Omega vs Rolex "rivalry". Never understood it.

[JP.]

I own two Omega Seamasters and I have owned three (yes THREE) Planet Oceans, one black GMT and one Omega SMP Chronograph. I'm a Omega fan... what a GREAT watch brand! There is a lot of things I don't like about Rolex... but it's very difficult to find anything negative to say about Omega (besides that I find their endless "special editions" very cheesy and gimmicky).

But I always found this Rolex vs Omega comparison a bit stupid as they're in very, very different price category. I don't know the retail price for the new Bonds but you can buy a preowned early Bond Seamasters for around 1.3K while 5/6-digit Subs start from around 5.5-6K.

It's like comparing VW Passat to S-class Mercedes. Not to say that the Passat isn't a good car... it can be more reliable than the Merc... but let's face the reality: Omega and VW will never, ever have the prestige of Rolex or Mercedes. Yet Seamaster has always seen as a "rival to Rolex Submariner".

That being said, I think Omega is much better value for money and the movements are very well made. But that doesn't explain why these brands are seen as "rivals". Volkswagen is not considered a rival of Mercedes, Porsche or Jaguar so why should Omega be a rival to Rolex?

Breguet and IWC are rivals to Rolex, imho. Omega is a rival to TAG Heuer and Breitling.

I hope this doesn't start any negative debate... it's not my intention... let's just discuss this objectively.

[watchmaker]

I wouldn't say Breguet (with an annual production of around 40,000 pieces and that produces in house manufactured complications like tourbillon, minute repeaters and perpetual calendars as well as grand complication models) are in competition with Rolex.

While the same buyer may appreciate both they are entirely different segments of the industry.

Omega is a far better comparison to Rolex. Albeit Rolex are, at least in my opinion, leading the segment that they and Omega occupy.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I wouldn't say Breguet (with an annual production of around 40,000 pieces and that produces in house manufactured complications like tourbillon, minute repeaters and perpetual calendars as well as grand complication models) are in competition with Rolex.

While the same buyer may appreciate both they are entirely different segments of the industry.

Yeah... not in that sense. But they're (roughly) in the same price range. Preowned Breguet Transatlantique Chronograph can be obtained for $7-8K.

Jaguar is considered a Mercedes rival although they sell maybe ten times less cars than Merc (all size segments considered).

[Jonesy2099]

Originally Posted by JP.

Yeah... not in that sense. But they're (roughly) in the same price range. Preowned Breguet Transatlantique Chronograph can be obtained for $7-8K.

Jaguar is considered a Mercedes rival although they sell maybe ten times less cars than Merc (all size segments considered).

I really don’t understand the car comparisons. You say let’s discuss this objectively. Objectively speaking do you think the Speedmaster is a rival to the Daytona? I’d be interested to hear your views.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

I really don’t understand the car comparisons. You say let’s discuss this objectively. Objectively speaking do you think the Speedmaster is a rival to the Daytona? I’d be interested to hear your views.

No. They're in different price range. That was the whole point.

Speedmaster Moon Watch is about what... 3500 euros. They start from 2K in the preowned market. How much does a steel Daytona cost?

[Jonesy2099]

Originally Posted by JP.

No. They're in different price range. That was the whole point.

Speedmaster Moon Watch is about what... 3500 euros. They start from 2K in the preowned market. How much does a steel Daytona cost?

So you’re comparing watches based on price alone and not the quality? Do you know about the history of the Speedmaster! I would argue that a Speedmaster Professional is a comparative watch to a Daytona. Maybe even more so. Your fixation on price is odd which is why the car comparisons don’t work. Think about the quality and craftsmanship of the watch and movement. I wonder what you think about Grand Seiko?

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by JP.

No. They're in different price range. That was the whole point.

Speedmaster Moon Watch is about what... 3500 euros. They start from 2K in the preowned market. How much does a steel Daytona cost?

Not so sure. Many Omegas are six grand or more new so pretty close with Rolex at MSRP.

That you could get a 20% discount on most models and they don’t hold value as well on the pre-owner market is more a popularity thing.

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by JP.

No. They're in different price range. That was the whole point.

Speedmaster Moon Watch is about what... 3500 euros. They start from 2K in the preowned market. How much does a steel Daytona cost?

There are a bit more about being a rival than your suggested new and secondary markets sales. If that’s your whole point then you are looking at it wrongly.

Omega has tons of watches that sell close to a new Rolex watch. They equally have those that sell below Rolex as well (often quartz models for men). You see the Moonwatch at a lower value since it has a manual movement inside. You look at any automatic Speedy’s and their prices are almost exactly the same as the Daytona.

