Omega vs Rolex "rivalry". Never understood it.

[JP.]

I own two Omega Seamasters and I have owned three (yes THREE) Planet Oceans, one black GMT and one Omega SMP Chronograph. I'm a Omega fan... what a GREAT watch brand! There is a lot of things I don't like about Rolex... but it's very difficult to find anything negative to say about Omega (besides that I find their endless "special editions" very cheesy and gimmicky).

But I always found this Rolex vs Omega comparison a bit stupid as they're in very, very different price category. I don't know the retail price for the new Bonds but you can buy a preowned early Bond Seamasters for around 1.3K while 5/6-digit Subs start from around 5.5-6K.

It's like comparing VW Passat to S-class Mercedes. Not to say that the Passat isn't a good car... it can be more reliable than the Merc... but let's face the reality: Omega and VW will never, ever have the prestige of Rolex or Mercedes. Yet Seamaster has always seen as a "rival to Rolex Submariner".

That being said, I think Omega is much better value for money and the movements are very well made. But that doesn't explain why these brands are seen as "rivals". Volkswagen is not considered a rival of Mercedes, Porsche or Jaguar so why should Omega be a rival to Rolex?

Breguet and IWC are rivals to Rolex, imho. Omega is a rival to TAG Heuer and Breitling.

I hope this doesn't start any negative debate... it's not my intention... let's just discuss this objectively.

[watchmaker]

I wouldn't say Breguet (with an annual production of around 40,000 pieces and that produces in house manufactured complications like tourbillon, minute repeaters and perpetual calendars as well as grand complication models) are in competition with Rolex.

While the same buyer may appreciate both they are entirely different segments of the industry.

Omega is a far better comparison to Rolex. Albeit Rolex are, at least in my opinion, leading the segment that they and Omega occupy.

[Jonesy2099]

I think the car comparisons are always a bit lame. Forget the price as the watches compare well on the quality of the movement, materials and the history of the brands (so in that sense both brands do have prestige and rivalry). Some would prefer a Speedmaster or a Seamaster over the Rolex equivalent. But while there is a rivalry there’s no reason you can’t have both.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I wouldn't say Breguet (with an annual production of around 40,000 pieces and that produces in house manufactured complications like tourbillon, minute repeaters and perpetual calendars as well as grand complication models) are in competition with Rolex.

While the same buyer may appreciate both they are entirely different segments of the industry.

Yeah... not in that sense. But they're (roughly) in the same price range. Preowned Breguet Transatlantique Chronograph can be obtained for $7-8K.

Jaguar is considered a Mercedes rival although they sell maybe ten times less cars than Merc (all size segments considered).

[JP.]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

I think the car comparisons are always a bit lame. Forget the price as the watches compare well on the quality of the movement, materials and the history of the brands (so in that sense both brands do have prestige and rivalry). Some would prefer a Speedmaster or a Seamaster over the Rolex equivalent. But while there is a rivalry there’s no reason you can’t have both.

Yes... I always found those "comparative reviews" a bit pretentious. How can you make a technical comparison of a diver watch if you're not taking it to depths of the sea and test the abilities?

It's like comparing two supercars without driving them hard on the track.

[Jonesy2099]

Originally Posted by JP.

Yeah... not in that sense. But they're (roughly) in the same price range. Preowned Breguet Transatlantique Chronograph can be obtained for $7-8K.

Jaguar is considered a Mercedes rival although they sell maybe ten times less cars than Merc (all size segments considered).

I really don’t understand the car comparisons. You say let’s discuss this objectively. Objectively speaking do you think the Speedmaster is a rival to the Daytona? I’d be interested to hear your views.

[Alex_TA]

Originally Posted by JP.

I own two Omega Seamasters and I have owned three (yes THREE) Planet Oceans, one black GMT and one Omega SMP Chronograph. I'm a Omega fan... what a GREAT watch brand! There is a lot of things I don't like about Rolex... but it's very difficult to find anything negative to say about Omega (besides that I find their endless "special editions" very cheesy and gimmicky).

But I always found this Rolex vs Omega comparison a bit stupid as they're in very, very different price category. I don't know the retail price for the new Bonds but you can buy a preowned early Bond Seamasters for around 1.3K while 5/6-digit Subs start from around 5.5-6K.

It's like comparing VW Passat to S-class Mercedes. Not to say that the Passat isn't a good car... it can be more reliable than the Merc... but let's face the reality: Omega and VW will never, ever have the prestige of Rolex or Mercedes. Yet Seamaster has always seen as a "rival to Rolex Submariner".

