Rolex Pride? Rolex shame? WTH!
Somewhat surprised to see the occasional narrative in this community that makes it clear some individuals don't like Rolex, Rolex "gushers" or won't wear the brand for various reasons, which may or my not be driven by economics.
I understand the context of course, but it occurs to me that it's outside the essence of what watch collection and sharing is all about. I don't know if disappointed is the right word, but it caught me by surprise, and I found myself looking for more evidence of it. I'm not naive enough to think there are not admiration seeking watch buyers for many brands, but it's never occurred to me quite like this until I started my foraging on this app.
For the record, I wear what interests me and what the day brings, and that'll be evidenced once my full collection posts as I drop them in my WRUW. (love my G-shocks and Luminox) So it's not about me wearing or not wearing this watch or another watch based on an occurrence I have, but I found myself pausing before I put on my Sub this morning. It was only a very brief pause, but it was weird for a moment.
Getting my Sub took something, even ten years ago, and it was the fulfillment of a looong chase that started when I was 12 and for a very specific reason. (All in my bio) Many years later, I saw a video of how the Oyster case was made, and coupled with my love for dive watches, I was hooked. That quality was what had me in the chase for it, and I wanted something that would last a lifetime. I don't actually wear it like I used to, but it is in the rotation. And when it is, it's all smiles.
For the record, I am loving all of your collections, from high to low, and without prejudice. I would also like to believe that many, if not all of them, carry a fond memory of that moment in time when you obtained it, and when you get to love it the most. All of mine do. I've also been hitting up many of you with questions about some of your watches, as either pre-purchase interest, or just to get more knowledge of them. You've always answered with care and pride! It's been very impressive.I'm only a week into membership, but I mentioned in a post a few days ago after the purchase of my new Orange Seiko GMT, that this community single-handedly re-lit my Seiko mojo. That's how your sharing and posts are landing on me.
We're blessed that we get to use and admire our watches throughout the day. We can't say that about most of our hobbies or interests. Whether I'm wearing my Sub, or my G-Shock, I get to admire and fiddle around with it all day long. We have to love that.
Anyway, I digress and I could be making all this up, but curious what this community sees about this topic. Am I delusional?
Hooked on watches at 12 Y/O, when my parents had my history teacher over. He was one of the1st American soldiers to liberate Dachau. He wore an A11, and I was hooked. Think it was an Elgin, but my fat...
Thanks for sharing all that. I have a modest collection and, at first, was wondering if I should feel too ashamed to even post them here. But everyone has been supportive in their comments and, although I see many wonderful timepieces way beyond my means, I haven't sensed any rampant snobbery here. That's what I enjoy so much about this forum; there's room for even me.
Not just this app.
I've been on various fora for the past 20 years and the Rolex debate has been going on in every forum for at least that long. as well as the Tag Heuer debate, the Seiko debate, the Movado debate, the Invicta debate, the Doxa debate...................
OK, that is what I was hoping to experience. I did not see a lot of it, but enough where I was scratching my head a little bit. Thanks for sharing!
Not just this app.
I've been on various fora for the past 20 years and the Rolex debate has been going on in every forum for at least that long. as well as the Tag Heuer debate, the Seiko debate, the Movado debate, the Invicta debate, the Doxa debate...................
Oh, wow. I had no idea. I have been in the dark, but thanks for shedding a light on that!
Of course, but it occurred differently than that. For me anyway. just curious. Not derailing, but curious.
I think it’s perfectly fine if some people don’t like Rolex. Everyone has their right to an opinion and preference. Have I seen comments expressing discontent? Yes, but it’s always been respectful in the month I’ve been here.
It, as a brand, and even their watches, has both positive and negative connotations for me. But, neither of those things really matter, nor should they. They don’t really matter to me, and they certainly shouldn’t matter to you.
Do you like it?
Then it is a fine watch.
1) Based on my interactions with/involvement most hobbies, they tend to segment themselves by price more than watches. In the world of guns, people who buy Holland & Holland or Rigby rifles don't tend to hand out on social media with Savage owners... In the watch world it's more mixed, so you're interacting with a broad range of people.
