Investigating the Quality of Rolex Watches

[Cyrus]

You're in grad school and still living at home? Don't your parents expect you to pay rent at this age if you're still living there?

My parents don't care. I live 30 mins from school. All my friends live at home too. Its a cultural difference. My parents lived at home at my age and older. If my kids want to, fine. I am not going to charge them rent or kick them out. Besides, I get along very well with my parents.

Our house is paid for, so there is no rent. I don't want to pay 10k a year to live on campus when its a 30 min drive. My parents are awesome. I tell them I am going to the bar, they say have a nice time. I come home at 5 am, they don't care.

I just pay for my own food, gas, and clothes. The rest I save to buy a condo when I finish grad school. I want to have a beachin condo when I move out with wood floors, the works. If I have to live at home so I can do this, heck why not?

 

[Evo]

In Italy, a man lives at home until he marries, then his new wife and her family move in with his family.

I don't see why someone should have to pay for a separate home when they have one that is working out for both them and their parents. If Cyrus was a slacker and not working or going to school, then I could see his parents cracking down on him.

I was appalled when I read the quote from that female "celebrity chef" Nigella that said she's not leaving anything to her children in her will because she doesn't want them to have financial security. I guess she shouldn't be surprised if her kids reciprocate and aren't there for her when she gets old. Instilling a good work ethic in your kids is one thing, being a total b**ch is another.

 

[Cyrus]

In Italy, a man lives at home until he marries, then his new wife and her family move in with his family.

I don't see why someone should have to pay for a separate home when they have one that is working out for both them and their parents. If Cyrus was a slacker and not working or going to school, then I could see his parents cracking down on him.

I was appalled when I read the quote from that female "celebrity chef" Nigella that said she's not leaving anything to her children in her will because she doesn't want them to have financial security. I guess she shouldn't be surprised if her kids reciprocate and aren't there for her when she gets old. Instilling a good work ethic in your kids is one thing, being a total b**ch is another.

Thats exactly right. I see foreign kids living at home and doing nothing with their lives. I have no respect for those spoiled brats. They have zero work ethic. I worked at a lab starting my last year of high school through college saving money (while living at home) and getting great pay. It made my pockets fat and got me into grad school in the process. It was the best possible thing that could have happened to my career.
When I move out the reverse follows. If my parents need money for something once I am working, I'll gladly give it to them so they can live comfortably. I don't understand why most Americans can't grasp this simple concept. Why would you want your children to start from the bottom? Give them an edge so they can have a better life.

But this comes at a cost, I slaved away at undergrad every day studying to get a 4.0 most every semeseter (usual days were to 2-3 am, wake up at 6:45 to be at school by 8). Now I am reaping the rewards.

So, anyone starting or currently in undergrad, WORK HARD IT PAYS OFF!

 

[Moonbear]

In Italy, a man lives at home until he marries, then his new wife and her family move in with his family.

Of course this is the reason there are so many unmarried men in Italy well into their 40s.

I don't see why someone should have to pay for a separate home when they have one that is working out for both them and their parents. If Cyrus was a slacker and not working or going to school, then I could see his parents cracking down on him.

Once he pointed out that he was paying for his own food and transportation, etc., it's clear he wasn't just mooching. Still, at some point, it's time to get out on your own and become independent of your parents...but it sounds like he's saving up to do that, and that's fine. There are people who will live home with their parents with no intention of ever leaving, and squander all their earnings on things like toys and flashy clothing while their parents still support them (and you have to admit that when someone is saying they live home with their parents and are buying custom-made shirts and looking at Rolex watches while a grad student, it's going to cross your mind without further explanation).

I was appalled when I read the quote from that female "celebrity chef" Nigella that said she's not leaving anything to her children in her will because she doesn't want them to have financial security. I guess she shouldn't be surprised if her kids reciprocate and aren't there for her when she gets old. Instilling a good work ethic in your kids is one thing, being a total b**ch is another.

