@@pedramtajeddini5100 well first of all...the Omega is new. Second, because an RM is built to withstand sports and everyday wear while a minute repeater is prone to wear and damage just by clapping while wearing it. Not the same kind of ultra luxury.
@@sylinmino that's what I'm saying. If you're into luxurious watches go ahead buy a rm(and you probably buy the rm to flex) but if you're into the art of traditional watchmaking and horology then the chiming omega is the way to go
@@pedramtajeddini5100 I think both are super valid for horology. RM represents the ingenious engineering of making haute horology also practical for wear. The Chrono Chime is more geared towards an ode to historical beauty.
I don't "hate" Rolex but I can't help feeling that it's often a nouveau riche accessory first and watch enthusiast second type of thing to own. With Rolex my assumption is always that it's bought for bling or to celebrate a new job or something but with other brands I might be more inclined to think that it's more down to actually enjoying the watch. My 2 cent.
But Rolexes are nice watches. The bracelets are so good feeling, the different steel they use makes a difference. The cases and designs are iconic. I mean, yes, everyone has heard of a Rolex. And everyone who "made it" wants one. But they are still quality and still appeal to watch enthusiasts. They just have that type of brand which attracts too many people and they are committed to scarcity, which really blows, but it's still good products
@@sebb6342 how is he crying about Rolex? He's literally just responding to the title of this video and his take on the topic. Jesus christ. Should we check in with you first to make sure your feelings aren't hurt before we express our opinions? For fucks sake this pussified society has gotten to rock bottom.
I don't hate Rolex. I hate the ADs, and the games they play. I hate the flippers who've helped overinflate prices beyond reason. I hate the speculators who've fed the hype. But I don't hate Rolex.
@@raupenimmersatt6906 I'm not blaming Rolex for the actions of ADs or the grey market. I blame the ADs and the grey market for their actions. And that's what I hate.
@@raupenimmersatt6906 I’m not sure how Rolex being part of a private foundation has anything to do with it. The truth of the matter is they have complete control over their AD supply chain. These watches are making their way into the grey market through AD’s. If Rolex were serious about keeping these watches out of the hands of grey market dealers, they could easily find out who the offending AD’s are and give them the boot.
The hip hop beat at the end was glorious! What I hate about rolex is that the AD keeps promising to put me on the waitlist yet he keeps taking my wife and kids on vacation without me.
I was kicked out of the Rolex AD in London and told I couldn't even look at the display watches... Omega took me right in. I doubt Rolex will give a crap about losing my business, but it was downright awful.
@@samuelburton5576 Nope. Not even close. Just got into watch collecting maybe 6 months ago. I still have all the watches I've ever purchased since I was 15.
I was offered a Milgauss by my AD as my first Rolex after I gave him a list. I tried it on, it didn't fit so I would need to add links that would have to be ordered. I honestly did not really like the watch and wasn't ready to spend 8 grand on it. I walked over to the GS section and saw the 4 seasons collection. I picked out the SBGA413 and tried it on. I bought it on the spot. I have worn it everyday for the last year. I just recently started to wear my other 2 watches in my collection again. My next watch will probably be a Rolex but i am going vintage, 60s, 70s, 80s. I don't think I will ever buy from a Rolex AD.
SBGA413 bro.. ngl I am jelly a bit. This GS is soooo beautiful. A friend of mine has it and once I saw it in person I pester him from time to time to sell it to me.
I believe, I And most of people think alike in this matter: We don't have any problem with rolex brand, however we don't like the majority of people who buys them as a status symbol. For those people rolex is the only watch brand and they have no idea of other brands' existence. Grand Seiko, A Lange Schöne, Patek Philippe, Omega etc.
Do you remember a time when you could take a leisurely stroll to Our Price on a Saturday morning and buy Glastonbury tickets, walk into a Rolex AD and buy whatever you want, and Porsche used to try hard to sell you a car when you went into a dealership? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
Which country is that? Generally I have the feeling that except in very safe countries (Japan, Switzerland, Singapore), I wouldn't feel safe wearing a sub or a daytona in the cities.
@@Drakewyrm They feel safe in his country because they are criminals and will kill you if you try to steal from them. So no one does. :) It's kind of like that here in Texas with out the being criminals part, you never know who is packing a 9 and who is not, so if you try to rob someone, you may end up with more than you bargained for.
I must admit I am a fan of buying at retail, remember the graphic card shortage? PC graphics cards vanished off the shelves for almost 3 years prices went through the roof and the scalpers were in their element I refused to buy a new card and kept my old one longer, well that passed and we are almost back to normal. Rolex you pop into an official retail store and they laugh at you, but if they like the way you look and are willing to buy other models then you can go on their waiting list and if you are lucky you can get one at the price they set and not retail. I'm sorry but I am not playing that game. Oh and Ferrari does the same thing so they will not be on my shortlist. I used to like that if you have become successful you buy a Rolex but I'm not a fan of this new purchasing model.
4:10 Exactly. The scarcity of brands like Rolex seems to have helped a series of really exciting micro brands get a foothold in the marketplace. That aspect is good for consumers and the future of mechanical watches in my view.
Sometimes I paid a compliment to people for their nice watch, which happened to be a Rolex. Not once did they ask back to show them my watch, e. g. a Fortis, Nomos, Sinn, Seiko, Accutron. That tells it all.
I have still my Rolex submariner from 1958 but I wear mostly my vintage Zenith’s, Cyma‘s and Eterna Matic’s from the 50 - and 60‘s still bargains but excellent movements inside !
Put my name down for a lefty GMT when I saw it at the show; AD noticed I was indeed left handed. Got the call mid September to come collect it. Didn’t even have to put a dress on and dance for him either.
I loved my old GMT 2003 Coke model, indeed felt like a second skin for 4 lovely years, kept perfect time, but like everything in the world it got “old” to me, then I looked at its used price FMV and decided to move on, sold it for $2.4K more than I paid for it, and never looked back. Replaced it with an Omega for dress and a Breitling for a daily beater. Yes there are another 8 or so other watches in my box, and love looking at all watches but Rolex and all the truly snotty attitude that surrounds the brand, never again…
My local Rolex AD has little signs in front of all the watch displays saying "exhibition model only." So I don't even bother walking in the door. That's one way to guarantee a lost sale. I walked to the Omega AD in the same shopping centre and bought a Seamaster PO GMT on stainless bracelet.
I agree with Tom's assessment on the resentment piece. The old man in me expects retailers to chase me not the other way around and therefore the minimum work a retailer / watch company must do is produce their wares ahead of time.
what ruined it for me was walking into a store ask to see a rolex and the guy looking at me and my watch and said that a rolex was probably over my budget. working in car sales I knew that you should never ever judge by cover. I walked out and got an omega instead. Screw Rolex
Same here mate.had a daytona 20yrs ago.tried to buy a gold one to mark the end of my career. The shop guy didn't even look at me when talking Went to Omega treatment was like it use to be. Bought 2 Omega watches never buying rolex feck them
Same thing happened with a famous actor. He had a couple Rolexes already, walked in to buy his wife a Rolex at a different AD. The guy wouldn't serve him and laughed at him so he went next door and bought her a Patek for about 5 times the price.
I sold a GMT Master II and bought a Grand Seiko SBGE275 instead for a fraction of the price. A better watch, prettier, and I made money in the trade. Great
Remember one thing (you mentioned the Rolex bubble would never break)... never say never. We shall see I guess. Greatness comes just before fall. And I dont mean Rolex to fall, but it is kinda ridiculous what's happening around this brand.
I bought my submariner for £1k in 1989. It was fine while I worked and I thought a watch was my cultural barometer. A couple of grand of servicing later, retirement, changing tastes and risk of being mugged and I don't wear the thing any more. My IWC was the same grossly over priced watch as the Rolex is. For me the issue is the relationship between SRP and cost of manufacture. When does a mark-up become a rip off. Are these watches built by master craftsman and hours of toil, or assembly staff screwing CNC mass produced parts together. Grand Seiko is fine.
Don’t hate the watches… have had them for forty years (All at MRSP I must add) but “Dislike” the buying process now. Mostly brought on by the people who have turned them into tradable commodities, no longer bought as good tool watches, which they most definitely are.
Honestly, I am never going to be able to afford a Rolex. Even not the cheaper ones. I currently have a nice Casio Edifice (was €200) and I am very happy with it.
