freddy333

I love some Ferraris (like the Daytona or 430 Italia), but, in general, I prefer Maserati's more understated designs. Think Hublot vs Rolex.

Actually, I prefer Maseratis to Ferraris. Got any pics from your visit there? Probably worth a separate thread if you do.

I know the episode you are referring to & I agree that Rolex's marketing has changed. But this is neither the 1st time, nor will it be the last time that a change in marketing strategy has put off Rolex's older customers (like me). The reason Rolex has been the most successful luxury watch company for most of the past 100+ years is because they are market leaders, who carve their own path instead of following the winds of contemporary fashion. Sometimes their path intersects with current fashion & sometimes not. Whether or not you like their latest marketing/design strategy, you have to give them credit for the fact that, with hindsight, it is usually a winning strategy, profit-wise. And profits, whether politically popular or not, are what for-profit companies are all about. But, like you (& Feinnes), I wish Rolex could find a way to include a handful of traditional tool watches in their current/future product line-ups.

Welcome & read this.

Why are you there? Are you taking the Ferrari driving course or are you on a buying trip?

That does not sound like something anyone at Rolex would say (or think), especially upper management. No offense, but I have been hearing things like this for decades, but never from an official (or verifiably knowledgeable) source. What they might have said is something along the lines of Rolex being in the jewelry business, which they are, but never to the exclusion (or ahead) of watches, which is where the vast majority of their (not insignificant) R&D costs have always gone.

Nice, but I sense a story attached to that picture. Can we get some background & see the rest of the car ?

Who said what & what is the source?

I received the battery for my 214 late today &, after installation (& a quick, light polish), the 214 displaced the Arian 'Master on my wrist Friday night But this story is far from over. Although not exactly a grail, this watch has eluded me longer than any other. Stay tuned, there is (much) more to come ................

I am not sure that any of Rolex's aims/goals have changed, but I think it is safe to say that they have refocused their marketing towards the east with less reliance on sales from the US & EU, which, traditionally, have been their target markets. And Rolex is not alone.

Thanks, All. Part of the thanks should go to JoeyB, who provided the insert.

Ubi - I still love the watch, but lose the bracelet. It belongs on a strap. Also, you mentioned that you were going to update the spacer with something custom. Any news to report on that? I have been working on something similar for ages (based on same movement), but having trouble locating a proper (replica watch, preferably with sapphire display caseback) case.

I would not post the dealer's name until/unless your bank or credit card company verifies them as the thief. 1 of the other manifestations of our modern age is hacking store & bank accounts, which was the cause of my similar credit card problems (twice). In both cases, the bank & credit card company located the criminals & dealt with them. Since then, I use a random credit card generator for all online purchases, which the bank provides (check with your bank to see if they offer a similar service).

Just past midnight & this has been on my wrist since dinner

Most of the watch parts houses sell generic gaskets & gasket sets, & you should be able to find 1 that fits.

Yes, I would definitely agree with that. At the time they were for sale, they were considered good, quality watches; mostly for professionals (in the case of Rolex tool watches). They were not budget or commodity items by any means. But neither were they treated like the icons they are today.

Actually, that is not quite accurate. True, the 62xx Daytona, being a manual-wind chronograph, was often a tough sell at the time (& often sold at a discount), but neither was it ever considered a budget model. Certainly, it was not priced anywhere near Timexes, Benrus or even early Seikos (most of which were priced between $19-$50). In 1965, a $200 watch was an expensive luxury item, even if it was also a tool watch that someone involved in a relevant trade or sport could rationalize paying its hefty price for.

Yes, just like the gen. As for fitting proper 2mm springbars, that is definitely an issue, but Yuki will fit them for you if you ask (obviously, after the bracelet is back in stock).

The problem with the wholesale frankenstein-ing of gen Rolexes is that you end up turning them into Coach bags--a nice product that is (price) accessible to all (as opposed to an exclusive luxury item). Once the price of admission falls to the level where just about anyone can afford 1, they lose their aspirational appeal & fewer people actually buy 1.

Congrads.