Rolex Or...

Would you guys rather get the Rolex you've been eyeing, or instead three still "luxury" watches: say, Longines + Omega + whatever?

I get it if a certain Rolex carries a special significance for you, but for the rest of us, are we "settling" when we go with the other Swiss giants? I might argue the quality is on par even to the discerning enthusiast. More experienced folks can weigh in... :)

Reply
·

I prefer Omega styling, so I'd go Omega over Rolex even if they were the same price, and equally available. 

·

At one point, I wanted a simple, but elegant 3 hander, and so decided upon the the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with the silver dial.  I bought one off Chrono24 back when they were only $8,400.  Just checked, and they're at $11,595 now.  It was nice.  It was Rolex.  But, other than the name on the dial, I put it on my wrist and thought, "WTF???  Why would anyone in their right mind pay even MSRP for this, much less the prevailing market price???"  Sold it on immediately.  The $1,700 King Seiko SPB279 is a far nicer watch to my eyes.

Omega and GS for me.  And, how do I put this diplomatically...?  I'm EFF'ing rich and can afford a Lange Zeitwerk Honeygold Lumen for fun.  Don't really want a Zeitwerk.  I mean, I do.  I say I do.  But, I don't really, because otherwise I would have purchased one already.  Though, that lume does look cool...

For the same reason I don't buy Ferraris, I don't buy Rolexes.  There are far better cars that cost far, far, far less than Ferraris do.

·

Give me an Omega any day or a Grand Seiko. Not a lover of over hyped watches that cost more than the average family car.

·

Well,cI like Rolex in general .. but my current mood after the latest releases: "A) Rolex or B) .... B!

·

As much as the game sucks, I do think many Rolex watches look very aesthetically pleasing. If I could get it at MSRP without waiting till I'm on my deathbed, I'd buy the Rolex.

·

I feel like I’m in the minority here on WC, but I really like Rolex.  Personally, I think they feel much better on the wrist than Omegas.  And for Longines…I don’t even think that’s remotely close to the same category.  I wouldn’t consider that a luxury watch at all.

With that said, even though I prefer Rolex, I can definitely see why some people prefer Omegas. I want to like the Speedmaster…I’ve tried to like the Speedmaster…but when I put it on my wrist it just feels cheap. (I know that’s an unpopular opinion!)

·
Mr.Dee.Bater

At one point, I wanted a simple, but elegant 3 hander, and so decided upon the the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with the silver dial.  I bought one off Chrono24 back when they were only $8,400.  Just checked, and they're at $11,595 now.  It was nice.  It was Rolex.  But, other than the name on the dial, I put it on my wrist and thought, "WTF???  Why would anyone in their right mind pay even MSRP for this, much less the prevailing market price???"  Sold it on immediately.  The $1,700 King Seiko SPB279 is a far nicer watch to my eyes.

Omega and GS for me.  And, how do I put this diplomatically...?  I'm EFF'ing rich and can afford a Lange Zeitwerk Honeygold Lumen for fun.  Don't really want a Zeitwerk.  I mean, I do.  I say I do.  But, I don't really, because otherwise I would have purchased one already.  Though, that lume does look cool...

For the same reason I don't buy Ferraris, I don't buy Rolexes.  There are far better cars that cost far, far, far less than Ferraris do.

I vote that you go ahead and get the Lange so we can live vicariously through you! 😂

·

I think that Rolex makes great watches, and I'm happy to have some in my collection, but there are lots of other brands that offer watches of similar (or superior) quality at similar price points. The insane secondary market values serve to make them very attractive options if you can get them at MSRP, but I certainly don't feel like I'm "settling" when I buy other brands. 

·
grailtimepieces

I feel like I’m in the minority here on WC, but I really like Rolex.  Personally, I think they feel much better on the wrist than Omegas.  And for Longines…I don’t even think that’s remotely close to the same category.  I wouldn’t consider that a luxury watch at all.

