Thank you for this, full of information! - If you like, what is your take on Tudor (to me, a more arrogant statement than Rolex), Hublot (incredible early designs, now glitzy and low-brow), Corum (lost it, no?), Omega (I love the Constellation) etc? Or the motorsport-themed watches by Chopard etc?
Jay - thank YOU both for reading and for taking time to comment!
Regarding opinions on each of the brands you list - of course I have them; well-developed arguments pertaining to ownership, strategy, and future of each brand - those would take more time to develop (and to relate).
Tudor - It wasn’t long ago that Tudor was seen as a poor man’s Rolex. Rolex has reanimated the brand with new, exciting offerings that are obviously more affordable and more available than the Rolex line. I have a few “Watch Idiot Savant” (WIS) friends who own Tudors and are very happy with their purchases; Rolex is a big tent, however, and many purchasers want the Rolex brand, so Tudor would represent a poor substitute for them.
Hublot - I cringe when I see them. I do applaud Jean-Claude Biver for his tremendous achievements, however. If I owned any brand making aspiration consumer products (in any category), I’d want him on my Board of Directors.
Corum - Never been on my radar.
Omega - Some of their offerings are terrific: The “real” Speedmaster has the most enviable marketing narrative of any watch ever made, in my opinion. I tried one on about ten years ago and was disappointed in it, otherwise I’d have one today. I also like the blue dial Seamaster - the “Prince William” as it’s known - but can do without the James Bond marketing junk.
Chopard - I do like the basic Mille Miglia variant, and I’ll buy one as soon as I get invited to do the modern Mille event! Actually, I think participants receive one as a “gift.” I particularly appreciate the tire tread imprinted into the rubber strap. Like AP, Chopard has remained independent. Unlike AP, they have failed to delegate control to capable leaders, which is why Chopard has languished on the watch front. I am less knowledgeable about the jewelry side of the business.
Thank you for this, full of information! - If you like, what is your take on Tudor (to me, a more arrogant statement than Rolex), Hublot (incredible early designs, now glitzy and low-brow), Corum (lost it, no?), Omega (I love the Constellation) etc? Or the motorsport-themed watches by Chopard etc?
Jay - thank YOU both for reading and for taking time to comment!
Regarding opinions on each of the brands you list - of course I have them; well-developed arguments pertaining to ownership, strategy, and future of each brand - those would take more time to develop (and to relate).
Tudor - It wasn’t long ago that Tudor was seen as a poor man’s Rolex. Rolex has reanimated the brand with new, exciting offerings that are obviously more affordable and more available than the Rolex line. I have a few “Watch Idiot Savant” (WIS) friends who own Tudors and are very happy with their purchases; Rolex is a big tent, however, and many purchasers want the Rolex brand, so Tudor would represent a poor substitute for them.
Hublot - I cringe when I see them. I do applaud Jean-Claude Biver for his tremendous achievements, however. If I owned any brand making aspiration consumer products (in any category), I’d want him on my Board of Directors.
Corum - Never been on my radar.
Omega - Some of their offerings are terrific: The “real” Speedmaster has the most enviable marketing narrative of any watch ever made, in my opinion. I tried one on about ten years ago and was disappointed in it, otherwise I’d have one today. I also like the blue dial Seamaster - the “Prince William” as it’s known - but can do without the James Bond marketing junk.
Chopard - I do like the basic Mille Miglia variant, and I’ll buy one as soon as I get invited to do the modern Mille event! Actually, I think participants receive one as a “gift.” I particularly appreciate the tire tread imprinted into the rubber strap. Like AP, Chopard has remained independent. Unlike AP, they have failed to delegate control to capable leaders, which is why Chopard has languished on the watch front. I am less knowledgeable about the jewelry side of the business.