Question for the ladies and also the gentlemen.
Do you find a Rolex watch (vintage or new) ostentatious or obnoxious? Not in the context of the hobby, but just as a general principle.
I'm talking the under $ 6000-$10,000 pieces (Air King, Datejust, Explorer I, Explorer II, or the GMT Master II).
I'm talking fairly stock watches, not those blinged out with diamonds and other stones.
nd now I have to go look up "ostentatious.
Timex keeps better time.
You can't buy a Timex in front of the Smithsonian for twenty bucks.
And now I have to go look up "ostentatious."
although I will concede a Timex does tell better time. but in this era of smart phones, who actually wears a watch simply to know what time it is?
I wear a Rolex, but I put it in my pocket, or leave it in my room safe when I know I will be in a particularly dicey area. No one has chopped my arm off yet, but even drunk I do try to stay aware of my surroundings.
Once you find a nondenominational pawn shop willing to do business with your heathen ass.
Rolex is a swiss watch and famous for his reputation. And perhaps you know that all the famous expensive watches are coming from Switzerland, that we are famous of.
And lots of tourists spend money buying a Rolex. My friend works in a shop in Zurich and he tells me, that there are clients who buy 10 Rolex at a time for the hole family.
But this doesn't answer your question. Well for us a Rolex is definitly ostentation, similar to a Ferrari here. If you have a Ferrari or/and a Rolex you want to show everybody what you've got. And those people don't have a good reputation. We sometimes make jokes about them that they are from the mafia and so on.
And then there are many other watches who are much more expensive then Rolex, for example an IWC and much prettier, but don't have this reputation, because many people don't know how worthy they are. And when you drive an Aston Martin or a Bugatti....hell yes, this is different.
Hope you understood my english....
...BTW, you can buy a Rolex Oyster Perpetual in Tijuana for $25. and it's just as ostentatious as the real thing.
Yes, great moniker he chose for himself.
I've heard many hot American women claim they would never date a Corvette owner .
They expressed a variety of reasons I feel no need to divulge.
On the other side of the coin I know from experience, in parts of America, Ferrari's are Babe magnets, not L.A, where there are Ferrari's on every corner .
I rented a Ferrari for a few hours in NY to experience the drive , before my time was up I was turning down women for lack of room.
If only Ferrari had a mini van model.
And lots of tourists spend money buying a Rolex. My friend works in a shop in Zurich and he tells me, that there are clients who buy 10 Rolex at a time for the hole family.
But this doesn't answer your question. Well for us a Rolex is definitly ostentation, similar to a Ferrari here. If you have a Ferrari or/and a Rolex you want to show everybody what you've got. And those people don't have a good reputation. We sometimes make jokes about them that they are from the mafia and so on.
And then there are many other watches who are much more expensive then Rolex, for example an IWC and much prettier, but don't have this reputation, because many people don't know how worthy they are. And when you drive an Aston Martin or a Bugatti....hell yes, this is different.
Hope you understood my english....
I'd rather drive a Lexus LFA, over those other exotics which you mentioned. True it's not as sexy as a Ferrari, or an AM or a Bugatti not that either of those are all that appealing as the Ferrari, Astons have very plain lines, and the Bugatti looks like an art deco steam locomotive. I'd rather drive the LFA because you never see as many on the road, unlike the Ferrari, AM, or Bugatti.
I could have said it hurts my balls when trying to climb into a Corvette, but back to your comment of "Who gives a fuck" I could say that about 99.99% of what is posted on this board.
ridiculous material possessions feed nothing but the void in someone's soul if you ask me.
Feed a starving family instead.
to unburden yourself of such a cumbersome object, by forwarding it to me. Happy to put your millstone to good use, as I need an anchor for my yacht. Alright, it's just a dinghy, but still... Rather magnanimous of me, wouldn't you agree?
Yeesh! I simply can't bring myself to deceive you. I do have a yacht and I REALLY NEED THAT ANCHOR, MR_MIND. Now shoot that timepiece over to my private island, before folks begin to ponder why a man needs to flaunt such an "ostentatious" piece of jewelry.
Well. There ya go! When have I NOT been your best friend. Hmm?
Despite the fact I'm on one of my ornery Irish streaks, I think I'll compound it by adding this. If you like the watch, didn't steal it/embezzle retirement funds from little old ladies to purchase it/etc., WEAR IT, ENJOY IT and why concern yourself with anyone else's opinion? I find no fault in enjoying luxury you earned or rightfully inherited.
