I put my name on the waitlist for an OP a few months back, and I’ve cut down my collection and been saving up every cent, in preparation for the day I get the call. I’m at a point now where I can afford some grey market offerings, as well as the OP, but I’ve begun to question if I really want to become a Rolex owner. As much as I love Rolex and Tudor, more and more of what I have been seeing tells me that perhaps this isn’t the brand for me. I’ve been considering upgrading to a grey market JLC Polaris for that reason.
Other fantastic brands to consider are Omega, Grand Seiko, and Vacheron Constantin. You will be amazed at the choices. Plus these brands are available and affordable.
In other words, people with lots of money that don’t think twice about spending it. Ballers, rappers, film stars, celebrities that can make more money fast.
The CEO of Rolex participated in a panel at watches & wonders (very rare thing). He mentioned a contraction in the lower end of the market and most notably in Asia. The watches channel also noted this drop in exports.
China is really slowing down, with no relief in sight soon. But of course Mr. Rolex said it's the lower end. But actually, the major drop is happening at the high end of the luxury market. The data is very clear.
Compared to other luxury brands, Rolex watches are not 'rare' at all. Buying Tag puts you in a smaller club than Rolex, and even moreso if you go Patek or A.Lange. Like you said, Rolex is all about marketing, and they have been extremely successful at assigning powerful meaning to their logo/brand. No doubt their watches are great, but their tactics are not appealing. The precious metals overload on the new watches is tacky, and I couldn't imagine them being too popular outside of some parts of Asia and the Middle East.
I'm editing a video analyzing the precious metal pricing issues of Rolex. Should be out in a few days. Would love a Lange! It's my dream watch. But the prices make it out of reach for me, sadly.
I do find it interesting how Rolex is finding, and expanding, their success by moving up the luxury tree not via complications but just more diamonds and precious metals. When you look at other brands you find that precious metal bracelets are a relatively rare and small part of the catalog, whereas Rolex seems only capable of adding more gold to justify higher prices (looking at you new 18kt Deepsea!). However, given the huge amount of demand the brand has is mostly for steel, I think they are trying to expand production it just isn't an on/off switch. They need more factories, more access to materials, they can't just add more contractors because of how vertically integrated they've become. To maintain their quality and expand takes time but I think Rolex would find their value would hold just fine even if they doubled their output (as those precious models are going to remain lower production, it's just more steel that they really need to output). Because so much of their target market are people that are not "watch people", these folks are not used to being told "no, you have to join our waitlist or buy a bunch of pointless jewelry first." Rolex risks driving potential customers into other brands or other luxury goods by the vast unavailability for even their entry-level models. You shouldn't have to wait for an entry-level piece, the notion that Oyster Perpetuals are on a waitlist is absurd and I think Rolex is deeply worried about this long-term and why we see them onboarding more factories. Nice video!
Thanks! I believe they are planning to increase production. But one thing they can do even before is move into precious metals. Their margins are higher.
It's already happened. Many Ppl have given up waiting for the call and moved to other brands while pieces have conveniently landed in the hands of flippers and grey market resellers at a ridiculous premium
Now that Rolex owns Bucherer, it makes perfect sense to crank out more precious metal and gem filled watches (highest profit watches). They will ship the bulk of those to Bucherer where they keep 100% of the sales price instead of giving a 40% discount to their AD's. This play by Rolex is good, old fashioned margin expansion. I would not be surprised if Rolex phases out all AD's in the next 10 years as it opens more Bucherer location.
I agree with what you said. I’ve studied the company and its complete history. They spend millions and millions of dollars pay influencers to market their watches to sell aspiring and high society lifestyle. I just got the call from Steve to get my GMT and I must say Rolex knows what they are doing. The quality and opulence is top tier
It's all hype now with Rolex. The cost of making a watch /Rolex stainless is $100.00 in materials. Then slap a $12,000 price tag on it. I have always loved Rolex, but I am now switching to Omega. I also like to work on watch movements. Don't get me started on trying to obtain parts. This is Bullsh!t what rolex and omega do. This should be against the law. You should be able to fix your own watch if you want to.
Hey Kim, it's your bubby @SimonB here. I blame Nico for the excessive hype. His watch shaming and hype culture delivery has a significant effect on what the normies learn.
