my dad gave me a Sub when I graduated from Univ. When I retired to Philippines I made mistake of sending it for service and it was stolen on its return by Philippines Customs ... I can never afford to replace it, but all the years I had it, I couldn't look at it without thinking how proud my dad was of me and how he made such a considerate gift to me that I would enjoy so many years.
Sad, but very nice story besides the part of it being stolen. My dad's '67 GMT Master was stolen from my dad. It would've been mine one day, but one fuckup took it as my dad played a gig during the German reunification party in' 89.
When I think of Rolex, I think of Porsche. I don't own a Porsche, but these are companies that don't compromise on quality and make sure they provide great quality. They are timeless - no matter what model-year you own.
JBBooks4440 so interesting. I own a few Rolexes and I also own a Porsche 911. That’s what I always compare. Pateks and APs are the Lamborghinis and Ferrari’s of the watch world, but give me my 911. It’s a timeless classic and virtually unfallible!
Pretty much every Rolex design is classic and an icon. These days people are greatly influenced by the watch forums/ youtube on what is cool and follow whatever trend or belief is popular at the time.
I remember when I was about 14 my dad telling me about his '72 DJ, how it doesn't tick like other watches and that it's powered by just your movement. I thought back then it was kinda neat but like all 14yr old's went back to their video games. Fast forward two decades and now I'm the proud owner of that exact watch. Couldn't be prouder to wear it. Not because it's a "Rolex" (yes it's great to have a Rolex in my collection) but because it was Dad's. Dad asks about it now and then and I'm always happy to give him an update. I think he's just very glad that the person who has it now will look after it probably better than he did... and that person also happens to be his son. Sentimental rant over... Keep up the great work mate. :)
I think that Rolex is about the best a mechanical watch can be. I don't think brands that charge far more than Rolex (such as Patek) really offer any more performance.
Boy, you hammered this one! Many people just seem to miss the point about Rolex, they are purpose built, simple & robust tool watches that are classicly styled and don't follow the trend of the moment backed by brilliant marketing & busness prowess. They are not Pateks, Lange's or Defour's as incredible as these brands are this is not their competition & they know it. I bought my first Submariner Ref 16800 in 1982 just before going into the Army & whore it every day of my life for 25 years & still wear it in rotation to this day, it even saved my life once so for the haters out there try being intellectually honest about the brand & its allright to love & admire other brands, their's plenty to choose from.
Grand seikos are nice especially with the spring drive but I just can’t pull myself to get one. There’s something about seikos that I respect but would never spend over $1000 for
You made me remember a german watchmaker, who was servicing one of my dads Rolex saying: the movement from this watches are potatoes. Strog and robust, however, the machinery in the Oysterquartz and how it conects to the mechanical in Rolex is a piece of art. You should consider geting one of those. This watchmaker was a very experienced one and used to service many high end quality watches and the ADs never questioned his work. Not even Patek Phillip.
True watch geek here...:)After my Omega Speedmaster Professional, I bought a Rolex Explorer II...then ...thought Rolex was boring, too common...and an unfortunate status symbol nevertheless....(sold the Explorer II)...Had a collection of A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original, Parmigiani Fleurier, Girard Perregaux, Panerai...Ended up, with some regrets, selling them all...Now, for my 50th birthday,...just purchased a new Rolex Datejust 116200 36mm...I agree with you...Rolex isn't high horology...but it's so wearable, solid and reliable...timeless and versatile...so I came full circle... Thanks for confirming my assumption. Peace ! Love your channel !
This video sums up why people who consider themselves collectors of anything always think it's "uncool" to like popular brands or new models even if the product is quality. Similar to why a "foodie" only likes restaurants that no one has heard of...
I did presentation some years ago on Rolex, they bought a lot patents to become the iconic king they are, most people don't know they were not always super expensive, alot of complications we take for granted Rolex developed.
I admit to have formerly been fighting fully appreciating Rolex and avoided buying one. I may have been in that exact stage you mentioned. However as of a few days ago I changed and I am wearing my new preowned 1995 Sea-Dweller having traded a prized Swiss watch I owned. I must agree with all your comments and am now a fully reformed and admitted Rolex appreciator. Cheers!
As I've grown older,paying $8000 for a Sub.that cost $800-$1000 to produce is crazy. Resale is great. Value sucks. They make a million watches per year. Not exclusive, but still has status. I'll grant you that. I had a Sub.when I was 30. Now I'd rather buy a better value watch. Give me a pre-owned Breguet type XX1. It is was more watch for less money.
Great video! Grew up thinking that Rolex were the best and coolest watches around. Then I got into watches a couple of years ago and thought they were just a flashy brand for ignorant people with money. I then really got into watches and learned how important Rolex's history is in this whole horology thing. It really hit me when I realized that Rolex is the only brand that both caters to us watch geeks, as well as non-watch people. Therefor I currently own two Datejust's and a GMT-Master 2, and my next watch is going to be a Day-Date! I'm totally and utterly in love with Rolex!
I had a very similar experience. I got into watches very young thanks to my grandfathers influence and immediately took note of Rolex. Early on it took place as "king of watches" in my mind- all else I had exposure to back then was Breitling, Tissot, Longines, Omega, Tag, etc., so maybe it really was king in that context. Then as the years went on I started learning about things like the holy trinity, A. Lange, etc. and while each of those companies make a handful of watches I'd love to own someday, I eventually reverted back to thinking Rolex was king. It's hard to be objective because Rolex makes it hard to do so with the insane amount of marketing, but if a famed watchmaker such as Roger Smith has one as his daily and praises its timeless rugged movements you know it can't be all bad... But even without his endorsement they really are the best tool/sports watches around, imo.
The continuity and timelessness is beautiful imho. Put a 6542 by a 166710blnr and you will be able to see they are the "same watch" from different realities ('50s vs today).