I'm sure that was probably taken out of context. Some people joke they aren't going to leave anything for their kids, or maybe she's doing well enough that she doesn't want her kids to be like Paris Hilton living off their parents' money, and was reacting to something like that but not completely seriously. You shouldn't teach your kids to expect an inheritance anyway. Better for them to prepare that they won't get anything and be surprised when there is something for them than to let them expect they will be set once you die and then have them standing around destitute waiting for a hand out when health care expenses at the end of your life leave you in debt.

 

[Cyrus]

Once he pointed out that he was paying for his own food and transportation, etc., it's clear he wasn't just mooching. Still, at some point, it's time to get out on your own and become independent of your parents...but it sounds like he's saving up to do that, and that's fine. There are people who will live home with their parents with no intention of ever leaving, and squander all their earnings on things like toys and flashy clothing while their parents still support them (and you have to admit that when someone is saying they live home with their parents and are buying custom-made shirts and looking at Rolex watches while a grad student, it's going to cross your mind without further explanation).

Im definately moving out once I finish grad school, that's for sure. Id move out now, but I want to save money. I am not going to spend 10k a year to live 5 mins on campus, when I live 30 mins drive from my own house. I am actually pretty cheap, there are many things I don't like to spend my money on. One of the few things I do spend good money on is clothes, because they will last me years and make me look good. As for having custom made shirts, I am not doing it out of choice. There just is not any shirts my size at the store. None at all. I am tired of wasting my money on shirts, like warren did, that don't fit right. They end up just sitting in the closet, and that's a bigger waste of my money than just buying a custom one that I can actually wear. So, even though its expensive, Id rather pay for something I can actually use and not look retarded when I am wearing it because its a moo-moo. You have no idea how big and baggy american cut shirts are...The same goes for owning a good suit. I can use it for job interviews, work, and formal technical society dinners: its going to pay for itself in the long run.

Anyways, I am not buying a rolex...thats what this thread is about. You guys each donating one dollar to my rolex fund!

My goal is to have a nice wardobe now that I can save up and afford to do it so that when I move out I don't have to worry about paying for anything other than rent and food. Hey, if a woman can set up a website asking for donations so she can get a boob job, (and she got enough money to get one!) then I can do the same for a rolex.

http://myfreeimplants.com/

 

[Chi Meson]

Anyways, I am not buying a rolex...thats what this thread is about. You guys each donating one dollar to my rolex fund!

My goal is to have a nice wardobe now that I can save up and afford to do it so that when I move out I don't have to worry about paying for anything other than rent and food. Hey, if a woman can set up a website asking for donations so she can get a boob job, (and she got enough money to get one!) then I can do the same for a rolex.

Maybe I can get the Macbook Air!
www.buychimesonamacair.com[/URL]
(under construction)

 

[russ_watters]

When I got out of the Navy I moved back in with my parents for free, but would have had to pay rent if I stayed more than a few months. In hindsight, I probably should have stayed longer - I would have saved money faster and been able to buy a house faster (perhaps in as little as 6 more months instead of 4 years later).

 

[Cyrus]

Also, I am not buying a new car until I own a house. That way Ill take out a second loan on the house to buy the car, and have a low interest rate loan on the car instead of the high rate loans you get if you buy a car with borrowed money from the bank. Its possible to buy high quality stuff, as long as you plan out your money smart. I want to have only what I absolutely need, but have it be of the best quality. I hate cheap junk, and I don't like collecting things. Its a big waste of money. No thanks!

All I want is a nice condo, nice wardrobe, nice car, nice bicycle. I have a nice bike, and I am working on the wardrobe. Then comes the condo and finally a car. Then I am content. I don't want a super big house full of crap in it, or any other junk. Then Ill just save my money and travel around the world. Thats my goal in life.

 

[Noone]

every one doesn't need it...they might think they need it..Im sure you came to the same thought at one point. That clock just took a lot more time to make it,and to find the things to make it. but it still is just a clock... its just people's way of making them selfs feel better. but that's just one thing that it dose. besides depleting your bank account, but to a person that's rich. that 10k clock would be $10 to him/her. For 10k you could get a watch that has over 10 functions that would be usefull in every day life instead of being eye candy all day :) but I am sure rolex owner's beg to differ. same with the people that make them and supplie the supplies for them :) i want a tazer wacth that could be self charged with a hand turned generater :D

 

[binzing]

Cyrus, how'd you get into working at a lab right out of high school? I'd love to be able to do that.

