IWC just upped the bar. Rolex?

[aquatimerfla]

Wow. Check this out from IWC

https://www.hautetime.com/iwc-lets-y...matters/86486/



https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/iw...-customization

[Etschell]

nope. not a fan. bespoke is not for rolex.

[SPMN]

I can’t imagine that will ever happen with Rolex. And also, I’m really tired of watch blogs always telling me why some minor new reference or change “matters.”

[aquatimerfla]

Originally Posted by SPMN

I can’t imagine that will ever happen with Rolex. And also, I’m really tired of watch blogs always telling me why some minor new reference or change “matters.”

Blogs are just blogs just as discussion forums are to discuss. Like or not. Its a game changer. I expect more brands to follow. Why? because times are changing.


http://watchesbysjx.com/2018/03/an-o...illennial.html

[Arthur Daley]

I'm torn: on the one hand the idea of customization is pretty nifty in the world of watches, on the other I'm not personally excited about customizing the small details on a watch. After all, the strap I can customize today on pretty much any watch. Same with case material (on many watches). I can engrave the back if I want (though it won't be from factory), and I often have a lot of dial colors in various watches - though certainly more choice with total freedom. Hands - not much I can typically customize.

I wonder whether this will ultimately go down the same road that US car sales go: people want it NOW, and don't want to wait 3-4 months for the piece to arrive. So dealers simply preconfigure the most desirable options, have them shipped to inventory, and then when we show up and WANT IT NOW, they pull one from the case. Dunno.

[aquatimerfla]

Originally Posted by Arthur Daley

I'm torn: on the one hand the idea of customization is pretty nifty in the world of watches, on the other I'm not personally excited about customizing the small details on a watch. After all, the strap I can customize today on pretty much any watch. Same with case material (on many watches). I can engrave the back if I want (though it won't be from factory), and I often have a lot of dial colors in various watches - though certainly more choice with total freedom. Hands - not much I can typically customize.

I wonder whether this will ultimately go down the same road that US car sales go: people want it NOW, and don't want to wait 3-4 months for the piece to arrive. So dealers simply preconfigure the most desirable options, have them shipped to inventory, and then when we show up and WANT IT NOW, they pull one from the case. Dunno.

Its a 3 month wait once you configure your watch. Opposite of want it now.

[Roger Lococco]

More options are always better as a customer

[dynafrom]

Whoa that's pretty neat.

[GradyPhilpott]

IWC has been in trouble for awhile, it seems to me.

I don't think that this is a bad move, but I don't think it will have any impact on Rolex.

[indy16zo6]

I like the premise but don’t see it as a rolex strategy.


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[emersm]

Would love the idea of customizing my Rolex purchase!

[vman]

If you've ever visited an IWC boutique, that move will not be a surprise. Many of IWC models are terribly boring, and the new Engineer model takes the lead in the race to boredom and sterility. Also, IWC is not the first.

Rolex allowed dial customization for some time, JLC has had custom configuration options available for a while, and most micro manufacturers allow you to do the same (and more). What IWC needs is not another customization tool but a solid line of watches which do not depend on third-party movements. If I were the CEO, I'd seriously consider canning the Engineer line and sticking to all things Portuguese.

[Vaxe]

IWC has been downhill for a while, this is too little too late.

[aquatimerfla]

Originally Posted by vman

If you've ever visited an IWC boutique, that move will not be a surprise. Many of IWC models are terribly boring, and the new Engineer model takes the lead in the race to boredom and sterility. Also, IWC is not the first.

Rolex allowed dial customization for some time, JLC has had custom configuration options available for a while, and most micro manufacturers allow you to do the same (and more). What IWC needs is not another customization tool but a solid line of watches which do not depend on third-party movements. If I were the CEO, I'd seriously consider canning the Engineer line and sticking to all things Portuguese.

These watches come with inhouse IWC

IWC make most watches with manufacture movements. Your comment is confusing.

[superdog]

I think this is incredible. And I can’t wait to try it. Hoping they offer a case a bit smaller than is typical for the ingenuer.

But I think this is brilliant.

And a sure fire way for IWC to get full price and mess with gray markets.

[Mystro]

Rolex has nothing to fear from IWC. A lot of people think Kit cars are cool but Ferrari doesn’t need those people. Rolex is too conservative for any idea of the customer designing their watches. Look how controlling they are with part swapping after sale.

[Bobby T]

Rolex snobs saying they don't like it. If Rolex offered personalized customization, they would be all over it

[Jay (Eire)]

Unfortunately the actual level of customization available is pretty limited.

I wonder if we'll see more of the mass producers really try to figure out the logistics / operations of offering a real wide variety of choices.

I also wonder what % of revenue Nike generate from NikeID (their customization platform which has been around forever) versus stock models. My guess is, even with the choice available customers overwhelmingly buy stock models.

[Bholobinko]

Breitling has had this configurator for years now.

[aquatimerfla]

Originally Posted by Bobby T

Rolex snobs saying they don't like it. If Rolex offered personalized customization, they would be all over it

yup

[Carry The Interest]

If I was Rolex I wouldn't worry about this at all. This is cool, but it doesn't speak to why I buy Rolex. It's an entirely different approach to attracting customers. On one hand there is appeal here to get the "exact" watch you want while with Rolex you patiently wait to hand money over for an "iconic" model.

[aquatimerfla]

Originally Posted by Bholobinko

Breitling has had this configurator for years now.

No they have not.

This is completely different.

[antbkny]

I’m all for it

[kneedeep]

Not going to pull me in, but interesting concept. Time will tell if it boosts their sales.

[FSUGeoff]

Rolex knows people love the value retention of the watches, by diluting the second market with a multitude of options it would cloud the prices of watches

[antbkny]

It’s like buying a car

[thomaswentworth]

Originally Posted by aquatimerfla

Wow. Check this out from IWC

https://www.hautetime.com/iwc-lets-y...matters/86486/



https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/iw...-customization

Gimmicky and sure to create headaches and bad customer experiences.

[JR16]

Smells like desperation to me. Not a fan, and hope Rolex never does this


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[yoast]

Bad idea imo from a “Will this watch keep its value” standpoint. Much smaller market for personalized items... just look how well Bamford Rolex (ahem) is keeping value...

[dhknola]

Would be Tudor and not Rolex being customized.
Aside but related, I always thought it would have been interesting for Rolex to officially partner with Bamford for bespoke watches starting at the same price as precious stone dials, so 100k entry level type retail prices. Just a thought exercise for someone who loves largely vintage dials that feature a logo officially applied by Rolex; tons of company man 5500s type dials for Winn Dixie, dominos, various airlines, etc...