Undoubtedly it's the biggest watch brand in the game, it's certainly doesn't decorate or highly polish the movements. A Rolex doesn't possess the most intricate of complications, so why do most people want a Rolex or have one at least in their collection. Let's take a look!
Personally I think there are a few factors, for some they're ostentatious, pretentious and show-offy, for the watch aficionado they're elegant, sublime, beautiful and multi functioning. They do look expensive but not overstated, they have the best resale value across virtually the entire range compared to their competitors especially if you purchase them in the $5000-$10000 range. The vintage ones are increasing in price so look out for examples in good condition, but the vintage market has many watches that are missing some original parts so make sure you know what you're doing before splashing out loads of cash.
The range offered by Rolex consists of sports watches.. for diving, yachting, motor racing and flying, also beautiful dress watches but the biggest reason why everyone wants a Rolex on their wrist is because we know the average person recognizes a Rolex and knows exactly what it is, yes it's a status symbol.....for some!
For some the popularity and stigma of many fakes been produced certainly detracts some watch lovers from purchasing a Rolex so they opt for maybe an Omega or IWC if they only want to own one luxury watch, undoubtedly without question are excellent watches, but not in the same league as a Rolex. Most people would agree as Rolex have built up a good, solid, robust reputation worldwide. Rolex is still a symbol of success for the majority of the people.
What makes Rolex stand out above the crowd is mainly due to the fact they built and designed their watches not just as a luxury item but for a specific purpose they're tool watches, it's a working watch used for people in their daily lives. In 1956 the Milgauss was introduced and designed specifically for anti-magnetism as "mil" means a thousand "gauss" is a measurement of magnetism hence Milgauss. So scientists employed in the highly electromagnetic field of work would purchase this watch. The GMT was introduced in 1954 and was developed in co-operation with Pan-Am for aviation, pilots needed a watch that could traverse different time zones as pilots were flying for longer periods due to the advancement of aircraft capabilities. The iconic submariner was designed specially for divers even though it wasn't the first original divers it's the most famous watch in the world by far. Take a look at the yachtmaster 2 introduced in 2010 designed only for yachting and the countdown mechanism was primarily designed for regattas where the starting sequence can last up to 10 minutes.
Many people who slander Rolex (mainly the ones who can't afford one) in many cases don't really appreciate what this company has achieved it's heritage cannot be questioned. I think the watches speak for themselves and the future can only get better as no other watch company has a solid base such as Rolex, they sell so many watches a year yet they still retain good resale value for a mass produced luxury watch is outstanding. Of course they market their brand and celebrities adorn them on their wrists and major events advertise the Rolex name which they have to do in the modern world but they stand alone as the most well known brand you can buy in luxury watches.