Ex-Zenith CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour becomes new Rolex boss

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by DVR

Wow, amazing how easy you write so much unfounded info. And to top it of you are wrong with who is who.
After the 16 years of Mr. Patrick Heiniger, who retired because of terminal cancer, Bruno Meier replaced him. Than came Mr. Marini in 2011.
So 'the first to go' was certainly not Mr. Heiniger.

Please read this to educate yourself a little , thank you :

http://www.timezone.com/2013/03/07/p...who-was-rolex/

Thank you for the correction, I was just going from general memory. Glad you clarified it.

[leong33]

Great that's hope for a SS Pepsi next year :)

[vman]

Originally Posted by donq

Rolex is not about new and exciting.
People buy a Rolex because it is an Icon, and it's retained it's iconic status buy remaining true to it's basic design tenets.

It's like Chanel No5 or Coca Cola. People want it to be basically the same, with just a hint of change in the design. Remember New Coke?

If people want trendy flash in the pan stuff there is plenty of it out there, But Rolex isn't it.

100% agree.

Flashy things that are designed to attract younger audience may not represent the brand well. Take a look at what Mercedes has done with its lower-end models aimed and the wannabes--they are nothing but cheap cars with expensive badges that say "I could not afford a real thing, so I bought this border-line knock off."

Moreover, take a look at what is coming back: Many major players have gone back to the good old days of simplicity with the classic lines from the past. Think GO 20th century vintage, Girard Perregaux and its 1966 collection, Zenith's classics. Conservative designs from Patek and ALS seem do to fine as well.

What needs to happen at Rolex is not a complete redesign of its line up, but augmentation of the existing selection with exclusive items on the higher end. Think more complications wrapped into elegant designs, not 46mm monstrosities.

[MonBK]

So button down shirts are out now!!

Maybe they should get rid of JCK and JS at the same time?

[HL65]

Well the one thing I can say is I have always been a Rolex guy for the most part that also happens to own some Pateks, AP's and Langes. I have never been a fan of Zenith and have never been tempted to buy one(not that there is anything wrong with them just not my taste). I own Rolex for certain reasons which include their history, simple looks, reliability, dependability etc. They are simple and yet stand out to me because they have held onto their past and are unmistakable. I know I never have to worry about any Rolex I strap on the wrist whether SS, gold or platinum. They are built to last and are rugged durable little machines. Do they have magnificent looking decorated movements when you turn them over? No but that is not Rolex nor why I bought them. So I am and have been a happy owner who has been able to find watches they make and have made going back to the 50's. If they made a radical shift in their management of the company and started to make major changes to their lineup no worries I would save money then! The one thing I can count on and many here who still love Rolex can count on is Rolex being Rolex. To me that is a good thing and I hope that Rolex stays Rolex. If not I am thankful for having the opportunity to own some great watches that I managed to love out of their lineups over the years. So....Thanks to Rolex and without you there would be no Rolex Forum to post this to. The great thing about the watch world is that there are plenty of brands and watches in all kinds of price ranges to satisfy millions of owners all over the world and from all walks in life.

This great article posted pretty much sums it up for me:Why Rolex Watches are The Most Reputable Consumer Products in The World:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/arielada...ndustry-study/

In case you don't open the link here is one paragraph from the article dated 4/14/14:

What is equally impressive is how Rolex has maintained its image over the years in spite of growing competition from other types of products vying for consumer attention when it comes to “rewarding yourself and celebrating success.” Specifically, one can observe that Rolex focuses on a core set of products that improve but vary little over the years, and that Rolex emphasizes the “story of Rolex” as a means of communicating the brand values as well as famous people who have worn Rolex watches over the years.

[Rashid.bk]

^ Excellent post Ken, completely agree and the same reasons why Rolex is my favourite brand. I don't want glass case backs and decorated movements or 44mm DJs or ceramic case Subs. While most of those things might be "cool" it wouldn't be what I think a Rolex is.

And unlike most I do think a white gold BLRO is Rolex the same as a 14060M and easily recognisable with the original design from what is now the vintage era. That is a quality very few brands have.

[DVR]

The 'face' of Rolex is so strong, nobody will want to mess with it.
The Oyster line will be what it always was and more !
However, I see a bright future for the Cellini line. With some 'Bivet' marketing tricks this line will be able to compete with the major 'fancy' watches out there.
This will attract new buyers and keep the conservative buyers happy who want the 'tank' like build iconic watches.
Also I am sure the CEO of Rolex is there to implement what the board decides. A relative young guy is easier to 'guide' than a stubborn +60 year old. We wont see major shifts in profiling the brand. Rolex is Rolex.
People who think Mr. Dufour has arrived to 'waken up' an old company could not be more wrong imo. Rolex is as dynamic as it ever was.

Look at any other brand out there. There is no other brand in the watch world with such a strong and clear appearance. Omega would give anything to be were Rolex are today.