With that said, even though I prefer Rolex, I can definitely see why some people prefer Omegas. I want to like the Speedmaster…I’ve tried to like the Speedmaster…but when I put it on my wrist it just feels cheap. (I know that’s an unpopular opinion!)

Ah, dude, I sincerely apologize if I was coming off as bashing Rolex.  Actually, now that I re-read what I wrote, I realize I was being a total d&^%-monkey.  I was wrong.

You put it much better and more even-handedly.  What I should have said, and I mean it sincerely, is, "even though I prefer Omega, I can definitely see why some people prefer Rolex."  

The thing is, honestly, I don't really prefer Omega.  I mean, I know my handle is "Omega nut," but the only reason I own a bunch of Omegas is because I really like Daniel Craig's James Bond.  I fully admit that that is the single dumbest reason for owning a bunch of Swiss watches.  But, I really liked every one of the Daniel Craig James Bond movies, and so I got a variation on every one of the Omegas he wore in those 5 films.  

Genuinely, though, if you took off the logos and branding from any Swiss watch, I doubt I could even remotely tell them apart.  Rolex, Omega, Blancpain, Tag, IWC...  they're all the same to me.  I am not impressed.  I mean, they're great watches, don't get me wrong.  But, for $5k - $10k each?  Absolutely not!  Totally not worth the money at all.  ("So, why do you own a bunch of Omegas?"  Well, James Bond...  pew, pew!)

If not for the Bond thing, there's no way I would spend my money on Swiss watches.  My collection would be only Seikos and Grand Seikos.  For the price of a Submariner, I would get either 3 Grand Seikos or 30 Seikos, or some combination thereof.

I know.  Totally out of left field.  But, you know what they say, "Opinions are like a$$holes...  everybody's got one."  And everything I wrote above is just the opinion of this a$$hole.  😂

·
grailtimepieces

I feel like I’m in the minority here on WC, but I really like Rolex.  Personally, I think they feel much better on the wrist than Omegas.  And for Longines…I don’t even think that’s remotely close to the same category.  I wouldn’t consider that a luxury watch at all.

With that said, even though I prefer Rolex, I can definitely see why some people prefer Omegas. I want to like the Speedmaster…I’ve tried to like the Speedmaster…but when I put it on my wrist it just feels cheap. (I know that’s an unpopular opinion!)

Oh, and yeah, for whatever reason, I didn't like the Moonwatch either.  I got it, and then sold it on 3 months later.

·
grailtimepieces

I vote that you go ahead and get the Lange so we can live vicariously through you! 😂

Hah!  Nah...  I mean, given that I could get 10 Grand Seikos for the Zeitwerk, I'm going down the route of 10 Grand Seikos!

·
Mr.Dee.Bater

At one point, I wanted a simple, but elegant 3 hander, and so decided upon the the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with the silver dial.  I bought one off Chrono24 back when they were only $8,400.  Just checked, and they're at $11,595 now.  It was nice.  It was Rolex.  But, other than the name on the dial, I put it on my wrist and thought, "WTF???  Why would anyone in their right mind pay even MSRP for this, much less the prevailing market price???"  Sold it on immediately.  The $1,700 King Seiko SPB279 is a far nicer watch to my eyes.

Omega and GS for me.  And, how do I put this diplomatically...?  I'm EFF'ing rich and can afford a Lange Zeitwerk Honeygold Lumen for fun.  Don't really want a Zeitwerk.  I mean, I do.  I say I do.  But, I don't really, because otherwise I would have purchased one already.  Though, that lume does look cool...

For the same reason I don't buy Ferraris, I don't buy Rolexes.  There are far better cars that cost far, far, far less than Ferraris do.

I would totally agree on the King Seiko I think it's a far more attractive watch. Would pick it over pretty much any of the big luxury brands (Rolex, Omega, AP) and use the money I saved to go to Hawaii.

·

I don't have any interest in Rolex or Omega but having said that if someone is committed to wanting a Rolex they won't be content until they get it so should save and stay on course.