Do you find a Rolex watch (vintage or new) ostentatious or obnoxious? Not in the context of the hobby, but just as a general principle.
I'm talking the under $ 6000-$10,000 pieces (Air King, Datejust, Explorer I, Explorer II, or the GMT Master II).
I'm talking fairly stock watches, not those blinged out with diamonds and other stones.
I purchased my 18 karat Presidents Rolex several years ago; this was a present to myself for achieving a significant income benchmark. Since it has no diamonds, no one has ever suggested it is ostentatious. I believe the fake Rolex watches have sweep movements, where the real ones have continuos movements.
Yeesh! I simply can't bring myself to deceive you. I do have a yacht and I REALLY NEED THAT ANCHOR, MR_MIND. Now shoot that timepiece over to my private island, before folks begin to ponder why a man needs to flaunt such an "ostentatious" piece of jewelry.
Well. There ya go! When have I NOT been your best friend. Hmm?
Despite the fact I'm on one of my ornery Irish streaks, I think I'll compound it by adding this. If you like the watch, didn't steal it/embezzle retirement funds from little old ladies to purchase it/etc., WEAR IT, ENJOY IT and why concern yourself with anyone else's opinion? I find no fault in enjoying luxury you earned or rightfully inherited.
Do you find a Rolex watch (vintage or new) ostentatious or obnoxious? Not in the context of the hobby, but just as a general principle.
I'm talking the under $ 6000-$10,000 pieces (Air King, Datejust, Explorer I, Explorer II, or the GMT Master II).
I'm talking fairly stock watches, not those blinged out with diamonds and other stones.
I was given one by a client and it's really not me, and I have never worn it. It sits in a drawer. Of course maybe I should sell it on ebay and up my hobby budget lol.
that don't make a lot of sense and - on this board - we really don't have grounds to criticize. I could feed an entire third world village on what I have spent on hookers so far this year.
Who are we to criticize the way someone else decides to spend their money? The Rolex people pay their employees who turn around and spend that money someplace else. Not certain I see the problem here. I think we should encourage it
Well, not really.
First of all, I have a problem wearing anything containing gold, silver, or some other metals against my skin, and for years I worked in a trade where we all had pocket watches because we couldn't wear wristwatches or rings or anything like that for safety reasons. So consider the source.
But all that aside, I dress rather well usually, but very simply. I wear no jewelry and few metal accessories. More likely to wear cuff links than a watch. And now that I carry a phone which tells me the time, it's just like having a pocket watch in my vest pocket.
But if the rest of your wardrobe is very posh, a Rolex fits in. Or, OTOH, if you wear a T-shirt, jeans, joggers, a denim jacket and a Rolex, it makes a statement. One thing out of place is classy. Like women who wear pearls and denim. Very sexy. Turquoise, silver and denim? Sort of a genre style, and very acceptable but nothing special.
If you have a Rolex and only wear it when you dress to impress--maybe that includes sessions--fine. I try to not have many valuables on me when I visit an incall.
And if you're thinking expensive watches are nowadays superfluous and passé, they may come back next fall.
Other than something unique like a Super Bowl or Final Four ring, it is the only really classy form of Jewelry for men.
Do you find a Rolex watch (vintage or new) ostentatious or obnoxious? Not in the context of the hobby, but just as a general principle.
I'm talking the under $ 6000-$10,000 pieces (Air King, Datejust, Explorer I, Explorer II, or the GMT Master II).
I'm talking fairly stock watches, not those blinged out with diamonds and other stones.
However using the word "ostentatious" is most definitely ostentatious.
And who still wears watches anymore anyway? Doesn't everyone have a smartphone now? Man you guys are old.
Well, I'm old too but just sayin'...
Fake rolexs these days are almost indistinguishable from real ones. I personally just saved up some more for a plain reverso. I live how it flips and jcl is holy trinity.
That's true. There are fake Rolex even a clockmaker need a closer look to if its real or not.
I imagine most guys here have an interest in horology.
boy, that just went over the heads of many of the dumbasses on these boards . . . .
a good one nonetheless!
the study of hors.
whoreology. (She implied it first... I am just politely agreeing.) 
-- Modified on 4/6/2015 2:17:02 PM
I believe they are also Swiss made, they are not as expensive as a Rolex, or as economical as a Timex. I don't personally need to wear a watch any more so I don't purchase them any longer.
