For those of you leaving Rolex

[BMess]

Recently I've seen several threads (or at the very least, posts) from people who are annoyed at Rolex's scarcity and who are not willing to pay the premiums that grey dealers charge. I'm finding myself dangerously close to this line despite having been a loyal customer for many years.

My question to you is where will you go? What, if anything, competes with SS Rolex assuming MSRP prices? AP and PP are in a league above Rolex (and have the same scarcity issues as Rolex) while Omega and Tudor are, arguably, in a league below Rolex. IWC and JLC are not competitive because most of their references are dressier and more likely to be worn on a leather strap as opposed to a stainless steel bracelet. Similarly, Panerai isn't truly competitive to Rolex for much of the same reasons as IWC and JLC but also because of the size of their watches.

So that leaves me asking you where will you go if you leave Rolex?

I'm stuck because, although unpopular, I like the recognition that Rolex offers and find myself feeling that if I were to buy an Omega (for example), my coworkers, colleagues, and [potential] clients might pass judgment (I work in midtown Manhattan where people judge watches). For example, I've thought about buying the Seamaster 300 but have had many people now (both friends and coworkers) tell me not to buy an Omega or chuckle at the thought of buying an Omega.

For reference, I currently have the DJ41 fluted/jubilee with rhodium diamond dial and I can't wear anything larger than 41-42mm (6.25" wrists).

[Rolexcouple]

VC overseas definite contender. Not sure of availability in NYC.


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[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Rolexcouple

VC overseas definite contender. Not sure of availability in NYC.


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I like this option. It's available and has better finish than the Rolex so they won't look down on you

[dimag333]

You just described why Rolex is so desirable, it really can’t be defined, it’s just special

I have worn a seiko for a while now, if anyone would snicker at it I would just act like the jokes on them they don’t know, I work in an ultra competitive sales floor as a vendor

steve

[Runfar]

I would really encourage looking deeper into omega as well as grand Seiko- you will still want a Rolex however

[RoscoPico]

Originally Posted by Runfar

I would really encourage looking deeper into omega as well as grand Seiko- you will still want a Rolex however

couldn't agree more. and neither are below Rolex, aside from brand recognition and price. and i personally will always own a Rolex, just not interested in any additions in the current market.

VC could also be a good sport choice, although possibly less rugged. Some other brands to consider which may be a step down, Tag, Breitling, Zenith ?

[Sublovin]

The current Rolex environment stinks, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave the brand. You don’t always need to be acquiring, right? Just enjoy what you have for a while until the instashammers move on to the next thing.
As for your friends, sounds pretty silly....they chuckle at Omega? Seems pretty shallow. Glad to hear there are people still working in Manhattan!

[samuel019]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

The current Rolex environment stinks, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave the brand. You don’t always need to be acquiring, right? Just enjoy what you have for a while until the instashammers move on to the next thing.
As for your friends, sounds pretty silly....they chuckle at Omega? Seems pretty shallow. Glad to hear there are people still working in Manhattan!

Perfectly said. I couldn’t have said it any better.

As far as the post in question. I get it. I agree with some of it. If I ventured down other paths I’d still chose one my Rolex’s every single morning unless if it were a certain model from PP or AP but I’ll never acquire those.

Lastly as far as what my friends or co workers think? Couldn’t care less unless they are buying

[Me4u2night]

I'm starting to look outside of Rolex, mainly because I'm looking to diversify my collection. I work in finance in midtown manhattan, and personally, couldn't care what anyone thinks about my watches. When they start buying my watches, then their opinion on what watch i wear will matter. Till then, buy what you like, not what will please everyone else.

[GCFA]

Reason I stick with Rolex 1) reliable quality. 2)reasonable service fee. 3)retain value. 4)timeless designs. 5) recognized globally.
Happy to pick up my 5th and 6th Rolex in 2021.

[MorningTundra]

... lots of smart money is going to vintage.

[dbfagan]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

... lots of smart money is going to vintage.

Five digit references are the way to go. With your wrist size I would look into an Explorer ref. 114270. Full sets in good condition are easy to come by.

[Amanubis]

The Chopard Alpine Eagle is a recent crush. Really sweet and quite understated, as all chopards are!

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[Jack T]

Originally Posted by Amanubis

The Chopard Alpine Eagle is a recent crush. Really sweet and quite understated, as all chopards are!

