Article on Rolex vs Omega (Bloomberg & Today Spore)

[zippaul]

Rolex and Omega both make terrific timepieces and most would be happy with either. I have owned both brands but I only wear Rolex now as I prefer their styling. I had the 42 mm PO but couldn't get used to the HRV sticking out or the physical height. I now have the 16610LV which I love. My point is everyone has different tastes.
As far as sales it seems that Omega is selling more units. Most Rolex's like my sub cost nearly twice that of the Omega PO or Sea Master Professional as an example so the numbers don't tell the whole story.

[Green Arrow]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

All I can say is as a Rolex owner I would not give up a Rolex to get an Omega. Omega makes a nice watch but if I am not getting a Rolex it is because I am getting an AP or an A. Lange Sohne or another high end watch--not to offend Omega owners. I think they are in two different categories--IMHO.

I see this written from time to time, but I don't understand it. Between the 3135 and the 2500c and later, which is the more advanced movement?
Between the case materials, craftmanship, quality oof sapphire, luminous materials. What makes these so different?

I can understand if we are talking about a minute repeater, or a beautiful torbillion, or JLC putting a sophisticated movement into a case the size of a Reverso, which takes huge skills, or Seiko creating a Spring Drive, or Omega putting a Daniel's Escapement onto a movement, or GP putting ceramic bearings into a movement.

But as durable and reliable as Rolex movements such as the 3135 are, and they are very, very good, they are basically tractor motors with huge clearances and a lot of room in the cases to work.

What makes these so technically superior to Omega, or Breitling, or even up to the standards of an all in house Seiko movement and watch?

If you can't answer that, then I think you are a victim of brand marketing, and I know that I have been there with you for the past 40 years.

[Green Arrow]

Originally Posted by zippaul

Rolex and Omega both make terrific timepieces and most would be happy with either. I have owned both brands but I only wear Rolex now as I prefer their styling. I had the 42 mm PO but couldn't get used to the HRV sticking out or the physical height. I now have the 16610LV which I love. My point is everyone has different tastes.
As far as sales it seems that Omega is selling more units. Most Rolex's like my sub cost nearly twice that of the Omega PO or Sea Master Professional as an example so the numbers don't tell the whole story.

And this makes sense to me. "I buy what I like".
Maybe it's brand consciousness, maybe I just like the look and feel. Today I'm wearing a $300 Seiko that looks like a Sinn with an automatic that isn't expensive, but works great. Other days, other watches.

This is all about taste, not the inherent "quality" of any particular watchmaker until you get into the complications that become so expensive and fragile that most of us wouldn't wear these watches anyway.

[zippaul]

Originally Posted by Green Arrow

And this makes sense to me. "I buy what I like".
Maybe it's brand consciousness, maybe I just like the look and feel. Today I'm wearing a $300 Seiko that looks like a Sinn with an automatic that isn't expensive, but works great. Other days, other watches.

This is all about taste, not the inherent "quality" of any particular watchmaker until you get into the complications that become so expensive and fragile that most of us wouldn't wear these watches anyway.

Funny you mention brand consciousness, I am a good example. For 20 or so years I wanted a Rolex because of the assumed quality and prestige that goes with it, so Rolex's marketing definitely works. This is not to say it isn't high quality, it is. When I reached a certain point in my career where I felt I had earned it, I bought the Rolex. I owned other watches prior to the Rolex like Swiss Army and Omega. Great timepieces but just not my cup of tea.
No amount of Rolex or any other maker's marketing could sway me to buy their timepiece if I didn't like the styling or feel. There is a lot of really nice stuff out there that doesn't say Rolex on it that is for sure. People should enjoy it for what it is. I also own a Seiko Kinetic Diver on a rubber strap that is my "beater" watch which is to your point (the expense not necessarily the fragility of my Sub) makes it less than an all occasion timepiece for me.

[ddnyc77]

Originally Posted by Strut99GT

As an owner of both I don't ever see Omega passing Rolex in terms of prestige. As I've stated over and over again, Rolex's brand power lies in their consistency, and general tendency to avoid trends; they are very slow to change, which is powerful in the watch business.

wise statement. before i bought my first rollex i almost bought an omega, after doing some research rolex was the only consideration. i just bought my second yesterday.

[chrislkb]

Originally Posted by terrenceterrence

Mustafa stopped selling Omega a couple of years back when Omega decided to pull back all the licenses and sell them directly through their own boutique or only bigger more prestigious chains like THG/Cortina/Sincere.

that's why u see overnight..smaller AD's with less than desirable addresses/locations lost their distributorship

Thanks Terence for heads up. That's I why stayed away from that place since Cheers!