Rolex standing amongst WIS

[mamas]

Considering the amounts of developments that rolex has contributed to the world of horology and considering that they have defined certain styles, such as the diver, the GMT.. i wonder why some WIS frown upon rolexes??
i raise this as in this months International watch magazine, they have an article on diver watches which begins with 'selecting a dive-style watch is a matter of personal taste rather than utility. A rolex submariner is a natural for anyone who gets their styling cues from the movie Goodfellas and has a pressing need to inform the wolrd that they have just made their first (blank)' . It then goes on to say ' yes, there is a rolex watch which you can wear without looking like an extra from miami vice, its called the Sea Dweller'
I find it rather surprising that the sub is not shown once, apart from the above goodfellas reference, even though sub clones are included (invicta ).. does have most of the other dive watches though.. so it is a fairly interesting browse.. any ideas why some WIS dont respect rolex?
mamas

[rambler]

I think it's partly a question of recognition and popularity. Rolex has a very high profile as a brand and has been really well known for some decades now.

Often if things become too popular or well known there are often those who seem to not like them, perhaps just because of their popularity.

High cost has something to do with it also.

In general, I think Rolex is very well respected. You can't really argue with the build quality (although I've had somewhat modest experience here)

They don't fall apart - and seem solid. Several here have testified as to the rugedness of the bracelets etc.

But, as others have said elsewhere, - they do seem to cost a lot for what they are (perhaps double (discuss?!) what they should?); but then they're a luxury item - and if you're going to buy one, that's what they cost. This might affect opinion.

So are they frowned upon? By some maybe. Good question. I wonder what everyone else thinks.

Rambler

[mike]

Well,as rambler indicated,Rolex has to a certain degree become a victum of it's own sucess. I'm sure many Rolex watches are bought by people that for what ever reason wish to make a statement.
You'll get no arguement from me as to the cost of Rolex watches. But, is Rolex completely to blame for this? People buy them.
I think there are those in the WIS community that like to compare apples to oranges. Rolex movements may not be as finely tuned as others,but was that the purpose? The 3135 movement ,for example,is a rugged movement designed for use under extreme conditions.
I must say Rolex's apparant move from what was historically perceived as a pure tool watch to one of luxury may have raised eyebrows in the WIS community.

Rolex has a marketing machine without peer. Enhanced to be sure by certain novels written Ian Fleming. (Again my Walter Mitty analogy)

It must be remembered that the WIS community makes up a rather small segment of the watch buying public. Rolex has no shareholders to address. They can pretty much do what they want to do. How much does the streak of independence enter in?

[jp]

I think the classic models of Rolex are very well respected everywhere. GMT Master II and Submariner are popular classics... legendary models... Datejust is still the ultimate old man's status symbol...

But I'm sure watches like Leopard Daytona (and those with lots of diamonds) aren't going to improve Rolex imago among WIS. Those models are considered tasteless and ridiculous among everyone I know... Yep, put the diamonds to ladies' watches and DJ/Presidential/Cellini type of dress watches but they don't belong to sports models... no matter how much money the sultan of Brunei is willing to spend...

[dman]

I don't think they are "looked" down upon as a watch as much as the "certain" group of owners are looked down upon. The watches are what they are, tough tool watches, that are durable and classic looking.

If you are talking straight haute horology, they can't hold a candle to some other brands, simply because the other brands keep making big improvements and we know about Rolex and their glacial pace of change.

If you are around these forums long enough it is easy to see that the few that buy the status symbol are the ones that ruin it for the people that love that watches. Some people don't even like the brand, yet buy it to be "cool".

Ask Clifton about our good buddy from another board that only bashed Rolex, yet what does he strap on his wrist every morning but a Sub.

[erik]

I agree with Mike, the WIS community makes a very small segment of it.
Rolex watches are very beautiful and have their place in history like other watch company's, some more some less (i like the Rolex design's.. i love the Submariner, Explorer, but i maybe prefer the SD.. without cyclops.
But why do brands like GP Girard Perregaux, Jaeger Le Coultre, Zenith still exists? they are not cheaper than Rolex.. and well known they are not in the world of non watch enthousiasts.
They have history? some nice power reserve features? saphire case back? special movement(in house design, like Rolex)?, less tool like look? other name..? I guess more people who like watches, are buying watches for the movement, open case back, also front (GP, Zenith Grand Chronomaster,...) and not the recognition to popular brands..or maybe the popular brands lack these features for the price? I don't know.....
I would love to own a Rolex once in my life

[mamas]

i think you may be right erik, also these brands offer more subtlety than a rolex which is important to some buyers.
mamas