While it’s true there are many watches on the market today that are more intricate and cost much more than a Rolex watch, for the vast majority of people who have attained a measure of professional success, a Rolex watch is the first symbol of status and affluence that many of them first seek to acquire. But with prices starting in the thousands of dollars and going up to the tens of thousands, these wristwatches definitely are not for those people on a tight budget.
Is a Rolex watch worth the steep price it commands, anyway? Or is it an over-hyped accouterment benefitting from many years of a superior marketing campaign?
Today’s luxury Rolex watch actually originated from humble beginnings. In 1905 Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis under the company name Wilsdorf & Davis, and it is a little known fact that neither man was actually a watchmaker by trade.
Originally Wilsdorf wanted his watches to be affordable by everyone. Their watches initially were made by placing imported Hermann Aegler’s Swiss movements into cases manufactured by other watch companies. These early wristwatches were then sold to jewelers, who then put their own names on the dial. The earliest watches from the firm of Wilsdorf and Davis are usually marked “W&D” – inside the caseback only.
Hans Wilsdorf registered the trademark name “Rolex” in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1908. The word was made up, and its origin is obscure. One story, which was never confirmed by Wilsdorf, is that the word “Rolex” came from the French phrase horlogerie exquise, meaning exquisite watch industry. Another is that the name was chosen to indicate movement when spoken in English. Whatever the true story, the name Rolex was officially registered on November 15, 1915.
Rolex Innovations
While Rolex was one of the key players in popularizing the wristwatch, they also were responsible for the invention of several key technologies that are still being used today. Some Rolex innovations include the first self-winding watch, the first waterproof watch, the first watch with a date on the dial, the first watch to display two time zones at once and the first watchmaker to earn the chronometer certification for a watch.
Rolex Marketing Prowess
If nothing else, Rolex is a company that knows how to market their watches exceedingly well. When Rolex created the first waterproof watch, it wasn’t enough to just announce it as such. Instead, Rolex made a special watch and attached it to the side of the Trieste bathyscaphe (an extreme depth diving submersible), which then proceeded to dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench – the deepest point in the world. As expected, the watch kept perfect time.
Rolex also goes to great lengths to associate their watches with adventurers who have worn Rolex watches while exploring the depths of the sea to the top of Mt. Everest. In addition to sportsmen, Rolex developed a long-standing relationship with Hollywood when Sean Connery sported a Rolex Submariner in his first appearance as James Bond in the film “Dr. No.” Bond would go on to wear Rolex watches in several more films.
As a result of Rolex’ marketing prowess, Rolex watches are among the world’s most recognized watch brands. They are much sought after – and copied – symbols of success, affluence and style.
But How Good is a Rolex Watch?
It’s undeniable that Rolex only uses the finest precious metals and jewels in the production of their luxury watches. They manufacture their own watch movements in-house and strictly regulate the amount of watches released to each authorized Rolex dealer annually. This all contributes to a Rolex watch that is highly sought after and commands a premium price. As a result of all this, it is assumed that Rolex manufactures the most accurate and durable watches in the world.
Is that all just the result of superior marketing?
Although Rolex maintains that their watches are extremely accurate, they aren’t forthcoming with supporting data in support of those assertions. There are those who say that a $5000 Rolex watch isn’t as nearly as accurate as a $30 quartz watch, and can be up to 200 times less accurate than a high-end temperature-compensated quartz watch – and there is some relevance to that argument.
Whereas Rolex watches are certified to be accurate to within three seconds per day, there are many cheap quartz watches that are accurate to better than one second a day!
Rolex’s Dirty Little Secret
When you see adventurers and extreme sportsmen in advertisements sporting a Rolex watch, it is a little known fact that Rolex compensates these individuals to be seen wearing a Rolex watch during their exploits to project the image that Rolex watches are rugged, durable and reliable. However, out of the public eye when these people are free to wear the watch of their own choosing, most do not choose a Rolex. In fact, many people who depend on their watches for their very survival say that Rolex watches are less durable than many modern quartz watches.
NASA scuba divers often wear the quartz version of the Marathon TSAR, and other people engaging in rugged activities such as combat soldiers, pilots and extreme sportsmen prefer watches specifically designed for the rigors that their activities require – such as the Casio G-Shock.
Another criticism of Rolex watches is the fact that they require more repairs and servicing than modern watches. Much of this can be attributed to their obsolete design. While Rolex prefers to call these designs “timeless”, detractors call that a pile of marketing garbage. But if you must have a Rolex on your wrist, be prepared to pay dearly for servicing – and regular servicing is recommended.
Final Words
A Rolex watch – along with most high-end mechanical luxury watches – possesses an unmatchable cachet not even remotely possible with a quartz watch. In addition to being a device for keeping accurate time, a Rolex watch is also a piece of fine jewelry that coveys on its owner an aura of style, sophistication and yes … status.
