Which swiss watch?
Discussion
I'll one this by saying I know nothing about watches generally, so treat me gently 
I've done some research but I see a lot of gloss and limited comparative info.
Long story short, my father in law ran his own engineering business, he was well known in the north west and in the 70s helped out another businessman who gifted him his Rolex Oyster in oystersteel in thanks. My FiL died in 2022 and left me his watch. He wore it every day and I was touched it came to me not my BiL who I expected it to go to. The issue is that he was quite short and slight, the watch was (I think) 32mm and even with the strap adjusted only just went over my hand, and as I'm quite large it just didn't work. I asked for a maintenance quote, including a new strap as the old one was worn and got quoted around £2k
Discussing it with my wife, she wanted me to sell it (as I would never have worn it) and to buy a new one I would wear using some of his financial legacy. I thus sold it and "registered interest" in a new one - nothing fancy, Rolex Datejust 41 with plain bezel.
That was 18 months ago. I was told 6 weeks ago the faces have changed so I've had to change my "interest". It got me wondering (and to be frank, p$$$ed me off at the wait.)
What is the difference between Rolex and products other companies, such as IWC? Is it just the "brand", and they limit volumes to keep up values, or is the quality that much higher. I've seen IWC, but are they a real competitor, and who are the others?
I'm not buying this as a financial investment as such, I want a solid, reliable, automatic watch that will see me out (say 30 years) that I can pass onto my son as effectively coming down from his grandfather. I have the budget for the Datejust, but I'm struggling to justify it. I know there are secondhand items, but they seem more expensive than new ( I guess driven by constrained supply)
All help gratefully received
I've done some research but I see a lot of gloss and limited comparative info.Long story short, my father in law ran his own engineering business, he was well known in the north west and in the 70s helped out another businessman who gifted him his Rolex Oyster in oystersteel in thanks. My FiL died in 2022 and left me his watch. He wore it every day and I was touched it came to me not my BiL who I expected it to go to. The issue is that he was quite short and slight, the watch was (I think) 32mm and even with the strap adjusted only just went over my hand, and as I'm quite large it just didn't work. I asked for a maintenance quote, including a new strap as the old one was worn and got quoted around £2k
Discussing it with my wife, she wanted me to sell it (as I would never have worn it) and to buy a new one I would wear using some of his financial legacy. I thus sold it and "registered interest" in a new one - nothing fancy, Rolex Datejust 41 with plain bezel.
That was 18 months ago. I was told 6 weeks ago the faces have changed so I've had to change my "interest". It got me wondering (and to be frank, p$$$ed me off at the wait.)
What is the difference between Rolex and products other companies, such as IWC? Is it just the "brand", and they limit volumes to keep up values, or is the quality that much higher. I've seen IWC, but are they a real competitor, and who are the others?
I'm not buying this as a financial investment as such, I want a solid, reliable, automatic watch that will see me out (say 30 years) that I can pass onto my son as effectively coming down from his grandfather. I have the budget for the Datejust, but I'm struggling to justify it. I know there are secondhand items, but they seem more expensive than new ( I guess driven by constrained supply)
All help gratefully received
It is fair to say that Rolex is a triumph of marketing. They make something like 1million watches a year.
Have a look at sites like Chrono24 to see what may be available secondhand within your budget, even if just to identify alternative options that may be of interest but require more saving if you want to stick to buying New.
Have a look at sites like Chrono24 to see what may be available secondhand within your budget, even if just to identify alternative options that may be of interest but require more saving if you want to stick to buying New.
By coincidence I came across this You Tube video just this morning which might be worth 10 minutes of your time - I found it very interesting (as a fan of non mainstream brands, in this case Sinn)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONN8tPtO2cA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONN8tPtO2cA
I've variously been on and off the Rolex bandwagon over the years. If you're not into the marketing, waiting lists and "investment" hype and are just looking for a good watch, personally I prefer Omega, IWC and Jaeger LeCoultre over Rolex. All good watches, very well made with a big range of styles etc to choose from.
I’ve got a Tudor Pelagos (LHD), I believe Tudor and Rolex are intrinsically linked.
https://www.bqwatches.com/is-tudor-owned-by-rolex/
Nowhere near the cost but beautiful watches.
https://www.bqwatches.com/is-tudor-owned-by-rolex/
Nowhere near the cost but beautiful watches.
Soleith said:
I've variously been on and off the Rolex bandwagon over the years. If you're not into the marketing, waiting lists and "investment" hype and are just looking for a good watch, personally I prefer Omega, IWC and Jaeger LeCoultre over Rolex. All good watches, very well made with a big range of styles etc to choose from.
I lust after the Rolex Sky-Dweller but otherwise their other offerings leave me a bit lukewarm.JLC offers enormous value even if they have aggressively increased prices lately. Some pre-owned bargains to be had.
