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.
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.