Certain Omegas are also priced less in order to maintain a competitive advantage. The way you price things is a competing factor in a rivalry... lowering or upping a price doesn’t make the brand less or more of rival to another. It’s just different marketing strategies used in hopes of gaining an edge.

It’s about the brands general target audience/purchaser. Rolex and Omega are going for the same group of buyers. At this point, generally Rolex is winning the market but in Asia... Omega has quite a foothold.

[Kigan]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

Objectively speaking do you think the Speedmaster is a rival to the Daytona?

If you do not look at the prices of gray dealers, then I believe that some Speedmaster models should compete with Daytona. Speedmaster DSOTM, GSOTM, Racing 44 mm...

[Jonesy2099]

I think the car comparisons are always a bit lame. Forget the price as the watches compare well on the quality of the movement, materials and the history of the brands (so in that sense both brands do have prestige and rivalry). Some would prefer a Speedmaster or a Seamaster over the Rolex equivalent. But while there is a rivalry there’s no reason you can’t have both.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

I think the car comparisons are always a bit lame. Forget the price as the watches compare well on the quality of the movement, materials and the history of the brands (so in that sense both brands do have prestige and rivalry). Some would prefer a Speedmaster or a Seamaster over the Rolex equivalent. But while there is a rivalry there’s no reason you can’t have both.

Yes... I always found those "comparative reviews" a bit pretentious. How can you make a technical comparison of a diver watch if you're not taking it to depths of the sea and test the abilities?

It's like comparing two supercars without driving them hard on the track.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

I think the car comparisons are always a bit lame.

Very

[TswaneNguni]

Rolex doesn't have a rival .

I like styles from different brands(Panerai/IWC/JleC) ,but quality per dollar you pay for,Rolex is unrivaled .

[alphasports]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

but quality per dollar you pay for, Rolex is unrivaled .

Couldn't disagree more. If anything Omega qualifies for drastically better value per dollar than Rolex. People are lined up around the block to pay 15k+ for a stainless machine made Rolex watch...that's not value, that's brainwashing.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by alphasports

Couldn't disagree more. If anything Omega qualifies for drastically better value per dollar than Rolex. People are lined up around the block to pay 15k+ for a stainless machine made Rolex watch...that's not value, that's brainwashing.

Its not what you pay,its what it is worth .That is exactly just that .. value.

[Alex_TA]

Originally Posted by JP.

I own two Omega Seamasters and I have owned three (yes THREE) Planet Oceans, one black GMT and one Omega SMP Chronograph. I'm a Omega fan... what a GREAT watch brand! There is a lot of things I don't like about Rolex... but it's very difficult to find anything negative to say about Omega (besides that I find their endless "special editions" very cheesy and gimmicky).

But I always found this Rolex vs Omega comparison a bit stupid as they're in very, very different price category. I don't know the retail price for the new Bonds but you can buy a preowned early Bond Seamasters for around 1.3K while 5/6-digit Subs start from around 5.5-6K.

It's like comparing VW Passat to S-class Mercedes. Not to say that the Passat isn't a good car... it can be more reliable than the Merc... but let's face the reality: Omega and VW will never, ever have the prestige of Rolex or Mercedes. Yet Seamaster has always seen as a "rival to Rolex Submariner".

That being said, I think Omega is much better value for money and the movements are very well made. But that doesn't explain why these brands are seen as "rivals". Volkswagen is not considered a rival of Mercedes, Porsche or Jaguar so why should Omega be a rival to Rolex?

Breguet and IWC are rivals to Rolex, imho. Omega is a rival to TAG Heuer and Breitling.

I hope this doesn't start any negative debate... it's not my intention... let's just discuss this objectively.

It's all just voices in your head.

[Verdi]

Originally Posted by JP.

Breguet and IWC are rivals to Rolex, imho. Omega is a rival to TAG Heuer and Breitling.

.

Breguet and Rolex rivals?!!!
No!
Can you name 3-4 models of Breguet without googling?

Breguet is with JLC.



Omega rival to Tag?!
Not at all. Tag is miles away from Omega.

Omega and Rolex, yes they are rivals, only that Rolex has the upper hand in terms of built quality.
They both make divers, dress watches, gmts, chronos....and have long history and model identity/iconic models.

[Hutrmila]

Originally Posted by Verdi

Breguet and Rolex rivals?!!!

No!

Can you name 3-4 models of Breguet without googling?



Breguet is with JLC.







Omega rival to Tag?!

Not at all. Tag is miles away from Omega.



Omega and Rolex, yes they are rivals, only that Rolex has the upper hand in terms of built quality.

They both make divers, dress watches, gmts, chronos....and have long history and model identity/iconic models.

I vote for this viewpoint


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[Patton250]

Originally Posted by Verdi

Breguet and Rolex rivals?!!!
No!
Can you name 3-4 models of Breguet without googling?

