Rolex- the stupidest, lamest company

[baxterb]

Casios are known to punch way above their weight. And to be very accurate

Watch Accuracy: Rolex vs. Casio - The Truth About Watches

"Any cheap quartz keeps better time than a Rolex." Wrong! BUT astounding watch accuracy is available in a range of movements and prices.

thetruthaboutwatches.com

I think the apple watch tops the accuracy game these days.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Watches, cars, homes, boats, airplanes, art, guns, fishing rods, phones, TVs.....toasters, whatever floats your boat. The positive side is somebody has a job building, producing, selling and/or maintaining those things (well, maybe not the toaster).

 

[meigsbucks]

I've love the Submariner that my mom and dad purchased for me brand new in 1987 as my college graduation present for $2,000. (Dad sold tractor parts, Mom made zippers). I've worn it nearly every day for 37 years. I had it appraised last year - $7,000. They paid off my brother's 1980 Buick Regal two years later for the same price. (I still have the watch!)

If I win the lottery, I'll buy a gold one.




With that being said, this may have been one of the funniest things I ever read (by David Petzel in Field & Stream back in 2005):


"By the way, it is a little-known fact that if a small nuclear device were detonated at the SCI convention in Reno, Nevada, the pool of gold from the melted Rolexes would be 52 feet in diameter and 8 feet deep"

I remember that quote. A classic.

 

[Nyati]

Rolex makes very good watches, I have two, bought in 1986 and 2002.

I would just not buy one at today´s prices.

 

[Foxi]

I'm sorry, somehow I find it stupid to start such a thread in a hunting forum at all (the next "Oh God, how bad is the service from Rolls Royce ....)
You don't have to bring the happenings of an affluent society into this forum.
No, it's not envy, I have a Submariner myself.
But I still think it's bad, nouveau riche style.
Foxi

 

[WyoBull]

I'm sorry, somehow I find it stupid to start such a thread in a hunting forum at all (the next "Oh God, how bad is the service from Rolls Royce ....)
You don't have to bring the happenings of an affluent society into this forum.
No, it's not envy, I have a Submariner myself.
But I still think it's bad, nouveau riche style.
Foxi

One could argue the same thing about a double rifle post. Most double rifles cost as much if not more than a fine watch.
I like most all of the posts to a degree. I guess it just depends on what interests you.

 

[Daisy]

Daisy: I don’t think you can compare a ROLEX to a high end firearm and my reasoning is as follows: A high end firearm almost always performs as “good or better” then a cheaper model - the “function” of a high end firearm is equal to it’s “form”. A Rolex is a good timepiece compared to other “mechanical” watches…but it Can’t keep time as “accurately“ as a Timex or Casio or any other cheap “battery operated” Watch. No one buys a Rolex for its time keeping accuracy - it’s for one of several reasons: 1). They appreciate a finely made & hand crafted time piece - the traditional way watches were made for 100s of years. 2). They love the look of the watch, gold, silver, diamonds - like good jewelry. 3). They want EVERYONE to know they have MONEY — “look at my Rolex”.

As someone that has bought over 100 Rolex and or other high end watch models, you could not be anymore wrong.

That’s like saying everyone here that goes on 50k African hunt is doing it to “look at me.”

I buy it because it’s the pinnacle of human non electrical craftsmanship, they are made by masters in their field, they are fun to wear and look at, and they will run with no battery.

Lots of those sound like why we don’t all shoot 400 dollar rifles that would “do the same job.”

 

[Daisy]

One could argue the same thing about a double rifle post. Most double rifles cost as much if not more than a fine watch.
I like most all of the posts to a degree. I guess it just depends on what interests you.

Dead on

 

[Bearbait1]

Ive got a Charlie the Tuna watch circa 1975. It cost 20 proof of purchase lables from Starkist tuna.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Hogpatrol. That is a heck of story. $375 into $700,000 for the only Daytona like it in the world.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Daisy: I don’t think you can compare a ROLEX to a high end firearm and my reasoning is as follows: A high end firearm almost always performs as “good or better” then a cheaper model - the “function” of a high end firearm is equal to it’s “form”. A Rolex is a good timepiece compared to other “mechanical” watches…but it Can’t keep time as “accurately“ as a Timex or Casio or any other cheap “battery operated” Watch. No one buys a Rolex for its time keeping accuracy - it’s for one of several reasons: 1). They appreciate a finely made & hand crafted time piece - the traditional way watches were made for 100s of years. 2). They love the look of the watch, gold, silver, diamonds - like good jewelry. 3). They want EVERYONE to know they have MONEY — “look at my Rolex”.