[capote]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Well the one thing I can say is I have always been a Rolex guy for the most part that also happens to own some Pateks, AP's and Langes. I have never been a fan of Zenith and have never been tempted to buy one(not that there is anything wrong with them just not my taste). I own Rolex for certain reasons which include their history, simple looks, reliability, dependability etc. They are simple and yet stand out to me because they have held onto their past and are unmistakable. I know I never have to worry about any Rolex I strap on the wrist whether SS, gold or platinum. They are built to last and are rugged durable little machines. Do they have magnificent looking decorated movements when you turn them over? No but that is not Rolex nor why I bought them. So I am and have been a happy owner who has been able to find watches they make and have made going back to the 50's. If they made a radical shift in their management of the company and started to make major changes to their lineup no worries I would save money then! The one thing I can count on and many here who still love Rolex can count on is Rolex being Rolex. To me that is a good thing and I hope that Rolex stays Rolex. If not I am thankful for having the opportunity to own some great watches that I managed to love out of their lineups over the years. So....Thanks to Rolex and without you there would be no Rolex Forum to post this to. The great thing about the watch world is that there are plenty of brands and watches in all kinds of price ranges to satisfy millions of owners all over the world and from all walks in life.

This great article posted pretty much sums it up for me:Why Rolex Watches are The Most Reputable Consumer Products in The World:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/arielada...ndustry-study/

In case you don't open the link here is one paragraph from the article dated 4/14/14:

What is equally impressive is how Rolex has maintained its image over the years in spite of growing competition from other types of products vying for consumer attention when it comes to “rewarding yourself and celebrating success.” Specifically, one can observe that Rolex focuses on a core set of products that improve but vary little over the years, and that Rolex emphasizes the “story of Rolex” as a means of communicating the brand values as well as famous people who have worn Rolex watches over the years.

Pretty much sums it up

[MonBK]

His father, Jean-Frédéric Duthree was a great watchmaker.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by MonBK

His father, Jean-Frédéric Duthree was a great watchmaker.

His grandfather, Jean-Frédéric Dutwo I know nothing about.

[fmc000]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Well the one thing I can say is I have always been a Rolex guy for the most part that also happens to own some Pateks, AP's and Langes. I have never been a fan of Zenith and have never been tempted to buy one(not that there is anything wrong with them just not my taste). I own Rolex for certain reasons which include their history, simple looks, reliability, dependability etc. They are simple and yet stand out to me because they have held onto their past and are unmistakable. I know I never have to worry about any Rolex I strap on the wrist whether SS, gold or platinum. They are built to last and are rugged durable little machines. Do they have magnificent looking decorated movements when you turn them over? No but that is not Rolex nor why I bought them. So I am and have been a happy owner who has been able to find watches they make and have made going back to the 50's. If they made a radical shift in their management of the company and started to make major changes to their lineup no worries I would save money then! The one thing I can count on and many here who still love Rolex can count on is Rolex being Rolex. To me that is a good thing and I hope that Rolex stays Rolex. If not I am thankful for having the opportunity to own some great watches that I managed to love out of their lineups over the years. So....Thanks to Rolex and without you there would be no Rolex Forum to post this to. The great thing about the watch world is that there are plenty of brands and watches in all kinds of price ranges to satisfy millions of owners all over the world and from all walks in life.

This great article posted pretty much sums it up for me:Why Rolex Watches are The Most Reputable Consumer Products in The World:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/arielada...ndustry-study/

In case you don't open the link here is one paragraph from the article dated 4/14/14:

What is equally impressive is how Rolex has maintained its image over the years in spite of growing competition from other types of products vying for consumer attention when it comes to “rewarding yourself and celebrating success.” Specifically, one can observe that Rolex focuses on a core set of products that improve but vary little over the years, and that Rolex emphasizes the “story of Rolex” as a means of communicating the brand values as well as famous people who have worn Rolex watches over the years.

This post is the answer to the question: "Why Ken's opinions are so highly taken into account on TRF?"

[AK797]

Originally Posted by MonBK

His grandfather, Jean-Frédéric Dutwo I know nothing about.

So with all the new CEOs Rolex has had recently when is it Ken's turn?

[venom43]

Maybe a 42mm or 44mm Daytona with a date. The all new Daytona 2. With 5 S.S.,WG,YG,and PT Dial combination includes red w/white sub dials ,sun burst blue with silver subdials , black with white sub dials, silver with blue subdials, and white with black sub dials......hey it could happen.

[Survivor]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Why.

Oh, maybe just because its the best looking modern SS Daytona......put on your eyeglasses boy........

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by tfduff723

At least we now know what became of Sam Neill since Jurassic Park.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by donq

Rolex is not about new and exciting.
People buy a Rolex because it is an Icon, and it's retained it's iconic status buy remaining true to it's basic design tenets.

It's like Chanel No5 or Coca Cola. People want it to be basically the same, with just a hint of change in the design. Remember New Coke?

If people want trendy flash in the pan stuff there is plenty of it out there, But Rolex isn't it.

