Horological Meandering

I mean; didn't all collectors owned one in their 'career'?

You own a Watch from a brand only because you love it ( the Watch or the band; or both. ;) ) Well, at least this is my main criteria. Now if the question is to know if Rolex is popular, then the answer is obvious: Yes. They would not release between 600 0... 

but it is hard to ignore the brand. I always told myself I would never (say never) buy a Rolex just because of the huge recognition factor alone. Everybody knows the Rolex crown brand sign. Which is not always a good thing. Can be quite tacky even. But th... 

No, I don't Wonder, I know. ;) Rolex is not simplicity, it is much more about Quality. A feeling you immediately have, once the Watch in your hands, or better, on your wrist. Quality also because do you know anyone who said its Rolex has an issue? Some he... 

.. your metaphor, with the Rolex watch, which has rested long, and flawlessly restarts its going ! Even would I mention, that even at a time while owning one and only, trustworthy Rolex piece, which has been with me all over the world, in deserts, on boat... 

with most you are saying. That's also and precisely why I was wondering (and started this thread): is a Rolex mandatory? Somehow I keep being drawn to them. Even though I do not want to own more than 1. Even though I have got nicer (read: more elegant/del... 

If you look at the Watch production between 1975 and et's say late 80ies, so, for around 15 years, it was a kind of horological ( mechanical ) desert... While, in the meantime, Quartz watches were on almost everyboy's wrist... A lot of manufactures were o... 

Been tempted a couple of times over the past 25 years, but in the end went for something more eclectic. But seeing some of the vintage Rolex in this forum really makes for some alluring propositions. But I feel I would be chasing the market, as price go h... 

There were and are some Rolex models that I like such as the GMT II Red/Black, the pre-Deepsea SD and the latest SD, the Explorer I and the Datejust with Roman numerals. But at any point in time, there are brands and models that I want more than these. So... 

I have owned hundreds of watches over many years, and not a single Rolex. Regards, Tony C.

I would very well see you with an old Explorer... Best, Nicolas

That seems to put me in the minority, but I have come to feel that way. I used to be somewhat anti-Rolex on the ground that it was not haute horlogerie. Then I got one . . . and another . . . and I have found that they are a unique enough, and good enough... 

paths are different for different people..so I would not say Rolex is essential or mandatory in any watch collector's trip.. however, speaking for myself..for the longest time, i was anti-rolex.. too common..too commercial..too blah blah blah.. however..h... 

I mean. Rolex is the mechanical Swatch ;-)

I'm sure people may be surprised that I think this, being "Mr Grand Seiko" Despite disdaining them for years, I finally got one. And now I do think you should experience what makes a Rolex by far the highest volume Swiss watch with most name awareness and... 

Rolex has some things no other watch has... it has the closest thing to perfect design ever made, on every level. Internal quality, legibility, time-keeping excellence, collectibility, ruggedness, elegance, and resale value. The other strange 'miracle' of... 

I can certainly sympathise with the collector you mentioned regarding a Dufour and a Rolex. If I had to go to only one watch that could do everything it would be a Datejust II. Perfect for aying with th ekids by the pool, formal evening wear and lounging ... 

I've not been a huge fan of Rolex (still am not), but I am a fan of how much they strive to hit perfection in the one thing they do well - build solid watches and work for what it should. I've only owned two, a Daytona and Milgauss - sold the Daytona beca... 

I think many collectors start with Rolex out of naivety. I'm not belittling the brand at all, but I think many people reach a point in their life or career when they think, "I deserve a nice, luxury watch". And the first brand that comes to mind at that p... 

You pick whatever speaks to you - if it is Rolex, that's great. But it doesn't have to be Rolex or any big brands. Whatever makes you happy is a good one - this is just a hobby! Good luck and show us one day what you got! Ken

In the world of watch enthuasists, there are brands that are compulsory in a collection although the design and mood does not suit you. You have to have at least one of it. Rolex is a brand that can't be ignored. If you try to ignore it, you will see more... 

... at school. They still have relevance and put other pieces of literature into context. No, you don't NEED to own a Rolex, a Speedmaster Pro, a Royal Oak, or a Nautilus, but you do need to have an understanding about why they have become classics and wh... 

I mean,whether you start your journey with one or end it,or never own it at all,Rolex has a presence in the subconscious of every watch collector hard not to be reckon with. Why? Well for the status the crowned maison has achieved in the last 40-50 years.... 

...but I do admire their single-minded focus on reliability and time-keeping. Just never found the one that was "just right" for me -- probably closest was the SS Daytona, but I already have a high-quality SS chrono (VC Overseas) so passed on that. Who kn... 

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I've been a watchcollector for 15 years now, and I always loved a few of the Rolex models. But everytime I actuallty tried one on, the magic disappeared. Kinda strange but true. I've been wearing the Deepsea for a few weeks lately. Great looks, great qual...  

However I'm not sure owning one is mandatory. But I understand your point.

And in between we get lost in complication world. Hodinkee had an interview of several top independent watchmakers asking what you should get for under 10K: the collegial answer was a Rolex! Rolex is close to godliness! So yes: I do believe that every wat...