2) Rolex marketing has been very effective. Rolex sells itself as as a signal of success... so it's not a big stretch for people to view showing a Rolex as "showing-off" success. In most western cultures "showing-off" is seen as crass.
3) Haters gonna hate. Some people live to be negative.... I block them, or mute them...
4) Obnoxious Rolex fanboys make people dislike the brand. Every time a new watch is released, some fanboy compares it to a Rolex, even when they look nothing alike. Rolex didn't invent three handed watches, numbers, time, or some/many of the things they claim to have invented...
Don't be put off of wearing your Sub, but always bear in mind that your experience is not universal, and many people see things from a different angle.
I think the day I get a rolex is the day I'm satisfied with my collection. They are the pinnacle in my eyes even if there are better. I would love to know when I die that of all my collection the rolex gets handed down
Great post. Wear your collection in good health!
Not all watches are for everyone. Rolex has a “flex” stereotype that turns some off. There are other watches that turn me off. I elect to pass those watches by and neither approve or disapprove, but am happy to add my opinion when requested.
I really like Rolex and see it as an aspirational brand. The positive and negative about them is that they are the only watch that non-watch people will talk to you about. And rightly or wrongly, they are the brand which all watches are judged against.
1) Based on my interactions with/involvement most hobbies, they tend to segment themselves by price more than watches. In the world of guns, people who buy Holland & Holland or Rigby rifles don't tend to hand out on social media with Savage owners... In the watch world it's more mixed, so you're interacting with a broad range of people.
2) Rolex marketing has been very effective. Rolex sells itself as as a signal of success... so it's not a big stretch for people to view showing a Rolex as "showing-off" success. In most western cultures "showing-off" is seen as crass.
3) Haters gonna hate. Some people live to be negative.... I block them, or mute them...
4) Obnoxious Rolex fanboys make people dislike the brand. Every time a new watch is released, some fanboy compares it to a Rolex, even when they look nothing alike. Rolex didn't invent three handed watches, numbers, time, or some/many of the things they claim to have invented...
Don't be put off of wearing your Sub, but always bear in mind that your experience is not universal, and many people see things from a different angle.
Great perspective. Thank you.
I think the day I get a rolex is the day I'm satisfied with my collection. They are the pinnacle in my eyes even if there are better. I would love to know when I die that of all my collection the rolex gets handed down
Understood! I hope all of my watches, or at least the ones I haven’t traded out for, land with my kids when that time comes.
Not just this app.
I've been on various fora for the past 20 years and the Rolex debate has been going on in every forum for at least that long. as well as the Tag Heuer debate, the Seiko debate, the Movado debate, the Invicta debate, the Doxa debate...................
Absolutely… I call it the click bait challenge….
Not all watches are for everyone. Rolex has a “flex” stereotype that turns some off. There are other watches that turn me off. I elect to pass those watches by and neither approve or disapprove, but am happy to add my opinion when requested.
I really like Rolex and see it as an aspirational brand. The positive and negative about them is that they are the only watch that non-watch people will talk to you about. And rightly or wrongly, they are the brand which all watches are judged against.
The comment is really true. I am rotating through 18 or 20 watches right now, and I fly almost weekly, and, without fail, when I wear my sub, someone will ask me about it, or comment about it. Although this week, the orange Seiko got a lot of love from strangers.
Rolex is one of many great brands. As with most brands, I like some of their products and dislike others. That, I presume is normal. 10 years ago, I happened to buy 2 in less than a week and one even came with a discount though you’ll never get one now. In advance of my 60th, I thought I’d get a third Rolex, a Submariner. This was about a year and a half ago. The AD didn’t exactly laugh me out of the store but almost. Remember that I’d bought from him before and had even had both watches serviced through him less than a year before. His reply was that they had no room on their lists. Armed with that experience I entered the huge world of watches and guess what? Loads of other great brands. I bought a Cartier Santos for my 60th. Since then, Breguet’s, Vacheron Constantin’s among my many purchases. Recently I managed to but an Explorer at a different AD, one where I had already bought a JLC Reverso, so I filled the condition of being an existing customer. I do hate these games that Rolex AD’s play. I plan to get a YachtMaster next year (they told me to give them a couple of months notice) and that’ll be it for current Rolex’s.