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That’s a beauty

[Moondoggy]

Originally Posted by Amanubis

The Chopard Alpine Eagle is a recent crush. Really sweet and quite understated, as all chopards are!

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Very sweet.

[fooey]

Originally Posted by Amanubis

The Chopard Alpine Eagle is a recent crush. Really sweet and quite understated, as all chopards are!

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Been looking at this! Looks really smart

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[alllexandru]

Originally Posted by Amanubis

The Chopard Alpine Eagle is a recent crush. Really sweet and quite understated, as all chopards are!

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Tried one yesterday at the Chopard boutique, fantastic watch.
I was on the fence for the dial layout but actually is gorgeous.
Simple but so nice and it is below 10mm thick.
It wears smaller than 41mm.
Great watch.




To the OP there are watches and watches depending how you look on and at them

Many brands out there with an excellent craftsmanship and value.


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[Freq18Hz]

Maybe you should get some new friends. I find it a bit sad that you are insecure enough to care what others think of you or your watch.

You can’t buy personality. Wear what you like.

-Freq

[bigrustypig]

Originally Posted by Freq18Hz

Maybe you should get some new friends. I find it a bit sad that you are insecure enough to care what others think of you or your watch.

You can’t buy personality. Wear what you like.

-Freq

This


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[Atone]

Originally Posted by HarrisonK

So that leaves me asking you where will you go if you leave Rolex?

I'm stuck because, although unpopular, I like the recognition that Rolex offers and find myself feeling that if I were to buy an Omega (for example), my coworkers, colleagues, and [potential] clients might pass judgment (I work in midtown Manhattan where people judge watches). For example, I've thought about buying the Seamaster 300 but have had many people now (both friends and coworkers) tell me not to buy an Omega or chuckle at the thought of buying an Omega.

The fact that this matters to you is just nuts. You’re an adult (I assume) wear what you like. I have no idea why people would care about such things.

[kevn00]

wear what you like. who cares what anyone else thinks of your watch.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by Freq18Hz

Maybe you should get some new friends. I find it a bit sad that you are insecure enough to care what others think of you or your watch.

You can’t buy personality. Wear what you like.

-Freq

Originally Posted by kevn00

wear what you like. who cares what anyone else thinks of your watch.

Rolex owners do care what other people think. That’s what allowed Rolex to propel from a watch with innovative features to a luxury watch for those who want to signal wealth and/or success.

[NYG1121]

Wear a speedmaster and then laugh at them when they dont know a thing about its history and significance.

[bremersm]

Never owned a Rolex and never will. This has nothing to do with what I can afford but everything with what I WANT to afford. Watches aren't life. My Lord, my family, and my country are.

I buy and enjoy watches because I love the fact that they aren't pushing notifications and information in my face. The fact of the matter is that many do it better than Rolex but at the end of the day it is all marketing.

Buy what makes you happy.

[JSCP]

Originally Posted by bremersm

Never owned a Rolex and never will. This has nothing to do with what I can afford but everything with what I WANT to afford. Watches aren't life. My Lord, my family, and my country are.

I buy and enjoy watches because I love the fact that they aren't pushing notifications and information in my face. The fact of the matter is that many do it better than Rolex but at the end of the day it is all marketing.

Buy what makes you happy.

Why would you join the RF if you don’t like Rolex?

[Utomow]

Grand seiko for me

[Jack T]

People chuckle at wearing an Omega? And you’re worried about it? Wow, who’s zoomin who?

[stockjock1975]

I found a love for JLC. That manufacturer has such a diverse and beautiful line-up. It’s easy to find a piece that checks all the boxes.


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[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by HarrisonK

I'm stuck because, although unpopular, I like the recognition that Rolex offers and find myself feeling that if I were to buy an Omega (for example), my coworkers, colleagues, and [potential] clients might pass judgment (I work in midtown Manhattan where people judge watches). For example, I've thought about buying the Seamaster 300 but have had many people now (both friends and coworkers) tell me not to buy an Omega or chuckle at the thought of buying an Omega.

Until you get over this, you’re stuck with Rolex. To hell with their opinions. If you like it, drop your money on it.

Anyone who attaches their self esteem to these things will be filling a hole in themselves forever.


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[Dirt]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

Until you get over this, you’re stuck with Rolex. To hell with their opinions. If you like it, drop your money on it.

Anyone who attaches their self esteem to these things will be filling a hole in themselves forever.


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Agreed