I bought it in 1975 for $300, actual retail was $400 (my dad worked in the store so I got his employee discount). It's all stainless, and only shows the date. Had it worked on a few years back and that cost me almost twice what I paid for it. I asked the salesperson what it would cost me to replace it today, and was told around $5000. Some inflation, huh?
LLAP,
Swim
Nor is my other Rolex, or my 2 Omega's, 2 Breitlings, or my Patek. Anyone here who can afford to buy high quality trim has no place criticizing those who buy other luxuries as well.
If you earned the money to afford such luxuries wear them with pride. The gubment already takes 40+ % of what you earn anyway.
As Jack Dempsey said "I spent 95% of my money on whiskey and women, I wasted the rest" or :if you don't fly first class your heirs will".
In the company of various clients over the past couple of years. The wealthiest men who I've met (no I don't look at their tax returns but sometimes I just know), are some of the most casual dressers, drive modest cars, etc. I used to see a tech mogul from the west coast and he always met me in the plainest, blue business shirt and tan slacks. He told me that when he does business, he dresses the same way. And never cufflinks or jewelry. Apparently dressing up is seen as a negative in his line of work.
Another guy I used to see on the east coast who is richer than most small countries, and absolutely loved by about 1 million providers here, says he feels uncomfortable in anything but jeans and a polo shirt. If a restaurant doesn't allow him to wear that, he's not going. And I think he drives a pickup truck.
-- Modified on 4/4/2015 1:28:25 PM
No one "just knows" without proof. I agree that wearing a nice watch or other shows of wealth don't necessarily mean a high net worth, often it shows those who spend beyond their means. The book "The Millionaire Next Door" about self-made millionaires (90% of millionaires did it themselves) bears out your observation about their modesty.
Yup, with me it depends on the day - I can wear a G-Force or a Patek depending on the situation. Weekdays I drive a S-class, weekends call for a Tundra for hunting and fishing. In my business suits are the norm so a nice time piece fits well. My ATF and I share a fondness for nice watches. With most other ladies, if I am wearing one that day, I leave it in the car until I know them much better. To each his own. The guys I know with real money each have their own sense of style.
I prefer nice things like many here and I REALLY enjoy high-caliber, classy, and lovely providers. If you like it, and can afford it, why not? Your "small country" guy with a million provider friends seem to have his priorities just where he wants them.
The guy who has already "made it" doesn't have to impress other people, they need to impress him.
. . . but not always. The jealous would like to think that if you wear a nice watch then you are a poser - it rationalizes them being losers. In business, it doesn't take long to separate the MAN from the boys.
A $15k two-tone Datejust or Submariner says one thing, a $35K Patek another. You are either a fool to spend that much when you don't have it or it is only spare change to you.
I say, if you got it, spend it (on nice watches, cars and good pussy) before the gubment takes it from you - or you can leave it to ungrateful kids.
To clarify my post, buying or wearing "nice stuff" is much different than "dressing for success" I haven't worn a suit, or even a tie for several years now, but I do wear a Rolex. I wear it because I like it, and quite frankly I am at a point in my life where I really don't give a fuck what other people think.
Plus, as I said earlier, if I ever need a quick ten or twenty grand, I can always hock my watch. lol
Yes, actually I do agree with you, "if you got it, spend it" as long as it makes you happy, and not as a way to impress others, unless of course that is important to you, in which case I would have to still say "go for it"
... if your kids are ungrateful, that's because they were raised that way.
from one of the boards most prominent, borderline illiterate, assholes. You take a joke comment, turn it serious and take a public shot at someone you don't know - nice. I just love being judged by this type.
These boards are supposed to be fun but some clowns just have to prove how small they are.
There is nothing "borderline" about his illiteracy or his stupidity.
and calling him an asshole is an insult to all of us other assholes, I don't recall inviting him to our little club. Take it back, take it back right fucking now Joe!!! lol
my sincerest apologies - I myself am a recovering asshole with some doubting the recovering part! lol
and just what is there to recover from? I might (ok, no "might" about it) be an asshole, but I am a happy fucking asshole without a reason in the world to change
I was given a beautiful watch collection by my Dad and was very grateful. My kids were grateful, too, when I gave one a Patek and the other an Audemars.
A $15k two-tone Datejust or Submariner says one thing, a $35K Patek another. You are either a fool to spend that much when you don't have it or it is only spare change to you.