Thanks for the share. This is all foreign to me since I bought mine many years ago, but it almost seems like people are asking for a cure for pediatric cancer. I am seeing enough responses to know that your experience is unfortunately not unique to you, and I don’t know which is more frustrating the supply issue, whether real or not, or the A.D. dispositions and attitudes. Really pisses me off to read that. I did walk into an AD in Chicago recently to get my sub in for its five year cleaning, and they had roughly the same cocky arrogance about them, even for a cleaning! They rolled their eyes and said well, it’s going to be at least 10-12 weeks to get it back, so your call. And then just walked away from me. I did not buy from them, nor would I ever buy from them, but I almost had to chuckle out loud at their arrogance.
I LOVE my Elliot Brown. It is tough, no nonsense, EXTREMELY legible and all around a great watch. I want a Sangin Instruments too, but actually getting one is something of a rare bird. The bezel and bezel knurling is one of the easiest to manipulate and precise I have.
The Holton Pro has some of the same design ethos and is available now. Their NIVO dial color is very interesting too. And now they offer a twelve hr bezel.
The Dryden is different kinds of cool. Functional, thin, yet tough basic field watch. I went with the more traditional black dial, but the tropic brown also looks 👌🏻. And they are based in KC, which is the wife's hometown so there's a connection there.
Beetucci, well IMO, best bang for buck field watch from an American Company you can get your hands on. Have had mine since '14. If I was getting one now I'd look at their Retroform series. Have been growing to love old school acrylic crystals.
One more on the Elliott Brown: how is the Finish holding up? I’m a big fan of dark finished basil’s, but always a little concerned about scratches. I’m really liking this watch, but I’m wondering if it’s just painted metal, because I doubt it’s DLC for that price. Yours does not look to be banged up at all, but wanted to check in on this first.
I was not aware of that, but makes sense now. And that is a gorgeous datejust.
Is this text written by an AI? Sounds like it. Anyway, I think Rolex get a lot of positive attention everywhere on the internet. Good watches but not the most creative or brave company.
Jeez, kill me know if you think that!
You are spot on.
I am one of the worst offenders...but I mean no offense to all of you who wear or love your Rolex.
I really don't mind Rolex watches and I am always giving proper recognition to my friends and the folks here who wear theirs.
I just won't be adding any to my collection because I don't think the price vs value is worth it and I'm also a bit of an anarchist who doesn't like to do the obvious. (I also have a bug up my "ahem" about Rolex constantly lying about their "accomplishments" and "inventions").
One of my elementary school teachers gave me a poster with this quote...
I'm thinking she was a very wise woman.
That’s the loveliest Anarchist quote on the web👍🏼👍🏼
Rolex are ubiquitous among yuppies. People who know nothing about watches, nor do they care, but want a watch that says “I’m successful.”
This is unfortunate, because they really are well built and good luxury watches that the types of people here can love too. But when you see a guy on the street with one, >99% of the time, it’s just a guy who wants to look wealthy.
Contrast this to something like Oris. See a guy wearing an Oris and there is a very high probability he’s into watches.
I don’t know about 99%, but understood. That said, I would put myself in the one percentile then👍🏼
Your welwcome. We'll knock back couple of sparkling waters next time I'm im Chicago. We'll rock a couple of Rolies while we're at it. Cheers!
I could go for that!
One more on the Elliott Brown: how is the Finish holding up? I’m a big fan of dark finished basil’s, but always a little concerned about scratches. I’m really liking this watch, but I’m wondering if it’s just painted metal, because I doubt it’s DLC for that price. Yours does not look to be banged up at all, but wanted to check in on this first.
Mine hasn't seen too much, I'm sure if I was to look at it Uber close it would show scratches, etc. Didn't get a chance to deploy with this one yet, but it's held up great for me.
PS - the tropic rubber strap has been sitting in the cart the last couple of days, can't make up my mind yet lol.
