I would have to say Rolex is the King.

In my experience, here in Malaysia, most “beginner” watch collectors, especially those with new found riches would initially avoid Rolex because of the perceived “Chinese businessman” stigma attached – so they perhaps they try a Patek, Vacheron or one of those outrageously priced “new” brands to show so class and individuality. But…

They inevitably get a Rolex. Why?

Call it a nagging feeling somewhere at the back that perhaps they are missing something. It may be the power of Rolex’s marketing over the years, but for me personally, it is an honest watch with only one thing in mind – to make the most accurate, durable mechanic wristwatch. In that sense, that is why their Celini collection has been a total failure because it has deviated from what the public perceives as a Rolex.

Then there is the issue of real selling price.

Here in Malaysia, the sought after Rolexes (usual culprits) are sold at a premium. Whereas Patek and Vacherons are available for between 25 – 40% off! The more expensive, the higher the discount. The reason is obvious…

The retailer has to face the cost of holding a relatively little in demand watch. It is a business decision. Patek etc can’t do anything as the retailer has fulfilled it’s obligation of carrying the stock and there are previous few retailers/distributors who can afford to carry the product, so the watch company can’t be too fussy about price protection.

What is going to be interesting is the situation with the financial calamity.

Who is going to survive?

Without a doubt your Rolex, Patek, Vacheron, Cartier, Piaget… will survive but what about those so-called new brands that have flooded the market recently which IMHO have only have superflous decorations to justify a high price

Great article. A real gem.

Victor Liew

in my opinion, 1 and only 1 criteria should determine the king.

i don’t have the info or resources to find that out. but i’ve always been told, perceived rolex is the king. but… i don’t have all the info to make a correct judgement.

I respect Rolex, but have no desire to own one for several reasons.
-You might be buying a respected name, but the value for money fails me. The performance is no better than many other automatics availible for a quarter (or less) of the same price. For the same money, I could have a Panerai.
-Too many knock-offs and homages; the value of the true thing has been degraded by the flood of counterfeits and copies. The assumption in many circles is that a Rolex is fake unless proven otherwise. I’ve gotten to the point where I won’t even buy a watch with mercedes (Rolex style) hands.
-The mindless me-toos… This is especially bad in political circles, where everyone tries to dress like the boss, who dresses like his boss, ad nauseum, in their petty and self-serving games of influence and power. These are also the folks who will vapidly chirp “Rolex is the BEST!” without being able to articulate a rational reason why.

To be fair, my issues aren’t with the watch per se, but the people who kowtow to them, the people who try to pay cash to purchase prestige, and the parasites that exploit Rolex’ style through homages, replicas, and knock-offs.

It’s sad that a good timepiece has become the hallmark of the inane parvenu.

What is right with Rolex;
-A real Rolex is a good watch.
-I’m very impressed with Rolex certified watchmakers. I won’t take a mechanical watch of any brand to a watchmaker who isn’t a Rolex trained technician.
-They could double their prices and still sell almost as many, but they have chosen to restrain themselves.
-They certainly retain their value.

My big concern about the market is the Rolex versus Omega issue, as it highlights the Swatch Group’s growing domination of the under $5000, European made, market. Even MontBlanc uses a Swatch Group, ETA movement. I’d much rather see a more diverse market where the king has to really stay on his toes to retain the crown.

Personally I cherish my Breitling Windrider Crosswind and for daily use a TW Steel
TW70.