Very relevant! Look at how the green dial, yellow gold daytona is now one of the most sought after rolex watches on the grey market...who the fuck was ever asking for a green dial, yellow gold daytona?
Two decades ago I met a Rolex rep on a trip to Thailand at the hotel pool and had a discussion about the watch business. what he said to me then made me think and it still holds true today, he said they were not in the watch business, they were in the LUXURY business! End of story.
Rolex is Rolex, in part, because it moves at a glacial pace. UA-camrs say they want more, but would complain if they got it. The brand knows what it is doing
9 місяців тому+8
It took me over 15 mins to say what you just said in one sentence.
It's more this than it is anything else. They are *going* to reissue the Coke...next year...or in 5 years, but they will. That was a good call. What wasn't a good call was when people said they were going to do it, specifically, this year. The rumors about the difficulty manufacturing the Pepsi bezel are probably true, but the deduction about it resulting in not only the discontinuation but, more specifically, the discontinuation this year of the Pepsi were wrong.
While I agree with many of the points you make, I also think this video misses an important mark. It's all entertainment. We watch Rolex videos because of click-bait titles, rumors, and controversy. All elements that this video also has!
9 місяців тому+14
Indeed. I just take issue when it's proper misleading. Folks were sure the Pepsi was done and waitlists were over. It's reckless.
Yeah but UA-cam is saturated with this garbage content about Rolex predictions, rumours of discontinuation etc as the brand is essentially for suckers.
I’m 4 years in the watch game and it became apparent very quickly that the majority of all the watch youtubers are a bunch of saps, taking through their Swiss Roll half the time. The ‘production issues’ of the Pepsi being the big one for me, so Rolex can produce the Pepsi ceramic bezel for 10 years and all of a sudden in 2023/24 there are ‘production issues’ and every UA-camr is an expert on it all saying the same thing, it’s just filler content for all of those saps haha. You’re the only one on here that tells it like it is, real talk! Thanks from Dublin, Ireland
9 місяців тому+5
I agree about the Pepsi bezel. I don't even think a production difficulty would phaze them. What's important is that the fact that Rolex aren't listening. All of our noise doesn't even reach their ears. They have a vision that is much bigger and i'm not speaking about dollars. I respect the brand because of this.
@I find it impossible to believe Rolex struggle to produce the Pepsi bezel yet China is churning out these bezels with ease for the fake Market... And they are almost impossible to pick. Only the movement is where it comes undone.. and that is even difficult to spot nowadays.
Grey dealer YT channels had incorrectly predicted the end of the John Mayer Daytona for 3 years straight for no other reason than driving up the price of their inventory. When it finally was discontinued along with the panda their next target was always going to be the pepsi. I wouldnt trust a word that comes out of their lips.
Yes, Rolex is above the "normal" but not completely out of touch - and Tudor is the partner to touch base. Perfect combination. Invented by Hans Wilsdorf - some 100 years ago (1926) - what a genius.
@ It 100% is. If demand for product A, B, C, and D is low and product E is high then most manufacturers would make more E to meet that demand. Rolex has decided to keep over producing low demand models. AD's then have to paywall the sale of high demand models behind the purchase of low demand models. Ferrari is famous for doing this, anyone with enough money can walk into a Ferrari dealer and buy a Roma, but if you want something special like a SP3? Well you have to be invited to purchase one, and the only way to be invited to is already own Ferrari's. The difference is Rolex makes more watches in a year than all the cars Ferrari has made in its entire history put together. Its simply not sustainable for Rolex, they aren't special beyond their own artificial scarcity. Recently my mother wanted to buy my father a retirement gift, she knew he wanted a watch with a tachymeter. So she did a bit of research, picked out a few she liked, drove to the Rolex AD, walked in and asked to buy a Daytona. The AD jerked her around for a while trying to sell her other watches and jewelry before finally admitting she couldn't buy a Daytona. She left and went to the Omega dealer a few miles away and left the shop less than 30 minutes later with a Speedmaster.
@ Really? They have no shareholders to report to, so never actually publish how many pieces they produce, and hence release into circulation. 1m is just an estimate. Yes, popularity is increasing, but let's not kid ourselves that they don't play the: restrict supply, to create demand game either
Excellent Commentary. Rolex has a mind of their own. And with UNLIMITED $$$$$ and market appeal, it is not likely to change in our lifetime. 'Listen to consumers - forget about it'.
I never thought Rolex would discontinue the Pepsi, nor did I think they would discontinue the lefty GMT, and I never expected Rolex to discontinue the fluted motif dials, but why would I or anyone not working for Rolex? What I imagine Rolex does is listen to the crowd and give they what they "want" in Tudor form, hence why we now have a Tudor Coke GMT, but Rolex does as it pleases with Rolex, no matter what people say.
In my experience, people who are driven to accumulate wealth also tend to like to show it off. Nothing wrong with that and a brilliant and lucrative move on the part of Rolex to capitalise on that. It is a mistake however, and quite arrogant, to assume that everybody fits that particular profile.
15:10 Love this episode Oisin. Spot on. The analogy with bands (ACDC are my go to since seeing them live at the Red Cow in Hammersmith as a nipper…) is so true. Keep up the great work 👍🏻
I’ve been going to visit Venice since I was 14 years old, now I’m 71 a widower, love my Rolex Yachtmaster Everose with Oysterflex bracelet, what should I do next?
