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Could I ask the question of what’s so good about rolex?

I will probably be shot down in flames for this, but really what’s all the hype? What’s so good about rolex? I also feel some safety posting this on a Breitling forum first, not only my locked door study with highly trained attack cat for protection…

As an somewhat unbiased outsider that has only been into watches since 2009 but has a lot to do with horology, I can’t see the worth in rolex, I can see the heritage and excellent workmanship, but the design seems very standard, run of the mill, all most 9 to 5 like, rolex kind of reminds me of the Toyota corp, I liked there old stuff but not the new stuff! And I wouldn’t ever buy any of their current products!

I spent a good 2.5 mins looking at rolex’s the other day and I came away feeling cold and lost with the urge to buy a Prius and go home and bleach the house.

I must say that I really like the old school rolex’s and I really respect the heritage, but really please someone tell me what’s so good about rolex ?

Well, to some extent, Rolex founded the standards by which we appreciate the design of a wristwatch these days. The Submariner does not look like any other dive watch... Any other dive watch looks like the sub.

In that way, Rolex's pieces may look standard... But "original" in the true sense of the term might be a better description.

Aside from that, Rolex has a singular and rather successful approach to positioning itself in the market. One could call it blue collar luxury. They have succeeded in becoming the pinnacle of what average joe could aspire to, thus finding a perfect balance between being widely known and progressively leaving the pack towards the upper side of the market.

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Cheers from Switzerland,

Fred

Well put Fred !!

Have you seen the Sky Dweller? Badass. I think that's the only one I would own out of the new line, the rest aren't for me. Well maybe a 2 tone Daytona.

Every collection should have a sub in it or its just incomplete. The deep sea is awesome.

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Rolex Two Tone Sub
B1 Vulcan LE
G Shock in every colour

Proven durability, most designs look good with jeans or a tux, thick enough to show substance but thin enough to glide under a trim shirt sleeve, well built (Including the bracelets now), and original design
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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

Timeless design, commitment to reasonable design evolution rather than revolution, perfection in fit, finish and execution. 'Bout sums it up.


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SHARKMAN

So far no one has commented on Rolex watches as timepieces, which is interesting, especially for those of us who care about utility.

Actually my durability comment related to that. To be more detailed, including the screw-down fine adjustment on rolexes such that the shock of an abrupt hit won't throw off timekeeping.

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Scott

AP Royal Oak 15400, silver
Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Classic Cars
Vintage gold Corum
Rolex DJ 36 TT, oyster dial, oyster/smooth
Baume & Mercier Riviera 200m, silver dial/aquamarine bezel
Breitling Superocean 57, rose/stainless

I have been considering making a two for one swap for a SS Rolex for a lot of the reasons mentioned above. Being that I am looking to go to a primary watch there are few brands that can offer the overall utility of ownership as Rolex does.

While the rolex pricing has led the way over the past several years of rising retail prices they are still going to be the brand whose second hand value holds relatively firm. This doesn't mean that a Rolex is the best model out there, just that it is a quality product desired by a lot of people.

In going to a one watch model, I am hard pressed to find a better brand to fill that need.

Can't add anything else to what others have already said. Having said that, just let go of two of mine recently. Only got the GMT IIc left.

But it's just one of those brands that I think everyone should try at least just once.

Timeless looks, reliable movements. But after 3 I took a step back and my box started to look a little repetitive. I traded for some pieces that suited to my lifestyle a bit more.

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"I don't got the bright watch I got the right watch" -Jay Z

My two cents worth....

While I do understand the craftsmanship of a Rolex and hats off to building your company name as a standard (no matter what that standard is) I think they are over-played.

Anyone who comes into a few dollars whether earned, given or inherited goes and buys a Rolex for the sole reason that they believe it gives them instant status. Much like the over-marketed Tag's did to the 20 somethings in the 90's. I'm not knocking Tag either, both companies are good at what they do to the level of what they intend to do.

A guy I know who owns a family resturant (i've known him for 16 years) who has never worn a watch in his life recently got divorced. I stopped in for lunch two weeks ago for a bite and to say hello and what did he have on his wrist.... yep a Rolex, also had a new car in the parking lot. I thought to myself hmmmm. A new car and a shiney new Rolex goes along way when you are rejoining the dating pool. I know a couple people with similar situations.

To me they are like "alot" of the Ferrari and Corvette owners, you know the guy... the Ferrari owner that wears his Ferrari shirt, Ferrari hat, Ferrari watch, Ferrari jacket. Look at me I own a Ferrari. Too much.

With no intention to insult anyone, just too many "Milwaukees Best" types wearing a Rolex now days. They just fail to impress.

I can understand the perception issues that Rolex has in the eyes of some WIS folks - i.e. as the post above says, a lot of people who know very little about watches think that Rolex is the best watch brand in the world and obviously therefore the first choice in terms of what they buy when they come into a bit of money.

It's also no secret that I'm not a fan of some of Rolex's practises such as restricting supply of watches to keep the illusion of rarity (despite being one of the most prolific watch makers in the world) and thereby keep the prices high, etc.

However, once you accept that they are often seen as "the overly obvious choice", and that they have very successfully cultivated an image that other brands would kill for, it's actually very hard to fault their watches. The simple fact is, they make very very good watches, and provided you like the style, it's hard to understand why any WIS wouldn't want to own one at some point.

The designs rarely alienate existing owners due to their tectonic-plate-movement speed of evolution, and their faultless brand strength and perception means they attract new fans by the truckload, all keen to buy into the kudos.

Additionally though, the image is more than backed up by quality of the product. Superb fit and finish, in-house movements (that have been around for years and are very stable and reliable), and pretty much in-house everything else too..... they even make their own sapphire crystals.

I've owned one Rolex myself and only sold it because it had the horrible tin-foil bracelet of yesteryear. If it wasn't for that I'd definitely still own it as I buy watches for me, and not for impressing others. They may not be the absolutely pinnacle of watch-making that a lot of non-WIS think they are, but they are extremely hard to fault. As long as you like the styles, Rolex are something of a no-brainer in the market they operate in.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jackforster ... zed-watch/

Some interesting opinions in this article !

Without a doubt, the perfect analysis.


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SHARKMAN