If you ever want to go for premium/luxury that brand then go for Tudor. Imo the best brand in price range 3000-5000, both great value and great quality aswell. You can wear it anywhere because it's under the radar and not as shiny as a Rolex. Can't go wrong with casio though, great watch😄
Why you say never? Are you 85 years old? If not, it’s pretty much only limited on how much you want one (or something else) and you need dedication to save up for one.
I used to think that Rolex was the pinnacle of success. Many years later, I realize I was so wrong. BTW, your macro shots demonstrate the shortcomings of the finishing of Rolex.
I don't hate Rolex. Just got the Pepsi on jubilee from the AD last Friday. Love it! As far as not being able to get them at an AD, I personally haven't really had a hard time getting the ones I want. Thankfully.
I don't know what you've been able to do to keep your AD sweet, but no matter how many lap-dances I give mine, all he ever says is, "please stop doing that and go away."
@@davidr2802 all I'm saying is it can happen and I've been seeing in forums a lot more people seem to be getting Rolex watches with wait time dropping. I personally am now done collecting, but glad others are starting to get watches they want.
Same here...great experience with my AD so far. Yes I had to wait once for 7 weeks for the watch I wanted.. Same amount of time I had to wait for a Panerai 🤷♂️.
"I remember when a Submariner could be purchased for £2500 pounds, and now that's what a Tudor costs". Except even some Tudor models are selling for over RRP on the WatchFinder website, so...
I work in a very high-end retail store, most of the customers we have are wearing nice watches, and because I’m watch person as I usually comment on them. I have found that most of the people wearing a Rolex have no idea What they are wearing, and just have it because of the the brand name. They have absolutely no interest in watches or horology. This is absolutely not the case with people wearing watches from other well-known Swiss Brands
@@moooitw it’s not an issue, in of itself. The video title is why people hate Rolex, and I think it’s one of the reasons why people hate Rolex is because many of their customers have no idea what they’re wearing or the potential significance of it but they just wear it for the brand-name. It makes people who are watch people see the brand as a poser brand for rich people that know nothing about watches.
Same as you would probably know with other big or hype brands. I would say you will always find a percentage of ‘followers’ and a percentage of knowledge people. That’s just the way it goes there is no wrong or right.
My issue is with Rolex consumers and people who want to look like they have a status because they own a Rolex and act like it's the best watch ever. I find a lot of people like this are usually not watch enthusiasts and will even look down on other high end, but less known to the general public, watch brands. It actually makes Rolex less desirable and has already made many other consumers look elsewhere for watches.
Watchfinder was the first space on RUclips with really quality videos, and I love you guys. But personally I'm really starting to hate the "Rolex" clik-bait... I guess it must worl for your numbers, but uts sad and I think after being the original, by following the crowd you are becoming a bit derivative. Anyways, will always love those early macro lens, slow-mo rotation, soft voice-over watch porn video of the early days!
I know you start to watch it because of the Clickbait thinking they are going to tell you why you wouldn’t buy a Rolex. As usual they tell you nothing I did last three minutes.
I was only looking in at my local AD last week, the display full of Rolex. But, not one for sale! Luckily I already own one so, I've scratched that itch and I'm looking at other brands. I did recently buy a Seiko Presage with an enamel dial. The leather strap wasn't up to much, so I put the watch on a Hirsch Royal blue crocodile embossed "bracelet". I replaced the buckle with the Seiko clasp, and hey presto! It's awesome. Dare I say I prefer it to the Rolex?
I’m not new money. Heck i’m not even from money, but my taste is beyond Rolex. I like the beauty of the hand engraved designs and movement from the ultra-high-end watches. I’m saving up for an AP, Lange or Glashutte.
Law 36 - Disdain the things you cannot have If there is something you want but cannot have, show contempt for it. The less interest you reveal, the more superior you seem.
Well, I think one of the main reasons people hate Rolex...is because Rolex does everything to be hated. The lack of transparency on the witing list, the dirty game of the ADs that want you to buy the crappish pimp gold models they have in stock just to may be have the chance to be on a may be existing waiting list of a submariner no date is disgusting and we all know Rolex is doing nothing about it. In fact given the lack of innovation at Rolex, their only strategy to survive is to keep this “impossible to get aura” for a product whose design is used and re-used and re-used again. And, by the way, as nobody makes a difference between a Rolex and a super clone that is the clear proof that their watches are just a marketing scam... So would I loose time, money and energy to prostitute myself at an AD to get that ? No way man - if there is one at MSRP - I'll take it...may be. I am not so sure anymore in fact because to tell the truth they look nice on paper of catalogs, on the web sites but on my wrist I have to say the the “waow” effect is clearly not there...so why trying ? I have spent quite a lot this year and it went mainly to Omega and Tudor, and by way the latershould be carefull, because they start to play the same hard to get game than the big sister and frankly this is a deal breaker for me : I will leave the moment I will feel Tudor tries to scam me as Rolex tries. There are many many other nicer or better watches for the price, Sinn being the first name that comes to my mind, so diverting my cash somewhere else could be done in the blink of an eye, not to say in an oscillation of a springdrive... In fact overall, Omega sells as many watch as Rolex. The difference is that Omega first makes better watches on a technical point of view and does it without artificalially frustrating the watch enthousiats...That is why they went to the moon and Rolex stayed in the exhibition windows...
Our Rolex AD here in Nashville is Zane at Diamond Cellar. Very professional and just a nice guy. They had only a few pieces for sale when we walked in, but he worked with us to quickly find what we wanted. It was an outstanding experience.
Rolex is the king of watches. Has been and will always be. Hated because is not a watch for everyone, and everyone that wants one probably will not get it. We should talk about Rolex as we talk about other beautiful and scarce things such as art or beautiful sunsets... And yes...Omega also makes great watches.
Love Rolex watches just not keen on the company policy of not letting people buy one new from an authorised dealer without jumping over hurdles or crawling round people.. or is it down to the AD’s .. who knows😬
It’s not good for Rolex in my mind; I’ve just switched to other brands like Omega and lovely microbrands like Autodromo, who actually care that you choose their brand.
Over the years have had 7 “premium/luxury” watches including Rolex. People notice the Rolex, but I prefer fit of both my Omegas and IWC. For me, I would not buy another Rolex (I was considering Sky dweller or Daytona), but my Explorer needs servicing more often than Omega, IWC or Hubolt, and I don’t want to deal with the dealer bs. Shout out… Omega in NY actually provided amazing service for me, and next looking at a splurge purchase, most likely Jaeger-LeCoultre, but Omega could tempt me again )
The way i see it is just like in 2020 the toilet paper shortage, it was totally manufactured shortage on purpose totally B/S, I’m not going on any waiting lists, so i got an Omega, they treated me great, tried on many watches all in stock and ended up getting a SMP300M blue, extremely accurate less then 1/2 second per day fast, i love it.
I flew into the store having waited a year for an Explorer and rejected it. two reasons, the first was the watch simply did not speak to me. The second was they hiked the price over a grand while I was waiting.
Luxury purchases that are made by an Unknowledgeable buyer who is buying based on brand recognition are always annoying. And they tend to do three things: drive up the price, ruin the buying experience and - in time - hurt the brand regardless of whether or not the brand’s underlying qualities have merit. When a brand plays that game it’s all the more annoying. Examples of this both present and past: BMW, Harley Davidson, Rolex, Hublot, Cadillac, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche.
I’m uncertain when "For Exhibition Only" became the norm in the USA but it's a thing now. In 2020 I was able to walk into my local AD and purchase a 36mm stainless & white gold fluted bezel DateJust with a blue sun-ray dial on a Jubilee bracelet at list price from his inventory. In Q1-2022 I took the DateJust in for service as it was loosing time (beyond the certified limit). Whilst at the AD, I tried on an exhibition Milgauss and loved it for all its quirks but particularly the larger size. I completed a form to "Register Interest" and was told they'd be in touch in due course. Upon collecting the serviced DateJust in Q2 the AD said they expected some stainless tool watches in Q3. True to their word, in mid-Aug2022 I received "The Call" to say a Milgauss in my desired spec had arrived so I popped in the next day to buy it at retail price. It's such a conversation starter! The green tinted crystal, the orange lighting bolt seconds hand, the unique electric blue dial and the exquisite polishing of the case, bezel and center-links (and end-link sides) have made this an everyday wear for me. I've lost count of the conversations I've had with "watch guys" about watches… and NOT just Rolex. I can understand the hate at paying above retail for desirable piece. I’ve made the choice not to do so. I have also been lucky enough not to have to wait long to pay retail price so I’m in the same camp as the haters. At the end of the day, each of us has to do whatever is right for ourselves. But whatever the circumstances, I choose NOT to be a hater… it’s just too damn toxic & destructive.