The U2 example at 8:25. I liked The Unforgettable Fire as an album. However U2 in various concert tours after 1985 played very little from that album. The interesting thing is that album broke them into larger venues in North America, such as hockey arenas. Before the band was playing clubs on earlier stops in Canada and the U.S. For example, their first stop in Toronto had less than 300 people in the audience. The Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum were albums that pushed U2 into playing stadium size gigs. I am sure the same discussion occurs in 2023 and 2024 shows at The Sphere in Las Vegas. U2 chose to focus on their 1991 album Achtung Baby for the Vegas shows, with a few other songs from their catalogue. There were fans complaining about not hearing the older songs. Same when the band toured a few years back focusing on The Joshua Tree album. I have heard the same from fans at concerts for The Who, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Paul McCartney, and others. The bigger your song catalogue, the more the disappointment.
9 місяців тому+1
You're allowed to be sad you didn't hear your favorite song. What you're not allowed do is complain. It's not a restaurant. It's an artist. BTW, i also love the Unforgettable Fire. All that Brian Eno stuff is gold. They had him back for 'No line on the Horizon' which, if you remove the silly single on it, it's an amazing album.
@ I agree. Brian Eno does amazing work. Daniel Lanois is another amazing musician and producer who worked with U2. I am partial since Lanois is a Canadian hailing from Hamilton Ontario, my hometown. I used to frequent the same pub as his sister and brother. That pub served great pints of Guinness.
9 місяців тому
@@BunnyWatson-k1w Lanois and Eno were opposites. It created a balance of cerebral and whispy wandering. Lanois has the heart and Eno has the brain.
9:54 Two of the world's most iconic brands. Went about it completely differently. I would argue that there's more fans than haters but the haters are the louder bunch. Rolex and McDonald's are two brands that people "quietly support."
9 місяців тому+1
I'm glad you caught that. What did i do to deserve such a sharp audience?
• "Rolex are not in the business of giving us what we want. We are in the business of wanting what they give us." • "We want Rolex to not care about us." • "I don't give a sh*t what you want. I'm Rolex; you follow me motherf*cker!" • "They literally don't give a flying f*ck what you care about, what you want and what the market is doing. They're outside of it; they're above it." Never have truer words been spoken! Thank you Oisin.
Funny story about the submariner. Ten years ago i was scuba diving in Fuerteventura, one of my dive buddies was a German guy with a beautiful submariner. He joked: "Yes it's a very capable watch to dive with." while stowing it in his locker and putting his dive computer on the wrist.
Enjoyed the analysis Oisin. I've been scrubbed from a couple UA-camrs comments because I don't care to hold back. I even had one reach out and ask to "take this offline". Of course I never responded, you don't scrub my comment then ban me only to come back later wanting to talk "offline". The click bait titles are as insufferable as the obligatory pulled face photos that invariably accompany them. Concerning Rolex this year, the GMT is incongruent with the SS line; the bottom half of the bezel is the colour used for the 24hr hand and the GMT is written in white. The GRNR fails because it retreads the LN's path using green for both. I agree, Rolex is the Pied Piper but the piper missed a note with the GRNR.
Fantástico! Y cierto que solo tu acertaste con el GMT. Por otro lado me alegra ver que por fin metes un patrocinador... hay que vivir acorde a los tiempos y tu trabajo se lo merece!
Seiko does the same. They listen to our desires and then specifically avoid putting those options in affordable watches. You want it, you pay over $1000.
apologies for the tangent, but if someone could please tell me the make and model of the illuminated magnifying lamp used at @6:27. I would appreciate it thx
I thought I was the only one! Great video and I can’t agree more. All the luxury brands do what they want , always have, always will! Love you man, keep delivering the “truth”
Not sure I’m there with you on this one Oisin. I’m not disappointed by Rolex, I think they are just chasing the higher end market. And that’s been happening for years. So no surprise. That’s not a boss move. let’s look at artisan watchmakers for boss moves.
It's a misconception that Rolex owns Turdor. In fact, both Tudor and Rolex are owned by the Hans Wisldorf Foundation - they both share the same parent non-profit foundation as owner. They are separate entities, with separate manufactures. Rolex movements are not contained within Tudor watches, nor are designs shared, or extended between the two. That was the past. Cohesion exists and I am certain those meetings are numerous, but quiet. It would be very interesting to learn how that guides what Tudor does.
This UA-camr absolutely loves the gold DeepSea. I've never even thought of owning a Tudor. You're absolutely right on all points. We adore Rolex because they're a leader, not a follower. They have the guts to put out a gold DeepSea.
Of course all companies do what they want. That’s the way things are but people can be disappointed or dissatisfied as it is normal. Thus far things have been disappointing for most people and that’s it.
As you said, many people may let go of the idea of diving with a modern Rolex. I choose to wear a sub 126610LV diving all the time. I wear it every day and wouldn’t choose anything else.
Plus, for regular people who don't buy gray market and aren't whales with their AD... we may still be waiting to get the call on a release from several years ago. I don't need them to come out with some insane watch that I have to have... because I won't be able to get it. I have my 2 tone rootbeer... and I am waiting on my jubilee BLNR. and thats all I am going to have for quite a long time most likely
Rolex is the beautiful girl you covet. She knows you want her and therefore you can't have her. However, you can have her mate who you don't really fancy.
I was underwhelmed by Rolex releases this year. The discontinuation of the Daytona Le Mans was ridiculous. Tudor is knocking it out of the park. Although not a new release I can’t take my new to me Tudor GMT 41 off my wrist, it has replaced my Submariner for the foreseeable future, until I miss it and want to wear it again. Too much gilt on new Tudor GMT 58, obviously haven’t seen it in person only in pictures.
Every watch blogger or vlogger who starts with "my view is..." is missing the point 100%.....it's all about how the CATEGORY is trending globally that drives product strategy.....sorry to burst that particular bubble guys & gals :(
You're mostly right. People do buy the Rolex not the other way around, on that I agree. However, U2 is no longer writing songs that have the mass appeal they used to have. What makes Rolex so amazing is their ability to predict what people want or what people don't yet know they want, and they've been doing it far longer than U2 was writing #1 hits.
