Ceramic Pepsi Bezel Cost

[tomchicago]

It was raised in another thread that a Rolex rep opined that the ceramic Pepsi will only be a WG model because the cost of producing the bezel is prohibitive and only makes sense in a WG model. The only way this makes sense is if Rolex reduces their ridiculous precious metal markup margin to compensate for the cost of the bezel production, thereby making the consumer feel better about the overall price since they're getting WG at a relative discount. Any thots?

[AbqRolexFan]

Not gonna happen.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

It was raised in another thread that a Rolex rep opined that the ceramic Pepsi will only be a WG model because the cost of producing the bezel is prohibitive and only makes sense in a WG model. The only way this makes sense is if Rolex reduces their ridiculous precious metal markup margin to compensate for the cost of the bezel production, thereby making the consumer feel better about the overall price since they're getting WG at a relative discount. Any thots?

The insert is exactly the same material as any other ceramic insert its only the bezel which is gold so insert cost wise should be the same.And to make my estimate is around $30-$50 per unit possibly less, ceramic raw material is not that costly.But design then tooling up to make them that's the cost part once that's done you could churn them out by the thousands.

[ChadCrocker]

I asked Rolex dealers about the new ceramic pepsi bezel and got different answers, so I don't think anyone really knows right now. "Everyone" said the Yachtmaster II would never be sold in steel. Now it is. Granted, the case and band for that model were only available in solid gold. The GMT has been around in stainless for decades. The only difference is the bezel (ie. black and powerade). There is definitely a market for the ceramic pepsi bezel GMT in steel, and I will be one of the first in line to get one. As Rolex improves the manufacturing, cost will decrease, and we will see the stainless steel version. My best guess is about 2-3 years. As for the original post, I would say the WG version will cost about the same as other gold Rolexes. ~$35-37,000 retail.

[Tools]

I'm not sure I see the issue with the WG GMT.

It is priced in the same range with other Gold Professional models and so if you want one, you pay the price.

As to it coming to the SS model, hard to say. Rolex has always had some method of distinguishing between the WG and SS model, whether it be in the dial or special markings on the bezel.

[SWISSAHOLICS]

I don't see Pepsi coming in steel now.....Rolex has brought YMII in steel and WG however there is a change in the bezel....so there is always a difference. The only change they can signify between WG and SS Pepsi is to keep WG Pepsi with PCLs and SS Pepsi with all brushed links. Bu still, I don't see it happening.

[locutus49]

Probably a list price of 37K USD. With sellers on this site selling them for 24 - 26K. Wait a few months and you might get one for 22K.

[WWC]

Won't happen.

[thomaspp]

Cost to Rolex = $100

Cost to you = thousands!

[bbressler]

Originally Posted by padi56

The insert is exactly the same material as any other ceramic insert its only the bezel which is gold so insert cost wise should be the same.And to make my estimate is around $30-$50 per unit possibly less, ceramic raw material is not that costly.But design then tooling up to make them that's the cost part once that's done you could churn them out by the thousands.

When I went to RSC a month or so back the lady there told me they had just had their training from corporate on the WG Pepsi. She said that the process of making the red and blue come together perfectly is very difficult, and that for each one they will sell they throw out several that are not up to their quality standards. This, plus all the R&D that has gone into it drives up the cost so that it is only feasible to sell it in a precious metal (for now).

[Psmith]

Now they've mastered (sort of - see above!) their bi-colour ceramic technology, I expect we'll eventually see a range of colour combinations spread across the various metals. Whether or not this will include the old Coke combo, and with what metal, only Rolex knows.

Not sure I'm convinced by the high-cost story. After all, Steinhart will sell you a ceramic insert for 30 EUR

http://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/Be...Black,737.html

[Rsea]

Actual cost plays little to no part in setting prices for luxury goods. This is true for all luxury cars, bags, glasses, pens and of course watches.