Why are sports more popular?

[Dsmith1974]

I know no one knows the exact numbers but..

How come it’s nigh on impossible to walk into an AD and buy a sports model but you can easily get a DJ or OP. I assume it’s because sports models are in higher demand and not that more DJs and OPs are made.

Has it always been like that or was it the other way around a generation or three ago?

[coralfarmer84]

well the main just of it is this. They make a lot more non sports models, like the date just for example. And the sports are more desired in most of the world, which has driven up prices over msrp because they are hard to get. This makes a giant group of speculators buy even more of these said watches to try and turn a profit, making it even harder to get a sports watch. More and more of these people are buying to flip, and it will only continue to get worse until prices start to fall, then the unprepared "investors" will start dumping like crazy, further lowering the price. And now we wait

[mgsooner]

Would be interesting to know how many of each different model Rolex builds over a period of time, like a month or year. We'll never get that information, but would be interesting to see.

[Pops1973]

I think that
1. ss sports are cheaper than pm is a major factor.
2. the ss sports can be quite bland to look so stays under the radar so many people prefer this rather thanto be too showy
3. Trend at the moment the hype is for ss sports
4. Wear them as a tool watch

I am sure there are many other reasons

[garbanzo]

My wild guess is that the amount of people who drive race cars, go spelunking, do serious diving and travel constantly around the world has grown exponentially over the last few years

[jsausley]

Sports models are NOT more popular. Rolex says more Datejusts than all of the sport models combined by a factor of 2-3 to 1.

But because sports models are more desirable among enthusiasts, it's all we ever talk about -- AND, because they make a lot less of them (than Datejusts which have a higher profit margin), they're harder to find.

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by jsausley

Sports models are NOT more popular. Rolex says more Datejusts than all of the sport models combined by a factor of 2-3 to 1.

But because sports models are more desirable among enthusiasts, it's all we ever talk about -- AND, because they make a lot less of them (than Datejusts which have a higher profit margin), they're harder to find.

Ah ok thanks. I was going to ask why they just don’t make more sports models but if there’s more profit in a DJ I guess that explains it. The follow question is why is there more profit in a DJ? Probably because there’s fewer moving parts (bezels, gmt arms or extra depth rating)

[mk2jag]

Originally Posted by jsausley

Sports models are NOT more popular. Rolex says more Datejusts than all of the sport models combined by a factor of 2-3 to 1.

But because sports models are more desirable among enthusiasts, it's all we ever talk about -- AND, because they make a lot less of them (than Datejusts which have a higher profit margin), they're harder to find.

I see more DJ's in the wild then Rolex sport watches

[Zakalwe]

Never mind about DJ’s and sports Rolex Duncan, you can console yourself with having a fabulous watch on your wrist that only 700 other folks on planet Earth have. I’d love to just be able to glimpse SBGJ227, let alone buy one. Congrats

[Dsmith1974]

Thanks! Yes the Peacock is pretty special, especially in low light. I reckon it would benefit from being a few mm slimmer and having a tapered bracelet though.

[jfmiii]

everything is cyclical. in the 80s, everyone bought TT. the TT DJ was probably the most iconic watch of the decade. nobody wanted a Daytona. as far as vintage back then, collectors wanted Bubblebacks. when the Milgauss was first re-released, prices were INSANE. where are they now? 5 years ago a Pepsi GMT played second fiddle to a Submariner, at least in terms of secondary pricing. today, not so much. everything is cyclical.

[locutus49]

This trend is NOT cyclical. The trend over the last 50 years has been toward more casual dress and behavior. Watch a 50's TV show like Leave it to Beaver and the like and men wore coat and ties for meals at home and going to sports events. I haven't owned a dress watch for decades.

[Igor01]

Quoted for truth.

The professional culture and lifestyles of most people are becoming more casual, so sports watches fit in better.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

Ah ok thanks. I was going to ask why they just don’t make more sports models but if there’s more profit in a DJ I guess that explains it. The follow question is why is there more profit in a DJ? Probably because there’s fewer moving parts (bezels, gmt arms or extra depth rating)

No there's barely any difference in margin for Rolex on these SS, it's just that demand has shot up for the Sports due to a number of global factors which is then exacerbated ad infinitum by high resale prices and instant watch sharing info via social media, and to such an extent that even some DJs are hard to get now as buyers switch to those that are available.

Rolex had the balance about right a couple of years ago with SS sports to SS DJ which was about 50/50 for men's, but if this is the new normal in this new Insta age then in future Rolex will reallocate watches based more on where genuine longer term demand is, not just short term hype so expect no major changes for a while.

[sensui]

Originally Posted by locutus49

This trend is NOT cyclical. The trend over the last 50 years has been toward more casual dress and behavior. Watch a 50's TV show like Leave it to Beaver and the like and men wore coat and ties for meals at home and going to sports events. I haven't owned a dress watch for decades.

Yes indeed. I think to add to this, you see more and more celebrities/trending stars being displayed with sports watches in dressy parties/occasions due to people not observing "formalities" as much as time goes by (if Bond can wear a diver with a suit then so can you)...you have yourself a fad where sports watches work for everything. The real question would be is this here to stay or a passing fad.....time will tell.