I agree with your opinion that Rolex is indeed King. My problem is with the people that worship the Rolex brand. You can have arguments that Rolex is superior only to learn the argument is coming from someone that does not own a Rolex or may not be a watch person at all. Watch companies have used Rolex as a model and through innovation produced watches that are not only as robust but are equal in technology and some are esthetically more appealing. Not to mention so many alternatives to Rolex are offered at a fraction of Rolex prices. So, to sum up, I want to recognize Rolex as King but, it's fan base is so over the top with how great it is, I internally shut out their hype. Now I want anything that is not Rolex. Here may be an answer about the explosion of Tudor. I digress.
Well said comment! I feel the same about Rolex and recognize their strong lineage in the horilogical world. However being the aesthetics type of guy i am, the Tudor line up is simply more appealing to me in that regard... I'm sure most would have know reservations about passing these down as generational heirlooms themselves at a much easier to swallow price point.. 😎
Redskins while you may be able to buy other brands cheaper. They won’t hold value like a Rolex. I’m not sure why people overlook that factor so often. I felt comfortable shelling out almost $8,000 on a stainless datejust because I know it will retain most of that value. If you buy used it will retain pretty much ALL of its value. Rolex is a safe place to put your money, thus making people comfortable with spending more, because you know you won’t lose much. The same can’t be said for most other brands.
Don't get me wrong I like Rolex, what I hate is the oblivious people that wear them and think it's the be all end all watch as well as talk shit about other brands. That's what I hate about the brand and it's not even their fault.
Christian, another great video. Sometimes I feel the same, struggling not to low appreciate Rolex because of the the recognize they have in entirely world and just forget how great they are for what they propose. Quick question:Do you think the 60's 70's or even 80's Rolex deserve the prices they have?in that time brands like Omega, Longines (only till 70's), zenith, jlc (just to name a few) weren't on pair or even better in some cases? I ask that exactly because what you said about the Omega seamaster early on the video, if you compare it to any rolex from same time the difference in price is huge. Cheers
Well done Theo and well argued. It would be interesting to hear your insights into starting a business in the future, I can imagine your enthusiasm and energy really helps.
Spot on Chris. Rolex is definitively a company who does a great translation of a quality watch means for a non-watch geek. Reason why it's commercial suggest besides the high quality of their products.
Christian, let me say first that I think the datejust with light blue dial (the one I think you have in your collection, the same my father has), is a thing of pure beauty. So I don't hate "everything that is Rolex". I commend them for their past, better say for the innovations the company brought to the world (Oyster case, et al). But as of lately, they've been posterboys for lazyness, "funky" (at best) designs, living only off of their past, just a marketing king. Yes, the quality is still good to great, the degree of movement reliability is very good. But yes, they're also terribly overpriced (think about the Daytona, or the President). I saw a comment on your last video with TGV and Federico about what Tudor is. One comment encapsuled how I see it now: "Tudor is what Rolex used to be: a tool watch, robust, reliable, no frills". Rolex is king because of marketing, but as a "luxury item" why it's assumed as always better (perceived) than a Lange, or a Vacheron, or a Grand Seiko? Because they've marketed themselves better than others. There's also substance, but the amount of hype is incredible, IMO. Feel free to say that "I don't know what I'm talking about". As always, keep the vids coming. Maybe you could do a "reverse RanT&H", with Anna ranting and you recording-editing the video. Just for once, just as a surprise.
Rolex is a great watch and not overrated but definitely over priced.Rolex owes it's price point to Seiko destroying the Swiss cornering of the market in the 1970s.Before that you could get a Rolex for $120 in the 60s.Over $5,000 now is just ridiculous for what you get then add $500 for a service. Not practical at all and if going for horology, you'd be better off with P.P.,J.L.C.,V.C. or a Breguet.
Look at it this way. In the 60s, one oz of gold is 35$. 120$ is about 4oz of gold. The price hike these years, partly was because of stronger branding, yes. But from another aspect, you have to look at the devaluation of your currency
Supply and demand and inflation are the main factors in today’s prices. Any item is worth what people are WILLING to pay for it. Considering Rolex holds its value on the used market you, overpriced would be an inaccurate description. Perspective is a crazy thing my friend.
I actually started to disslike Rolex when I started to learn about watches. I loved the design on many of their models like the sub and the datejust etc. But I started to disslike the name "Rolex" and their font etc. It was such a cliche. Im now I year later a total watch nerd and I have started to appreciate Rolex more and more, and I can really see myself buying a Sub or a vintage datejust in the near future. When I learned a lot more about their history I started to feel bad about dissliking them before. Your videos are really educational and interesting!
Agree with every single word you said. The more you “get into” watches the more you appreciate just what Rolex do, id like a patek or an ap etc but would they last 50 years of daily wear like a submariner? I doubt it very much. They actually exceptional value for money compared to anything else. You get the status that goes with Rolex they hold almost all their value and feel a massive step up in quality compared to omega or breitling imo. Not to mention the fact that every part of a Rolex is made by rolex.
Great video, man! Not everybody is watch enthusiast. For me personally Rolex is and never have been a cliché. I don't care about that is perceived as a status symbol. Rolex, like many other brands, makes very good and durable watches. Even as Omega fan and owner, I love the design of their watches, especially that of the Subs and GMTs. Btw, amazing Seamaster, cheers!
I absolutely acknowledge the quality, the beauty, the toughness and the iconicness of Rolex. The Sub is the most copied design ever and I personally find the Explorer one of the most beautiful designs ever. However a brand is not only defined by the brand itself, but mostly by the people wearing that brand. And this is how Rolex, for me personally, became way too snobbish for me to be associated with. I much rather fly under the radar with a Sinn or Nomos or a Grand Seiko. Also I think Rolexes are overpriced as well as their service costs. So I do not "hit" Rolex for their watches, I only "hit" the majority of snobs, status seekers, wannabees, wiseguys, rappers, drugdealers, football players, chavs and pikeys wearing them (fake or real) that I do not want to be associated with. Most of us here are watch geeks. I love watch geeks. And despite it is wrong to generalize, you can almost be sure when encountering a Grand Seiko, you are dealing with a watch geek. Rolex is the best example of the opposite I think. Of course there are always exceptions.
