Perceived Value: Rolex vs. Omega, etc.

[grimps]

I've owned and still own several Omegas and they're great watches .
Now I'm in a position to obtain any Rolex I want from my Local AD so I tend to only buy Rolex now .
I had an issue with the strap on my PO a few years ago , It was an alligator orange thing that I wore on the beach on holiday in Dubai one day, I never went in the water but the sweat had ruined the strap .
I took it book to my Omega dealer and they had to contact head office to see if they could replace it but they did eventually .
I had a phone call from their head office saying that although the warranty didn't cover the damage I had they'd still replace it .
I can't think that I'd ever get a phone call from the Rolex head office explaining anything

[Tavli3]

I love both, I have vintage Speedie and two vintage rolex plus some modern Rolex. All great watches. My beef is with Omega management who I consider knuckleheads.
The 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing was in July last year but for some inexplicable reason Omega could not and did not deliver a vast majority of the 50th Speedies. A major PR blunder. As of late Nov. they still didn't delivery mine even though I was on list and paid in full since 1/19. I eventually cancelled and got a refund. They produced 6969 pieces and called it limited edition! Maybe to them it was Limited Edition cause they couldn't produce them, they should have called it Limited Distribution.

They allow their ADs to discount and they usually offer deep discounts while requiring most Boutiques*mine included) to sell at list price, makes no sense! Brand destruction right there.

They constantly release new versions and LEs of the Speedmaster that has diluted the stature of the brand. Walk into a Boutique and you'll see 30 different versions of the Speedmaster.

Rolex management is light years ahead of Omega management. Again Omega is a great watch just not a great watch brand thanks to bungling management.

I can't wait to see the 55th anniversary Speedie! Not. Hopefully saner heads prevail and they give it a break till the 60th at least. Oh and 14K for the new SS 321! Really!

[Highlatitude]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

3 or so years ago, Rolex SS models were overflowing from AD cases. Discounts of 20% were happily given. The Daytona was still a bit hard to get.

Sure, Rolex loyalists were always interested but the mass public wasn't nearly as interested compared to now.

Right now this is about hype. Alot of people are not buying because they want a reliable timepiece. They want to sell to make a profit or buy the watch their favorite rapper, friend, TRF member, nfluencer, etc is wearing.

Sorry but that is simply not true, very few people if anyone were getting 20% discounts on SS Rolex. At best people were getting interest free credit. Rolex still sold every popular model they made. You are also confusing Instagram obsessives and fashionistas with the general public. The traditional Rolex buyer is a middle class, middle aged man or woman buying for a gift or special occasion. After fashions move on, this demographic will once again be Rolex’s main source of buyers.

The current situation is alienating to these people and when they go into an AD and can’t get the Rolex they want for their sons’s graduation or 21st Birthday, they buy an Omega instead.

[6538]

Originally Posted by jaroush

Other than lacking in house movements, I view Omegas as having superior build quality, equal attractiveness and far superior customer service to Rolex. Rolex just doesn’t give a rip about their customers. It is very obvious and sad.

Omega started producing in-house movements again in January 2007.

[ninjin]

For the layman, the Rolex brand will always be percieved as the more premium against Omega.

However, why does this matter? Unless you are buying to flex......

I have a couple of Omega's, 2004 White dial Broad Arrrow and a 2018 SMP 300. In addition, I have a selection of Rolex too and to me, both brands (and the others too) can happily live together in my collection.

Here's my broad arrow, on a leather strap (came with bracelet originally)

[Geckobros]

With the Rolex shortage (and for whatever reason, pick one of many) it does seem like more people have simply went with other brands. I am unsure as to how that helps Rolex but I would think that it pleases the other watch manufacturers.

[maxlfoster]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

If people can’t tell the difference between an Omega and a Citizen do you really care what their opinion is? Either they aren’t into watches, or they only care about brand names and know very little, if anything, about watches.

Even if they can tell, does it matter? And regardless of what they think it may not play into your hands in that meeting. I don’t think comparing brands based on what someone will mistake them for and therefore think of you is a worthwhile argument. As watch lovers it should about how the timepieces make you feel along with the service / buying experiences. Not the image.



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[pickettt]

What exactly is the topic of this business meeting everyone keeps talking about?

[superstarmar]

Omega designs in general don't do anything for me...
The only Omega's I like are the moonwatch/speedy and
the Spectre Seamaster ... Other than that it's Rolex...

Quality wise I can't comment cause I've never owned an Omega.
I hope to get a speedy... someday

[RolyMoly]

I usually stay away from any of these kinds of threads, however, I’ve been there with both AP dealers and Rolex dealers. And it has been my pleasure to have been smacked by both.