Breguet is with JLC.



Omega rival to Tag?!
Not at all. Tag is miles away from Omega.

Omega and Rolex, yes they are rivals, only that Rolex has the upper hand in terms of built quality.
They both make divers, dress watches, gmts, chronos....and have long history and model identity/iconic models.

Absolutely 100% right on.

Rolex and Breguet are in two completely different categories.

Breguet is with JLC, Patek, VC, AP. These are serious watch making companies with remarkably complicated handmade movements.

And to the OP since you seem to love Omega so much I would think you would put them at a higher category. Their movements are built every bit as good as Rolex if not better in some cases. So is their finishing. The only reason why prices are so different is because of desirability and demand. Rolex is much more known and more popular for many different reasons but those reasons have zero to do with quality of product. Omega is absolutely equal to Rolex and a higher tier then Tag. And so is Breitling. The new crono movement in Breitling is definitely better than the Daytonas crono. Of course the Daytona is more popular and more well-known and more sought after so the pricing will always be higher. But once again that has zero to do with the quality of the movement, finishing or overall quality of the product.

Enjoy your Seamasters. I think they are outstanding and every bit as cool as the submariner.

[DasKptl]

Originally Posted by JP.

But I always found this Rolex vs Omega comparison a bit stupid as they're in very, very different price category.

It's like comparing VW Passat to S-class Mercedes. Not to say that the Passat isn't a good car... it can be more reliable than the Merc... but let's face the reality: Omega and VW will never, ever have the prestige of Rolex or Mercedes.

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates.

Rolex re-launched Tudor in the early 2010s. Tudor is now suddenly hot, with distribution points all over the world. Tudor has become a formidable rival to Omega, in that just-below-Rolex category. Omega now needs to face Tudor first, before it will ever attempt to challenge Rolex.

(Has this been an outcome of Rolex/Tudor's intentional strategy? I don't know. It is just what is happening right now.)

[JP.]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates. Rolex re-launched Tudor in the early 2010s. Tudor is now suddenly hot, with distribution points all over the world. Tudor has become a formidable rival to Omega, in that just-below-Rolex category. Omega now needs to face Tudor first, before it will ever attempt to challenge Rolex.

(Has this been an outcome of Rolex/Tudor's intentional strategy? I don't know. It is just what is happening right now.)

I agree. You got my point exactly.

[Hutrmila]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates.

Rolex re-launched Tudor in the early 2010s. Tudor is now suddenly hot, with distribution points all over the world. Tudor has become a formidable rival to Omega, in that just-below-Rolex category. Omega now needs to face Tudor first, before it will ever attempt to challenge Rolex.

(Has this been an outcome of Rolex/Tudor's intentional strategy? I don't know. It is just what is happening right now.)

Interesting point


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[Gunnersaurus]

I would pick a Rolex over an Omega any day, but I’d pick an Omega over the Tudor too. I guess the brand doesn’t speak to me

[MTBer]

Rolex has out-Veblen’ed Omega. That’s it.

[77T]

Originally Posted by MTBer

Rolex has out-Veblen’ed Omega. That’s it.

I believe this is the prime factor - plus the segment influencers aligned with Rolex.


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[SkyJuice]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates.

This.

[Lentuo]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates.

Rolex re-launched Tudor in the early 2010s. Tudor is now suddenly hot, with distribution points all over the world. Tudor has become a formidable rival to Omega, in that just-below-Rolex category. Omega now needs to face Tudor first, before it will ever attempt to challenge Rolex.

(Has this been an outcome of Rolex/Tudor's intentional strategy? I don't know. It is just what is happening right now.)

El 1 de mayo omega sube precios y deja atras a tudor

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates.

I've heard this too. Kudos to Rolex marketing.

[Thanos]

Worst thread ever. Wow. Pathetic replys are embarassing.

[JP.]

TAG image is interesting. It has never gotten much respect among the watch enthusiasts. I've owned three TAGs (Aquagraph, Aquaracer chrono in 41mm and 45mm) and they were excellently finished watches.

If you ask any non-WIS they always name TAG Heuer right after Rolex when get asked about "luxury watch brands". They've done their marketing homework and put a LOT of money to advertising.

Almost all WIS-newbies/wannabees always start the "mandatory TAG bashing" when they "graduate" a little bit. Sorry but it's getting a bit old after 20 years. :D

Yes, they make cheap F1-models and their advertising is a bit cheesy. But some Heuer designs are classic and somewhat unique and innovative: Monaco and Autavia come to mind... and also TAG's Link. I think it's pretty neat bracelet.

But yes... I think TAG Heuer is very much Omega's rival. They're in the same price category and compete from the same customers, regardless what the "3Li73 WIS" think about the brand.