Rolex Guilt?

[cdm765]

Perhaps not relevant to some, but for those of you who have grown up lower-middle class, do you ever feel a sense of guilt displaying signs of achivevement such as a Rolex watch? I have done relatively well at a young age but still struggle with this! I feel it could be awkward visiting relatives etc with a recognizably expensive brand.

That being said, I am very excited to be in the market for a 16570 Polar...

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by cdm765

Perhaps not relevant to some, but for those of you who have grown up lower-middle class, do you ever feel a sense of guilt displaying signs of achivevement such as a Rolex watch? I have done relatively well at a young age but still struggle with this! I feel it could be awkward visiting relatives etc with a recognizably expensive brand.

That being said, I am very excited to be in the market for a 16570 Polar...

I came from nothing and I am proud of my accomplishments. Internally proud that I created my own success. I do nothing, buy nothing, or wear nothing to boost, show off, or prove anything. Only because they give me personal joy and I will never be ashamed of that. I don't display my signs of achievements I live them

[Wesley Crusher]

Your relatives should be happy for your success. If they aren't, they aren't worth your time.

[soundserious]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I came from nothing and I am proud of my accomplishments. Internally proud that I created my own success. I do nothing, buy nothing, or wear nothing to boost, show off, or prove anything. Only because they give me personal joy and I will never be ashamed of that. I don't display my signs of achievements I live them

Agree. Very well written.

[cdm765]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I came from nothing and I am proud of my accomplishments. Internally proud that I created my own success. I do nothing, buy nothing, or wear nothing to boost, show off, or prove anything. Only because they give me personal joy and I will never be ashamed of that. I don't display my signs of achievements I live them

So well said.

[HogwldFLTR]

Only if my wife figures it all out.

[snhrph]

I do not feel guilty or awkward - I EARNED everything that I own, including my SUVs and my Rolexes.

I came to US in '89 with $100 in my pocket (talk about starting at the bottom of socio-economic ladder). I worked hard and I succeeded. And if I could do it, then anyone can.

Guilty - NO. Proud - YES.

[sickened1]

No guilt here. I paid for everything myself.

Originally Posted by cdm765

That being said, I am very excited to be in the market for a 16570 Polar...

Btw, excellent choice on that 16570 Polar.

[Al1969]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I came from nothing and I am proud of my accomplishments. Internally proud that I created my own success. I do nothing, buy nothing, or wear nothing to boost, show off, or prove anything. Only because they give me personal joy and I will never be ashamed of that. I don't display my signs of achievements I live them

I'm with you Doc

[Rolexbiker]

Originally Posted by cdm765

Perhaps not relevant to some, but for those of you who have grown up lower-middle class, do you ever feel a sense of guilt displaying signs of achivevement such as a Rolex watch? I have done relatively well at a young age but still struggle with this! I feel it could be awkward visiting relatives etc with a recognizably expensive brand.

That being said, I am very excited to be in the market for a 16570 Polar...

Wow You nailed it for me. I know exactly how you feel. I find myself hiding luxuries in a time where so many have so little. Despite claiming my piece of the pie. That is why I am resigned to Brietling shopping. It does not have the in your face prestige as a Rolex. But will make me feel as good about having a quality piece.

It's not a bad thing to stay under the pretentious wire in some circles. I still enjoy the company of those who have not achieved what we have as they are long time friends. They see my 08 Vette and Harley so there's that but $33K for a car or $15K for a bike vs $8K for a...... watch.......

[Old Expat Beast]

A good question that will probably get many rather defensive answers. I do feel a bit guilty sometimes, or at least self indulgent, especially if I find myself putting up photos here for no practical reason. I earned all my watches, but I guess one person's sharing of achievement is another person's unnecessary display of wealth. Just my perspective.

[GageTucker]

It's only a big deal if you make it one. Honestly, most people never notice my watch and only other WIS ever comment. The EXP II was my first Rolex, good choice!