I agree. Can you imagine Ferrari building a car because this is what enthusiasts want? There is a lot of click-bait for algorithm results on UA-cam. For example, videos that say “Rolex killer”. I never clicked on these. Of all things that can be predicted, the future is the hardest one. An yes, Tudor is great, but people sometimes forget they belong to Rolex, or the HW Foundation. Great video
9 місяців тому+1
I personally think Tudor are more robust and sturdy watches but it's a nostalgia room. That new GMT is a 6542. It's just a "if we made it with what we know now" version.
Okay, so I'm an Omega fanboy, so my opinon would be considered biased by some, but IMHO I clearly understand that Rolex does not give a flying "F" about what the consumer thinks...they only give an "F" about what they think they can get the consumer to spend $$$ on...because capitalism...
What other UA-camrs' predictions are based on the Pulse of the Market expecting the "Brand" to Fill the Market's Wants so nothing wrong & everything right with that. "Brand" knows this very well but Refuse to Satisfy these Wants maybe to Tease the Market or are made to WAIT on top of the WAITLIST. As for me, I already have Brand Fatigue refuse to play their games thus have happily Moved on to other Brands
At the end of the day it's fine.. the whole point of Rolex is to be unattainable to the mass. There's plenty of demand out there for them regardless (like you basically said they have everyones wanker on a string). I think if/when the Tudor Coke gmt sells like crazy, Rolex will do it again. I think they did fine
I agree but the base on my experience there are no waiting lists in Rolex it is either luck or relationship I had both of this two choices came true the luck choice was in 2019I went into and AD first time ask for a Batman they asked for my cellphone and in six months I got the call for a Batgirl since then I had been asking them for another watch with no luck, 5 years ago I went to another AD this time one of the most luxurious not Rolex AD it is a Rolex Boutique in San Diego got the NO answer but I made a friend relationship with the manager now in 9 days I am picking my brand new stainless steel date sub with no prior purchases with them. This is the truth of how can you get yours!
Oisin any ideas as to why the new pieces are mostly bling? Is it a target to ladies, richer individuals, or to steer attn away from sports, or otherwise?
At nkuwan it's not just a bag; it's an art piece. Each design is crafted with unique inspiration and craftsmanship. The exquisite production process reveals not just a bag, but a fashionable feast for the senses.
It’s not just the UA-camr channels though. I’ve seen the forums, Reddit, and other places all very very disappointed or bored with Rolex’s release this year.
But at the same time the same ones complaining about the new GMT black and grey will be the first ones to say “Yes Please” if they are offered the watch . The Rolex / Tudor marketing department is brilliant and not only that but how Rolex sets up their future business model is way ahead of anyone else out there in the watch industry . People still don’t understand there is a method that Rolex is 3 steps ahead of the masses . How do you become a 10 billion dollar a year Goliath if some may seem not to like Rolex . Rolex is the top of the watch food chain and they scatter chum out all the time and it’s eaten up like candy . Tudor is the Rolex test kitchen that has the free will to create amazing new designs but Rolex has the control of what and when Tudor releases . It’s clear that Rolex is pushing Omega and the Swatch group aside . Tudor has Kenissi and is pushing the sister brand to now frontiers .
As for Rolex's decision to not discontinue the Pepsi, that's a direct result of dealers, collectors, and speculators hoarding the model. Rolex wants to control not only the brand new Rolex watch market, but also the preowned market. That's why it has its Certified Preowned watches for sale. Imagine all of these inflated prices for the gray or preowned market--how is Rolex supposed to sell their brand new watches at retail next to their certified preowned watches of the same model? Rolex makes and sells about a million watches a year, and at that pace, it makes no sense for that price difference and model. People will lose confidence in the brand, as it'll come off as overhyped, overpriced, and overrated at its current offerings. It _sounds_ like a good phenomenon to have for Rolex, but that's all only in the short run. In the medium to long run, they'll have to dump their Rolex (relatively) NOS, and that will yield an adverse effect on prices to retail below RRP. All the while, competitors will gladly position themselves to sell at a more reasonably priced offering. Think of it as a microcosm of the business cycle, or as a central bank attempting to avoid a high or even hyperinflationary episode. On a lighter note... so what's the nickname for the black-gray GMT? I was going to say "Raiders" but that American football team is not well known around the world. There's Nintendo and Samsung, but those are companies and not individual items, characters, or things used to reference Rolex models like Batman, Pepsi, Smurf, Blueberry, Cookie Monster, Starbucks, Panda, etc. Maybe koala or raccoon?
Oisin, I am in awe of the great production of your videos and the background scenes. Rolex just does what it does and if you like a watch you buy in the grey market. I never go near a Rolex AD to buy a new one, it’s just not worth the effort, I just get my grey market ones serviced there. The recent fall in the grey market means I can buy almost new for either less than the new price or just over. Going to an AD to buy is now almost completely irrelevant. Long may that last.
Diving with gold makes perfect sense. Why do pirates have a gold earring? Gold is the only metal that won't rust or corrode in salt water over long periods if time. It's the premium functioning metal for the task.
I don’t know about Rolex let us down , when I was growing up until about 10 years ago you did not just see Rolex watches on the wrists of wealthy people. I saw them on the wrists of people who were painters and decorators. You could save up and you could afford a Rolex watch because Rolex were not patek ( my dad had a patek and he was a bricklayer) would very much agree with you Rolex owe nobody anything but what we do see is more of a general direction of travel, certain watches becoming more and more expensive and we are constantly seeing an attempt to justify this with the following- More gold more diamonds, Let’s turn the datejust into a dogs dinner. we are seeing a little bit too much of this in certain areas.
