I would not say boring, but I do say the “newer models do not appeal me” – and it is the beefier scheme of these new models that turns me off – for me, this is where Rolex’s classic looks ended. It seems that making watches with larger cases has been one of Rolex’s main shift in their new product strategy (evident in the lineup of their traditional models like the Sub, SD, GMT, Explorer and Daytona – all of these going from a 36-40mm case range to larger 42-44mm cases). Is this an attempt to fit in with the growing trend of the large-case wrist watch fashion?? Is Rolex targeting the younger generation of Millennials with their new lineup of larger watches and fight back to recover share lost in the luxury watch search/inquires market to Omega over the last few years? – I can’t validate the data on this chart or how it may correlate to an actual sales market share, but the chart shows Omega gaining ground -at least- in the battle of “watch searches/inquires” against Rolex over the last few years. From what I gather, the folks who try to get actual sales market share say this is a very close-hold secret in Switzerland. Dunno, but Omega’s recent releases of models reviving some of their original classic models and increasing Boutique presence could present a more real threat and challenge to Rolex’s popularity and the actual market share in terms of real sales. No doubt that the Rolex brand, popularity and marketing strategy is a heavy hitter in the luxury watch industry – do you think Omega will ever surpass Rolex in terms of sales market share?
