TeeJay

With the exception of the now-defunct Maybach line & some of Rolex's custom models, neither brand makes claims at being the ultimate or pinnacle in their respective market. But I think your example of the new Sky-Dweller makes my point. The Sky-Dweller, like the new S-Class, contains alot of advanced technology, which comes with a high price tag. &, although Rolex & Mercedes both produce more affordable models (Explorer & C-Class), both are generally purchased by the well-heeled & those that aspire to be well-heeled. Similarly, over the years, both companies have had their detractors - claiming they produce garish products targeted at an unsophisticated clientele, but they have also been criticized for just the opposite - being too conservative & staid. It is difficult to be all things to all people, especially, when you have so many competitors, all of whom are looking for an angle to grab market share from the leader.

Absolutely, Rolex as a company doesn't make that claim, it's more of a consumer-driven status, but I do think that many Rolex buyers are doing so for the status it conveys, or perhaps I'm just seeing that status being conveyed by gold-diggers who only know to look for a Rolex, rather than a more expensive marque...

Can I quote you on that one?

By all means

Rolex & Mercedes hold similar positions within their respective markets & for the same reasons. Both have long histories (they began at roughly the same time), target high income earners, have long lists of notable patents & inventions, & maintain aspirational status because of their relatively high price & level of quality.

While I ultimately disagree with Rolex US's decision to restrict the retail sale of parts, I can understand their reasoning.

I would certainly agree with that comparison between the two companies, but I would suggest that Rolex does not truly target high income earners (that strata I would say belong to Patek etc) but instead, would suggest that they target social climbers, and in the past, targeted working professionals. I think Rolex now targets people who are insecure enough to take their esteem through product ownership, and willing to part with the money to make that happen. Higher level earners, I would suggest are confident enough to move away from brand names, and maybe even be the 'millionaire with a casio' (says the wannabe tattoo artist wearing a fake 1665 ) The cost of the Sky-Dweller, for example, is pretty obscene, even considering what an engineering miracle it actually is (I was fortunate enough to try one on a couple of months ago, and have to admit, I liked what I saw) so to me, that suggests it is targeted at someone who will pay the price tag to Get The Look, where the higher earner would likely settle for a regular DateJust or Sub...

As they say in the 'Benz world, a cheap used Mercedes is the most expensive car you will ever own.

Like Mercedes, quality & prestige are expensive & that is part of Rolex's appeal. If Rolexes were cheap to maintain, everyone would have 1, so no one would aspire to own 1.

I would suggest that that is only part of Rolex's appeal, as for some, the aesthetics and history mean more than the social status of wearing one. As for your assertion that if they were cheap to maintain, everyone would own one, I have to disagree. Jeremy Clarkson once said:

"The only thing worse than a fake Rolex, is a real one..."

He exclusively wears Omega...

I think that even if Rolex were to put out a Budget Line, they would still face Market forces and personal choice, so not be as ubiquitous as you suggest.

TD's for example, sell multiple brands, rather than just being The Guy for X brand, and equally, not all the members of the forum necessarily own the same pieces... I may have dabbled in Omega and Panerai, but I really can't see myself buying an AP, Oris or Hublot... Given choice, people will always go with what they want

Fantastic acquisition, jmb does fantastic work

Folded bracelets can have links removed, but it does mean a fair amount of deforming the metal of the link to remove...

Yea Tee like I wouldn't "F" that up!

I had to do it to my birthday 1665 OOTB... Of course, if someone hasn't been 'under the hood' before, definitely best left to a pro, but, with the right tools and know how, it is a very straight forward and quick fix

Do you have any experience with watch repair at all? This is something that, with the correct tools, you could do yourself in less than 30 minutes...

- Unscrew a link, or remove the fine adjustment spring bar from the clasp so the bracelet becomes two halves

- Unscrew case back (various tools available for doing this, personally, I use rubber gloves and thumb pressure)

- Unscrew crown and pull to the hand-setting position

- With appropriate tool (small screwdriver etc) carefully depress the stem release and carefully withdraw stem from movement.

- Unscrew any case clamps/remove plastic movement retainer

- Place closed hand over the open case back, then flip upside down to view dial. Slowly lift case and bracelet off of movement.

- Place empty case crystal up on clean work surface so as not to get dust inside the crystal

- Cafefully reposition the marker and press it back into place with a fingernail (while wearing glove/finger cots)

Taking special care to re-insert the stem carefully, so as not to foul the keyless works, reverse the steps, and job done

I love that, most of all, because it looks exactly as you intended

Pure Class

Lovely pieces indeed

Very nice

I thought it was Wang.

My understanding is that it doesn't matter if it's spelled 'Wang' or 'Wong', as that is just a kind of regional variation, and that either spelling, the name should be pronounced 'Wong'

That's going to look tasty

Looking good

Really sorry to hear this

Several years ago, I had very mixed results with Silix. Items were received, but of unacceptable quality. They may have improved over the years, but personally, I would suggest trying another dealer. Any other dealer... Best of luck

Stunning pieces

Its charcoal "purpleish" and it does comes very alive when hit by light ... I actualy like it quite a lot..

Sounds fantastic Price doesn't necessarily make the watch... One of my favourites, is a plastic submariner I threw a modified dial into. Every time I wear it, it reminds me not to take life too seriously

Beautiful Is the dial charcoal grey? I bet it really pops when sunlight hits it

PC has it http://www.p-cls.com/rlgs00011-ssss-2013-blueblack-asian-2836-p-14685.html

Pepsi bezel does not exist so I cant see them repping a watch that doesn't exist.

You need to check out the Deep GMT... Apart from the ceramic midlink, I think it's a nice piece

I have to admit, I never really liked the blue ceramic submariners, but this is a beautiful piece

Nice gift, great wife.

Happy wife, happy life!!

That seems to be the secret

Well done! 

Thanks

I see you've already started modding, the pearl is gone.  As it should be! 

Well... I initially removed the inaccurate factory pearl so as to swap in the domed pearl from my Tudor sub, but it decided to fall on the floor never to be seen again (although a replacement is on the way ) I've tried to get some better shots, but the iPhone just can't handle it I've decided to leave the dial 'as is', as if it was a lightly used watch which then got safequeened, so I've simply put some light scuffs on the edge and center of the crystal, some wear on the case back, and removed the enamel from the engravings The bracelet is already fairly worn in, so it makes for a nice match. Also, while the red lines look crazy bright in the photos, to the naked eye, they're actually almost invisible

Hey Tj where have you been?I am sure I owe you a favor so when you feel you want some work done let me know I may have some parts spare

Hi Andy, to be honest, I've not been in the best of places, which was why I stayed away from the forum, as I didn't want to bring anyone else down, but things are looking up now I'm okay for parts, as a Yuki pearl is on its way to me, but there is something which needs doing, if you might be up for it? The watch came on a period folded bracelet, which I felt was too thin to support a watch head of this thickness, so I swapped it over for the bracelet I've been wearing my GMTs and Subs on since my honeymoon, and I think the thicker links make for a much better aesthetic balance. However... Due to the additional thickness of the case back, it is a smidge on the snug side... Not uncomfortably tight, just 'a bit close'... An extra link makes it too big, and moving the fine adjustment in a set of holes then means the end of the clasp stands slightly proud of the bracelet, and makes a snag hazard... I figured having an extra set of holes drilled into the clasp would solve that issue entirely, but eliminating the need for the extra link. Might that be something you could possibly help with?

Congratulations! She's a beauty!

Many thanks I know the cgs need to go on a diet, but without a budget for modding, I've got no complaints I'll try and get some clearer photos

Stunning