The state of Rolex Subs -more common than Seiko?

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Etschell

Yes there are more Rolex than seiko. A facepalm could not be big enough to describe the original thought.

Anyone that understands production volumes knows that there are clearly less Rolexes than regular Seikos in the world- the face palm should be mine here. The point i am trying to make is that Rolex is becoming so mainstream and accessible to the point where some folks like myself are moving away especially from the more common basic models. It’s a collector preference.

Yes - you wear watches you like- I do, you do. But when it becomes SOOO common, it becomes commoditized especially since many of the Rolexes look alike. Seeing it literally everywhere detracts from my personal enjoyment. I am sure I am not alone.

Second I was also referencing my grand Seiko snowflake which I haven’t seen yet even at Seiko stores this year.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by chazadams

I am confused about the nature of this post.....this is a mass produced watch. Not too unlike driving a mass produced luxury car. Why would you not expect to see these on others people's wrists?

I am not saying I want Rolex to be exclusive to the point i don’t see it around. I am making a comment that it is becoming so mainstream that it loses some of the desirability that it once held for me. I’ve owned Rolex for years and this is the first time i’ve felt this way.

[Junior_]

If Rolex makes 1 million watches per year, how many Subs a year? 100,000? So in my lifetime, they may make 8 million Subs?

There are 8 billion people on earth. Which means statistically, almost no one will ever own a Sub.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by HighlandWatch

Does it matter if you like it? I really couldn’t care less which watches other people wear, just as I don’t care what cars they drive, what jeans they buy etc!

What if every room you walked into there was someone dressed in the exact same clothes as you? Perhaps you might be ok but for me it kinda commoditizes the clothing

[Mwilsey103]

Don’t really care if everyone is wearing a Sub. I love mine and that is all that matters.

[M45]

All sorts of luxury stuff is common in Cali. Especially Socal where people show off their wealth. Rich people dress like bums here in Norcal.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by M45

All sorts of luxury stuff is common in Cali. Especially Socal where people show off their wealth. Rich people dress like bums here in Norcal.

I have seen my fair share of Subs in Cali - perhaps it is the population density in Japan/Asia that makes the commonness of Rolex subs more apparent

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by Junior_

If Rolex makes 1 million watches per year, how many Subs a year? 100,000? So in my lifetime, they may make 8 million Subs?

There are 8 billion people on earth. Which means statistically, almost no one will ever own a Sub.

Yeah but also take into account how many Subs will have multiple owners over the course.. I guess previous owners no longer are owners though. *disregard. I had a few too many earlier.. yesterday.

[Bearxj86]

I was INCREDIBLY happy to spot this 1680 meters first on the wrist of a “amulet” street vendor at a Japanese shrine yesterday. I have a 1680 red myself and it’s nice to see someone with the same watch SOMETIMES




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[Onikage]

amulet street vendors...

[leong33]

In my country, the local pawnshops advertised that they take mostly or perhaps only Gold, Jewellery, and Rolex. Thats the ranking of Rolex here

[jiffy]

It's called synchronicity, where you see only blue cars or a certain car that you like, and you see it everywhere.

[42itus]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

What if every room you walked into there was someone dressed in the exact same clothes as you? Perhaps you might be ok but for me it kinda commoditizes the clothing

I'm glad you expanded on your thoughts. When I initially read your post my reaction was similar to many others that are commenting to wear what you want, yada yada. But I hear you now. If my BMW was as common as a Ford Fusion I wouldn't have bought it.

But watches might be a bit of an exception because I don't think people notice watches as much as "we" do.

[Heff]

Originally Posted by superstarmar

I wear what I want for me not for anyone else .

What others wear does not dictate my collection or

taste/preference regarding my watches ...

All this means is that more people have good taste .

Agree. I would love if everyone had a Rolex, then they would know how awesome they are!

Exclusivity means very little to me.


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[Thanos]

Rolex Submariner biggest strength is biggest weakness. Everywhere.

