BMR
1851
I don’t think so.
I mostly say that because those watches would have been on straps. That takes down the bling about 80%, in my opinion. But to your point, most people walking around the street, at least where I live in the US, are much less familiar with those brands and how good of watches they are. Plus there are a lot of fake gold watches on straps that are trendy these days, so one of these you mention would actually fit in pretty well if just given a passing glance.
My Rolex dilemma.
I have owned three Rolexes in my life. Quite a few years ago I had WG Daytona (on a strap). It's long gone. About 4 years ago I bought a (beautiful-to me) Steel Yachtmaster with platinum bezel. That has left my collection as well. Presently I got a Used/M...
Padj, my friend, I don't buy a watch nor wear it because of the others's feelings and thoughts. I buy it because I like it, which is my only reason.
Now as per security rules, it is true that a Jaeger Lecoultre Minute Repeater with a 6 digit price is safer than a Rolex with a 4 digit price. Security matters, the rest is only my pleasure. Best, amigo. Nicolas
I also only buy a watch because I like it.
But with Rolex I am sometimes hesitant to wear it.
Hi Padj. Thoughtful post, and thank you for a good conversation topic.
I’ve had really one experience like this, and it also involved a Rolex. Now, I currently have 3 Rolex watches, and I don’t feel the same issue with those three, which are the Hulk, Batman, and white Zenith Daytona. The one I did have this issue with was a...
Would you have felt self-conscious/nervous for your safety with a RG JLC; or Calatrava?
I have to point out, by the way, that my safety is something I never consider. Perhaps I should.
I don’t think so.
I mostly say that because those watches would have been on straps. That takes down the bling about 80%, in my opinion. But to your point, most people walking around the street, at least where I live in the US, are much less familiar with those brands and ...
I would say the same thing about where I live. (We probably live across the street.)
Only a Rolex would get noticed around here; and there are plenty of gold ones worn by members of my former profession. But these guys are very ostentatious in every aspect of their beings.
Interesting post Mike
I find that as long as it's not too big a watch and it's steel or white metal it gets noticed less. If anything I wear my Sub most often to stay under the radar at work. I also choose travel destinations where safety is less of an issue. Best,
I have this issue as well
I have had four Rolexes - a SS Datejust, a two-tone Turn-O-Graph, a SS Daytona, and a SS Oysterquartz, all on bracelet. In all cases, it was quite apparent that I was wearing a Rolex, and I usually felt conscious of it, especially because they seem heavie...
I have somewhat similar feelings about Rolex, but for a different reason...
Although I have a couple older Rolexes, they don't get much wrist time. In fact, I've bought, sold and traded more Rolexes than any other brand over the decades. I just don't ever seem to have a desire to hold onto them although I think they're great watc...
That's really interesting.
And I get the part about you wearing what "everybody" else is wearing. I wonder how many of us let that factor into the equation.
In general I do not give a shit what others think.
Just now I'm wearing a Patek but during the weekend we will go to swim meaning I'll change it to Rolex. If that makes somebody to think something, it's a problem of the other person - not mine. Best, Kari
I absolutely identify with what you've expressed
While the rule goes with buy what you like and enjoy, the Rolex appeal is also a problem - like you, I've had some, but have sold all of them for the exact reasons you've listed, which is that it is far too recognizable. SS Daytona, Submariner No date and...
Watches
Rules are made for important issues and problems. I don’t consider this that big a deal. My thought is to wear what you like and drive the car you want. There will always be someone who will think differently and that is what makes us unique. I wear my Ro...
Yeah!
Amazing that I can wear RG dress watch and not a look; but a Sub/Sea Dweller and there are sly glances...
Being relatively young, I'm pretty careful. When I go on a business meeting I try not to wear a too recognizable and identifiable watch ... Rolex for instance
at the end, what did the boy's father wear that day?
Hey Padj
It’s Tudor time! The great qualities of Rolex without some of the baggage of Rolex. 😃😉 But seriously, I can relate in terms of not wanting to attract too much attention to my wrist. With all of my watches, I sometimes hesitate to wear something if I think...
I know what you're talking about. I've fit the Same Feeling wearing gold watches
While it's true that you should wear what you Like, Feeling comfortable wearing a watch is Part of liking it. There are things in life, you need to leave your comfort Zone for (Work, Dates, ...). Rolex is not one of them.
Trust me my friend, half the time I wear my Rolexes people think they are fake, who cares what other people think just wear and enjoy and anyway
the ones you have to worry about are the thieves that know Vacheron, Patek etc cause they know what is on your wrist. Ive had mixed reactions with Rolex, some love it some hate it, most think its a fake watch and not the legit piece, the way I handle the ...
Other way round
met the (believed) "asshole lawyer" in court. But: we wore the same Rolex GMTMaster II Pepsi. Had a nice talk. No asshole anymore!
Completely valid concern IMO.
Perceptions matter. People do judge, as unfortunate as it is, based on these outward appearances. I would never show up to a client meeting, e.g., wearing a gold Rolex. I think it’s wrong to dismiss the point, as some do. Those dismissive of the issue I’m...