The problem in general terms is that there is a part of all this is akin to shuffling the chairs on the Titanic. The watch industry does not have a Steve Jobs that crushed us with innovations we didn’t dare dream of…which flared out to entire new branches of our lives and made permanent changes in the social fabric. By contrast, watches have generally reached the peak of their utility to our life a long time ago. So what does it come down to now…other than aesthetics? To be fair..sure movements can continue to improve..but they are already well beyond necessary utility today. So where does it all go, other than just waiting for a change in a new product lineup…that, for the most part doesn’t even follow the design maxim: “form follows function!” It all seems to come down to un-ending fainting spells when a new case or bezel or bracelet does not live up to your expectations. I love watches. I have only one..a 20 year old Breitling and aesthetically I do really like some of the new introductions..not surprisingly..Tudor has entered my preview..but with that..why?..other than that’s it’s a nice new thing. By contrast, a brand new Porsche will sport a brand new form while blowing a twenty year old Porsche off the track. I have no such expectations should I eventually spring for that new Tudor.
Some understand the psychology of marketing, and some do not! Some also understand the economic concept of value for money. You know the folks that purchased their Rolex from China, or Turkey!
I agree with you about the Rolex Explorer 2 being the last 'tool' watch however i think the Deep Sea in stainless is very much a tool watch. If i was working as an operator on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean somewhere, i would have the Deep Sea on my wrist even if im too small for it. I think there is an argument to be made that the Deep is a tool and not a cosmetic over statement.
You make some great points Oisin, Rolex gets constantly criticised yet remains the most sought after watch brand in the world whether the haters like it or not.
I am not sure it was the UA-camrs that started the Pepsi being discontinued rumours, it was the Grey dealers who wanted to push the prices up on the pre-owned market that started it. They whispered this into the ears of the UA-camrs who then caught on and spread it. More Grey market trader shenanigans!
All great points! You nailed it! I’ve always made the point that Rolex is selling luxury, not watches, and that Tudor today is what Rolex used to be. The OP, Explorer I & II are indeed the only remaining actual tool watches from Rolex. I’d much rather get a vintage or neo-vintage Rolex than today’s models. Regarding the releases this week, no one asked for a Tudor Cherry Coke GMT, they wanted a Rolex GMT MII Coke. Now there are 4 Tudor GMTs, in 3 different cases. No one is going to pay $30K for a solid gold Tudor. The Tudor Monochrome looks like a Submariner, further cementing that Tudor is a poor man’s Rolex. Lastly, the Clair de Rose is the only normal release but it’s a ladies watch so I’m not buying it. Tudor and Rolex releases this year are worthless, for me.
“Rolex is the torch bearer”? Nah here are some things Rolex was late to the party with: ceramic bezels, solid end links, milled clasps, silicon hairspring, in-house movements, sapphire caseback
Like Henry Ford supposedly said... "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.”
Love this.
@ @heiner71 beat me to it :)
Very relevant! Look at how the green dial, yellow gold daytona is now one of the most sought after rolex watches on the grey market...who the fuck was ever asking for a green dial, yellow gold daytona?
Or you can have any color you like as long as it’s black!
@@Leftystrat Correct, which then caused Ford to lose marketshare to GM who would paint their car any color.
Two decades ago I met a Rolex rep on a trip to Thailand at the hotel pool and had a discussion about the watch business. what he said to me then made me think and it still holds true today, he said they were not in the watch business, they were in the LUXURY business! End of story.
Rolex is Rolex, in part, because it moves at a glacial pace. UA-camrs say they want more, but would complain if they got it. The brand knows what it is doing
It took me over 15 mins to say what you just said in one sentence.
It's more this than it is anything else. They are *going* to reissue the Coke...next year...or in 5 years, but they will. That was a good call. What wasn't a good call was when people said they were going to do it, specifically, this year. The rumors about the difficulty manufacturing the Pepsi bezel are probably true, but the deduction about it resulting in not only the discontinuation but, more specifically, the discontinuation this year of the Pepsi were wrong.
While I agree with many of the points you make, I also think this video misses an important mark. It's all entertainment. We watch Rolex videos because of click-bait titles, rumors, and controversy. All elements that this video also has!
Indeed. I just take issue when it's proper misleading. Folks were sure the Pepsi was done and waitlists were over. It's reckless.
Yeah but UA-cam is saturated with this garbage content about Rolex predictions, rumours of discontinuation etc as the brand is essentially for suckers.
@You mean the internet is full of fake news and misinformations ? *shock, horror * 😅
Stop it, this isn't entertainment, it's Sparta 💪
Tag released a whole ass split seconds Monaco and no one cares, while Rolex makes their gmt master 2 bezel grey and everyone goes ballistic.
I’m 4 years in the watch game and it became apparent very quickly that the majority of all the watch youtubers are a bunch of saps, taking through their Swiss Roll half the time.
The ‘production issues’ of the Pepsi being the big one for me, so Rolex can produce the Pepsi ceramic bezel for 10 years and all of a sudden in 2023/24 there are ‘production issues’ and every UA-camr is an expert on it all saying the same thing, it’s just filler content for all of those saps haha.
You’re the only one on here that tells it like it is, real talk!
Thanks from Dublin, Ireland
I agree about the Pepsi bezel. I don't even think a production difficulty would phaze them. What's important is that the fact that Rolex aren't listening. All of our noise doesn't even reach their ears. They have a vision that is much bigger and i'm not speaking about dollars. I respect the brand because of this.
@I find it impossible to believe Rolex struggle to produce the Pepsi bezel yet China is churning out these bezels with ease for the fake Market... And they are almost impossible to pick. Only the movement is where it comes undone.. and that is even difficult to spot nowadays.
