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Old 22 February 2016, 03:34 PM   #1
Lightsped
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Icon5 Why do Submariners cost more than GMTs?

I was browsing a few of the large online watch retailers and noticed that the Submariner (116610) is costing alittle more than the GMT Ceramic (116710).

Why is this? It would seem that since the GMT has more features and a slightly fancier band that it would cost more....
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Old 22 February 2016, 03:41 PM   #2
Thatguy
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More demand for sub.


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Old 22 February 2016, 03:50 PM   #3
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Popularity
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Old 22 February 2016, 03:52 PM   #4
breitlings
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the GMTc black I have been offered straight up for my 16710.
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Old 22 February 2016, 03:52 PM   #5
JRT
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It is purely Rolex marketing strategy. But WG ceramic GMT (BLRO) costs much more than WG ceramic Sub (Smurf). Why?
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Old 22 February 2016, 04:07 PM   #6
CRM114
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lightsped View Post
I was browsing a few of the large online watch retailers and noticed that the Submariner (116610) is costing alittle more than the GMT Ceramic (116710).

Why is this? It would seem that since the GMT has more features and a slightly fancier band that it would cost more....
There's very little difference in price (about 100 USD) and the standard, dateless Sub is less expensive than a GMT so the "popularity" explanation is a non-starter. The extra movement feature of the GMT (24 hour hand) vs the Sub Date is countered by the higher cost of the thicker case/increased WR of the Submariner and it's Glidelock is far more complicated/uses more material than the GMT's Easy Link. The center links on the GMT may be polished, but the Glidelock is actually far "fancier" when it comes to engineering and material (overly-so IMO, but that's another matter).

And of course, let's not forget the pearl
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Old 22 February 2016, 05:04 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by JRT View Post
It is purely Rolex marketing strategy. But WG ceramic GMT (BLRO) costs much more than WG ceramic Sub (Smurf). Why?
The insert is pricey. That is one of the factors and they can charge more for that.
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Old 22 February 2016, 05:44 PM   #8
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More expensive but still more popular
So it makes sense for them to keep selling expensive
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Old 22 February 2016, 07:37 PM   #9
crowncollection
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I doubt a valid reason exists. Subs are more popular and they can get a bit more I guess


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Old 22 February 2016, 07:53 PM   #10
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I don't know how Rolex prices its products, but it is probably not the cost-plus method.

As others have said, it is more relevant to think about the market's demand
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Old 22 February 2016, 08:03 PM   #11
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It used to be the other way around, at least on retail price. If the market demands more the Sub, then probably that's why they are more expensive as said above.
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Old 22 February 2016, 08:25 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lightsped View Post
I was browsing a few of the large online watch retailers and noticed that the Submariner (116610) is costing alittle more than the GMT Ceramic (116710).

Why is this? It would seem that since the GMT has more features and a slightly fancier band that it would cost more....
Rolex marketing strategy is my best guess.

However, look at reverse strategy used in BLRO and WG Sub pricing.....
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Old 22 February 2016, 08:34 PM   #13
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I would think the Glidelock clasp costs more than the Easylink as well.
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Old 22 February 2016, 10:16 PM   #14
CRM114
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Star Ferry View Post
I don't know how Rolex prices its products, but it is probably not the cost-plus method.

As others have said, it is more relevant to think about the market's demand
If that were true then Rolex, being a worldwide company, would have wildly varying price guide MSRPs for different models depending on the region. What is popular in the US or London isn't necessarily the case in Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Dubai. Also, ladies' Datejusts would be more expensive than any other model, since they sell more (are most popular) of those than anything else.
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Old 22 February 2016, 10:48 PM   #15
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If that were true then Rolex, being a worldwide company, would have wildly varying price guide MSRPs for different models depending on the region. What is popular in the US or London isn't necessarily the case in Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Dubai. Also, ladies' Datejusts would be more expensive than any other model, since they sell more (are most popular) of those than anything else.
I didn't say that the pricing was dynamic or 100% market based.. I said it wasn't cost based - and I think most on TRF will agree that luxury good pricing is far removed from the cost of production.
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Old 22 February 2016, 11:26 PM   #16
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The glidelock clasp and 300m water resistance vs. 100m.
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Old 22 February 2016, 11:28 PM   #17
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I would think the Glidelock clasp costs more than the Easylink as well.
This
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Old 23 February 2016, 12:54 AM   #18
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For me it's simple. The 100 bucks extra for sub is because of the glidelock & the 300m water depth rating. Nothing to do with sub being popular ;)
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Old 23 February 2016, 01:05 AM   #19
Luap1976
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Glidelock costs more
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Old 23 February 2016, 01:09 AM   #20
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The glidelock clasp and 300m water resistance vs. 100m.
Yes.....probably this, especially due to the thicker case for increased depth rating IMO. I like them both and bought the GMT because I travel but wish the GMT also had the glidelock clasp.
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Old 23 February 2016, 01:31 AM   #21
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Only Rolex knows about pricing strategy
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Old 23 February 2016, 01:38 AM   #22
Tri-Tip
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Star Ferry View Post
I don't know how Rolex prices its products, but it is probably not the cost-plus method.

As others have said, it is more relevant to think about the market's demand
Since the price difference is about $100, barely over 1% difference, I think it can be attributed to the extra cost of the Clasp and the higher water resistance rating.

I would gladly pay $100 more for the Glidelock Clasp alone, not sure why it's not standard on all models...wish my Exp II had it.
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Old 23 February 2016, 01:38 AM   #23
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Rolex does what it wants. Logic / Bill of Materials do not rule all.

They really print monkey with the subs so why not get what you can for them?
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Old 23 February 2016, 02:41 AM   #24
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Because James Bond didn't wear a GMT.
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Old 23 February 2016, 03:08 AM   #25
T. Ferguson
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If you need it a $100 upcharge for the Glidelock and the increase in WR is a bargain by Rolex standards. Oh, and the pearl.
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Old 23 February 2016, 03:25 AM   #26
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More better = more money.

Just kidding. I often wondered about the reasons behind the price structure as well.
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Old 23 February 2016, 03:26 AM   #27
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There is that.

Quote:
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Because James Bond didn't wear a GMT.
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Old 23 February 2016, 03:28 AM   #28
Gryfalcon
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Because James Bond didn't wear a GMT.
Hardy har har... my guess is the glidelock

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Old 23 February 2016, 03:38 AM   #29
JRT
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Because James Bond didn't wear a GMT.
James Bond has been wearing Omega SM for long, which still costs much less than Sub.
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Old 23 February 2016, 03:38 AM   #30
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