Mr.Dee.Bater

At one point, I wanted a simple, but elegant 3 hander, and so decided upon the the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with the silver dial.  I bought one off Chrono24 back when they were only $8,400.  Just checked, and they're at $11,595 now.  It was nice.  It was Rolex.  But, other than the name on the dial, I put it on my wrist and thought, "WTF???  Why would anyone in their right mind pay even MSRP for this, much less the prevailing market price???"  Sold it on immediately.  The $1,700 King Seiko SPB279 is a far nicer watch to my eyes.

Omega and GS for me.  And, how do I put this diplomatically...?  I'm EFF'ing rich and can afford a Lange Zeitwerk Honeygold Lumen for fun.  Don't really want a Zeitwerk.  I mean, I do.  I say I do.  But, I don't really, because otherwise I would have purchased one already.  Though, that lume does look cool...

For the same reason I don't buy Ferraris, I don't buy Rolexes.  There are far better cars that cost far, far, far less than Ferraris do.

Man o man did I enjoy your comment 👍⌚💯🤪🤣👌😀🙌👌!

·

Picked up an explorer at retail price two weeks ago. It definitely feels more luxurious than my speedy, bb58 and IWC, but in the same time very discreet and still a toolwatch. I haven’t wear any other watch since then…but I guess I am still in the honeymoon phase🙃.  
To answer your question: I would rather buy one good luxury timepiece instead of 3 entry level watches. If you choose Rolex, Cartier, Grand Seiko, Omega etc is a personal choice and up to you

·

I'm not a Rolex fan.  That said it really depends on what is important to you.  I would rather have a couple quality pieces because i like to change it up.  I already have a wife, and don't need to be married to a watch.

·
VintageNat

Maybe I’m a bit of a contrarian, but the more people idolise Rolex the more it puts me off the brand. I’ve never set my sights on the conventional objectives in life, instead looking for the path that feels right to me, the goals that I find interesting rather than jumping on any band wagons.

Perhaps I’m just difficult and if you tell me to like something my automatic reaction is to say no…I’m not sure 😊 but the more popular something is the less I want to like it.

Spot on

·

I think @Omeganut takes the cake on this post lol. Case closed.

But seriously, appreciate all your comments. I wanted to hear what other people might prefer to Rolex. I just don’t see the appeal personally, though its kind of like a must-see destination, like the Grand Canyon.

·

I think one thing we can all agree on is, certain watches speak to us and it’s not all logical. 

·
MrGriswold

I'm not a Rolex fan.  That said it really depends on what is important to you.  I would rather have a couple quality pieces because i like to change it up.  I already have a wife, and don't need to be married to a watch.

I am going to totally plagiarize this line mercilessly! Love it!

·

I love the some of the Rolex models especially the sub and sea dweller. If I had bought one when many of you did, at a normal price that would have been great. However, at the price point they are right now, I don’t think any of the models are worth it to me. I think if it’s your end all be all grail watch then you should get it then because nothing else will scratch that itch.

I also agree that when ”non watch” people buy an expensive it’s a lot of times a Rolex for the aforementioned reasons. While that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, I agree that it makes them “less cool” so some watch enthusiast. 
 

·
Mr.Dee.Bater

Yeah, sorry about that.  The point I was trying to make was that this whole, "You didn't buy X, because you couldn't afford X," is truly weird.

"The only reason you bought strawberry ice cream is because you couldn't afford the chocolate ice cream."  WTF???

No apologies necessary brotha! That shit was funny 😂

·

Great question. normally after getting the three you end up wanting to stratch the Rolex itch anyway, so would recommend one, depending what you’re after??? 
 

alternative is get a filler watch and get rid of it once the Rolex comes in. 

