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Post by mike on Oct 12, 2005 10:26:47 GMT -6
As we get started on our new forum I thought it might be interesting to learn what brought those of us that have a special place for Rolex to the brand.
Is it the history and reputation of the brand? It's ruggedness,classic design,movement,..or something else?
As some of you know my love affair with the brand started when I was 19 in college. Bought my first one(a Gmt-Master) as a young cadet. Wore it through my military service and my civillian career as a PO. Put that watch through some rough times,and it never failed. During that time other watches were added to the stable--mostly Rolex,but it was a Rolex I went with the vast majority of the time. Why? They always worked under any condition. And--They looked GOOD!
Later,as I became more of a student of the brand did I start to learn about the movement,and why Rolex is what it is. Made me appreciate them even more.
How about you.
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Post by JJ on Oct 12, 2005 10:58:09 GMT -6
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Post by erik on Oct 12, 2005 11:06:19 GMT -6
Hi Mike, It surely are beautiful watches! I guess more people who don't know anything about watches, are buying Rolex.(Of course i dont mean the people on the watch forums) Because they always see it in movies (Hollywood) (and thinking Rolex is the best watch because it costs a lot, while they sometimes even don't know if it is quartz or mechanical). I also guess that is why mostly American people are buying Rolex, it is always in hollywood environnements, and much more Rolex stores(advertising) , and less other brands. They probably sell the most in the States. In here the capital of Europe, i don't often see people wearing Rolexes (even Omega's), it is more like Zenith, Jaeger Le Coultre, Girard Perregaux, Longines, IWC, Panerai, Blancpain,.. and sometimes Breitling and the more normal watches of course Casio,Seiko,Rodania,.... Switzerland is not that far away from us, so we automatically see lots of more different watch brands. I don't mean a bad word about Rolex and American people  let me be clear in that! (It is just my thought, not meant to be negative) It are very nice watches with lots of history ! Enjoy them everyone! (Excuse me for my bad English) |
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Post by mike on Oct 12, 2005 11:20:20 GMT -6
Very good point erik! Certainly can't deny the influence Hollywood has in a lot of things,not just watches. Some guy named Bond perhaps??
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Post by erik on Oct 12, 2005 11:38:55 GMT -6
Mike thanks, I guess you can say a guy named Bond. (maybe it started with the success of it) Rolex and Omega's advertising is more minded for the American(English countries) public (their watch names are all powerfull English names "Submariner, Seamaster, Daytona,....") + perfect advertising, for a large public. (While the most Swiss made brands have French Deutsch Italian names. It is not like the other brands "Girard Perregaux, Jaeger, Zenith, Blancpain, Longines,.." don't have the same as not even more History. I don't mean bad thing, i love them both |
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Post by jp on Oct 12, 2005 12:42:21 GMT -6
Omega, Ebel, IWC and Zenith (among many others) are very well respected watches in Europe. Many people (who could also afford a Rolex) prefer those brands over Rolex for the same reason why some people prefer Audi over Mercedes. Rolex has a bit "braggart/rowdy" reputation in Europe. People who suddenly get rich buy a bling Rolex right away. Sometimes even I'm a bit ashamed with my Rollie (in certain company). I think us watch people buy our Rolexes for completely different reasons. I just love the design in the sports models (Sub, GMT, etc.). Datejusts and other smaller models never really did it for me... I mean, if you love watches how can you not love the looks of Submariner or GMT Master II? Yes, they're overpriced and have cheap, flimsy bracelets... but that's why they're Rolex.  |
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Post by erik on Oct 12, 2005 13:16:05 GMT -6
You are completely right JP. In here(capital of Europe) people see Rolex/Omega as the well known Movie/watch, everyone knows the brand(and i guess they don't want to be the 1001 person who say you have a Rolex like that guy in movie xxx) But in here it is more popular to own something that is in not in a way like Rolex(that not much people wear).. because of the diversity you can find 101 sorts of swiss brands, where Rolex/Omega are ordinary watches for the big public (i don't mean that negative). Popular : Jaeger, Zenith, GP, Ebel, Panerai,............ lots and lots high end swiss brands also with Sapphire Casebacks very popular for the Watch Buyers , and those brands also give a very Unique image about the owner, it is not a well known Rolex but a "special" Jaeger. maybe its like that? But i agree JP, i also love the look of a Rolex/Omega! I don't want to sound anti Rolex anti Omega, its just what i think the mentality is with most people in here! I love Rolex/Omega,... watches remember that people! |
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Post by mamas on Oct 12, 2005 14:46:48 GMT -6
Erik.. i live in the UK, and most people that i see wearing an expensive watch are wearing TAG's. I have seen a lot more omegas of late, but dont see too many rolexes.. most people i tend to be in contact with, if they do own a rolex, tend to own a TT datejust.. dont see many rolex sports watch owners.. i agree that in mainland europe, people tend to shy more away from rolex, and towards what are perceived as more ' european brands' rather than anglo-american brands (rolex, omega)
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Post by erik on Oct 12, 2005 15:38:32 GMT -6
You are right Mamas. (i wish i could explain myself in Dutch ) Mamas wrote : I agree that in mainland europe, people tend to shy more away from rolex, and towards what are perceived as more ' european brands' rather than anglo-american brands (rolex, omega) I guess we see more what Swiss horlogy is (More variation, stores, what kind of brands exists) (But i am sure there are lots of people like me, who love the Omega/Rolex watches, otherwise these forums would not have existed !) |
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let me be clear in that! (It is just my thought, not meant to be negative)
