How long will Rolex be THE watch?

[dama156]

what about a brand like IWC i hear so much about it and they have a big price range, it also has history and is trendy(miami vice) anyway i am a rolex man, i just bought my first expensive watch and i had the choice of brietling, tag or IWC and i chose a Rollie

[karmatp]

I would never consider Rolex the icon for wealth. If Rolex is the icon for wealth, I should not be wearing one and to be honest, if it has that label, I don't think I would want to wear one.

Rolex to me is a brand rich with history, a watch that can take a beating, and should be worn is any condition. Rolex sport watches and Omega's actually are perfect for my active lifestyle. Raising kids, teaching t-ball ect., icon of wealth, not in my book.

[Bluesub]

rolex for life....

[wrxsti]

I enjoy rolex but it is not "the watch" for me. I love my seamaster bond , gmt IIc and panerai gmt 88 all equally. I like Mike just love pam's and know the entire rich history behind them.

My next watch will be the Iwc big pilot and wow does iwc make some gorgeous watches including the portuguese line. Their history and quality is amazing.

I think this thread should be renamed how long will rolex be the watch for the masses as it is the mainstream brand. Especially in the asian community, when you wear a Rolex you have shown that you have "made it". It is the lux brand for that community, in fact almost everyone of my uncles including my Dad wear the datejust!

Andy

[sea-dweller]

Rolexes have always been a luxury brand, and will always be THE watch in my book !

[NutNut]

ROLEX will always be my #1 watch brand

[cshecks]

I think PAM will take over, and probably very soon.

1) Right price
2) Popularity (gaining)
3) Good history and many inhouse movements

Super classic and clean, super popular, very aesthetically pleasing, not nearly as 'blingy' as the new Rolex w/ ceramic and whatnot. I just got a 16610 which I love for the classic look and that's really it, a timeless piece.
The classic look is gone w/ the redesign IMHO. It is starting to look like a rolex/brietling hybrid with all the blingy.

If I do get another watch, it's a PAM for sure. Plus, it's more affordable overall and they are making many of their own movements. Plus some PAM's have an 8 day power reserve. Sick.

I am in my mid 30's. Rolex is really an older conservative guys watch, in general (not categorizing everyone). I think that PAM could possibly appeal to a much much wider audience once it becomes more mainstream. Let's face it, I have met plenty of people w/ a Rolex that's butt ugly but wear it because it's a Rolex and know nothing about it. I can't say the same for the Paneristi. I have seen many a butt ugly Rollies, can't say the same for the PAM. But, I love my 16610 more than any PAM because of the design. I am so happy I got one YAY me.

[acadianl79]

Very interesting question...

Here (Eastern Canada), most younger watch addict seems to prefer U-BOAT, Panerai, Breitling...
Rolex for a lot of them is an old man's watch...

So what happen when the boomers are out of the picture ? ( they will die eventually...)
What will happen when a currently young WIS becomes an adult and can afford his dream watch ? Will he buy what he remembers as an old man's watch ( Rolex ) or will he buy a watch that his generation craves for ?

There is a reason Rolex decided to change it's image recently with the introduction of the DSSD. Rolex needs to appeal to young adult as they are their future customer.

Reminiscent of Cadillac, the luxury GM division. In the early nineties, Cadillac was considered an old man's car. It took them roughly 10 years to change their image to cater the needs of young professionals .

Rolex in Asia, the brand looks very very strong+ china did not experienced the economic effect related to the boomers. However, outside of Asia, i think Rolex knows it has to refocus it's marketing strategy, taking into account who will be the future buyers of their brand.

[timeisfathaoftruth]

Until it isn't, I'd continue to predict that it will remain rolex.

[thlax]

Originally Posted by Cato

So, Omega was THE watch of the mid 20th century, Rolex holds that title today.

What brand will become the icon of wealth and ambition when (and if) Rolex lets go? Tag?

They will always hold a place no matter what.

[rkim11]

Originally Posted by kanger

One word...... Forever!

Amen...Love the avatar kanger..GO HEELS

[rkim11]

Originally Posted by Armand

I LOVE my Rolexes!

