It is known to some extent that the watch world cognoscenti have loved to hate - or hated to love, Rolex for years.
They complain about the staid, similar looking, watch designs, the ostentatious status symbol of the brand and the frosty business and PR facade. Yet they sell in the millions and are known the world over. Every watch collector has no doubt owned and worn one, every watch dealer handles many of them, and appreciates their continued value. Its certainly the marmite ‘love it or hate it’ brand in the high end watch world. Vintage Rolex are a ‘thing’ all in themselves and the price of such vintage items continues to rise, adding further fuel to the argument. 
The love side argue that, given the slow evolving of new Rolex design, chances are when you buy one it will be instantly recognisable, and still worth its money. Some people like others to know the watch they are wearing is expensive and a known and recognised brand. Some people like Rolex for its years and years of excellent watch making, - you tend to know it will be a solid reliable working timepiece. You do soon realise if you are wearing a Rolex long term, that it reliably tells the time precisely, more accurately than plenty of others.
The not so love side argue that there is nothing refreshing or rare about a Rolex. It is not the definition of cutting edge. It is not the definition of most hand finished watch either. They note that rightly or wrongly a Rolex is associated with a certain ‘type’ of wearer, - they call them ‘McMansion’ American males, who know nothing about horology and simply have money. They argue that they do not want to be judged and pigeon holed as one of these people simply by the watch they wear.
Rolex fans come back with the fact Rolex is now the most collected brand in the watch world. And that they are conservative with design simply for the ‘why fix it is its not broke’ reason.
People will indeed notice a Rolex and they might even make a snap judgement about you just because of it. They will know it was not cheap, they never are.
However is it really any different to what judging you are doing based on the shoes they are wearing, the car they are driving or the bag they are carrying?
There is nothing ‘better’ about wearing a Rolex than any other top brands, and perhaps its the attitude of some Rolex owners that sours the view of other watch enthusiasts.
Where do you stand on the big R brand?