Honestly, as much as Rolex has a name, even if i could afford it, Tudor seems to have the same quality for a great deal less money. Only been collecting and watchmaking about a year, don't see a Rolex in my collection even if i had the money. Now other watches, sign me up 😀 A. Lange and Sohne (spelling?) Has some beautiful pieces, and i would give my right arm for a crystal plate Waltham pocket watch.
Yey! You read one of my comments! I'm truly honoured. And yes, I am a little sour! I'm lucky enough to have picked up a Rolex Explorer at RRP a few years ago. It's a great watch, but it's worth what I paid for it and no more. That same watch is now going for 150% of what I paid for it, and quite frankly I wouldn't have paid that. I'd love a Sky Dweller, but the (non-RRP) going rate is getting into the territory of much better watch brands. In other words, what annoys me is that Rolex are great, but for the price of (an available) one you could have something better.
I don’t own any mechanical movement watches yet and I’m upper middle class. I tried on the explorer and loved it. Got put on a waitlist and slowly got exposed to what everyone else hates about the experience. Nothing super insightful from me but I just think the regular Joe is really turned off by ADs and large segments of the Rolex community. I’d never consider getting one while supply remains so constricted and I have to compete with “investors” and resalers.
Another excellent offering, good sirs! If I had that much money to spend on a watch, I would buy a PloProf and a Fifty-Fathoms straightaway. The FF is so, so beautiful... truly one of the most beautiful divers. And the PloProf is just next-level crazy, which I really like. A lot. That plus a Glashutte SeaQ and a Cartier Santos if I had enough for all of them. Like they said, there's so many other choices out there. Often, the road less traveled is a wiser choice. Cheers!👍🙂
I actually like Rolexes. And I’ll never sell my dads old GMT he bought in the 1970s. What I don’t like is that they’ve moved from being respectable sturdily built functional watches into commodities to be flipped or creating artificial scarcity. It’s such a turn off, and when I can buy an entry level Lange for what some steel Rolexes are going for on the secondary market, why would you even want one? Like why would I pay 500-1000 bucks for some Jordans because of a particular color when I could get some really nice boots that will long outlast them? Really a shame what’s happened with Rolex.
I do love my 2 Rolex watches. They are not the best or finest watches for certain. My Grand Seiko and JLCs mop the floor with them. However I do enjoy them. Big point to note is, both of my Rolexes are vintage.
It's not about their watches. It's about their brand and how they treat you like shit if you're not "worthy". Like they're doing you a favour by letting you buy their overly expensive watches.
@@mr_watchaddict3146 Not really. I have an issue with the brand. Their ethos. How they work. How they make their watches. How they market them. That's on Rolex. And it's not specially great.
White gold, yellow gold, platinum, vintage, rare Rolex models ….. yes of course….. money well spent. Top of the line watch, better mechanical advantage, available, tasteful design….. Omega is not any part of a bubble…. Unless the crown means more than mechanical superiority.
I mean I have a Pepsi and it's a fantastic watch and virtually nothing on the market competes with it. But I got it at retail and it's worth what I paid--I can't imagine paying 20-30 grand on it when my favorite watch in my collection is still my Grand Seiko SBGA413, which costed closer to 6 grand.
The Pepsi GMT is a fantastic watch! I think the GMT is the best watch Rolex makes. I have the Omega 2538 aka the Great White. Both are true GMTs. Mine keeps exceptional time +1 seconds per day and has 300m of WR. I wish my Omega was thinner. Your Pepsi is is about 3mm thinner.
Oh so many reasons !!! Lack of availability, unfair hype, crazy prices, risk of getting robbed, risk of being told you are a "douchebag" as the Americans would say.... etc etc... Personally, I can think of many more great watches that are available and cheaper...Also I find most modern Rolex too thick and heavy.... So there you go... I love IWC, Omega, JLC, Casio, Hamilton, Grand Seiko..... And about a hundred more...Having said all that, if they WERE available to buy and try on, there are a few models I do secretly love, like the Explorer, some of the OPs and a few Datejusts.... BUT even those watches could be more refined, more elegant, thinner... case in point - JLC Ultra Thin, Omega watches from the past (even the Bond Era Seamasters were curvy slender beauties).... Rolex is good.... But I can live without it
If you would have asked me two weeks ago, I would've said that I hate Rolex for not being available. On Saturday I picked up my new Airking 126900 from the AD which called on Monday:) Now I really love Rolex! Thanks and greetings
Nice one, after you registered your interest did you regularly visit the store building a relationship as they say or did you just register leave and await the call that finally came?
@@7979dennis to be honest both myself and a friend of mine where put on the list within the same week. He had already a long list of jewlery, other watches and even rolexes bought there while I just bought a Tudor and a jewlery piece for my wife last year. He got the call after just two months but was not really interrsted in the watch so that he actually picked it up for me. I'm officially still waiting for the call. I think they really prioritise customers who spend a lot of money.
@@7979dennis thanks:) hope you get the one you are waiting for soon! I will soon ask to change the watch on my list to a OP 41 with the green dial! Maybe one day I will get it.
For all the games the AD’s played with me to get the bottom line Perpetual Oyster. Telling me I’m on a waiting list but never taking my information. I went ahead and bought a Grand Seiko. No fuzz and it’s a beauty.
What are you talking about... You can find rolex everywhere! There are thousands for sale new. Just not at the AD. Hence, why I bought another Omega. A speedmaster racing chrono with white dial.
Ok, I'll chime in...I have nothing against Rolex other than the (I think) contrived scarcity, kinda like we see with diamonds. Everyone knows they aren't really rare... That said, Rolex makes a good watch. I prefer Omega personally. Or a Breitling. Or (shield your eyes and listen for the Angelic Choir) A. Langer & Sohne (as I back away, genuflecting three times...🙂)
I was a RN Diver in the 60 / 70's. We were intitled to request - from navy stores - a dive watch! Either a Rolex or an Omega. I requested one - didn't mind which. Eventually a watch arrived - it was the Omega .... really quite liked it. Comparing it with my fellow divers ... it was far more accurate then the Rolex... & had better lume (which we needed for deep or night diving) but neither had much pull as wimmin bait! ( Watches weren't in the 70's ..... you needed a flash motor ....)" Actually, I really prefered my own Seiko dive watch. It had a "look at me" orange dial!!" Wish I had "lost" it at the time, instead of returning it when I was drafted. See what a military dive watch goes for now ???!!!!!!
I love investments making money and I love watches Rolex is a perfect example of having your cake so I love em just need one more then I have all the top pieces😊also they cut production by 40% this year Touch a Rolex then an Omega you will instantly see the superior quality in a Rolex
Here is my two pence for what it is worth. I question as to how many people who are obsessing about not getting the call have been interested in watches or indeed Rolexes for that matter. I suspect the vast majority only became interested, when prices were being sold for 50-150% over RRP, and they thought they could make easy, cheap, money. These people are the problem, along with greedy backpack flippers/grey market dealers. They are both the same. Rolexes are as common as muck, not great watches, and are at best the Audi of the watch world. When you see one, you wont give it a second glance. They are decent watches, nothing more. If you don't get the call move along, and buy grey or buy another better quality watch. On the question of the grey market, anyone who pays 50-200% over RRP is a mug. There is nothing I covet in the world that I wish to pay for at such inflated prices. Why would I pay that for a trinket, I certainly wouldn't for a house/flat and they have an intrinsic value. A watch doesn't . The secondary market is flooded with new unworn subs and the like . Six months ago they were going for double RRP, they are now being offered at 30-50% plus RRP. Still far too much, yet flippers wont curently budge as if that margin is not enough for them . Greedy c units. I am picking up my fourth Sub in ten years from WoS in London tomorrow. A sub bluesy. For a laugh I called three of the most well known and visible bricks and mortar secondary dealers , asking for a price, and here is what they said: 1) We have six in and we don't need anymore, however we will buy it from you for 13k, which is 650 over RRP. I said the ones you have in stock are they new and unworn, to which came the reply. No, but you don't get more for a new one. Con men, vermin. My my mate then called asking for a new unworn Bluesy, to which they said " very in demand, hard to get, we can get you one for 16k today! 2) We will pay 13250, the market is very soft. Yet they price them on their website at 15-17. Meanwhile they say on their YT channel how the market is strong and prices rapidly increasing. Charlatans. 3) We will take it on consignment , we expect to return you 13 500. Yet they are pricing them at 16k plus. Moral of the story I wouldn't buy a paper clip from these uneducated spiv, chav, wideboys, and neither should you. Wait your turn, or move along. I waited three months and saved myself 3-5 k....
