WATCH POP

Being that I live in the USA, it seem that most Americans think the Swiss are the only ones that make great watches! I got into a deep conversation with a friend when she asked me why my watch was made in Germany... she laughed and continued with "why, you can't afford a swiss watch?". I looked at her and replied "Rolex was actually started by Germans" of course she didn't believe me! I simply suggested she look up the info on the net! Why do people think that Rolex watches are the be all of end of watch craftmanship?
Em3 Digital that watches and Swiss where "synonymous" until I read this:
http://www.fhs.jp/History/historyE.htm
Edwin
Well in my humble opinion I think it is because the public believes what they are told.
For example, if you ask anyone what is the safest car brand in the world, most people would say Volvo. Yes, they are great cars, very safe, and perform great, and have won awards, but there are cars that have outperformed them in certain head to head tests. But, still they are self proclaimed as the safest car company in the world. So that is what most people believe. What about the Volvo’s pioneering in safety? Yes, they did invent the 3-point safety belt that are in all cars today, but Mercedes-Benz invented Anti-Lock Brakes, Crumple Zones, the Safety Cage, and Supplementary Restraint Systems. But, most would still respond to Volvo as the safest. And like I said before it is because that is all they hear, and Volvo advertises with testimonials by customers.
The average person take a 1979 Ferrari 308 over a 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible because the Ferrari is a Ferrari and they Hemi is a Plymouth …But would have no idea that they could pick up a 308 for under $40,000 but that Hemi can go for over $1,000,000 (if you don’t believe me look on the Bay of E and you will see what they are asking for).
So, when it comes to great watches all people know is what they have heard or what the have been told, that Rolex is the be all, end all for watches. So that is what they believe.
That is just my 2 cents.
W.
Watches I Own Watches I aspire to own Marketing has a lot to do with what people perceive about brands. You see all the Swiss watch manufacturers putting ads all over the magazines, yet how many ads by A Lange have you seen, yes they do advertise but nowhere near as much as the Swiss. You're bound to see a Rolex ad in newspapers, in financial magazines etc.. yet, you might only see A Lange advertisement in watch affcionado magazines.
But watches is not the only industry where this happens. The same goes for fashion. Every lady dream of a Louis Vuitton bag yet how many of them actually heard of the even more prestigious Hermes?
I think as long as you enjoy wearing your watch and you are knowledgeable enough to know that it IS indeed in the very very top tier, I say just ignore what other people think! If they don't know it, that's not your problem. :)
PP 5146G | VC Royal Eagle Chronograph | JLC Master Compressor Auto | Shellman Grand Complication Classic