Guys, just wondering if anyone felt this way. Instead of having all these special edition watches (speedmaster etc). Rather Omega follow Rolex’s example. Have a limited, but solid product offering?

 

I do prefer Rolex's more conservative and incremental approach with fewer limited editions than, say, Omega or Panerai. But they all understand the power of marketing and Rolex is probably king here, despite the sales and marketing benefits of LEs. I get confused by all the limited editions but have to admit Omega did a great job with the three 60th Anniversary pieces. As aware of its history as Rolex is, I can't imagine them reintroducing a 1016 or 5513 with updated movement.

 

Doesn’t bother me at all. I like the watches I own. I couldn’t care less if they make a thousand different watches, doesn’t change that I like the ones I have.

 

Naw just make a watch for years and call it a limited edition like Rolex. Green glass milgauss and hulk for example.

Who cares if Omega makes a lot of LE’s how does it hurt anyone?

I don’t get the fanboy hate for Omega making LE’s you don’t like. No one complained about the Venice or 57’s, but make one Phelps watch and it’s a jihad.

 

The only one that has bothered me is the seamaster commander. It seemed so random and it had a loose connection to 007 at best.

 

Don't get me wrong I'm an Omega guy too. Love my classic moonwatch. I also have to admit that the Snoopy, Speedy Tuesday, and CK2998 are cool pieces. It does get confusing. While Omega will always be Omega, I sometimes wish they held back on all the special editions and add to the exclusivity of each model.

 

In my opinion, a true limited edition is 100 pieces or less for the world. Omega, like other manufacturers have watered down the definition of Limited Edition.

 

I think some of the versions dilute the brand. If they keep making awesome ones I'm all for it. Gemini 4, or CK 2998 as an example.



But I have to question this one.



Also, I was in the OB a few days back. The sales guy shows me the Olympic LE watches that are coming. One is a set of 5 watches, with the straps of each watch a different color. Same dial on each, but the colors of the markers are changed to match strap color. Seems so stupid to release set of 5 watches. I think set of 5 was $30k.

 

Held back the number of watches? Or number LE’s

 

Not got a problem with Limited editions, as long as I actually like the watch, at least with omega there is the chance of ownership at retail price, with Rolex or indeed Porsche you've got to pay way over the retail price unless your in a very small group of "customers" (who give the dealer's a very nice Xmas present.....)

 

Number of LE.

 

I actually like the number of LEs that Omega releases. It's the opposite approach to Rolex, and it can lead to some interesting innovations, despite some of the limited editions being (in my opinion) hideous. At the same time, Omega sticks to its roots with certain models, most notably the Speedmaster, which got me (and a bunch of other people) into the brand.

Rolex, on the other hand, minimizes modifications, sticking to their core competency of producing handsome, traditionally sized and featured watches, with just minor modifications constituting major news for them. They hype up their brand prestige, and manage to increase prices relative to the market as time goes on. Clearly, its working, as their target market buys into their hype 100%. I disagree with the transparent throttling of certain models (Daytona), but it seems to drive up the price even further- which appears to be Rolex's desired end-state. However, Omega does the same thing. And both companies make an unarguably fine watch. I just happen to prefer Omega's style and approach, even though it doesn't always yield a winner in the LE arena.

 

It doesn't bother me. Its fun to collect a number of different watches.

 

I’m more bothered by some of the less appealing LE’s. The Commander and the Speedmaster that Taddyangle posted are just 2 examples. That Speedy can still be found BNIB in OB’s years later.

 

Ok, I have to agree with this. Some LEs should have never been.

 

I am just a fan of the actual watches I buy. These two caught my eye.

 

I really like all of the LEs.
It keeps things a little interesting...
They all find their own markets and the ones that are popular trade well and the ones that aren't don't.

 

I have an Oris TT3 from an edition of 997. If Magrette limits an issuance of a model to 500, 750, or 1010, that's a limited edition.

 

Pretty tough to hit the mark with every LE. Many of the Speedy LEs have been good.

I suppose the only downside with the qty of LEs is lower value retention over time...but that has probably more to do with the general Omega flood the market distribution approach and not necessarily just the no. of LEs pumped out each year.

Overall I think it is good to have product diversity.

Anyone buying an Omega at retail price as an investment wants to believe in fairy tales

 

I think they have to limited their limited editions releases , it's getting out of hands