Island Residents Favor Particular Timepiece Brand
On Nantucket, the Rolex Submariner is More Than Just a Watch
The Rolex Submariner, a timepiece often considered a family heirloom on the island of Nantucket, has become an essential accessory for fitting in with the local culture. Mark Chou, CEO of athleticwear company Swiftwick, believes that the Submariner's classic good looks, functionality, and aging appeal align well with Nantucket's emphasis on practicality and understatement.
Nantucket's aesthetic is reflected in its shingle-style cottages and rugged vehicles like Defenders. The Rolex Submariner, with its timeless design, seems to fit the island's lifestyle better than any watch. E. Townsend Wright III, owner of the Trinity Collection on Main Street, agrees, stating that the Submariner is highly desired among the Nantucket set and sells well, even increasing in price.
The Submariner's popularity has grown among a new generation of horological enthusiasts and collectors, thanks in part to WatchTok, a community of influencers on TikTok. Over the past few years, the Rolex Submariner's profile has exploded, making it a versatile watch that aligns well with several recent social media trends, such as quiet luxury and menswear content.
The OG 007 did wonders for the Rolex Submariner's reputation, solidifying its status as a symbol of luxury and adventure. Tony Traina, from Unpolished Watches, attributes much of the Submariner's appeal to its association with luxury and adventure, boosted by celebrities like Sean Connery's James Bond.
Despite the superyachts in the harbor, the fundamental truth about Nantucket is its emphasis on practicality and understatement. It is difficult to buy a Rolex Submariner on Nantucket as they tend to be kept by their owners. But for those who manage to acquire one, the Submariner is the key item that truly completes the Nantucket uniform.
The colorful polo from Ralph Lauren, Reds from Murray's Toggery Shop, boat shoes, and other accoutrements are considered essential for blending in on Nantucket. However, a Rolex Submariner is the item that truly sets one apart, signaling insider status beyond the typical preppy clothing.
In conclusion, the Rolex Submariner is highly desired and considered essential for fitting in on Nantucket because it perfectly matches the island’s lifestyle and aesthetic values of practicality, understatement, and classic style. Its timeless, functional design complements Nantucket’s culture and visual identity, making it a key part of the “Nantucket uniform.” Additionally, the Submariner’s value has consistently increased over time, reflecting its status as a “blue chip” luxury watch, reinforcing its desirability among the island’s discerning community.
[1] The Rolex Submariner starts out as a niche tool watch but expanded its appeal beyond the diving community. [2] The Rolex Submariner's design has evolved over time, with newer models featuring ceramic bezels and other age-resistant materials, while vintage models can develop an attractive patina. [3] E. Townsend Wright III started the Trinity Collection almost thirty years ago with the intention of sourcing Submariners from Nantucket locals and vacationers, but this has proven challenging. [4] The Rolex Submariner aligns well with several recent social media trends, such as quiet luxury and menswear content, making it a versatile watch.
- On Nantucket, the Rolex Submariner, once viewed primarily as a niche tool watch, has expanded its appeal, transcending the diving community.
- The design of the Rolex Submariner has undergone evolution, with newer models incorporating age-resistant materials like ceramic bezels, while vintage models can develop an attractive patina.
- E. Townsend Wright III initiated the Trinity Collection nearly three decades ago with the aim of sourcing Submariners from locals and vacationers on Nantucket, but this task has proven challenging.
- The Rolex Submariner's timeless design and functionality make it an appealing watch, aligning well with several recent social media trends such as quiet luxury and menswear content, enhancing its versatility.
- As fashion, lifestyle, and finance continue to intersect in the digital age, platforms like WatchTok have played a part in increasing the Rolex Submariner's popularity among a new generation of horological enthusiasts and collectors.
- News stories on fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, business, technology, and sports often feature the Rolex Submariner, underscoring its relevance in various aspects of society.
- The Rolex Submariner is not just a watch; it has become a symbol of luxury, adventure, and insider status on Nantucket, a must-have item that complements the island's culture and visual identity.
- Whether it's worn on the red carpet, a superyacht, or a shingle-style cottage, the Rolex Submariner remains the key accessory for those seeking to complete the enviable "Nantucket uniform" and participate in the island's unique lifestyle.
