Do Rolex owners (secretly) yearn to own higher end brands: Patek, RM, Lange, AP, etc?

[SubMarine]

Originally Posted by Dilemma

Wow. Where did THAT come from?

Right. There are always a few members that manage to misinterpret a perfectly good topic of discussion and distort it into something that fits their own agenda. Interestingly enough, these naysayers' presence in my threads is nearly 100%. In other words, these folks are stingy to acknowledge an interesting thread, but are extravagant when it comes to their participation rates in these very same threads.

It reminds me a bit of a few people I know IRL who are as stingy with their $ as they are with their FB likes, lol.

[DonBateman]

Originally Posted by cascavel

Rolex watches are great, I love them, but after wearing one for a few decades I got bored. So I bought other Rolexes. I was still bored. One day it dawned on me: they are all the same. Different dial, same case. Different bracelet, same case. PP, Lange, Journe, AP et.al. are for those days when you're not engaging in life threatening activities.
Yeah, Rolexes are durable beyond belief, like a Jeep. You can drive a Jeep anywhere, but do you really want to?

I agree. Not much variety in Rolex.

[Bladeshot]

I have owned many Rolex references. Have had an AP rubber clad twice. First time I was not convinced I loved it. Second time around I got a proper fit on the strap and am enjoying it. It is not as sophisticated as other AP references or as PP, but I am a sports watch guy. I love the Rolex sports watch lines. That’s where my passion is. Would I like to have an Aquanaut? Yes. Am I happier owning 3-4 more Rolex rather than that one Aquanaut? Yes. Maybe someday I will have PP but it is simply not a priority for me. YMMV.






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[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

Right. There are always a few members that manage to misinterpret a perfectly good topic of discussion and distort it into something that fits their own agenda. Interestingly enough, these naysayers' presence in my threads is nearly 100%. In other words, these folks are stingy to acknowledge an interesting thread, but are extravagant when it comes to their participation rates in these very same threads.

It reminds me a bit of a few people I know IRL who are as stingy with their $ as they are with their FB likes, lol.

So what do you aspire to own, besides the 16610 Sub? Please enlighten us.

[jschmidtdmd]

I've always loved Rolex, but have pretty much migrated away. I've only kept the very classic pieces that were either passed down or are sentimental.

As many know, I am pretty much ALL RM now, with some AP and PP. I don't see myself moving back to all Rolex, but I am always opened to adding some special pieces back.

I was adamantly against RM when I first saw it- like so many. Yet, once on the wrist, there is nothing else like it.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by SubMarine

Right. There are always a few members that manage to misinterpret a perfectly good topic of discussion and distort it into something that fits their own agenda. Interestingly enough, these naysayers' presence in my threads is nearly 100%. In other words, these folks are stingy to acknowledge an interesting thread, but are extravagant when it comes to their participation rates in these very same threads.

It reminds me a bit of a few people I know IRL who are as stingy with their $ as they are with their FB likes, lol.

Look don't play dumb, you have form and yes you could have made this a good thread but for your deliberately provocative words like yearning for which you later clarified ofc to mean can't afford as if we didn't all know. Get into the spirit of this positive forum, divisive trolls don't last long.

[drhr]

Aesthetics is my primary driver and as good as Rolex is quality wise, there are many other brands that offer the look I want in a watch while Rolex does not . . . . . so I own a buncha stuff from the higher end houses (and brands "below"Rolex too) . . .

[zengineer]

I'd quote someone to give this context but it's kinda slim pickin's up above.

It isn't about being a Rolex fanboy or not liking variety, it's about being comfortable at a price point well above the basic Rolex. I now or in the past owned Omega, Grand Seiko, Sinn, Dornbluth, Rolex, Tag Heuer, Hamilton and so on.

I love variety and will never just own Rolex and nothing else along with it. I simply just don't get excited enough about watches in the $20k+ range enough to buy one. Other things, sure I dream of/lust for/desire or even own the higher end stuff. Just not watches.

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[Peterandwatches]

Have a couple nice pieces, but at the lower end, of these brands. I'd like to get a complicated PP, but I really aspire for a FPJ/LF/KV.

I guess there's always something to look up to.

[Justindo]

I like Rolex (and Omega and Breitling) for sport watches and ALS, VC, JLC, and PP (although less so these days) for dress watches.

[subtona]

more of a different choice than a better (higher end brand) choice.

rolex is ideally suited for many purposes.

other brands may be ideal for other desires but a "higher end brand" would simply be an inferior choice if the intention was to use it as one uses a rolex.

[SearChart]

I have a feeling this thread might end with a lock.