Years ago, I read the book, "What they don't teach you at Harvard Business School," by Mark McCormack. McCormack was a young lawyer and fairly good amateur golfer. He became one of the first super sports agents. McCormack's first three clients were Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. McCormack's company is the well known IMG. One of the chapters in the book talked about "knowing what business you are in." McCormack was having dinner with the head of Rolex and somebody walking past their table in the restaurant recognized the Rolex guy. The guy stopped and asked the Rolex guy, "How's the watch business these days? To which the Rolex guy replied, "How would I know" or something to that effect. The guy left and probably thought the Rolex guy was a comedian or a jerk. The point of the story is Rolex does not consider itself in the watch business, so they are not really trying to cultivate watch customers. They are in the high-end, luxury item business.

 

[Shako Badhan]

Something I’ve noticed in this thread as well as elsewhere is a lot of the greatest Rolex stalwarts got their watches 20+ years ago. Would you do the same today given the current market?

 

[Daisy]

Something I’ve noticed in this thread as well as elsewhere is a lot of the greatest Rolex stalwarts got their watches 20+ years ago. Would you do the same today given the current market?

Yes

 

[wesheltonj]

Something I’ve noticed in this thread as well as elsewhere is a lot of the greatest Rolex stalwarts got their watches 20+ years ago. Would you do the same today given the current market?

Thirty nine years ago when I bought mine, it was a Mercedes-Benz car, Rolex watch and an S.T. DuPont lighter. I would still buy the Mercedes and the Rolex. But I must admit I would like a Patek too.

 

[SFRanger7GP]

I have my Rolex Submariner because of the Special Forces heritage, just like my Randall Model 1. I bought it after the invasion of Iraq, and I’ve worn it to jump, dive, shoot, I never take it off except to sleep.

They’re an excellent investment, mine is worth about $20-30K and I have $4750 in it, plus I’ve enjoyed the hell out of it. Can’t really complain.

All SF soldiers were not issued a Rolex in Vietnam, most of them were bought on R&R in Thailand. The Navy did issue some to SEALs in later years, they’re very rare and sought after. The JFK Special Warfare center had a number of prominent SF members Rolexes in the museum at one point, they were very cool.

The AD scheme sucks, hardcore Rolex fans & collectors hate it too. No different the sports cars and other luxury items, I wouldn’t care one bit if Rolex canned all the ADs and went to brand stores but this is probably how it’s going to remain for the near future.

I bought mine for the same reason combined with I wanted it, earned it and deserved it. I am sure those are the same reasons many SF soldiers wear/wore a Rolex. I went with the Randall Model 14 because it was an SFQC graduation gift. I have the same reasoning for all the nice stuff I buy. I want it, I earned it and I deserve it. No showing off involved, especially when I was on a Soldier's meager salary. Everyone should get what makes them happy.

Not sure what the status of Rolex purchases are now as I am not in the market for one. However, a couple of our local jewelry store owners that I know via the gun club always have a few in stock that they want to show me. Some of the stories on here sound like Luke Combs story. He was opening at Madison Square Garden one night and had some time to kill so he was walking around seeing the sights and saw a Rolex store and decided he would like to buy one like his Dad always wore. They wouldn't give the "poor redneck" the time of day until someone recognized him.

Safe travels

 

[HankBuck]

Something I’ve noticed in this thread as well as elsewhere is a lot of the greatest Rolex stalwarts got their watches 20+ years ago. Would you do the same today given the current market?

I think Rolex customers are as Loyal as Mercedes or BMW or Porsche

 

[Shako Badhan]

I guess l am drawn to the Rolex because of the connection to the SOF community. As a current member of that community I don’t see as many around work as I do the Omegas. Might be because the Omegas are a bit more flashy and in fashion.

Might just save a few more pennies a look for a deal on a classic.

 

[Safari Dave]

They might have a little to do African Hunting. I doubt you will ever see an ad like this for an Apple watch!

 

[Safari Dave]

I doubt that Microsoft will be making a PROHUNTER anytime soon...

 

[HankBuck]

I guess l am drawn to the Rolex because of the connection to the SOF community. As a current member of that community I don’t see as many around work as I do the Omegas. Might be because the Omegas are a bit more flashy and in fashion.

Might just save a few more pennies a look for a deal on a classic.

Shako: Gotta disagree here, OMEGA is battery operated and while much more accurate keeping time - Rolex is known for “Flashy” - where I worked in Manhattan you could always tell when someone got promoted - a Rolex with Stainless & Gold band soon followed…We use to call it the “New District Manager” watch. I believe they are very well crafted quality watches but too flashy for me (Yes, I have an OMEGA)