Rolex - sacrificing one market for the sake of another?

[JParm]

We first saw it with the SkyDweller, a piece that people thought would never be introduced in SS, yet a few years later, here we are.

Today, a SS Pepsi that looks EXACTLY like the PM BLRO (source yourself an Oyster bracelet, and you've got a 1:1 copy).

No doubt, this alienates the PM crowd and would push them towards other (PP, AP) brands. I get that the SS customers must be ecstatic, but what about all the former PM customers?

This is coming from a SS customer interested in my first PM piece...it makes me second guess going after the DayDate, as they'll probably release one in SS soon enough.

[outtatime]

Why does it matter? If you want a PM piece...does it matter that someone can also buy the same watch in steel?

They make steel and two-tone watches.

How is it "alienating" anyone?

I find it interesting how most of the time, PM buyers will say 'oh, I don't buy it to be showy, I buy PM because I like the metal, or (in the case of white gold) because it flies under-the-radar', but then complain when someone can get the "same" watch in steel.

If you REALLY don't care...then...why does it matter??

[JParm]

Originally Posted by outtatime

Why does it matter? If you want a PM piece...does it matter that someone can also buy the same watch in steel?

They make steel and two-tone watches.

How is it "alienating" anyone?

I find it interesting how most of the time, PM buyers will say 'oh, I don't buy it to be showy, I buy PM because I like the metal, or (in the case of white gold) because it flies under-the-radar', but then complain when someone can get the "same" watch in steel.

If you REALLY don't care...then...why does it matter??

I'm not in that camp; I've never said any of those things. I can be completely honest and say that I want PM because it IS exclusive, and it's something that most people don't have. Same goes for watches that I own - I'm happy when there's talk of discontinuing the Hulk, because the less people that have it, the better.

Let's also be realistic here. The forums do not constitute a realistic outlook of the world. MAYBE 5% of the population owns a Rolex, if that? Everyone on TRF likes a little bit of exclusivity, otherwise you wouldn't spend the money on a watch that does the same basic functions as a $20 timex.

[lhanddds]

PM buyers are a different breed. I don't think they will give a hoot.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

PM buyers are a different breed. I don't think they will give a hoot.

We've already had one owner of a BLRO claim in another thread that they're disappointed. Sure, it's 1 data point, but it's tough to make that claim...people are people, and I think generally if someone spends over 25k on a watch, they wouldn't want to know that they could have it for 9k the next day.

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

We've already had one owner of a BLRO claim in another thread that they're disappointed. Sure, it's 1 data point, but it's tough to make that claim...people are people, and I think generally if someone spends over 25k on a watch, they wouldn't want to know that they could have it for 9k the next day.

That’s the point. It will not be PM and they would not feel the same. They don’t look the same and the difference in weight is significant.


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[Curt941]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

PM buyers are a different breed. I don't think they will give a hoot.

Yes, I think this is key. We get caught up on all the details, the caliber movement, the dial color, text details, that kind of stuff.

Most people dropping $25k+ on a white gold Pepsi GMT in a month aren't going to care that it has a 3186 vs the 3285, because 1) it costs 2.5x the cost of the SS and 2) has a blue dial and polished GMT hand, so it's clearly different.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

PM buyers are a different breed. I don't think they will give a hoot.

Agree!!!

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

PM buyers are a different breed. I don't think they will give a hoot.

You think so? I think a great number of PM buyers (not necessarily represented in the sample of hardcore watch guys on this forum) care about making sure the public knows their watch costs a lot of money.

It doesn't mean they are bad people by any stretch, but I think some people like to show off how much their watch costs.

[3581512]

Originally Posted by outtatime

I find it interesting how most of the time, PM buyers will say 'oh, I don't buy it to be showy, I buy PM because I like the metal, or (in the case of white gold) because it flies under-the-radar', but then complain when someone can get the "same" watch in steel.

If you REALLY don't care...then...why does it matter??

I was thinking the same thing, I thought the appeal of WG was that it looked like steel and wasn't flashy

[dr35mm]

Originally Posted by outtatime

Why does it matter? If you want a PM piece...does it matter that someone can also buy the same watch in steel?

They make steel and two-tone watches.

How is it "alienating" anyone?

I find it interesting how most of the time, PM buyers will say 'oh, I don't buy it to be showy, I buy PM because I like the metal, or (in the case of white gold) because it flies under-the-radar', but then complain when someone can get the "same" watch in steel.

