Rolex

I've been lucky enough to own watches of all variety, and almost every name, almost every complication.

I put my Sub on two days ago, again. It took me about one second to feel the unparalleled quality. Yeah, this is a watch worn by 'too many' people. Yeah, a non-collector who know nothing about watches can buy it at the mall. Yeah, the image of Rolex is sometimes not always positive.

But there is just no denying--and I really mean this--this is the most solid, best quality through and through watch made. Period.

Just my thought, as I clasped on my Sub today.

There is a paradox with Rolex...

Maybe due to the fact that everybody ( or quite ) wears or wants a Rolex.

So, the danger may result to sum the Horological World to Rolex, and only Rolex, which is a big mistake and a silly no sense.

The other danger is to deny the interest, the importance of Rolex, which is as silly as summing Horology only to Rolex.

As you perfectly said, Rolex is unavoidable in the horological world, because they are bullet proff watches, very well made, which " breath " quality.

Yes, like you, after wearing all my watches, every come back to Rolex is a pleasure, and these are not only words, as I own 8 Rolex in my collection.

Furthermore, Rolex did great things ofr the History of Horology, and still now, with some interesting research about new materials for their movements ( since 2000 ), the water resistance in the early years of the 20th Century, etc...

So, for all these reasons, I have a lot of respect for Rolex, without forgetting that some other very interesting brands exist, too!

Best, my friend.

Nicolas

After posting, I was already re-thinking how I could have added that there is at least one brand I hold up to Rolex solid-build quality: Lange immediately comes to mind--and there you have the luxury of a dress watch built like a tank--yet one which, like Rolex, exudes utter elegance too. I know I could think of one or two other brands, but none leap to mind--so that is a good question.

But then... would I wear a Lange to climb a tree to gather coconuts? Uh... I really like coconuts. Maybe if there was a steamed lobster and a woman in an evening  gown in the tree.


I jest.


We could discuss those other brands that we think even come near the bulletproof build quality of Rolex...

However, my post was a simple one. Rolex build quality is the one I hold highest--and this is almost a concession--who among us wouldn't prefer to deny Rolex this laurel?? And say brand_______ is the most solid watch there is. But I can't.

Now I'm taking special pleasure in the simplicity of there being no argument or reluctance to say it anymore. Rolex is the best built watch there is.

Some will say, well, which sort of watch do you mean? A dress watch? A complicated watch? A whatever?

I'm saying, pound for pound, the most solid build quality of any watch.

And I certainly am not the first.... its like saying lemons are sour, I think someone noticed this before I did!

Cheers.

Mostel,

With all due respect, what do you have in mind when writing that like Lange, Rolex "exudes utter elegance"?  What man's Rolex has ever had  "elegance" among it's visible attributes? 

I've always thought that the greatest flaw of  the brand is it's utter lack of elegance.

Perhaps my concept of elegeance differs from yours.  I think AP, PP, VC, Lange, FPJ, even Cartier, make elegant watches.  In contrast; Rolex, Omega, Sinn, Roger Dubois, GG, Panerai make inelegant watches. 

Park

I feel that Rolex makes the best product period. And like you I have or have had most of the other brands, complications etc.

Hi Mostel,

Obviously there's a yes in my answer so I nearly agree with your points.

Indeed I agree that Rolex as a brand seems to make the most reliable watches, even more in the long term of the last 5 decades at least.

But there's also a no!

I just ordered yesterday my tool watch. I was close to get a Rolex, but didn't do it. Why?

Because there are other options. Not many I admit but there are some.

As I can't afford a vintage Rolex with plexi and mat dial for the time being (and I would probably not be too tempted to use it as my tool watch if I had one, and I will have one), I looked for another solution as I couldn't get taken by the 14060. Finally too flashy for me. Perfect on the pics, not on my wrist.

The other vintage watches that appeal to me (I won't thank Nicolas for these ones ) can be even more expensive.

Some other current diving watches can also be very attractive, but are generally expensive and large tools. And rarely feel like tools.

So I found an already discontinued diving watch of this decade, with a build of case and specially bracelet at least as good and possibly better IMO as the Rolex quality. i'm not going to name it today, I should have the watch for the end of the month and I'll make a review. The only downside is that it won't have a Rolex calibre (obviously), but still a very efficient and precise one, even if more generic.

Do you want to guess?

Dje

Seriously,  since you said a watch with a bracelet, and already discontinued...I don't see...

I thought about an IWC Aquatimer, but these are not discontinued, yet.

Too hard, my friend.

A watch from a true manufacture?

Nicolas

Hi Nicolas,

Anyway I thought all Hublot models were discontinued! Aren't they all limited series? 

Indeed not an IWC!

A true manufacture calibre?  Not for my future watch , but some may be tempted to say yes for some reasons. And there are true manufactiures that have brought less to the calibre world.

Dje

ps: and I should have added that yes they are launching new manufacture calibres now, even if mine won't have it.
This message has been edited by Dje on 2008-09-08 05:01:17

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Hi,

I'll end up with a Speed someday, but not as a diving watch!

Thanks for trying.

Dje

Anyway, you're a bloody teaser...

What can it be???

Best.

Nicolas

No message body

Hi Mostel,

They say they are a manufacture. OK!

I'd love to see more about that.

Cheers

Dje

enjoy--and let us know.

nt

Fun to play along... enjoy whatever your choice.
M

Hi ,

That was a no implied (not enough).

But the Marine Chronometer 1846 was considered, but not tool enough for me! Still a gorgeous watch though.

Cheers

Dje

ps: you should see it beginning of October if everything goes well.