Hunting the Rolex Rippers

[Jonny Ingbar]

The article talks about Rolex as a commercial success rather than that of a horological beacon of invention. Yes, they have led on some things to deliver that commercial success - waterproofing and self-winding - but that hardly scratches the surface in terms of 'all the major innovations in watchmaking'. It's a ridiculous statement.

Don't get me wrong, Rolex make solid and accurate watches for the mass market. But their success is self-admittedly down to marketing which has always been their primary ethos.

Another thing to note, Rolex's most famous watch...the Daytona, actually used a Zenith movement. That's how it originated. It was basically a Zenith watch marketed by Rolex.

Can't argue with any of that.

Rolex originally used few in house parts, including the movement (which is kind of the whole point of a mechanical watch), but over time they've bought out suppliers and rebranded as Rolex.

They're brilliantly finished and many models are iconic, given they never really change their designs, or rarely introduce me ones, but that aside their success relies heavily on marketing, which they spend an eye watering amount on.

Consequently they've become a fashion accessory for people who usually know very little about one end of a watch from the other.

 

[Sammysmiths]

Spent the last few months making this. Watch box with 2 watch holders on top. The front has 2 vintage RAF Nimrod cockpit gauges and on top is a world war 2 aircraft mechanic button hole badge. Very unique. It’s for sale if anyone is interested? Watches not included!

 

[Norman_Conquest]

I see the police are now setting up stings to catch the watch thieves.

 

[Norman_Conquest]

Spent the last few months making this. Watch box with 2 watch holders on top. The front has 2 vintage RAF Nimrod cockpit gauges and on top is a world war 2 aircraft mechanic button hole badge. Very unique. It’s for sale if anyone is interested? Watches not included!

That looks excellent mate, another of the FMTTM family with a great talent.

 

[The vomiting vicar]

Spent the last few months making this. Watch box with 2 watch holders on top. The front has 2 vintage RAF Nimrod cockpit gauges and on top is a world war 2 aircraft mechanic button hole badge. Very unique. It’s for sale if anyone is interested? Watches not included!

I would be interested in that Sammy

 

[Beverleyred]

I bought a TAG F1 watch from Watches of Switzerland, as a present to myself when I left the RN 25 years ago.
It has a red face, which at the time was quite uncommon.
I had it serviced about four months ago, and was offered more for it than what I paid for it. I turned down the offer as I love the watch.