I agree. There is a very vocal minority on here who seem to like nothing (too small, too boring, too expensive) about Rolex, besides the name. I can safely say that chasing the demographic that wants Rolex to be like Omega or Panerai would be a great way to ruin the brand.

[Dr. Robert]

Look at it this way compadres.....if the new boss changes image/design of watches, etc., our old ones will be even more desirable than they are now.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Survivor

Oh, maybe just because its the best looking modern SS Daytona......put on your eyeglasses boy........

Let's get one thing straight, never at any moment in your life whether you are awake or asleep am I anything resembling something insulting such as the term "boy" as you just used it. I have nothing else to say.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Survivor

Oh, maybe just because its the best looking modern SS Daytona......put on your eyeglasses boy........

Extremely rude and an apology is in order.

[tomchicago]

Hopefully he will bring some stainless steel sensibility back to Rolex.

[MATCH1969]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

Hopefully he will bring some stainless steel sensibility back to Rolex.

Rolex is following market requests and steel is mainly popular in EUROPE and in the US where market developpment potential is low compare to areas where gold and précious stones are much more appreciated.
Don't think this guy will go against the market

[Psmith]

I doubt anyone would have noticed if it hadn't been announced

Many current models are, by Rolex standards, early in their lifecycle.
I very much doubt we'll see anything new or different anytime soon

[HauteHorlogerie]

Maybe display case backs with decorated movements and no price inscrease hahahaha if only

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by Survivor

Oh, maybe just because its the best looking modern SS Daytona......put on your eyeglasses boy........

Another mod asking for justification regarding this statement.

Slip of the finger-tongue or maybe an utterly unjustified and deluded sense of superiority to the other member?

We need to know.

[Pete26]

The hallmarks and strength (pun intended) of the Rolex brand is their durability, dependability and constancy in image. The Oyster case, twinlock and triplock crown systems and reliable movements are what make Rolex what they are. The strength of their brand is tested and I can't see that changing.

I think if anything Rolex may expand their current line perhaps into the Cellini models using their integrated manufacturing ability and maybe some minor changes as they have down with the Explorer.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I believe that is why we see so many homages and copies of Rolex.

JMHO

Pete

[J Scott]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Well the one thing I can say is I have always been a Rolex guy for the most part that also happens to own some Pateks, AP's and Langes. I have never been a fan of Zenith and have never been tempted to buy one(not that there is anything wrong with them just not my taste). I own Rolex for certain reasons which include their history, simple looks, reliability, dependability etc. They are simple and yet stand out to me because they have held onto their past and are unmistakable. I know I never have to worry about any Rolex I strap on the wrist whether SS, gold or platinum. They are built to last and are rugged durable little machines. Do they have magnificent looking decorated movements when you turn them over? No but that is not Rolex nor why I bought them. So I am and have been a happy owner who has been able to find watches they make and have made going back to the 50's. If they made a radical shift in their management of the company and started to make major changes to their lineup no worries I would save money then! The one thing I can count on and many here who still love Rolex can count on is Rolex being Rolex. To me that is a good thing and I hope that Rolex stays Rolex. If not I am thankful for having the opportunity to own some great watches that I managed to love out of their lineups over the years. So....Thanks to Rolex and without you there would be no Rolex Forum to post this to. The great thing about the watch world is that there are plenty of brands and watches in all kinds of price ranges to satisfy millions of owners all over the world and from all walks in life.

This great article posted pretty much sums it up for me:Why Rolex Watches are The Most Reputable Consumer Products in The World:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/arielada...ndustry-study/

In case you don't open the link here is one paragraph from the article dated 4/14/14:

What is equally impressive is how Rolex has maintained its image over the years in spite of growing competition from other types of products vying for consumer attention when it comes to “rewarding yourself and celebrating success.” Specifically, one can observe that Rolex focuses on a core set of products that improve but vary little over the years, and that Rolex emphasizes the “story of Rolex” as a means of communicating the brand values as well as famous people who have worn Rolex watches over the years.

I was waiting for your thoughts...excellent post. Many thanks.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by fmc000

This post is the answer to the question: "Why Ken's opinions are so highly taken into account on TRF?"

Originally Posted by J Scott

I was waiting for your thoughts...excellent post. Many thanks.

Thanks guys!

[Takemusu]

Perhaps this change gives Rolex the opportunity to bring some young blood in to be indoctrinated into the Rolex Way. Ideally I would think having someone young but proven to come I as a caretaker of the brand for a longer term would reaffirm the Rolex leadership legacy looking forward into the future.

As a benefit, perhaps we might see a somewhat invigorated Rolex take a (admittedly small) leaf out of Tudor's book and offer something new and interesting. More edgy. Certainly that would not mean sacrificing any of their enterprise offerings, those must always go on, but maybe one or two things new. I could see something sporty a little like the Heritage chronograph, but with the Rolex movement in 904L (or dare I say ceramic?), proudly wearing the Crown instead of the Shield... I'd go for that!

[Chewbacca]

good comments all around.

[fmc000]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Thanks guys!

You are the one who deserves to be thanked Ken.


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