Why Do You Wear A Rolex?

[danielrm26]

Sorry for being philosophical here, but I've been asked a number of times why I wear a Rolex. In answered the question to some degree in a recent blog post of mine, but I'm wondering what your opinions are.

In short, what attracts you to Rolex? Is it the reaction others have when they see the name? Is it the quality? Is it the symbolism of success?

To me, as I point out in the post above, it's the quality of engineering, durability, and classy minimalism in the appearance (I have the SS Sub with date).

Plus, there's an element of the success symbolism as well -- perhaps in a small part for others but mostly for myself. I've wanted this same exact watch for roughly 12 years, i.e. before I'd been to university or made even 30K a year. To me, my BMW and my Rolex are symbolic of self-mastery and my ability to exert myself in the world.

Anyway, I'm curious to hear the thoughts of the others here in the forum.

[montecristo]

Its affordable luxury.

[President]

Originally Posted by montecristo

Its affordable luxury.

It's not that affordable!

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by President

It's not that affordable!

Agree. Ask my wife (or most of the 'significant others' from this forum) about the reason to spend over 4 grand on a watch....and then another....and another...and.....

[SeaGoer]

Originally Posted by danielrm26

.........................................
Plus, there's an element of the success symbolism as well -- perhaps in a small part for others but mostly for myself. I've wanted this same exact watch for roughly 12 years, i.e. before I'd been to university or made even 30K a year. To me, my BMW and my Rolex are symbolic of self-mastery and my ability to exert myself in the world.

That's exactly what it is for most people my friend. Rolex instigated a brilliant marketing strategy since the early 50's and managed to associate the brand, which was established on engineering virtues, with success and accomplishment.
The price commanded by the Rolex brand nowdays is heavily weighted towards the "success" side rather the "engineering excellence" side.

[mrbieler]

I wear my Rolex and Tudor because I've wanted one for a long long time. They are awesome tool watches. Well built for the tasks designed for. I like that. Rugged and reliable.

The scuba divers, pilots, and soldiers I knew and looked up to as a boy all wore Seikos and Rolexes.

To be honest, I really don't have much interest in the sapphire/newer Rolexes, though I do enjoy the pictures and lots of other people like them and that's not a bad thing.

[mrbieler]

Originally Posted by President

It's not that affordable!

It's not a lot. People drop Rolex money on av systems, gaming computers, etc. There are lots of other silly things folks drop a few $k on without a real need.

[Alex Stylianou]

It makes me feel proud

[President]

Wearing a good watch of any brand makes me feel fuzzy and warm inside!

[mikey]

Its the symbolism of success. In America, he who has very little is nobody very much. This is a very competitive place. A Rolex gives you a sense of instant celebrity in your circle of peers. They will only remember the guy with the Rolex before they remember your name. I use these luxuries to get womens attention. People only see you and judge you on the outside before a word comes out of your mouth. I also wear a Rolex and drive my car to attract women.

[montecristo]

Anyone that can save 10 dollars a day can afford a rolex in less than 2 years.
365x10=3650x2=7300, even enough for a TT Sub.

[astcell]

I buy the best and I only cry once.

[mrbieler]

Originally Posted by mikey

Its the symbolism of success. In America, he who has very little is nobody very much. This is a very competitive place. A Rolex gives you a sense of instant celebrity in your circle of peers. They will only remember the guy with the Rolex before they remember your name. I use these luxuries to get womens attention. People only see you and judge you on the outside before a word comes out of your mouth. I also wear a Rolex and drive my car to attract women.

[mrbieler]

Originally Posted by astcell

I buy the best and I only cry once.

[mikey]

Thats why I keep to myself on the reasons that I have a Rolex/Exotic. Having these luxuries has improved my dating endeavors. I am not married.

[steve-o]

SWMBO has no idea how much I spent for my TT YM...

If she found out she'd kill me...

Yet she loves her watch...

[mikeshook]

"I also wear a Rolex and drive my car to attract women."