I love Rolexes, but since the demand has gotten so high I just have gotten sick of the complaining from everyone and the snobbery of the bigger dealers (Mayors, etc.) that I’ve done the same thing. I was treated like a 2ns class citizen in an AP dealer, left and bought a super cool all ceramic Hublot (which I still own and love), and was treated like a king. I’d left a Rolex dealer one day and went to another store in the same mall and gotten introduced to and purchased my first Grand Seiko.

It’s one of those blessings in disguise I think. Really, hats off to Rolex for their success. And for the sales people that were snobby, thanks for introducing me to some other wonderful brands.

[Pantheon]

Originally Posted by pickettt

What exactly is the topic of this business meeting everyone keeps talking about?

I am more worried that these employees are talking about watches than something actually useful such as the work subject for the meeting.

[RolyMoly]

Originally Posted by Roli4life

Every WIS (myself included) strays from Rolex to fondle other brands at some point, but we almost always come back, feeling like we waisted time, and $. Plenty of unfortunate souls making futile efforts to rekindle old AD relationships just to get a simple SS Sub.

Good luck.

Lol @ this. But he’s sort of right

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Both are fine watches. Rolexes are more en vogue with celebrities at the moment, and so more popular. But collectors buy both brands.

Exactly. You nailed it. If Omega could get a few rap stars wearing their watches they would move up and status quite a bit. My 16 year old som only know what Rolex , AP and Patek is and that’s because of celebrities. Mostly the music industry.

[RolyMoly]

Originally Posted by Highlatitude

Sorry but that is simply not true, very few people if anyone were getting 20% discounts on SS Rolex. At best people were getting interest free credit. Rolex still sold every popular model they made. You are also confusing Instagram obsessives and fashionistas with the general public. The traditional Rolex buyer is a middle class, middle aged man or woman buying for a gift or special occasion. After fashions move on, this demographic will once again be Rolex’s main source of buyers.

The current situation is alienating to these people and when they go into an AD and can’t get the Rolex they want for their sons’s graduation or 21st Birthday, they buy an Omega instead.

This is 100% true. I bought 2 Subs, 2 Milgauss and an Explorer 2. Both subs - 20%, Milguass and Explorer - 10%. Go figure!

[djgallo]

Originally Posted by maxlfoster

Even if they can tell, does it matter? And regardless of what they think it may not play into your hands in that meeting. I don’t think comparing brands based on what someone will mistake them for and therefore think of you is a worthwhile argument. As watch lovers it should about how the timepieces make you feel along with the service / buying experiences. Not the image.



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Ideally it should be, but IMAGE is usually inherent in a luxury purchase.

[Ouro9999]

Both brands have great product's. But try to contact Rolex HQ! Mission impossible. Try to contact Omega Swiss and they will reply to you. Is this important? Yes, very important as a brand who listen, reply and respect its costumer gets more positive feedback on the web, and for the new generation this are considered when searching for something to buy.

Enviado de meu SM-G975F usando o Tapatalk

[crazycarlitos]

Not sure where the perceived value comes into play in ur story...
But Omega customer service beats Rolex CS by a mile, for sure.

Still.. there are only handful Omega models I like.
And the ones I want (like snoopy speedy) are just as hard to come by when first released
The rest of the countless limited editions and special models do nothing for me.

I prefer the timeless design of the Rolex models
And my past experience has been that Rolex holds its value far better than omega (prob due to the perceived value. Lol)

My omegas below:

[djgallo]

They look great on those Nato’s!

[037]

Originally Posted by pickettt

What exactly is the topic of this business meeting everyone keeps talking about?

Toothpicks and drinking straws. Important stuff.

[isgrb]

Like many of you, I’m a big fan of both brands and happily wear both. In fact I’ve whittled my collection down to just those two brands. For Omega the classic Speedy and the new white dial Seamaster (it’s awesome if you haven’t seen it yet). For Rolex it’s the new BLNR (on the jubilee), 116660 DSSD D-blue, a vintage 16660 SD from the 80s and a 116900 Air King (which is happily riding my wrist right now).

I’m a big fan of IWC, GS, JLC and Lange but in the end I’m always happiest wearing an Omega or Rolex, just feels like home. I do have a rule of only buying at a discount or at retail so while I wait for a hulk or white dial Daytona I resist the urge to pick up a Planet Ocean or Speedy II. Also have my eye on a Ploprof, love that quirky oddball.

Anyway, nice to see Omega get some love on this board, I know there’s a bit of Apple vs. Samsung vibe between the two for a lot of people but I think anyone who ignores Omega is missing out, likewise those who poo poo Rolex.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by isgrb

Like many of you, I’m a big fan of both brands and happily wear both. In fact I’ve whittled my collection down to just those two brands. For Omega the classic Speedy and the new white dial Seamaster (it’s awesome if you haven’t seen it yet). For Rolex it’s the new BLNR (on the jubilee), 116660 DSSD D-blue, a vintage 16660 SD from the 80s and a 116900 Air King (which is happily riding my wrist right now).

