Rolex in Formula 1 WHY?

[josephvman]

Rolex's involvement in F1 can only compel other luxury watch brands to have an F1 presence. It doesn't seem to be stopping Hublot and Oris.

I think it's great that Rolex has handed over the sponsorship of what was formerly Rolex Grand Am series here in the US to Tudor, after merging with the American LeMans Series to form the new Tudor United American Sports Car Series. Great way to re-introduce Tudor to our market, particularly since the current line has really distinguished themselves from Rolex.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Maybe they'll come out with a Daytona dial to mark the association but I'd be surprised if it said "F1" on it anywhere.

I agree i don't think it will be tacky. Maybe red subdials and possibly a different bezel colour. No f1 on it.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Would you rather Rolex sponsor NASCAR?

They could do both!

[zama]

If they ever come out with an F1 watch they are more likely to name it after a track or a famous corner. The reason why they are there is simple, firstly it is a cover strategy to offset the branding linked to teams HUBLOT, Oris etc......... Also for those not aware of company size Rolex is the school bully of premium watches it is by far the most profitable and largest seller, so again big companies will almost always take the high ground on Marketing to be able to leverage. Finally and as stated numerous times in this thread it is about creating a branding perception of quality i.e. like Federer F1 is top of its sport, linked to famous people, principality of Monaco etc etc etc..... Not sure I am ready for a Daytona Rascas or Tamburello yet, nor when I got Melbourne next year will be I making sure my Daytona is on my wrist, but if I have a choice of having more Red Bull advertising or a photocopier company as major sponsor vs Rolex, I would rather take Rolex.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by motoracer 67

they don't have a golf or tennis watch but I consider F1 to be more likely to have one produced for it - they have produced a deepsea to commemorate the Cameron dive so not adverse to special editions even if it's a Daytona variation instead of a whole new model...

they give one to the winner of the Goodwood revival sportscar race as well - was lucky to be at the prizegiving when Buzz Aldrin gave the awards out

I just thought it was fun to speculate what an F1 model might be like

Hey any tribute to car racing would be awesome in my book, I'm with ya, just think the Daytona May have this already wrapped up

[Nycturbovr6]

Originally Posted by Tseg

Demographics. I bet the average F1 viewer:

• Earns more than the average person
• Better appreciates precise technology
• Better appreciates quality
• Spends more on luxury items
• Appreciates high fashion

For luxury marketing it is all about being where your target customer plays to create an emotional bond with them.

That sums it up! End of story and Tom put the exclamation point on it!!!!

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Angrypuppy

Like producing a watch just because of a movie?

Rolex did not release any watch because of a movie.

They did release a new dial for the DSSD in conjunction with the release of the film of the Deepsea Challenge expedition, which seems no less appropriate than the introduction of the Explorer in 1953 to commemorate the accomplishment of the British expeditionary team that summited Everest.

It seems ridiculous to suggest otherwise.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by gougy

(Wimbledon and golf was enough for Rolex as well as Olympic games for Omega)

Rolex has been involved in racing almost since the beginning of the company.

I posted a link to that history already, so those who question Rolex's association with any form of motorsport is simply denying or ignoring history.

As for Rolex and NASCAR, well, NASCAR is a sport the masses with a history that includes running moonshine.

I love NASCAR, but there are other series where Rolex is a better fit, image wise.

I'm sure there are plenty of NASCAR owners, drivers, officials, an team members who own and wear Rolex.

[rg9390]

For most guys, cars, watches, and sports are there interests, so there is no surprise to see Rolex going into formula 1, which involves cars and sports.

This is why there is mostly a watch brand sponsoring the F1 teams as well.

I notice that Rolex are sponsoring sports that requires the viewer some patient, or the sport becomes boring very quickly if you are not interested. For F1, my wife thinks these guys are a bunch of crazy drivers driving around for 60+ laps, for tennis, a match can last up to 3 to 5 hours, for golf, god knows what they are doing walking around the green in a white polo shirt... But it is when you appreciate the sport, and started to grow interest in it, you will understand that if there was ever one more lap in a F1 race, that it may make all the difference, that if there was just that one break point saved in tennis, the match could turn the tie, etc...