Younger and middle aged corporate people in Europe are heavily invested into fitness and health, and Garmin and Apple has a huge market there. And luxury products is considered non grata and unsustainable in many layers of society
I actually love my smartwatch. When I was having health problem, it helped me to lose weight and get fit. Agreed that as a pct of the total population, traditional watches buyers will continue to shrink. We'll still be around, but it's going to be really niche.
All this is true; it's just a reminder that people have their priorities all wrong: if a watch is instantly recognisable as conferring wealth and status to the average person... that's the best reason in the world NOT to buy it. All you're going to do is attract the attention of muggers or- at best- wannabe social climbers! Also, have people totally forgotten the very real social cache that comes from NOT showing off one's wealth through conspicuous consumption? People genuinely admire Warren Buffet partly because lives frugally despite his luck and skill in investing. People admire Chow Yun Fat for living a modest lifestyle and giving most of his wealth to good causes. I'd love to see you do a deep dive on the potential negative consequences of conspicuous consumption and excessive interest in veblen goods on an economy.
I never understood this. Obviously one has to use common sense regarding what one wears on which occasion but there seems to be a downright aversion against owning nice things these days. Especially if it is recognisable. Theft is as old as ownership and yet people in the past were apparently fine wearing things made from gold or with branding or whatever else seems to be looked down upon these days. What is the point of having money if you aren't spending it? And what it the point of buying something expensive if it doesn't look nice and expensive? Because it makes other people feel bad, jealous?
@@BobbyTable well surely the point of having money is to use it *wisely*. That's what's actually "admirable" for want of a better term. Buying a veblen good is by any practical measure a "waste" of money, but there are degrees of waste. Buying an item JUST to show off to other people isn't just unwise, it's also self-indulgent. But as regards the theft angle, people historically DID buy all kinds of pointless things that attracted attention from thieves, and they often had to spend even more money to buy extra security just to offset that initial, unwise, decision. It's just not practical. It's an objective waste of a high degree.
@@kennethg9277 I think my mind is much too simple. If something makes a person happy, then it isn't really a waste of money. If showing off makes a person happy then money spent on things that only serve that purpose isn't wasted, it just means the individual in question isn't very nice. But I think we can agree that if the only reason is to flex, then something is wrong. Okay. I generally don't think I flex. I don't rub my vacations under people's nose. I wear my watches under a cuff. But I like seeing a nice watch on my wrist when I look and I like roasting my ass in the sun and going for a swim. It makes me happy so that money isn't wasted even if spent on something that is entirely unnecessary and serves no practical purpose whatsoever. Is there a degree of inconvenience when wearing an expensive recognisable watch, yes, but well worth the trade off (to me). I have to pack a bag to go on vacation too and deal with a language barrier in some cases, yet I still enjoy it. I think society is far too radical and look for "what X says about you" type of labels and, in extreme cases, wants shame people for owning nice things. I like to avoid "you think you're better than us" arguments but I stopped caring. Instead of giving people the benefit of the doubt, most people are perfectly decent after all, and complementing a nice thing or achievement some people are just looking for a debate. I probably work 80h per week on average, I don't need to be humble all the time, nor do I feel the need to be admired for using my money wisely. If someone doesn't want anything to do with me due to the things I wear, great, I want nothing to do with people who will judge solely by my appearance anyway.
I think the '24 focus on precious high price point pieces will serve as another downward push on the grey flipper market, and once they get more control over their own watch sales, then they will introduce more steel lower price point pieces again.
Interesting POV on Rolex. After digesting Rolex's new models at Watches & Wonders, it seems like Rolex wants to shift away from tool watches toward high end/high price/high profit precious metal jeweled watches. Rolex could be abandoning it's middle class buyers. Time will tell.
@@mywatchjourney6579 I look forward to it! I enjoy your econimist perspective on the watch market. I am not sure what ecinomists call it, but Rolex has made the unobtainium experience so bad that I bought an Omega recently.
Don’t draw a curve through 1 data point. For all we know next yr or 2026, whenever the major economies rebound, Rolex will roll out a number of SS models. Also, think about wealth: a lot of upper middle class/lower upper class people can spend $7-20k on watches - where the most popular Rolex models sit. But once you go to the $20-40k region, the number of people drops significantly. Also, then Rolex starts competing with higher quality watches. So I think this ‘Rolex is leaving SS for Tudor and going precious metals only’ is ridiculous. If that was true they wouldn’t be building a new factory - no way they can sell 1.2M gold/plat/diamond watches.