Great points made in this video. A lot of hate for Rolex comes from those who can’t get them at retail - these people justify not having one by convincing themselves and others that Rolex is boring and overrated. Yet, if they got the call for any desirable sport model, they would drop everything and rush to their AD immediately. There’s a huge difference between previously collecting Rolex and later deciding that their watches aren’t worth it vs. directing contempt towards Rolex and its collectors while lacking the ability to buy one. The first opinion stems from experience and understanding while the second from jealously and bitterness.
I have brought two in two years. An new Explorer 1 and a new OP 36mm silver dial. So you can buy them. But it all depends on the AD and whether you get on with them.
I like Rolex a lot as they make really good watches. The hate they seem to get is not justified- at least from my point of view. Should a company be blamed if the demand is high although they make about 1 million per year? Once you own one you might appreciate that your watch keeps value
I love my gmt master II I've had since 2004, but wish the shop told me at the time I got it the cost of a service and fact a battery watch is more accurate.
where is the artistry in Rolex? Where are the open case backs? Besides the Milgaus, They are very plain. I'm actually in the process of getting a sweet Speedmaster Racing from you guys
You two are usually spot on but oh how wrong you are about Rolex! There is a very real possibility that the brand is doing irreparable damage to itself by ignoring its customers and refusing to innovate its distribution system. I’m not saying they need to be Timex and sell to everyone and I realize that they are trying to move themselves up market and will lose a percentage of customers that way, but if they don’t do something soon they are going to end up losing their cool factor or worse developing a rep they don’t want. Either of those things could land them in financial trouble. No brand is fail proof.
I dont hate rolex as a product. They make wonderful watch with reasonable retail price. It is just that they limit their supply so much intentionally for their notorious way of marketing. If i know that speedmaster will be always in stock whenever I walk into omega store, I dont necesarilly feel rushed to go get the item. But, if I get a call one of the rare rolex sst model is available, i drive to thr store within 10 minutes before someone else snatch it. As a result, it is just bad experience for most of customers who visit the shop to check for availability and get scoffed by the seller.
you can look at it that way, but i don't think they manipulate the market as you think. they produce a million pieces per annum, the highest or close to highest swiss maker. Take for example NVDIA, during the last 3-5 years, no one could get a high end video card bc of all the mining. now the cryptocurrencies have crashed,the market is flooded with cheap video cards the miners want to dump. NVIDIA stock price crashes 50%. Imagine if Rolex ramps up production bc of the flippers. now bc of the economy, the grey market has dropped 30%? in 6 months? soon, these flippers will dump their stocks, the wait lists will shorten. However, then Rolex will have to down size? fire all the new workers? They know this won't last so they are just chugging along. As someone said above, there is a recession coming, prices will revert to the mean and you'll get your watch.
@@G-Money124 i hope that is what is going to happen. Maybe their absolute number of sell is higher than other watchmakers, but still I am sure they are limiting the production of certain models like GMT, Daytona, including others, even if they are capable of more meeting the demands from public. Again, i get it for them, they are treating the watch as luxurious goods, which will no longer be luxurious if everyone owns one of them. But they are certainly one of the few who are spoiling the market.
I have had a different idea: I have a box and a half full of Rolexes, around 13 in total. And yet I spent less than a no date sub... I decided few years ago that, for Rolex, it's much better go rep. No hassle, once serviced (by me) well performing movements (either 2824/2836 from SeaGull or Rolex clone), no fear to make a ding on them, no bank vaults needed... Oh and I never had to humiliate myself to beg a Rolex AD to take my money for an objectively overpriced watch!
I love Rolex I’ve been using the same dealer for 40 years or more and I’ve never paid over RRP , I bought a GMT in 2019 and a Cosmo in 2021 , I never sell my watches on even if I could get 3 time the original value , I’ve passed a few of my watches on to my son or daughter in law for Christmas presents and birthdays. Hating something just because you can’t get one is just stupid. Imho, GAL
To me any brand that refuses to sell to customers loses all credibility, and that's coming from someone that has a Hulk, Two-Tone Sub and Pepsi... I don't get any watches anymore, I have to wait years in Switzerland to get my hands on a new watch and they straight up refuse to even let me on a waitlist for a Daytona. The brand has become an absolute joke and I'm going to sell mine for a huge profit so I can invest in a proper brand appreciating their customers.
They have history and legacy, no doubt about that. But they remain the choice of luxury watch for people who don't know watches. When I see someone with a Rolex I will never start a watch enthusiast conversation.
We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder
For the price of a decent Rolex, I bought a fantastic Zenith El Primero in July without any waiting time.
Excellent choice.
Boum !
Good choice, and Rolex used to use El Primero movements in the Daytona!
zenith . one of the originals. Nice. 👍
Awesome choice!!!!
Omega: Here's a Minute Repeater Speedmaster. Enjoy the chimes.
Rolex: We have a left-handed GMT. But we don't have one in the store though. Sorry.
I mean...good luck buying a Speedmaster Chrono Chime too hahaha. Unless you've got half a mil to drop, of course.
@@sylinmino almost every rm owner has the money. Yet doesn't buy the omega for some unknown reason 🤷🏻♂️
@@pedramtajeddini5100 well first of all...the Omega is new. Second, because an RM is built to withstand sports and everyday wear while a minute repeater is prone to wear and damage just by clapping while wearing it. Not the same kind of ultra luxury.
@@sylinmino that's what I'm saying. If you're into luxurious watches go ahead buy a rm(and you probably buy the rm to flex) but if you're into the art of traditional watchmaking and horology then the chiming omega is the way to go
@@pedramtajeddini5100 I think both are super valid for horology. RM represents the ingenious engineering of making haute horology also practical for wear. The Chrono Chime is more geared towards an ode to historical beauty.
I don't "hate" Rolex but I can't help feeling that it's often a nouveau riche accessory first and watch enthusiast second type of thing to own. With Rolex my assumption is always that it's bought for bling or to celebrate a new job or something but with other brands I might be more inclined to think that it's more down to actually enjoying the watch. My 2 cent.
And why should be different? I dont get it people crying about rolex …. Go and buy other stuff
But Rolexes are nice watches. The bracelets are so good feeling, the different steel they use makes a difference. The cases and designs are iconic. I mean, yes, everyone has heard of a Rolex. And everyone who "made it" wants one. But they are still quality and still appeal to watch enthusiasts. They just have that type of brand which attracts too many people and they are committed to scarcity, which really blows, but it's still good products
@@sebb6342 how is he crying about Rolex? He's literally just responding to the title of this video and his take on the topic. Jesus christ. Should we check in with you first to make sure your feelings aren't hurt before we express our opinions? For fucks sake this pussified society has gotten to rock bottom.
@@fark69 Rolex is just Brand Bling and that’s all they will be!
Are the committed to scarcity, or are they just smart in not over expanding? There must be deserted Panerai factories somewhere.
I don't hate Rolex. I hate the ADs, and the games they play. I hate the flippers who've helped overinflate prices beyond reason. I hate the speculators who've fed the hype. But I don't hate Rolex.
True
I hate Rolex because they are clearly enabling that BS... I still love the watches though.
@@Unc0mmonSense Rolex is a private fundation- Im not Sure that they control the things the ADs and grey market are responsible for.
@@raupenimmersatt6906 I'm not blaming Rolex for the actions of ADs or the grey market. I blame the ADs and the grey market for their actions. And that's what I hate.
@@raupenimmersatt6906 I’m not sure how Rolex being part of a private foundation has anything to do with it. The truth of the matter is they have complete control over their AD supply chain. These watches are making their way into the grey market through AD’s. If Rolex were serious about keeping these watches out of the hands of grey market dealers, they could easily find out who the offending AD’s are and give them the boot.
