ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Lol-x · 13 August 2010, 05:58 PM

It seems that the major watch companies took a hit in 2009 with sales down by around 22-25%.

However the Swatch Group announced this month that they have a 22% increase in sales for 2010 over sales for the same period in 2009 with a 50% increase in profits. This is their strongest result ever.

Rolex doesn't release figures so it's difficult know how they are going. However, the new models this year must have helped it out a little, but then prices are up so who knows.

As for perception, are Rolex just for older people these days due to price and/or style?

Here's a couple of articles worthy of thought.

http://www.swisster.ch/news/business...y-rebound.html

http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...y+watches+2010

andrew79 · 13 August 2010, 06:08 PM

it is set to get more market domination with the new models.

Puffy · 13 August 2010, 07:34 PM

Rolex is defo trying to catch up and i think they're doing a great job. at work and on the tube i see far more Rolies than I do Omegas.

darthmouse · 13 August 2010, 10:03 PM

I think Rolex's image is leaning toward "conservative and rich" due to its slow design changes and price hikes. However, with the new Sub C and such, Rolex is showing it will follow global trends to an extent.

This is all how I think non-WIS see the company presently. I think it's still a watch to work toward and wear proudly!

Rolesor · 13 August 2010, 10:06 PM

Speaking as a 23 year old Rolex fanatic - I think they are doing there best to appeal to the new buyers and also not offend any of the brand loyalists that have been supporting the brand for the bast 15-20-30 years.

"minor upgrades" here and there seem to grandfather the new era of Rolex in BUT those "minor" things like wider lugs, ceramic bezels and everything else really help them appeal to a young buyer!

Just my two cents :)

SSD · 13 August 2010, 10:06 PM

I think all the new models will still possess appeal for the conservative clients, yet attract younger ones as well. I believe Rolex is not merely keeping up, they are making progress drawing customers across the board.

Brushpup · 13 August 2010, 10:16 PM

I don't think so. I think they feel like they have been way to conservative in the past, especially with Size. It seems to me they are going for a younger market with the recent departures they have made. For Rolex, the changes are pretty significant in my view. Honestly, I've not been at this long, but you don't have to be a genious or a veteran to see this. Just like so many perplexing things they do I find this odd. Maybe I'm the one out of touch on what appeals, but It seems foolish as it's the older crowd with ROLEX money by and large.

Interesting articles and questions though Stevo.

BASSETHOUNDS · 13 August 2010, 10:16 PM

Believe the competition has become stiffer . There are much more reliable watches on the market nowadays . The client's taste an behavior have changed . Our parents and grand parents would have had one or maybe two watches at one time . Now people have several : One for each occasion .
Last week I was talking to the resident watchmaker and Monica the lovely Rolex sales woman for Rolex at my AD . They both were saying that clients have become more knowledgeable about what is in the watch where up to 20 years ago the watchmaker would never be called out to the sales area to explain in detail the technical merits of each model . People would just like the model and buy it , some knew Rolex was reliable but not much more .
Therefor I believe that Rolex will keep a fair market share , the Asian (Chinese) market is enormous and will expand even more in the years to come .

Z-Dweller · 13 August 2010, 10:32 PM

Reminds me of my recent trip to China and Hong Kong (I still consider them separate countries - SAR). The Chinese from Shanghai go to HK to buy real Rolex watches. The HK people go to Shanghai to buy the f*k*s.

A lot of wealth in China these days. And the Chinese love gold watches - good luck and prestige. The thought it was odd that i wanted black faced sport watches (Sub, GMT M2C, and maybe the new faced Ex2 next year). My Rolex AD moved from a prime downtown location to a suburban - predominantly Asian neighborhood - and business has increased.

BigWatchFan · 13 August 2010, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolesor

Speaking as a 23 year old Rolex fanatic - I think they are doing there best to appeal to the new buyers and also not offend any of the brand loyalists that have been supporting the brand for the bast 15-20-30 years.

Spot on. Rolex is in the unenviable position of trying to appeal to different demographic groups. Can't blame them though. They don't want to become irrelevant or rely solely on an old buyer base...

I would love to see what the median age is for Rolex owners vs. Omega.

tulsaokusa · 13 August 2010, 11:56 PM

Rolex doesn't 'keep up'...

Rolex sets the curve - the standard, that everyone else attempts to keep up with - to no avail.

Numismatist · 14 August 2010, 12:07 AM

It seems America and Europe are becoming LESS of a driving force in trends and purchases. Asia, Middle East and others are becoming more of global trendsetters with their purchases. Rolex better figure out how to get on that bandwagon - fast.

BigWatchFan · 14 August 2010, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonsundberg

Rolex doesn't 'keep up'...

Rolex sets the curve - the standard, that everyone else attempts to keep up with - to no avail.

Rolex sure does have some very loyal customers.

