In the wristwatch segment, the winner lives up to its logo, the crown, as it has done year after year. As has been the practice, this year too, the top executives have picked Rolex from the rest. Watches, like cars, are as personal a style statement for an executive as it can get, so it is little wonder that the lineup remains the same, at least among the top three. The top ten brands remain the same as last year with the exception of Tag Heuer, which moves to the tenth position, dislodging Cartier. But as is the case with some other categories, the real story lies in the little details, and some of the winners, as we see them, haven't made it to the top ten, at least not yet.
The alpha and Omega
The icon that it has become, Rolex not only retains the numero uno position, but also betters its last year's score. The only other brand among the top ten which has scored more points than 2006 is Omega. Yet, popularity of both the brands seem to be declining among the under-35 category if scores are any indication. Rolex has marginally slid in points given by men as well, but made up for that with an impressive jump in points given by the ladies. Omega has moved up one rank and also notched 55.18 per cent more points than 2006.
Watch out for...
Christian Dior and Gucci may not yet have made it to the hallowed top ten list, but both have moved into the Top 20 league this year. More telling is the increase in the percentage of score. While Christian Dior has scored 81.82 per cent more points compared to last year, Gucci has notched 31.25 per cent more points. While the Christian Dior surge is powered by nationals, women and the 36+ age category, Gucci scores with nationals, women and the youth.
Ladies' choice
The top ten brands picked by women are Rolex, Rado, Omega, Titan, Citizen, Seiko, Gucci, Cartier, Swatch and Christian Dior.
The top order
Rolex, Rado and Titan take the top three spots. Rolex is way ahead, scoring 30.05 per cent of the overall score compared to 14.55 per cent scored by first runner-up Rado. But the gap between second runner-up Titan and third runner-up Omega is marginal, with Titan scoring 10.67 per cent and Omega 10.58 per cent of the overall points scored.
© businesstoday 2007