Rolex are awesome, i havent got a single compliment on both my rolexs, and i dont flash it around either...so to me not status, just a quality time piece!!👍👍
I have always loved watches, but not always loved Rolex. I dug into the history and innovation that is Rolex and fell in love. After all these years, all these watches, my end game, my last watch, the one watch collection is now a steel black dial 2010 Daytona. I gave, traded and sold all the rest. I just found myself wanting the Daytona on my wrist when I wore other watches. It's a fucking Rolex.
Great video, as always. I have a Rolex Sub and I think it is a fantastic watch. I also think the entire luxury tool watch market exists now because of Rolex. Having said that, I am drawn to the lesser known brands by nature, and because of some fantastic technology that pushes or surpasses Rolex in many respects. There are many excellent, rugged brands out there, but I don't think any of them survive the quartz era without Rolex pulling them through. On the down side, if I see one of the other brands on someone's wrist, I am likely to assume they are watch collectors and I will probably start a conversation with them. That isn't the case if I see someone wearing a Rolex.
Let's say you are in a foreign , you get ropped you loose all your money and stuff ...with a rolex in your hand you can easily exchange it for money and get a ticket back home.Something i'll doubt it would work with Patek or A.Lange ..Because rolex is Rolex !
My biggest regret was choosing a steel Breitling Chronomat Evolution over a steel Rolex Submariner in 2007. My dad always said Rolex is king, and I learnt the hard way as all sons do with dad's advice. Great video once again.
Just acquired a 1987 DJ 16220 with grey tapestry dial...amazingly classy and yes, hope to pass it to my son one day. Not cheap, and looks under-stated on some leather
Hi Christian, I've only watched a few videos on your channel but so far I'm enjoying it. I have seen you on TGVs channel and Federico channel. Lol keep up the the amazing job.👍🇮🇹
I feel the same as you, Rolex has positioned themselves in the same vein as Patek in that they take are known as the standard gift of heirloom or making special occasion watches, however they are much more accessible
Everybody has heard of Rolex which is great marketing. I am old enough to realise that having a Rolex is not the be all and end all when owning a watch. They are a great dress, beta and tool watch but so are other brands. If you want a Rolex and buy it for the prestige of owning a Rolex then that is up to you. The bottom line is to buy what you like and enjoy and sod everybody else.
To me, Rolex is an American thing. My grandfather was into watches, he bought many of them and gave them to all family members - IWC, Omega, Zenith, all very dressy and elegant, and I always saw Rolex as gaudy and classless. I don't even see it as a status symbol, I see it as a symbol of the nouveau riche Americans without any taste whatsoever. For me personally, a Patek Calatrava, or a Vacheron Patrimony, or a JLC master ultra-thin, is a status symbol. It means you have both taste and money. Rolex is a tool watch company, inferior to Omega, which due to some strange set of events managed to profile itself as a status symbol watch company. I don't know when that happened, but I think it was in the 1980s or something, because that's when the "yuppies" had to have a Rolex and somehow it exploded from there.
I think it's so interesting and flawed how people let the behavior of unknown third parties, who they don't know and will never know, influence their decision to buy a watch or not
great video. I literally just finished up my "rolex isn't all that" hipster snob phase this summer. Probably will pick up a 14060 no date sub or 16570 gmt in the next couple years. Do you think those will steadily climb in value in the NEAR term? They're two of my favs, and coincidentally the "cheaper" options out there now.
Really Nice video Christian, I agree with almost everything you said about Rolex, but I think that nowadays the Rolex watches are really overpriced and I do not like the fact that they "stop" the evolution of the watch making in their collections... They only notable things that they change, every year, are the material of the bezels, the colors of those or some tiny things (e.g. The parachrome balance spring). I'm kind of sad to say that because firstly, I'm a Rolex owner and secondly I think that in this industry, nowadays, is necessary tradition, for sure, but you have to mix it with innovation. Anyway, my compliments for the video, always really interesting!!!
Loved the Madonna reference haha. Top video as always. Wonder if the next gen will care about watches though, maybe Rolex won't stand the test of time after all!
That's exactly how I felt. I didn't like a Rolex because of all the attention. I didn't want to be associated with people that didn't know anything about watches. People that bought a Rolex because they were supposedly the "Best". I would compare a Rolex to a jeep & a Harley because the majority of their consumers bought the brand rather than the product. Harleys are not the best bikes technically and Jeeps are not the only rock crawling four wheel vehicle but they have a following, an almost cult status. Now, I rode many Harleys and even owned one & drove and rented jeeps too but I would not like to keep them. It is nice to go against the status quo! It's just my style :) but after learning more and more about Rolex, you begin to realize that they are made of high quality and are durable and have lasted the test of time. You begin to respect a Rolex for being a watch and not for being a status symbol. I again would seek other alternatives from a Harley moto or a Jeep 4x4 but in the case of Rolex.....this time, I feel, this product has true substance. It's difficult to dislike something that is really that good...lol. I no longer hate the Watch, I just hate the people who wear them that have no clue on their Rolex's history! First water resistant watch, first watch to go 36,000 feet under water (mariana trench). How can you argue with that?
I agree with a lot of points but Rolex does a fair bit of marketing, just look at the tennis, Le Mans, I think even golf. I'd have to disagree and say they market a fair bit IMO
great video as always, but what do you think about how Rolex is a mile marker in someone's life. there are so many stories of people who would get a Rolex when they retire.
Vintage wins hands down. They tend to be slimmer & are generally more curvaceous. They also feature far less text ( dial & rehaut) & sit much better on the wrist despite having cheaper bracelets & to cap it all off they have history.
I’ve been using this comparison lately, maybe you’ll get it. Michael Jordan is the Rolex of basketball......maybe there will be players that pass him as the best but when you ask everyone who is the best basketball player ever 9/10 times they ll say MJ. Just like as you said here when people think of the best watches, its Rolex both of their brands and legacies are just that big. End rant lol
Nice WWCheck young man...and you figured to do it at the start of the vid finally. No one will give a damn what you are saying if u are not wearing a nice piece.
thank you for another great video. I would like to correct about rolex marketing. their actually the watch brand that spends most money on marketing, so there is a good reason for why people that don't know much about watches know this brand in particular, I have linked an article where you can read about it. there is also wikipedia www.watchtime.com/wristwatch-industry-news/industry/which-watch-brands-spent-the-most-on-advertising-in-2013/
Well to be honest i do have that sour taste in my mouth. But this bideo helped me get rid of it to some extend. Hopefully as i learn i will be able to appreciate rolex even more
I would take any Patek Phillipe over any Rolex. You understand when you see it. My turntable is from a brand that started out in the 70s, I rather buy something inovative using new machining and new materials than the old shyte that stopped ticking.
