Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 11:06     Subject: Rolex
Anonymous wrote:I have watches that are worth more than single family homes in this area.


Ok? Congratulations?
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 11:05     Subject: Rolex
Anonymous wrote:I worked very closely with Rolex for many years and the reason why they sell so many now is they changed their marketing and now everyone wants one. In the US they used to market to a very select crowd and now they are marketing everywhere.

There was a power struggle after Allen Brill died in 2010 about how to run Rolex USA and they hired their in house marketing guy who changed the way they marketed the company and for a few years it didn't do very well especially around 2012-15 when sales dipped because of the economy but as the economy recovered, the marketing to everyone really took off and their hybrid approach of exclusivity and putting their name on everything changed everything as did the popularity of F1 which used to be very exclusive now anyone can go enjoy the race and while the US Open Golf Tournament used to be their only sponsorship, every tournament is now sponsored by them.

Are they the best watch? no, are they the most popular top brand yes but it's not as exclusive as it once was.


You basically nailed it, but the iconic nature of brand Rolex coupled with just enough exclusivity to keep it out of reach for most folks makes it aspirational.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 10:28     Subject: Rolex
I worked very closely with Rolex for many years and the reason why they sell so many now is they changed their marketing and now everyone wants one. In the US they used to market to a very select crowd and now they are marketing everywhere.

There was a power struggle after Allen Brill died in 2010 about how to run Rolex USA and they hired their in house marketing guy who changed the way they marketed the company and for a few years it didn't do very well especially around 2012-15 when sales dipped because of the economy but as the economy recovered, the marketing to everyone really took off and their hybrid approach of exclusivity and putting their name on everything changed everything as did the popularity of F1 which used to be very exclusive now anyone can go enjoy the race and while the US Open Golf Tournament used to be their only sponsorship, every tournament is now sponsored by them.

Are they the best watch? no, are they the most popular top brand yes but it's not as exclusive as it once was.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 10:27     Subject: Re:Rolex
I think there is a difference between Tiffany / LV and Rolex. Someone upthread mentioned Tiffany silver items and the LV neverfull, compared to entry level stainless Rolex models. I think the entry level Tiffany items are nothing special and not well made, and the brand has made me think twice about buying their diamond items or anniversary items, since their service has also suffered. If you do a quick search, you'll see people decrying LV and Tiffany as having cheapened the brand - both by trying to gain the masses with cheap items, but also with cheaper production and finishing. I haven't so far seen any complaints that Rolex now makes crap watches, even when discussing their mass produced, inexpensive models.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 10:18     Subject: Rolex
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I got a Rolex because I wanted a watch that just works, and that thing is a tank. I don't have to baby it. I also like the Jubilee bracelet a lot, and getting a Jubilee style bracelet in a different brand seemed like getting a copy.


To your point, Rolex is the most copied watch in the world. Glycine watches actually invented the rotating bezel, but Rolex brought it to the masses. Rolex invented the dedicated GMT hand. They invented the first truly waterproof case. They invented the screw down crown. They invented the first automatic watch with a perpetually winding rotor. They invented the first wristwatch with a date.


I’ll also say that you can get an entry model Rolex and know that it works great and looks great. I only have the stainless steel, fluted wg bezel Lady DateJust. No diamonds, no fancy chrono, not a limited quantity model. I’ve never felt like there’s anything wrong with my watch, whereas when I test drove a mid level model Volvo and the Benz GLA and GLB, I felt I’d be scraping the bottom of the fleet in order to drive a Volvo or Mercedes that wasn’t a true member of its brand.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 10:16     Subject: Rolex
A Rolex GMT “Pepsi” retails for $12,000 at an authorized dealer IF you can get one. Chrono24 is a trusted reseller of pre-owned watches. They’re selling used Pepsis for $24,000+.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 10:08     Subject: Rolex
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:LOL at those who think you can walk into a Rolex dealer and out with a new watch. Not likely in most cases. Ever heard of waiting lists?


I walked into an AD and was able to try on different Rolex models and walked out with one the same day. Of course, it wasn't one of the rare coveted models, but yes you can walk in and buy a Rolex. Unless things have really changed that much in 10 years?


Yes, things have changed a bit. A person could probably buy a Datejust with a black dial, plain bezel and the Oyster bracelet. If you wanted one with a fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet and the Wimbledon dial you’d need to put your name on a list. You can’t walk in and buy a steel Sub, GMT or Explorer II.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 10:06     Subject: Rolex
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:LOL at those who think you can walk into a Rolex dealer and out with a new watch. Not likely in most cases. Ever heard of waiting lists?


I walked into an AD and was able to try on different Rolex models and walked out with one the same day. Of course, it wasn't one of the rare coveted models, but yes you can walk in and buy a Rolex. Unless things have really changed that much in 10 years?


John Mulaney has a rather insane Rolex buying story in his latest stand up (his spending was restricted so he bought a Rolex and then immediately resold it to buy drugs).
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 10:03     Subject: Rolex
Anonymous wrote:I got a Rolex because I wanted a watch that just works, and that thing is a tank. I don't have to baby it. I also like the Jubilee bracelet a lot, and getting a Jubilee style bracelet in a different brand seemed like getting a copy.


To your point, Rolex is the most copied watch in the world. Glycine watches actually invented the rotating bezel, but Rolex brought it to the masses. Rolex invented the dedicated GMT hand. They invented the first truly waterproof case. They invented the screw down crown. They invented the first automatic watch with a perpetually winding rotor. They invented the first wristwatch with a date.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 10:01     Subject: Rolex
Anonymous wrote:LOL at those who think you can walk into a Rolex dealer and out with a new watch. Not likely in most cases. Ever heard of waiting lists?


I walked into an AD and was able to try on different Rolex models and walked out with one the same day. Of course, it wasn't one of the rare coveted models, but yes you can walk in and buy a Rolex. Unless things have really changed that much in 10 years?
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 09:40     Subject: Rolex
I got a Rolex because I wanted a watch that just works, and that thing is a tank. I don't have to baby it. I also like the Jubilee bracelet a lot, and getting a Jubilee style bracelet in a different brand seemed like getting a copy.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 08:58     Subject: Rolex
Anonymous wrote:I love Rolexes. Love the history, love how they can be worn with everything, love to pass them to others.



The GM-Master II may be the perfect one watch collection. It stays true to its heritage at 40mm, it’s slim enough to fit under a shirt cuff with ease, and the jubilee bracelet can dress it up enough to go with a suit.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 08:48     Subject: Rolex
I love Rolexes. Love the history, love how they can be worn with everything, love to pass them to others.

Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 08:32     Subject: Rolex
Anonymous wrote:I have watches that are worth more than single family homes in this area.


I hope they bring you joy. For me, watches like that wouldn’t work. I have a dedicated dress watch. Other than that I prefer go anywhere do anything (GADA) watches. Rolex professional models do that exceptionally well.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 06:58     Subject: Rolex
I have watches that are worth more than single family homes in this area.