Will Apple partner with Rolex to produce a high end Apple Watch ?
#16
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 37,486
#17
People want to make their watches more expensive/exclusive, not less. i.e. no one encrusts a watch in styrofoam, people encrust watches in diamonds or other precious stones.
#18
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 18,603
I disagree with both statements. Besides the few tech giants and start-up bubble riders, many Apple watch wearers cannot afford a Rolex because selling their grandparents' clothing on Etsy doesn't make them that much disposable income (also because Oregon has one of the highest state income tax rates).
People want to make their watches more expensive/exclusive, not less. i.e. no one encrusts a watch in styrofoam, people encrust watches in diamonds or other precious stones.
People want to make their watches more expensive/exclusive, not less. i.e. no one encrusts a watch in styrofoam, people encrust watches in diamonds or other precious stones.
#19
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Other than brand equity, what, exactly does Rolex offer Apple in any such collaboration? It's not like there's any superior timekeeping technology that any $10 quartz movement can't match. And if all Apple is looking for is brand equity from a high end watch - there are certainly more exclusive choices, and more upscale choices, than Rolex.
#21
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kitchener, ON, Canada
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Posts: 1,266
If I was Rolex and Apple came calling, I'd politely hang up the phone. That whole decision making process takes me less than 10 seconds.
NO WAY IN HELL would I want my brand associated with hipsters, millennials, or two-year-cyclic technology.
NO WAY IN HELL would I want my brand associated with hipsters, millennials, or two-year-cyclic technology.
#22
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Posts: 37,486
Because being a valuable brand has zilch to do with how popular you are in the watch market. Regardless of your love for Apple, one has to admit that Rolex is a more valuable WATCH brand, especially in the upper end of the market.
#23
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#25
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But why Rolex? Why not Patek Phillippe? or Jaeger LeCoultre? or Vacheron Constantin?
#26
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Amex Centurion, United Global Services
Posts: 847
They have already done a partnership with Hermes, which might fit that niche rather than going to a hardcore tradition watch company like Rolex.
Hermes is popular among the deep-pocketed fashion crowd that has no qualms about spending a lot of money by FT standards for a limited-life fashion item.
Hermes is popular among the deep-pocketed fashion crowd that has no qualms about spending a lot of money by FT standards for a limited-life fashion item.
#27
formerly ThePinkUnicornShirtGuy
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Franklin, TN
Programs: Delta Diamond
Posts: 418
I ended up buying and then selling my Tag Connected Watch. It was cool but for what I paid for it - I just didn't like it.
I was #2 in the world to buy one actually, just happened to be in NYC for the release.
I was #2 in the world to buy one actually, just happened to be in NYC for the release.
#28
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Indianapolis
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I hate to wind my Rolex, and actually like my Rado better...it does not scratch, and does not need winding..
Would I wear an Apple Watch, No..
My Rolex salesman likes Patek Phillippe, better..but it is not in his budget..
Would I wear an Apple Watch, No..
My Rolex salesman likes Patek Phillippe, better..but it is not in his budget..
#30
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Amex Centurion, United Global Services
Posts: 847
For what it's worth, I have several Rolex watches, as well as IWC and a few others. As an engineer I appreciate the fine qualities that go into swiss watches and the engineering into the cases. All ride on an Orbita winder.
...and I have an Apple watch. I look at it as disposable but I'm wearing it right now, great for notifications and telling me what meeting I have next at a glance.
My wife constantly asks "how much longer are you going to wear that thing?" She's not a fan.
...and I have an Apple watch. I look at it as disposable but I'm wearing it right now, great for notifications and telling me what meeting I have next at a glance.
My wife constantly asks "how much longer are you going to wear that thing?" She's not a fan.