[bmpwatch]

as others have said, your relatives should be proud of your success and anyone that thinks otherwise may not be worthy of your time. That said, if you wanna go "under the radar" while having a great piece, I think a Panerai would be the perfect choice for you....To "non-WIS" most won't really notice it, while those in the know as well as yourself will absolutely appreciate it for what it is....Im a huge Panerai fan and while they are becoming more popular, they are still a lot less recognizable to those "out of the loop" compared to a Rolex

[Houstonguy]

I have zero guilt. I worked hard and made the life choices necessary to allow me to purchase luxury watches. I've had a few friends say comments like "must be nice" but they don't work as much as I do. I killed myself for 2 years working overtime to pay our vehicles and credit cards off and now that we owe nothing I'm still killing myself and putting money away and buying watches, but they just see me wearing a rolex.

[dimag333]

Originally Posted by cdm765

Perhaps not relevant to some, but for those of you who have grown up lower-middle class, do you ever feel a sense of guilt displaying signs of achivevement such as a Rolex watch? I have done relatively well at a young age but still struggle with this! I feel it could be awkward visiting relatives etc with a recognizably expensive brand.

That being said, I am very excited to be in the market for a 16570 Polar...

yes I owned a sub for 5 days and did not feel comfortable wearing it around family. I bought a new mercedes and boat this year but for some reason this did not jive with me

[Andad]

Originally Posted by cdm765

Perhaps not relevant to some, but for those of you who have grown up lower-middle class, do you ever feel a sense of guilt displaying signs of achivevement such as a Rolex watch? I have done relatively well at a young age but still struggle with this! I feel it could be awkward visiting relatives etc with a recognizably expensive brand.

That being said, I am very excited to be in the market for a 16570 Polar...

No.

[Tseg]

People notice the 46mm+ size watches so little to worry about with Rolex unless one runs around posing with it. I was at a Christmas party last week and all were goo-goo ga-ga over this guy's massive Invicta. My BLNR poked out of my shirt sleeve but no one noticed. Only co-workers sitting next to me in meetings notice my Rolex and it does not bother me because I know they could afford one as well if that was their priority... Although Omega seems the brand of choice at work.

[james1787]

None. Zero. I worked very hard to earn it as well as anything else I have. Your family should be proud of you and what you have achieved.

[thomaspp]

I feel guilty for the first day or two after pulling the trigger on any time piece above 10k but then I dont!

[fullcourt]

like others i worked hard for all the nicer things in life, i feel no guilt. my families 'needs' are all taken care of and we can indulge in the 'wants' , a nice vacation, a nice watch, new clothes or a night on the town.

i don't explain it to anyone.

[bdex75]

Not guilt. But sometimes ask myself why. And then I look at my wrist and watch box and it makes me happy. When it stops making me happy I will sell them all and go back to Bulova and Citizen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

A good question that will probably get many rather defensive answers. I do feel a bit guilty sometimes, or at least self indulgent, especially if I find myself putting up photos here for no practical reason. I earned all my watches, but I guess one person's sharing of achievement is another person's unnecessary display of wealth. Just my perspective.

I would have to agree with you and the OP on this. I feel this way at times. However, outside my watch fetish, I live a pretty practical lifestyle and my collection shows it... For as much as a Rolex collection can be practical I guess. Like most here, I've earned what I have and paid a personal price for what I do. As long as people don't let their possessions define them, they should be good to go.

[Rolexbiker]

Originally Posted by dimag333

yes I owned a sub for 5 days and did not feel comfortable wearing it around family. I bought a new mercedes and boat this year but for some reason this did not jive with me

I bought a Vette and a Harley......But somehow spending $5000+ on a watch seems pretentious......I guess its our own value systems at work. I never really valued watches until this past few months. I wanted to leave something personal and tangible behind someday to my only nephew. More than money,
He is hearing impaired and is on track to get his mortician's licence. (Good job for him) At least that's the excuse or rationalization I need to blow $5000+ on a wrist watch.

I bought him a $200 Skagen for Christmas and he just loves it. (could not wait to the 25th to open the delivery from Amazon)

The more I got into researching the more I appreciated the work that goes into a fine watch. What I find strange is the same elements go into a $300 watch as a $8000 watch. Both keep great time. Rolex is a lot like Harley Davidson.

All about marketing. Whereas the Corvette is a great bargain high performance car in it's class. It actually delivers what cars 3x the cost can and more reliably .

I can totally understand people getting caught up in collecting watches though. Whether high dollar ones or Seikos and Invictas, It's a passion. I see the passion in all the forums without regard to expense.