The hip hop beat at the end was glorious! What I hate about rolex is that the AD keeps promising to put me on the waitlist yet he keeps taking my wife and kids on vacation without me.
Well, it's really your wife and his kids. You know that don't you?
@@Cohen.the.Worrier “you never actually have a wife and kids, you merely look after them for the AD.”
I was kicked out of the Rolex AD in London and told I couldn't even look at the display watches... Omega took me right in. I doubt Rolex will give a crap about losing my business, but it was downright awful.
Are you a flipper? Maybe that's why
@@samuelburton5576 Nope. Not even close. Just got into watch collecting maybe 6 months ago. I still have all the watches I've ever purchased since I was 15.
You must've done something wrong.....
@@halfred8011 Yes, i walked up to the door and asked to come in and look at a Deepsea dweller... That was my mistake.
Omega is same but in smaller scale since they don’t have many hot watches. You can only buy crap… good luck and get a snoopy
Very satisfied with my Tudor, Grand Seiko, and Nomos, but looking to get a Zenith or Omega next year.
You're a person like me. I have a Nomos, and how beautiful are they? I want a GS, and an Omega.....
All great brands!
Chopard as well..
Answer = The whole Rolex bullshit buying game
I was offered a Milgauss by my AD as my first Rolex after I gave him a list. I tried it on, it didn't fit so I would need to add links that would have to be ordered. I honestly did not really like the watch and wasn't ready to spend 8 grand on it. I walked over to the GS section and saw the 4 seasons collection. I picked out the SBGA413 and tried it on. I bought it on the spot. I have worn it everyday for the last year. I just recently started to wear my other 2 watches in my collection again. My next watch will probably be a Rolex but i am going vintage, 60s, 70s, 80s. I don't think I will ever buy from a Rolex AD.
Just bought the same watch this month - in love!
Bought a GS with mine. Couldn’t be any more happier.
SBGA413 bro.. ngl I am jelly a bit. This GS is soooo beautiful. A friend of mine has it and once I saw it in person I pester him from time to time to sell it to me.
I believe, I And most of people think alike in this matter: We don't have any problem with rolex brand, however we don't like the majority of people who buys them as a status symbol. For those people rolex is the only watch brand and they have no idea of other brands' existence. Grand Seiko, A Lange Schöne, Patek Philippe, Omega etc.
Who is this "we" you speak of? I dont care why anybody else buys a watch so why do you care?
@@davidr2802 he's sharing his opinion and not forcing it on others and personally i am one of those so called "we"
Exactly... JLC, IWC and many others
@@davidr2802 I am one of the "we" also.
Agree. It’s like the new tech yuppies all buy Ferraris but in reality there are way cooler cars out there.
Do you remember a time when you could take a leisurely stroll to Our Price on a Saturday morning and buy Glastonbury tickets, walk into a Rolex AD and buy whatever you want, and Porsche used to try hard to sell you a car when you went into a dealership? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
The good old days! You forgot to add: to cap off a good day of shopping, you would pop into Woolies to get some pick n mix!
Those were the days. Pre-Instagram, pre-Covid, pre-hype.
@@stewester Pretty much before social media and the internet in general! Happier times, much happier.
😂
In my country, Rolex ownership has become synonymous with criminal gangs,
every police raid seems to result in the seizure of Rolex watches
Which country is that?
Generally I have the feeling that except in very safe countries (Japan, Switzerland, Singapore), I wouldn't feel safe wearing a sub or a daytona in the cities.
@@Drakewyrm They feel safe in his country because they are criminals and will kill you if you try to steal from them. So no one does. :)
It's kind of like that here in Texas with out the being criminals part, you never know who is packing a 9 and who is not, so if you try to rob someone, you may end up with more than you bargained for.
I must admit I am a fan of buying at retail, remember the graphic card shortage? PC graphics cards vanished off the shelves for almost 3 years prices went through the roof and the scalpers were in their element I refused to buy a new card and kept my old one longer, well that passed and we are almost back to normal. Rolex you pop into an official retail store and they laugh at you, but if they like the way you look and are willing to buy other models then you can go on their waiting list and if you are lucky you can get one at the price they set and not retail. I'm sorry but I am not playing that game. Oh and Ferrari does the same thing so they will not be on my shortlist. I used to like that if you have become successful you buy a Rolex but I'm not a fan of this new purchasing model.
4:10 Exactly. The scarcity of brands like Rolex seems to have helped a series of really exciting micro brands get a foothold in the marketplace. That aspect is good for consumers and the future of mechanical watches in my view.
Sometimes I paid a compliment to people for their nice watch, which happened to be a Rolex. Not once did they ask back to show them my watch, e. g. a Fortis, Nomos, Sinn, Seiko, Accutron. That tells it all.
I have still my Rolex submariner from 1958 but I wear mostly my vintage Zenith’s, Cyma‘s and Eterna Matic’s from the 50 - and 60‘s still bargains but excellent movements inside !
You're an enthusiast.
Put my name down for a lefty GMT when I saw it at the show; AD noticed I was indeed left handed.
Got the call mid September to come collect it.
Didn’t even have to put a dress on and dance for him either.
It happens. Congrats Mr. Southpaw!
Shhhh! We have to let everyone keep talking about how much they hate it so more of us lef-handers might eventually get a chance to buy them.
I hit the like button when you said “Omega 4 lyf” 😂 Speedmaster Chrono Chime for the win!
The Rolex bubble has busted here in the States. Going to be even worse when the Recession hits us early next spring.
Could be a short recession. 9 months. Maybe 16.
Not true.
@@atl3630 let's hope so. Won't be as bad as the 2007-2008 but it's going to suck
I loved my old GMT 2003 Coke model, indeed felt like a second skin for 4 lovely years, kept perfect time, but like everything in the world it got “old” to me, then I looked at its used price FMV and decided to move on, sold it for $2.4K more than I paid for it, and never looked back. Replaced it with an Omega for dress and a Breitling for a daily beater. Yes there are another 8 or so other watches in my box, and love looking at all watches but Rolex and all the truly snotty attitude that surrounds the brand, never again…
My local Rolex AD has little signs in front of all the watch displays saying "exhibition model only." So I don't even bother walking in the door. That's one way to guarantee a lost sale. I walked to the Omega AD in the same shopping centre and bought a Seamaster PO GMT on stainless bracelet.
I genuinely do not understand why anyone would pay over retail for a steel watch still being in production.
^ This.
It al comes to the little game "I got something you don't have" to bad the other person doesn't care 🤣
I agree with Tom's assessment on the resentment piece. The old man in me expects retailers to chase me not the other way around and therefore the minimum work a retailer / watch company must do is produce their wares ahead of time.
what ruined it for me was walking into a store ask to see a rolex and the guy looking at me and my watch and said that a rolex was probably over my budget. working in car sales I knew that you should never ever judge by cover. I walked out and got an omega instead. Screw Rolex
Same here mate.had a daytona 20yrs ago.tried to buy a gold one to mark the end of my career. The shop guy didn't even look at me when talking Went to Omega treatment was like it use to be. Bought 2 Omega watches never buying rolex feck them
Same thing happened with a famous actor. He had a couple Rolexes already, walked in to buy his wife a Rolex at a different AD. The guy wouldn't serve him and laughed at him so he went next door and bought her a Patek for about 5 times the price.
As an SMP 300m owner I approve this video
I sold a GMT Master II and bought a Grand Seiko SBGE275 instead for a fraction of the price. A better watch, prettier, and I made money in the trade. Great
So you love Rolex because it wouldn't work the other way around
@@davidr2802 yes I do, but grew a bit tired of em
Remember one thing (you mentioned the Rolex bubble would never break)... never say never. We shall see I guess. Greatness comes just before fall. And I dont mean Rolex to fall, but it is kinda ridiculous what's happening around this brand.
I bought my submariner for £1k in 1989. It was fine while I worked and I thought a watch was my cultural barometer. A couple of grand of servicing later, retirement, changing tastes and risk of being mugged and I don't wear the thing any more. My IWC was the same grossly over priced watch as the Rolex is. For me the issue is the relationship between SRP and cost of manufacture. When does a mark-up become a rip off. Are these watches built by master craftsman and hours of toil, or assembly staff screwing CNC mass produced parts together. Grand Seiko is fine.
Don’t hate the watches… have had them for forty years (All at MRSP I must add) but “Dislike” the buying process now. Mostly brought on by the people who have turned them into tradable commodities, no longer bought as good tool watches, which they most definitely are.