Who cares? I care about my money and buying things I like. Fork the Swiss makers esp. Rolex. Go appreciate independence watch makers vs the commercialize brands.
Never cared for Rolex, after the quartz revolution they have become more and more about money than watches. Today I wouldn't want to be seen wearing a Rolex, as it would make me feel like a douchbag.
I don't see how Rolex is able to take care of "new customer base" as you mentioned around 6:50 in your video when retail is totally controlled by the unethical AD's that favor only their best of friends and flipper buddies thru the backdoor. I've never got a call from the AD's since I left my name on the mythical waitlist while also dropping by the outlet once in a while. It's been 6 plus years and I've moved on from that AD. Probably why as I'm one who will not bend over to buy unnecessary pieces or other jewelry to please them. Quite a sad industry spoiling the hobby for true collectors
I was speaking more to the marketing that drives their design decisions. But yes, ADs have poisoned the well for themselves as well as collectors. I place a huge part of the blame on Rolex for not responding to the surge in demand quickly enough. But things are finally starting to settle down. I'll discuss that in my next market update.
Accurate and part of the reason why I no longer own nor desire a Rolex. It’s certainly not the penultimate goal for me. It’s overall a fine but ultimately unremarkable. With millions in production per year, it’s not even rare or special. Being highly desired by the general public is not a draw for me
@@regsantotomas Yeah, I'm curious about Hanhart. I handled a Moser at the watch meet up and was impressed with the finishing. I wanted to make an offer but the guy didn't want to sell
Rolex goes for very loud. Not very classy. And not for a very classy audience. On another subject, do remember you cannot increase production of high end pieces easily, simply because you can't increase the number of highly-skilled watchmakers easily.
Solid perspectives. But to the question about Rolex’s W&W being boring… maybe Rolex started sensing the weakening of major economies around the world a year ago, held back some SS variants they had ready and released mostly precious metal pieces aimed at the super wealthy who usually yawn and continue spending in recessions.
I could see them holding off on new steel model designs. But not stockpiling new watches because that would be very expensive. I think they lost their head a bit with all the global demand and dreamed about moving up market. Just in time to run into the downturn haha.
Brands that have grown in past few years are Patek, RM, Vacheron, AP. These brands pose a threat to Rolex market share. The precious metal upgrades are a way of increasing value per unit. They already occupy mass market with 1.2 million units, huge compared to Patel’s 40k. With 30% market share, they need mass appeal. By avoiding complex watch movements, they can focus on reliability and recognition. Apple are often last to market with innovation, but it works. Rolex is a branding organisation, and as such are not interested in high horology. Tudor plays to the watch collecting crowd. And Tudor ranks 17th, behind the great horology of Hermes. Rolex are clever. How many watches tell the time with a date complication. On a black face. There’s 80% of catalogue. Throw in a few less complicated no dates, and a few chronographs and jobs done, for a third of the market.
As an owner of many Rolexes and many other watch brands to be honest in the end it’s just a watch. Don’t get caught up in the hype, theres plenty of other watches out there that are worth youre while and interesting. You should be buying watches for you, not what other people think. Marketing exists to con the consumer, so don’t be a tomato can.
Chow Yun Fat is a down to earth and very likeable guy. He also has indicated that he will give away his wealth for charity. However, I found no significant records of his donation. So far I believe it is his good intention to be fulfilled.
Guys, buy a Tudor. Guess what. No one except thieves give a shit about if you have a Rolex. They’re nice. But there are cooler and nicer watches out there for less money or the same with better specs, like JLC.
JLC definitely has the horological chops and should be considered higher than Rolex. But the public has no idea about them. I was going to do a video on this but got too busy.
Can you tell us watch enthusiasts what watch company came out with new watch technology? Seems like everyone has their head up their ass thinking thats what Rolex needs to come up with every year. I mean what technological advancement can a mechanical watch have that will make it better than what already is? Lets not be stupid and understand that Rolex already has what customers want, all they have to do is change dial colors, make watches in precious metal or add precious stones. I dont know why people criticize Rolex for not giving everyone what they want. Its ridiculous! You dont have to buy a Rolex you can go buy a Tudor or a Seiko or something else.