Thanks
Rolex is the crown. Tudor is the shield that protects the crown. Do not get that confused
Yep, well said, great point
One of the best sayings! 👑 🛡️
The *BIG* Crown.
Cheers
Love this.
Most people do not have the self awareness enough to realize that they prefer slight emotional chaos.
Yes - Oisin. you pretty much nailed it about Rolex (& Tudor) About marketing - about who leads who - about the way Rolex ends up being the cool guy.
The 1908, for me is my favorite release from Rolex ever. I may not have the means of obtaining one, but what an amazing watch.
Grey dealer YT channels had incorrectly predicted the end of the John Mayer Daytona for 3 years straight for no other reason than driving up the price of their inventory. When it finally was discontinued along with the panda their next target was always going to be the pepsi. I wouldnt trust a word that comes out of their lips.
Bunch of small hat wearing grifters
Bro you said what my heart wants to say 😅😅
Yes, Rolex is above the "normal" but not completely out of touch - and Tudor is the partner to touch base. Perfect combination. Invented by Hans Wilsdorf - some 100 years ago (1926) - what a genius.
too bad youtube doesn't feature a "double like" - yet, here you go! 👍👍
The only disappointment in Rolex is that we can’t walk in to an AD and buy one without having to wait wait wait.
That is not Rolex's fault.
ADs fault
Society is to blame!
@ It 100% is. If demand for product A, B, C, and D is low and product E is high then most manufacturers would make more E to meet that demand. Rolex has decided to keep over producing low demand models. AD's then have to paywall the sale of high demand models behind the purchase of low demand models.
Ferrari is famous for doing this, anyone with enough money can walk into a Ferrari dealer and buy a Roma, but if you want something special like a SP3? Well you have to be invited to purchase one, and the only way to be invited to is already own Ferrari's. The difference is Rolex makes more watches in a year than all the cars Ferrari has made in its entire history put together. Its simply not sustainable for Rolex, they aren't special beyond their own artificial scarcity.
Recently my mother wanted to buy my father a retirement gift, she knew he wanted a watch with a tachymeter. So she did a bit of research, picked out a few she liked, drove to the Rolex AD, walked in and asked to buy a Daytona. The AD jerked her around for a while trying to sell her other watches and jewelry before finally admitting she couldn't buy a Daytona. She left and went to the Omega dealer a few miles away and left the shop less than 30 minutes later with a Speedmaster.
@ Really? They have no shareholders to report to, so never actually publish how many pieces they produce, and hence release into circulation. 1m is just an estimate. Yes, popularity is increasing, but let's not kid ourselves that they don't play the: restrict supply, to create demand game either
Excellent Commentary. Rolex has a mind of their own. And with UNLIMITED $$$$$ and market appeal, it is not likely to change in our lifetime. 'Listen to consumers - forget about it'.
Brillant vid & commentary Oisin! You are so right about all that! Always want what we can’t possess…
I never thought Rolex would discontinue the Pepsi, nor did I think they would discontinue the lefty GMT, and I never expected Rolex to discontinue the fluted motif dials, but why would I or anyone not working for Rolex? What I imagine Rolex does is listen to the crowd and give they what they "want" in Tudor form, hence why we now have a Tudor Coke GMT, but Rolex does as it pleases with Rolex, no matter what people say.
Pretty aggressive take since you made a Rolex prediction video last month…
*But Oisin isn't whining like a bitch about not getting what he wanted.*
Take a look at the thumbnail of that video.
In my experience, people who are driven to accumulate wealth also tend to like to show it off. Nothing wrong with that and a brilliant and lucrative move on the part of Rolex to capitalise on that. It is a mistake however, and quite arrogant, to assume that everybody fits that particular profile.
15:10 Love this episode Oisin. Spot on. The analogy with bands (ACDC are my go to since seeing them
live at the Red Cow in Hammersmith as a nipper…) is so true. Keep up the great work 👍🏻
I'm glad there's an entire industry that caters to wealthy fools for whom watches are not about precision or accuracy.
Thank you, yes you're right about Tudor. No Rolex didn't give anyone what they want. They will never listen to the small watch collector community.
I’ve been going to visit Venice since I was 14 years old, now I’m 71 a widower, love my Rolex Yachtmaster Everose with Oysterflex bracelet, what should I do next?
Rolex
Always LEAD and we ENJOY all the watches
Rolex Submariner
The most ironic watch ever
Absolutely Brilliant
Cheers
TUDOR
Born To Dare
The U2 example at 8:25. I liked The Unforgettable Fire as an album. However U2 in various concert tours after 1985 played very little from that album. The interesting thing is that album broke them into larger venues in North America, such as hockey arenas. Before the band was playing clubs on earlier stops in Canada and the U.S. For example, their first stop in Toronto had less than 300 people in the audience. The Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum were albums that pushed U2 into playing stadium size gigs. I am sure the same discussion occurs in 2023 and 2024 shows at The Sphere in Las Vegas. U2 chose to focus on their 1991 album Achtung Baby for the Vegas shows, with a few other songs from their catalogue. There were fans complaining about not hearing the older songs. Same when the band toured a few years back focusing on The Joshua Tree album. I have heard the same from fans at concerts for The Who, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Paul McCartney, and others. The bigger your song catalogue, the more the disappointment.
You're allowed to be sad you didn't hear your favorite song. What you're not allowed do is complain. It's not a restaurant. It's an artist. BTW, i also love the Unforgettable Fire. All that Brian Eno stuff is gold. They had him back for 'No line on the Horizon' which, if you remove the silly single on it, it's an amazing album.
