Why do you not prefer Rolex?

Optimizer13 · Apr 2, 2016

adam78
I sort of came to Rolex through the back door, psychologically-speaking. I was relatively late to the game of collecting them, starting about 10 years ago with my first bubbleback (a redialed disaster -- talk about a steep learning curve). I grew up with my father owning two Subs (consecutively; the first a no-crown-guard, probably a 5508 from the early '60s, waterlogged and beyond repair a decade or so later, regrettably; then a white 1680 stolen in a burglary over 25 years ago). So it felt natural for me to feel comfortable with the brand, and I have regretted that he didn't give me one for high school or college graduation (now it would be vintage!). But I still don't own a modern Rolex, though I like the "Batman" GMT and the current ceramic bezel no-date Sub.

As to my taste in Rolex vintage, have a look at the "Rolex GTG" thread in the Rolex subforum...!

I gotta see the no-crown-guard sub from your father! 😉

adam78 · Apr 2, 2016

Howard, it's long-gone, but can be gleaned a bit in this vintage photo of us.

Optimizer13 · Apr 2, 2016

adam78
Howard, it's long-gone, but can be gleaned a bit in this vintage photo of us.

What a great capture! 👍

phodinkee · Apr 2, 2016

ConElPueblo
Mate, there are people here who would reckognise an original 2913 Seamaster 300 on your wrist from the re-issue on the wrist of the guy next to you from across a football pitch. And they would then walk over to tell you that your minute hand is a replacement.

I don't doubt this statement, I am sure this is true

But most people I mean = muggle, the non-watch folks, the one who praise Apple Watch and Android Watch

😁

rbob99 · Apr 2, 2016

There is a type of Rolex that has an unpleasant connotation for me: The gold datejust or day date with a diamond dial and diamond bezel that looks like it goes with a gold chained 1970s mafioso. But, those aside, I like many vintage Rolexes, most of which I can't afford. Is there a better case than the oyster case? I don't think so.

jcs2000 · Apr 3, 2016

Rolex is mainstream and safe. They do make a solid product with high quality control.
The main intangible is the perceived value of the brand because for many it is "the best" watch out there.
Many buyers take this to surprising extremes and pointless shows of bravado.
I do not like designwise the models with the cyclops eye and in general why the watch is so text heavy--it literally spells out that it is a "superlative" chronograph on the watch face. Ugh.
The being said the submariner is hard to argue with; the sky-dweller (although I would prefer that the bezel was not fluted) also is not bad looking either.
But in the end I can think of many other watches (including Omegs of course) that I would prefer to own first.

Canuck · Apr 3, 2016

A number of years ago (about 30), I was managing a jewellery store that sold Rolex. One spring day, there was a chap ogling the watches in the Rolex counter. I approached and greeted him. He told me that this was the 17th consecutive spring he had found himself at a Rolex counter, seriously wanting one, but he'd never bought one. I asked him about the watch he was wearing. A good looking Seiko Lassale on an crocodile strap. I told him he likely had a sock drawer full of such watches, and that he'd probably spent twice the price of a Rolex, but still wasn't satisfied! He told me I was absolutely correct, and bought himself a GMT Master! Last I saw him, he was still wearing it! I own 8 Rolex watches, but I also own 11 Omegas. I have 13 Accutrons. And 21 Hamiltons. Do I have a preference? No! I like watches! The one I am wearing at present is my 45 year old Rolex Air-King which sold for $215.00 in 1971. If I'd had to pay someone else maintain it for me over those 45 years (I maintain it myself), it still would have cost less than if I'd had to buy a Timex every few years! About the only thing I don't like about Rolex is the parts situation.

kurtj29 · Apr 3, 2016

jcs2000
Rolex is mainstream and safe. I do not like designwise the models with the cyclops eye

Well, once you hit about ~47 or so and your eyes go, you gain a whole new appreciation for the cyclops...

ChrisN · Apr 3, 2016

Longbow
In the same business? You might think that, I couldn't possibly comment.

Do you fit the aero-engineer Speedy-owning stereotype, or are in the manager-Rolex club? I'm guessing the former.

I'm not quite sure what you mean but it sounds like you might be in Aerospace Engineering - I am.

I fit more into the "aero-engineer Speedy-owning stereotype" than the other but in Europe it's unusual to be just technically based for your whole career. I might be approving drawings for structural component manufacture one day, approving reports of structural strength the next but also organising a team (Project planning, personnel evaluations and the like) on the next.

I started (a long time ago !) at BAe Chester, on the shop floor manufacturing and assembling parts for the BAe 125. I think we, more or less, used to manufacture and build the whole structure in house with the exception of the undercarriage. Those days are long gone and as has already been discussed a large part of the business now is working with different suppliers.

There are definitely a couple of Rolex vintage watches I'd like but they have become terribly expensive which is a shame. Cars are even worse...

Cheers, Chris

ChrisN · Apr 3, 2016

kurtj29
Well, once you hit about ~47 or so and your eyes go, you gain a whole new appreciation for the cyclops...

I don't like the magnifier on the crystal either but being past 47....

Oddly, I have this apart at the moment. It's an ETA with a Dubois Depraz piggyback module. This sort of design has it's issues but here they have incorporated the magnifier into the module so it sits under the dial.