[SL BRABUS]

Originally Posted by AK797

Look don't play dumb, you have form and yes you could have made this a good thread but for your deliberately provocative words like yearning for which you later clarified ofc to mean can't afford as if we didn't all know. Get into the spirit of this positive forum, divisive trolls don't last long.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=606664

You guys can read it all here....^^^....





OP got owned.....^^^.....

[GB-man]

Ahh yes I yearn deeply for watches that will further validate to my friends how much of a wanker I have become

I buy what I like and can afford.

[asiparks]

One Rolex, 216570, currently.
No yearning for PP, had and AP. My next purchase will probably be a used Omega Racing Master Chrono, Breguet XXI 3817, Snowflake or Blancpain Bathyscaphe, as I find them cheaper, more interesting and obtainable than anything Rolex offers.
I'd also rather have $50K spread out amongst 10 watches, than one $50K watch.

[carlhaluss]

I couldn't vote because I don't currently own a Rolex, but have had a few in the past, and hope to have at least one more. At the time I did own my last Rolex, I did end up getting both a Patek Philippe and an H. Moser. And love both of them. I also love Panerai, Zenith and Omega.

Just because I don't currently own a Rolex, does not me I do not still love the brand. And I do relate to why some do not care about owning any other brand.

A Rolex diver, likely either a 114060 or SD43, is what I think will be my next Rolex. Simply because, although I am not a diver, I think they make the best diver watches. My passion about these stems largely from the superb crown mechanism and how it handles and operates. Even if I did not like the watches for other reasons, the crown mechanism alone might be enough reason for me to buy a Rolex diver. And I have handled a Rolex diver many times, so I do know first hand how the crown handles.

I should add, as well: Over the years, I have found that Rolex represents one of the best values in a high end watch. While I never buy a watch with resale as a consideration, I have found first hand that they do have excellent resale value. While I spend a lot of money on watches, I am very aware of value. For example, while some might consider the SD43 overpriced, when I compare it against some other watches, both less expensive and more expensive, I feel that it represents excellent value. I also feel that the Day-Date is one of the best values to be had in a precious metal watch. Some may disagree, but that is how I see it.

[dddrees]

Not all but I did. But I also do when it comes to other things because the finer details appeal to me.

[GerryJr]

There’s a missing option. I own Rolex and some (comparatively) budget watches. I enjoy all of them, but they each have their pros and cons.

My Steinhart Ocean One Titanium 500, for example, has a modern design and runs at -1 seconds per week using a tweaked/modified ETA 2892-A2 movement. This actually outperforms both my Double Red Sea Dweller and Sea Dweller 43 (126600), which the latter runs at -3 seconds per two days. Kind of interesting, considering that the modern Sea Dweller costs about 18 times as much as the Steinhart.

On the other hand, a Rolex is as close to true perfection as you’ll ever get with any single mechanical device. It’s a work of art and it’s also incredibly over-engineered. I think it’s amazing to wear them; they have their own stories and having them on my wrist not only keeps some memories alive, but it’s a tribute to the insane level of detail and engineering that went into these pieces.

[mickyd329]

Rolex was my gateway to high end watches. Since then, I've ventured into many other brands. At the end, my current collection is strictly AP and Rolex. This is not to say I don't like other brands. I love all watches in general. I have a certain PP and ALS on my radar and look forward to adding to the collection.

I am intrigued by how some say they will only buy Rolex though. What's wrong with a little variety?

[watchucallit]

I went the other direction. In my own beginning of collecting was not a big Rolex fan. Now i do appreciate. I owned PP, AP, ALS etc before buying a rolex.

[Sam3641]

Over the months I have read several online debates and discussions in relation to the Rolex vs ‘the holy trinity’ kind of arguments.
IMHO, after considering a vast array of opinions for and against why someone would want to purchase ‘higher end watches’ other than Rolex, I can safely say that there is no way I would ever consider desiring after a PP, ALS or VC. Why?

First, I consider my self to be a practical person. Now, assume I had a billion dollars and purchased a PP grand complication or even something less complicated like a PP annual calendar. As a practicable person, there is no way I would want to wear those watches knowing that in the not to distant future I am going to have to have it sent away to be continuously calibrated, cared for and fluffed over just to maintain the watch. I have better things to be doing with my time - after all I’m a hypothetical billionaire.


Second, The fact that PP in particular have a far shorter service and warranty period than Rolex, for all there claims regarding the polishing and preparation of each individual part in their watches, is something I can’t get over and it would play on my mind knowing that I could have purchased a cheaper but more sturdy, durable and consistently longer lasting watch in Rolex (or even Omega)...