@ I agree. Brian Eno does amazing work. Daniel Lanois is another amazing musician and producer who worked with U2. I am partial since Lanois is a Canadian hailing from Hamilton Ontario, my hometown. I used to frequent the same pub as his sister and brother. That pub served great pints of Guinness.
@@BunnyWatson-k1w Lanois and Eno were opposites. It created a balance of cerebral and whispy wandering. Lanois has the heart and Eno has the brain.
9:54 Two of the world's most iconic brands. Went about it completely differently. I would argue that there's more fans than haters but the haters are the louder bunch. Rolex and McDonald's are two brands that people "quietly support."
I'm glad you caught that. What did i do to deserve such a sharp audience?
• "Rolex are not in the business of giving us what we want. We are in the business of wanting what they give us."
• "We want Rolex to not care about us."
• "I don't give a sh*t what you want. I'm Rolex; you follow me motherf*cker!"
• "They literally don't give a flying f*ck what you care about, what you want and what the market is doing. They're outside of it; they're above it."
Never have truer words been spoken! Thank you Oisin.
I agree with your analogy About bands playing new songs. Did people in the 1950s obsess over pocket watches? No
With a value share of >30% (excluding Tudor) of the entire Swiss Watch market, to some extent Roles ARE the category.....so go figure....
You are 100% right!! Al these UA-camrs think they are experts and are in the know.. but when they are wrong they are crying and blaming Rolex…
Funny story about the submariner. Ten years ago i was scuba diving in Fuerteventura, one of my dive buddies was a German guy with a beautiful submariner. He joked: "Yes it's a very capable watch to dive with." while stowing it in his locker and putting his dive computer on the wrist.
If you calculate the average price of the 2024 Rolex releases, what do you get? Is that amount at an “aspirational brand” price level?
Enjoyed the analysis Oisin. I've been scrubbed from a couple UA-camrs comments because I don't care to hold back. I even had one reach out and ask to "take this offline". Of course I never responded, you don't scrub my comment then ban me only to come back later wanting to talk "offline". The click bait titles are as insufferable as the obligatory pulled face photos that invariably accompany them. Concerning Rolex this year, the GMT is incongruent with the SS line; the bottom half of the bezel is the colour used for the 24hr hand and the GMT is written in white. The GRNR fails because it retreads the LN's path using green for both. I agree, Rolex is the Pied Piper but the piper missed a note with the GRNR.
Grand Seiko released a 45k rose gold watch with only 80 available.
man! you are the only watch youtuber i followed! your talk make sense
More gold and less steel. Rolex are after the wealthy, not the middle class.
I agree. They have to keep their prestige. And Tudor is the perfect way to soften the blow.
You the man. UA-cam is all click bait. It’s all opinions. Kind of like professional wrestling to a point.
Awesome video. You are at the top of UA-cam produced content my man. Keep up the great work.
Totally agree Oisin, they all get so hyped up about their own predictions… just to sell content
Thanks for pointing out the good looks of the 1908. very overlooked. Keep up the good work.
Brutally honest but right. It’s Rolex’s play and you’re lucky to be in the audience.
Fantástico! Y cierto que solo tu acertaste con el GMT. Por otro lado me alegra ver que por fin metes un patrocinador... hay que vivir acorde a los tiempos y tu trabajo se lo merece!
Fellows: do not ask what Rolex can do for you - ask what you can do for Rolex.
Seiko does the same. They listen to our desires and then specifically avoid putting those options in affordable watches. You want it, you pay over $1000.
But that's affordable 🤣 🤷♀️.
To suggest that Seiko is keeping things from the watch buying public by pricing at $1k is a joke.
@@EricBishard well I buy sub $300 watches.
@@EricBishardDude the vast majority of people live in 3rd world countries, and any watch purchase above $100 is almost impossible.
apologies for the tangent, but if someone could please tell me the make and model of the illuminated magnifying lamp used at @6:27. I would appreciate it thx
I thought I was the only one! Great video and I can’t agree more. All the luxury brands do what they want , always have, always will!
Love you man, keep delivering the “truth”
Not sure I’m there with you on this one Oisin. I’m not disappointed by Rolex, I think they are just chasing the higher end market. And that’s been happening for years. So no surprise. That’s not a boss move. let’s look at artisan watchmakers for boss moves.
It's a misconception that Rolex owns Turdor. In fact, both Tudor and Rolex are owned by the Hans Wisldorf Foundation - they both share the same parent non-profit foundation as owner. They are separate entities, with separate manufactures. Rolex movements are not contained within Tudor watches, nor are designs shared, or extended between the two. That was the past. Cohesion exists and I am certain those meetings are numerous, but quiet. It would be very interesting to learn how that guides what Tudor does.
This UA-camr absolutely loves the gold DeepSea. I've never even thought of owning a Tudor. You're absolutely right on all points. We adore Rolex because they're a leader, not a follower. They have the guts to put out a gold DeepSea.
Of course all companies do what they want. That’s the way things are but people can be disappointed or dissatisfied as it is normal. Thus far things have been disappointing for most people and that’s it.
If one more person told me the pepsi was going to be discontinued....my god!
As you said, many people may let go of the idea of diving with a modern Rolex. I choose to wear a sub 126610LV diving all the time. I wear it every day and wouldn’t choose anything else.
Plus, for regular people who don't buy gray market and aren't whales with their AD... we may still be waiting to get the call on a release from several years ago. I don't need them to come out with some insane watch that I have to have... because I won't be able to get it. I have my 2 tone rootbeer... and I am waiting on my jubilee BLNR. and thats all I am going to have for quite a long time most likely
Were you in Wham?
Lmfao!
Think i saw Chris Evans too.
Rolex is the beautiful girl you covet. She knows you want her and therefore you can't have her. However, you can have her mate who you don't really fancy.
