because of the brand value increasing. I would rather go for an AP or Patek Philippe or maybe even a JLC for that matter.
Thanks for sharing your views on this!
I do both: I have a vintage Le Coultre (not Jaeger-Le Coultre) Futurematic watch and a base model Oyster Perpetual Rolex. I really have no desire for one of those gem-encrusted watches, no matter the maker. I have a Baume/Mercier dress watch for those black/white tie events. I also have a couple of $39.95 show watches for trips to places known for thieves!
I bought my Rolex many years ago when I became a professional diver, because that watch was the embodiment of a professional diving watch…which in spite of my love for the watch is debatable. At the time I was simply in love with the watch and I’m still in love with the watch. The Rolex brand has since experienced dramatic changes and there has been a massive surge in the brand’s popularity but none of that was really foreseeable, then, nor does it really matter to me now. My Rolex is still the only watch I wear I wear it every day. The more things change for Rolex the more it stays the same for me.
I like Citizen watches. They’re affordable and look good. I just replaced my chronograph, which was black and white with a blue-faced “Chandler” model. Very happy not to have to worry about losing it.
I love watches and own many. I have 10 automatic watches in various colors, leather and metal bands from Orient, Seiko 5, Citizen and Boccia. All together they cost me less than 1400 bucks. I wear each to match my outfit, weather and occasion, hence they get rotated and are all in mint shape. I can easily afford more expensive timepieces, but am a price/value guy. If some of these luxury watches cost about 500, they might be worth it, but not at 8-10k or more. No way. It’s the Veblen effect at work.
Haven’t people heard of the iwatch? It can do 100 things that Rolex can’t. And, even tells time more accurately. I laugh at the doofuses throwing their money on Rolex and other brands all to brag about their expensive watch that is pretty much functionally worthless.