[jdub]

The people that tell you they hate Rolex more than likely have another over priced mass manufactured watch on their wrist so I take it with a pinch of salt.

Just because brand X is a bit cheaper and more easily available that a Rolex doesn't mean it's a bargain or worth it.

Every single brand has now pushed prices to ridiculous levels and every single brand would play the same game as Rolex if they could.

Even at the affordable end it happens , go and try and buy a Moonswatch.

The luxury watch industry as whole is a total mess IMHO.

 

[Ced Craig]

I‘m repulsed by the mania, but captivated by the levels of angst exhibited by people who are desperate to get one. The threads about the cringiest things people do to ingratiate themselves to SA‘s are super entertaining. Likewise the threads about „should I buy grey, or wait on the list until I go grey“ are hilarious.

They are a decidedly mid-range brand horologically, but Numbah One for marketing.

I recently got an Air-King, at retail, and it‘s a fine watch, at retail, a good, solid mid-range classic watch, but nothing more. Note that the 32xx series of movements is having major problems.

Eventually I might start a thread asking if people would still buy a Rolex if they depreciated as quickly as say IWC or Breitling. However, I assume most people would lie and say yes, but on TRF there plenty of threads on the general topic „I’m not sure I really like the [insert any Rolex model], but I can get it at retail and if I don‘t like it I‘ll flip it and make some money.“ My guess is that if that $11k GMT soon went to $8k/$9k or less, plenty of Rolex fanboys would stop buying them.

 

[odarg64]

I've never examined one in person, so I can't form an opinion about the watches themselves. Styling isn't my cup of tea.

From what I've read on WUS about dealer and marketing shenanigans, the company seems sketchy.

 

[Phlyers13]

I’m captivated by all the silly threads.

 

[asclepeion]

Their current strat is 'repulsive', particularly reported behaviour at ADs.

But Rolex clearly isn't interested in 'watch people'. They're a luxury brand first, and luxury brands live & die on hype. Modern Rolex is for flexers with too much cash.

Great watches most certainly, and I feel the allure, but I won't get one. I feel like I'd be lumping myself in with rappers, influencers, and rich delinquents.

 

[mui.richard]

My guess is that if that $11k GMT soon went to $8k/$9k or less, plenty of Rolex fanboys would stop buying them.

When that happens I'll be picking mine up. Wouldn't say no to a well made watch for a good price.

 

[CPTX]

I understand the challenge to innovate when on a gravy train of consistent high quality and financial reward; but they can do better. I do like the Milgauss and the Skydweller a lot.

 

[djgallo]

They make the Best tool watches bar none. IMO

 

[[email protected]]

It’s a lot more interesting to focus on people and their meanderings, IMO [as long as I’m not forced to focus upon my own, FFS…].

In my experience, simple ownership of anything (stuff) results in boredom. Productivity in the form of work, art, progress with things-employed-as-tools: Not boring.

 

[mui.richard]

My own personal opinions. Rolex's baggage aside, it is without question an excellent quality watch (perhaps an understatement even) but also without question, preceded by its name.

Which watch manufacturer isn't? In order to be successful a manufacturer needs to make money, and how's that supposed to work without being known?

 

[rdoder]

I feel conflicted about Rolex. I won't wear one in front of others, because I want no such status meaning in front of others (I'm not wealthy or successful, and I don't wish to broadcast such or be perceived to broadcast such). At the same time, it's a brand that's hard to escape from trying/wanting, if one is interested in watches.

The lack of anti-reflective coating on the crystal, to make the Cyclops more visible and recognizable, makes the watch hard to love for me. It prioritizes recognizability over being able to see dial contents well.

But I find myself curious to see what others wear, and find at least some Rolex models look nice on others. Thankfully, I don't want any Rolex models for myself now, because they're simply out of reach.

 

[gagnello]

Repulsed is such a strong word. In all seriousness, I bought both Rolexes I own when prices weren’t stupid and the BS with ADs wasn’t nearly as thick. I actually even got a 8% discount on my sub with an AD I had no history with. That was lucky even at that time but still. At MSRP Rolexes are worth it in my opinion. They are extremely well built and will last a lifetime and then some. I would love to own another one someday but I won’t play the stupid games at all. And the whole 40% markup is ridiculous. It’s insane that people are on waiting lists for years for watches that are mass produced in completely automated processes that are only not available immediately because the OEM wants it that way. That’s some serious BS and I won’t play. If Rolex cuts it out and the ADs start acting like adults then I’ll be right back at the table

 

[Spikemauler]

Not a fan of the brand (for some of reasons previously posted above) but my wife has recently verbalized that she‘s interested in one. Can a house divided stand? 🙃

 

[Earthjade]

Early this year, after saving every (i.e. most) spare dollars for 3 years and selling a lot of unused stuff, I bought the one Rolex I preferred at the used market price. No moaning, no complaining - I just saved my money and bought it. One and done.

Now I never have to bother asking myself questions like whether I am repulsed or captivated by Rolex, I never have to whine about AD games, I never have to gnash my teeth about Rolex conspiring to keep a watch out of my hands at MSRP when I am a "watch lover" that deserves it more than some status-seeker loaded with cash and connections. Never mind the fact that the SS sports Rolexes are overpriced at MSRP anyway.

I'm out of all of that love-hate Rolex BS that seems to afflict so many on these boards. These are luxury goods, so expect to pay a luxury price of entry.
It sucks for many, but it is what it is and I'm not salty about what I had to do to get one. With that elephant out of the room, now I'm free to actually enjoy watch collecting.

 

[MaximillionBuxx]

I flipped an Explorer I had about 10 years ago for a Sinn (later flipped for an IWC) and a bunch of trips to Central America. I don't regret it and still don't own a Rolex. At one point, I thought I could see myself owning a two tone DJ, but I have a GS that checks all of those boxes in the collection now. I kinda doubt I will ever own a Rolex again because I love my Spring Drive that much more.

For me, Rolex is like a past relationship I look fondly back on, but really don't want to get into again. I don't think one can understate how important Rolex is as a brand, however. I don't know how you can be into this hobby and not have a lot of love for Rolex, frankly.

 

[Mtvandi]

I appreciate Rolex for what is, the attention to detail and what it has accomplished, but the brand seems to be lost in its own success without a real way to fix the current situation. In more normal times, I would not mind owning a couple models.

 

[brash47]

IBTL

 

[Earthjade]

Eventually I might start a thread asking if people would still buy a Rolex if they depreciated as quickly as say IWC or Breitling.

Every one here with the cash would be all over these cut-price Rolexes like white on rice.
We'd just buy them at the depreciated price and let the original MSRP buyer take the hit. Rolex is still Rolex to watch collectors.

 

[Timetosea]

Great watches. The status symbol standard that anyone can recognize. There are lots of watches I find more exciting. Still have to give them credit for becoming such a staple.

 

[cheu_f50]

I'm captivated by the haters