You make a lot of references to watches, articles, etc in these videos. Sometimes you even say "we'll like below" but you almost never do. I think it would be cool if you guys tried to link to stuff you reference.
You my friend are well ahead of your time. Very knowledgeable to the watch industry. Keep up the great work! Rolex is a status symbol for most hairy chest middle age men. But once a person can come to peace with themselves, hopefully they can realize that they aren't married to the brand. Enjoy the other great companies that make watches out there. Won't catch any STD's by trying everything on.
I gotta say Christian. I recently started watching your videos and I absolutely love your passion! You're a very charismatic speaker and your love for watches just shines through. Keep doing what you do! ps: Wanna review my (small) collection? :P
Madonna "irrelevant"? Like many superstars who peaked while you were a twinkle in your daddies eye, she's copied more times than you can imagine. She's influenced so many recording artists. I agree though that she should think about not trying so hard now she's older but "irrelevant" she's not.
Gary Smith thanks for watching, man! I agree with you, I think "sad and clinging to the past" would have expressed my it emotion much better. She isn't, and probably will never be, irrelevant! And remember that most super stars peaked before either of our grandfathers were twinkles in their daddy's eyes!
GS can compete with Rolex. Take into account price and you've got a commendable substitute. The only drawback is prestige. But if you're a watch nut, I presume you are able to disregard that halo.
Rolex is "king" because asshats believe this watch brand is superior to all others, but as you said they do nothing revolutionary to their design and engineering because they don't have to. Their current offerings are mediocre at best and sometimes god awful gaudy. Rolex just sells luxury without substance. Their grip on nostalgia for the past is what keeps them alive.
I Rolex the king of watches? Absolutely not. I started out loving Rolex just like most watch lovers do and then I moved on to better brands. For a while, I did dislike Rolex but now I have come back to liking them. The thing is though, I only like their sports watches, not dress watches. My absolute favorite is the Submariner and I also like the GMT and Daytona (especially the new ceramic bezel model) but I'm not overly fond of the president or sky-dweller series. I wouldn't mind having a stainless steel or two-tone Datejust as a sort of fancy/sporty watch I can wear to play tennis, but when it comes to spending like $50,000 on a watch I think you'd have to be an idiot to go for a president instead of something like a Patek Philippe Nautilus or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Rolex simply doesn't make something as nice as those two watches, either aesthetically or in terms of quality and complication. If you spend big bucks on a watch, you want a company that is known for their impeccable quality and attention to detail worldwide. I know you think that company is Rolex and they do make high quality watches but they are still very generic and mass produced compared to Patek, Vacheron, AP or Lange. Granted, some of these companies only make high end dress watches and I would prefer a sub to let's say a Vacheron Overseas but the Nautilus and Royal Oak have any Rolex in any category beat hands down. Real watch enthusiasts view Rolex as a sort of everyday beater watch they can wear and still feel good about what they are wearing, but they won't be caught dead wearing something like an Omega or Tag.
my dad gave me a Sub when I graduated from Univ. When I retired to Philippines I made mistake of sending it for service and it was stolen on its return by Philippines Customs ... I can never afford to replace it, but all the years I had it, I couldn't look at it without thinking how proud my dad was of me and how he made such a considerate gift to me that I would enjoy so many years.
Sad, but very nice story besides the part of it being stolen.
My dad's '67 GMT Master was stolen from my dad. It would've been mine one day, but one fuckup took it as my dad played a gig during the German reunification party in' 89.
Its a shame how things get away from us. I am very careful with my stuff now ... especially when I ship things.
+J.R. Regenold geez... Even I felt a sharp pain in my heart reading your story.
J.R. Regenold What model was it if I may ask? Shit happens.
1978 Ref: 1680. Hard worn everyday watch, but still a beauty.
I want a velvet robe and a bear hunting room... it is my lifes goal....
When I think of Rolex, I think of Porsche. I don't own a Porsche, but these are companies that don't compromise on quality and make sure they provide great quality. They are timeless - no matter what model-year you own.
JBBooks4440 so interesting. I own a few Rolexes and I also own a Porsche 911. That’s what I always compare. Pateks and APs are the Lamborghinis and Ferrari’s of the watch world, but give me my 911. It’s a timeless classic and virtually unfallible!
Rolex is the most loved (and the most hated) watch brand in the world. That, my friend, is the power of Rolex.
All watch discussions, all things that are wrist watches begin and end with Rolex. That is the power...........
Pretty much every Rolex design is classic and an icon. These days people are greatly influenced by the watch forums/ youtube on what is cool and follow whatever trend or belief is popular at the time.
I remember when I was about 14 my dad telling me about his '72 DJ, how it doesn't tick like other watches and that it's powered by just your movement. I thought back then it was kinda neat but like all 14yr old's went back to their video games. Fast forward two decades and now I'm the proud owner of that exact watch. Couldn't be prouder to wear it. Not because it's a "Rolex" (yes it's great to have a Rolex in my collection) but because it was Dad's. Dad asks about it now and then and I'm always happy to give him an update. I think he's just very glad that the person who has it now will look after it probably better than he did... and that person also happens to be his son. Sentimental rant over... Keep up the great work mate. :)
As a branding lesson, their company is a great case study
For sure!
I think that Rolex is about the best a mechanical watch can be. I don't think brands that charge far more than Rolex (such as Patek) really offer any more performance.