I say, if you got it, spend it (on nice watches, cars and good pussy) before the gubment takes it from you - or you can leave it to ungrateful kids.
And I have more than one. But right now I'm wearing something called a Bertucci that I saw in an airline catalog. It's perfect for where I am, which is a 3rd World country where a Rolex just screams "steal me." Plus, I was swimming in the Pacific with it just yesterday. It's waterproof to 100 meters, its titanium case is light as a feather and it has a nice, rugged look. But it only cost $180 so if someone with a knife wants it he can have it.
-- Modified on 4/4/2015 2:41:52 PM
Wouldn't want a thief coming along and charming your watch right off your wrist.
No. As others have pointed out we all can spend our money where and how we want, but I think that is a little beside the point. Ostentation is the display of wealth for the sole purpose of advertising the fact that you have wealth, particularly if it also exhibits a crass or vulgar lack of class.
A Rolex is fairly subtle. Many watches look similar and you have to see the logo or the Rolex mark to tell, which means you have to be looking for it. So, unless the person makes up lots of excuses to mention his/her "Rolex" rather than referring to a watch it is not ostentatious.
It's not the thing, it's the who wearing the thing.
Xo
It will likely be set to the time displayed on one's computer/smartphone.
I very proudly wear a 25+yr old Rolex perpetual Oyster that was originally my father's. Its smooth "movement" and never needing batteries is a testament to its quality, pragmatism, and even modern renewable energy and hazardous waste concerns. The $500 "tune-ups" recommended by the manufacturer and jewelers every five years however defies logic when compared to a $50 Casio or disposable cell phone.
Relatively speaking; a multi-thousand dollar wrist watch although beautiful is akin to a solid gold buggy-whip holder for the dashboard of a 2015 Mercedes Benz.
Your mistake is paying $500 for service! I BET that the jewelry store you take it to hands it off to a 65 year old jeweler who get paid less than $100 for his work. Find the SAME 65 year old jeweler and save yourself $400 every 5 years.
"Relatively speaking; a multi-thousand dollar wrist watch although beautiful is akin to a solid gold buggy-whip holder for the dashboard of a 2015 Mercedes Benz."
Hmm. Why does this put me in mind of "FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY or is it GREY"? Whatev! A distasteful literary read, to say the least.
However, your metaphor was delightfully amusing and yes, I have a useless habit of commenting on posts that have rolled off page 1 of TER. Big whoop! I shall continue to entertain myself here, for as long as TPTB are willing to put up with my foolishness.
Happy Thursday!
The Dez
Personally I find the modern Rolexes too large -- unless my car needs a new rim. Their movements are not particularly great, but their cases are good because they are waterproof -- if you can stomach their design. I'd suggest buying a 1950s-60s Rolex Bubbleback or a 1960s-70s Omega Speedmaster. Either are about 1/2 the price (or less) of a modern Rolex... with much more style, similarly good movements, and are smaller than a tire rim. (I happen to own both of these terrific vintage watches... and they are terrific.) You can own both of these better watches for less money if you look around. A nice old Patek is also terrific.
It's a OMG "Battery operated" Rolex, and as such is MUCH slimmer than a normal Rolex.
walk past Parque Morazon drunk late at night the muggers can't miss it. And, yes, you're fucking nuts.
While I am not a big Cellini fan, I don't disagree with your premise -- there are PLENTY of vintage options. The 1960s mechanical Cellinis are not bad... and are also generally only $2K or so, sometime less. If you like the REALLY thin quartz Cellini, I'd suggest a classic Patek Phillippe Calatrava -- the watch that the Cellini originally tried to copy. Cheap quartz Calatravas are also available -- but I will always prefer the mechanical.
not for all vintage Rolexes. I own a mid 70s Rolex Daytona stopwatch. It's fairly large, quite rare, and worth quite a sum. And the Paul Newman model is even rarer and more valuable.
I am very correct on the watches I mentioned. I happen to own quite a few old vintage watches, including one of the watches you cited, but, in general, I prefer smaller and older watches -- both American and Swiss. Another vintage watch he might want to consider is a Breitling Navitimer. It has the wrist "presence" of a Rolex without the tacky "bling".
If you think a vintage Rolex bubbleback is too small, how about a Breitling Navitimer? They have they same wrist "presence" of a Rolex but without the tacky "bling" effect -- and a good pre-owned example is much cheaper than the prices you mentioned. (I have one that I seldom wear, but it is a nice watch.)