My birth year watch — Rolex perception question.
It took about 9 months, but after I turned 30 my vintage watch connect found a 1991 no date sub, same year I was born. I love it.
But I rarely wear it out. Why? I hate the recognizability of Rolex. I swear that everyone notices it and I don’t like that. People think Rolexes are the most expensive watches in the world and associate you with wealth if you wear one. Or that’s at least what I think.
I think this is definitely true for modern models (way more bling as we know), but is it true for vintage? Or would the average person think I’m just wearing an old crappy watch that looks kind of cool?
Maybe this is a dumb question, but I really don’t like displaying wealth on my wrist, that’s not why I’m in this game. And my concern is getting undue attention. Most cannot afford a watch of this value, the economy isn’t great, and I don’t live in a gated community surrounded by millionaires.
Am I nuts for not wearing it out in public? I see plenty of people wearing vintage Rolexes around but I also think they aren’t nearly as self aware as I am. I don’t want to be a “mark.” It’s just the way I am.
I have one gold watch and it’s white gold, which tells you everything you need to know about my personality.
Thoughts? Am I overthinking this and should I just enjoy? Or am I right that Rolex’s fame (even for vintage models) works against it from the perspective of staying under the radar?
Writer, sometimes filmmaker. LA and NY. Love old stuff and mechanical things. History matters.
1991 baby here! Love the watch and also would love to get a birth year watch one day. I also have a Rolex OP. Admittedly, I do wear it less often than my other watches knowing the value. Would you be okay with conceptualizing the watch as a special occasion watch?
1991 baby here! Love the watch and also would love to get a birth year watch one day. I also have a Rolex OP. Admittedly, I do wear it less often than my other watches knowing the value. Would you be okay with conceptualizing the watch as a special occasion watch?
I totally would, but I guess I wish I could just throw it on and wear it all the time, and not think twice about it. Maybe that's too much of an ask. Waiting to hear what other people think. I may be asking to just live in a different world hahaha. Or maybe the perception of Rolex has been this way for decades and I really shouldn't be too concerned. Also doesn't help that it's the most desired by thieves/muggers, but maybe their too dumb to know vintage is often more valuable than new?
I totally would, but I guess I wish I could just throw it on and wear it all the time, and not think twice about it. Maybe that's too much of an ask. Waiting to hear what other people think. I may be asking to just live in a different world hahaha. Or maybe the perception of Rolex has been this way for decades and I really shouldn't be too concerned. Also doesn't help that it's the most desired by thieves/muggers, but maybe their too dumb to know vintage is often more valuable than new?
Totally get the concern for theft. I think ultimately watches are meant to be enjoyed. If you wanna rock it everyday why not? It deserves to be loved and at their core they are tool watches so they can certainly be worn daily. I do have a personal articles jewelry policy for peace of mind. Maybe that will help give you some reassurance god forbid something happens with theft or loss of the watch.
Wear what makes you happy. Yes the world will judge (if they notice) but don’t let that change who you are. Yes, sometimes people will recognize the Sub because of the bezel regardless of year. But I don’t think people will recognize vintage Rolex or an Explorer that just look like a plain watch. 9 times out of 10, people don’t notice watches anymore anyway because most people don’t wear them or wear Apple Watches/fitbits, etc. But you do you. That is a killer watch and it represents you, and harkens back to the good ol’ days before the interweb. 🤪
I totally would, but I guess I wish I could just throw it on and wear it all the time, and not think twice about it. Maybe that's too much of an ask. Waiting to hear what other people think. I may be asking to just live in a different world hahaha. Or maybe the perception of Rolex has been this way for decades and I really shouldn't be too concerned. Also doesn't help that it's the most desired by thieves/muggers, but maybe their too dumb to know vintage is often more valuable than new?
Probably depends on where you live too, city or country. I think you should wear that guy everyday no matter what. But maybe creating a rule for yourself or when you will/won’t wear it may help. That way you know you’ll wear it and not feel like it’s a waste to have it. Maybe wear it all the time around the house and out to nice events, but maybe not just around town running errands?
