Why do you not prefer Rolex?

BlackTalon

I frankly have nothing against their watches, and am even somewhat interested in them now. But I do cringe at the thought that wearing one may send the wrong message to some people. When you provide professional services some people tend to think you are a rip-off because your hourly rates are so high. A 'symbol' such as a Rolex, arriving to a meeting in a Mercedes, etc. only reinforces their preconceived notions. Forget that in the real world a Rolex can be substantially less expensive then a PP, etc.; to many a Rolex is the most expensive watch out there, and they'll be damned if they will pay you your asking fee if it allows you to go buy things they cannot afford themselves.

True story -- I sat next to the head of a design-construction office for a university earlier today, and he was wearing a Mickey Mouse watch 😀 I'm sure there is a story behind it, but I did not have a chance to ask.

U ulackfocus

Starting a thread about hating Rolex in the Rolex Forum? 😲

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I'll relate why I no longer own any Rolexes. Let me preface this by saying I think they are one of the best inhouse values in Swiss watches along with JLC. However, NOBODY ever asked me if any of my Audemars Piguets, my Vacheron Constantin, or any other brand of watch I owned was fake. Rolex though? It's like a God dammed genetic response to say "Is that real?". Even one of my old bosses who knew I was a watch collector and knew what my income was so it was easy to figure I could afford a simple DateJust still asked that question, as if he couldn't help himself from saying it. 🤦 🙄

Nobel Prize

Lovely indeed, Whatever brand it may be... I cant really tell.😗

Larry S

I have a GMT Master II ... Bought it new. Rolex makes a dammed great tool watch. The wheels come off for me on anything not SS. They are bullet proof accurate and reliable. I bought it because that's what I wanted. You can wear it anywhere. I don't give a damn about what anyone thinks. Great value for money. Have two JLC's as well (master calendar and grand reverso duo) Heritage, superb engineering, respect .. Value for money. That's what these brands are about. I do lust after VC / Lange .... Also worthy.

Larry S

I have a GMT Master II ... Bought it new. Rolex makes a dammed great tool watch. The wheels come off for me on anything not SS. They are bullet proof accurate and reliable. I bought it because that's what I wanted. You can wear it anywhere. I don't give a damn about what anyone thinks. Great value for money. Have two JLC's as well (master calendar and grand reverso duo) Heritage, superb engineering, respect .. Value for money. That's what these brands are about. I do lust after VC / Lange .... Also worthy.

oddboy

I don't hate Rolex, I just like Tudor better..

Nobel Prize

When @Archer who is arguable one of the most knowledgeable members around wanted a red line he still went through the process and asked and checked and verified and payd. If he does that with his level of knowledge then imagine what we should do with ours...

Nobel Prize

But but... Im still getting over easter. Not just the crucifixion, or the resurrection.... But that damn rabbit that lays eggs!!! It's freaky!

And the eggs are chocolate!

Nobel Prize

🙁

U ulackfocus

Kennedy was killed by the haberdashery industry. He made NOT wearing a hat popular, causing many to lose their jobs.

Riviera Paradise

I suppose the OP started the thread to discuss why some "hate" the Rolex BRAND, which could also be interpreted as "hating" not the BRAND but "hating" its more fanatical brand followers i.e the Rolex hardcore FAN-BASE.

I don´t think anyone actually "hates" the whole Rolex PRODUCT range and certainly you can´t "hate" Rolex THE COMPANY for having achieved continued success in the luxury watch / luxury segment by normal business practices and pursuit of excellence. As a business the Rolex COMPANY certainly deserves recognition and applause.

Like it or not Rolex are of course market leaders and THE reference luxury watch brand for the vast majority of people.This means that they will inevitably attract a certain consumer profile who value the luxury brand leader for its status symbol vibe / association with wealth (won´t start the "bag thing" again here @Longbow😀 but Louis Vuitton does attract a similar profile I believe). These are often insecure people who have not had access to "culture" / general education etc and who often become obnoxious after acquiring some degree of wealth...not exactly the sort of FAN-BASE most OmegaForums members would admire😀

Another factor that also comes into play is that Leader brands tend to reemphasize their No 1. status, winner takes all etc, which will inevitably come across as an "arrogant" posture which some might find distasteful and yet others will adore...QED the "TRUMP" vibe thing.

So this then leads to the following paradox...you can actually like a given Rolex PRODUCT, but you don´t want to be associated with the perceived arrogant Rolex FAN-BASE, as you consider yourself to be a more discerning, sophisticated individual (so you might actually have a big ego to go against the grain of Rollie lovers, but make a big effort to keep it in under wraps😀).

So you start the "I hate" Rolex thing and purchase Omega / JLC as alternative watch brands in a similar price range to Rolex. If you do this (and I have been down this road), you are actually demonstrating your insecurity in terms of worrying excessively about third party opinions ref. the time piece on your wrist.

I believe I have got over the "I hate Rolex" phase and I can now safely state the following...I admire Rolex THE COMPANY and the following Rolex PRODUCTS in their current product range:
The 42mm Explorer 2 (I own and am wearing right now), the "corrected' 2016 Explorer 1 (on this year´s shopping list), the new OP 39mm and the 40mm Platinum Day-Date. I consider many of these products to be best in class in their respective segments.

I do not admire the "perceived" Rolex FAN-BASE, even though there are many Rolex fans (many in this forum, for example) who do not fall into the obnoxious Rolex FAN-BASE categorization outlined above.

I admire the Omega FAN-BASE (generally more relaxed, less competitive etc.), the Omega PRODUCTS (I own five "modern" Omegas) as well as the Omega COMPANY.

BTW the fact the OP lives somewhere (perhaps Monaco?) were Rolex is considered a "daily beater", is clearly not a representative view of the wider global market. Cheers.

LawBrk

^^^^^^ This this this this this ^^^^^^

Been having the 1675/16750 jones for a bit but also love the vintage chrono, glad to see I'm not the only "two birds with one stone" thinker.

Muttley

A couple of posts that have suggested you need to get over this and stop worrying about everyone else