DVR · 14 August 2010, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonsundberg

rolex doesn't 'keep up'...

Rolex sets the curve - the standard, that everyone else attempts to keep up with - to no avail.

bingo !!!

Dan2010 · 14 August 2010, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonsundberg

Rolex doesn't 'keep up'...

Rolex sets the curve - the standard, that everyone else attempts to keep up with - to no avail.

Amen. Can I get a witness!

WARVET · 14 August 2010, 04:27 AM

Thanks Stevo that's interesting, Rolex still #1 in my book eason being, In house movements and does not make quartz watches.

htc8p · 14 August 2010, 12:34 PM

everything being relative i think rolex is still a very conservative old style kind of guy even though they start making their watches look bigger

because their competitors are making even bigger, trendier watches.

and besides the quality of competitors are improving with an even more competitive price

brand equity is less of a power now than it was before

sturgeon123456 · 14 August 2010, 01:06 PM

I still think Rolex has a more conservative image in the watch world than a brand like tag or omega.

sakuraba · 14 August 2010, 01:11 PM

IMHO it looks like our hallowed brand is trying to expand to a younger market.

In days past, it seemed Rolexes were lifelong acquisitions, bought after years of saving and had work. With today's easy credit and dual household incomes, coming into Rolex ownership can come earlier if awareness and desire is there.

IMO this is why the newer models are more 'bling' than before - to catch the younger generation/ casual buyer's (vs enthusiast) attention.

jrssv · 14 August 2010, 01:35 PM

I'm one of those who bought his Rolex watches "after years of saving and hard work." My son-in-laws have my Omegas. My datejust, sub, and GMT IIc may not be trend setters but they will still look good thirty years from not. I also like Montblanc pens for the same reason.

pradeep · 14 August 2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sakuraba

IMHO it looks like our hallowed brand is trying to expand to a younger market.

In days past, it seemed Rolexes were lifelong acquisitions, bought after years of saving and had work. With today's easy credit and dual household incomes, coming into Rolex ownership can come earlier if awareness and desire is there.

IMO this is why the newer models are more 'bling' than before - to catch the younger generation/ casual buyer's (vs enthusiast) attention.

MOST AGREEABLE

View Poll Results: What now for Rolex?
It's image has changed to a older, more conservative and/or financially endowed purchasing demographic	26	36.62%
With new models its going to grab a bigger market share than ever before.	45	63.38%
Voters: 71. You may not vote on this poll

13 August 2010, 06:08 PM	#2
andrew79 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Andrew Location: Indonesia Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,277	it is set to get more market domination with the new models. __________________ Baume & Mercier Riviera Rolex GMT II c, DJ 116234, Sub 16610, EXP 2 16570 Panerai 111 , 232

13 August 2010, 07:34 PM	#3
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	Rolex is defo trying to catch up and i think they're doing a great job. at work and on the tube i see far more Rolies than I do Omegas. __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

13 August 2010, 10:06 PM	#5
Rolesor "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Brandon Location: Toronto, ON Watch: 116234 Posts: 4,150	Speaking as a 23 year old Rolex fanatic - I think they are doing there best to appeal to the new buyers and also not offend any of the brand loyalists that have been supporting the brand for the bast 15-20-30 years. "minor upgrades" here and there seem to grandfather the new era of Rolex in BUT those "minor" things like wider lugs, ceramic bezels and everything else really help them appeal to a young buyer! Just my two cents :) __________________ 116234 - Blue Concentric Dial - Fluted Bezel - Oyster Bracelet Tudor Black Bay 54 - Rubber Strap

13 August 2010, 10:06 PM	#6
SSD "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Jamie Location: Georgia Watch: Stainless Sub Date Posts: 3,023	I think all the new models will still possess appeal for the conservative clients, yet attract younger ones as well. I believe Rolex is not merely keeping up, they are making progress drawing customers across the board. __________________ SUBMARINER OWNERS' CLUB ESTABLISHED 1953 TRF Member # 5464

13 August 2010, 05:58 PM	#1
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,593	Rolex is its image like it was?....who knows? It seems that the major watch companies took a hit in 2009 with sales down by around 22-25%. However the Swatch Group announced this month that they have a 22% increase in sales for 2010 over sales for the same period in 2009 with a 50% increase in profits. This is their strongest result ever. Rolex doesn't release figures so it's difficult know how they are going. However, the new models this year must have helped it out a little, but then prices are up so who knows. As for perception, are Rolex just for older people these days due to price and/or style? Here's a couple of articles worthy of thought. http://www.swisster.ch/news/business...y-rebound.html http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...y+watches+2010 __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

13 August 2010, 10:03 PM	#4
darthmouse "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: EC/Midwest Watch: 16710 Posts: 1,016	I think Rolex's image is leaning toward "conservative and rich" due to its slow design changes and price hikes. However, with the new Sub C and such, Rolex is showing it will follow global trends to an extent. This is all how I think non-WIS see the company presently. I think it's still a watch to work toward and wear proudly!