Boy, you hammered this one! Many people just seem to miss the point about Rolex, they are purpose built, simple & robust tool watches that are classicly styled and don't follow the trend of the moment backed by brilliant marketing & busness prowess. They are not Pateks, Lange's or Defour's as incredible as these brands are this is not their competition & they know it. I bought my first Submariner Ref 16800 in 1982 just before going into the Army & whore it every day of my life for 25 years & still wear it in rotation to this day, it even saved my life once so for the haters out there try being intellectually honest about the brand & its allright to love & admire other brands, their's plenty to choose from.
pretty hard to find alternative to Rolex and eventually one way or another you find yourself owning Rolex
Tudor👍👍
Grand seikos are nice especially with the spring drive but I just can’t pull myself to get one. There’s something about seikos that I respect but would never spend over $1000 for
You made me remember a german watchmaker, who was servicing one of my dads Rolex saying: the movement from this watches are potatoes. Strog and robust, however, the machinery in the Oysterquartz and how it conects to the mechanical in Rolex is a piece of art. You should consider geting one of those.
This watchmaker was a very experienced one and used to service many high end quality watches and the ADs never questioned his work. Not even Patek Phillip.
True watch geek here...:)After my Omega Speedmaster Professional, I bought a Rolex Explorer II...then ...thought Rolex was boring, too common...and an unfortunate status symbol nevertheless....(sold the Explorer II)...Had a collection of A. Lange & Sohne, Glashutte Original, Parmigiani Fleurier, Girard Perregaux, Panerai...Ended up, with some regrets, selling them all...Now, for my 50th birthday,...just purchased a new Rolex Datejust 116200 36mm...I agree with you...Rolex isn't high horology...but it's so wearable, solid and reliable...timeless and versatile...so I came full circle... Thanks for confirming my assumption. Peace ! Love your channel !
Rolex has something for almost everyone, I personally am a vintage GMT fan.
that's my poison as well! Love it
This video sums up why people who consider themselves collectors of anything always think it's "uncool" to like popular brands or new models even if the product is quality. Similar to why a "foodie" only likes restaurants that no one has heard of...
I’m wearing a rolex on each wrist while I watch this
Rolex doesn't do marketing? Lol they spend the most on marketing than any other watch company.
I did presentation some years ago on Rolex, they bought a lot patents to become the iconic king they are, most people don't know they were not always super expensive, alot of complications we take for granted Rolex developed.
I admit to have formerly been fighting fully appreciating Rolex and avoided buying one. I may have been in that exact stage you mentioned. However as of a few days ago I changed and I am wearing my new preowned 1995 Sea-Dweller having traded a prized Swiss watch I owned. I must agree with all your comments and am now a fully reformed and admitted Rolex appreciator.
Cheers!
Hahahah I love it!!Welcome to the green side!!
As I've grown older,paying $8000 for a Sub.that cost $800-$1000 to produce is crazy. Resale is great. Value sucks. They make a million watches per year. Not exclusive, but still has status. I'll grant you that. I had a Sub.when I was 30. Now I'd rather buy a better value watch. Give me a pre-owned Breguet type XX1. It is was more watch for less money.
Totally respectable view and taste, Mike! Thanks for watching!!
Great video! Grew up thinking that Rolex were the best and coolest watches around. Then I got into watches a couple of years ago and thought they were just a flashy brand for ignorant people with money. I then really got into watches and learned how important Rolex's history is in this whole horology thing. It really hit me when I realized that Rolex is the only brand that both caters to us watch geeks, as well as non-watch people. Therefor I currently own two Datejust's and a GMT-Master 2, and my next watch is going to be a Day-Date! I'm totally and utterly in love with Rolex!
Did you even watch the video?
I had a very similar experience. I got into watches very young thanks to my grandfathers influence and immediately took note of Rolex. Early on it took place as "king of watches" in my mind- all else I had exposure to back then was Breitling, Tissot, Longines, Omega, Tag, etc., so maybe it really was king in that context. Then as the years went on I started learning about things like the holy trinity, A. Lange, etc. and while each of those companies make a handful of watches I'd love to own someday, I eventually reverted back to thinking Rolex was king. It's hard to be objective because Rolex makes it hard to do so with the insane amount of marketing, but if a famed watchmaker such as Roger Smith has one as his daily and praises its timeless rugged movements you know it can't be all bad... But even without his endorsement they really are the best tool/sports watches around, imo.
I love Patek and audemars, but my go to is ROLEX.
The continuity and timelessness is beautiful imho. Put a 6542 by a 166710blnr and you will be able to see they are the "same watch" from different realities ('50s vs today).
I agree with your opinion that Rolex is indeed King. My problem is with the people that worship the Rolex brand. You can have arguments that Rolex is superior only to learn the argument is coming from someone that does not own a Rolex or may not be a watch person at all. Watch companies have used Rolex as a model and through innovation produced watches that are not only as robust but are equal in technology and some are esthetically more appealing. Not to mention so many alternatives to Rolex are offered at a fraction of Rolex prices.
So, to sum up, I want to recognize Rolex as King but, it's fan base is so over the top with how great it is, I internally shut out their hype. Now I want anything that is not Rolex. Here may be an answer about the explosion of Tudor. I digress.
Well said comment! I feel the same about Rolex and recognize their strong lineage in the horilogical world. However being the aesthetics type of guy i am, the Tudor line up is simply more appealing to me in that regard... I'm sure most would have know reservations about passing these down as generational heirlooms themselves at a much easier to swallow price point.. 😎
Redskins while you may be able to buy other brands cheaper. They won’t hold value like a Rolex. I’m not sure why people overlook that factor so often. I felt comfortable shelling out almost $8,000 on a stainless datejust because I know it will retain most of that value. If you buy used it will retain pretty much ALL of its value. Rolex is a safe place to put your money, thus making people comfortable with spending more, because you know you won’t lose much. The same can’t be said for most other brands.
Don't get me wrong I like Rolex, what I hate is the oblivious people that wear them and think it's the be all end all watch as well as talk shit about other brands. That's what I hate about the brand and it's not even their fault.
Christian, another great video. Sometimes I feel the same, struggling not to low appreciate Rolex because of the the recognize they have in entirely world and just forget how great they are for what they propose.
