LAZY / TRAVESTY - Federico Unloads on Rolex

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by mattonthewater

Who cares what Faterico says? He’s a grey market dealer sucking on the teat and preying on the consumer.

Undignified comment.

[EDL7]

Actually..he has been in the watch biz for a long time..in nyc..he managed a major brand or 2 for the entire N. America area. Forgot the details though as I dont keep up on all of that.
He is entitled to his opinion..as we all are.
Probably just fed up w/Rolex though..as a lot of people are..but for different reasons..from the other side..
I like the fact that they are offering a 36mm..1st I heard about it..and the 2 tone is different for those that want some gold.
Whats the big deal..Rolex is doing their thing..
I own 2..probably thats enough..

[RolexSimon]

Whilst I'm someone who is moving away from Rolex towards other brands, I will still keep my beloved 2 or 3 "icons" and will keep watching new releases for watches that really grab me. I will never be able to get a green dial daytona as I was in line too late. I stand a chance of getting a meteorite daytona by getting in line at 12.01 CET.
I love my JPS Sky-dweller - only obtained by being in fast last September. I will never be able to get one in a blue-dial SS but now I have my YG one, would i really want to?
From a business model, Rolex evolves slowly and yet drops radical things every now and again - like the sky-dweller and moderately different like the ceramic daytona, like the James Cameron and the TT Explorer this year. A dress-style chronograph ("Vienna") is probably in the final design stages for the future but who knows.....
It's the other brands fighting for market share that are being extremely radical - because they have to be. Rolex doesn't need to be and why should we expect them to change the winning formula - it sells 800,000 - 1M per year without trying too hard.

[hutch300]

Fed doesn't like Rolex so its not unexpected. He also runs a business that has MANY other brands and isn't in the Rolex hype game. Dealers motivations are a mix of opinion and sales tactics. Its entertainment and a chance to see watches. I watch his stuff but don't agree with him most of the time. I prefer Theo & Harris and Bark and Jack. Enthusiast content with a mix of business.

[Fencer28]

This guy is my least favorite watch YouTuber.

[Santiago32]

Originally Posted by Tridor

He's complaining because, as a dealer, Rolex hasn't given him anything new that will be in heavy demand. Hence, he makes less $$. Based on what I saw today, I'm not motivated at all to purchase any of the new Rolexes offered currently.

+1

Tudor on the other hand is a different story.

[nervosa1901]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Undignified comment.

May be undignified, but it's the truth.

[Guinsburg]

I’m a bit disappointed at the “new” Exp II. As a current owner I was not thrilled at the lack of cosmetic changes, or even a commemorative edition honor like other models have received occasionally.

[Rollieo]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Do you agree?

Out of curiosity - why do you watch his channel? I’ve tried watching a few of this videos before, never did anything for me. (And I do watch a lot of other YouTubers - Teddy B, Hafiz, Jenni Elle, etc).

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by RTG

Federico should go for a jog before calling the Rolex Money Printing Company lazy. He doesn't wear an Explorer, so I wouldn't expect him to get the attraction to the line. He should still understand it has been developed to serve a roll within the watch community. Which it does do, and will do, quite well. Refined EXPII is excellent IMO, and exactly what I was hoping for. Can't wait to buy a new polar.

Your post states that the new Explorer was developed to fill role.

I disagree. Rolex decided to develop a watch and then tell us how much we need it. No one was clamoring for a two-tone Seadweller, two-tone Explorer, or brushed gold BB58. Rolex doesn't see a need and fill it. Rolex just makes it and tells us we need it.

[matPORTS]

I rarely comment, but I am getting sick of these YouTubers who continually hype this already severely over inflated market, even without the presence of YouTube and other avenues of social media.

Rolex will not listen to Federico and any other YouTuber, and for good reason. As a brand they do not want to become like their competitors.

If you go to any AD / Boutique you will find the stock of most other brands sitting in the display cases gathering dust.

The reality is that the mechanical watch industry is dying a slow death. Rolex (and Patek) understand this, and know that the only way to survive in a 'Smart Watch' world where the Apple Watch / Garmin / FitBit / Etc has become the mainstream & mechanical watches have then become essentially close to obsolete will be 'brand equity and exclusivity'. I'm talking 15-20 years from now.

