[wilfreb]

why Do You Think Rolex, Founded In 1904, After A Lot Of Other prestige Swiss Brands Like Omega, Tagheuer, Zenith, Blancpain And Many Others.

How Rolex Became The Most Well Known Brand, The Symbol Of Hi-end Watches, The Best.


TIMELESS DESIGNS?
THE CORONET?
IN HOUSE MOVTS?
ROLESOR?
PRICE?
OVERALL QUALITY?
THE SUBMARINER??
THE PRESIDENT [DAY-DATE]?


Whats Your Opinion.

 

[timefinder]

Part of it was the fact that they were one of the first to have a waterproof design, and had a great marketing blitz swimming the channel. Their marketing department did a phenomenal job as well.

 

[G.J.]

I think a combination of: bulletproof movements, excellent design and finish and outstanding marketing.

 

[shimside11]

I think that James Dowling said it best. "To all intents and purposes, Rolex invented the wristwatch, as we know it."

There are so many things that Rolex brings to the table. Oyster case/water resistance, automatic, cyclops, diver bezel (w/ apologies to Blancpain), etc.

Rolex gets bashed alot by people that think that they are just overpriced jewelry. If you look at the history and innovation you realize that their place in horology is very well deserved.

Most people have seen this, but for those who haven't, check out James Dowling and look for his article titled "Why it's ok to hate Rolex". It is a great article. It addresses this topic very well.

 

[Tom Carey]

why Do You Think Rolex, Founded In 1904, After A Lot Of Other Swiss Brands Like Omega, Tagheuer, Blancpain And Many Others.

How Rolex Became The Most Well Known Brand, The Symbol Of Hi-end Watches, The Best.


TIMELESS DESIGNS?
THE CORONET?
IN HOUSE MOVTS?
ROLESOR?
PRICE?
OVERALL QUALITY?
THE SUBMARINER??
THE PRESIDENT [DAY-DATE]?


Whats Your Opinion.

I would say you have cited several reasons for this in your list. It's not just one thing that they did/do. It's several things. To your list I would add brilliant marketing. Also lets not forget high customer satisfaction.

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

 

[JBHII]

I think the one thing many overlook is how the company is structured. Rolex has only had what, three head men in the company's history? The fact that they are now a not-for-profit business means they aren't trying to satisfied a board of directors who is consumed with obtaining resuls in the next quarter. No other company in the watch industry can say the same thing.

The company has been able to "stay the course" and remain consistent because of these factors.

 

[greeneyesrolex]

Mr. Wilsdorf was a complex man and in my opinon a visionary and private. Sometimes success is quiet and global :thumbup:

 

[timefinder]

John:

Did you say Rolex is a non-profit organization right now? Seriously? Man, I need more coffee here....... Why? Restructuring?

 

[haakon59]

My feeling? Rolex was the first wristwatch brand (as opposed to the pocket watch), and they focused also to develop waterproof cases. As far as "manufacture" movements are concerned, historically, all the various companies had their own movements in the early days, until the quartz revolution in the 60's and 70's, so this is only a distinction made today, not one which had any meaning when they started.

Wilsdorf took a big risk marketing the wrist watch--a great many people said it would not last. Can you imagine not having your watch on your wrist today? Sometimes, simple ideas just make sense. :001_smile:

 

[Tom Barry]

Well, Rolex makes excellent watches of sound conservative design. My Submariner has served me for more than two decades and is still a good-looking piece that keeps excellent time. However, a lot of Rolex's success is due to outstanding marketing. To many affluent people who are not otherwise watch-conscious, when you say "luxury watch" they hear you say "Rolex."

 

[ru06]

The Price.

 

[Scott D]

John:

Did you say Rolex is a non-profit organization right now? Seriously? Man, I need more coffee here....... Why? Restructuring?

I believe they are not-for-profit, not non-profit, (I do believe there are subtle differences in the two). I'm not sure how long they've been that way, but i think it's been awhile & not due to a recent restructuring. I believe their profits go to charitable organizations or foundations. So they make a profit, but don't keep above what's needed to run the company, fund future innovations, etc.

My detailed knowledge of that is very limited, so I'm sure John'll chime in with more info... or corrections to what I said... :001_rolleyes:

 

[JPS]

I suppose a gross revenue of $3 Billion answers alot of questions with Rolex being named top amongst all watchmakers.

 

[wantonebad]

Commitment to the customer, dedication to their craft/industry, pursuit of product quality and excellence, these are the traits of successful businesses, Rolex has all three. When a competitor has to play catch up in any one of these areas, market share usually reflects this. Omega, Tag, Oris all have flashes of brilliance in these areas but very rarely do they have them simultaneously

 

[haakon59]

My understanding about the Rolex company is that Hans Wilsdorf, the founder, set up a charitable trust for the company before he died.Although Rolex, like many companies who do business internationally, has several sub-companies or entities under their holding company, in the end, when the profits are tabluated, after normal business functions like reinvestment, they are put in a charitable trust and distributed to charity.

 

[timefinder]

My understanding about the Rolex company is that Hans Wilsdorf, the founder, set up a charitable trust for the company before he died.Although Rolex, like many companies who do business internationally, has several sub-companies or entities under their holding company, in the end, when the profits are tabluated, after normal business functions like reinvestment, they are put in a charitable trust and distributed to charity.

REMARKABLE!!!! WOW! I never heard of a company that does this. Certainly they all donate; but, to have all profits go to charity? Amazing.

 

[kokuryu]

The Rolex became popular because of two reasons. First is that the screw down crown was created to prevent water and dust leakage - this design won a prestigious award and caught the attention of many in the watch/clock community. Second, he was then asked to show off his works in various shops worldwide and came up with the idea of displaying the watches submerged in a fish tank in the shop windows. This was the gimmick that hurled the Rolex brand into infamy.

 

[JBHII]

REMARKABLE!!!! WOW! I never heard of a company that does this. Certainly they all donate; but, to have all profits go to charity? Amazing.

Well, the trust specirfies I believe that the Wilsdorf family is taken care of first, but after that, all is donated.

Scott is quite correct...they are a not-for-profit...must be the Orlando sun getting to me. :laugh:

 

[jdp87]

I have spent many restless nights thinking about this question. I suppose the easy answer is good marketing but I am not sure what that entails. What baffles me is that Rolex has become almost magical, steeped in legend. My favorite watch store is the tourneau across from the burberry between 5th ave and Madison. I go in there almost every week and there is always a crowd around the Rolex display but rarely do I ever see anyone gathered around VC, GO or Blancpain. And these companies in many ways are much better. It just amazes me what Rolex has been able to do with its product.

 

[Eddo]

IMO I feel there are a number of reasons why Rolex are well known and regarded as a symbol of high end watches: Marketing, price, reliability, customer service, re-sale value, the use of precious metals, reliable mechanics and the timeless design especially the DD DJ and sport models.

Their consistency seems to set the bench-mark for the others to reach.