Honestly, I am never going to be able to afford a Rolex. Even not the cheaper ones. I currently have a nice Casio Edifice (was €200) and I am very happy with it.
If you ever want to go for premium/luxury that brand then go for Tudor. Imo the best brand in price range 3000-5000, both great value and great quality aswell. You can wear it anywhere because it's under the radar and not as shiny as a Rolex.
Can't go wrong with casio though, great watch😄
Why you say never? Are you 85 years old? If not, it’s pretty much only limited on how much you want one (or something else) and you need dedication to save up for one.
@@PatricksFinanzen you should only buy one if you have lots of disposable income really.
@@ronniep9272 Like with everything that isn't necessary for surviving... my wife has an Omega and a Rolex and I've got 4x Omega and 3x Rolex so far.
I used to think that Rolex was the pinnacle of success. Many years later, I realize I was so wrong. BTW, your macro shots demonstrate the shortcomings of the finishing of Rolex.
I don't hate Rolex. Just got the Pepsi on jubilee from the AD last Friday. Love it! As far as not being able to get them at an AD, I personally haven't really had a hard time getting the ones I want. Thankfully.
so you will be that one guy in every Rolex comment section
I don't know what you've been able to do to keep your AD sweet, but no matter how many lap-dances I give mine, all he ever says is, "please stop doing that and go away."
@@davidr2802 all I'm saying is it can happen and I've been seeing in forums a lot more people seem to be getting Rolex watches with wait time dropping. I personally am now done collecting, but glad others are starting to get watches they want.
@@neilmartin7776 thats funny
Same here...great experience with my AD so far. Yes I had to wait once for 7 weeks for the watch I wanted.. Same amount of time I had to wait for a Panerai 🤷♂️.
"I remember when a Submariner could be purchased for £2500 pounds, and now that's what a Tudor costs".
Except even some Tudor models are selling for over RRP on the WatchFinder website, so...
I work in a very high-end retail store, most of the customers we have are wearing nice watches, and because I’m watch person as I usually comment on them. I have found that most of the people wearing a Rolex have no idea What they are wearing, and just have it because of the the brand name. They have absolutely no interest in watches or horology. This is absolutely not the case with people wearing watches from other well-known Swiss Brands
Spot on!!!
You're not wrong.
And that is an issue why?
@@moooitw it’s not an issue, in of itself. The video title is why people hate Rolex, and I think it’s one of the reasons why people hate Rolex is because many of their customers have no idea what they’re wearing or the potential significance of it but they just wear it for the brand-name. It makes people who are watch people see the brand as a poser brand for rich people that know nothing about watches.
Same as you would probably know with other big or hype brands. I would say you will always find a percentage of ‘followers’ and a percentage of knowledge people. That’s just the way it goes there is no wrong or right.
My issue is with Rolex consumers and people who want to look like they have a status because they own a Rolex and act like it's the best watch ever.
I find a lot of people like this are usually not watch enthusiasts and will even look down on other high end, but less known to the general public, watch brands. It actually makes Rolex less desirable and has already made many other consumers look elsewhere for watches.
Watchfinder was the first space on RUclips with really quality videos, and I love you guys. But personally I'm really starting to hate the "Rolex" clik-bait... I guess it must worl for your numbers, but uts sad and I think after being the original, by following the crowd you are becoming a bit derivative.
Anyways, will always love those early macro lens, slow-mo rotation, soft voice-over watch porn video of the early days!
And the music in the intro and during the voiceover were just beautiful. Miss those kind of video formats
“They hate us cus they ain’t us” - Watchfinder and Co. making their 10,000th video about Rolex
Same thing I was about to write
I know you start to watch it because of the Clickbait thinking they are going to tell you why you wouldn’t buy a Rolex. As usual they tell you nothing I did last three minutes.
I was only looking in at my local AD last week, the display full of Rolex. But, not one for sale! Luckily I already own one so, I've scratched that itch and I'm looking at other brands. I did recently buy a Seiko Presage with an enamel dial. The leather strap wasn't up to much, so I put the watch on a Hirsch Royal blue crocodile embossed "bracelet". I replaced the buckle with the Seiko clasp, and hey presto! It's awesome. Dare I say I prefer it to the Rolex?
I have a Pepsi bezel Seiko Turtle PADI on a Jubilee bracelet and I'm absolutely loving it it's an amazing and beautiful looking watch
I’m not new money. Heck i’m not even from money, but my taste is beyond Rolex. I like the beauty of the hand engraved designs and movement from the ultra-high-end watches. I’m saving up for an AP, Lange or Glashutte.
That Omega bit was perfect 😂
Law 36 - Disdain the things you cannot have
If there is something you want but cannot have, show contempt for it. The less interest you reveal, the more superior you seem.
I was told by huge Rolex AD at SouthCoast plaza in CA that they no longer sell watches
Well, I think one of the main reasons people hate Rolex...is because Rolex does everything to be hated.
The lack of transparency on the witing list, the dirty game of the ADs that want you to buy the crappish pimp gold models they have in stock just to may be have the chance to be on a may be existing waiting list of a submariner no date is disgusting and we all know Rolex is doing nothing about it. In fact given the lack of innovation at Rolex, their only strategy to survive is to keep this “impossible to get aura” for a product whose design is used and re-used and re-used again.
And, by the way, as nobody makes a difference between a Rolex and a super clone that is the clear proof that their watches are just a marketing scam...
So would I loose time, money and energy to prostitute myself at an AD to get that ? No way man - if there is one at MSRP - I'll take it...may be. I am not so sure anymore in fact because to tell the truth they look nice on paper of catalogs, on the web sites but on my wrist I have to say the the “waow” effect is clearly not there...so why trying ?
I have spent quite a lot this year and it went mainly to Omega and Tudor, and by way the latershould be carefull, because they start to play the same hard to get game than the big sister and frankly this is a deal breaker for me : I will leave the moment I will feel Tudor tries to scam me as Rolex tries. There are many many other nicer or better watches for the price, Sinn being the
first name that comes to my mind, so diverting my cash somewhere else could be done in the blink of an eye, not to say in an oscillation of a springdrive...
In fact overall, Omega sells as many watch as Rolex. The difference is that Omega first makes better watches on a technical point of view and does it without artificalially frustrating the watch enthousiats...That is why they went to the moon and Rolex stayed in the exhibition windows...
Our Rolex AD here in Nashville is Zane at Diamond Cellar. Very professional and just a nice guy. They had only a few pieces for sale when we walked in, but he worked with us to quickly find what we wanted. It was an outstanding experience.
Rolex is the king of watches. Has been and will always be. Hated because is not a watch for everyone, and everyone that wants one probably will not get it. We should talk about Rolex as we talk about other beautiful and scarce things such as art or beautiful sunsets... And yes...Omega also makes great watches.
Love Rolex watches just not keen on the company policy of not letting people buy one new from an authorised dealer without jumping over hurdles or crawling round people.. or is it down to the AD’s .. who knows😬
Most people saying you cannot get one, are not even wanting to buy one 😂
They’re not watches, they’re ticking trophies for people who don’t know much about watches.
Cry harder!!!!😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
FBA/B1
Anyone that thinks the Rolex bubble is going to burst is in a dream world
It’s not good for Rolex in my mind; I’ve just switched to other brands like Omega and lovely microbrands like Autodromo, who actually care that you choose their brand.
Over the years have had 7 “premium/luxury” watches including Rolex. People notice the Rolex, but I prefer fit of both my Omegas and IWC. For me, I would not buy another Rolex (I was considering Sky dweller or Daytona), but my Explorer needs servicing more often than Omega, IWC or Hubolt, and I don’t want to deal with the dealer bs. Shout out… Omega in NY actually provided amazing service for me, and next looking at a splurge purchase, most likely Jaeger-LeCoultre, but Omega could tempt me again )
I loved when I got my first Rolex in the AD, it felt so special getting it
Likewise. I bought mine a long time ago before this current state and had a great experience.
@smr144 errr no , Explorer first and Sub second
@smr144 5 years ago they used to sit in shop windows, sometimes for several weeks.
The way i see it is just like in 2020 the toilet paper shortage, it was totally manufactured shortage on purpose totally B/S, I’m not going on any waiting lists, so i got an Omega, they treated me great, tried on many watches all in stock and ended up getting a SMP300M blue, extremely accurate less then 1/2 second per day fast, i love it.