Whether we want to admit it or not, it’s a fact that when we meet someone for the first time we make an initial evaluation of them which is both conscious and unconscious. We note how they carry themselves, their grooming, whether their speech is confident or not, and the style and quality of their clothes, shoes and … their wristwatch! In particular, women seem to be particularly attuned to this, and upon a first meeting one of the first things they’ll notice on a man is the watch he’s wearing.
The bottom line: A Rolex watch is a top-quality, sophisticated piece of high-end jewelry that conveys on its wearer a sense of status, prestige, success and refinement. There’s also no denying its ability to make a positive impression of the wearer by people they meet – whether socially or professionally.
There is no denying the impact a Rolex watch can have on its owner – if one can afford the price. But there are many Rolex replicas on the market as well if you really need a watch looking like a Rolex or you simply love a particular model but are not willing to pay the high price just for the sake of the design.
Rolex Replica Watches Vs Authentic Rolex
Are authentic Rolex watches better than Rolex replica watches?
Rolex replica watches are not manufactured of the same high quality and craftsmanship as that of an original Rolex watch, but for many users it is suitable for occasional wear to that special meeting, function or social event.
While an authentic Rolex watch will last much longer than a Rolex replica watch, many owners of an authentic Rolex watches fear potential theft of their watch and therefore do not always wear it. Also, the glass on a real Rolex watch is of much higher quality and scratch-resistant, but the better Rolex replicas have sapphire glass, which are also quite scratch resistant.
Replica Rolex watches are water resistant to a few meters, but original Rolex watches are waterproof at much greater depths. Many owners would never dive with their authentic Rolex watch anyway for fear of losing it underwater.
Also, if the Replica Rolex watch is “gold plated” it may fade over the years or when used in harsh environments, unlike an authentic solid gold Rolex watch which will never fade. However, authentic solid gold Rolex watches can cost from $10,000 up to much higher. It is possible to get a Rolex replica watches (normally manufactured in Switzerland) that have thicker gold plating and will therefore last significantly longer. These Rolex replicas will cost up to $900, or two to three times the normal price for a normal Rolex replica watch.
If you purchase an authentic Rolex gold watch you should not wear it in saltwater no matter if it is an authentic Rolex watch or fake Rolex. The gold will become dark and dull to look at. Of course, an authentic Rolex watch will be made of solid gold and will last a lifetime of daily use, but in order to maintain the finish and appearance, it is best to only wear it under normal conditions.
Which is better, to have one authentic Rolex watch or, for the same price, have twenty Rolex replica watches – one for every occasion, event and change of wardrobe, without the worry of whether an authentic Rolex would be lost, damaged or stolen. An authentic Rolex watch has worldwide warranty support and is crafted to last for decades of daily use – while a Rolex replica only has a limited warranty and is expected to last only a few years of daily use.
Purchasing a fake Rolex watch may be the better choice for young professionals who are just starting their careers. They are often expected to present a professional appearance at the workplace and at social events, but at the same time they are on a very tight budget and have student loans to pay off. For these people a Rolex replica may be their solution.
So should you opt for an authentic Rolex watch, or a Rolex replica watch? It is really dependent upon your intended use, financial circumstances and lifestyle. Obviously, an authentic Rolex watch is of much higher quality and the preferable choice, but at a price that prohibits the majority of people from owning one.
The choice is yours.
How to Sell Your Used Rolex Watch
You’re recently departed grandfather left you his beautiful gold Rolex watch that you admired when you were younger. The problem is, you’ve since purchased your own Rolex watch few years back, similar in appearance to dear old granddad’s Rolex, and besides, you could really use the extra cash at the moment. You would like to sell the watch but don’t know the best way to go about it. When selling any heirloom watch just follow the following guidlines to assure you’re getting a fair price.
1. Know what model you have.
The manufacturer’s name almost always appears on the dial, but the better watch makers also keep detailed records about the specific movements, et al. Check the back and sides of the case for the serial number, and then contact the watch manufacturer. They will be able to tell you all the information you need to know about your particular watch.
2. Get the watch appraised.
The major auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Antiquorum are the best, and will usually provide a watch expert. If they don’t, they should be able to recommend a respected private dealer in your area.
3. Get a second opinion.
Ebay is actually a good place to determine what people are currently paying for your particular model watch. You can check the completed auctions to see what the actual selling prices of the watches were.
4. Sell.
If time is of the essence, go with a private dealer: They offer the quickest turnaround. If not, an auction house offers the possibility of a profitable bidding war. As a last resort, you can always use the above mentioned eBay — just make sure to set a reserve so you don’t sell for less than you feel the watch is worth.
