Rolex San Diego · 2 min read

Doesn’t Wearing a Rolex Just Make Me Shallow and Pretentious?

Thoughts on if wearing a Rolex makes someone shallow.

BL
Bert Levi
Third-generation jeweler
December 2024
2 min read
Doesn’t Wearing a Rolex Just Make Me Shallow and Pretentious?

My first thoughts on any question like this are pretty adamantly dismissive. My first thought is always who the heck cares what other people think? because I think the only thing that matters is how wearing it makes you feel, not others. I think for the most part, people who say something like that are the people who would buy a Rolex if they could. I think for the most part, people make mean comments out of envy and self-serving false righteousness. I’m not saying that’s always the case but I think it happens more often than not.

But if you’re asking the question for yourself and you’re in earnest, I have some thoughts. So, I believe whether wearing a Rolex is pretentious or not depends on your reasons for wearing it. 

Are you trying to impress others?

Some say you should only buy and wear an expensive watch if you want to, not to impress others. I don’t know if that’s a fair comment. I think you have to dig deeper. Why are you trying to impress others? Are you a salesperson trying to sell high end items? Impressing people is critical. The same goes for some banking and investment, right? On the other hand, if you are trying to show off with no real purpose, it seems pretentious.

Is the Watch More than Its Looks to You?

Rolex watches are known for their quality, durability, and precision, which is why they are considered a status symbol. No digital watch has that sort of status. Rolex watches have many details that add to their value and collectability, such as different dials, bezels, and crown guards. Many Rolex watches can be worn casually, including sports watches like the Explorer and Submariner. Do you want a Rolex because you enjoy the brand or is it just to be seen with a Rolex? That’s an important question. If you’re buying it just to look rich or important, you may want to reconsider.

Above all else, remember that your fashion and jewelry choices are yours and nobody else’s. If you want to wear a Rolex, nobody gets to judge you. It’s that simple. If you’re in the market for a pre-owned Rolex in San Diego, I hope you’ll give us a call. If I don’t have what you’re looking for, I can still very likely find it for you. So, reach out. You’ll be glad you did.

Read this next:

The Quartz Crisis

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