So, I'm sure they hear what Federico and all the other popular YouTubers are saying. They understand the frustration many normal people have in not being able to walk into an AD / Boutique and buy a steel sports model (even if it is one of the least popular models).

But then the executives from Rolex go on their walks through town and browse through the multi-brand ADs / single-brand Boutiques and see many watches sitting there in the display cases unsold, and they then realise that their strategy is the only one that will ensure their survival long term.

They ignore YouTube. They ignore the general buying public. What the majority of YouTubers suggest Rolex do in their videos would make the buying public happy but would ultimately KILL Rolex in the next 20 years or so.

Demand is a funny thing - when things are easily available then suddenly people don’t want them as much.

Look at virtually any Omega Seamaster. Which is why, ironically to some complaining about Rolex, even Omega is starting to use a similar strategy (look at the way they have gone about the release of the updated Speedmaster as well).

Rolex wants to survive the 'great culling' that is coming to most mechanical watch brands. It will make the Quartz Crisis look like a walk in the park.

On another note RE: the releases overnight...

The flippers/speculators who have been hoarding Explorer II's, GMT's and Daytona's (particularly precious metal versions) just had their dolphin tanks drained in my opinion. Underwhelming release by Rolex, but there are some signs here that this overhyped hot market might start to cool. In saying this, I'm glad to be part of the Explorer I 214270 owners club today!

Tudor is over doing it somewhat on the Black Bay range in my opinion, and that gold BB58 is just absolutely ridiculous. Why would you buy one of those on a leather strap when you can almost get a two tone Rolex on the grey/secondary market for the same prices?

Breitling & IWC were the stars of the show in my opinion, They seem to be headed in the right direction, and they may even nor into a little bit of Rolexes market share.

[Shazbot302]

There are at least half a dozen multiple page threads just on THIS forum about the disappointment of this year’s releases, but when this guys says the same, people gang up to attack him.

Say whatever you want about Fed...he’s got a point re the Explorer II. Rolex usually does something special for its anniversary models, but left the Explorer II virtually unchanged visually for its 50th anniversary! Who isn’t disappointed by that?? It didn’t have to be a drastic change. Something subtle would’ve sufficed.

Regardless, I’m pleased with the other releases sans the TT Explorer. I love the SkyD on jub, I like the DJ with the fluted bezel pattern dial, the new Daytona’s look great, and love the oyster/ jub option on the GMTs.

[TradingLoss]

Originally Posted by vh2k

Do you agree?

Why watch this when the Pontiff was Phist?

#indifferent

[TradingLoss]

Originally Posted by mattonthewater

Who cares what Faterico says? He’s a grey market dealer sucking on the teat and preying on the consumer.

brutally savage.

[Peter B.]

Fed is right!

[xjeeunitx]

Double post woops

[xjeeunitx]

Off topic but hopefully, he can drop some weight or he will have serious health complications in the near future. Personally, I am not a fan of his channel because of the way he communicates with his viewers. His style, demeanor and selection of words are just sloppy. His sidekick does a better job in elaborating his thoughts and opinions.

[chris242]

so much clickbait on YouTube!

[Andad]

Pass.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by BLNR Nairobi

Fed is just sore that Rolex is outselling the typically-tired watch brands he sells in his website. Brands that are more likely than not to go extinct in the next 5-7 years.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by RationalPragmatist

How can you take him or most any of the YouTube Watch Gurus seriously? One thing is for sure. When Fed, Mosso, or other YT dealers bagging on Rolex happen to sell these two-tone Explorers to the general public (vice horology enthusiasts), they'll have a big smile on their face and tell the customer what a wonderful choice they made 😜

And just more cLick bate to sell their watches ultimately.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by chris242

so much clickbait on YouTube!

Did you expect anything less? Perhaps TRF mods should ban such click-bait.

MODS!!!!!!!!!

[travisb]

Despite the hype leading up to the release, I'm very glad they, for the most part, left the Exp 2 alone. I did not want to see a ceramic bezel on this reference.