Quick question:Do you think the 60's 70's or even 80's Rolex deserve the prices they have?in that time brands like Omega, Longines (only till 70's), zenith, jlc (just to name a few) weren't on pair or even better in some cases? I ask that exactly because what you said about the Omega seamaster early on the video, if you compare it to any rolex from same time the difference in price is huge. Cheers
Probably the most "positive" rant ever :D
Great video, as always
Thank you for watching, Niklas!!
Well done Theo and well argued. It would be interesting to hear your insights into starting a business in the future, I can imagine your enthusiasm and energy really helps.
Absolutely it does.And thank you so much for watching!!
Spot on Chris. Rolex is definitively a company who does a great translation of a quality watch means for a non-watch geek. Reason why it's commercial suggest besides the high quality of their products.
Christian, let me say first that I think the datejust with light blue dial (the one I think you have in your collection, the same my father has), is a thing of pure beauty. So I don't hate "everything that is Rolex".
I commend them for their past, better say for the innovations the company brought to the world (Oyster case, et al).
But as of lately, they've been posterboys for lazyness, "funky" (at best) designs, living only off of their past, just a marketing king.
Yes, the quality is still good to great, the degree of movement reliability is very good. But yes, they're also terribly overpriced (think about the Daytona, or the President).
I saw a comment on your last video with TGV and Federico about what Tudor is.
One comment encapsuled how I see it now:
"Tudor is what Rolex used to be: a tool watch, robust, reliable, no frills".
Rolex is king because of marketing, but as a "luxury item" why it's assumed as always better (perceived) than a Lange, or a Vacheron, or a Grand Seiko?
Because they've marketed themselves better than others. There's also substance, but the amount of hype is incredible, IMO.
Feel free to say that "I don't know what I'm talking about".
As always, keep the vids coming. Maybe you could do a "reverse RanT&H", with Anna ranting and you recording-editing the video. Just for once, just as a surprise.
Rolex is a great watch and not overrated but definitely over priced.Rolex owes it's price point to Seiko destroying the Swiss cornering of the market in the 1970s.Before that you could get a Rolex for $120 in the 60s.Over $5,000 now is just ridiculous for what you get then add $500 for a service. Not practical at all and if going for horology, you'd be better off with P.P.,J.L.C.,V.C. or a Breguet.
Look at it this way. In the 60s, one oz of gold is 35$. 120$ is about 4oz of gold. The price hike these years, partly was because of stronger branding, yes. But from another aspect, you have to look at the devaluation of your currency
Patek Philippe start at like 30k...
Supply and demand and inflation are the main factors in today’s prices. Any item is worth what people are WILLING to pay for it. Considering Rolex holds its value on the used market you, overpriced would be an inaccurate description. Perspective is a crazy thing my friend.
I actually started to disslike Rolex when I started to learn about watches. I loved the design on many of their models like the sub and the datejust etc. But I started to disslike the name "Rolex" and their font etc. It was such a cliche. Im now I year later a total watch nerd and I have started to appreciate Rolex more and more, and I can really see myself buying a Sub or a vintage datejust in the near future. When I learned a lot more about their history I started to feel bad about dissliking them before. Your videos are really educational and interesting!
Agree with every single word you said. The more you “get into” watches the more you appreciate just what Rolex do, id like a patek or an ap etc but would they last 50 years of daily wear like a submariner? I doubt it very much. They actually exceptional value for money compared to anything else. You get the status that goes with Rolex they hold almost all their value and feel a massive step up in quality compared to omega or breitling imo. Not to mention the fact that every part of a Rolex is made by rolex.
Great video, man! Not everybody is watch enthusiast. For me personally Rolex is and never have been a cliché. I don't care about that is perceived as a status symbol. Rolex, like many other brands, makes very good and durable watches. Even as Omega fan and owner, I love the design of their watches, especially that of the Subs and GMTs. Btw, amazing Seamaster, cheers!
I absolutely acknowledge the quality, the beauty, the toughness and the iconicness of Rolex. The Sub is the most copied design ever and I personally find the Explorer one of the most beautiful designs ever.
However a brand is not only defined by the brand itself, but mostly by the people wearing that brand. And this is how Rolex, for me personally, became way too snobbish for me to be associated with. I much rather fly under the radar with a Sinn or Nomos or a Grand Seiko. Also I think Rolexes are overpriced as well as their service costs.
So I do not "hit" Rolex for their watches, I only "hit" the majority of snobs, status seekers, wannabees, wiseguys, rappers, drugdealers, football players, chavs and pikeys wearing them (fake or real) that I do not want to be associated with.
Most of us here are watch geeks. I love watch geeks. And despite it is wrong to generalize, you can almost be sure when encountering a Grand Seiko, you are dealing with a watch geek. Rolex is the best example of the opposite I think. Of course there are always exceptions.
Rolex are awesome, i havent got a single compliment on both my rolexs, and i dont flash it around either...so to me not status, just a quality time piece!!👍👍
You never really own a Rolex, you merely look after it for the next generation.
I saw that in a Patek ad this morning.
Thats with everything😥
yeah xD
This is literally Patek Philippe's slogan...
Brage Leiner yep, They use it om every ad
I have always loved watches, but not always loved Rolex. I dug into the history and innovation that is Rolex and fell in love. After all these years, all these watches, my end game, my last watch, the one watch collection is now a steel black dial 2010 Daytona. I gave, traded and sold all the rest. I just found myself wanting the Daytona on my wrist when I wore other watches. It's a fucking Rolex.
Great video, as always. I have a Rolex Sub and I think it is a fantastic watch. I also think the entire luxury tool watch market exists now because of Rolex. Having said that, I am drawn to the lesser known brands by nature, and because of some fantastic technology that pushes or surpasses Rolex in many respects. There are many excellent, rugged brands out there, but I don't think any of them survive the quartz era without Rolex pulling them through. On the down side, if I see one of the other brands on someone's wrist, I am likely to assume they are watch collectors and I will probably start a conversation with them. That isn't the case if I see someone wearing a Rolex.
Let's say you are in a foreign , you get ropped you loose all your money and stuff ...with a rolex in your hand you can easily exchange it for money and get a ticket back home.Something i'll doubt it would work with Patek or A.Lange ..Because rolex is Rolex !
