Why I’ve Never Owned A Rolex – And Why I Might Yet (Update: I Do Now!)
by GaryG
Once in a while on the collector forums, a question is posed: is there anyone in the collector community who has never, ever, owned a Rolex? As a general rule, respondents to these queries tend to express disbelief that such a creature could possibly exist given the quality and ubiquity of the brand’s watches.
Will GaryG feel the same way about Rolex?
Well, folks, I’m here to tell you that such people do exist, and that I’m one of them. And to be honest, when I suggested this article topic to Elizabeth, one reason that I did so was that I was pretty mystified about it myself: how could it be?
How it (didn’t) happen
In the beginning: The simplest explanations for why I didn’t start early with Rolex are simple: money and time. The first time I encountered the brand was during the Lucerne stop of a hard-earned student trip (more on this in an upcoming article).
I had $45 in spending money. One of my roommates had several hundred bucks that he promptly spent on what he described as, “The watch my Dad says is the best in the world.”
For me, it was too soon and too much. And even then, my spidey-sense suggested to me that my friend’s Dad’s absolute certainty and his son’s resulting zeal might possibly be misplaced.
A gaggle of Rolex Submariners (photo courtesy www.rolexpassionreport.com)
Other gateway drugs: Fast forward about six years of schooling, 15 years of 80-hour workweeks, and an increasing fascination with timekeeping. When I did turn to watches in a serious way, my attention was drawn to other brands.
Omega played a role (and to some extent filled the collection “spots” that might otherwise have been filled with Rolexes), but the big hitter for me was Jaeger-LeCoultre, starting with a steel Reverso Duoface and going from there.
It might actually be interesting to poll collectors and see whether there are two basic types: those who started with, and stayed with, Jaeger-LeCoultre and those who followed the Rolex trail.
A partial view of GaryG and MrsG’s Collection of Jaeger-LeCoultre watches
Now that I consider it, perhaps there are (now) Panerai and Omega Speedmaster branches to the tree as well; but that’s also a topic for another day!
Reverse snobbery: For a while, I had a pretty active disdain for Rolex, for what I now realize were three main reasons.
First, whether it’s watches, cars, or consumer electronics, I have a low tolerance for fan boys, those uncritical sorts who believe that every single feature of their favored brand is the best and also feel that is critical that you believe it, too.
For instance, at this point I’ve read way too many online threads in which Rolex’ use of 904L stainless steel is put forward as proof of the pitiful weakness of all other brands. What I came to believe was that any brand that needed such unthinking support might not be worthy of mine.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph in stainless steel and titanium
The second reason was that I thought I had found “better” solutions than Rolex for my needs; for example, my Vacheron Constantin Overseas in the sports watch category.
Whether it was the Overseas or other watches like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms with its wonderful and robust X-71 bracelet, I really didn’t see Rolex watches as world-beaters in their categories.
Finally, there’s the position of Rolex as one of the world’s leading, if not the leading, mass luxury brand. If you know me, you know that I’m not innately drawn to “mass” anything, even in luxury categories; part of the appeal for me is being a bit off the beaten path.
That whole vintage thing: For the record, I loved Paul Newman. Great actor, great race driver, great (it is reported) husband, great actor. Man’s man, philanthropist.
And, of course, wearer of Rolex, including what is popularly called the “Paul Newman” Daytona.
Back to that “too soon, too much” thing: when I first became aware of the “Paul Newman” watches, the prices seemed way too dear for my wallet; now that the prices have gone through the roof, it’s now “too late, too much” for me.
Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona
In addition, the whole world of vintage Rolex seems to me fraught with peril. When a company makes many hundreds of thousands of watches per year (which, as far as I can tell from available serial number tables, was true for Rolex even in the 1960s) and has rabid fans, it stands to reason that some of those fans will attempt to find “unique” watches among the multitudes and bid up their market values.
The inevitable result: frankenwatches and outright fakes as well as astronomical values attached to minute distinctions (Double Red Sea Dweller, anyone?).
Don’t even get me started on the watches with so-called “tropical” dials that started their lives as black but now exhibit brown patina (or in plain English, corrosion).
Rolex GMT 6542 with “tropical dial” (photo courtesy www.richpatina.tumblr.com)
With the expert counsel of someone like my friend and Rolex maven Eric Ku, I could knock out the concerns about provenance and authenticity for any given watch; but I’m still not confident that the white-hot market for these desirable vintage pieces won’t crater sometime soon.
And, Rolex isn’t exactly helping with its reluctance (and in some cases reported refusal) to service watches more than 25 to 30 years of age.
I’m a dress watch guy: If I went to the bank, took all of my watches out of the safe and snapped a group photo, what you would see is an array of dress watches with a few sports/utility pieces mixed in. I’ve been in business a long time, and my daily wear reflects that.
And while a “nice” bracelet watch can be perfectly acceptable for business wear, I suppose I’ve always favored a dressier look.
Why it might yet happen
At this point I’ve pretty much convinced myself that my Rolex aversion has explainable roots. But all the same, I continue to have the nagging sense that if at some point I don’t own one, I’ll be missing something.
So, why might I finally pull the trigger?
Some friends’ Rolexes as seen at a recent group lunch
Changing lifestyle: Finances permitting, I’ll be slowing down from my fanatical work pace a few years hence. And, as I’ve lived in California for 18 years now, I’m finally starting to discover the joys of casual dress. It seems only natural that adding high-quality sports watches to the mix will be a natural consequence.
Solid product: Say what you like about Rolex, but at the end of the day its products speak for themselves in terms of robustness and excellent timekeeping, both attributes that are important to me.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40
Better bracelets: If you’d like an entertaining few minutes, do an online search for “flimsy Rolex bracelet” and read some of the comments from Rolex owners and non-owners alike.
