J-Swatch
205
Patek and Rolex
I have enjoyed the comments of your members regarding Patek and Rolex. It is interesting that on 'the street' Rolex and Patek are linked. The reason why is that when you purchase a Rolex or Patek Philippe, you have not merely bought a fine timepiece, but you have also 'bought a company'. They are both independent and strong, and they make the most desirable timepieces on the market, for various reasons.
For example, I asked a Patek company representative to give me some of the other watch brands that 'Patek customers' buy. One of the first brands he mentioned was Rolex, because he said that if they purchase a Rolex they are not 'losing anything.' Remember, steel professional Rolex models such as the Submariner and Explorer have an upper crust image because of the old school National Geographic vibe.
Patek is also similar to Rolex in that they have an "Icon" watch, the 3919 Calatrava. Even Patek agrees that the 3919 is the 'face of the company'. For Rolex the face of the company is the Datejust, or maybe the Submariner. Both brands can be 'affordable.' Even a 'poor' watch lover like me can scrounge up the $11,000 for a Calatrava. But just barely.
With Patek and Rolex, strong companies have given you strong watches. Enjoy.