I flew into the store having waited a year for an Explorer and rejected it. two reasons, the first was the watch simply did not speak to me. The second was they hiked the price over a grand while I was waiting.
Luxury purchases that are made by an Unknowledgeable buyer who is buying based on brand recognition are always annoying.
And they tend to do three things: drive up the price, ruin the buying experience and - in time - hurt the brand regardless of whether or not the brand’s underlying qualities have merit.
When a brand plays that game it’s all the more annoying.
Examples of this both present and past:
BMW, Harley Davidson, Rolex, Hublot, Cadillac, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche.
I don't hate the watches i hate the gall to tell they are too good for your money.
I’m uncertain when "For Exhibition Only" became the norm in the USA but it's a thing now. In 2020 I was able to walk into my local AD and purchase a 36mm stainless & white gold fluted bezel DateJust with a blue sun-ray dial on a Jubilee bracelet at list price from his inventory. In Q1-2022 I took the DateJust in for service as it was loosing time (beyond the certified limit). Whilst at the AD, I tried on an exhibition Milgauss and loved it for all its quirks but particularly the larger size. I completed a form to "Register Interest" and was told they'd be in touch in due course. Upon collecting the serviced DateJust in Q2 the AD said they expected some stainless tool watches in Q3. True to their word, in mid-Aug2022 I received "The Call" to say a Milgauss in my desired spec had arrived so I popped in the next day to buy it at retail price. It's such a conversation starter! The green tinted crystal, the orange lighting bolt seconds hand, the unique electric blue dial and the exquisite polishing of the case, bezel and center-links (and end-link sides) have made this an everyday wear for me. I've lost count of the conversations I've had with "watch guys" about watches… and NOT just Rolex. I can understand the hate at paying above retail for desirable piece. I’ve made the choice not to do so. I have also been lucky enough not to have to wait long to pay retail price so I’m in the same camp as the haters. At the end of the day, each of us has to do whatever is right for ourselves. But whatever the circumstances, I choose NOT to be a hater… it’s just too damn toxic & destructive.
I was looking at a Rolex explorer but will probably look elsewhere, any recommendations?
Don't hate it. Just that you can usually get something better for the same price.
Honestly, as much as Rolex has a name, even if i could afford it, Tudor seems to have the same quality for a great deal less money. Only been collecting and watchmaking about a year, don't see a Rolex in my collection even if i had the money. Now other watches, sign me up 😀 A. Lange and Sohne (spelling?) Has some beautiful pieces, and i would give my right arm for a crystal plate Waltham pocket watch.
Yey! You read one of my comments! I'm truly honoured. And yes, I am a little sour! I'm lucky enough to have picked up a Rolex Explorer at RRP a few years ago. It's a great watch, but it's worth what I paid for it and no more. That same watch is now going for 150% of what I paid for it, and quite frankly I wouldn't have paid that. I'd love a Sky Dweller, but the (non-RRP) going rate is getting into the territory of much better watch brands. In other words, what annoys me is that Rolex are great, but for the price of (an available) one you could have something better.
I don’t own any mechanical movement watches yet and I’m upper middle class. I tried on the explorer and loved it. Got put on a waitlist and slowly got exposed to what everyone else hates about the experience. Nothing super insightful from me but I just think the regular Joe is really turned off by ADs and large segments of the Rolex community. I’d never consider getting one while supply remains so constricted and I have to compete with “investors” and resalers.
Another excellent offering, good sirs! If I had that much money to spend on a watch, I would buy a PloProf and a Fifty-Fathoms straightaway. The FF is so, so beautiful... truly one of the most beautiful divers. And the PloProf is just next-level crazy, which I really like. A lot. That plus a Glashutte SeaQ and a Cartier Santos if I had enough for all of them. Like they said, there's so many other choices out there. Often, the road less traveled is a wiser choice. Cheers!👍🙂
I actually like Rolexes. And I’ll never sell my dads old GMT he bought in the 1970s. What I don’t like is that they’ve moved from being respectable sturdily built functional watches into commodities to be flipped or creating artificial scarcity. It’s such a turn off, and when I can buy an entry level Lange for what some steel Rolexes are going for on the secondary market, why would you even want one? Like why would I pay 500-1000 bucks for some Jordans because of a particular color when I could get some really nice boots that will long outlast them? Really a shame what’s happened with Rolex.
I do love my 2 Rolex watches. They are not the best or finest watches for certain. My Grand Seiko and JLCs mop the floor with them.
However I do enjoy them. Big point to note is, both of my Rolexes are vintage.
Market is tanking. Panda Daytonas sitting with grays and not moving despite multiple price cuts. Grays are terrified.
It's not about their watches. It's about their brand and how they treat you like shit if you're not "worthy". Like they're doing you a favour by letting you buy their overly expensive watches.
You're confusing Rolex with the authorised dealers, as most seem to be doing.
@@mr_watchaddict3146 This!
@@mr_watchaddict3146 Not really. I have an issue with the brand. Their ethos. How they work. How they make their watches. How they market them. That's on Rolex. And it's not specially great.
@@betog.6229 Ok, though I struggle to see how they’re doing any of those aspects poorly as regards their aims.
@@betog.6229 Ethos?
White gold, yellow gold, platinum, vintage, rare Rolex models ….. yes of course….. money well spent. Top of the line watch, better mechanical advantage, available, tasteful design….. Omega is not any part of a bubble…. Unless the crown means more than mechanical superiority.
I mean I have a Pepsi and it's a fantastic watch and virtually nothing on the market competes with it. But I got it at retail and it's worth what I paid--I can't imagine paying 20-30 grand on it when my favorite watch in my collection is still my Grand Seiko SBGA413, which costed closer to 6 grand.
The Pepsi GMT is a fantastic watch! I think the GMT is the best watch Rolex makes. I have the Omega 2538 aka the Great White. Both are true GMTs. Mine keeps exceptional time +1 seconds per day and has 300m of WR. I wish my Omega was thinner. Your Pepsi is is about 3mm thinner.
Oh so many reasons !!! Lack of availability, unfair hype, crazy prices, risk of getting robbed, risk of being told you are a "douchebag" as the Americans would say.... etc etc... Personally, I can think of many more great watches that are available and cheaper...Also I find most modern Rolex too thick and heavy.... So there you go... I love IWC, Omega, JLC, Casio, Hamilton, Grand Seiko..... And about a hundred more...Having said all that, if they WERE available to buy and try on, there are a few models I do secretly love, like the Explorer, some of the OPs and a few Datejusts.... BUT even those watches could be more refined, more elegant, thinner... case in point - JLC Ultra Thin, Omega watches from the past (even the Bond Era Seamasters were curvy slender beauties).... Rolex is good.... But I can live without it
If you would have asked me two weeks ago, I would've said that I hate Rolex for not being available.
On Saturday I picked up my new Airking 126900 from the AD which called on Monday:)
Now I really love Rolex!
Thanks and greetings
Nice one, after you registered your interest did you regularly visit the store building a relationship as they say or did you just register leave and await the call that finally came?
@@7979dennis to be honest both myself and a friend of mine where put on the list within the same week. He had already a long list of jewlery, other watches and even rolexes bought there while I just bought a Tudor and a jewlery piece for my wife last year. He got the call after just two months but was not really interrsted in the watch so that he actually picked it up for me.
I'm officially still waiting for the call. I think they really prioritise customers who spend a lot of money.
@@rmr5184 Congratulations to you wear the watch in good health 👍
@@7979dennis thanks:) hope you get the one you are waiting for soon!
I will soon ask to change the watch on my list to a OP 41 with the green dial! Maybe one day I will get it.
For all the games the AD’s played with me to get the bottom line Perpetual Oyster. Telling me I’m on a waiting list but never taking my information. I went ahead and bought a Grand Seiko. No fuzz and it’s a beauty.
What are you talking about... You can find rolex everywhere! There are thousands for sale new. Just not at the AD. Hence, why I bought another Omega. A speedmaster racing chrono with white dial.
Rolex and Mr. Wilsdorff are the quasi inventors of the watch-bubble. They even made bubble-backs in the old days.
Wow. Not just a "Dad" Joke. But a "Dad whose a total watch geek" joke. That is impressive.
@@mitchmitchell9588 Thanks for the compliment! "Watch addict" might be a proper classification, too. ;-)
Glad I bought my Rolex years ago, just good looking, good watches and nothing more.
