One question... which one?

[abigsecret]

If you could have a real conversation with one of the big shots at Rolex, and he would let you ask one question regarding Rolex.... Which question would you ask? What have you always "wanted to know"??

[Alcan]

Why have you decided to turn your back on your heritage and start producing a generation of fluffy bling watches?

[Texsubmariner]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Why have you decided to turn your back on your heritage and start producing a generation of fluffy bling watches?

+1.

[Lol-x]

I would like to know why Rolex doesn't show their enthusiasts much, if any, support?

For example, JLC occasionally hold Master Classes where enthusiasts can participate in learning about horology and watchmaking.

[abigsecret]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Why have you decided to turn your back on your heritage and start producing a generation of fluffy bling watches?

I don't know which model you're refering to, Al
As far as I know their newer watches all have a state of the art movement produced with the newest techniques... I don't see where they're turning their back at, I'm sorry? They've been using diamond dials and bezels for a long time now, and a lot of people are putting fake diamond bezels on their two-tone watches to "bling them up", so I don't see a problem there...

[Leighton]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Why have you decided to turn your back on your heritage and start producing a generation of fluffy bling watches?

[Letsgodiving]

I would agree with Al. Why don't you support the vintage models that, in large part, got you where you are. It may not be that profitable but honour your heritage.

[abigsecret]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

I would like to know why Rolex doesn't show their enthusiasts much, if any, support?

For example, JLC occasionally hold Master Classes where enthusiasts can participate in learning about horology and watchmaking.

What I understand about Rolex's support system, is that they are the only watch company in the whole world that invests millions of dollars yearly to keep watchmaking schools open and give students the scholarships to attend them. All the watchmakers that work for AD's are offered classes on Rolex's full expense, every other year or so. Which is where their attention should go IMO. There isn't a reason for an "enthusiast" to know how to work on their movments, since they aren't allowed to work on them anyways.... So I rather have them focusing on the people that need it the most; the watchmakers.

[abigsecret]

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

I would agree with Al. Why don't you support the vintage models that, in large part, got you where you are. It may not be that profitable but honour your heritage.

How should they "support" them in your opinion?

[Lol-x]

No doubt Rolex does deserve huge accolades for the resources they invest in watchmaking schools, but that is an investment in the watchmaking industry.
My point goes more towards enthusiasts, you average Joe or Jane that has one or more Rolex watches and loves the brand and would like to have some higher level of communication or even a more relaxed relationship with 'Rolex'.
For instance when JLC releases a new model it holds some functions or presentations around the world for enthusiasts, that gives enthusiasts the chance to hear, meet and speak on a one to one level with knowledgable representatives of the company, it also gives the company the opportunity to inform and explain and market the new products and it's existing products to enthusiasts. It does allow for a greater appreciation by each party of the other, so it is a win/win situation.

If I telephone Rolex and ask them a question, it is almost like I feel as if Rolex thinks I am some kind of stalking weirdo or just a troublemaker. Some interaction between Rolex and enthusiasts in a function type setting would go a long way to building bridges between Rolex and their enthusiasts.

[hienpham04]

I would ask "Why do you use single cut diamonds on the dial"? Full round cut diamonds are much more brilliant, so I never understand why Rolex use single cut diamonds on the dial. For bezel and lugs, Rolex uses full cut diamonds. Next time you look at a Rolex watch, compare the dial and bezel diamonds. As a diamond expert, I'm just curious to why? Also, the diamonds used on Rolex watches are like F color. Why not use D-E, not much of a cost difference in the diamond wholesale business. Did you knew this? ~Hien.

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

What I understand about Rolex's support system, is that they are the only watch company in the whole world that invests millions of dollars yearly to keep watchmaking schools open and give students the scholarships to attend them. All the watchmakers that work for AD's are offered classes on Rolex's full expense, every other year or so. Which is where their attention should go IMO. There isn't a reason for an "enthusiast" to know how to work on their movments, since they aren't allowed to work on them anyways.... So I rather have them focusing on the people that need it the most; the watchmakers.

They keep watchmaking schools open because it is the only way they can have "humans" for the assembly part of the robotic made products. To quote an old friend that serviced Rolex watches for more than 40 years when asked how good a Rolex watch is....he said...it is like you want to climb mount Kilimanjaro ..with Loafers.
So go tell Heiniken to start producing real watches with real complications and to stop feeding us ...with how many millions are spend for watchmaking schools.
About the enthousiast wanting to learn how to work on his watch movement, in the United States the word it is not allowed to work on your PROPERTY is totally NOT ALLOWED and your monopolistic tactics does not ALLOW YOU to suggest how WE in this free country will exersize our freedom to repair our property if we want to do so.

[Letsgodiving]

Originally Posted by abigsecret

How should they "support" them in your opinion?

It is well known within the vintage community that you need to find a 3rd party watchmaker to service your watch. Rolex won't service many models, "exotic dials", etc. They should provide the same service for older models that they do for newer ones.

[scottschoe]

Why doesn't Rolex offer support for it's older (not even that old) watches while other high end watch companies bend over backwards for vintage pieces?

[beitau]

??

[mike]

Well,..I've gone on record several times about the lack of support for certain vintage pieces. It just seems a shame that Rolex chooses not to maintain certain vintage pieces.

I know collectors in some ways can be their own worst enemies, but there are a lot of people out there that bought a watch a long time ago and have used it faithfully over the years.
To some this is the only watch they have and quite honestly have shared life's experiences with that watch. Why can't the watch be allowed to continue it's service to the owner with the blessing of the mothership?

Rolx has done some great things in the past. They provided a vehicle for POWs during WW II to have a watch and worry about payment later. They're made special watches for exploratory ventures. In short their history has been filled with very accommodating gestures.
Why not continue to service an old watch?

[East Bay Rider]

What beitau said...

Why no date on the Daytona?

[Andad]

Example.
I took my 1970 DJ to the Adelaide AD - J Farren Price - they sent it to Rolex Australia in Melbourne. It was running slow (about -11 secs/day) so I thought I would have it serviced. About two - three weeks later Farren Price rang me to tell me it was ready. When I went in to pick it up the manager gave me the watch and told me there was no charge. I asked him what had been done and he did not know. After a few days I could see that it was still slow so I rang Rolex Melbourne. They told me nothing had been done to the the watch and they could not work on it - that was it - no explaination was offered. Rolex did tell me that a letter had been sent to Farren Price advising them that it had not been serviced but this was not forwarded to me.
I think this situation could be improved.

[unclesallie]

Great thread: Question: If you're owned by a foundation, why do you play games with our heads by carefully controlling the supply of Daytonas and new Milgauss watches, when you know you're only dealing with 2% of the population anyway?
best,
dan

[Gaijin]

Can I have a free SS Black Dial Daytona?

[Baptistman]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Why have you decided to turn your back on your heritage and start producing a generation of fluffy bling watches?

+2

[marshallr47]

I guess my question would be, why would you turn away vintage Rolex time pieces(mostly US)? Don't they still require servicing as well?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

"Mr. Heiniger, why do you turn your back on Rolex history?"