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ArcticMoose · 2 February 2011, 07:03 AM

The November issue of GQ Australia includes GQ Watch. The whole thing is pretty bad, basically an ad for Watches of Switzerland and the brands they sell.

However, I did notice an interesting detail in the attached text. Is there such a thing as an established pecking order pyramid diagram, and if so, where does Rolex sit?

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Name: gq-diagram.jpg
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Xpert37 · 2 February 2011, 07:06 AM

I would consider Rolex at the top of luxury watch brands (along with Cartier, JLC and IWC), above Omega and Breitling, but below Patek, Vacheron, Blancpain, Breguet, A. Lange & Sohne, GO, and etc (which I consider to be elite luxury).

snowbird · 2 February 2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xpert37

I would consider Rolex at the top of luxury watch brands (along with Cartier, JLC and IWC), above Omega and Breitling, but below Patek, Vacheron, Blancpain, Breguet, A. Lange & Sohne, GO, and etc (which I consider to be elite luxury).

I agree. Rolex is certainly the most recognizable luxury watch brand (and my personal favorite), but a step below Patek, Breguet etc.

SkyKing31 · 2 February 2011, 07:07 AM

Rolex is Top .. Thats just my opinion

ArcticMoose · 2 February 2011, 07:09 AM

Everyone's entitled to an opinion, but I'm looking for evidence of the "much circulated diagram, not often revealed to the public".

JIFF1975 · 2 February 2011, 07:10 AM

Rolex is number one.

Not just an opinion but the simple truth.

The Uhren Exclusiv 2011 yearbook places Rolex on the absolute top position. You can probably find the results somewhere on the web.

If you can read Dutch you can find the results in the topic I started on the Dutch Rolex forum

http://www.rolexforum.nl/topic.php?i...glepost=177467

ArcticMoose · 2 February 2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIFF1975

Rolex is number one.

Not just an opinion but the simple truth.

A simple truth dependent on which properties are given value. The article cites limited production, many complications and high price, none of which put Rolex in particularly favorable light compared to some other brands.

GeorgeK · 2 February 2011, 07:12 AM

Talking about watchmaking quality, the very top belongs to Patek.
IMO, below that is a group of Rolex, Breguet, Vacheron, Jaeger Le Coultre, Audemars Piguet, IWC.
Then there are the boutique brands that sell very little quantities at astrnomical prices that can not be considered as watches the same way as a Rolex, IWC, etc.

Then a bit below is the masses, lead by Omega, panerai, ongines, Tissot, Chopard, etc... that are more driven by fashion/clever advertising/celebrity placement.

JIFF1975 · 2 February 2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

Talking about watchmaking quality, the very top belongs to Patek.
IMO, below that is a group of Rolex, Breguet, Vacheron, Jaeger Le Coultre, Audemars Piguet, IWC.
Then there are the boutique brands that sell very little quantities at astrnomical prices that can not be considered as watches the same way as a Rolex, IWC, etc.

Then a bit below is the masses, lead by Omega, panerai, ongines, Tissot, Chopard, etc... that are more driven by fashion/clever advertising/celebrity placement.

Topicstarter is not asking for on opinion.

GeorgeK · 2 February 2011, 07:18 AM

He kind of is: "...where does Rolex sit?"
It is a matter of opinion, and the answer is different based on different criteria.

ArcticMoose · 2 February 2011, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeK

He kind of is: "...where does Rolex sit?"
It is a matter of opinion, and the answer is different based on different criteria.

I guess I should have added "... according to this diagram". Either there exists a documented pecking order the "watch connoisseurs" consult before deciding on their next purchase, or GQ is just making shit up. I'd like to hear from one of the watch connoisseurs privy to this information not circulated to us mere mortals.

FlyingMoose · 2 February 2011, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Either there exists a documented pecking order the "watch connoisseurs" consult before deciding on their next purchase, or GQ is just making shit up.

Good lord, when is GQ ever *not* just making things up?

ArcticMoose · 2 February 2011, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingMoose

Good lord, when is GQ ever *not* just making things up?

Fair enough. :)

I assume that sometimes there is a grain of truth though, I would really like to know if there is in this case or not.

bscepter · 2 February 2011, 07:28 AM

breguet, patek, vacheron, franck muller, blancpain... i think these are more like small sports car companies, like königsegg or pagani - hand-beaten panels and all that. whereas i'd put rolex up there with BMW and mercedes: dependable luxury based on pure engineering precision that allows (relatively) mass production.

gettocard · 2 February 2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bscepter

breguet, patek, vacheron, franc muller, blancpain... i think these are more like small sports car companies, like königsegg or pagani - hand-beaten panels and all that. whereas i'd put rolex up there with BMW and mercedes: dependable luxury based on pure engineering precision that allows (relatively) mass production.

It doesn't work like that either : BMW and Mercs lose value at the speed of light

.
I don't think you can compare the Rolex phenomenon to something

.