I never wear a Rolex Sub to a resort. Thats like everyone wearing a black golf shirt at night for the shows etc.

Rolex is the champ but the champ is everywhere.

[Late]

Originally Posted by Carry The Interest

I'd say in LA by far the most common luxury watch I see on other men is a Sub. Not saying I see them everywhere, but it's the most common among the luxury watches I take notice to.

I wonder how many are really Subs. I worked downtown Manhattan (as one of my offices) up until about 14 months ago; I saw quite a few DateJust - which few other watches look like - and a lot of Sub-inspired watches and some Subs.

Once I started paying attention, I was surprised how few such watches were actually Rolex. Even the Parnis, which is south of $50, is a decent copy from a distance. It's more similar than the Tudor Black Bay, which is very Sub-ish if you don't get a good look at the hands. For a while, Invicta made a clone except quartz (seconds-tick.) You'd be amazed how people will brag about their watch being "just as good but a better value" while pulling hair off their arms and turning their skin green. I can't recall a single conversation where the non-Rolex-owner was offended of me asking about their watch. (And yeah, I'm the guy who can talk to anyone, so I do.)

But not much else looks like a Rolesor or PM DJ. (i.e. sharp flutes on the bezel, Jubilee bracelet.)

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Late

I wonder how many are really Subs. I worked downtown Manhattan (as one of my offices) up until about 14 months ago; I saw quite a few DateJust - which few other watches look like - and a lot of Sub-inspired watches and some Subs.

Once I started paying attention, I was surprised how few such watches were actually Rolex. Even the Parnis, which is south of $50, is a decent copy from a distance. It's more similar than the Tudor Black Bay, which is very Sub-ish if you don't get a good look at the hands. For a while, Invicta made a clone except quartz (seconds-tick.) You'd be amazed how people will brag about their watch being "just as good but a better value" while pulling hair off their arms and turning their skin green. I can't recall a single conversation where the non-Rolex-owner was offended of me asking about their watch. (And yeah, I'm the guy who can talk to anyone, so I do.)

But not much else looks like a Rolesor or PM DJ. (i.e. sharp flutes on the bezel, Jubilee bracelet.)

95% sure. I usually can tell the profile from a distance and then tell depending on the differential polish on the bezel whether it is modern (more shiny) or vintange. Also can tell whether it is a ceramic or non ceramic. I then look at the clasp to see if it is fliplock or glidelock. There is maxi case versus non maxi case.

You can say I can be a bit stalkerish lol.

[Unclebuck]

This is silly. Seiko dive watches are iconic. Of course it's nowhere near the construction of a Rolex, or Omega. Or even a modified ETA Breitling for that matter. It's Seiko, totally in house, and a legend. If you don't agree, you just don't care or know much about watches in general. You simply think a watch is a retail price.

[Late]

Originally Posted by docmarioce

Rolex sub is the most iconic watch made and has always been relatively inexpensive when compared to other high end Swiss watches.

This is entirely dependent on where you peg "high end Swiss watches."
The artisan watches aren't "high end"; they're (to cop a phrase from '80s audiophiles), "SkyHiFi." Patek Philippe isn't competing with Rolex really, selling a tiny fraction as many watches and tiny fraction as much revenue... and yet is #2 in growth. (See my post a month ago or so on this.)

Most of the remaining "high end Swiss watches" (your words) are the Swatch group (Omega, Longines, Tissot at the lower end), which is less high and less expensive than Rolex, and TAG Heuer (owned by LVHM - which also includes Hublot, Zenith, and Bulgari.)

I suppose I should mention the Richemont brands (IWC, Cartier, Breguet/JLC, Vacheron Constantin and Panerai), but generally those also are below Rolex and often considered closer to fashion watches.

In short, the Rolex Submariner is priced significantly above the obvious competition, but is also growing the fastest. The only > $8K or even > $2K non-smartwatch outperforming the Submariner for sales and prestige is the DateJust, although the "prestige" part is dependent on the audience.