And those people are in the demographic segment that appreciate the technology and the heritage of watches, namely Rolex. I am sure, if IWC or Omega walks in and does the same, they probably will get similar level of acceptance.

My 2 cents...

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by rg9390

I notice that Rolex are sponsoring sports that requires the viewer some patient, or the sport becomes boring very quickly if you are not interested. For F1, my wife thinks these guys are a bunch of crazy drivers driving around for 60+ laps, for tennis, a match can last up to 3 to 5 hours, for golf, god knows what they are doing walking around the green in a white polo shirt... But it is when you appreciate the sport, and started to grow interest in it, you will understand that if there was ever one more lap in a F1 race, that it may make all the difference, that if there was just that one break point saved in tennis, the match could turn the tie, etc...

And those people are in the demographic segment that appreciate the technology and the heritage of watches, namely Rolex.

I know what you are saying about the intricacies of a sport being germane to the desirability of Rolex associating itself with that sport, but I think that it boils down more to those sports and activities that appeal to and attract the upper classes.

Rolex appeals to a broad demographic, but the WWE and demolition derbies won't likely see any Rolex sponsorships in this dimension.

[NicoM]

They're just aligning themselves with sports that are considered more "prestigious". I think it's a pretty understandable and good move by them.

[Rock]

F1 seems like a good fit, marketing-wise, for Rolex.
I would suggest that effective marketing should be aimed towards potential new buyers rather than existing owners, and I'd imagine that a significant portion of F1 fans could be regarded as potential buyers.
The existing Daytona is certainly the obvious 'motor-sport connection' and I cringe a bit at the thought of checkered flags and other unnecessary added visual cues.
The Rolex 'image' that I see around the Circuits is that of the DJ, so maybe they feel that a generic image works better to promote the brand.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Rock

...I cringe a bit at the thought of checkered flags and other unnecessary added visual cues.
The Rolex 'image' that I see around the Circuits is that of the DJ, so maybe they feel that a generic image works better to promote the brand.

X2.

Think your observation is well-founded and I hope that Rolex doesn't deviate from this path.

[motoracer 67]

Originally Posted by Rock

F1 seems like a good fit, marketing-wise, for Rolex.
I would suggest that effective marketing should be aimed towards potential new buyers rather than existing owners, and I'd imagine that a significant portion of F1 fans could be regarded as potential buyers.
The existing Daytona is certainly the obvious 'motor-sport connection' and I cringe a bit at the thought of checkered flags and other unnecessary added visual cues.
The Rolex 'image' that I see around the Circuits is that of the DJ, so maybe they feel that a generic image works better to promote the brand.

I think if they did an edition any detailing would be typically Rolex subtlety - any "flag" would be more likely to be intrinsic to the design - I like the proposal above of say red outlines on sub dial or something similar - even their own project x style Daytona perhaps.
Incidentally it's chequered flag not checkered!

[bungle]

Without doubt I am sure Rolex will introduce a new model related in some way to their F1 sponsorship. I certainly would not expect it to have any garish references to F1, but there will be some sort do subtle tie in.

[1st amg]

I have been to more than two dozen race weekends in F1 and it becomes a grand prix of watches! The amount of noteworthy watch brands I witness on peoples wrist around the venue makes your eyes pop. So, its about time Rolex stamped their name on this sport but I am surprised that there is still no new watch to commemerate this

[T. Ferguson]

See, the thing is anyway you look at it it's just a sponsorship. And that's all Rolex's involvement is, a marketing deal. Typically when Rolex introduces a model or model variant associated to something (like the Explorer or D-Blue), it involves a specific event or milestone of human endeavor, mainly in scientific exploration. Usually sports don't qualify for something like this and in any case a written marketing contract is not exactly a noteworthy event in the milestones of human history.

Of course, who knows what will happen with the new guy at the helm.

[bighaole]

Originally Posted by bungle

Without doubt I am sure Rolex will introduce a new model related in some way to their F1 sponsorship. I certainly would not expect it to have any garish references to F1, but there will be some sort do subtle tie in.