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by sensui

Yes indeed. I think to add to this, you see more and more celebrities/trending stars being displayed with sports watches in dressy parties/occasions due to people not observing "formalities" as much as time goes by (if Bond can wear a diver with a suit then so can you)...you have yourself a fad where sports watches work for everything. The real question would be is this here to stay or a passing fad.....time will tell.

Exactly...

[rolexdream]

With celebs/insta “stars” rolex appears to be yesterdays news, i see many more AP’s, modified rolexes and independent watch brands being promoted

[yessir69]

Originally Posted by garbanzo

My wild guess is that the amount of people who drive race cars, go spelunking, do serious diving and travel constantly around the world has grown exponentially over the last few years

I like the way you think.

[droptopman]

Because they are awesome! Just dig the design. Have for a very long time. Bums me out that demand is so high the last 1.5 years or so.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by coralfarmer84

They make a lot more non sports models, like the date just for example.

Originally Posted by jsausley

Rolex says more Datejusts than all of the sport models combined by a factor of 2-3 to 1.
AND, because they make a lot less of them (than Datejusts which have a higher profit margin)

Originally Posted by AK797

Rolex had the balance about right a couple of years ago with SS sports to SS DJ which was about 50/50 for men's

Funny to read all these "facts" , Rolex never has and probably never will publicise production numbers nor production costs. Basically Rolex does not share anything at all about their business, let alone any details about a certain reference.

Nobody knows why the sports are so popular nowadays, guess everybody wants to jump on the train and get rich

[Brew]

I think a generation or three ago the Professional line, or what is commonly referred to as the sports watches, was used for their intended purposes by professionals. Now, not so much.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

I know no one knows the exact numbers but..

How come it’s nigh on impossible to walk into an AD and buy a sports model but you can easily get a DJ or OP. I assume it’s because sports models are in higher demand and not that more DJs and OPs are made.

Has it always been like that or was it the other way around a generation or three ago?

Less supply of sport models. Not scientific but do a Chrono24 search for submariner, gmt and Daytona and then date just. You will see what I mean. Also the date just has been perhaps their most popular model, I think this forum favors the sport watches though.

[AK DeepSea]

[QUOTE=coralfarmer84;9302744]well the main just of it is this. They make a lot more non sports models, like the date just for example. And the sports are more desired in most of the world, which has driven up prices over msrp because they are hard to get. This makes a giant group of speculators buy even more of these said watches to try and turn a profit, making it even harder to get a sports watch. More and more of these people are buying to flip, and it will only continue to get worse until prices start to fall, then the unprepared "investors" will start dumping like crazy, further lowering the price. And now we wait[sourcd?/QUOTE]

Source?

[zion_rasta]

Simple: because they are cheaper and it is an affordable way of getting the crown.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Brew

I think a generation or three ago the Professional line, or what is commonly referred to as the sports watches, was used for their intended purposes by professionals. Now, not so much.

I still see them a lot on boats. I work in marine/outside photography. I doubt anyone actually uses them to time a dive but when you are working as a diver you still have to know what time it is. Since you are working.

But it's also the industry. Lots of people who work on boats (commercial or science vessels) are used to weeks on station, then heading back to shore with a lot of $$. Their expenses are non-existent at work (on a boat/oil platform/etc) So they buy a Rolex. (I also see a lot G-shocks on the younger guys). Rolexes can really take a beating so they use them. And I have seen some really chewed up subs and seadwellers that still apparently work fine.

[Sandpit]

As somebody that’s looking at the professional line my view is that, simply put, the professionals (subs, gmt etc) can be more “beach to board room” than an equivalently priced DJ (or day date if you have the cash). They also look a little more youthful. Perhaps overly youthful sometimes. I love the DJs but I just feel a sub or GMT is more wearable in all diffierent situations (say when I’m out in shorts and t shirt).

[05carbondrz]

Because they sell for over MSRP

[MTdweller]

Originally Posted by Brew

I think a generation or three ago the Professional line, or what is commonly referred to as the sports watches, was used for their intended purposes by professionals. Now, not so much.

Yes, Rolex has positioned themselves well as one of the world’s foremost luxury brands. Their watches are still built to be durable and high-precision but are not generally used as tools.

[brandrea]

Because they are cool

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[Fleetlord]

Rolex Sports are more popular on Rolexforums.com and among enthusiasts.

That is because they are a more focused lineup with less references overall. Also the watches have a lore and heritage....Submariner / Bond, Explorer / Mt. Everest, Daytona / Newman..racing. GMT / Pilots.

Also these references have changed more slowly over time..again a more focused product line. Collectors of anything generally prefer that.

Now, among the general public, the DJ is the most popular because it is shiny, looks nice, there are women specific models. It is also because...well, ROLEX.

This is how it usually goes down @ the AD...at least it used to. Now it's even more clear cut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgUqRrzRkt4

This dude had some choices and did what the majority of general public do..