I'm just showing it as it seemed a different way to achieving some magnification of the date wheel and I've not seen it before.

Regards, Chris

styggpyggeno1 · Apr 3, 2016

Optimizer13
I didn't try to elicit violent responses or anything, was just curious about this issue and specifically after a few threads about rolex vs omega, etc.

As I am the one who wrote the "Rolex vs Omega (not the usual stuff)" thread - I hope you did not percieved that thread as Rolex bashing? It was merely a comparison of the two brands to explain my theory about the mechanics of why the hype regarding patina/production flaws are different between the brands (and not totally - as there are Omegas that the theory applies to too).

I guess you read my post in this thread about my appriciation for Rolex?

gostang9 · Apr 3, 2016

kurtj29
Well, once you hit about ~47 or so and your eyes go, you gain a whole new appreciation for the cyclops...

I'm only 38 (with 20-20 eyesight) and I find the cyclops good for checking date when quickly glancing down at my watch. I travel often and this is helpful when filling in arrival documentation in low-light situations on airplanes.

lillatroll · Apr 3, 2016

For me it is about the huge variety that Omega has produced down the years, there is something for everyone. I am a huge fan of the 70s watches and that is the period from where nearly all my watches come from, apart from the SM300 co axial.
I don't really have an opinion about Rolex owners and brand image.People will buy what they want and for whatever reason they want. I would like to buy a Rolex one day, but right now it is not a priority on my watches to buy list.

Longbow · Apr 3, 2016

jcs2000
...
I do not like designwise the models with the cyclops eye and in general why the watch is so text heavy--it literally spells out that it is a "superlative" chronograph on the watch face. Ugh.
....

There's a good expression in German that nicely expresses that sentiment: "Eigenlob stinkt", which politely translates as "Self-praise is no recommendation".

Mr Bing · Apr 3, 2016

I like my Rolex because it's simple and understated....I don't like bringing attention to myself. 😗

dennisthemenace · Apr 3, 2016

ChrisN
I don't like the magnifier on the crystal either but being past 47....

Oddly, I have this apart at the moment. It's an ETA with a Dubois Depraz piggyback module. This sort of design has it's issues but here they have incorporated the magnifier into the module so it sits under the dial.

I'm just showing it as it seemed a different way to achieving some magnification of the date wheel and I've not seen it before.

Regards, Chris

Hey Chris, Tag were doing that 30 years ago.

Longbow · Apr 3, 2016

ChrisN
I'm not quite sure what you mean but it sounds like you might be in Aerospace Engineering - I am.

I fit more into the "aero-engineer Speedy-owning stereotype" than the other but in Europe it's unusual to be just technically based for your whole career. I might be approving drawings for structural component manufacture one day, approving reports of structural strength the next but also organising a team (Project planning, personnel evaluations and the like) on the next.

I started (a long time ago !) at BAe Chester, on the shop floor manufacturing and assembling parts for the BAe 125. I think we, more or less, used to manufacture and build the whole structure in house with the exception of the undercarriage. Those days are long gone and as has already been discussed a large part of the business now is working with different suppliers.

There are definitely a couple of Rolex vintage watches I'd like but they have become terribly expensive which is a shame. Cars are even worse...

Cheers, Chris

It was an original "House of Cards" PM favourite line which basically means yes. So indeed I am and also belong to that unusual minority. As physically big and important as primary structure is, it is only a fraction of the overall puzzle and these days the value is more in systems than structure (Engines, IFE, landing gear on a large airliner).

So you can guess I belong to the Speedy camp....although funds permitting I could also imagine a couple of vintage Rolex pieces (Steve McQueen EXP2, Mil-Sub - joke as that will never happen).

Archer · Apr 3, 2016

The talk of Rolex being "vertically integrated" always brings a smile to my face...😀

ChrisN · Apr 3, 2016

dennisthemenace
Hey Chris, Tag were doing that 30 years ago.

This is an eighties/nineties B&M so likely TAG used the same DD module. A new idea to me but clearly not.

It's sort of interesting and I see that AP use the same module on their Royal Oak. At least it appears to be about half way down the page.
http://www.escapementmagazine.com/a...shore-chronograph-in-18-carat-pink-gold.html/

OK, the finish is clearly improved but it looks exactly the same. Like the way that guy writes about pressing the pushers imparting joy!

Cheers, Chris

ChrisN · Apr 3, 2016

Longbow
It was an original "House of Cards" PM favourite line which basically means yes. So indeed I am and also belong to that unusual minority. As physically big and important as primary structure is, it is only a fraction of the overall puzzle and these days the value is more in systems than structure (Engines, IFE, landing gear on a large airliner).

So you can guess I belong to the Speedy camp....although funds permitting I could also imagine a couple of vintage Rolex pieces (Steve McQueen EXP2, Mil-Sub - joke as that will never happen).

Sorry, missed that reference! As you say, the big money in aircraft is elsewhere now and so, I won't be getting a mil-sub either🙁

Chris

Why do you not prefer Rolex?

Optimizer13

adam78

Optimizer13

phodinkee

rbob99

jcs2000

Canuck

kurtj29

ChrisN

ChrisN

styggpyggeno1

gostang9

lillatroll

Longbow

Mr Bing

dennisthemenace

Longbow

Archer

ChrisN

ChrisN

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