Yup. If we were talking real innovation, it would be something like radio sync to the atomic clock, etc. Only so much you can do with mechanical. There 'innovation' is changing dial colors and adding new metal alloys. Frederick Constant tried to do something with their Monolithic movement; but it looks like it failed.
There are never ground breaking revelations with Rolex. Only incremental changes. This what I love about Rolex. I have 13 Rolex, 5 AP and a Cartier.and a wonderful Oris dive watch lol.
Waitlist for mass produced watches is crazy 😂😂. Everybody and their mother owns a Rolex lol Rumor has it they will be no longer producing steel watches haha
Yeah, a good homage will do it for me. Wont spend even a dollar for a rolex...its the Casio of expensive watches and most rolex owners know nothing about collecting etc. Its Gs for me and microbrands and homages from china.
I think it's facinating how people see mechanical watch movements as this magical thing. I do agree the machining and execution and also the ability to mass produce these extremely small components with extremely small tolerances are impressive. However, though beautiful in nature, the simple physics mechanics in a mechanical watch, with the simple harmonic oscillations, the potential energy of the spring and kinetic energy loading the spring and being released again through the gears with their ratios of leverage are all really basic physics, that don't really impress me more than what a cheap quartz watch, at least in the consepts of the different physics involved... Don't get me wrong, I do have many different mehanical movements I appreciate for each of their own qualities, but I don't understand why people are thinking so highly of mechanical watches and belittles quartz movements the way they do.
@@mywatchjourney6579 I am not hating on anyone scamming others based on marketing. In fact, 99.9% of the female on this planet are scammers, leeches and shallow. I dont hate the player, I just hate the game. IMO, I would buy the following 4 watch brands and really dont give a shit what people think and plan on selling them. 1. Cartier 2. JLC 3. Grand Seiko 4. Vacheron Constantin. keep your bullshit Rolex and show it off to your friends and family.
@@sensible202 1st of all....anyone that say the word "brilliant" is a moron. In the US we say Wonderful or Smart. 2nd its a scam, retard. They are just scamming stupid people. I am not hating on the player.....im just hating the game cuz i didnt come up with it.
Who cares? I care about my money and buying things I like. Fork the Swiss makers esp. Rolex. Go appreciate independence watch makers vs the commercialize brands.
I put my name on the waitlist for an OP a few months back, and I’ve cut down my collection and been saving up every cent, in preparation for the day I get the call. I’m at a point now where I can afford some grey market offerings, as well as the OP, but I’ve begun to question if I really want to become a Rolex owner. As much as I love Rolex and Tudor, more and more of what I have been seeing tells me that perhaps this isn’t the brand for me. I’ve been considering upgrading to a grey market JLC Polaris for that reason.
I have a 2024 April DJ black dial Oyster bracelet never even tried on. Full box and papers for $9500 I will sell you.
@@rampantcolt I’m not in America and I’m not really in the market for a DJ. I appreciate the sentiment though.
@@dainluke anytime brother. Happy hunting.
Other fantastic brands to consider are Omega, Grand Seiko, and Vacheron Constantin. You will be amazed at the choices. Plus these brands are available and affordable.
I'm waiting for the call for a Sub myself. But JLC has technical chops that actually exceed Rolex.
In other words, people with lots of money that don’t think twice about spending it. Ballers, rappers, film stars, celebrities that can make more money fast.
The CEO of Rolex participated in a panel at watches & wonders (very rare thing). He mentioned a contraction in the lower end of the market and most notably in Asia. The watches channel also noted this drop in exports.
China is really slowing down, with no relief in sight soon. But of course Mr. Rolex said it's the lower end. But actually, the major drop is happening at the high end of the luxury market. The data is very clear.
Compared to other luxury brands, Rolex watches are not 'rare' at all. Buying Tag puts you in a smaller club than Rolex, and even moreso if you go Patek or A.Lange.
Like you said, Rolex is all about marketing, and they have been extremely successful at assigning powerful meaning to their logo/brand. No doubt their watches are great, but their tactics are not appealing.
The precious metals overload on the new watches is tacky, and I couldn't imagine them being too popular outside of some parts of Asia and the Middle East.