If you REALLY don't care...then...why does it matter??

This x 10000000

[Reddy_Kilowatt]

Originally Posted by outtatime

Why does it matter? If you want a PM piece...does it matter that someone can also buy the same watch in steel?

They make steel and two-tone watches.

How is it "alienating" anyone?

I find it interesting how most of the time, PM buyers will say 'oh, I don't buy it to be showy, I buy PM because I like the metal, or (in the case of white gold) because it flies under-the-radar', but then complain when someone can get the "same" watch in steel.

If you REALLY don't care...then...why does it matter??

[digitalcrocodile]

Originally Posted by outtatime

why does it matter? If you want a pm piece...does it matter that someone can also buy the same watch in steel?

They make steel and two-tone watches.

How is it "alienating" anyone?

I find it interesting how most of the time, pm buyers will say 'oh, i don't buy it to be showy, i buy pm because i like the metal, or (in the case of white gold) because it flies under-the-radar', but then complain when someone can get the "same" watch in steel.

If you really don't care...then...why does it matter??

+1

[904VT]

Originally Posted by outtatime

Why does it matter? If you want a PM piece...does it matter that someone can also buy the same watch in steel?

They make steel and two-tone watches.

How is it "alienating" anyone?

I find it interesting how most of the time, PM buyers will say 'oh, I don't buy it to be showy, I buy PM because I like the metal, or (in the case of white gold) because it flies under-the-radar', but then complain when someone can get the "same" watch in steel.

If you REALLY don't care...then...why does it matter??

x1000

Whatever happens, you still have a white gold watch that is precious metal, which should be the main reason for buying any PM watch. If you want PM, this doesn't change it. If you like to flip a lot of watches and/or have the newest thing, you may second guess getting WG perhaps bc of value hits shorter-term. Bottom line still white gold and a great watch.

I just don't get why it's ok for the YG Bluesy to share a dial/bezels with the TT Sub. The YG Sub in black to share with the "lowly and very plain" SS Sub Date. The YG GMT Master to share with the TT and "lowly and very plain" Black LN SS. The new Root Beer to share in RG and TT. (BTW I love the LNs in SS, just sarcasm)

Why do we always compare to AP and Patek....both of which share very similar SS vs PM setups in some cases, just like Rolex.

If you want a 6 digit Pepsi on Oyster, you're still not getting it with the new BLRO SS, so there is some exclusivity still in that WG piece, if that is what one wants out of their WG Rolex. I only have owned WG Daytonas though, so guess take with grain of salt.

[Drixonite]

SS Day-Date...

[elcompa]

Originally Posted by Drixonite

SS Day-Date...

Never happen!

[AK797]

It is a bit strange to disco the WG black and make it blue. It would have been smarter all round just to introduce a blue SS BLRO and leave the WG if they don't want to disco it completely. I predicted a white or red/blue gradient dial on the SS to keep the WG black.

[busytimmy]

Originally Posted by AK797

It is a bit strange to disco the WG black and make it blue. It would have been smarter all round just to introduce a blue SS BLRO and leave the WG if they don't want to disco it completely.

It’s nutty indeed. Who knows what Rolex is thinking.




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[AS1]

Originally Posted by AK797

It is a bit strange to disco the WG black and make it blue. It would have been smarter all round just to introduce a blue SS BLRO and leave the WG if they don't want to disco it completely. I predicted a white or red/blue gradient dial on the SS to keep the WG black.

I hear you. I think what is happening here is Rolex making what they think will make the most money, period... perhaps a reflection on the general trends in the Swiss watch industry? This goes against what I have thought in the past though, which is that a company without public shareholders or PE money they were not subject to the same "sell as much as you possibly can" pressure. Maybe now they have moved more in that direction...

[AK797]

Originally Posted by AS1

I hear you. I think what is happening here is Rolex making what they think will make the most money, period... perhaps a reflection on the general trends in the Swiss watch industry? This goes against what I have thought in the past though, which is that a company without public shareholders or PE money they were not subject to the same "sell as much as you possibly can" pressure. Maybe now they have moved more in that direction...

I actually think Rolex really like their WG model and could not bear to part with it, so if I was a WG owner I'd be quite pleased. It almost feels like they have begrudgingly issued the black SS, as yes they do need to make more money on the insert and maybe the money men said this must be black then.