 

[Cyrus]

Pure Luck. I went to a crapy high school. I was walking down the hallway when I saw a poster on the wall for an engineering open house at Johns Hopkins for students. For whatever reason, I decided to ask my mom to drive me down there in the afternoon it was held. There were people at booths from different companies, etc. Like a career fair. I went to one of the tables and started talking to the guy there. I kept asking him question after question. How much do engineers make? (I wanted to be an architect at the time). Can I fly as an engineer? What kind of work do you do? I just kept asking questions. There was a lady standing next to him who was also at that table. She gave me her card and said, you ask a lot of good questions why don't you see what its like for a little while at the lab. I was like ok, sure why not. I called her and she asked me for my transcript. I gave it to her and she said, well...you don't have any programming experience. Take a programming class this summer and Ill get you an internship.

Actually, now that I type this I remember more. I was a junior. I needed an internship my senior year because I was in a leadership program and it was a requirement. So I was like, hey this will kill two birds with one stone.

Anyways, back to the story. So I signed up for a C++ class at a community college near my house and got an A. She then told me to write a resume. At the time I was not sure what to say, so I very hesitantly put that I fly model airplanes in my spare time. I almost did not even mention this. Turns out one department was working on UAVs and needed a pilot. So I was working on UAVs, plus I was down in the hypersonics wind tunnel watching them run tests in the test cells. They liked me, I liked them and I kept coming back.

Also, I would go there wearing a suit or dressed up, and they NOTICED this. One guy even said, one day you'll be all our boss.

So, work hard and love what you do. But always be professional. Even if everyone there dresses casual, guess what. The boss typically wears a suit.

I basically got very lucky to get that internship. Speaking of which, I should take that lady out for lunch sometime soon. Its been a while since I've seen her. (Thats my second advice to you, keep up with your contacts and those who helped you in life).

My work there got me into grad school. I applied to one place and got it. I didnt even give them a GRE because they wanted me for the simple fact that I had 4 years experience in what I wanted to do with a high gpa (3.96).

Work hard binzing, and you'll be running argone. You're smarter than you realize.

All you need is a little luck and a lot of hard work.

 

[SpringCreek]

I like the Swiss Army brands. Mine is a Wenger that I got on sale a few years back. I removed the band and I carry it in my pocket. It's built like a little tank.

About Rolex watches:

A guy I've known since childhood, a genuine cheapskate, made a few million dollars in the cell phone business and retired at age forty. One day we met for lunch and he said,

"How do you like my new Rolex? Beautiful, isn't it?"

"A Rolex? You drive five miles out of your way to save two cents a gallon on gas, and you bought a Rolex?! How much did you pay for that thing?"

"Eighteen thousand dollars."

I kerplotzed.
I had to understand why a devout pennypincher would do such a thing, so I did some investigating. Here's what I learned:

First of all, the man who founded the Rolex company had no heirs so he created a charitable foundation and transferred ownership of Rolex to the foundation. This means that the money spent on a Rolex, minus the dealer mark up, goes to charity. That's rationalization number one.

Secondly, there's a real culture around Rolex, not unlike an exclusive club. And it's worldwide. It's the unmatched history, and the exclusivity, and the celebrity associations, and the company's long involvement with racing and other sponsored events (The model pictured in the first post is a Daytona chronograph designed for time trials). Some people are attracted to the uncommon, albeit not unique, mechanical functioning, such as the battery-free self-winding feature. (If your Rolex has a battery it's a fake). There's a common bond; strangers wearing Rolexes will strike up a conversation about the different models and bands, etc. And there are avid collectors, people who buy them not to wear but just for the pleasure of ownership. The company maintains records of each owner's name, address and the watch's serial number. There was a case involving an unidentifiable body fished out of the sea near the UK some years ago. The only clue was the Rolex he was wearing. The serial number was sent to the company and they identified him as a man who had been reported missing from Canada. All this from a watch.

Then there's the personal satisfaction that's more of an individual thing. I think of Rolex as being the self-made man's watch, and something like Patek Phillipe being more for old money and dandies like Frasier and Niles Crane. A Rolex is a relatively inexpensive way for a man to prove to the world and to himself that he's arrived. Veni Vidi Vici.