I'm editing a video analyzing the precious metal pricing issues of Rolex. Should be out in a few days. Would love a Lange! It's my dream watch. But the prices make it out of reach for me, sadly.
I do find it interesting how Rolex is finding, and expanding, their success by moving up the luxury tree not via complications but just more diamonds and precious metals. When you look at other brands you find that precious metal bracelets are a relatively rare and small part of the catalog, whereas Rolex seems only capable of adding more gold to justify higher prices (looking at you new 18kt Deepsea!).
However, given the huge amount of demand the brand has is mostly for steel, I think they are trying to expand production it just isn't an on/off switch. They need more factories, more access to materials, they can't just add more contractors because of how vertically integrated they've become. To maintain their quality and expand takes time but I think Rolex would find their value would hold just fine even if they doubled their output (as those precious models are going to remain lower production, it's just more steel that they really need to output). Because so much of their target market are people that are not "watch people", these folks are not used to being told "no, you have to join our waitlist or buy a bunch of pointless jewelry first." Rolex risks driving potential customers into other brands or other luxury goods by the vast unavailability for even their entry-level models. You shouldn't have to wait for an entry-level piece, the notion that Oyster Perpetuals are on a waitlist is absurd and I think Rolex is deeply worried about this long-term and why we see them onboarding more factories.
Nice video!
Thanks! I believe they are planning to increase production. But one thing they can do even before is move into precious metals. Their margins are higher.
It's already happened. Many Ppl have given up waiting for the call and moved to other brands while pieces have conveniently landed in the hands of flippers and grey market resellers at a ridiculous premium
Now that Rolex owns Bucherer, it makes perfect sense to crank out more precious metal and gem filled watches (highest profit watches). They will ship the bulk of those to Bucherer where they keep 100% of the sales price instead of giving a 40% discount to their AD's. This play by Rolex is good, old fashioned margin expansion. I would not be surprised if Rolex phases out all AD's in the next 10 years as it opens more Bucherer location.
I agree with what you said. I’ve studied the company and its complete history. They spend millions and millions of dollars pay influencers to market their watches to sell aspiring and high society lifestyle. I just got the call from Steve to get my GMT and I must say Rolex knows what they are doing. The quality and opulence is top tier
They have always been an 'influencer' marketing company. Even from the early days of the OP and Mercedes swimming the Channel.
Totally true. Rolex has the best brand in the world, but not the best watches.
Not the best brand, the most recognizable and marketed brand
It's all hype now with Rolex. The cost of making a watch /Rolex stainless is $100.00 in materials. Then slap a $12,000 price tag on it. I have always loved Rolex, but I am now switching to Omega. I also like to work on watch movements. Don't get me started on trying to obtain parts. This is Bullsh!t what rolex and omega do. This should be against the law. You should be able to fix your own watch if you want to.
In one of my later videos, I'm going to show how much hype has driven Rolex prices. It should be a fun time lol
You could say the same for the mark up on omega watches also .
Hey Kim, it's your bubby @SimonB here. I blame Nico for the excessive hype. His watch shaming and hype culture delivery has a significant effect on what the normies learn.
Hey Simon, yeah, it's a shame so many newbies learn from him. He's not even a 'watch expert'.
Very interesting points.
Thanks. My next Rolex video is going raise some hairs from fans, I think.
what are you talking about........they came out with a new steel GMT! 😂😂
And did you notice all the PM and diamond models?
Rolex put the GMT as a token gesture.
There will be more PM with diamonds/stones going forward.
Fewer stainless and PM only watches
Rolex has alienated me. Sold 5 and kept a SS Skydweller. No plans to buy anymore. Plenty of better values for those in the know.
For me, it's the Sub and then I'm likely out! Moving on to other brands.
Younger and middle aged corporate people in Europe are heavily invested into fitness and health, and Garmin and Apple has a huge market there. And luxury products is considered non grata and unsustainable in many layers of society
I actually love my smartwatch. When I was having health problem, it helped me to lose weight and get fit. Agreed that as a pct of the total population, traditional watches buyers will continue to shrink. We'll still be around, but it's going to be really niche.
All this is true; it's just a reminder that people have their priorities all wrong: if a watch is instantly recognisable as conferring wealth and status to the average person... that's the best reason in the world NOT to buy it. All you're going to do is attract the attention of muggers or- at best- wannabe social climbers!