😆
Good point about Rolex leading and customers following . The same could be said about Apple, particularly when Jobs was alive.
So true. Apple always gave people things they didn't know they wanted yet. This is a leadership.
I was underwhelmed by Rolex releases this year. The discontinuation of the Daytona Le Mans was ridiculous. Tudor is knocking it out of the park. Although not a new release I can’t take my new to me Tudor GMT 41 off my wrist, it has replaced my Submariner for the foreseeable future, until I miss it and want to wear it again. Too much gilt on new Tudor GMT 58, obviously haven’t seen it in person only in pictures.
Every watch blogger or vlogger who starts with "my view is..." is missing the point 100%.....it's all about how the CATEGORY is trending globally that drives product strategy.....sorry to burst that particular bubble guys & gals :(
You're mostly right. People do buy the Rolex not the other way around, on that I agree. However, U2 is no longer writing songs that have the mass appeal they used to have. What makes Rolex so amazing is their ability to predict what people want or what people don't yet know they want, and they've been doing it far longer than U2 was writing #1 hits.
I agree. Can you imagine Ferrari building a car because this is what enthusiasts want?
There is a lot of click-bait for algorithm results on UA-cam. For example, videos that say “Rolex killer”. I never clicked on these.
Of all things that can be predicted, the future is the hardest one.
An yes, Tudor is great, but people sometimes forget they belong to Rolex, or the HW Foundation.
Great video
I personally think Tudor are more robust and sturdy watches but it's a nostalgia room. That new GMT is a 6542. It's just a "if we made it with what we know now" version.
@ good way to put it. Thinking about your U2 analogy, the last time I went to see Paul McCartney he didn’t play Yesterday.
Wait, so this is a watch UA-camr talking about Rolex telling watch UA-camrs to shut the fu
Hollywood gave the critics what they wanted for a couple of years now. That turned out so "great"
Better just to follow your own gut. I'm not a fan of Rolex, and it has nothing to do with youtubers
Okay, so I'm an Omega fanboy, so my opinon would be considered biased by some, but IMHO I clearly understand that Rolex does not give a flying "F" about what the consumer thinks...they only give an "F" about what they think they can get the consumer to spend $$$ on...because capitalism...
Lots of valid points. I liked you talked watches and not politics…thanks for that.
What other UA-camrs' predictions are based on the Pulse of the Market expecting the "Brand" to Fill the Market's Wants so nothing wrong & everything right with that.
"Brand" knows this very well but Refuse to Satisfy these Wants maybe to Tease the Market or are made to WAIT on top of the WAITLIST.
As for me, I already have Brand Fatigue refuse to play their games thus have happily Moved on to other Brands
At the end of the day it's fine.. the whole point of Rolex is to be unattainable to the mass. There's plenty of demand out there for them regardless (like you basically said they have everyones wanker on a string). I think if/when the Tudor Coke gmt sells like crazy, Rolex will do it again. I think they did fine
Excellent vid, 100% on point about the boss Rolex but you know next year the you tubers will go through it all again
And until then, we'll get a list of watches going for under retail. SMH.
I agree but the base on my experience there are no waiting lists in Rolex it is either luck or relationship I had both of this two choices came true the luck choice was in 2019I went into and AD first time ask for a Batman they asked for my cellphone and in six months I got the call for a Batgirl since then I had been asking them for another watch with no luck, 5 years ago I went to another AD this time one of the most luxurious not Rolex AD it is a Rolex Boutique in San Diego got the NO answer but I made a friend relationship with the manager now in 9 days I am picking my brand new stainless steel date sub with no prior purchases with them. This is the truth of how can you get yours!
Great video 👏. Very level headed and insightful. It gave me a new perspective on Rolex and also the Rolex/Tudor relationship.
Oisin any ideas as to why the new pieces are mostly bling? Is it a target to ladies, richer individuals, or to steer attn away from sports, or otherwise?
At nkuwan it's not just a bag; it's an art piece. Each design is crafted with unique inspiration and craftsmanship.
The exquisite production process reveals not just a bag, but a fashionable feast for the senses.
It’s not just the UA-camr channels though. I’ve seen the forums, Reddit, and other places all very very disappointed or bored with Rolex’s release this year.
But at the same time the same ones complaining about the new GMT black and grey will be the first ones to say “Yes Please” if they are offered the watch .
The Rolex / Tudor marketing department is brilliant and not only that but how Rolex sets up their future business model is way ahead of anyone else out there in the watch industry .
People still don’t understand there is a method that Rolex is 3 steps ahead of the masses .
How do you become a 10 billion dollar a year Goliath if some may seem not to like Rolex .
Rolex is the top of the watch food chain and they scatter chum out all the time and it’s eaten up like candy .
Tudor is the Rolex test kitchen that has the free will to create amazing new designs but Rolex has the control of what and when Tudor releases .
It’s clear that Rolex is pushing Omega and the Swatch group aside .
Tudor has Kenissi and is pushing the sister brand to now frontiers .
It's everybody, your friends, everyone, it's so boring 😴
Thank you for the entertainment as always
As for Rolex's decision to not discontinue the Pepsi, that's a direct result of dealers, collectors, and speculators hoarding the model. Rolex wants to control not only the brand new Rolex watch market, but also the preowned market. That's why it has its Certified Preowned watches for sale. Imagine all of these inflated prices for the gray or preowned market--how is Rolex supposed to sell their brand new watches at retail next to their certified preowned watches of the same model? Rolex makes and sells about a million watches a year, and at that pace, it makes no sense for that price difference and model. People will lose confidence in the brand, as it'll come off as overhyped, overpriced, and overrated at its current offerings. It _sounds_ like a good phenomenon to have for Rolex, but that's all only in the short run. In the medium to long run, they'll have to dump their Rolex (relatively) NOS, and that will yield an adverse effect on prices to retail below RRP. All the while, competitors will gladly position themselves to sell at a more reasonably priced offering. Think of it as a microcosm of the business cycle, or as a central bank attempting to avoid a high or even hyperinflationary episode.