That being said, I think Omega is much better value for money and the movements are very well made. But that doesn't explain why these brands are seen as "rivals". Volkswagen is not considered a rival of Mercedes, Porsche or Jaguar so why should Omega be a rival to Rolex?

Breguet and IWC are rivals to Rolex, imho. Omega is a rival to TAG Heuer and Breitling.

I hope this doesn't start any negative debate... it's not my intention... let's just discuss this objectively.

It's all just voices in your head.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

I really don’t understand the car comparisons. You say let’s discuss this objectively. Objectively speaking do you think the Speedmaster is a rival to the Daytona? I’d be interested to hear your views.

No. They're in different price range. That was the whole point.

Speedmaster Moon Watch is about what... 3500 euros. They start from 2K in the preowned market. How much does a steel Daytona cost?

[Verdi]

Originally Posted by JP.

Breguet and IWC are rivals to Rolex, imho. Omega is a rival to TAG Heuer and Breitling.

.

Breguet and Rolex rivals?!!!
No!
Can you name 3-4 models of Breguet without googling?

Breguet is with JLC.



Omega rival to Tag?!
Not at all. Tag is miles away from Omega.

Omega and Rolex, yes they are rivals, only that Rolex has the upper hand in terms of built quality.
They both make divers, dress watches, gmts, chronos....and have long history and model identity/iconic models.

[DasKptl]

Originally Posted by JP.

But I always found this Rolex vs Omega comparison a bit stupid as they're in very, very different price category.

It's like comparing VW Passat to S-class Mercedes. Not to say that the Passat isn't a good car... it can be more reliable than the Merc... but let's face the reality: Omega and VW will never, ever have the prestige of Rolex or Mercedes.

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates.

Rolex re-launched Tudor in the early 2010s. Tudor is now suddenly hot, with distribution points all over the world. Tudor has become a formidable rival to Omega, in that just-below-Rolex category. Omega now needs to face Tudor first, before it will ever attempt to challenge Rolex.

(Has this been an outcome of Rolex/Tudor's intentional strategy? I don't know. It is just what is happening right now.)

[JP.]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates. Rolex re-launched Tudor in the early 2010s. Tudor is now suddenly hot, with distribution points all over the world. Tudor has become a formidable rival to Omega, in that just-below-Rolex category. Omega now needs to face Tudor first, before it will ever attempt to challenge Rolex.

(Has this been an outcome of Rolex/Tudor's intentional strategy? I don't know. It is just what is happening right now.)

I agree. You got my point exactly.

[Hutrmila]

Originally Posted by Verdi

Breguet and Rolex rivals?!!!

No!

Can you name 3-4 models of Breguet without googling?



Breguet is with JLC.







Omega rival to Tag?!

Not at all. Tag is miles away from Omega.



Omega and Rolex, yes they are rivals, only that Rolex has the upper hand in terms of built quality.

They both make divers, dress watches, gmts, chronos....and have long history and model identity/iconic models.

I vote for this viewpoint


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hutrmila]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates.

Rolex re-launched Tudor in the early 2010s. Tudor is now suddenly hot, with distribution points all over the world. Tudor has become a formidable rival to Omega, in that just-below-Rolex category. Omega now needs to face Tudor first, before it will ever attempt to challenge Rolex.

(Has this been an outcome of Rolex/Tudor's intentional strategy? I don't know. It is just what is happening right now.)

Interesting point


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gunnersaurus]

I would pick a Rolex over an Omega any day, but I’d pick an Omega over the Tudor too. I guess the brand doesn’t speak to me

[MTBer]

Rolex has out-Veblen’ed Omega. That’s it.

[JP.]

TAG image is interesting. It has never gotten much respect among the watch enthusiasts. I've owned three TAGs (Aquagraph, Aquaracer chrono in 41mm and 45mm) and they were excellently finished watches.

If you ask any non-WIS they always name TAG Heuer right after Rolex when get asked about "luxury watch brands". They've done their marketing homework and put a LOT of money to advertising.

Almost all WIS-newbies/wannabees always start the "mandatory TAG bashing" when they "graduate" a little bit. Sorry but it's getting a bit old after 20 years. :D

Yes, they make cheap F1-models and their advertising is a bit cheesy. But some Heuer designs are classic and somewhat unique and innovative: Monaco and Autavia come to mind... and also TAG's Link. I think it's pretty neat bracelet.