But here in Austria there is a strong BREITLING following. Coupled partially with BMW´s ... no kidding, really.

I suppose, it´s the slightly cheaper "entrance" price and the wider distribution - Breitling is available at much more dealers. Or the complicated dials - IMHO NOBODY of those Breitling owners understands the slide ruler principle anyway - but perhaps that´s an ADDITIONAL reason to buy them.

I am an Engineer ( University ), and I DID learn how to use a slide ruler, but the feature I find MOST useful on a watch is the GMT function and the "Hour jump" for travelling.

Anyway, Breitling owners all the time claim, how well their watch compares to ROLEX.

I have nothing to declare, to claim, I simply wear a ROLEX. Other´s feel the need to explain and claim.

:-)))

Hermann

Here in the States Breitling seems to be very popular among the younger moneyed crowd. I don't know much about them except that their dials are complex and seems to be a respected company. I see alot of them also. IMO this is the brand that may challenge Rolex.

[Green Arrow]

I think Rolex and Mercedes are becoming yesteryear. Old codgers like me bought them when we were young and people like Red Adair wore them in ads suppressing fires, and Rolex was big in the world of racing, and seemed like an exciting brand.

Now I see my fellow boomers moving away from Mercedes and Rolex to Audis and a variety of watches, some up to the Patek, JLC, Vacheron, AP group, some down to the function of a Breitling B-1 or Seiko Marine Master.

The younger set, Gen X and below don't seem to put much value in watches. Electronics of every type, but primarily the ever present cell phone, are the watches of today for younger people. Specialized tools, dive computers, Garmin watches with satellite GPS, and the like which have high funtion in a plastic case may well take over in the future. Who wouldn't want a Casio G-shock that could also function as a Brietling Emergency, and as a Tom-Tom direction giver, in a 44 mm shock proof, water proof watch? If watches survive at all, I think that's where they go. Otherwise, I think the mechanical watch becomes the collectible of watch enthusiasts only, and die out over time.

[f16570]

Interesting debate, who assumes that Rolex is number 1?
How is this arrived at? Certainly not on quality of movement finish, far more brands are better made and far more exclusive.
Rolex has an enviable reputation garnered from years of clever marketing and strategic product placement.
Yes it is the most recognisable "luxury" brand in the world but this alone does and cannot make it number 1.

[Goodwatch]

Originally Posted by f16570

Interesting debate, who assumes that Rolex is number 1?
How is this arrived at? Certainly not on quality of movement finish, far more brands are better made and far more exclusive.
Rolex has an enviable reputation garnered from years of clever marketing and strategic product placement.
Yes it is the most recognisable "luxury" brand in the world but this alone does and cannot make it number 1.

Sales figures perhaps? Turnover? Within the bandwidth of their price range of course.

[stevemulholland3]

ad infinitum

[Johny]

well said hermann.

[JPS]

I can't ever see Rolex NOT being THE WATCH!

It's place at the top has been cemented for too long now steeped in rich history for it to ever be knocked from it's perch

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by stevemulholland3

ad infinitum

Yesssssssssssssss!!!

[TSW]

For me FOREVER

[Poom]

Rolex is for good!

[Singslinger]

Rolex has held off many challengers over its 102-year history so I'd assume it will be a market leader for many years to come.

But there're many brands which have drawn close - Panerai, Omega and Breitling spring readily to mind with excellent watches of their own. Which can only be good for consumers because it means Rolex will have to stay on its toes to keep its edge.

[HL65]

Rolex is the number one selling mid to high end watch --dominating in sales. They also produce far more watches than the top hand made Swiss watches like AP,VC,PP, and Breguet-the Elite 4. So-If you are looking at sales and worldwide appeal--Rolex is a marketing machine that pumps out a lot of watches! Brand recognition--Rolex rules. Is it the same quality as one of the Elite Four or a A. Lange & Sohne--not a chance.
In the end they rule the watch world because they have an unmmatched business model in the watch world--I do not think the other high end watches want that or could do that as they are not in the volume manufacturing game.
PS--JJ this one is for you: Watch out for RADO--they are on the move!!