Do you consider Rolex an independent or a conglomerate?

[INC]

Originally Posted by metallic

Obviously it depends on how you define it.

Rolex(R) is a registered trademark of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. This legal entity also owns several trademarks and interests, one of which is a company that mass-produces so-called Rolex watches.

The foundation is independent and operates on the basis of legislation and its own rules.

[ChetBaker]

It’s not an independent in the sense of small-scale production with a focus on hand-finishing of cases and movements. Rolex builds robust well-designed watches, but they are no FPJ, De Bethune, Greubel Forsey, MB&F, Laurent Ferrier, or even Moser or Chopard LUC. And they’re certainly no Rexhep Rexhepi, Voutilainen or Simon Brette. It’s an entirely different ballgame.

[eugenetsang]

When I think of the Hans Wildorf Foundation, I think of the mob. Pay little to no taxes. Wants to own everything. And gets away with everything.

And all wears Rolexs ha

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by ChetBaker

It’s not an independent in the sense of small-scale production with a focus on hand-finishing of cases and movements. Rolex builds robust well-designed watches, but they are no FPJ, De Bethune, Greubel Forsey, MB&F, Laurent Ferrier, or even Moser or Chopard LUC. And they’re certainly no Rexhep Rexhepi, Voutilainen or Simon Brette. It’s an entirely different ballgame.

Only heard of one that you mentioned. Give me a nice mass produced Rolex over fancy haute horology brand every time.

Kat


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[swils8610]

Neither. They are a manufacturer.


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[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Only heard of one that you mentioned. Give me a nice mass produced Rolex over fancy haute horology brand every time.

Kat


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Kat, may I suggest you head over to the “Watches (non-Rolex) Forum” sub-forum here on TRF…. All those brands mentioned are pretty well-known independents. Lots to learn about and admire (IMHO). The true independent HH brands are even more bespoke.

[daysky1]

an independent

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Kat, may I suggest you head over to the “Watches (non-Rolex) Forum” sub-forum here on TRF…. All those brands mentioned are pretty well-known independents. Lots to learn about and admire (IMHO). The true independent HH brands are even more bespoke.

I prefer watches I can afford, so am passionate about a lot of small brands that most on here have never heard of. I have a Baltic Tricompax and a Wise Traveler GMT enroute. I even own the very first serial number of one such brand, Techne. I like to find small startup brands that produce high quality affordable mechanical watches. I love nice watches, and own quite a few. Why would I want to learn about something I can only covet, but never have? I’ll continue to admire such brands from afar, when seen on a celebrity wrist. You’d be amazed at some of the affordable micro brands out there, producing high quality original designs, that almost any watch lover can own. That’s why I go to watch fairs, when I have the opportunity. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

Kat


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