I find myself stopping and looking at every watch I see in a store whether Invicta or a Kors. Invicta makes dead on copies of every watch out there it seems. Their "speed" watch is dead ringer for a Daytona at 10 feet. I find it amazing a company can make a complicated Chrono water proof to 1000 feet for $76 and another company can sell the same chore for $7600.

[greggsiam]

It's partly in how you act. If you aren't rubbing it in people's faces and acting poorly, it shouldn't matter. "Pass the grey Poupon....OH YEAH, LOOK AT MY ROLEX"

I can see where you are coming from. When in Cambodia, I felt bad walking around with a $5,000 camera because the people I was shooting were lucky to make $500 in 6 months of hard work. But in the end, I acted properly, treated people with respect and kindness, so there was never an issue. In fact, the people were ecstatic to get their picture taken, and they were some of the happiest people I have ever met in my life. So maybe those that do notice your Rolex will have the "that's a cool watch" attitude, other than something negative.

[Ritch99]

I came to this country in 93. I had 174 dollars in my pocket and went straight into the ARMY. I worked hard and suffered. I ETS out of the ARMY in late 04. They got their moneys worth out of me, no doubt. I wanted a SS Sub all of my life. My grandfather was a watch maker so I understood what quality in a time piece is. Never thought I would be able to have one. I started a business and was lucky to do pretty well in a short period of time...hard work, and more hard work. Now I enjoy all of my watches (all Rolex's)...an addiction to say the least. I do not apologize for what I have. I give to those that need, friends and family, when I can. I say all should enjoy their good fortune and enjoy life...it is short. Be kind to others and live like today will be your last day and I believe that will keep everything in perspective allowing you to enjoy your time in this world. If you earned it, you deserve it...do not apologize for working hard and being rewarded for it.

[adawil2002]

Nope, no guilt, not self concious. Have nothing to apologize for, bought my first when I was in high school in 1986 a 16550 Polar Explorer II. Family members thought I was foolish and extravagant spending $1360 for a watch, turned out to be a sound investment.

Rolex tend to appreciate over time, Timex not so much.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Rolexbiker

I bought a Vette and a Harley......But somehow spending $5000+ on a watch seems pretentious......I guess its our own value systems at work. I never really valued watches until this past few months. I wanted to leave something personal and tangible behind someday to my only nephew. More than money,
He is hearing impaired and is on track to get his mortician's licence. (Good job for him) At least that's the excuse or rationalization I need to blow $5000+ on a wrist watch.

I bought him a $200 Skagen for Christmas and he just loves it. (could not wait to the 25th to open the delivery from Amazon)

The more I got into researching the more I appreciated the work that goes into a fine watch. What I find strange is the same elements go into a $300 watch as a $8000 watch. Both keep great time. Rolex is a lot like Harley Davidson.

All about marketing. Whereas the Corvette is a great bargain high performance car in it's class. It actually delivers what cars 3x the cost can and more reliably .

I can totally understand people getting caught up in collecting watches though. Whether high dollar ones or Seikos and Invictas, It's a passion. I see the passion in all the forums without regard to expense.

I find myself stopping and looking at every watch I see in a store whether Invicta or a Kors. Invicta makes dead on copies of every watch out there it seems. Their "speed" watch is dead ringer for a Daytona at 10 feet. I find it amazing a company can make a complicated Chrono water proof to 1000 feet for $76 and another company can sell the same chore for $7600.

If you cant tell the difference between a 76 dollar MK watch and a rolex, you really shouldn't buy a rolex.

Also Breitlings have tons of wrist presence. More than a sub and will garnish more comments and inquiry. I've had 2 and they always got farrrrr more attention than my sub or gmt

[Thunderball57]

I'm still middle class, but I was fortunate in becoming a longshoreman. I own my home, cars and have a decent amount (by my standards) in savings. I can't afford a lot of the things that many of you can, but I'm not one to take anything away from anybody. I worked for everything I own and consider myself a very fortunate man. I've been put down for it by some over the years, so I can only imagine what some of the members here have put up with.

[skprd13]

I saved and worked hard for everyone of my watches!

[Dr. Robert]

No, non, nein ,nyet.