On a lighter note... so what's the nickname for the black-gray GMT? I was going to say "Raiders" but that American football team is not well known around the world. There's Nintendo and Samsung, but those are companies and not individual items, characters, or things used to reference Rolex models like Batman, Pepsi, Smurf, Blueberry, Cookie Monster, Starbucks, Panda, etc. Maybe koala or raccoon?
Love every single video you post👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥂
Thank you. Great video!
The 1908 is really the only brilliant piece I see from Rolex’ releases…
I dont care what youtubers say, I really like new gmt master and day date.
Oisin, I am in awe of the great production of your videos and the background scenes. Rolex just does what it does and if you like a watch you buy in the grey market. I never go near a Rolex AD to buy a new one, it’s just not worth the effort, I just get my grey market ones serviced there. The recent fall in the grey market means I can buy almost new for either less than the new price or just over. Going to an AD to buy is now almost completely irrelevant. Long may that last.
Brilliantly expressed. Best Rolex 2024 release video so far!
Not a bad insight for a bass player😂 Totaly dug It and now I know where your rock and roll attitude is coming from. Kudos to you mr O Malley!
Pianist first. 😎
Diving with gold makes perfect sense. Why do pirates have a gold earring? Gold is the only metal that won't rust or corrode in salt water over long periods if time. It's the premium functioning metal for the task.
And a thumbs up for a great honest video!
I don’t know about Rolex let us down , when I was growing up until about 10 years ago you did not just see Rolex watches on the wrists of wealthy people. I saw them on the wrists of people who were painters and decorators. You could save up and you could afford a Rolex watch because Rolex were not patek ( my dad had a patek and he was a bricklayer) would very much agree with you Rolex owe nobody anything but what we do see is more of a general direction of travel, certain watches becoming more and more expensive and we are constantly seeing an attempt to justify this with the following- More gold more diamonds, Let’s turn the datejust into a dogs dinner. we are seeing a little bit too much of this in certain areas.
Beautifully said, and boy do I love the film clips, bravo! The last word I want to hear on my death bed is Oisin say "Horse Shit" 🤣
And this is why you have the best watch channel in this space 👍👏👏👏
Spot on. And honestly, the way it should be…
How refreshing to hear complete sense and not a load of bull 👍
Great stuff Oisin !!!
I hope some day they switch all models away from steel to gold.
And diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.
Stainless steel is for the peasants.
Forget gold, it's platinum or nothing. Gold is for poor people pretending to be rich 😂😂😂.
The problem in general terms is that there is a part of all this is akin to shuffling the chairs on the Titanic. The watch industry does not have a Steve Jobs that crushed us with innovations we didn’t dare dream of…which flared out to entire new branches of our lives and made permanent changes in the social fabric. By contrast, watches have generally reached the peak of their utility to our life a long time ago. So what does it come down to now…other than aesthetics? To be fair..sure movements can continue to improve..but they are already well beyond necessary utility today. So where does it all go, other than just waiting for a change in a new product lineup…that, for the most part doesn’t even follow the design maxim: “form follows function!” It all seems to come down to un-ending fainting spells when a new case or bezel or bracelet does not live up to your expectations. I love watches. I have only one..a 20 year old Breitling and aesthetically I do really like some of the new introductions..not surprisingly..Tudor has entered my preview..but with that..why?..other than that’s it’s a nice new thing. By contrast, a brand new Porsche will sport a brand new form while blowing a twenty year old Porsche off the track. I have no such expectations should I eventually spring for that new Tudor.
Epic perspective. Good work man
Some understand the psychology of marketing, and some do not! Some also understand the economic concept of value for money. You know the folks that purchased their Rolex from China, or Turkey!
I agree with you about the Rolex Explorer 2 being the last 'tool' watch however i think the Deep Sea in stainless is very much a tool watch. If i was working as an operator on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean somewhere, i would have the Deep Sea on my wrist even if im too small for it. I think there is an argument to be made that the Deep is a tool and not a cosmetic over statement.
You make some great points Oisin, Rolex gets constantly criticised yet remains the most sought after watch brand in the world whether the haters like it or not.
I am not sure it was the UA-camrs that started the Pepsi being discontinued rumours, it was the Grey dealers who wanted to push the prices up on the pre-owned market that started it. They whispered this into the ears of the UA-camrs who then caught on and spread it. More Grey market trader shenanigans!
All great points! You nailed it! I’ve always made the point that Rolex is selling luxury, not watches, and that Tudor today is what Rolex used to be. The OP, Explorer I & II are indeed the only remaining actual tool watches from Rolex. I’d much rather get a vintage or neo-vintage Rolex than today’s models. Regarding the releases this week, no one asked for a Tudor Cherry Coke GMT, they wanted a Rolex GMT MII Coke. Now there are 4 Tudor GMTs, in 3 different cases. No one is going to pay $30K for a solid gold Tudor. The Tudor Monochrome looks like a Submariner, further cementing that Tudor is a poor man’s Rolex. Lastly, the Clair de Rose is the only normal release but it’s a ladies watch so I’m not buying it. Tudor and Rolex releases this year are worthless, for me.
spot on, great work.
“Rolex is the torch bearer”? Nah here are some things Rolex was late to the party with: ceramic bezels, solid end links, milled clasps, silicon hairspring, in-house movements, sapphire caseback