ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
13 May 2011, 07:20 PM | #31 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,458
|
Quote:
|
|
13 May 2011, 07:23 PM | #32 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: The Netherlands
Watch: 16600371701
Posts: 1,271
|
I cannot comment re the position in the US, neither being from there nor ever having visited. However, the OP indicates his belief that Rolex's marketing is disproportionately focussed towards the USA. I live in the UK, and can assure you that Rolex is the number one advertiser for luxury watches, primarily through tennis and golf sponsorship, but also through placing large spreads in magazines with high ABC1 readership (not sure if you use the same terminology in the USA - ABC1 basically means better-off people). Other brands are popular, especially Omega, but Rolex is the number one advertiser and watch. When I wear my Rolex, people tend to know what it is, but when I wear an IWC, nobody ever had a clue what it is (other than that it looks nice).
Therefore, I do not think it is correct to say that Rolex's marketing or brand is focussed more on the USA. |
13 May 2011, 10:54 PM | #33 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Russ
Location: Southern NJ
Posts: 5,760
|
I still find it odd that everyone knows Rolex wether they know watches or not. When I was young I thought of Rolex as the best, most expensive watch you could ever hope to buy. Well I grew up, starting looking into buying one and saw the price of an SS Sub and said "thats it??". I don't know where this notion came from, but everyone seems to have the same one. I remember when I started becoming friendly with a co-worker and I told her my interest in watches...I was wearing my Omega Speedmaster. She said "I've never heard of Omega, but its a nice watch". The next week I happened to be wearing an old TAG...she said "now this one I've heard of". Then she said "you would never wear a Rolex would you?" My response was "of course, I have one". Her thought was that anyone that was into watches would never wear a Rolex because it would be like selling out. Basically that Rolex was nothing but marketing hype on a crap watch.
I was amazed when I really started getting into watches at how many brands were out there that were more expensive/exclusive than Rolex. The average non-WIS would never know of these brands, hence why most people I come across think my SS Sub cost me $20,000 or something along those lines.
__________________
Russ |
14 May 2011, 12:53 AM | #34 |
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Jakarta
Posts: 333
|
|
14 May 2011, 12:58 AM | #35 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Montreal, PQ
Posts: 722
|
|
14 May 2011, 01:43 AM | #36 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Real Name: Steve
Location: Burbank, CA
Watch: 214270 Mark II
Posts: 4,121
|
|
14 May 2011, 01:46 AM | #37 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Midwest
Watch: out 4 motorcycles!
Posts: 116
|
Quote:
It could be argued that there are perhaps(operative word here) finer [(not necessarily better, but finer (ie., not as sporty as Rolex)] watches than Rolex watches. Only a few come to my mind however, Vacheron Constantin, Breuger & Patek Phillipe. Would you all agree? BTW, my next watch will be a Breuger (great history/craftsmanship)... As such, several (most?) watch wearing connoisseurs would rather purchase a Rolex because their design is readily apparent/recognized throughout the world. The immediate recognition of Rolex symbolizes perceived wealth. Who does not want to be recognized as having acquired some wealth? Who would want to spend a lot of money on a Breuger, VC, or PP, when no one would take notice of these fine watches, unless you were a true watch connoisseur? If I may, an analogy can be made with homes and automobiles, our two greatest assets and liabilities. Consumers purchase large luxury homes and automobiles to display their wealth ("I've made it/I've succeeded/Look at me"). Would you rather be seen driving a Benz/Bimmer (add your luxo car here) over a Toyota? Of course you would. Same goes w/a home. Do several consumers over-extend, in order to purchase the bigger home? Of course consumers do... Its the American way, and its the reason why we are in the financial mess/position that we are in as a nation... Thankfully not me, but I see it every day. Its a damn shame... My point; consumers purchase Rolex watches b/c a Rolex watch is a status symbol that is immediately recognized by millions of people, to include those consumers who know very little about fine watches. Yet, everyone can identify a Rolex watch. You have to give it to Rolex advertising. Brilliant work. Their advertising over the years made me realise the importance of career objectives that would allow me to acquire/purchase a fine watch... Remember the old ads in magazines that showed Martina Navatralova (sp?), Jack Nicholson, the opera singer, several race car drivers, explorers all wearing Rolex watches? May the aforementioned observations explain the ubiquity of the Rolex watch? I drank the cool aide. It worked on me ;-) This does not take away from the fact that Rolex makes a damn fine time piece... I just ask that we as people/watch connoisseurs/consumers, every now and then, look into the mirror and ask ourselves, "Am I wearing a Rolex because I appreciate the fine craftsmanship, or am I wearing it because of the status symbol?" Stay grounded my friends Just a thought... Cheers all |
|
14 May 2011, 02:07 AM | #38 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Midwest
Watch: out 4 motorcycles!
Posts: 116
|
^^^
My bad... should read Breguet.... This is what happens when you are busy at work and sending out a personal e-mail. Beautiful watches! Cheers, B |
14 May 2011, 02:22 AM | #39 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Russ
Location: Southern NJ
Posts: 5,760
|
Quote:
__________________
Russ |
|
14 May 2011, 02:23 AM | #40 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: William Tan
Location: Malaysia
Watch: GMT IIc SS
Posts: 191
|
Great products back by even greater marketing! From my personal observation, no other watch brand even comes close in recognition in the market. Everybody I know knows what is "a Rolex". The closest luxury brand I would compare it to would be Mercedes Benz, especially before this last decade when BMW have almost match them. Just my 2 cents.
|
14 May 2011, 02:34 AM | #41 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Midwest
Watch: out 4 motorcycles!
Posts: 116
|
Quote:
|
|
14 May 2011, 03:17 AM | #42 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: italy
Posts: 37
|
yesterday in a business meeting I attended to 6 out 8 people wear Rolex (the others were AP RO and Cartier) and all of them were aware (and own) other brands. Why then? IMHO because Rolex is the best on a daily basis, you don't have to care too much (unlike PP and similars). Talking about cars Rolex is like BMW, a good compromise between style performance and everyday usability and if it gets scratched no big deal. Not the same with Aston Martin (PP)
|
14 May 2011, 03:20 AM | #43 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: italy
Posts: 37
|
well I said BMW but I should have said Audi instead since lately here in Italy they are seen in bigger numbers
|
14 May 2011, 05:06 AM | #44 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: steve
Location: dallas area
Watch: 50's TT t-bird
Posts: 3,689
|
i don't think so
I'd have to see some data to support this. I don't doubt that Cartier has name recognition as a jewelry company, but I don't think there is any way that they sell luxury watches is Rolex quantities.
|
14 May 2011, 05:10 AM | #45 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: The Netherlands
Watch: 16600371701
Posts: 1,271
|
Quote:
|
|
14 May 2011, 06:55 AM | #46 |
Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: U.S.A.
Watch: Omega Seamaster
Posts: 175
|
I agree with the OP.
|
14 May 2011, 11:19 AM | #47 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Real Name: Adam
Location: Beverly Hills
Watch: Rolex/Cartier/FM
Posts: 122
|
Cartier is more of a fashion brand (European) and Rolex is more simple and rugged (American). Americans choose Rolex because Rolex goes with tee shirts and suits alike whereas Cartier is dressier in general. Also, Rolex is the stongest mass market luxury watch brand in the world and Americans buy brands. I personally wear a Cartier Roadster XL every day and use my Submariner when I travel or go to the beach - it is more low key and durable.
As an aside - Rolex compares with Mercedes Benz more than Cadillac / I would say BMW is closer to Cartier with their flame surface designs of late... |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.