Is it just us?
Looking at my watches, I wonder if it’s just us watch nerds to buy certain watches. Watches that would go unsold if watch nerds didn’t exist. Watches like the Rolex Explorer. Do non watch nerds buy these watches or is the Oyster Perpetual enough for them to own a Rolex. Why spend more for the Explorer? Perhaps Rolex is not a good example because they are a much sought after brand for status reasons. For example, without watch nerds would the CW Belcanto be a huge hit?
9 comments
Sort by
Given that they share the same movement, I've always wondered if the Explorer gets so much more attention than the OP due to the subtle design differences, or due to the marketing and the "aura" associated with "exploring". I personally opted for the OP, but that's just me.
As for the Bel Canto, while I appreciate what it offers, I've never understood why it seems to be treated by many as some sort of a "game changer". As far as I'm concerned, it's just a cool watch for watch enthusiasts, and I certainly would not expect to see non watch enthusiasts opening up their wallets for it, but I may be wrong.
One thing I think we always need to be aware of is that while we enthusiasts might be very passionate about these marvels of design, engineering & craftsmanship, we are a very small percentage of the population; even the population that just generally appreciates watches.
If a watch brand caters exclusively to us overly passionate folk (moderation in all things), they are doing themselves a huge disservice. First, while we can come up with any manner of reason to buy another watch, we generally can't buy every watch because we already bought all the watches. Second, because of that first bit, if a brand DOES design a watch for us geeks, it's over-designed for the general population and thus, probably too expensive for most people to buy without saving for. And for the general population, if they are saving for a watch, it's a Rolex, not a Bel Canto.
Therefore, I don't think that there are watches meant for just the enthusiast crowd.
I prefer the OP to the Explorer to be honest
Yeah, I'll agree with all of the above. It's a strange hobby.
Of course. I can’t imagine many micro brands existing without watch nerds. If you aren’t ‘into’ watches, you’re just not going to find them. And it seems like most of the renown micro brands are led by watch nerds to begin with.
You also would see far fewer special editions. Sure, some would exist to commemorate special events but you wouldn’t see the endless parade that we currently see, which seemed aimed at trying to get collectors and enthusiasts to buy at full freight because they’re ‘limited.’
I think a good example of a watch that might not exist without enthusiasts is the hesalite-equipped Speedmaster. I doubt a non-enthusiast will care that it’s more ‘period correct’ than a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Yeah, I'll agree with all of the above. It's a strange hobby.
Is it different than any other hobby, though? Enthusiasts/hobbyists are a small minority of consumers in virtually all categories, but have outsized influence in shaping the hobby’s direction.
I prefer the OP to the Explorer to be honest
You’re not alone in that opinion (skip to 3:05).
Britt Pearce OP review
I personally like the Explorer better, but it’s close!
According to my multi brand ad whose family have been selling watches for decades first in Italy and the last 40 years here in the GTA, watch manufacturers would starve selling to the so called enthusiasts’ amongst us. They need to sell attractive watches at a price point that doesn’t scare customers away. Of course the high rollers exist on a different planet entirely. Does anybody believe the gold Rolex Day/Date was designed for a few eccentrics who liked watches?