From personal experience, I can say that the Jubilee and Oyster bracelets on my wife’s Rolexes are nothing to write home about. In recent years, Rolex seems to have stepped up its game.
Tired of being a hater: I must be mellowing in my old age! I may have reached a tipping point at which I’m willing to judge these watches on their merits rather than judge their owners as braggarts or wannabes.
Low-risk experiment: At least for the more popular models, pre-owned Rolex values are well established and fairly stable. So, there seems to be every opportunity for me to see what all of the fuss is about without too much risk of “getting hurt,” as my collector friends and I refer to the possibility of substantial economic loss on a particular piece.
So, which one?
After all of that, the happy news is that for me the choices narrow down quite quickly to three watches.
- Rolex GMT Master II BLNR: The “Batman” or “Bruiser” version of the second-generation GMT Master has a clean look and to my eye the combination blue/black bezel is just killer.
Rolex GMT Master II BLNR
- Rolex Cosmograph Daytona: For me it would be the stainless steel version with white dial. At 40 mm in diameter it’s big enough but not too big, I have a fondness for sports chronographs, and for me the Daytona is one of the landmark Rolex models.
- Daytona “Paul Newman”: Yeah, I know I said all of that stuff above about vintage Rolex. But if and when the price bubble on these watches bursts and they are back in the $25,000 range, count me in.
Rolex Daytona in stainless steel with white dial
If you’re curious to see whether I actually take the plunge, stay tuned here at Quill & Pad!
Update May 19, 2016: I did take the plunge and you can read all about that at Great Rolex Experiment With The GMT Master II Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Crown.
*This article was first published on August 21, 2015 at Why I’ve Never Owned A Rolex – And Why I Might Yet. You may find the comments under that post interesting.
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Very cool article, thank you for your insights. Good choice on the gmt master. The one point I disagree on; do you really think, when the bubble bursts, a ‘Paul Newman’ is worth over twice as much as a brand new daytona? I’m not talking market value, just, ya know, intrinsic value.
Hi Steve — great question! In my view the quality of today’s Daytonas is leagues above the older ones, especially if we’re talking bracelets, so you may well be right.
With the PN, there is the appeal of Paul Newman, the man — I’m willing to give a bit of an allowance for that, at least!
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Congrats on the Rolex.
That trio are probably the most over hyped Rolex at the moment. Maybe your becoming a fan boy yourself? 😛
Ouch! I hope not, but it’s better to be alert, right?
Thanks for reading and commenting, Alex!
Best, Gary
A reasonable article but he completely throws all his arguments overboard and stars making excuses at the end that are just as bad as some of his arguments not to have bought one. With him not even knowing which Rolex to get…GMT, or Daytona he proves that in the end the only thing that counts and that he bend over for is the “Rolex on the dial” argument… a.k.a. the kudos fan boy.
He just changed his mind and wanted to buy a Rolex… just say that then and stop trying to make excuses instead of just admitting you got succumbed into the Rolex marketing scheme.
Hi, harry — hmm…you may or may not be right, but I’m not sure you know what’s inside my tortured mind better than I do!
I do appreciate you commenting, though — good to keep me on my toes!
Best, Gary
I just reached a point in my career where I want to start appeasing my hidden fascination for watches and their detailed and precision beauty. I’m by no means a high roller so want to start on the ground floor and work my way up building a nice collection. I appreciate any advice you have as obviously my knowledge is limited compared to others.
Hi Stephen,
Lots of good places to start with watches! I began (and over the years have continued with) Jaeger-LeCoultre — a wonderful variety of movements, styles, and complications, many at accessible price points.
If you’re interested in a sporty watch, Omega and Rolex are great brands to consider; at other price levels, the pieces cited in John Keil’s article http://quillandpad.com/2017/07/27/5-tool-watches-id-buy-didnt-want-spring-rolex-submariner/ and the comments below it are some very interesting watches.
And, I’d suggest that you take a look at some affordable independents, including Nomos and Habring2 — these can be a great way to get into the watch world while doing something a little different than everyone else.
Final thoughts: buy what you love, and take your time! There are a lot of watches out there, and the chase (and exchanging views with watch-loving friends) is a lot of the fun.
Happy Hunting!
Best, Gary
Great quick answer to that all-encompassing question, Gary!
So, JLC is “starting on the ground floor” for non high-rollers is it?
You worked hard and got rich; I have zero problem with that. But you could at least pretend to understand people with normal salaries. Or make the effort to find out. 60% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings. For the vast majority of people, even in The “First” World, one, single JLC is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Or is this website only for the 1%?
Hello, Quill & Pad does indeed specialize in reporting on the highest end of the luxury watch spectrum. As you may have recognized, that is our niche. -ed
Great article and read……I myself just purchased my 1st Rolex watch which was the GMT II with the black and blue bezel….fell in love with it the 1st time I saw it, and I am constantly being asked about the watch, getting tons of compliments and admiration. Best watch purchase ever for me, loving the fact it looks great with a suit as well with jeans and t-shirt.
For a very long time I wanted a Rolex. I still do, although it’s unlikely I’ll buy one. I do own a Tudor with which I am very happy and if I fancy another piece in this style it is extremely likely that I will buy another Tudor. Rolex are great but they are extremely overpriced. Everyone knows this. Tudor are great and they are quite good value. Everyone knows this too.
Thanks for commenting! In my view, “overpricing” is very much in the eye of the beholder — clearly there are lots of folks out there who find good value for money in Rolex, given the number of new watches they continue to sell each year around the world. The inflated values for some of the steel sport watches are a special case that I plan to come back to in a future article, so please stay tuned!
Thanks, Gary