Seiko Club Singapore Museum

Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

004
Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
I thought i will share my impression i have of Singapore watch retailers , you guys are lucky to have so much choice honestly ;)

But i have literally tired of constantly being swampped by Rolex & Omega stores @ nearly every corner :shock: , there is nothing exculsive about them when everywhere i have been theres another Rolex or Omega store :?

I literally seen around Orchard Rd , dozens of stores within walking distance of each other & every big shopping mall also , going out to the suburbs doesnt change too much either :shock:

Please spare me from the Rolex & Omega store overkill , also every man & his dog is wearing one :roll: , i have yet to see 1 person wearing a Seiko MM300 ! Ananta or Grand Seiko . :)

"My 2 cents"
Ed.YEO
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
Well... there you zee... where majority of the monies goes to boost the brands' identities. Hence that high price tagged with the watches.



When it comes to SWISS watches, when we start from scratch, we should learn the basic from the movements first, then to what are the brands out there that offers what difference in features and gimmicks. However, whenever we talk about SWISS watches, we would first be bombarded by the advertisements of brands from newspapers, publications, as well as those advertising sign boards.

Were we ever exposed to notices or ads on how the SWISS movements are compared to the others? No right?



We may often hear other folks says that HongKongers are brand minded, yet we fail to see that on our own folks as one as well, since we're all exposed to those SWISS brand advertisements around us.

Luckily with the aid of internet and hobbyist forums, in this case the various watch forums, we learn that there are virtually not much difference from different Watch Making Companies since the movements used in their produce are virtually identical and comes from 1 movement making factory. The only differences that we can tell are:

1. difference in designs

2. movements post modded or not

3. the kind of after sales service that they can offer.



Want to see more ANANTA or Grand SEIKO? Go to HongKong!

Folks might think that i'm discriminating them for clueless or senseless... but lets face the real fact, what a person there can afford, creates a certain impression to others of his capability. Hence the popularity of big SWISS labels over Japanese makes.

In Singapore, should you happen to see one put on a ANANTA or GS, this fella is highly possible a hardcore SEIKO fan who're greatly impressed by the technological advancement of Japanese movements. And they could even name out whats there in their movement that can compare to the SWISS.

Certainly... there will still be a small numbers... are folks who're clueless...
zeikphur
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
Where's the dog?!?

Will nerf-ed it and grab its rollie



put 'em up, mutt



Lol
MeePokMan
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"zeikphur"

Where's the dog?!?

Will nerf-ed it and grab its rollie



put 'em up, mutt



Lol






:lol:
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"MeePokMan"

[quote="zeikphur"]Where's the dog?!?

Will nerf-ed it and grab its rollie



put 'em up, mutt



Lol






:lol:[/quote]

Exactly what i have been talking about :lol:
zeikphur
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
lol
Cosmograph
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"MIKER"

I thought i will share my impression i have of Singapore watch retailers , you guys are lucky to have so much choice honestly ;)

But i have literally tired of constantly being swampped by Rolex & Omega stores @ nearly every corner :shock: , there is nothing exculsive about them when everywhere i have been theres another Rolex or Omega store :?

I literally seen around Orchard Rd , dozens of stores within walking distance of each other & every big shopping mall also , going out to the suburbs doesnt change too much either :shock:

Please spare me from the Rolex & Omega store overkill , also every man & his dog is wearing one :roll: , i have yet to see 1 person wearing a Seiko MM300 ! Ananta or Grand Seiko . :)

"My 2 cents"




Well treat it as an eye opener for you then. :)



Frankly no one I know who wears a Rolex is thinking watch movement. Branding, Status, style, design, history, maybe even some personal heritage(from family/ exposure etc).



Orchard Road is town and mostly shopping, some offices & residences but again Shopping=Tourists is the key. I would not expect you to be bombarded by only unknown local little outfits but luxury brands (Just part of the way things work around the world) Can't be walking down 5th Ave and not see the high end shops or neither in any major city in the world. Suburbs function as satellite towns which have some influence from their swiss retailers. Plus, Singapore is up there trading loads of Swiss Watches (whether locals or foreigners, I don't know)



Now about knowing watch movements, Orchard Road does not seem to me to be the place and that's why we have this forum here. (Besides, most salesmen/women know nothing about what they are selling except for the price and asking you to buy cuz there's a promotion.) I am happy that I don't see many people flaunting Japanese technology GS, Anatas, Credor, Citizens, JDM seikos or even Casios & G Shocks, or Royal Orients, Orient Stars and main stream Orients. The prices are already kinda ridiculous IMHO (since there are more Japanese enthusiasts on board). Average Seikos are retailing at at least S$300-500 unless we know where to buy etc. And I am sure many vets here can attest to the prices from less than 5 years ago being somewhat lower.