Wear what makes you happy. Yes the world will judge (if they notice) but don’t let that change who you are. Yes, sometimes people will recognize the Sub because of the bezel regardless of year. But I don’t think people will recognize vintage Rolex or an Explorer that just look like a plain watch. 9 times out of 10, people don’t notice watches anymore anyway because most people don’t wear them or wear Apple Watches/fitbits, etc. But you do you. That is a killer watch and it represents you, and harkens back to the good ol’ days before the interweb. 🤪
Wouldn't hurt for me to start wearing it more and see if I get eyeballs on it or not, hahaha. Run the experiment. Obviously I wouldn't wear it to an extremely dangerous/sketchy area.
Very self aware and astute insights there, friend. I feel I understand your hesitation. Im friends with a few S American guys through my indoor team that have stories about anything that could LOOK like a Rolex from across a block of traffic was at risk when at a light, or just being stopped in traffic with guns. 😳😬 The whole thing takes like 10s.
It's. CRAZY.
It seems we live in different times brother and the increased economic instability everywhere leads to the need to be extra smart, and aware when your wearing (think of carrying it with all the responsibilities you would if you were legally carrying your own firearm, ex.) Concealed, and not in public areas like schools near hospitals etc...
I empathize wholeheartedly and wish my outlook was more positive. That's a beautiful watch, I can't imagine how important it must be to you. All the best my man !!
Also, 1990 here. Cigar? Lol.
just wear that beautiful watch and enjoy it....only watch nerds like us check out other people´s wrists....the rest of the population, like 99,9% of all people, doesn´t give 2 sh*ts about watches and will not even notice it.
And it´s not displaying wealth, it´s just an expensive watch, that´s all it is.
I know people that are always dressed in the most expensive clothes, drive an expensive car but live in a shitty rented appartment....can´t buy a house or appartment ´cause all their money goes to their car....so, is that displaying wealth? and a car and clothes will get noticed, where a watch is a tiny 3 square centimeter accessory you hardly see.
And don´t get me started on that totally overhyped fear for muggers...so ridiculous.
That's a lovely watch with a special story. Wear it with pride and if anyone gives you %#&! explain the birth year connection and be yourself. Anyone who judges someone because they own a Rolex or any other watch brand or drive an expensive car etc is an idiot in my book. And I say that as a bargain-hunting, Skoda-driving miser.
Re: risk I don't own any Rolex or anything fashionable enough to be eye-catching (weird tastes in old-mannish gold dress watches by and large). So I'm not an expert at all in this area.
Some of my extended family do wear jewelry on a day to day basis which exceeds the value of your sub. They have it insured because they find the premiums are not that expensive and it's worth it for them for the peace of mind and in helping them enjoy wearing it without worrying about theft.
Of course that's very subjective - if you have the cash to replace the watch or wouldn't be worried about losing it you can avoid insurance premiums and self-insure.
Yup, me too. Not a one. I don’t have a Submariner but a black bezel GMT M2 which at a glance looks like a Submariner. I guess it speaks to the plain-ness of the timepiece. But I wore mine daily for 15 years. Never walked around London, which seems like a den of watch thieves according to our British crunchers, but I have walked around NY city and Bourbon Street in NO.
On the other hand, your blue dial OP that looks like an Explorer is pure fire. If I saw you walking around, I’d like to steal that. 🤣🤣🤣.
Kidding, beautiful watch though.
I think you are right. Too much unwanted attention and jealousy which may lead to criminal behaviour!
It just goes with brand recognition. In the past I had a used BMW and a used Jaguar. Together I’d got them for under 5k . Constant comments about being rich etc. now I have a pickup that cost way too much and nobody cares at all.
This is exactly why I can’t see myself ever buying a Rolex, even though I really like some of their models.
you are wrong..unless you flash your watch everywhere you go..nobody (except us watch geeks) cares what kind of watch you are wearing..Wear it and enjoy it. JMO enjoy the hobby
I enjoyed my Rolex watches more when I was in my "newbie bubble" before I started interacting with other "enthusiasts" and all of the Rolex baggage they wanted others to tote as well.
I rarely post them online or take them to watch gatherings. I can't tell you what Rolex means to others but for me it was just being a poor kid who worked hard and wanted a watch that made me feel like it was ok to reward myself after having taken care of so many others.