Looking back at my Rolex comments, I don't think I've ever said anything blatantly negative about the brand even though I have been vocal about the brand not doing anything for me and, therefore, not wanting to buy one even if I had the money. My vintage girl keeps trying to sell me her Rolexes, saying the brand fits me (whatever that means) and she firmly believes I will eventually buy one someday. I don't doubt I will own one someday, but buy? With my own money?
My father promised to gift me his Explorer once he gets the call from an AD for his soon-to-buy (or not-so-soon-to-buy) Submariner. The AD said six months waiting time. It's only been three months. But, anyway, to the point of owning the brand, who the hell am I to turn down a Rolex? But that's in the future. I've worn his Explorer a number of times, just because he keeps preaching the virtues of owning one. He's not an enthusiast and wears Rolex for the privilege of wearing a Rolex. I don't look down on this. He likes telling the story of how he had to walk 5 kilometers to and from school throughout high school wearing wornout, secondhand bought shoes because the family was too poor. And he never went straight home from school too. He always had to stop by rice paddy fields along the way to catch fish or frogs so that his 9 siblings and mother had something to eat at night. SO I think if he wants to flash where he is now with a Rolex and if Rolex can help showoff what he's done with his life, I say good for him. He's earned the right to flex.
But I'm an self-confessed Omega fanboy and sometimes it feels like an Us-versus-Them battle between the brands with the collectors as fire fodder.
Anyway, if I'm one of the causes of Rolex hate in this community, let me extend an olive branch. Here's me wearing my father's Explorer.
That’s a good look for you! That said, you have a gorgeous collection, and some really cool pieces. I have always wanted a seamaster, but those plans have always been derailed. I can see why you would be a fan boy of the brand. If you are objective about it, they have some powerful presence in the media as well. in fact, my cousin just bought a gorgeous Omega last month, but the model is coming up blank in my head right now. I want to say it was titanium, and had a very small linked bracelet, almost mesh, looking, and possibly in a recent movie? Anyway, I know it was nine grand. I’m not close enough to the brand to understand the us versus them, but as many have told me, love what you love and wear it with pride👍🏼
Thank you for sharing! I am somewhat surprised that the bias, snobbery or whatever you may label it, exists on WatchCrunch. Everything that I’ve read and experienced on this platform has always been positive, supportive and inclusive of all different watches, collections, likes/dislikes, etc. regardless of brand or value. That having been said, I do know that if there is any brand that can excite a riot, it is indeed Rolex. But I’ve only really seen that on other social media platforms, not WC. Cheers for the good discussion!
Thank you! And I never came across anything, malicious, or over the top, but it was one of the brands that was more frequently called out, even though it was subtle. That’s why I was trying to understand if it was in my head or real. But based on the feedback, it’s been quite a lively discussion.
Jeez, that is a beauty. And love that strap.
That harness rating of 1200 seems pretty solid, and they have definitely given it some thought based on the description.
And if you mean, military deployment, be safe, and thank you for your service.
Thanks for sharing, also here in Mexico there is a lot of hatred towards Rolex and it also happens to me that there are days that I don't want to use mine (GMT Black Ceramic) if you share it in Facebook groups then later they tell you that it is false "that I they give 100 dollars for it" that if I don't sell it it's because it's Fake, in short, very unpleasant things. And even though it was my grail for more than 30 years and it wasn't until recently that I was able to indulge myself, there are days when I even think about selling it.
Thanks for sharing, also here in Mexico there is a lot of hatred towards Rolex and it also happens to me that there are days that I don't want to use mine (GMT Black Ceramic) if you share it in Facebook groups then later they tell you that it is false "that I they give 100 dollars for it" that if I don't sell it it's because it's Fake, in short, very unpleasant things. And even though it was my grail for more than 30 years and it wasn't until recently that I was able to indulge myself, there are days when I even think about selling it.
That is truly unfortunate, especially if you were chasing it down for 30 years. I don’t know the circumstances and I’m not standing in your shoes, but I certainly understand what you’re saying.
I have received literally over 100 comments on a more powerful contexts called wear your watch, and enjoy what you have achieved. I hope you choose to stay on that course!
Best regards.
This is way way too sensible. Are you sure you're on the correct website?
Well said. Even if it’s not watches, it’s always something
There aren't many (any?) things more worthless than jealousy or envy.