Why not appreciate the fact that these stores come up on every corner to boost the local economy? Maybe add some color to the surroundings? And continue to "fool"people with parting their $$$? ( In a value sense, not that I have anything against anyone owning 1 or more swiss watches but rather enjoy talking about any brand or model watch piece with them if I had the chance). :D



Enjoy what's around you and what locally any place has to offer and if we rather be upset with the little unimportant things, there are many things to find fault with in every place or situation.
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
Your response "Ed" was spot on in many regards , i prefer personally to own a Grand Seiko , Ananta they are much more exclusive in many ways .

Its the same in western countries Rolex , Omega are worn more for status with no regard for its internal quality etc "its all about the image" for most of their owners "but not all".

A Grand Seiko , Ananta is worn proudly by someone who appreciates top quality watch making & not caring to be part of the hordes of wannabes that stick up their noses to a Japanese made Seiko or consider them cheap & nasty without status .

In many ways to own a GS or Ananta , if you had to explain your choice to the wannabes , they wouldnt understand .
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
"Cosmo" i aint truely upset of the fact theres so many Rolex , Omega stores am just stating the facts . To see so many of these stores takes away the special / exclusive factor from the brands "IMHO", kinda like seeing hundreds of cheap chinese made watches @ every corner of a flee market so to speak .

IMO if there was only one exclusive store for Rolex /Omega on Orchard Rd , it will keep the exclusiveness of the brands higher .
Vinc04
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
It's true that many good quality brands such as Seiko has been undermined by the more "expensive" brandings.. But who wouldn't think this way? Unless you are a watch enthusiast and have a good understanding and exposure to what good watches means... The Rest of us (me included) are just looking at superficial things.... Like "wah!! This man wears a Lolex"..... "Oh.. He has a seiko... ".



But with forums like this, I believe more and more people are actually looking much deeper into quality and makes than before. It will take time to change this mindset... It's a journey... We will walk this journey bros...
herzausstahl
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
anantas and gs are over priced also... this the best:



004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"Vinc04"

It's true that many good quality brands such as Seiko has been undermined by the more "expensive" brandings.. But who wouldn't think this way? Unless you are a watch enthusiast and have a good understanding and exposure to what good watches means... The Rest of us (me included) are just looking at superficial things.... Like "wah!! This man wears a Lolex"..... "Oh.. He has a seiko... ".



But with forums like this, I believe more and more people are actually looking much deeper into quality and makes than before. It will take time to change this mindset... It's a journey... We will walk this journey bros...


I want to make it crystal clear i am not @ all implying that Rolex or Omega , are in anyway not top quality watches "in fact" they are extremely high quality & used as a bench mark or standard for other watches inc Seiko to achieve .

My comments actually are just to state i never been more exposed to Rolex or Omega retail stores in my life , as in Australia were i live theres only a handfull of exposure for these two brands & Grand Seiko is literally unknown "except" to watch connoisseurs .
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"herzausstahl"

anantas and gs are over priced also... this the best:





Nice set , enjoy them :D
herzausstahl
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"Ed.YEO"

Well... there you zee... where majority of the monies goes to boost the brands' identities. Hence that high price tagged with the watches.



When it comes to SWISS watches, when we start from scratch, we should learn the basic from the movements first, then to what are the brands out there that offers what difference in features and gimmicks. However, whenever we talk about SWISS watches, we would first be bombarded by the advertisements of brands from newspapers, publications, as well as those advertising sign boards.

Were we ever exposed to notices or ads on how the SWISS movements are compared to the others? No right?



We may often hear other folks says that HongKongers are brand minded, yet we fail to see that on our own folks as one as well, since we're all exposed to those SWISS brand advertisements around us.

Luckily with the aid of internet and hobbyist forums, in this case the various watch forums, we learn that there are virtually not much difference from different Watch Making Companies since the movements used in their produce are virtually identical and comes from 1 movement making factory. The only differences that we can tell are:

1. difference in designs

2. movements post modded or not

3. the kind of after sales service that they can offer.



Want to see more ANANTA or Grand SEIKO? Go to HongKong!

Folks might think that i'm discriminating them for clueless or senseless... but lets face the real fact, what a person there can afford, creates a certain impression to others of his capability. Hence the popularity of big SWISS labels over Japanese makes.

