Braclet Market Strategy

[_speedmaster_]

I’m a little curious. What if Rolex began offering the option to ditch the braclet on certain models (like the DJ or GMT) in favor of a strap? Certain brands do this already (Omega, Blancpain) and it lowers the cost of the watch by over $2k.

This is especially useful for people (like myself) who prefer straps over bracelets, particularly on watches that aren’t specifically designed to be in the water.

Just wondering the general thoughts of the community.

[bobabreath]

I would be all for that. The more options for the buyer, the better. However, Rolex seems to have the opposite philosophy of limiting customization as much as possible.

[polaris72]

I would not mind strap options as I have other watch brands where I change their straps (IWC, Panerai). Oysterflex for submariner would be a desirable choice.

[beshannon]

Since you can remove the bracelet and get a strap, I am not sure I understand.

If you have ever priced a bracelet after the fact, it is far more expensive to purchase.

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Since you can remove the bracelet and get a strap, I am not sure I understand.

If you have ever priced a bracelet after the fact, it is far more expensive to purchase.

Given the option, I would never buy the braclet. For people who put GMTs on a suede strap, for example, the braclet is a useless $3k option that I don’t want.

[Clay]

Options are always nice to have...

But I have always loved the Oyster Bracelets...

I wear my Legend Diver on a NATO...

But my Rolex...On a bracelet...

[KBM]

I see your point, but the price difference between watches with bracelets and their strap counterparts doesn't seem to be more than a few hundred bucks for the brands that do this. Thus, it makes a lolt more sense to get the watch on the bracelet (if for potential reselling purposes only, even) and then change it to the strap of your liking.

[slide13]

I would love that!

I prefer straps and I make an exception for the Rolex oyster bracelet as it’s the only bracelet I find comfortable.

Problem is, Rolex cases are designed specifically around bracelets and the position of the spring bar holes are usually too close to the case to make straps fit well.

If they would offer a DJ designed to take regular straps (I don’t like those straps integrated into end links....just plain straps please) I would love it!

If they made it with lug holes and shoulderless spring bars I’d be throwing money at them so fast!!!

Only thing that would make me happier would be an 114060 with fixed bars for a nato, haha.

[rossi46]

I would love for Rolex to offer Oysterflex on more models! Instead, they've done it the Rolex way and limited it to PM models only.

I bet they could do an amazing sailcloth type strap, too. It's just not their "thing."

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by kauebm

I see your point, but the price difference between watches with bracelets and their strap counterparts doesn't seem to be more than a few hundred bucks for the brands that do this. Thus, it makes a lolt more sense to get the watch on the bracelet (if for potential reselling purposes only, even) and then change it to the strap of your liking.

The Blancpain 50 fathoms mil-spec is $2k more on a braclet. This was as of a week ago. For companies that make cheaper bracelets (*cough* Omega *cough*) the price difference is smaller. You can bet that the cost of a Rolex braclet is at least that of Blancpain. Rolex don’t eat that cost, they pass it on to the consumer at cost if we are lucky.

[Muzz]

Wouldn’t be something I think ADs could manage. I feel that it would potentially cause problems down the line at the Service Center with numbers not matching configurations coming in. For example a model sold without a bracelet arrives with a bracelet because and AD added it. I think Rolex went through great efforts to stop this sort of thing in the 90s with bezels and bracelets (jubilee and oyster swaps).

Just my 2 cents

[GB-man]

I’d prefer Rolex allowed this as well as say brushed oyster or jubilee on gmts. I would always want a bracelet though.

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by slide13

I would love that!

I prefer straps and I make an exception for the Rolex oyster bracelet as it’s the only bracelet I find comfortable.

Problem is, Rolex cases are designed specifically around bracelets and the position of the spring bar holes are usually too close to the case to make straps fit well.

If they would offer a DJ designed to take regular straps (I don’t like those straps integrated into end links....just plain straps please) I would love it!

If they made it with lug holes and shoulderless spring bars I’d be throwing money at them so fast!!!

Only thing that would make me happier would be an 114060 with fixed bars for a nato, haha.

Agreed. I thought about this when buying a Blancpain. You don’t want a braclet...no problem. Save $2k and get a nato or sailcloth. It has lugholes/screws for the bars instead of springs as well.

[duc888]

Originally Posted by rossi46

I would love for Rolex to offer Oysterflex on more models! Instead, they've done it the Rolex way and limited it to PM models only.

That would be a fine way

[Mystro]

Rolex is all about ultimate control of product. They have taken away owners options over the years in the name of “quality control”. I don’t see Rolex releasing their grip.

[KBM]

From what I have observed across many brands, my guess is that if you take away the 97200 bracelet and glidelock (which cost over 2k to purchase on their own) from a sub, the price of the watch would maybe decrease 800 bucks or so. No thanks.

Blancpain's pricing in that regard is the exception, not the rule. And let's not forget BP's main diving models come originally on a canvas strap and the bracelet is extra, not the other way around.

[Nikrnic]

If they did that I'd bet they'd only allow@ 10% to 20% of what the bracelets worth, so just sell your bracelet.

[aes7.5x55]

While I'm not sure I'd use it, I wouldn't mind having the option. Interesting thought.

[watchwatcher]

I think Rolex is testing the waters with the Oyster Flex. I guess we'll see.

[Dirt]

Experience has shown that straps, all straps are broadly speaking, a liabiliy in some way or another.

I think that's the position of Rolex and it's the reason why they have moved to limit their strap options.
Rolex arguably have made a commitment make some of the best bracelet designs currently available on the market and are wary of the liabilities of straps.
If one wants to wear watches on straps there are plenty of options available out there.
Just don't count on Rolex to indulge you in your desires.

[AK797]

The last thing Rolex will be doing from now on is finding ways of making their products cheaper, rather the opposite to maintain the distance between them and their rivals for the middle class dollar.

[mountainjogger]

With respect, the bands that others offer do not compare with a Rolex band. So it is apples and oranges. Just my opinion.