Rolex Watch Collector Satisfaction

Jay (Eire) · 2022-10-12T11:55:16Z

Explore the unique satisfaction Rolex offers collectors. Jay (Eire) discusses the brand's aspirational appeal, robust quality, and market dominance, featuring the iconic 'Hulk' Submariner. Community insights on branding, reliability, and collector perspectives.

Jay (Eire)

WPS member · Rolex forum

30 replies3586 views1 photos

Jay (Eire) initiates a compelling discussion on the unique satisfaction derived from owning and wearing a Rolex, particularly his 'Hulk' Submariner. He explores the interplay of branding, aspiration, and fundamental product quality that, for him, sets Rolex apart from even high horology brands like F.P. Journe, Patek Philippe, or A. Lange & Söhne. This article delves into the community's diverse perspectives on Rolex's enduring appeal and its singular position in the luxury watch market.

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For several reasons I get more satisfaction from Rolex than any other watch on the wrist. Some of that is simply down to branding or marketing, the aspirational aspect of Rolex, and what I have consciously or subconsciously bought into.

I think some folks here won’t understand this, and some will.

Journe is not aspirational in the same sense, neither is Patek or Lange for that matter. They provide a different satisfaction, more complex. With Rolex it’s something more basic and for me something which has no substitute in the watch world.

This morning, coffee run with the Hulk.

About the Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 116610LV

The Submariner Date reference 116610LV, introduced in 2010, is distinguished by its vibrant green dial and matching green Cerachrom bezel. This model replaced the previous 16610LV, known as the "Kermit," and marked a significant update to the Submariner line with its "Maxi Case" and ceramic bezel insert. It represents a modern interpretation of the Submariner, offering enhanced durability and a distinct aesthetic within the collection.

This reference features an Oystersteel case measuring 40mm in diameter, housing the automatic Caliber 3135. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal that includes a Cyclops lens over the date display, and it is water-resistant to 300 meters. The unidirectional rotating bezel is crafted from green Cerachrom ceramic, known for its scratch resistance and color stability.

Appealing to collectors interested in modern Rolex sports watches with a unique colorway, the 116610LV is often referred to as the "Hulk" due to its green coloration. It stands out from the more traditional black or blue Submariner models, offering a bolder visual presence. This reference was produced for a decade, becoming a notable entry in the Submariner's evolution before its discontinuation.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal.3135

Case: Oystersteel

Diameter: 40mm

Dial: green

Water Resist.: 300m

Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating

Key Points from the Discussion

Rolex has effectively 'conditioned' enthusiasts to recognize and appreciate its specific proportions, functionality, and versatility, establishing an ideal standard against which other watches are often compared.
For its primary purpose of reliable timekeeping, Rolex is unparalleled in longevity, quality, and accuracy, even surpassing high horology pieces in toughness and consistency.
While acknowledging the power of Rolex's marketing, the author emphasizes that the brand's appeal is underpinned by a genuinely solid and worthy product, distinguishing it from brands driven solely by marketing hype.
Some collectors find Rolex's ubiquitous status and strong branding to dilute its authenticity, preferring brands that are less 'expected' or status-driven, drawing a parallel to Porsche ownership.
The aspirational aspect of Rolex, tied to marking success or life milestones, is more broadly accessible than niche brands like Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet, which serve a different, more exclusive form of aspiration.
Despite extensive experience with countless watches across all brands and price points, the author, like many others, still defaults to a Rolex Submariner design when conceptualizing 'what a watch is,' highlighting Rolex's incredible brand positioning.
The feeling of wearing a Rolex, from the secure clasp to its inherent self-assuredness, contributes to a unique and satisfying wrist presence.
The desire to acquire more Rolex references, even after owning several, is a common sentiment among collectors, indicating a continuous and growing satisfaction with the brand.

The Discussion

andrea~

Oct 12, 2022

I wholeheartedly agree

If you told me I could only collect one brand, it would be Rolex. If you told me I could only wear one watch for the rest of my life, it would be my datejust. If you actually consider a watch for its main purpose of telling the time and being reliable, I don't think there's any brand that has Rolex beat. Even if you put it up against a quartz or smart watch, those will lose to the Rolex in longevity and quality. Any high horology masterpiece will lose in toughness and reliability and, most likel

Jay (Eire)

Oct 12, 2022

Thanks for your thoughts Andrea.

As I mentioned below in replying to Myles your point is key here, there’s good solid product here (regardless of the marketing juggernaut).

andrea~

Oct 13, 2022

Exactly!

Rolex knows how to make a perfect watch, no matter how overhyped the brand is, the quality is there.

myles721

Oct 12, 2022

It shows how deeply pervasive their marketing and

branding is. Exactly why (no dis on Rolex or Rolex owners) I didn’t go with them. For me it was too expected. When the brand becomes so status driven and ubiquitous it waters down (for me) the authenticity. There are IMO similar brands like Porsche that on the one hand make some of the best vehicles on four wheels but on the other are very often owned by people that would be happy just to be seen sitting in one rather than really driving it for sport. Point is it’s a fine line.

Jay (Eire)

Oct 12, 2022

And that’s the difference.

I wholeheartedly acknowledge the marketing and what it has done, and how it makes one feel, and am happily onboard. Others will walk away from this quickly. Thankfully it’s not “just marketing”, both in the case of Rolex and Porsche. There are most definitely solid and worthy products supporting this. We have definitely seen a lot of consumer demand (luxury and non luxury) driven by little more than good (great) marketing. I don’t think that’s what we have here.

myles721

Oct 12, 2022

Totally agree…

This is definitely a matter of taste (high class problems) I went with Omega. There is very little difference in quality, style and status between the two unless you are either an Omega or Rolex owner 😂🤣😆 but even then there are certainly no losers…just winners!😇