ROLEX and OMEGA under the same roof!!

[haakon59]

I have not seen this in my area (Seattle, WA) and there are at least 3 larger dealers here that carry both brands (and other smaller stores as well). However, I have recently heard that Omega is being more selective about their dealers. My impression is that they are eliminating dealers who are giving big discounts but this is hearsay, so you'll have to treat it as such. But I have heard of a small number of Omega dealers losing their Omega dealership here in the U.S. Omega management was interviewed in one of the watch magazines a few months ago (InSync maybe?) and they said they were keen on beating Rolex in number of watches produced (and presumable sold) this year especially in the US market. Also, they are moving towards having most of their lines use a co-axial movement and they seem to be raising prices on those around $800-$1000. They might start policing pricing by their AD's to try and raise the prestige level of Omega to that of Rolex. They also said they were going to boost advertising in the US. So I think Omega is making their move this year.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by haakon59

I have not seen this in my area (Seattle, WA) and there are at least 3 larger dealers here that carry both brands (and other smaller stores as well). However, I have recently heard that Omega is being more selective about their dealers. My impression is that they are eliminating dealers who are giving big discounts but this is hearsay, so you'll have to treat it as such. But I have heard of a small number of Omega dealers losing their Omega dealership here in the U.S. Omega management was interviewed in one of the watch magazines a few months ago (InSync maybe?) and they said they were keen on beating Rolex in number of watches produced (and presumable sold) this year especially in the US market. Also, they are moving towards having most of their lines use a co-axial movement and they seem to be raising prices on those around $800-$1000. They might start policing pricing by their AD's to try and raise the prestige level of Omega to that of Rolex. They also said they were going to boost advertising in the US. So I think Omega is making their move this year.

Very interesting as well as intriguing post, Haakon!!

OMEGA might find competing with Rolex real tough if they raise their prices to Rolex levels. Given the choice between a pricey Omega and a Rolex in the same price range, the automatic choice would be Rolex.

The massive discounts offered by brands like OMEGA, TAG, Breitling, Oris and such are tempting to the "middle-class" group of buyers who would shy away from very high prices and little discounts offered by Rolex.

While Rolex still sells, you must remember that the medium-priced range out there sells like hell....and, in all fairness, they do make damn good watches with top class, very dependable and accurate ETA movements.

So really, at the end of the day, there are those who are prepared to pay top dollar for brands like Rolex and Panerai......but, at the same time, there are quite a few out there who would be more than content with owning a reputed brand like the ones I've mentioned above and still be happy in the knowledge that they have on their wrist one of the finest Swiss timepieces with a name that is recognised world-wide.

JJ

[TARDIS]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

You lucky bugger, Steve!! 20 minutes of cleavage ogling!!

No JJ, she wasn't like that. I think she was a back-up for the security guy

Anyone thinking of stealing from that shop ...FUGHEDDABOUDITT!

Steve

[haakon59]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Very interesting as well as intriguing post, Haakon!!

OMEGA might find competing with Rolex real tough if they raise their prices to Rolex levels. Given the choice between a pricey Omega and a Rolex in the same price range, the automatic choice would be Rolex.

The massive discounts offered by brands like OMEGA, TAG, Breitling, Oris and such are tempting to the "middle-class" group of buyers who would shy away from very high prices and little discounts offered by Rolex.

While Rolex still sells, you must remember that the medium-priced range out there sells like hell....and, in all fairness, they do make damn good watches with top class, very dependable and accurate ETA movements.

So really, at the end of the day, there are those who are prepared to pay top dollar for brands like Rolex and Panerai......but, at the same time, there are quite a few out there who would be more than content with owning a reputed brand like the ones I've mentioned above and still be happy in the knowledge that they have on their wrist one of the finest Swiss timepieces with a name that is recognised world-wide.

JJ

The "brand perception" you are explaining above is one Omega wants to change, according to their management. Today you think of Omega as being less prestigious, in a "slightly lower" class perhaps, if not in terms of workmanship at least in terms of prestige and luxury and exclusiveness. I think often people wind up thinking Omega gives you more "bang for the buck" than Rolex, but then they go out and buy the Rolex for the prestige and luxury of the brand. Omega wants to completely change this so that you will greet Rolex and Omega as equals. In some places in Europe this is already the case. There is nearly always a bit of a rough transition when brands do this but new people are born everyday and the new generation doesn't have an imprint in their minds about the brands as we do. Frankly, I have always liked Omega quite a bit--I love their watches and designs and workmanship and value. I hate to see prices go up as well. We'll have to see if over time they are successful. These things don't always work and they may take a long time. We'll have to watch and see.