Also, have people totally forgotten the very real social cache that comes from NOT showing off one's wealth through conspicuous consumption? People genuinely admire Warren Buffet partly because lives frugally despite his luck and skill in investing. People admire Chow Yun Fat for living a modest lifestyle and giving most of his wealth to good causes.
I'd love to see you do a deep dive on the potential negative consequences of conspicuous consumption and excessive interest in veblen goods on an economy.
I never understood this. Obviously one has to use common sense regarding what one wears on which occasion but there seems to be a downright aversion against owning nice things these days. Especially if it is recognisable. Theft is as old as ownership and yet people in the past were apparently fine wearing things made from gold or with branding or whatever else seems to be looked down upon these days.
What is the point of having money if you aren't spending it? And what it the point of buying something expensive if it doesn't look nice and expensive? Because it makes other people feel bad, jealous?
@@BobbyTable well surely the point of having money is to use it *wisely*. That's what's actually "admirable" for want of a better term. Buying a veblen good is by any practical measure a "waste" of money, but there are degrees of waste. Buying an item JUST to show off to other people isn't just unwise, it's also self-indulgent.
But as regards the theft angle, people historically DID buy all kinds of pointless things that attracted attention from thieves, and they often had to spend even more money to buy extra security just to offset that initial, unwise, decision. It's just not practical. It's an objective waste of a high degree.
@@kennethg9277 I think my mind is much too simple. If something makes a person happy, then it isn't really a waste of money. If showing off makes a person happy then money spent on things that only serve that purpose isn't wasted, it just means the individual in question isn't very nice. But I think we can agree that if the only reason is to flex, then something is wrong. Okay.
I generally don't think I flex. I don't rub my vacations under people's nose. I wear my watches under a cuff. But I like seeing a nice watch on my wrist when I look and I like roasting my ass in the sun and going for a swim. It makes me happy so that money isn't wasted even if spent on something that is entirely unnecessary and serves no practical purpose whatsoever. Is there a degree of inconvenience when wearing an expensive recognisable watch, yes, but well worth the trade off (to me). I have to pack a bag to go on vacation too and deal with a language barrier in some cases, yet I still enjoy it.
I think society is far too radical and look for "what X says about you" type of labels and, in extreme cases, wants shame people for owning nice things. I like to avoid "you think you're better than us" arguments but I stopped caring. Instead of giving people the benefit of the doubt, most people are perfectly decent after all, and complementing a nice thing or achievement some people are just looking for a debate. I probably work 80h per week on average, I don't need to be humble all the time, nor do I feel the need to be admired for using my money wisely. If someone doesn't want anything to do with me due to the things I wear, great, I want nothing to do with people who will judge solely by my appearance anyway.
It's sad but yes, we do need to consider safety. I live in an area where it's ok, but others may need to be concerned.
Modes of luxury consumption have changed. The Success/Win "grindset" type of person is all about flaunting and validation from outside sources
I think the '24 focus on precious high price point pieces will serve as another downward push on the grey flipper market, and once they get more control over their own watch sales, then they will introduce more steel lower price point pieces again.
Interesting POV on Rolex. After digesting Rolex's new models at Watches & Wonders, it seems like Rolex wants to shift away from tool watches toward high end/high price/high profit precious metal jeweled watches. Rolex could be abandoning it's middle class buyers. Time will tell.
My next video on Rolex will discuss that whole 'tool watch' thing. It'll make for some eye popping facts.
@@mywatchjourney6579 I look forward to it! I enjoy your econimist perspective on the watch market. I am not sure what ecinomists call it, but Rolex has made the unobtainium experience so bad that I bought an Omega recently.
Don’t draw a curve through 1 data point. For all we know next yr or 2026, whenever the major economies rebound, Rolex will roll out a number of SS models.
Also, think about wealth: a lot of upper middle class/lower upper class people can spend $7-20k on watches - where the most popular Rolex models sit. But once you go to the $20-40k region, the number of people drops significantly. Also, then Rolex starts competing with higher quality watches. So I think this ‘Rolex is leaving SS for Tudor and going precious metals only’ is ridiculous. If that was true they wouldn’t be building a new factory - no way they can sell 1.2M gold/plat/diamond watches.
