TGIF: The Rolex versus Invicta Rivalry

It's amazing how much tribalism and hatred can be generated by watch brands. There are animosities in the watch world that run nearly as deep as Ford versus Chevy and Coca-Cola versus Pepsi. It's too bad because, if one watch brand was truly the best choice for everyone, the watch world would really be boring. I suspect the rifts run deep because some of watch brands strike deep at the insecurities of rival owners.

A Rolex Datejust in a Pawn Shop

Take a look at the hatred Rolex owners have towards Invicta owners. Each brand strikes deeply at the insecurities of the other tribe. A Rolex is an expression of material success. Beyond its function as a watch, a Rolex is a status symbol. Many owners purchase a Rolex to signify a big success in their professional life.  A Rolex could cost $10,000, $20,000, or even more. You can see for yourself by checking out these Rolex watches at the Amazon Luxury store using my affiliate link. The high price tag keeps Rolex watches well out of reach of most Invicta owners. That likely strikes at deep economic insecurities of Invicta owners. Are Invicta owners just wannabe Rolex owners striking a pose?

However, many Invicta watches provide the mechanical function and nearly identical looks to popular  Rolex models. Use my affiliate link to see the wide variety of Invicta watches on Amazon. While the quality levels are obviously not nearly the same, if the Invicta watch keeps good time and looks good on the wrist, one has to wonder how wise Rolex owners actually are with their money. On paper, a Rolex might be a better investment, but high fidelity homage watches and outright fakes challenge that notion. If buyers, shopkeepers, and watch experts can't identify a true Rolex from a fake, that can't be good for resale values in the long term. Of course, the "millionaire next door" is wearing a Casio and employing 100 hard working people and sending them all over town to do plumbing, AC work, and electrical repairs, while this silly watch debate continues.  It might be real, honest, money that looks at flashy Rolex people as posers.

For less than $50, this Casio Enticer can send everyone else home

Both tribes accuse each other of being suckered by their chosen brand. The truth is pretty ugly. When it comes to the treatment of their customers, neither company has a great track record. Invicta has been accused of taking advantage of a vulnerable customer base through late night infomercials. Rolex makes their customer buy a watch they don't want and wait on a list for years in hopes of buying the watch that they do want. Honestly, it's not a good look for either company and not a great feeling for their customers.

Rolex Sea Dweller 

The next area for attack is watch designs. Invicta has some over-the-top watch designs that leave good taste far behind in the rear view mirror. But, Rolex is using the same designs that had in 1955. Sometimes the dial colors and materials change. That's not exactly innovative. Both companies could do better.

Invicta Specialty Pro Diver

Ultimately, the watch brand hate should stop. A Rolex owner would be better served wearing an Invicta if he wants to eat safely at Waffle House in the middle of the night. The Invicta owner might strike it big one day and really want to join that Rolex tribe.

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