[SteelSubmarinerGuy]

Originally Posted by AK797

I actually think Rolex really like their WG model and could not bear to part with it, so if I was a WG owner I'd be quite pleased. It almost feels like they have begrudgingly issued the SS, as yes they do need to make more money on the insert.

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[AS1]

Originally Posted by AK797

I actually think Rolex really like their WG model and could not bear to part with it, so if I was a WG owner I'd be quite pleased. It almost feels like they have begrudgingly issued the black SS, as yes they do need to make more money on the insert and maybe the money men said this must be black then.

Yes I think that's fair. As a WG BLRO owner, my feelings are definitely some annoyance at Rolex but massively outweighed by: I don't like the Jubilee bracelet; the only modern Pepsi I would want on my wrist is the one I have (black dial; Oyster bracelet); can't substitute that PM feeling; and... hard to be mad at Rolex given how much appreciation I have had on my collection over the years, particularly the vintage.

I think Rolex have created some doubts in people's minds as to whether they pay up for future PM pieces though.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by AK797

It is a bit strange to disco the WG black and make it blue. It would have been smarter all round just to introduce a blue SS BLRO and leave the WG if they don't want to disco it completely. I predicted a white or red/blue gradient dial on the SS to keep the WG black.

We're assuming that the WG BLRO won't still be available with a black dial Neil - it wouldn't be the first time that not all the dial options were shown on the website (ie WG Sky D and PM Daytonas)

Additionally, as JS has mentioned above, we shouln't assume the Oyster bracelet will fit the SS BLRO case. Rolex makes reference to a redesign, so they may not be interchangeable.

[Jim Smyth]

I have the WG BLRO and dont care that a SS version is out there. I am actually happy that it will be at a price point that more people can enjoy one at. Getting into the PM club is a hard pill to swallow and most cant afford to do so. Now there will be more Pepsi's out there which will make mine blend in even more which is why I bought mine in the first place. I dont like drawing attention to myself (if thats even possible wearing any Rolex) but I like the nicer things in life.

[SteelSubmarinerGuy]

Originally Posted by Jim Smyth

I have the WG BLRO and dont care that a SS version is out there. I am actually happy that it will be at a price point that more people can enjoy one at. Getting into the PM club is a hard pill to swallow and most cant afford to do so. Now there will be more Pepsi's out there which will make mine blend in even more which is why I bought mine in the first place. I dont like drawing attention to myself (if thats even possible wearing any Rolex) but I like the nicer things in life.

Jim let’s see how many people complain and say they don’t like the bezel color now!


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[AK797]

Originally Posted by Devildog

We're assuming that the WG BLRO won't still be available with a black dial Neil - it wouldn't be the first time that not all the dial options were shown on the website (ie WG Sky D and PM Daytonas)

Additionally, as JS has mentioned above, we shouln't assume the Oyster bracelet will fit the SS BLRO case. Rolex makes reference to a redesign, so they may not be interchangeable.

Fair point Scott, but with ADs not taking black orders I thought they might be ended, we'll see.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by AK797

Fair point Scott, but with ADs not taking black orders I thought they might be ended, we'll see.

I did think that but then we heard of ADs that weren’t taking orders for the smurf too.

But yes Neil. Let’s see




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[Jacobson]

Originally Posted by AK797

It is a bit strange to disco the WG black and make it blue. It would have been smarter all round just to introduce a blue SS BLRO and leave the WG if they don't want to disco it completely. I predicted a white or red/blue gradient dial on the SS to keep the WG black.

Could be a very short run. Maybe it's to allow for exising inventory of WG cases to be sold out. Then maybe introduce a WG RONR or somthing in its place next year.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by Jacobson

Could be a very short run. Maybe it's to allow for exising inventory of WG cases to be sold out.

You may be on to something. The blue-dial WG BLRO is a completely under-the-radar release. It's not mentioned with the new releases, and even the reference number remains unchanged. It's almost like Rolex doesn't want people to know they changed it.

[Jacobson]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

You may be on to something. The blue-dial WG BLRO is a completely under-the-radar release. It's not mentioned with the new releases, and even the reference number remains unchanged. It's almost like Rolex doesn't want people to know they changed it.

I don't know about any other region but the UK price of the new WG GMT is now lower by £1200 compared to the black dial WG GMT.