ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Jetjock · 8 January 2012, 09:42 AM

My Question: What drives a manufacturer like Rolex to produce around 95% of their watches with bracelets, and a company like JLC to produce the opposite, 95% or much more with leather straps. Just wondering.

dddrees · 8 January 2012, 09:52 AM

I think you could say the same for Patek and JLC. I think this goes to tradition and the type of watches they are known for. This is no different than Rolex and the type of watches they are known for.

cedargrove · 8 January 2012, 10:07 AM

From my perspective Rolex has two distinct lines: the Cellini line that is all dress watches with leather straps, and the Oyster Perpetual line that predominantly has bracelets (with a select few options for straps on the dressier models). The OP line is intended as more of durable every day watch, hence they all have at least a 100m water resistance rating. Bracelets work much better on the everyday watch, waterproof watch.

JLC, to me, is predominantly dressier watches hence the straps.

Personally I don't mind a strap, but like the option to also have a bracelet on all my watches. However if ever got a Patek, or Lange then I'd be OK with just a strap.

slcbbrown · 8 January 2012, 11:11 PM

Rolex really made its name with sport watches. "Sport" meaning tough, do everything type watches. A Datejust or Air King can handle almost anything you ask it to do, except diving, and still look appropriate at the office. To be a sport watch, you almost have to have a metal bracelet.

Companies like PP, Breguet, Blancpain, etc. were selling dress watches at the high end of the market, often with mucho complications. These watches tended to be less robust and not the kind of thing to mow the lawn or go swimming with. Almost none of these companies was known for tough watches. Breguet had the XX and Blancpain had the Fifty Fathoms, but these models were not typical of what each brand stood for and everything else was a dress watch. In the 50-60's, dress watch meant thin+light+small+strap.

Jetjock · 9 January 2012, 02:21 AM

Thanks guys for your Input. I guess Rolex has its own heritage and philosophy that makes its mark in the world of watches. Thanks again.

8 January 2012, 09:42 AM	#1
Jetjock Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Phoenix Watch: DJII 116333 Posts: 110	Watch Bands My Question: What drives a manufacturer like Rolex to produce around 95% of their watches with bracelets, and a company like JLC to produce the opposite, 95% or much more with leather straps. Just wondering.

8 January 2012, 09:52 AM	#2
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	I think you could say the same for Patek and JLC. I think this goes to tradition and the type of watches they are known for. This is no different than Rolex and the type of watches they are known for. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

8 January 2012, 10:07 AM	#3
cedargrove "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Rich Location: Canada Watch: Milgauss, GMT IIc Posts: 3,013	From my perspective Rolex has two distinct lines: the Cellini line that is all dress watches with leather straps, and the Oyster Perpetual line that predominantly has bracelets (with a select few options for straps on the dressier models). The OP line is intended as more of durable every day watch, hence they all have at least a 100m water resistance rating. Bracelets work much better on the everyday watch, waterproof watch. JLC, to me, is predominantly dressier watches hence the straps. Personally I don't mind a strap, but like the option to also have a bracelet on all my watches. However if ever got a Patek, or Lange then I'd be OK with just a strap.

8 January 2012, 11:11 PM	#4
slcbbrown "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: steve Location: dallas area Watch: 50's TT t-bird Posts: 3,689	Rolex really made its name with sport watches. "Sport" meaning tough, do everything type watches. A Datejust or Air King can handle almost anything you ask it to do, except diving, and still look appropriate at the office. To be a sport watch, you almost have to have a metal bracelet. Companies like PP, Breguet, Blancpain, etc. were selling dress watches at the high end of the market, often with mucho complications. These watches tended to be less robust and not the kind of thing to mow the lawn or go swimming with. Almost none of these companies was known for tough watches. Breguet had the XX and Blancpain had the Fifty Fathoms, but these models were not typical of what each brand stood for and everything else was a dress watch. In the 50-60's, dress watch meant thin+light+small+strap.

9 January 2012, 02:21 AM	#5
Jetjock Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Phoenix Watch: DJII 116333 Posts: 110	Thanks guys for your Input. I guess Rolex has its own heritage and philosophy that makes its mark in the world of watches. Thanks again.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)