In Singapore, should you happen to see one put on a ANANTA or GS, this fella is highly possible a hardcore SEIKO fan who're greatly impressed by the technological advancement of Japanese movements. And they could even name out whats there in their movement that can compare to the SWISS.

Certainly... there will still be a small numbers... are folks who're clueless...




I'm a fan of Seiko and therefore greatly inclined to agree with you. But, our perspective is probably laden with cognitive biases.

After all, Cluelessness cannot be quantified - if you can, please share how. Cluelessness is also relative, and is a function of perception.



Sent from my KVH Tracphone V3 using Tapatalk 2
Ed.YEO
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"Vinc04"

It's true that many good quality brands such as Seiko has been undermined by the more "expensive" brandings.. But who wouldn't think this way? Unless you are a watch enthusiast and have a good understanding and exposure to what good watches means... The Rest of us (me included) are just looking at superficial things.... Like "wah!! This man wears a Lolex"..... "Oh.. He has a seiko... ".



But with forums like this, I believe more and more people are actually looking much deeper into quality and makes than before. It will take time to change this mindset... It's a journey... We will walk this journey bros...


"MIKER"

I want to make it crystal clear i am not @ all implying that Rolex or Omega , are in anyway not top quality watches "in fact" they are extremely high quality & used as a bench mark or standard for other watches inc Seiko to achieve .

My comments actually are just to state i never been more exposed to Rolex or Omega retail stores in my life , [size=122]as in Australia were i live theres only a handfull of exposure for these two brands & Grand Seiko is literally unknown "except" to watch connoisseurs [/size].


Well, Bro MIKER, as i had mentioned, the environment where we lives in will eventually turn us what to be. It's not surprising that the general folks living in a certain area for long, will perceive what they see is "the correct" nature of life. What Brudder Vinc04 had pointed out is not against what you had observed, but pointing out that there are few types of watch enthusiast, collectors, hobbyist as well as those who doesn't are not so after that piece of time telling tool on their wrist. Hence, there will be different type of "snobs" around us. There will be "VFM" snobs, there will be "brand" snobs, there will be "technical " snobs, as well as other snobs that you may think of.

I consider myself as a "VFM" snob, where my focus are always on the (movement+workmanship+built quality) divide by (pricing)=value for money.



In a certain way, watches are often compared to cars. In the past, more than 20yrs ago, HOLDEN cars such as the Commodore and Calais were commonly seen in Singapore roads. Japanese mid sized HONDA LEGEND as well as TOYOTA CRESSIDA was not selling as good as the Australian built cars during that time. One of the few key factors affecting the sales are good affordable pricing, as well as the large spacious built, and of course, gas during that period of time was quite significantly affordable as well.

So, what did HONDA and TOYOTA had done that they eventually wins the crowds over? The opened more channels in making their parts easily available, which the Australian Marque couldn't do during that time. Things gets more worse, when HOLDEN was later bought over by GM. To avoid sales clash against OPEL, they eventually stop the sales of HOLDEN cars after some years of low response and demand.



What does this HOLDEN, TOYOTA and HONDA thingy got to do with watches? If you look from a wider angle, it's about popularity, parts availability, and value for money... doesn't it kind of resonance to watches in the timepiece world?
Vinc04
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
I want to make it crystal clear i am not @ all implying that Rolex or Omega , are in anyway not top quality watches "in fact" they are extremely high quality & used as a bench mark or standard for other watches inc Seiko to achieve .

My comments actually are just to state i never been more exposed to Rolex or Omega retail stores in my life , as in Australia were i live theres only a handfull of exposure for these two brands & Grand Seiko is literally unknown "except" to watch connoisseurs .[/quote]



No worries mate! Neither am I implying that we are snobs.. Hahahhaha..



Seriously I feel that many micro bands are really great watches... I also keep other brands. As long as u like the watch, it's worth keeping!
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
Re -"Ed Yeo" , i didnt even know Holden sold the Commodore in SG "i noted a HSV" dealer though . It all reletive in the end , thanks for sharing . ;)
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
Re - "Vinc04" , no problem Bro :)
ckw
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
i bought a GS recently and absolutely loving it...because of its quiet beauty & quality and to some extend its anonymity...



showed a closed friend of mine, who wears a AP, of the GS and the comment was '...don't how to appreciate...'



Guess that's a lot to do with perception of brands and wealth: when you have it, flaunt it...no point buying something that 99% of the people don't even know about its existence...and there's where rolex, omega and AP comes in with their mega advertising. Especially Penarai, its more expensive here than anywhere else just because people here happened to buy a lot of it...