If you get robbed, you can bet your rolex will also be stolen.
@@chillwill120 HAAAAAAAA!!! True.
My biggest regret was choosing a steel Breitling Chronomat Evolution over a steel Rolex Submariner in 2007. My dad always said Rolex is king, and I learnt the hard way as all sons do with dad's advice. Great video once again.
hahahaah your dad was right!! But Dads usually are. Thanks so much for watching!!
Just acquired a 1987 DJ 16220 with grey tapestry dial...amazingly classy and yes, hope to pass it to my son one day. Not cheap, and looks under-stated on some leather
Love it, man! And your son will too!!
Like it or not. Rolex are always the WOW factor!
Christian, can you link the Hodinkee article by Ben? I can't find it.
Hi Christian, I've only watched a few videos on your channel but so far I'm enjoying it. I have seen you on TGVs channel and Federico channel. Lol keep up the the amazing job.👍🇮🇹
This kid is so old and wise for his years. Good man.
Big fan of Rolex though prefer the more vintage versions. Not the biggest fan of the upsizing of DJs and Sea Dweller
Best video you've made so far mate, congratulations.
Thanks so much, George!!
I feel the same as you, Rolex has positioned themselves in the same vein as Patek in that they take are known as the standard gift of heirloom or making special occasion watches, however they are much more accessible
Everybody has heard of Rolex which is great marketing. I am old enough to realise that having a Rolex is not the be all and end all when owning a watch. They are a great dress, beta and tool watch but so are other brands. If you want a Rolex and buy it for the prestige of owning a Rolex then that is up to you. The bottom line is to buy what you like and enjoy and sod everybody else.
A much needed video. I have two and have never regretted buying them.
To me, Rolex is an American thing. My grandfather was into watches, he bought many of them and gave them to all family members - IWC, Omega, Zenith, all very dressy and elegant, and I always saw Rolex as gaudy and classless. I don't even see it as a status symbol, I see it as a symbol of the nouveau riche Americans without any taste whatsoever. For me personally, a Patek Calatrava, or a Vacheron Patrimony, or a JLC master ultra-thin, is a status symbol. It means you have both taste and money. Rolex is a tool watch company, inferior to Omega, which due to some strange set of events managed to profile itself as a status symbol watch company. I don't know when that happened, but I think it was in the 1980s or something, because that's when the "yuppies" had to have a Rolex and somehow it exploded from there.
I think it's so interesting and flawed how people let the behavior of unknown third parties, who they don't know and will never know, influence their decision to buy a watch or not
great video. I literally just finished up my "rolex isn't all that" hipster snob phase this summer. Probably will pick up a 14060 no date sub or 16570 gmt in the next couple years. Do you think those will steadily climb in value in the NEAR term? They're two of my favs, and coincidentally the "cheaper" options out there now.
super hard to say! But in the long run, you'll never lose!
What's the watch in the thumbnail?
Really Nice video Christian, I agree with almost everything you said about Rolex, but I think that nowadays the Rolex watches are really overpriced and I do not like the fact that they "stop" the evolution of the watch making in their collections... They only notable things that they change, every year, are the material of the bezels, the colors of those or some tiny things (e.g. The parachrome balance spring).
I'm kind of sad to say that because firstly, I'm a Rolex owner and secondly I think that in this industry, nowadays, is necessary tradition, for sure, but you have to mix it with innovation.
Anyway, my compliments for the video, always really interesting!!!
I completely agree, I thought it was an exceptional artical.
Loved the Madonna reference haha. Top video as always. Wonder if the next gen will care about watches though, maybe Rolex won't stand the test of time after all!
Man ...You should drink less coffee. ;)
That's exactly how I felt. I didn't like a Rolex because of all the attention. I didn't want to be associated with people that didn't know anything about watches. People that bought a Rolex because they were supposedly the "Best". I would compare a Rolex to a jeep & a Harley because the majority of their consumers bought the brand rather than the product. Harleys are not the best bikes technically and Jeeps are not the only rock crawling four wheel vehicle but they have a following, an almost cult status. Now, I rode many Harleys and even owned one & drove and rented jeeps too but I would not like to keep them. It is nice to go against the status quo! It's just my style :) but after learning more and more about Rolex, you begin to realize that they are made of high quality and are durable and have lasted the test of time. You begin to respect a Rolex for being a watch and not for being a status symbol. I again would seek other alternatives from a Harley moto or a Jeep 4x4 but in the case of Rolex.....this time, I feel, this product has true substance. It's difficult to dislike something that is really that good...lol. I no longer hate the Watch, I just hate the people who wear them that have no clue on their Rolex's history! First water resistant watch, first watch to go 36,000 feet under water (mariana trench). How can you argue with that?
This dude reminds me of "Honey I Shrunk the Kids"! Lol!
Hahahahahah Rick Moranis!!
Love those 90's movies!!!
I agree with a lot of points but Rolex does a fair bit of marketing, just look at the tennis, Le Mans, I think even golf. I'd have to disagree and say they market a fair bit IMO
Oops...but will hold its value over time. Completely agree Christian.
great video as always, but what do you think about how Rolex is a mile marker in someone's life. there are so many stories of people who would get a Rolex when they retire.
I love mile marker watches! I think theyre a great way to remember a great achievement!
Yeah Rolex IS king but they aren't cool. Their vintage pieces on the other hand...
You've got no argument out of me there!
Why arent they kool?
Vintage wins hands down. They tend to be slimmer & are generally more curvaceous. They also feature far less text ( dial & rehaut) & sit much better on the wrist despite having cheaper bracelets & to cap it all off they have history.
stephen rhodes Next joke please😂
Tudor's cooler than Rolex.
I’ve been using this comparison lately, maybe you’ll get it. Michael Jordan is the Rolex of basketball......maybe there will be players that pass him as the best but when you ask everyone who is the best basketball player ever 9/10 times they ll say MJ. Just like as you said here when people think of the best watches, its Rolex both of their brands and legacies are just that big. End rant lol
Someone please tell Madonna that she’s irrelevant. Thank you!