I got many many watches from different brands. Only my Sub and my Hulk have appreciated since I bought them…
I've been waiting 6 months for the Sub. Hope I get the call soon. I also have eclectic tastes. Congrats on your collection!
Who cares? I care about my money and buying things I like. Fork the Swiss makers esp. Rolex. Go appreciate independence watch makers vs the commercialize brands.
I've haven't gotten into independents yet. I find their watches more innovative but also pricey.
Never cared for Rolex, after the quartz revolution they have become more and more about money than watches. Today I wouldn't want to be seen wearing a Rolex, as it would make me feel like a douchbag.
I don't see how Rolex is able to take care of "new customer base" as you mentioned around 6:50 in your video when retail is totally controlled by the unethical AD's that favor only their best of friends and flipper buddies thru the backdoor. I've never got a call from the AD's since I left my name on the mythical waitlist while also dropping by the outlet once in a while. It's been 6 plus years and I've moved on from that AD. Probably why as I'm one who will not bend over to buy unnecessary pieces or other jewelry to please them. Quite a sad industry spoiling the hobby for true collectors
I was speaking more to the marketing that drives their design decisions. But yes, ADs have poisoned the well for themselves as well as collectors. I place a huge part of the blame on Rolex for not responding to the surge in demand quickly enough. But things are finally starting to settle down. I'll discuss that in my next market update.
Accurate and part of the reason why I no longer own nor desire a Rolex. It’s certainly not the penultimate goal for me. It’s overall a fine but ultimately unremarkable. With millions in production per year, it’s not even rare or special. Being highly desired by the general public is not a draw for me
Once I get my Sub, I'm out. Between my OP and Explorer, that's all the Rolex I need. Any other brands you're targeting?
@@mywatchjourney6579Czapek, Hanhart, Sinn, and H Moser are on the list
@@regsantotomas Yeah, I'm curious about Hanhart. I handled a Moser at the watch meet up and was impressed with the finishing. I wanted to make an offer but the guy didn't want to sell
Rolex goes for very loud. Not very classy. And not for a very classy audience. On another subject, do remember you cannot increase production of high end pieces easily, simply because you can't increase the number of highly-skilled watchmakers easily.
Solid perspectives. But to the question about Rolex’s W&W being boring… maybe Rolex started sensing the weakening of major economies around the world a year ago, held back some SS variants they had ready and released mostly precious metal pieces aimed at the super wealthy who usually yawn and continue spending in recessions.
I could see them holding off on new steel model designs. But not stockpiling new watches because that would be very expensive. I think they lost their head a bit with all the global demand and dreamed about moving up market. Just in time to run into the downturn haha.
They’ve been trying to go from making tool watches to jewelry watches for a long time. As for mechanical complication… that’s never been their deal.
Very true. They do make quality, tough watches. But complications are on another lvl of skill.
Brands that have grown in past few years are Patek, RM, Vacheron, AP. These brands pose a threat to Rolex market share. The precious metal upgrades are a way of increasing value per unit. They already occupy mass market with 1.2 million units, huge compared to Patel’s 40k. With 30% market share, they need mass appeal. By avoiding complex watch movements, they can focus on reliability and recognition. Apple are often last to market with innovation, but it works. Rolex is a branding organisation, and as such are not interested in high horology. Tudor plays to the watch collecting crowd. And Tudor ranks 17th, behind the great horology of Hermes. Rolex are clever. How many watches tell the time with a date complication. On a black face. There’s 80% of catalogue. Throw in a few less complicated no dates, and a few chronographs and jobs done, for a third of the market.
Rolex is a branding org. Very well put!
As an owner of many Rolexes and many other watch brands to be honest in the end it’s just a watch.
Don’t get caught up in the hype, theres plenty of other watches out there that are worth youre while and interesting.
You should be buying watches for you, not what other people think.
Marketing exists to con the consumer, so don’t be a tomato can.
Last night I put in an order for a Montblanc legacy star. Lately, I've been thinking of fashion watches haha
If it’s just a watch, why did you buy a Rolex?. Looks like they conned you too!. Many Rolex look alikes for a tenth of the price.
Chow Yun Fat is a down to earth and very likeable guy. He also has indicated that he will give away his wealth for charity. However, I found no significant records of his donation. So far I believe it is his good intention to be fulfilled.
his wife make him give away. he got no choice. lol
I've read that too. That he walks around with ratty pants and flip flops haha.
