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jholbrook
03.04.2008, 15:00
While we saw an unprecedented number of new and revamped models from Rolex at Basel (while seemingly little to no mention of their anniversary in any of the intel we've seen coming from Basel in the last 24-48 hrs.) I think the majority of collectors will be interested in the new Deep Sea variant of the Sea-Dweller, the new all gold Submariner models, and the 41mm Presidential.

Obviously these comments are made without having actually held or tried on any of these watches...which can often change my mind when I get the opportunity to do so. :biggrin:

The first comment that I'll make is how surprised I am that Rolex is seemingly reacting in a big way to changes in the marketplace. I'll go so far as to say that one could speculate, as I am, that Rolex is reacting to the success which two brands in particular have had over the past 2-5 years: Breitling, and perhaps to a lesser extent, Panerai. I think Rolex's reactionary strategy is a simple one: Let's continue to do what we're doing, but offer some choices for those who want larger watches (read: capture a younger market). So now you have a Day Date II, and a 43 mm Diver, etc. I think it's a quantum shift for Rolex and amazingly swift given their history. Think about it....

On to my comments...

The Deep-Sea: I think this is going to be a big hit for Rolex because it really reaches to an audience and buyer which they've ignored over the past few years. I see the number of folks that have bought the GMTIIc (seems like someone on this site buys one every week...) and think this watch will do well. I have vague interest in it personally, but I'll reserve judgement until I try one on....

The new Submariner: These all-gold models could be the begining of what will eventually evolve into a replacement for the TT Submariner (which would come next year if Rolex follows the pattern established by the GMT IIc) followed by a replacement for the all-stainless Submariner Date in two years. If this is the case, which I think is likely, I'm REALLY hoping next year's replacement for the 16613 will have color of blue dial/bezel found on the current model, and not that robin egg blue we're seeing on this year's all gold model. But I'm better this new blue is here to stay.... I can't wait to see/use this new clasp found on this model and the new Deep Sea. By the way, did anyone notice that the venerable 3135 is being used in both the Deep Sea and the new Sub? And the movement was fitted with the Parachrom blue hairspring? This did NOT make sense to me. When Rolex essentially took the 3185 and fitted the Parachrom blue to this movement, it became the 3186. So why is a Parachrom blue equipped 3135 NOT a 3136?

The Day Date II - Well, unlike James Dowling, I don't care for any of the dial choices for the DDII. I'm hoping that there are others. But again, this watch is, in my opinion, trying to capture the Breitling crowd, so I'm not surprised I don't care for the dials...they're not designed with me in mind. It will be interesting to try one of these on because I'm afraid that 41 will look too big for this watch to be a suitable "suit" watch.

NicoH
03.04.2008, 15:22
Thanks for your thoughts John.

I had already posted my own thoughts somewhere else this morning so I just copied them for RLX:

--

After a night of sleep I must say that I like what Rolex did. At least most of it.

The disappointing:
I am disappointed that all they did for their 100th anniversary is just another dive watch. Alright, it goes deeper and all the technical data makes me think that a lot of smart people put a lot of brains into it but there´s no real anniversary watch. What happened to all of the Patek watchmakers who supposedly went to work with Rolex? Where´s the new Killy that I wanted to see?

The good stuff:
I do like the Deep Sea Sea Dweller. Well, it is huge and I should not be wearing it. 10 lines of text on a single dial is a quite a lot, too. But it looks awesome! I love the domed crystal and the overall appearance.

I very much like the Day-Date II. Finally there is a modern interpretation of a classic. Big watch trend? Face it, yes, watches are getting bigger. Even though I shouldn´t be wearing anything larger than 40mm I would prefer the 41mm DD over the 36mm DD.

I love the thought of a modern case, ceramic bezel white gold Sub. What I do not like is the blue dial and bezel but I would like to see it in person first.

I like the red gold Daytona, too! Again, that´s probably not what I will be wearing but I will sure enjoy seeing it in person!

Oh, and the new dials for the Daytona looked great!

Overall we got what we expected: The Sub with the new case in 18k gold and something to follow the big watch "trend". Could we really expect Rolex to go all the way, introduce several new models with perpetual calendars, solid bracelets to all watches and a new Explorer? That would definitely not be a Rolex thing to do. We will see them - eventually.


Until then I am more than happy with my 14060M Submariner!

And most of all I am looking forward to meeting many friends tomorrow again! I´m sure we´ll have a great day.

Best-
Nico

WUM
03.04.2008, 16:18
thanks for your thoughts guys


-evolution is OK and technicly there are very interesting thing's

-but i don't like the bling factor at all - witch seems to be THE top priorety :rolleyes:

-and that for me is a absolte no-go to get a new Rolex at all

PS.. they just could "re-introduced" the old deep see special - verry big crystal - you can spot the watch from a mile away - and a verry confinend water resistency of 11 km :dr:


greets

Wum

ehemaliges mitglied
03.04.2008, 19:12
Hey Guys,
I read your comments with great pleasure. Personally, I do not like the bling factor much either. But I believe Rolex is reacting to the market as more and more extremely wealthy Russian and probably middle Eastern buyers detect the value of a Bling Bling Crown. And I agree that they seem to cater to the younger crowd that is getting increasingly wealthy and educated. The success of Rolex is garanteed, while it may not be my personal taste. Yet, I have to admit, it is difficult to judge not holding the new Deepsea in my hand, or the new Submariner. I think oftentimes when you hold the watch in your hand, it may start smiling at you while the pictures did not. So I am waiting to see the first Deepsea in real life. Do we know what the MSRP on the Deepsea is going to be? Are we talking a watch for 10K? Will it only come in steel, or in Gold and Platinum as well?

Hannibal
04.04.2008, 22:03
Original von redsubmariner
Hey Guys,
I read your comments with great pleasure. Personally, I do not like the bling factor much either. But I believe Rolex is reacting to the market as more and more extremely wealthy Russian and probably middle Eastern buyers detect the value of a Bling Bling Crown. And I agree that they seem to cater to the younger crowd that is getting increasingly wealthy and educated. The success of Rolex is garanteed, while it may not be my personal taste.
I think, that you are right. :gut:
Money makes the world go round.
Kind regards
Volker

newharry
05.04.2008, 08:13
Original von jholbrook
I think Rolex's reactionary strategy is a simple one: Let's continue to do what we're doing, but offer some choices for those who want larger watches (read: capture a younger market). So now you have a Day Date II, and a 43 mm Diver, etc.


Absolutely agree - but I wonder if the Day Date II is just an extension of the product range or is going to replace the Day Date in 36mm :rolleyes:

Illya Kuryakin
05.04.2008, 14:20
Rolex is making all of the right moves for sure. The DEEPSEA will become the icon for Rolex for the next generation.

NicoH
05.04.2008, 14:34
Original von Illya Kuryakin
Rolex is making all of the right moves for sure. The DEEPSEA will become the icon for Rolex for the next generation.

Well possible.

Welcome to R-L-X, Illya! :dr:

Illya Kuryakin
05.04.2008, 18:21
Nico, Danke !

Es tuit mir leid meine deutsch schreiben is nicht gut! Been wearing rolex since 1985. Currently GMTIIc a great watch with flawless accuracy.

Illya

ehemaliges mitglied
05.04.2008, 18:26
Thanks John, i am with you in many points :dr:

jholbrook
05.04.2008, 20:17
Welcome to the R-L-X English Forum Illya - and remember this is an English only forum. ;)