Got another friend who try to joke about my GS by asking a waitress at a certain lounge if she had heard of it before. I immediately told him straight that if I wanted attention on my wrist, I would have gotten one of the europeans brands mentioned above...at least i can enjoy at their ignorance that loud equals more value and skin deep mindset...



of cause I also had some friends who saw and complimented on its beauty and some of them don't even know of GS existence before that...
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
Re - " CKW" , congratulations on your new Grand Seiko purchase . Wear it with pride & in good health , you are one of the select lucky owners of GS watches :D

Who cares what your uneducated friends say , am sure you aint looking for their approval now :lol:
roo7
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
Well another way to look at it is... what is your objective when you buy a watch ?



Is it because of the image and perceived premium branding ?

Is it because it's a brand I like ?

Is it the design ?

Is it the movement ?



Lastly, are you a single watch owner or a WIS ?



For those single watch owners, they probably spend on a good one, say a Sub to celebrate an event, maybe an achievement, especially when a Rolex Sub means a lot to them... or they probably have 1 g-shock beater which they love it because of it's durability...



We, as WIS, c'mon.. we buy watches for all sort of reasons.. good designs, interesting movement, value for money, a grail like brand/model that we are chasing..



The 2 camps will never appreciate each other's choice, as they are really different.



It's like me, a car is a car, point A to point B, a tool but others treat their cars as part of their lives... different opinions... ;)
ckw
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"MIKER"

Re - " CKW" , congratulations on your new Grand Seiko purchase . Wear it with pride & in good health , you are one of the select lucky owners of GS watches :D

Who cares what your uneducated friends say , am sure you aint looking for their approval now :lol:


thks bro...you are right, buying/owing a GS is not about seeking approval from anyone, its about self-satisfaction and self-indulgent...about seeking one's true heart desire



anyone wanting to seek approval from anyone else but oneself should get one of the big brands who spend big money advertising and sponsoring big names and we know where all these advertising/sponsoring money comes from... from people who buy them to seek approval from their peers...of cause this is not to say that these watches are not worth it and that there are no true collectors of them, but personal thinks the hype is too overpowering...



i hope this trend will continue, so that my GS is like a little secret known only to a selected few...
Vinc04
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
My personal view- sometimes people tends to look at what watch u r wearing.. I will then explain to them why I like this watch, it's history, heritage of the brand etc.. The person will then have a different view of you.. They will understand then that u r not a person who follows trend blindly... Have a taste of your own...and A person with character...



And that watch need not to be expensive or branded!! I've shared with many of my friends my $50

Russians, my late-father's old man citizen etc.. Why they r unique, why is it dear to me.. People then listens.. That's what i liked.
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
Re -"CKW" , similar example of branding is Harley Davidson motorcycles . I recently sold my Harley softail custom , it was way over the top priced . But branding as it is , ppl happily buy them even though Harleys build quality is crap "ppl blinded by chrome & branding" , infact a Yamaha Roadliner is way superior in comparison to the Harley , but cheaper to purchase "due to Yamaha branding" .

I also hope GS Seiko's stay as low volume master pieces that they are , for the select few lucky enough to understand their quailty .
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"Vinc04"

My personal view- sometimes people tends to look at what watch u r wearing.. I will then explain to them why I like this watch, it's history, heritage of the brand etc.. The person will then have a different view of you.. They will understand then that u r not a person who follows trend blindly... Have a taste of your own...and A person with character...



And that watch need not to be expensive or branded!! I've shared with many of my friends my $50

Russians, my late-father's old man citizen etc.. Why they r unique, why is it dear to me.. People then listens.. That's what i liked.


Agree it more about what a watch means to one , rather than following advertising & perception of what the masses would prefer to buy & follow like a sheep .
herzausstahl
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
A lot of anti-snob snobbery going on in this thread.... I like :D :D :D



Here's one of my favourite anti-snob snob watch !!!



Ed.YEO
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
Here comes Freddy!!!
okies8
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
rolex, omega,AP, etc nd $$$ to buy



SEIKO GS not only nd $$$ ...u must hv guts to hoot
roo7
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"okies8"

rolex, omega,AP, etc nd $$$ to buy



SEIKO GS not only nd $$$ ...u must hv guts to hoot


Yah, it's a mental barrier of spending XXX on a Sub or the same amount of XXX on a GS.... :lol:
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"roo7"

[quote="okies8"]rolex, omega,AP, etc nd $$$ to buy



SEIKO GS not only nd $$$ ...u must hv guts to hoot


Yah, it's a mental barrier of spending XXX on a Sub or the same amount of XXX on a GS.... :lol:[/quote]

Speaking only for myself , Rolex or Omega etc aint on my radar . When someday i have the extra funds to buy a Luxury watch , it will be a new Grand Seiko , there's no mental barrier for me "i will prouldy & gladly" be purchasing a GS . :D
balonglong_1979
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
not too long ago, the Japanese nearly crushed the Swiss watchmaking industry. (google "quartz crisis") but the westerners have always had a flair for marketing - and managed to save themselves from extinction after Swatch came along.