I live in Manchester but go down to London often, watch thefts are becoming super common, if former heavyweight champion boxer Amir Khan can get his watch robbed then nobody is safe!
But it does mean my G Shock gets some more wrist time
I think London is one of the worst places for watch crime, yeah.
If you're afraid to wear it, sell it. Take the money and move to a safer / better neighborhood. Problem(s) solved.
I want this very watch myself. I'm an older 1985 over here, but the 14060 is the perfect watch IMO. If you feel this way too, then definitely wear it with pride, who cares what others think (I know easier said than done!).
I only really have two watches that break the $3 mark and they are not as recognizable as a Rolex. I wear them mostly at my office or corporate client meetings. Even then, 99% of the time no one notices my watch. I totally get how you would feel self conscious in the general public though, I am of similar thoughts, but moreso for the perceived safety concerns.
In any case, if you can find the right times and places to wear it just do it. Even if it's only at home having dinner. If you're like most here, that watch is for your enjoyment and no one else.
I like to fly under the radar. Less detections the better.
For me, wearing something like that is something that came with age. At 30, I probably wouldn’t have been comfortable…I’d worry that everybody thought I was showing off. 20 years later, I care a lot less. There are times I don’t like to have something that looks expensive on, but in general I don’t mind. If I had the money I’d rock a steel and gold Datejust, but that wasn’t always the case.
You didn’t mention selling it, but if that ever occurred to you, please don’t. Even if you don’t wear it now, you’ll probably do so more in the future, and it’ll be a pain to replace. Just my 2 cents.
Just enjoy! Wear the lovely baby!
Lordy a 61 Submariner would ruin me 😂
I would just say this that yes ensuring the watch can help with the monetary side if something were to happen your concerns are valid but the same time I may be the only person who looks at other people's watches out of all my friends in Europe and the United States of course besides my other watch nerds. But for someone who's also born in 1991 seeking a birth year submariner, because I do like the aluminum bezel over the ceramic I would just offer the advice that to you what I plan to do myself and that is put it on rubber or a nice sail cloth. I think a lot of the recognizability of a submariner comes with the Cyclops and bracelet otherwise it's just a black bezel dive watch
If you're afraid to wear it, sell it. Take the money and move to a safer / better neighborhood. Problem(s) solved.
Oh yeah it's super realistic for people to sell a few thousand £ worth of jewelery and move neighbourhoods, not like we have wives and kids and jobs. Oh also have you heard of this housing crisis that's going around?
Wear what you like and keep your head on a swivel anytime you are out and about with or without the watch. That’s just the way things are these days. If someone looks your way do the best you can to defuse or negate it but if they want trouble that bad give it to them! ( not the watch) the trouble!
Oh yeah it's super realistic for people to sell a few thousand £ worth of jewelery and move neighbourhoods, not like we have wives and kids and jobs. Oh also have you heard of this housing crisis that's going around?
Well, I don't live in England. The U. S. for me. Nor do I live near or frequent any crime ridden cities, no matter what country they're in. 'JamesBlond' started this thread. He's concerned & afraid too. His profile says he lives in LA & NY. Yeah, no crime there as they're both big blue liberal places. Seems your options are, apply some real common sense to living life or live afraid. I wear any of my watches at any time with no hesitation.
wear it and enjoy it I know nobody ever notices what watch you wear as a rule but Rolexes do get noticed
It’s a nice tool watch and as you say isn’t as showy as the new ones and it should be worn as often as possible. Maybe some situations it might be good to leave it behind but not many. Watch people will appreciate this model and everyone else will most likely ignore it
And that’s why it’s cool
I’d wear that baby every day lol
UPDATE -- Nobody noticed it today. LOL. I guess I'm in the clear.
For me, wearing something like that is something that came with age. At 30, I probably wouldn’t have been comfortable…I’d worry that everybody thought I was showing off. 20 years later, I care a lot less. There are times I don’t like to have something that looks expensive on, but in general I don’t mind. If I had the money I’d rock a steel and gold Datejust, but that wasn’t always the case.
You didn’t mention selling it, but if that ever occurred to you, please don’t. Even if you don’t wear it now, you’ll probably do so more in the future, and it’ll be a pain to replace. Just my 2 cents.
Selling was never an option! Thanks.