·

The problem these days is that if you wear a Submariner or one of its cousins, the Green Hulk, the Batman or any of the other spin offs, certainly In Manchester in the UK, you spend half your time looking over your shoulder to see if some criminal is hovering nearby with the intent of relieving you of said timepiece, or explaining that your Prized Rolex isn’t a fake. Every pretend wannabe gangster in England is wearing a fake one. If you wear any other watch most are too thick to realise what it is. My Rolex stays at home these days and I bought a Ball for daily wear.

Image
·
grailtimepieces

I feel like I’m in the minority here on WC, but I really like Rolex.  Personally, I think they feel much better on the wrist than Omegas.  And for Longines…I don’t even think that’s remotely close to the same category.  I wouldn’t consider that a luxury watch at all.

With that said, even though I prefer Rolex, I can definitely see why some people prefer Omegas. I want to like the Speedmaster…I’ve tried to like the Speedmaster…but when I put it on my wrist it just feels cheap. (I know that’s an unpopular opinion!)

I have a 2014 Rolex sub i bought it for my retirement ( funnily enough I wasn’t presented with one ha ha) I haven’t had it serviced, I wore it regularly for 6/7 years it still only loses 1 second a day

ive just got rid of an Omega Speedmaster Moon…….. the Rolex blows it out of the water in every department as far as I’m concerned. I think with the new order of Rolex Hatred which seems to permeate the various forums including this one, that we are in danger of losing sight of their heritage and the fact they are simply classic, well made time pieces which have been copied in style shamelessly by most other brands. I find it quite funny that most of the Rolex bashers have never owned one. The green eyed monster in play perhaps?

·

I really wanted a Rolex for my promotion watch.....I bought a pre-owned Omega Seamaster 300..... followed by a Omega Speedmaster..... loved them both....but I really wanted to try Rolex ...sold both my Omega's and grabbed a pre-owned Rolex Explorer II 16570.....loved it...love it still .....it is everything I thought it would be....made me feel accomplished...loved the sleeper vibe.....a year later I rebought both Omegas.......takes a special man to be satisfied with just 1 watch.....I can't do it......if u want a Rolex.....buy the Rolex, but don't be surprised if you still end up buying that Longines or Omega down the road 

·

I love Rolex for their timeless design especially their sport line. However since their incredible rise in status, arrogance, and super hyped conspiracy crap, I stop. Another main reason I stop wearing or even try to buy any Rolexes ironically because it's just too bloody common. I'm certain 9 out of 10 in Asian community, IF they are wearing jewellery or luxury item, it will be definitely a Rolex, guaranteed! I really don't buy those ideas that you need Rolexes to give the image of being success? Seriously? Even wearing Omega, or any other brand that cost 10k and above already show you need to have a high enough disposable income. You don't need Rolexes. Investment? That's bull crap. You don't invest in watches to be rich... Maybe in solid gold bars. Or best properties... That will give you incomes in the future. 

·

This is an interesting question. I find that I budget for watch purchases for the year. So I'll say I have "X dollars" and then I look at my ever growing list of wants and decide on what I want to chase that year. With that being said, everyone's budgets are different, and I recognize that. To the point, I'd probably wait and get the Rolex I wanted unless it wasn't obtainable that year due to budget or changes to the budget.  

I also remember something my Dad told me when I was buying my Harley Davidson. He said, "Son, buy something that will make you smile every time you see it". In the case of the HD I was looking at a Road Glide and Street Glide. I bought the Street Glide and couldn't be happier. From the watch perspective, if I purchased something else even if it was on my long list, but I was focused on a particular Rolex, then I would focus on getting that. 

·

I, like quite a few others, haven't been eyeing any Rolexes, and the alternatives you offered are not that enticing either. To begin with, I'm not into rotating bezels, and the datejust is too blingy for me.

The price bracket in which these watches live has not a lot on offer that attracts me. I see some interesting watches below £2500, and after that I have to jump beyond £15000 to see what I'd consider next level. But that level is beyond my pain threshold of what I'd be prepared to pay for a watch, even if I could afford it comfortably.                                                                                                                         

·

Well said! I concur completely. When I have the funds I won't be spending any of them on a Rolex..