 

[Evo]

I think it depends with whom you associate. A Rolex as a status symbol would be lost on me as I am so used to fakes, I don't even notice. I'm more likely to notice and appreciate someone wearing a Movado watch. Very classy, understated elegance.

 

[Cyrus]

I think it depends with whom you associate. A Rolex as a status symbol would be lost on me as I am so used to fakes, I don't even notice. I'm more likely to notice and appreciate someone wearing a Movado watch. Very classy, understated elegance.

Those are nice.

http://www.lifeinthefreshlane.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/movado-mens-luno-watch.jpg

I just like that daytona though. Its perfect. I don't see it ever going out of style.

 

[Poop-Loops]

"What time is it, honey?"
"Black."

or

"What time is it, honey?"
"White dot."

 

[Evo]

"What time is it, honey?"
"Black."

or

"What time is it, honey?"
"White dot."

It means that a man has to be able to think to tell the time. An added plus. It's not that hard to tell time on a watch like that. The one is the picture is 10:10. Whenever I see this watch on a man , I do a double take, a Movado Museum watch shows class.

 

[Poop-Loops]

Evo, you're so cute. Here you are, amongst aspiring and established scientists and engineers (not to mention one yourself), and you say that it takes thought to tell time on a watch without any numbers on it.

 

[Cyrus]

It means that a man has to be able to think to tell the time. An added plus. It's not that hard to tell time on a watch like that. The one is the picture is 10:10. Whenever I see this watch on a man , I do a double take, a Movado Museum watch shows class.

Next time I go to the mall I am going to ask to try some on. I am not going to buy it, but ill see how it looks. I did that at the BMW dealership once. I went with my friend. We were 'interested' in test driving the red convertable 3-series -it drove nice .

http://www.cardotcom.com/cars/images01/m3convertible04.jpg

Really, really nice car. Steering is great.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007RTBWO/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thats a nice watch, and much more 'reasonable' in price for a good watch. BTW, where are my donations? I am still FAR from the 10k needed.

 

[Evo]

Evo, you're so cute. Here you are, amongst aspiring and established scientists and engineers (not to mention one yourself), and you say that it takes thought to tell time on a watch without any numbers on it.

You'd be surprised at some of the men I've known.

Cyrus, they are a very high quality watch, and reasonably priced. Last time I priced one, it was only $1,800.00 for one with an 18K gold case, with leather band.

I used to have a BMW, I loved it. It just glowed orange and hummed. Of course, just a routine scheduled tune up was $500. But they would take me out to lunch at a very swanky restaurant for free while I was waiting. When I started driving SAABs, no free lunch, but I got to drive a new model all day while mine was in the shop.

 

[Cyrus]

No gold. I hate gold. I like that one because its black and steel. I like that modern look. Gold is too 'old man' looking.

I don't like anything gold. Just gray and silvers with black and white. Thats why I like that daytona. It looks awesome, not tacky and not big and flashy.


I don't like flashy things either. I just like nice things of high quality that are simple.

The one on the link was $412 bucks. Thats still a lot of money, but its not 2k or 10k.

If I ever buy a watch, I want to buy one watch and have it last a long time and be done with it.

 

[Evo]

Do you like this? http://www.movado.com/Details.aspx?Id=watchesmens&watchType=Mens&watchCode=&watchId=605038&page=0

Or check these these out if you want something more complex

http://www.movado.com/Watches.aspx?Id=series800

 

[Cyrus]

Its nice, but I like this one better, its more modern, and the strap is better.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007RTBWO/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[Evo]

Its nice, but I like this one better, its more modern, and the strap is better.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007RTBWO/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Beautiful. Check out the 800 series link I added above too.

 

[turbo]

No gold. I hate gold. I like that one becuase its black and steel. I like that modern look. Gold is too 'old man' looking.

I don't like anything gold. Just gray and silvers with black and white. Thats why I like that daytona. It looks awesome, not tacky and not big and flashy.


I don't like flashy things either. I just like nice things of high quality that are simple.

