This topic is bound to raise some ire and possibly contempt amongst modern-day Rolex enthusiasts but those 50-60+ years of age might understand. No guarantee.
At one time (circa late 1960's through the mid-1970s), Rolexes along with BMWs and CF Martin guitars were kind of esoteric and cool. Though costlier than some other makes of the time, they weren't part of a status-raising consciousness that often surfaces with the Veblen-oriented quests of the upwardly mobile. A Rolex was simply a well-made tool watch with a historical pedigree, the various 2002s and 3.0 CS models were nimble, roadworthy cruisers and pre-1965 Martin guitars distinctive-sounding, well-constructed acoustic instruments used by both aspiring and established musician-songwriters alike.
Something changed with the advent of the 1980s due to the continuing emergence of an image-conscious upscale mentality. At one time, owning just one Rolex watch or Martin guitar was considered a significant and practical accomplishment in its own right. Nowadays, there are countless numbers who feel an incessant need to own multiples in order to justify their various worldly objectives. Nothing wrong with that. And as far as BMWs go, once the original 320i model achieved full-scale yuppie status in America, inconsiderate and lousy drivers seemed to come flying out of the woodwork. From the standpoint of genuine exclusivity, it's been an illusive quest ever since.
Perhaps these timeline variances in perspectives represent the significant difference between the original 4-digit owners of the past and the prospective, ongoing 6-digit Rolex owners of today.
Rolex SA, CF Martin and BMW thank you for your continued patronage.