Have you tried other retailers?
I walked past a Rolex AD today and I have noticed that their displays have changed, today no “display only” signs, watches in the window with prices on. They were all Date Just and they were in the main bi metal but I suspect they were available to purchase.
I walked past a Rolex AD today and I have noticed that their displays have changed, today no “display only” signs, watches in the window with prices on. They were all Date Just and they were in the main bi metal but I suspect they were available to purchase.
MB140 said:
I’ve got a Tudor Pelagos (LHD), I believe Tudor and Rolex are intrinsically linked.
https://www.bqwatches.com/is-tudor-owned-by-rolex/
Nowhere near the cost but beautiful watches.
I have become very fond of Tudor and now have 2.https://www.bqwatches.com/is-tudor-owned-by-rolex/
Nowhere near the cost but beautiful watches.
Rolex are very good at marketing tier product and it is almost the go to luxury watch for those who don’t know that much about watches. To some extent like people will associate Porsche with sports cars maybe.
For your money you can certainly get, imo, a better watch and I would be looking at Omega (as a quality watch than non watch people know) or as above Tudor for great value.
For your money you can certainly get, imo, a better watch and I would be looking at Omega (as a quality watch than non watch people know) or as above Tudor for great value.
Thanks for all of the responses, and apologies for being slow to come back.
To answer some of the questions, I do have a preference for Rolex, but I am concerned that comes from my ignorance and their marketing - there are probably better watches (or perhaps better value watches) that I've never heard of.
The video was really useful - it made a few points clear. I need to look for something I really like first and then focus on what it is in terms of spec and quality.
I think I'll spend some more time looking at what is out there.
To answer some of the questions, I do have a preference for Rolex, but I am concerned that comes from my ignorance and their marketing - there are probably better watches (or perhaps better value watches) that I've never heard of.
The video was really useful - it made a few points clear. I need to look for something I really like first and then focus on what it is in terms of spec and quality.
I think I'll spend some more time looking at what is out there.
Konrod said:
Thanks for all of the responses, and apologies for being slow to come back.
I think I'll spend some more time looking at what is out there.
You’re giving yourself excellent advice right there. I think I'll spend some more time looking at what is out there.
Sit on your hands until you’re sure what you want.
You might end up deciding a £55 Casio MDV106 is all you require; Bill Gates did.
Has anyone mentioned Dornbluth?
If you want a truely special dress watch that wears well on a larger wrist and an inheritance piece you couldn't ask for more.
Yeah, it's not Swiss. But neither is a Grand Seiko, which would be another alternative. Neither are anywhere near as recognisable as a Rolex, both are far nicer IMHO.
Here are some gratutitous pics of a 99.2 that was recently sold on TZ-UK.
If you want a truely special dress watch that wears well on a larger wrist and an inheritance piece you couldn't ask for more.
Yeah, it's not Swiss. But neither is a Grand Seiko, which would be another alternative. Neither are anywhere near as recognisable as a Rolex, both are far nicer IMHO.
Here are some gratutitous pics of a 99.2 that was recently sold on TZ-UK.
I've just ordered a Sinn 104, blue dial, on fine link bracelet. Can't think why I would wish to spend more on a watch and it's unlikely I will see another whilst waiting at the bar.
www.firstclasswatches.co.uk/sinn-104-st-sa-i-b-fin...
www.firstclasswatches.co.uk/sinn-104-st-sa-i-b-fin...
Hi everyone
Just to bring this to a conclusion and thank you all for your input and insights. It made me re-evaluate a little, and go back to to think about my criteria.
In the end I bought this CW The Twelve Ti and I'm very happy with it, and I think my FiL would approve. Maybe not the best technical watch, but it is certified, I like the style and I won't worry about wearing it every day, in all conditions.
Just to bring this to a conclusion and thank you all for your input and insights. It made me re-evaluate a little, and go back to to think about my criteria.
In the end I bought this CW The Twelve Ti and I'm very happy with it, and I think my FiL would approve. Maybe not the best technical watch, but it is certified, I like the style and I won't worry about wearing it every day, in all conditions.
Konrod said:
Hi everyone
Just to bring this to a conclusion and thank you all for your input and insights. It made me re-evaluate a little, and go back to to think about my criteria.
In the end I bought this CW The Twelve Ti and I'm very happy with it, and I think my FiL would approve. Maybe not the best technical watch, but it is certified, I like the style and I won't worry about wearing it every day, in all conditions.
Nice, I've been thinking about one of these, I have a CW Trident 600 which is a fantastic watch.Just to bring this to a conclusion and thank you all for your input and insights. It made me re-evaluate a little, and go back to to think about my criteria.
In the end I bought this CW The Twelve Ti and I'm very happy with it, and I think my FiL would approve. Maybe not the best technical watch, but it is certified, I like the style and I won't worry about wearing it every day, in all conditions.
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