I heard the next Rolex model will have a round watch face, just like an F1 race car wheel! You heard it here first!

Sorry, bungle, I couldn't resist.

[motoracer 67]

Originally Posted by bungle

Without doubt I am sure Rolex will introduce a new model related in some way to their F1 sponsorship. I certainly would not expect it to have any garish references to F1, but there will be some sort do subtle tie in.

It will if it's ever made most likely be a variation on existing model and I guess Daytona is obvious model

To the questions on only models being made for heroic achievements only - it was first made as a chronograph - Malcolm Campbell wore an oyster on Daytona beach originally)
The NASCAR joke was funny but stranger than fiction is that they do have a connection to it as William France who ran NASCAR then was actually used in American advertising in 1960!

The first chronograph was named after the Le Mans race but renamed Daytona after they secured direct sponsorship of the Daytona race.
So..... it's not always made models purely to celebrate heroic endeavour as posited by a couple of posts above - they have done it purely on marketing decisions and sponsor deals.

a variation might not be as far out there stylistically as a project x black custom but as their current obsession is blue ceramic they may be able to turn to red instead

what then? A Daytona in white metal with say red outlines on sub dials with a black face (or white face) and a red ceramic bezel even perhaps?
An all black and red a la dark side of the moon maybe a step too far but subtle cues and elements would be ok.

It wouldn't have F1 on anywhere on it but just listed as a variant on Daytona in catalogue perhaps?
Personally I like the sound of that design but each to their own....

[Nsx_23]

I would prefer a le mans edition over an f1 edition....

[regnant]

Blancpain also organizes racing series and they always boast about not making quartz movements since 1735 .
It may be a reason why Rolex is entering F1

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by motoracer 67

The NASCAR joke was funny but stranger than fiction is that they do have a connection to it as William France who ran NASCAR then was actually used in American advertising in 1960!

When I was joking they could do both, there actually is someone who will be. Haas Automation, Stewart-Haas Racing, has four cars in NASCAR and will be starting an F1 Racing Team in 2016, It will be a U.S. Team. It is generating a lot of publicity for the company.

[motoracer 67]

Originally Posted by Frosty

When I was joking they could do both, there actually is someone who will be. Haas Automation, Stewart-Haas Racing, has four cars in NASCAR and will be starting an F1 Racing Team in 2016, It will be a U.S. Team. It is generating a lot of publicity for the company.

You're right I forgot about the US team coming in....Will they be solely based there??

Blancpain has been trying to raise their profile a lot recently as well I notice so could be part of it.....every team has a linked watch deal now _ doing it this way gives Rolex a profile but without being only tied to 1 team....

Don't know if Bernie has flipped his Hublot now after he was in an ad after being robbed for his!

[joffrey888]

Rolex F1 not in the near future maybe they will update daytona to 42mm!

[edgware14]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

They didn't produce the watch because of the movie. They produced the watch to commemorate the expedition that they sponsored as well as the successful dive of the DS Challenge watch that was attached to the vessel. The release of the watch was timed to the movie premier, which makes sense to get the most pop for Rolex's involvement in the project.

This

I wish people would stop saying how they produced a watch on the back of a movie.

[pacific17]

The daytona will always be Rolex's racing watch, maybe like what others said, just another design variation. Maybe something between the lines of the fastrider? black and red.

[SALTY]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Would you rather Rolex sponsor NASCAR?

Perhaps not rather but certainly additionally.

[Racerdj]

F-1 provides a great platform. Race fans are loyal too.

[pacific17]

Originally Posted by Racerdj

F-1 provides a great platform. Race fans are loyal too.

Yes, dont forget the deep pockets

[motoracer 67]

Originally Posted by Tseg

Rolex F1: their first Kinetic watch.

I know that was a joke reply but I was making a bit of a serious point about new technology, while Rolex model changes seem glacial they aren't shy to adopt new manufacturing ideas and techniques and of a kinetic hybrid watch would fit in with F1 hybrid technology...

i thought nah that's silly would never make an electronic watch till I saw one of these for sale...

http://oysterquartz.net/