The biggest trick Rolex has ever pulled is convincing watch people that stainless steel is "luxury".
Ok, I'll chime in...I have nothing against Rolex other than the (I think) contrived scarcity, kinda like we see with diamonds. Everyone knows they aren't really rare... That said, Rolex makes a good watch. I prefer Omega personally. Or a Breitling. Or (shield your eyes and listen for the Angelic Choir) A. Langer & Sohne (as I back away, genuflecting three times...🙂)
I was a RN Diver in the 60 / 70's. We were intitled to request - from navy stores - a dive watch! Either a Rolex or an Omega. I requested one - didn't mind which. Eventually a watch arrived - it was the Omega .... really quite liked it. Comparing it with my fellow divers ... it was far more accurate then the Rolex... & had better lume (which we needed for deep or night diving) but neither had much pull as wimmin bait! ( Watches weren't in the 70's ..... you needed a flash motor ....)" Actually, I really prefered my own Seiko dive watch. It had a "look at me" orange dial!!" Wish I had "lost" it at the time, instead of returning it when I was drafted. See what a military dive watch goes for now ???!!!!!!
I love investments making money and I love watches Rolex is a perfect example of having your cake so I love em just need one more then I have all the top pieces😊also they cut production by 40% this year
Touch a Rolex then an Omega you will instantly see the superior quality in a Rolex
Here is my two pence for what it is worth. I question as to how many people who are obsessing about not getting the call have been interested in watches or indeed Rolexes for that matter. I suspect the vast majority only became interested, when prices were being sold for 50-150% over RRP, and they thought they could make easy, cheap, money. These people are the problem, along with greedy backpack flippers/grey market dealers. They are both the same.
Rolexes are as common as muck, not great watches, and are at best the Audi of the watch world. When you see one, you wont give it a second glance. They are decent watches, nothing more. If you don't get the call move along, and buy grey or buy another better quality watch. On the question of the grey market, anyone who pays 50-200% over RRP is a mug. There is nothing I covet in the world that I wish to pay for at such inflated prices. Why would I pay that for a trinket, I certainly wouldn't for a house/flat and they have an intrinsic value. A watch doesn't .
The secondary market is flooded with new unworn subs and the like . Six months ago they were going for double RRP, they are now being offered at 30-50% plus RRP. Still far too much, yet flippers wont curently budge as if that margin is not enough for them . Greedy c units. I am picking up my fourth Sub in ten years from WoS in London tomorrow. A sub bluesy. For a laugh I called three of the most well known and visible bricks and mortar secondary dealers , asking for a price, and here is what they said:
1) We have six in and we don't need anymore, however we will buy it from you for 13k, which is 650 over RRP. I said the ones you have in stock are they new and unworn, to which came the reply. No, but you don't get more for a new one. Con men, vermin. My my mate then called asking for a new unworn Bluesy, to which they said " very in demand, hard to get, we can get you one for 16k today!
2) We will pay 13250, the market is very soft. Yet they price them on their website at 15-17. Meanwhile they say on their YT channel how the market is strong and prices rapidly increasing. Charlatans.
3) We will take it on consignment , we expect to return you 13 500. Yet they are pricing them at 16k plus.
Moral of the story I wouldn't buy a paper clip from these uneducated spiv, chav, wideboys, and neither should you. Wait your turn, or move along. I waited three months and saved myself 3-5 k....
Great points made in this video. A lot of hate for Rolex comes from those who can’t get them at retail - these people justify not having one by convincing themselves and others that Rolex is boring and overrated. Yet, if they got the call for any desirable sport model, they would drop everything and rush to their AD immediately.
There’s a huge difference between previously collecting Rolex and later deciding that their watches aren’t worth it vs. directing contempt towards Rolex and its collectors while lacking the ability to buy one. The first opinion stems from experience and understanding while the second from jealously and bitterness.
I probably continue hating rolex until I can buy mine at retail
An honest answer compared to the usual hater BS. 😊
I have brought two in two years. An new Explorer 1 and a new OP 36mm silver dial. So you can buy them. But it all depends on the AD and whether you get on with them.
I don't hate Rolex, I just hate not being able to own one.
I couldn’t afford one either when I was younger. But throughout time I got more and lot expensive and watches.
I love my Rolex sub no Date, took me a very long time to get ,I will always have it and I'm a very proud Rolex owner, most people are jealous 🥰
I like Rolex a lot as they make really good watches. The hate they seem to get is not justified- at least from my point of view. Should a company be blamed if the demand is high although they make about 1 million per year? Once you own one you might appreciate that your watch keeps value
I love my gmt master II I've had since 2004, but wish the shop told me at the time I got it the cost of a service and fact a battery watch is more accurate.
“Dance piggy” LOOL loved that bit
where is the artistry in Rolex? Where are the open case backs? Besides the Milgaus, They are very plain. I'm actually in the process of getting a sweet Speedmaster Racing from you guys
You two are usually spot on but oh how wrong you are about Rolex! There is a very real possibility that the brand is doing irreparable damage to itself by ignoring its customers and refusing to innovate its distribution system. I’m not saying they need to be Timex and sell to everyone and I realize that they are trying to move themselves up market and will lose a percentage of customers that way, but if they don’t do something soon they are going to end up losing their cool factor or worse developing a rep they don’t want. Either of those things could land them in financial trouble. No brand is fail proof.
I dont hate rolex as a product. They make wonderful watch with reasonable retail price. It is just that they limit their supply so much intentionally for their notorious way of marketing. If i know that speedmaster will be always in stock whenever I walk into omega store, I dont necesarilly feel rushed to go get the item. But, if I get a call one of the rare rolex sst model is available, i drive to thr store within 10 minutes before someone else snatch it. As a result, it is just bad experience for most of customers who visit the shop to check for availability and get scoffed by the seller.
you can look at it that way, but i don't think they manipulate the market as you think. they produce a million pieces per annum, the highest or close to highest swiss maker. Take for example NVDIA, during the last 3-5 years, no one could get a high end video card bc of all the mining. now the cryptocurrencies have crashed,the market is flooded with cheap video cards the miners want to dump. NVIDIA stock price crashes 50%. Imagine if Rolex ramps up production bc of the flippers. now bc of the economy, the grey market has dropped 30%? in 6 months? soon, these flippers will dump their stocks, the wait lists will shorten. However, then Rolex will have to down size? fire all the new workers? They know this won't last so they are just chugging along. As someone said above, there is a recession coming, prices will revert to the mean and you'll get your watch.
@@G-Money124 i hope that is what is going to happen. Maybe their absolute number of sell is higher than other watchmakers, but still I am sure they are limiting the production of certain models like GMT, Daytona, including others, even if they are capable of more meeting the demands from public. Again, i get it for them, they are treating the watch as luxurious goods, which will no longer be luxurious if everyone owns one of them. But they are certainly one of the few who are spoiling the market.
Patek, Lange and Seiko mop the floor with Rolex.
I have had a different idea: I have a box and a half full of Rolexes, around 13 in total. And yet I spent less than a no date sub... I decided few years ago that, for Rolex, it's much better go rep. No hassle, once serviced (by me) well performing movements (either 2824/2836 from SeaGull or Rolex clone), no fear to make a ding on them, no bank vaults needed... Oh and I never had to humiliate myself to beg a Rolex AD to take my money for an objectively overpriced watch!
Omega 4 life 100% agree!
it's like chasing after the girl who think she is too good for you, you know you deserves better, but still can't get her off your mind...
I love Rolex I’ve been using the same dealer for 40 years or more and I’ve never paid over RRP , I bought a GMT in 2019 and a Cosmo in 2021 , I never sell my watches on even if I could get 3 time the original value , I’ve passed a few of my watches on to my son or daughter in law for Christmas presents and birthdays.
Hating something just because you can’t get one is just stupid. Imho, GAL
To me any brand that refuses to sell to customers loses all credibility, and that's coming from someone that has a Hulk, Two-Tone Sub and Pepsi... I don't get any watches anymore, I have to wait years in Switzerland to get my hands on a new watch and they straight up refuse to even let me on a waitlist for a Daytona.
The brand has become an absolute joke and I'm going to sell mine for a huge profit so I can invest in a proper brand appreciating their customers.
They have history and legacy, no doubt about that. But they remain the choice of luxury watch for people who don't know watches. When I see someone with a Rolex I will never start a watch enthusiast conversation.