TempoKing · 4 February 2011, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bscepter

breguet, patek, vacheron, franck muller, blancpain... i think these are more like small sports car companies, like königsegg or pagani - hand-beaten panels and all that. whereas i'd put rolex up there with BMW and mercedes: dependable luxury based on pure engineering precision that allows (relatively) mass production.

Hummm..I do not like the comparison between Pagani and Patek

Pagani is a small manufacturer but..buys his engines from
Mercedes-Benz M180-V12 and builds his cars from
Carbon Fibre with Aluminum Sub-Frames fairly easy stuff.

Patek on the other hand builds the most complicated movements
on earth and is the UNDISPUTED KING of horology.

Yes Rolex produces more mechanical watches than anyone else
in Switzerland that are indeed ROLogi EXcuisitus ....but is not the best watchmaker out there - by far.

Once a watchmaker told me
Like you want to climb mount Kilimanjaro...wearing Gucci loafers.

ArcticMoose · 4 February 2011, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TempoKing

Like you want to climb mount Kilimanjaro...wearing Gucci loafers.

Heh, best illustrative comparison yet!

It seems either the elusive triangle is a myth, or it is true that the watch connoisseurs out there are honoring their gentleman's agreement forcing us plebs to make uninformed watch purchasing decisions.

gettocard · 2 February 2011, 07:29 AM

Rolex is the top,no question about it.

Lion · 2 February 2011, 07:29 AM

I think Rolex would be near the top in a pyramid showing top watch manufacturers!!!

JIFF1975 · 2 February 2011, 07:34 AM

Just buy the Uhren Exclusive 2011 and you'll see what I mean...

Nothing beats Rolex...

ArcticMoose · 2 February 2011, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIFF1975

Just buy the Uhren Exclusive 2011 and you'll see what I mean...

Nothing beats Rolex...

Once again, depending on what is being compared, and who is performing the comparison.

Marketing? Nope, Rolex wins. Ruggedness? Probably pretty high, at least compared to other automatic watches. Effective production? Of course. Number of complications? Not a chance. Unique hand-made pieces? None.

All this is irrelevant though, either the document exists or it does not.

JIFF1975 · 2 February 2011, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Once again, depending on what is being compared, and who is performing the comparison.

Marketing? Nope, Rolex wins. Ruggedness? Probably pretty high, at least compared to other automatic watches. Effective production? Of course. Number of complications? Not a chance. Unique hand-made pieces? None.

All this is irrelevant though, either the document exists or it does not.

I can tell you haven't read the article. Marketing and Ruggedness was not discussed...

Just read it! Don't know about your German but if you like I can make a scan of the article...

ArcticMoose · 2 February 2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIFF1975

Don't know about your German but if you like I can make a scan of the article...

Does this article include the pyramid mentioned in GQ? If so, yes please! If not, I'm afraid I don't have much interest in it.

RRGHOST1 · 2 February 2011, 07:34 AM

There maybe better made movements and complications and it does not matter that PP or anyone else makes a better watch. I have liked Rolex for over 50 years now and they make the best design for me as i am not interested that another make has a better movement that you can see it through a clear case back. Top of my pyramid is Rolex.

DG123 · 2 February 2011, 08:05 AM

Rolex is #1.

psv · 2 February 2011, 08:09 AM

Here ya go

It is misguided to think that Rolex is #1 in haute horologie. They don't touch PP, VC, AP or Breguet. Still, I think Rolex invented the professional tools instrument market and makes the best darn sport watches around, always has been and probably always will IMO. I don't personally care for advanced complications for hundred of thousands of dollars.

ArcticMoose · 2 February 2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psv

Here ya go

Thank you!

It doesn't look very comprehensive, and not very pyramid-like either, do you think this is the diagram mentioned?

Quote:

Originally Posted by psv

Still, I think Rolex invented the professional tools instrument market and makes the best darn sport watches around, always has been and probably always will IMO. I don't personally care for advanced complications for hundred of thousands of dollars.

No argument from me about that, I'd love a JLC, but I could never wear it.

psv · 2 February 2011, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Thank you!
It doesn't look very comprehensive, and not very pyramid-like either, do you think this is the diagram mentioned?

Apply some imagination/visualization! :-) (I have no idea about any other pyramid)

This is all subjective anyhow so don't stare at specifics. I'm sure this impression differs regionally, this one seems to an assessment by a European entity.

On JLC: I'd rate them higher than UN any day. I've got 1 JLC at this point, a new acquisition, it is just lovely. I was wearing it to my wife's former boss 60th birthday the other day - a small private dinner with some every rather "distinguished" guests (think a Harvard professor, a couple of PHDs etc). Wearing a JLC on a leather strap was just right when discussion the situation in Egypt vis-a-vis Tunisia. Any of my sport Rolex to a suit would have been lesser IMO.

bscepter · 2 February 2011, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psv

Here ya go

It is misguided to think that Rolex is #1 in haute horologie. They don't touch PP, VC, AP or Breguet. Still, I think Rolex invented the professional tools instrument market and makes the best darn sport watches around, always has been and probably always will IMO. I don't personally care for advanced complications for hundred of thousands of dollars.

then don't visit the patek museum in geneva...

