Watch Your Status
Nolan O'Connor
| 26-03-2025
· Fashion Team
When it comes to accessories, men don't have as many options as women. This is one of the reasons why many men love wearing watches. With the rise of material wealth, the price of watches has increased, and they are no longer just a tool for telling time or a simple accessory to match an outfit. High-end watches have become symbols of luxury, and compared to flashy gold chains, watches definitely exude more class.
Brands have cleverly marketed watches as a status symbol through endorsements by celebrities, which has solidified the association between watches and identity. While there are some limitations, most people recognize this connection.

Watches Reflect Taste and Profession

Every watch brand has its target audience, and different people wear watches for different reasons. Watches can, to some extent, reflect a person's taste. However, watches can be divided into functional and display types, and some professions require people to wear specific watches.
Functional watches generally cost below 30,000 RMB. Professions like teaching, medicine, or government positions usually don't call for expensive watches. These individuals often wear more affordable brands like Tissot, Mido, and Longines. Even those in leadership roles typically wear mid-range brands like Tudor or Omega. For these people, the watch is more of a tool than a statement piece.

Special Jobs, Special Watches

Air hostesses are another group that needs to wear a watch, but the difference is that their watches tend to be more expensive. These professionals often choose luxury brands like Cartier, Omega, or Chanel. For them, the watch may still serve a functional purpose, but it's also a fashion statement and an essential accessory for their work attire.

Watches as a Statement of Wealth

Display watches, on the other hand, are usually priced above 30,000 RMB. The purpose of wearing these watches goes beyond just telling time. For these owners, the watch is a way to showcase their economic status. By looking at the brand and model, we can often gauge their level of wealth and taste.
People who opt for watches priced between 30,000 to 50,000 RMB are often part of the middle class or small business owners. Their primary reason for wearing a watch is usually to make a good impression during business meetings or client interactions. They typically go for dress watches from brands like Omega's De Ville, or IWC's Portofino. Sports-style watches might be worn just for personal satisfaction.

The Rolex Entry-Level Models

Rolex's entry-level models fall into this same category. Those who buy these models often have a deep interest in watches and spend time researching and comparing different models. For them, value for money is key. They might spend hours going through forums, studying watch movements, and finding the best deals.
True watch enthusiasts, or "veteran watch fans," may even go the extra mile to have a custom-made watch based on popular models. They focus on precision and durability by choosing well-established movements, like ETA, ensuring their watches perform just as well as higher-priced models.

Luxury Watches for the Wealthy

For those with a net worth of around 600,000 to 1 million RMB, they tend to select watches that are a bit more refined. These individuals care less about whether the watch will hold its value and more about whether they truly like the design and brand culture. Watches in this price range often include models from brands like Lange, IWC, or Rolex, but they prefer more subtle options compared to the popular choices of the masses.

Watches for the Elite

As we move into the 100,000 to 200,000 RMB price range, the people who choose these watches are usually very successful or come from wealthy backgrounds. These buyers are more likely to pick high-end brands like Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, or Audemars Piguet, which are considered symbols of true luxury and sophistication.
Interestingly, those who buy Rolex Daytona models for around 200,000 RMB are typically serious Rolex enthusiasts. Only those who are truly passionate about the brand—and can afford it—are willing to make such an investment. In contrast, people who buy the Submariner for 100,000 RMB might be doing it for status or are trying to appear wealthy, but their choices often come across as more showy and less about genuine passion.

Does Expensive Always Mean Tasteful?

Many luxury watch brands market the idea that their timepieces signify a person's identity and taste. But does wearing an expensive watch truly equate to having good taste? The truth is that true taste stems from genuine love for the craft and appreciation for the art of watchmaking, not from the desire to show off wealth. In fact, the most successful people—whether they wear a 5,000 RMB watch or a 500,000 RMB watch—don't let their timepiece define who they are. It's not about the price tag; it's about what the watch means to them and the person wearing it. Real taste is about being confident in who you are, regardless of how much you've spent on your watch.
In the end, watches can tell us a lot about a person's lifestyle, wealth, and preferences. However, the most important thing is not the price or brand of the watch but the person who wears it. A true watch lover can appreciate a timepiece for its design, craftsmanship, and history, rather than its market value. Whether you're wearing a budget-friendly watch or a luxurious piece, it's your character and passion that shine through. Lykkers, remember that your real taste and style aren't defined by what you wear but by who you are as a person. So next time someone judges your watch, let them know it's your love for watches, not the price, that truly matters!