Great video, Christian. I wear an SKX in my bear hunting room. :)
hahahaahah i love it!!!
Yeah the bell curve is a real thing!
The greatest trick that Rolex ever pulled was convincing the world they didn't exist.
Bhahahahahahahahah
Nice WWCheck young man...and you figured to do it at the start of the vid finally. No one will give a damn what you are saying if u are not wearing a nice piece.
Hahah I think youre right on that one for sure!!
thank you for another great video. I would like to correct about rolex marketing. their actually the watch brand that spends most money on marketing, so there is a good reason for why people that don't know much about watches know this brand in particular, I have linked an article where you can read about it. there is also wikipedia
www.watchtime.com/wristwatch-industry-news/industry/which-watch-brands-spent-the-most-on-advertising-in-2013/
Well to be honest i do have that sour taste in my mouth. But this bideo helped me get rid of it to some extend. Hopefully as i learn i will be able to appreciate rolex even more
I would take any Patek Phillipe over any Rolex.
You understand when you see it.
My turntable is from a brand that started out in the 70s, I rather buy something inovative using new machining and new materials than the old shyte that stopped ticking.
You make a lot of references to watches, articles, etc in these videos. Sometimes you even say "we'll like below" but you almost never do. I think it would be cool if you guys tried to link to stuff you reference.
So sorry about that, man! Just editing error but if youre ever looking for something I reference, let me know! Thanks so much for watching!!
No worries. just curious to follow up on some of the stuff u talk abt.
Quite well put, Christian.
very few brands (any industry) as well developed as well as Rolex.
Thanks for another great video. You really bring some very Salient points to the table .
Nice rants! more rants please, always best entertainment💯%
Thanks so much!!
I love my vintage Rolex
I am sorry to learn about the watch. I will leave my Oyster Perpetual to a careful male relative to appreciates it. Once again, I am sorry.
There are no better way to explain this, thanks for share.
Happy new year.
Glad you liked it!!
You my friend are well ahead of your time. Very knowledgeable to the watch industry. Keep up the great work! Rolex is a status symbol for most hairy chest middle age men. But once a person can come to peace with themselves, hopefully they can realize that they aren't married to the brand. Enjoy the other great companies that make watches out there. Won't catch any STD's by trying everything on.
Hahahahah great points!! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch!!
Hey! hairy chest! easy now! rolex is just not a status symbol, my banger is my status symbol😂 rolex is quality as the presenter has said👍👍
I gotta say Christian. I recently started watching your videos and I absolutely love your passion! You're a very charismatic speaker and your love for watches just shines through.
Keep doing what you do!
ps: Wanna review my (small) collection? :P
They're bomb proof AND COSC. Win.
Well said Christian!!
thank you!!
Madonna "irrelevant"? Like many superstars who peaked while you were a twinkle in your daddies eye, she's copied more times than you can imagine. She's influenced so many recording artists. I agree though that she should think about not trying so hard now she's older but "irrelevant" she's not.
Gary Smith thanks for watching, man! I agree with you, I think "sad and clinging to the past" would have expressed my it emotion much better. She isn't, and probably will never be, irrelevant! And remember that most super stars peaked before either of our grandfathers were twinkles in their daddy's eyes!
Thought provoking and interesting, arguably your greatest video yet! Makes me want to do a video!
Hahah thanks so much for watching, man!!
Everything is said. I am also on the green side now! Love your RUclips stuff and instagram! 👌
hahaah thanks so much for watching!!
if your on the green side...hulk sub it⚠
Good content! Keep it up man. From Vienna.
Thanks so much for watching, man!!
Phist
Rolex is king . For every reason . Design, status, history, value, quality, non compromising.
3:13 forgot to mention church.
Hahah youre so right
Rolex is a bit boring but they make timeless and the best all around watches in the world! I love my 14060 Sub and 16013 Datejust.
Awesome vid man. I couldn't express any better
Thanks so much for watchign!!
ROLEX 1% of watch market 24% in world watch revenue! MIC DROP!!!!
The King: Rolex ✌
Where is the Nautilus rant lol😄
Tomorrow bright and early!
Grand Seiko vs Rolex?
lol king vs slaves😂
King Seiko?
If you like😉
GS can compete with Rolex. Take into account price and you've got a commendable substitute. The only drawback is prestige. But if you're a watch nut, I presume you are able to disregard that halo.
Sebastian
Disregarded go for the roley
Rolex is "king" because asshats believe this watch brand is superior to all others, but as you said they do nothing revolutionary to their design and engineering because they don't have to. Their current offerings are mediocre at best and sometimes god awful gaudy. Rolex just sells luxury without substance. Their grip on nostalgia for the past is what keeps them alive.
I Rolex the king of watches? Absolutely not. I started out loving Rolex just like most watch lovers do and then I moved on to better brands. For a while, I did dislike Rolex but now I have come back to liking them. The thing is though, I only like their sports watches, not dress watches. My absolute favorite is the Submariner and I also like the GMT and Daytona (especially the new ceramic bezel model) but I'm not overly fond of the president or sky-dweller series. I wouldn't mind having a stainless steel or two-tone Datejust as a sort of fancy/sporty watch I can wear to play tennis, but when it comes to spending like $50,000 on a watch I think you'd have to be an idiot to go for a president instead of something like a Patek Philippe Nautilus or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Rolex simply doesn't make something as nice as those two watches, either aesthetically or in terms of quality and complication. If you spend big bucks on a watch, you want a company that is known for their impeccable quality and attention to detail worldwide. I know you think that company is Rolex and they do make high quality watches but they are still very generic and mass produced compared to Patek, Vacheron, AP or Lange. Granted, some of these companies only make high end dress watches and I would prefer a sub to let's say a Vacheron Overseas but the Nautilus and Royal Oak have any Rolex in any category beat hands down. Real watch enthusiasts view Rolex as a sort of everyday beater watch they can wear and still feel good about what they are wearing, but they won't be caught dead wearing something like an Omega or Tag.
Well said, totally agree.
Thanks for watching!!
Slow down boy