/most amazing museum i've ever seen.

chrono1g · 2 February 2011, 08:48 AM

lol @ the brainwashed rolex owners in this thread.

AP, PP, VC, etc >>>>>>>>>>>> rolex

to say that rolex is #1...haha, ridiculous.

2 February 2011, 07:29 AM	#19
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	I think Rolex would be near the top in a pyramid showing top watch manufacturers!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

2 February 2011, 07:03 AM	#1
ArcticMoose "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The Sea Posts: 1,894	Where is Rolex in the pyramid of Swiss watchmakers? The November issue of GQ Australia includes GQ Watch. The whole thing is pretty bad, basically an ad for Watches of Switzerland and the brands they sell. However, I did notice an interesting detail in the attached text. Is there such a thing as an established pecking order pyramid diagram, and if so, where does Rolex sit?

2 February 2011, 07:06 AM	#2
Xpert37 Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Eli Location: Long Island Watch: 16610 Posts: 117	I would consider Rolex at the top of luxury watch brands (along with Cartier, JLC and IWC), above Omega and Breitling, but below Patek, Vacheron, Blancpain, Breguet, A. Lange & Sohne, GO, and etc (which I consider to be elite luxury).

2 February 2011, 07:07 AM	#4
SkyKing31 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Manalapan Florida Watch: Tridor Masterpiece Posts: 2,819	Rolex is Top .. Thats just my opinion

2 February 2011, 07:09 AM	#5
ArcticMoose "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The Sea Posts: 1,894	Everyone's entitled to an opinion, but I'm looking for evidence of the "much circulated diagram, not often revealed to the public".

2 February 2011, 07:10 AM	#6
JIFF1975 Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Hague Watch: SDDS, 116610LV Posts: 384	Rolex is number one. Not just an opinion but the simple truth. The Uhren Exclusiv 2011 yearbook places Rolex on the absolute top position. You can probably find the results somewhere on the web. If you can read Dutch you can find the results in the topic I started on the Dutch Rolex forum http://www.rolexforum.nl/topic.php?i...glepost=177467

2 February 2011, 07:12 AM	#8
GeorgeK "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The Alps Posts: 408	Talking about watchmaking quality, the very top belongs to Patek. IMO, below that is a group of Rolex, Breguet, Vacheron, Jaeger Le Coultre, Audemars Piguet, IWC. Then there are the boutique brands that sell very little quantities at astrnomical prices that can not be considered as watches the same way as a Rolex, IWC, etc. Then a bit below is the masses, lead by Omega, panerai, ongines, Tissot, Chopard, etc... that are more driven by fashion/clever advertising/celebrity placement.

2 February 2011, 07:18 AM	#10
GeorgeK "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The Alps Posts: 408	He kind of is: "...where does Rolex sit?" It is a matter of opinion, and the answer is different based on different criteria.

2 February 2011, 07:28 AM	#14
bscepter "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: Patrick Location: Omaha Watch: 16610 Submariner Posts: 948	breguet, patek, vacheron, franck muller, blancpain... i think these are more like small sports car companies, like königsegg or pagani - hand-beaten panels and all that. whereas i'd put rolex up there with BMW and mercedes: dependable luxury based on pure engineering precision that allows (relatively) mass production.

2 February 2011, 07:29 AM	#18
gettocard Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Andy Location: EU Watch: them come and go.. Posts: 2,052	Rolex is the top,no question about it.

2 February 2011, 07:34 AM	#20
JIFF1975 Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Hague Watch: SDDS, 116610LV Posts: 384	Just buy the Uhren Exclusive 2011 and you'll see what I mean... Nothing beats Rolex...

2 February 2011, 07:34 AM	#24
RRGHOST1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: luke standing Location: england Watch: Rolex TT SubC Blue Posts: 3,997	There maybe better made movements and complications and it does not matter that PP or anyone else makes a better watch. I have liked Rolex for over 50 years now and they make the best design for me as i am not interested that another make has a better movement that you can see it through a clear case back. Top of my pyramid is Rolex.

2 February 2011, 08:05 AM	#25
DG123 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Francisco, Ca Watch: Oyster Perpetual Posts: 1,629	Rolex is #1.

2 February 2011, 08:09 AM	#26
psv 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA & France Posts: 11,078	Here ya go It is misguided to think that Rolex is #1 in haute horologie. They don't touch PP, VC, AP or Breguet. Still, I think Rolex invented the professional tools instrument market and makes the best darn sport watches around, always has been and probably always will IMO. I don't personally care for advanced complications for hundred of thousands of dollars.

2 February 2011, 08:48 AM	#30
chrono1g "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: USA Posts: 147	lol @ the brainwashed rolex owners in this thread. AP, PP, VC, etc >>>>>>>>>>>> rolex to say that rolex is #1...haha, ridiculous.

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