The one on the link was $412 bucks. Thats still a lot of money, but its not 2k or 10k.

If I ever buy a watch, I want to buy one watch and have it last a long time and be done with it.

Cyrus, just buy a Luminox and get it over with. The Captain's field watch is laid back and understated, but you can get as flamboyant and flashy as you want (blech!). You get a watch that is simple, usable all day or night, and self-serviceable.

 

[Evo]

Cyrus, Hugo Boss has a line of Movado watches.

 

[Cyrus]

Cyrus, just buy a Luminox and get it over with. The Captain's field watch is laid back and understated, but you can get as flamboyant and flashy as you want (blech!). You get a watch that is simple, usable all day or night, and self-serviceable.

But for anything over $200, I don't want laid back. I am paying for an expensive watch at that point, and I want it to look very modern and stylish, but simple. I think the movado does just that.

I basically want a good watch to wear with a suit that's not 10k, or even 2k. That movado is under $500. Thats probably the upper end of what I would spend on a fine watch.

Also, these movados are also pricey. Whats in them that makes them so expensive, or is it simply the name brand?

 

[turbo]

But for anything over $200, I don't want laid back. I am paying for an expensive watch at that point, and I want it to look very modern and stylish, but simple. I think the movado does just that.

I basically want a good watch to wear with a suit.

Forget price-points (a fiction of our retail system) and forget "style" (a concept created to to separate the bourgeois and the poseurs from their money). Instead, set your own standards. You can have style and function and durability without busting the bank AND without appearing ostentatious.

 

[Evo]

But for anything over $200, I don't want laid back. I am paying for an expensive watch at that point, and I want it to look very modern and stylish, but simple. I think the movado does just that.

I basically want a good watch to wear with a suit that's not 10k, or even 2k. That movado is under $500. Thats probably the upper end of what I would spend on a fine watch.

Also, these movados are also pricey. Whats in them that makes them so expensive, or is it simply the name brand?

They have an excellent reputation. The crystal is sapphire. They are a precision swiss made watch and they are museum quality.

Movado, one of the most celebrated watch brands in the world, traces its origins to the small village of La Chaux-de-faunds, Switzerland where, in 1881, a young watchmaker named Achille Ditesheim hired six assistants and opened a small workshop. He called his company Movado, a word which means, roughly, "always in motion." The company grew and prospered, evolving from a small pocketwatch manufacturer into a leading innovator and designer of precision wristwatches. Throughout its history, Movado has maintained its place at the pinnacle of innovation and excellence in design, craftsmanship and technology. Movado watches are crafted by highly-skilled watchmakers to meet the exacting standards of Swiss time technology. They are accurate to within seconds a year. All Movado watches are sealed and protected against water, moisture and dust, and individually tested to meet strict international standards of quality. A long-time dedicated supporter of the arts, Movado has, itself, been the recipient of over 200 international awards. Movado watches can now be found in the permanent collections of over 20 museums worldwide.

Not only are they eye catchingly different, they are sleek, elegant and understated. You will find them advertised in only the finest magazines. Yet, they are still priced within reason.

 

[tribdog]

I'll stick with my Mickey Mouse watch, thank you very much.

 

[Moonbear]

It means that a man has to be able to think to tell the time. An added plus. It's not that hard to tell time on a watch like that. The one is the picture is 10:10.

No way, it's 10:07! If I'm going to wear a watch, I don't want approximate times...I want to know if I have 2 min to grab a cup of coffee on the way to a meeting, or if I should hurry up and tiptoe in because I'm already 2 min late...I wouldn't be able to tell that well on that watch.

Whenever I see this watch on a man , I do a double take, a Movado Museum watch shows class.

You just don't specify WHICH class. To me, it would indicate a guy who likes jewelry and appearance over functionality. I prefer a guy who goes for function before decoration.

...and they are museum quality.

What exactly does that mean in a watch? Should it be protected in a glass case and never touched?

Seriously, I like tribdog's idea of a Mickey Mouse watch better than a Movado or Rolex (yes, even with a suit). It tells me he can think for himself, set his own style, has a sense of humor/knows how to have fun, and isn't stuck up about status symbols.