13 August 2010, 10:16 PM	#7
Brushpup "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Patrick Location: Texas Watch: what I'm wearing Posts: 5,943	I don't think so. I think they feel like they have been way to conservative in the past, especially with Size. It seems to me they are going for a younger market with the recent departures they have made. For Rolex, the changes are pretty significant in my view. Honestly, I've not been at this long, but you don't have to be a genious or a veteran to see this. Just like so many perplexing things they do I find this odd. Maybe I'm the one out of touch on what appeals, but It seems foolish as it's the older crowd with ROLEX money by and large. Interesting articles and questions though Stevo. __________________ *TRFs "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron-Founding Member* PClub # 10 74,592 The safest place for your watch is on your wrist.

13 August 2010, 10:16 PM	#8
BASSETHOUNDS Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Tristan Location: GIRONA , SPAIN Watch: 116520/660/710/334 Posts: 7,147	Believe the competition has become stiffer . There are much more reliable watches on the market nowadays . The client's taste an behavior have changed . Our parents and grand parents would have had one or maybe two watches at one time . Now people have several : One for each occasion . Last week I was talking to the resident watchmaker and Monica the lovely Rolex sales woman for Rolex at my AD . They both were saying that clients have become more knowledgeable about what is in the watch where up to 20 years ago the watchmaker would never be called out to the sales area to explain in detail the technical merits of each model . People would just like the model and buy it , some knew Rolex was reliable but not much more . Therefor I believe that Rolex will keep a fair market share , the Asian (Chinese) market is enormous and will expand even more in the years to come .

13 August 2010, 10:32 PM	#9
Z-Dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Bill Location: In my man-cave Watch: All my children. Posts: 359	Reminds me of my recent trip to China and Hong Kong (I still consider them separate countries - SAR). The Chinese from Shanghai go to HK to buy real Rolex watches. The HK people go to Shanghai to buy the fks. A lot of wealth in China these days. And the Chinese love gold watches - good luck and prestige. The thought it was odd that i wanted black faced sport watches (Sub, GMT M2C, and maybe the new faced Ex2 next year). My Rolex AD moved from a prime downtown location to a suburban - predominantly Asian neighborhood - and business has increased.

13 August 2010, 11:56 PM	#11
tulsaokusa Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: N/A Location: N/A Watch: 2010 SS/Black SubC Posts: 773	Rolex doesn't 'keep up'... Rolex sets the curve - the standard, that everyone else attempts to keep up with - to no avail.

14 August 2010, 12:07 AM	#12
Numismatist "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Chris Location: Camden ME & STT Watch: 116600 Posts: 6,350	It seems America and Europe are becoming LESS of a driving force in trends and purchases. Asia, Middle East and others are becoming more of global trendsetters with their purchases. Rolex better figure out how to get on that bandwagon - fast. __________________ Rolex 116600 Sea-dweller Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White Legrand FP Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White RB Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond Mozart BP Montblanc Meisterstück Mozart BP

14 August 2010, 04:27 AM	#16
WARVET "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Vincent Location: Louisiana Watch: 16710 Coke Posts: 448	Thanks Stevo that's interesting, Rolex still #1 in my book eason being, In house movements and does not make quartz watches.

14 August 2010, 12:34 PM	#17
htc8p "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Bert Location: philippines Watch: 116710 ln Posts: 3,472	everything being relative i think rolex is still a very conservative old style kind of guy even though they start making their watches look bigger because their competitors are making even bigger, trendier watches. and besides the quality of competitors are improving with an even more competitive price brand equity is less of a power now than it was before

14 August 2010, 01:06 PM	#18
sturgeon123456 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 2,551	I still think Rolex has a more conservative image in the watch world than a brand like tag or omega.

14 August 2010, 01:11 PM	#19
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	IMHO it looks like our hallowed brand is trying to expand to a younger market. In days past, it seemed Rolexes were lifelong acquisitions, bought after years of saving and had work. With today's easy credit and dual household incomes, coming into Rolex ownership can come earlier if awareness and desire is there. IMO this is why the newer models are more 'bling' than before - to catch the younger generation/ casual buyer's (vs enthusiast) attention. __________________ F 14000 AirKing black F 16710 GMT Pepsi F 16570 Explorer II white T 16600 SD D 16610 LV "fine quality is remembered long after the pain of spending money" -Steve Mulholland

14 August 2010, 01:35 PM	#20
jrssv Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 386	I'm one of those who bought his Rolex watches "after years of saving and hard work." My son-in-laws have my Omegas. My datejust, sub, and GMT IIc may not be trend setters but they will still look good thirty years from not. I also like Montblanc pens for the same reason.

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