What is your reference for "high-end watch"? (I did not wear my $9800 DJ41 today, wearing my $14 Casio A158WA instead, because both are classics. )

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Unclebuck

This is silly. Seiko dive watches are iconic. Of course it's nowhere near the construction of a Rolex, or Omega. Or even a modified ETA Breitling for that matter. It's Seiko, totally in house, and a legend. If you don't agree, you just don't care or know much about watches in general. You simply think a watch is a retail price.

Dear Unclebuck,

Both brands are iconic and have their place. Seiko is not Rolex and Rolex is not Seiko. They both hold a special place in my heart just like my Pateks and APs and Swatch Sistem51s.

This is not to bash Seiko but a commentary on the state of Rolex by someone that loves both brands.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Onikage

amulet street vendors...

Seriously :)

[Bizcut1]

I think this brand screws with a certain personality...maybe it's the "luxury" brand category...I wonder of the OP also feels this way about his car.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Bizcut1

I think this brand screws with a certain personality...maybe it's the "luxury" brand category...I wonder of the OP also feels this way about his car.

I am very proud of my 10 year old Nissan Altima - it just hit 100k miles this year

[Rocketman39]

If anyone thinks seeing some Chinese Tourists wearing a Sub or GMT II like mine will make me not want it, you're sadly mistaken. My watches are for Me. I have worn a Rolex for Fifty three years now. In War and Peace, Hot and Cold, Air and Sea, Thick and Thin,Young and Skinny, and now Old and Fat. They have never let me down. Enjoy Yours as I have mine !

[stervius]

It really depends where you live and where you go. If you hiked 4 days to a remote village in the jungle, and found the village chief wearing grass skirt, body paint, and Rolex Sub you'd be rather impressed with the watch and perhaps want one more. In the city, it's quite common and less impressive to see a Sub, so it makes it very meh....it loses the romance. It's all about context.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by jimbones43

Why would you let other people wearing a certain watch dictate what you like or desire?

That's the very essence of marketing.

[MR. STEEL]

I love my Sub. That is all.

[donq]

Rolex has always been a mainstream product.

During the 1980's, the DateJust was so ubiquitous in my state they called it the "Texas Timex".

If you want to see less of them, maybe you should go to some places not frequented by the wealthy.

If you see a waitress or a teen wearing a Rolex, it is either fake or a gift from their parents. A Submariner still represents a substantial investment for most people.

Rolex is also the most counterfeited watch brand in the world for what it's worth.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

The Submariner is the most copied watch in the world and the copies are made in China. I wonder how many real Submariners you actually saw on your visit, we’ll never know.
Fact is, it’s a very attractive and desirable watch that appeals to everyone.

There is a massive difference between Japan and China. I would bet everything he saw in Tokyo was real. Japan is very, very anti-fakes of anything.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by Late

I wonder how many are really Subs. I worked downtown Manhattan (as one of my offices) up until about 14 months ago; I saw quite a few DateJust - which few other watches look like - and a lot of Sub-inspired watches and some Subs.

Once I started paying attention, I was surprised how few such watches were actually Rolex. Even the Parnis, which is south of $50, is a decent copy from a distance. It's more similar than the Tudor Black Bay, which is very Sub-ish if you don't get a good look at the hands. For a while, Invicta made a clone except quartz (seconds-tick.) You'd be amazed how people will brag about their watch being "just as good but a better value" while pulling hair off their arms and turning their skin green. I can't recall a single conversation where the non-Rolex-owner was offended of me asking about their watch. (And yeah, I'm the guy who can talk to anyone, so I do.)

But not much else looks like a Rolesor or PM DJ. (i.e. sharp flutes on the bezel, Jubilee bracelet.)

Been in Manhattan for 20 years. There are tons of subs, especially amongst the "midtown uniform" types. Walk the trading floor of any bank and you used to see tons of subs. Now you see tons of apple watches. There are more common on the banking side of the house.