[1William]

I follow him on YouTube and find his content and opinions to be interesting. I do not always agree with him but he speaks his mind and is right more times than not. I get it and I can not say he is wrong in the latest clip.

[rmwill]

This.

Originally Posted by 1William

I follow him on YouTube and find his content and opinions to be interesting. I do not always agree with him but he speaks his mind and is right more times than not. I get it and I can not say he is wrong in the latest clip.

[Gerardus]

SORT OF - Not Rolex’s best releases is my vote.

[fsprow]

Generally agree that Rolex has become a bit boring compared to the fresher offerings of other watch companies. I have whittled down to a Sky Dweller and a beat up old Explorer. Now going with other products.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by Shazbot302

There are at least half a dozen multiple page threads just on THIS forum about the disappointment of this year’s releases, but when this guys says the same, people gang up to attack him.

Say whatever you want about Fed...he’s got a point re the Explorer II. Rolex usually does something special for its anniversary models, but left the Explorer II virtually unchanged visually for its 50th anniversary! Who isn’t disappointed by that?? It didn’t have to be a drastic change. Something subtle would’ve sufficed.

And that’s all Fed really said (if you actually watch his commentary). Great discussion.

[GONZO2LR]

I am glad i didn't see it and I plan to never see it.....

[Tavli3]

I was very disappointed when I first saw the new release or lack thereof. Then I watched this video that put things into perspective for me and realized that I and many others were over reacting. Rolex is catering to the masses not our tiny universe of WISs. And the masses have no clue what rolex does or doesn't do for the most part and just buys what looks good to them. We are but a small whisper vs the juggernaut of Rolex. So Rolex will do what Rolex sees fit and who can argue with their success? And the masses will keep buying what they like regardless of all the little things that irk us WISs. So to prove my point to myself I texted my eldest daughter who I have finally convinced to become a Rolex fan and I'm hoping to get her a pink or turquoise OP for her upcoming 30th birthday. So here's the texting:

ME: Hi did u see the new Rolex releases?
Daughter; No what new releases?
Me: Sent her a picture of the new green Palm dial, she loves green.
Daughter: ew!
Me: How about this, sent picture of the blue fluted dial.
Daughter: a bit manly
Me: ok kind of agree
Me: I think we have to move on from Rolex
Daughter: What why? No I love the new tiffany blue and pink watches.
Me: well they made the explorer two tone and they paired it with the 3285
Daughter: whats an explorer, is that the one I want?
Me:No, Its the watch with orange hand for cave divers and mountain climbers
Daughter; Oh, whats 3285
Me: Its the new movement and its quirky.
Daughter: So don't buy it! After all you told me about buying only rolex and yelling at me for buying my chanel and fendi watches you're now worried rolex is going to stick you with a watch that doesn't work.
Me: No but its all very depressing and I think I want to sell my watches and go back to Omega.
Daughter: what? Omega, no, ew!!! Sell your watches, no, you love them so much.
Me: Yhea but rolex is not making what I really want these days so I'm going to sell and move on.
Daughter: ??? Thats stupid! Are you and mommy having champagne at lunch again?
Me: LOL no
Daughter: Then whats wrong with you, who cares about a stupid cave watch. Buy another Daytona. You were so happy a few weeks ago when you got one. Now you're depressed. You said you love the Blue Sky thing. Buy that or another daytona.
Me: I can't read the black dial daytona.
Daughter: so get another color, blue green silver, pick one.
Me: no, the two tone really got to me so I'm calling our dealer and see if she will buy my watches from me.
Daughter: What two tone! what are you talking about you're making me nervous. Is mommy with you
Me: no
Daughter: I'm calling her right now!
Me: lol, love u, bye.

Two minutes later my wife calls:"what's with this two tone 3285 nonsense and you want to sell your rolexes and buy Omegas because you're depressed? Are you with Marcello drinking wine?" No I was just joking. Wife: You idiot, click.

So lets all simmer down like a deli man once said to an irate customer, simmer down pot roast. We will all eventually get what we want from Rolex or at least most of what we want and wish for. And as a lifelong Jets fan I'm used to waiting for next season.