So much BS has been said lately about Rolex. At the same time everyone wants to buy Rolex. Go figure….
Haha .. yeah. My next video on Rolex will touch on this. We know their marketing is BS, but it still works ..
Guys, buy a Tudor. Guess what. No one except thieves give a shit about if you have a Rolex.
They’re nice. But there are cooler and nicer watches out there for less money or the same with better specs, like JLC.
JLC definitely has the horological chops and should be considered higher than Rolex. But the public has no idea about them. I was going to do a video on this but got too busy.
Can you tell us watch enthusiasts what watch company came out with new watch technology? Seems like everyone has their head up their ass thinking thats what Rolex needs to come up with every year. I mean what technological advancement can a mechanical watch have that will make it better than what already is? Lets not be stupid and understand that Rolex already has what customers want, all they have to do is change dial colors, make watches in precious metal or add precious stones. I dont know why people criticize Rolex for not giving everyone what they want. Its ridiculous! You dont have to buy a Rolex you can go buy a Tudor or a Seiko or something else.
Yup. If we were talking real innovation, it would be something like radio sync to the atomic clock, etc. Only so much you can do with mechanical. There 'innovation' is changing dial colors and adding new metal alloys. Frederick Constant tried to do something with their Monolithic movement; but it looks like it failed.
Great objective take on Rolex, looking forward to the next one!
Thanks!
There are never ground breaking revelations with Rolex. Only incremental changes. This what I love about Rolex.
I have 13 Rolex, 5 AP and a Cartier.and a wonderful Oris dive watch lol.
I have 24 Rolex, 18 AP, 16 PP, and a medium sized penis
Wow, what a collection! Congrats!
Waitlist for mass produced watches is crazy 😂😂. Everybody and their mother owns a Rolex lol
Rumor has it they will be no longer producing steel watches haha
Yeah, a good homage will do it for me. Wont spend even a dollar for a rolex...its the Casio of expensive watches and most rolex owners know nothing about collecting etc.
Its Gs for me and microbrands and homages from china.
Casio has the most consistent QC of all the brands. Amazing but true.
@mywatchjourney6579 not really ...I've had a couple of bad experiences with some edifice models. But I love casio.most of the times they're excellent.
Rolex cares about Rolex. Duh.
Wait, I thought they were a 'non-profit'? Yeah, we all laugh at that.
rolex SUCKS!!!!
LMAO! I wouldn't go that far. I do love their watches; but yeah, very over hyped right now.
@@mywatchjourney6579 OMEGA any day over rolex
I think it's facinating how people see mechanical watch movements as this magical thing.
I do agree the machining and execution and also the ability to mass produce these extremely small components with extremely small tolerances are impressive.
However, though beautiful in nature, the simple physics mechanics in a mechanical watch, with the simple harmonic oscillations, the potential energy of the spring and kinetic energy loading the spring and being released again through the gears with their ratios of leverage are all really basic physics, that don't really impress me more than what a cheap quartz watch, at least in the consepts of the different physics involved...
Don't get me wrong, I do have many different mehanical movements I appreciate for each of their own qualities, but I don't understand why people are thinking so highly of mechanical watches and belittles quartz movements the way they do.
I love quartz myself. I have a Citizen high accuracy quartz that just about the perfect watch for me.
Rolex is a scam company
I wouldn't go that far. Their watches are high quality, but likely over priced due to hype. It's sad but true.
@@mywatchjourney6579 I am not hating on anyone scamming others based on marketing. In fact, 99.9% of the female on this planet are scammers, leeches and shallow.
I dont hate the player, I just hate the game.
IMO, I would buy the following 4 watch brands and really dont give a shit what people think and plan on selling them.
1. Cartier
2. JLC
3. Grand Seiko
4. Vacheron Constantin.
keep your bullshit Rolex and show it off to your friends and family.
Scam or brilliant? Think before you speak.
@@sensible202 1st of all....anyone that say the word "brilliant" is a moron. In the US we say Wonderful or Smart.
2nd its a scam, retard. They are just scamming stupid people. I am not hating on the player.....im just hating the game cuz i didnt come up with it.
Who cares? I care about my money and buying things I like. Fork the Swiss makers esp. Rolex. Go appreciate independence watch makers vs the commercialize brands.