Swiss watches are somewhat like hermes bags - "limited" production per year by every manufacture, creating an air of exclusivity.

And of course, a lot of advertising by celebrities.

The noveau riche Chinese probably the biggest market now for Swiss watches, hence you see Chinese/Asian celebrities advertising for Swiss brands.



that's not to say Swiss watches are all marketing fluff - there are many imo worthy innovations like Omega Coaxial, El Primero 10 Hz etc.



i recently bought a snowflake GS spring drive. damn impressed by the accuracy, it lost 1 sec after 2 weeks.

the sweep hand is cool too, sometimes gotta check if the second hand is really moving :D
004
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
^^

Rich chinese in mainland china , from what i understand aint interested in Japanese or Asian branded watches or products to a certain degree. They want big name western branded products , to symbolize their wealthy status .
Ed.YEO
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"balonglong_1979"

...Swiss watches are somewhat like hermes bags - "limited" production per year by every manufacture, creating an air of exclusivity.

And of course, a lot of advertising by celebrities. ...


Not really all are made to sell like HERMES bag lah... some of them are made to sell like mid-price range chocolates... One such good example is TISSOT.
MeePokMan
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"MIKER"

^^

Rich chinese in mainland china , from what i understand aint interested in Japanese or Asian branded watches or products to a certain degree. They want big name western branded products , to symbolize their wealthy status .


i heard rich "ah tiong" like vacheron constantin nowadays.







and sillyporean like to wear rolex/omega/pam, holding the handle bars in the crowded mrt (if u notice) :lol:
ckw
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"MeePokMan"


and sillyporean like to wear rolex/omega/pam, holding the handle bars in the crowded mrt (if u notice) :lol:


hahaha...i only wear my GS holding on to handle bars in crowded mrt...not atas enough
big-e-294
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .

"MIKER"

Your response "Ed" was spot on in many regards , i prefer personally to own a Grand Seiko , Ananta they are much more exclusive in many ways .

Its the same in western countries Rolex , Omega are worn more for status with no regard for its internal quality etc "its all about the image" for most of their owners "but not all".

A Grand Seiko , Ananta is worn proudly by someone who appreciates top quality watch making & not caring to be part of the hordes of wannabes that stick up their noses to a Japanese made Seiko or consider them cheap & nasty without status .

In many ways to own a GS or Ananta , if you had to explain your choice to the wannabes , they wouldnt understand .


I think in Melbourne there are quite a few watch enthusiast coz i noticed a few ppl checking out my MM300 while i was there last week - in cafes, restaurants, etc.



I also had a nice chat with a gentleman at the Duty Free watch shop at T2 Melbourne Airport as I was waiting for my flight back. He had on an Omega Speedie Pro but the whole time we chatted about IWC and Brietling, he kept eyeing my watch and mentioned he would love to own a Seiko JDM or GS. He actually recognized the MarineMaster and asked me about it (or he could be trying to get me to buy something.. but atleast he knew a what an MM300 was).



Like what some of the bros here said, it takes a lot for someone to invest their money on a GS knowing that they can easily get something swiss.

I guess, it all depends what each person is looking for when they buy a watch.
Cosmograph
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
The uber rich Chinese wear Beijing watch factory tourbillion and complicactions. Only for their own market. Kim Kim bling bling kind... Not cheap and never seen one in person. The Chinese are also proud of their own brands.



Yes they covet Swiss watches but are also not as ignorant as many would like to believe. Rolex/omega fall into mainstream for them now, no more the image it used to have IMO. Doesn't mean they don't buy them but it means they are more selective and look at other high ends. VC,PP,AP, FM, RM, etc and many others are high end enough to cater to the wants of the rich Asians. And maybe some good will come out of it for the rest of us with smaller wrists. ;)
seiko siao
Re: Rolex , Omega , Swiss Watch Overload .
very simple.



buy what u like and like what u buy regardless of brand, vfm or not and etc...



in the end of the day it's u who take pride in wearing it and owning it not others.



u can only please 1 person per day and today is not that person day.