Thanks! We will!
I’ll be diving with the sub and generally using it as intended... Cheers, John
Agree & Disagree
I totally agree with you that perceptions matter. But let's take Padj's example above: I am sure the boyfriend's father may have noticed Padj's watch, whatever he decided to wear that day. Or maybe not, to a lot of folks a timepiece is no big deal. But he...
Interesting take, NickO.
All true, at least to some extent. I don't have much hair, though.
I've actually avoided purchasing a Rolex, in part due to a similar concern.
When it comes to the idea of "not caring what people think" I think there is a distinction between not trying to impress others, and being concerned that a watch might create a negative perception that is outside your control. On this latter point, I don'...
It is a dilemma
And it's real. I've lived in both the US and Europe and in my humble opinion it seems to be much less of a problem in Europe. Excuse my generalizations, but in Italy for example, a nice luxury watch is much more common amongst all walks of life and doesn'...
This is a real good point, asonstuf.
Maybe my dilemma has more to do with geography than I initially thought. Those few PuristS who have disagreed most strongly with what I posed have been Europeans. There are many differences in our attitudes about so many things-certainly wearing a luxury ...
It's an issue with modern Rolex and to some extent with gold watches.
I wear a Rolex ref. 1018 without a second thought, as probably most people would not recognize it as a Rolex, and anyone who did recognize it would likely recognize it as an expression of connoisseurship, not snobbery. I hesitate before wearing a yellow g...
I feel the same about this make, despite liking the products.
My uncle owns a submariner and all the family talks about it. I own two JLCs and nobody has a clue (except a cousin who knew the brand and congratulated me!) What did you wear then that night? Best, É.
I think it’s funny when they say they don’t care what other people think...
If that were the case, why not by an invicta? Or where are your posts with your luxury watches and attractive non-luxury watches? Do you wear your watch under your sleeve? Do you leave it at home to avoid scratches and just wear it around the house?
Perceptions vs Actions
I have a pair of GMTII’s. I live in a city and use public transport so typically don’t wear them out in the evening or take an Uber. Other than that I will wear them when it fits the mood or occasion. Occasionally someone will nod or comment, particularly...
I don't, generally. And I don't think the level of visual recognition for Rolex is what some believe it to be.
While Rolex has of course name/brand recognition I'm not certain the average person actually knows what one looks like. And generally people aren't getting close enough to read the text on the dial. My qualification of "generally" above relates to the one...
That is an in-your-face watch, I guess.
But I owned one with a black dial quite a few years ago and I can't remember ever noticing anyone ever eyeing it. It certainly never drew any comments.
I think part of it is 44mm is big on my wrist these days and it's the white dial so that also catches the eye a little more than the black.
I wouldn't say it happens every time but it definitely caught more attention than any other watch I wear these days. By contrast my Vagabondage is also rose gold but with the size , dial etc it pretty much goes unnoticed. It's a lot more svelte.
Nice topic to talk about Padj
First, a watch is about oneself. Buy what you like and can afford. Second, it’s about perceptions. Living in Mexico, with high criminal rates, there is something you want to think. If you live in the bubble, nothing matters. Wear anything that pleases you...
Thank YOU for that take on the issue!
Yours is a completely different experience in what you can and cannot wear. Fascinating. And I love the story about the old woman!
Rolex
I totally agree but there are times I am in a situation when I want people to notice, that's the day i pull out the Rolex. I have also ha3 3 and i just feel weird not having one in my lineup. So now i have one and i appreciate it for what it is.
I notice that people notice watches more than we may think.
I see people glancing down at my wrist fairly often, both clients and on the subway. The watch that has gotten the most direct comments? A smooth bezel SS DJ I bought specifically because it was understated. Positive comments only, though. My white gold B...
"People notic(ing) watches more than we think."
You are probably right. But even you are referencing your Rolex over your more expensive Breguets. I just think there is something about Rolex-positive or negative-that gets attention.
GS
Want to wear a watch that is outstanding in its price point go for a Grand Seiko then If someone asks you say it only a Seiko. You can’t be looked upon as being a snob but you know what you have.
Every other person in my city wears a Rolex.
I used to think my RO was an eye catcher. It probably is, but I don’t care. Though it really depends on your environment.
Everyone in your city wears a horological significant watch.
At least that's my take based on the posts here!
I completely understand
what you mean, Padj. But some time ago I’ve simply stopped to care what other people think. As long as I don’t offend them and respect their feelings. So I wear what I want and feel comfortable with. Otherwise perhaps it has been the wrong choice? All the...
It would be a pity
if you wouldn’t do that... At some point I have learnt that often people form an opinion irrespective of what I do. We can influence this much less than we sometimes believe. All the best for you and wear your Rolex with joy and pride! 😊 Best, Thomas ...
Forget the watch, do you approve of the boyfriend?
Things are serious if the parents are meeting.
Funny.
I've known the father since the kids were in first grade. Not the first time we went to a ballgame together.