I’m a big fan of IWC, GS, JLC and Lange but in the end I’m always happiest wearing an Omega or Rolex, just feels like home. I do have a rule of only buying at a discount or at retail so while I wait for a hulk or white dial Daytona I resist the urge to pick up a Planet Ocean or Speedy II. Also have my eye on a Ploprof, love that quirky oddball.

Anyway, nice to see Omega get some love on this board, I know there’s a bit of Apple vs. Samsung vibe between the two for a lot of people but I think anyone who ignores Omega is missing out, likewise those who poo poo Rolex.

both make great watches but for some reason none of the omega designs do it for me except the speedy. maybe i'm alone here but i guess i prefer the simplicity of rolex, they just seem more elegant and timeless

[BNABOD]

Have a sub and a few others and I just wear this



Availability + AD service + price + quality + comfort = unbeatable

[isgrb]

Great pic of a great watch. I love my white dial version, totally agree about comfort etc. Not to mention the accuracy of the movement is remarkable.

[Highlatitude]

Originally Posted by RolyMoly

This is 100% true. I bought 2 Subs, 2 Milgauss and an Explorer 2. Both subs - 20%, Milguass and Explorer - 10%. Go figure!

Well that puts you in the category of the ‘very few’.

[Kenny Powers]

Originally Posted by Pantheon

I am more worried that these employees are talking about watches than something actually useful such as the work subject for the meeting.

I was at the exact same meeting, and I can confirm that the main topic of discussion was indeed watches in general, and more specifically why Rolex is much better than Omega. The general consensus was that Omega is by far a much inferior product, and should be mocked and ridiculed online wherever possible.

Admittedly, I work at Rolex, and this was our weekly "Omega is Shit" meeting.

[BNABOD]

Originally Posted by Galaga167

I bought my first real watch in 2009. An Omega Planet Ocean 2500. After a week or so the clasp would pop open and was obviously faulty. They replaced it under warranty without hesitation.

About 6 months later the movement stopped. A common problem with the C movement. They replaced the entire movement to a D and because of the hassle they gave me a
Voucher for a free first service.

That service was done in mid 2007. No questions asked. Watch came back immaculate. The watch is basically faultless and consistently gives me accuracy of plus 2 seconds a day.

I have a Rolex GMT Master 2 and a Tudor Black Bay and a bunch of Seikos however my next significant watch purchase will be the Speedmaster but only when the movement is upgraded to the 3861 which will hack and be chronometer certified. The waiting game begins.

Omega is a great brand and quality wise in my experience is probably a hair under Rolex however their customer service destroys the crown.

Bro G in da house :)

[Galaga167]

Originally Posted by BNABOD

Bro G in da house :)

Hello mystery brother.

[JDsnewwatch]

I currently own two of my three grail watches (own: Omega speedmaster pro and Rolex 116710LN on a BCL Oyster bracelet, Next to buy is an IWC Big Pilot). There is a lot that Omega does right and some that it does wrong.

Omega's level of customer support is unmatched. You walk into a store and their sales staff is friendly and they have watches to sell to you. You call the company and ask for things and they mail them to you (I called and asked for a travel case, they fedexed it to me!). There is a general level of respect for their customers that the local authorized dealers hawking Rolexes will never offer.

But its not all good...

The residual values on their watches are less than stellar. If you think I am wrong, check chrono24. Omega has a new special edition coming out every day of the week (or so it seems). Service is spotty at best and people complain all the time about cases getting ruined by over-polishing (Rolex has this problem too). They also have the audacity to charge a few hundred dollars for a fabric nato strap. I guess thats better than Rolex who wont sell you any alternative what so ever to the bracelets that come on their watches..

Rolex: The ADs are horrible. No two ways about it. Its just easier to give more money to third party dealers and have a watch on your wrist in 24 hours than deal with the psychotic mind-games of the local "Jewelers". It's pathetic really. If you call Rolex with a question they are always very respectful and they will generally spend more time than you might expect to walk you through getting something done (for example: setting the time on a GMT II watch for the first time, its not as easy as you might think). I made the same request as above (a travel case) to Rolex. They didnt say "no", however, they said that my best bet was to drive to the RSC in New York (150 miles away) and they "might" have one to give me. I bought one on e-bay for 30 dollars.

Your Rolex will retain its value, your Rolex will increase in value (assuming you don't pay 500% above retail to buy it in the first place).

Another difference: People will notice your Omega and ask you about it. People will notice your Rolex and they WONT ask you about it. I show colleagues my Speedie all the time, my Rolex gets raised eyebrows as in "WOW" but I'll be cool and wont you feel like a jerk by making a big deal about it..