Horological Meandering

bernard cheong
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Omega is still making watches today, Rolex makes "rolexes"

This is not some tongue in cheek comment. It is my personal perception.

In fact, I had these same words with folk deep inside the watch industry, as well as advertising /media people.

Rolex is incredible. It grows from strenght to strenght. It has stopped making watches as long ago as 1996. It simply makes Rolexes. People buy Rolexes and not watches. There is almost no depth or range in their menu. The image is the oyster case/submariner/daytona.

Omega had at one time, only the Speedmaster to "come against" the entire Rolex arsenal.

In my opinion, it is Omega that has one SINGLE minded and tenacious facility to continue with making watches.
(1)Mecaquartz
(2) mecaquartz Marinechronometer
(3)SpeedyPro
(4) SeamasterProChrono with underwater useable chronos (world's first?)
(5) Marine case way back when! With dual case sealing.
(6) Co Axials
(7) Using eta and Valjoux as "inhouse" is a strategic move, since they practically "own" it.
(8) Immense array of enamel work watches to rival Patek
(9) Immense array of pocket watches with filigree and enamel work that rivals Patek
(10) Incredible research into underwater watches...Seamaster Ploprof
(12) Pouring in funds to bring Titanium into watchmaking as early as 1978.


I could go on.

I expect great things from Omega. They have credibility as a watchmaker. They have not got a following of glamour folks, and this is a plus point for an observer. They seem to have gathered a large community of followers who are largely interested in "having a good watch without an having to pay for glamour".

The fact that Omega has generally NOT been high handed with the consumer, but has treated the global consumer with respect, with service, and tries hard to court consumers in to me a GOOD thing. The company will bring credibility to watch collecting as a hobby, and also as an academic pursuit worthy of study...like wine/ceramics/music.

Rolex on the other hand is (IMHO) building a powerful business, and suceeding, by employing snobery at retail and distributor level. This works!!!! Incredibly, the more aloof they are, the more the insecure consumer wants Rolex to accept them. So they buy a Daytona, and hope that now, the salesman will smile at him! Hey...this is Hong Kong/China/Moscow/Singapore....isn't that weird???

Rolex may not entertain your old Rolex. If you can't afford to buy a new one...errr.
 
Rolex does not entertain questions about what they do. They use "mystery" as a tool to entice. But looking at the recent Prince they offered, the one with the seethru caseback. I was in 2005, very impressed, but in 2006..when I saw the real thing...heck, the movt is a derivative of...

I own a rare (among others) Rolex Prince made for Robinson's Singapore in 1923 (approx), for my grandad. Rolex refuses to help restore it.
Imagine...if I, in Singapore, can't get Rolex to restore, or help restore, my Prince...how much more difficult an ordinary man on the street???

Rolex is a great brand, that happens to be making watches as a business. These are good watches. But in watchmaking??? They are like fancy cosmetic surgeons, with BIG names...but can't save your life if you had an accident on the highway. They don't practice any medicine.