Third, why people have an obsession to own complicated watches I will never know! I’ve had a few chronographs (not that that is complicated) and I’ve never ever used the damn the function! I view complications (other than date, day, maybe gmt) as being gimmicky and there for show (honestly.. a moon phase come on). The upkeep on super complications, as touched on previously, is just absurd. Yes PP might be beautiful to look at, might have a fine movement with complications but go and look at it in a museum or a shop window.

For me having a fine watch, like a DD40, is not about how many complications it has, it’s about being able to put it on each and everyday knowing it looks great, has great pedigree and is built to run accurately for as long as possible. Rolex all the way!

My two cents...


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[Justindo]

Originally Posted by watchucallit

I went the other direction. In my own beginning of collecting was not a big Rolex fan. Now i do appreciate. I owned PP, AP, ALS etc before buying a rolex.

Same here, except I never owned an AP.

[Pops1973]

I like variety so would not restrict myself to one brand.

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by Sam3641

Over the months I have read several online debates and discussions in relation to the Rolex vs ‘the holy trinity’ kind of arguments.
IMHO, after considering a vast array of opinions for and against why someone would want to purchase ‘higher end watches’ other than Rolex, I can safely say that there is no way I would ever consider desiring after a PP, ALS or VC. Why?

First, I consider my self to be a practical person. Now, assume I had a billion dollars and purchased a PP grand complication or even something less complicated like a PP annual calendar. As a practicable person, there is no way I would want to wear those watches knowing that in the not to distant future I am going to have to have it sent away to be continuously calibrated, cared for and fluffed over just to maintain the watch. I have better things to be doing with my time - after all I’m a hypothetical billionaire.


Second, The fact that PP in particular have a far shorter service and warranty period than Rolex, for all there claims regarding the polishing and preparation of each individual part in their watches, is something I can’t get over and it would play on my mind knowing that I could have purchased a cheaper but more sturdy, durable and consistently longer lasting watch in Rolex (or even Omega)...

Third, why people have an obsession to own complicated watches I will never know! I’ve had a few chronographs (not that that is complicated) and I’ve never ever used the damn the function! I view complications (other than date, day, maybe gmt) as being gimmicky and there for show (honestly.. a moon phase come on). The upkeep on super complications, as touched on previously, is just absurd. Yes PP might be beautiful to look at, might have a fine movement with complications but go and look at it in a museum or a shop window.

For me having a fine watch, like a DD40, is not about how many complications it has, it’s about being able to put it on each and everyday knowing it looks great, has great pedigree and is built to run accurately for as long as possible. Rolex all the way!

My two cents...


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By the same token, you can get a far more accurate watch than Rolex for fifty bucks or less. So why spend $$$$$ on a Rolex?

I don't subscribe to this and have a couple of PPs, among others.

[Mach 5]

I think each individual has different collections and tastes. I got my first AP ROO 42mm Chrono last month. I got it because I love sport watches and the grey face with grey ceramic bezel and pushers with TI case was a look I really wanted. But I love all 3 of my rolex’s. The GMT function is something I love and use, so I got the GMT 2 and explorer 2. I also love cars and and a Pcar instructor, so I love the new Daytona as well. But I also love IWC, Zenith and Ulysses Nardin, so go me, I love variety, not just one. Plus collecting and alternating is fun. If I had to prioritize based on value and tighter budget, IWC and Rolex would be choices, as I love sport watches.

[BakerView]

I like some of the top 3 brands, and there is probably a place for them, but Rolex is "bomber" and refined , and that's the kind of watch I need.

[SearChart]

yes

[cli575]

i think most do but it's not easy becoz there's quite a big gap between the likeable and affordable Rolexes vs. even the entry level AP, not to mention PP...for instance i've been longing for a RO but for that's a huge jump from my Sub green dial. so reality always bring my eyes back to DJ/Daytona/BLNR... and they r still very hotly pursuit items TBF...

[benlee]

I love variety in life and accordingly, my taste in watches is very broad. I have more than 11 different brands across my entire collection. I can appreciate that each brand and each watch have their plus and minus and brings their distinctive appeal to me. Rolex is second to none in terms of robustness, durability and being sheer workhorse suitable for daily wear but to be honest, in terms of pure looks, hard to beat AP and PP.

I have always admire Lange for their movement decoration and watch-making innovations but can't seem to find one that I want to own yet. As for RM, hard to justify paying those kind of price when I can think of many other watches from other brands I can get first.

End of the day, all a matter of personal preference. No right or wrong answer.

[purestrike]

I own many other high-end brands, just got my first Rolex. Its hard to describe the weird yearning FOR a Rolex, a mild sense of incompeteness.

Welcome Kermit, you beauty! Ignore the blue-eyed monster lurking in the background, I told him to be nice!