Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man
Patek could produce more SS sports watches in probably 6 months or less but they want to keep them exclusive and push buyers towards lines with better margins. They are just copying the Rolex model which was arguably copied from Hermès.
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On its surface it may appear that way, but there are some key differences:
1. Between Patek and Rolex. Scale aside, many of Rolex's more expensive models require no greater watchmaking skill than its simplest. Stainless and solid gold Subs have the same simple movement. With Patek, however, an increase in price is often about more than materials; the movements themselves will often require more time and skill. So pushing towards more expensive pieces? Yes. But I doubt that the margins are as good as for Rolex when making the same push.
2. Between Rolex and Hermes. It's actually the exact opposite model. Hermes makes you buy lots of little crap to be "considered" for its most prestigious goods, while Rolex "rewards" purchases of its highest priced items with "access" to the stainless pieces in greatest demand.