But yes... I think TAG Heuer is very much Omega's rival. They're in the same price category and compete from the same customers, regardless what the "3Li73 WIS" think about the brand.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

I think the car comparisons are always a bit lame.

Very

[shalako]

I don’t agree with the OP but I guess it’s about perception. Omega are way ahead of Tag Heuer and not sure why you would think IWC is better than Omega either.
Just because something is much more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better, I think the price disparity between Rolex and Omega for instance is more about market forces than the quality of the product.

[TswaneNguni]

Rolex doesn't have a rival .

I like styles from different brands(Panerai/IWC/JleC) ,but quality per dollar you pay for,Rolex is unrivaled .

[watchguru1]

What the hell is going on here, lol. What are these car comparisons? Did you watch too much influenza on instagram?
Breguet is in no way a competitor to Rolex, neither price wise nor segment wise. Omega rivals Tag Heuer? Holy shit!

Also in watchmaking you rather compare by segments and then by price and not the other way, lol. Breguet and Roger W. Smith... ah sorry you can't compare because of different price, lol. Did you even think or was it just an impulsive posting?

[Sublovin]

I think they are often compared because they are two mass produced brands that are at the upper end of the TYPICAL consumer luxury budget when watch shopping. We know there are many more expensive brands, but if you ask the general public to name 3 high end watch brands, I think most would say Heuer, Omega and Rolex
Nothing to do with horological advancements or complications. Don’t overthink it.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by watchguru1

What the hell is going on here, lol. What are these car comparisons? Did you watch too much influenza on instagram?
Breguet is in no way a competitor to Rolex, neither price wise nor segment wise. Omega rivals Tag Heuer? Holy shit!

I see you created an account just for this piece of wisdom. I must have _really_ insulted your watch.

[Moggo]

Anyone noticing a lot of bickering lately?!

The lack of availability is getting to people I think!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[watchguru1]

Yeah I did. Noone compares a Breguet La Tradition with a Rolex Daytona 116509 just because they have similar price range. You compare the 116500 with Type XXI even if they're not even close in price, so you do compare the Speedmaster with it. Just think!

[JP.]

Originally Posted by Moggo

Anyone noticing a lot of bickering lately?!

The lack of availability is getting to people I think!

Yeah... it looks like it's impossible to start a even watch discussion in watch forum without offending or "triggering" someone these days. Amazing!

[SkyJuice]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I've heard that in the 1960s, Omega and Rolex had an equal status--similar prices and similar brand prestiges. Omega was Elvis' favorite watch brand.

But now, Rolex dominates.

This.

[77T]

Originally Posted by MTBer

Rolex has out-Veblen’ed Omega. That’s it.

I believe this is the prime factor - plus the segment influencers aligned with Rolex.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Hodog16]

I’ve heard from three different ADs in different markets that Rolex was not a fan of their ADs having Breitling in the store. How veiled the threats were I’m not sure but it caused the ADs not to go with the brand for fear of losing Rolex.

Rolex had no issues with IWC, Panerai, Omega, or PP.

[JP.]

Originally Posted by watchguru1

Aren't you the pussy here, hence why you posted this crap in the first place?

This is watch forum. People discuss all kinds of things regarding watches here. If you're looking to trade some playground insults and act like a drama queen there must be much more suitable places to go.

You look hurt because your mighty crown gets compared with something undesireable like Omega. You don't compare a fucking Breguet La Tradition with a Daytona 116509 because of similar price range, lul.

Oh... I look "hurt"? I didn't create a ghost account just for FL4M35. You did because you're embarrassed to use your regular screen name.

You're obviously paralyzed from the neck up and I insulted your Omega. I feel some sympathy... and I apologize. Now excuse me... I have a meeting with my coffee machine.

[watchguru1]

Originally Posted by JP.

This is watch forum. People discuss all kinds of things regarding watches here.

I know it's watch forum but actually I have trouble finding discussions about watches... most discussion are about value and questionable comparisons.

Originally Posted by JP.

Oh... I look "hurt"? I didn't create a ghost account just for FL4M35. You did because you're embarrassed to use your regular screen name.

Actually it's my first time on this forum but yes I'm ghosting to protect my good name from different forums.

Originally Posted by JP.

I insulted your Omega.

Uff... the only brand I have sympathy for is ALS. Other than that I'm very objective and compare based on facts.