This is very funny. One of the funniest jokes I've heard in a long time. I can't wait to tell all of my friends this very funny joke. I hope you don't mind if I steal it.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mikey

Its the symbolism of success. In America, he who has very little is nobody very much. This is a very competitive place. A Rolex gives you a sense of instant celebrity in your circle of peers. They will only remember the guy with the Rolex before they remember your name. I use these luxuries to get womens attention. People only see you and judge you on the outside before a word comes out of your mouth. I also wear a Rolex and drive my car to attract women.

Sorry Mikey cannot agree with you there mate,wearing a Rolex or any other expensive trinkets. Don't somehow transpose you, or anyone into being a instant celebrity or anything better.Only the real person inside can do that.There is a old saying never judge a sausage by its skin,myself judge the person and not what he/she wears.Yes I wear a Rolex but quite happy to wear a Seiko, or my Alpha. I am still the same person,and don't change in any way by wearing a Rolex.

[C.J.]

Originally Posted by mikey

Its the symbolism of success. In America, he who has very little is nobody very much. This is a very competitive place. A Rolex gives you a sense of instant celebrity in your circle of peers. They will only remember the guy with the Rolex before they remember your name. I use these luxuries to get womens attention. People only see you and judge you on the outside before a word comes out of your mouth. I also wear a Rolex and drive my car to attract women.

-

[SeaGoer]

Originally Posted by mikey

........ I also wear a Rolex and drive my car to attract women.

Do they stay after you attract them?

Sorry, I had to ask.....

[greenfan]

I work hard enough to deserve one.....

[President]

Originally Posted by greenfan

I work hard enough to deserve one.....

[astcell]

I loaned my SS GMT to a buddy and a few days later he was amazed that women were not all over him. He truly thought the watch was magical.

[mikey]

Seagoer, yes and no. Some of women personalities put up red flags. The others are real cool and call me oftenl. I am just not ready to settle down yet.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by danielrm26

In short, what attracts you to Rolex? Is it the reaction others have when they see the name? Is it the quality? Is it the symbolism of success?

To me, as I point out in the post above, it's the quality of engineering, durability, and classy minimalism in the appearance (I have the SS Sub with date).

My reasons are pretty much in line with yours. After 40+ years of performing and teaching automotive repair I've come to appreciate quality engineering in mechanical devices. The transmission valve bodies I work on have tolerances of .0006", but this pales in comparison to the precision of the 3135 movement in my Sub. It has been chugging along for 15 years with only one service, and I expect it to keep on going indefinitely with reasonable servicing.

Also, it looks good, people recognize the brand, and I don't mind a small display of conspicuous consumption. I feel that I've earned it.

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by danielrm26

Why do you wear a Rolex?

I wear my Rolex because it is my only watch.

Originally Posted by danielrm26

Is it for the reaction of others / symbolism of success?

I did not own my first Rolex until I was nearly 40. It was important that I was mortgage free and financially comfortable before indulging myself in such luxuries. A Tissot sufficed until then.

My luxuries are a treat to myself, pure and simple.

If circumstances were ever to change they would be sold without sentiment.

[mikey]

Sorry Guys I got off topic

[mikeshook]

I wouldn't say you got off topic (topic was why do you wear a Rolex). If you use your watch to score chicks that's your business. Where I live BMW's and Tags are a dime a dozen. If I lived in Nebraska maybe a Rolex would have a more magnetic approach to the opposite sex.

[mikeshook]

I decided to buy a Rolex to have something that would last. I spend my money on frivalous stuff like Plasma televisions, bar tabs, and etc...things that at the end of the day I have nothing to show for it. So I purchased this knowing I could potentially have it for the rest of my life (I'm 31). Also, it does make me feel "accomplished"...I'm ok with that. AND if it gets me some action with the ladies like it does for MIKEY...then that's some serious icing on the Rolex Cake.

[charles]

Originally Posted by mikeshook

I wouldn't say you got off topic (topic was why do you wear a Rolex). If you use your watch to score chicks that's your business. Where I live BMW's and Tags are a dime a dozen. If I lived in Nebraska maybe a Rolex would have a more magnetic approach to the opposite sex.

You must not live near me in NC!