[teo]

In the coming basel 2008, I guess Rolex going to update explorer2 and old explorer2 will be discontinued. I believe Rolex is going to phase out the remaining 3185 movement in explorer2 which is used in the old GMT2. They are now using the remaining 3185 movement left in the workshop. All new explorer2 will be replace with 3186 movement in GMTiic. This does make sense don't you think so?

 

[JBHII]

In the coming basel 2008, I guess Rolex going to update explorer2 and old explorer2 will be discontinued. I believe Rolex is going to phase out the remaining 3185 movement in explorer2 which is used in the old GMT2. They are now using the remaining 3185 movement left in the workshop. All new explorer2 will be replace with 3186 movement in GMTiic. This does make sense don't you think so?

It does, yes and certainly others have speculated the same. Because it's a big year (100 year anniversary) for Rolex it is conceivable they could have a few more "big" product launches/changes at Basel 2008. In addition to your prediction, other likely possibilities include:

1. A redesigned Submariner - possibly only in all gold this year.
2. A redesigned Sea-Dweller
3. A bi-color bezel GMT IIc.

 

[bullandvodka]

I'm inclined to agree with you John except for the SD. But I can think of pros and cons for that as well. I'm expecting some "easy surprises" too like special dial/model combinations for the 100 years and maybe some other stuff.

Last year, Rolex had a countdown with teaser shots on their website. When did they start doing that? 15 days or 30 days before?

 

[JBHII]

I'm inclined to agree with you John except for the SD. But I can think of pros and cons for that as well. I'm expecting some "easy surprises" too like special dial/model combinations for the 100 years and maybe some other stuff.

Last year, Rolex had a countdown with teaser shots on their website. When did they start doing that? 15 days or 30 days before?

Yea...if they do that again, maybe a week or two before.

 

[tinstar]

What are the show dates?

Can you follow or get daily information online during the show?

Thanks

 

[DarkHeart]

I'm guessing the SubDate will get the Maxi Dial treatment, but it will start with the TT, as the GMTII did. For their 100th anniversary, I think it will be a DateJust or President model. I hope whatever they do, they won't repeat the Yacht Master II's looks. Too much for my eyes. It should be interesting. In the world of horology, Basel is the New Year.

 

[Scott D]

I'm guessing the SubDate will get the Maxi Dial treatment, but it will start with the TT, as the GMTII did.

Actually, they started with the 18K yellow version first, then the following year was the TT... I'd suspect the Sub or whatever gets revamped would follow the same course. :sad:

I hope whatever they do, they won't repeat the Yacht Master II's looks. Too much for my eyes.

While I've come to appriciate the YMII a bit more, I agree. Though I doubt you'll see anything as radical for any of the other lines as the YM II was. I really think the YM II was viewed as a new model and not the "II" model we've come to expect as a 'next generation' like the Explorer or GMT II's. The YM II is really apples & oranges from the YM, and is a true yachting tool watch where the YM isn't. Looking forward to seeing whatever they do though!!! :thumbup1: :thumbup1: :thumbup1:

 

[Trainer]

It does, yes and certainly others have speculated the same. Because it's a big year (100 year anniversary) for Rolex it is conceivable they could have a few more "big" product launches/changes at Basel 2008. In addition to your prediction, other likely possibilities include:

1. A redesigned Submariner - possibly only in all gold this year.
2. A redesigned Sea-Dweller
3. A bi-color bezel GMT IIc.

John,

I'm curious as to what specific design changes you feel would be incorporated in the SD.

Do you think they would incorporate the Parachrom Blue spring and GMT II C style clasp w/o adopting the new "super case"?

In addition to your thoughts, I'm trying to develop a sense of how Rolex "think's" trough the additions of their up-grade inclusions.

Tempus fugit,
Trainer

 

[JBHII]

John,

I'm curious as to what specific design changes you feel would be incorporated in the SD.

Do you think they would incorporate the Parachrom Blue spring and GMT II C style clasp w/o adopting the new "super case"?

In addition to your thoughts, I'm trying to develop a sense of how Rolex "think's" trough the additions of their up-grade inclusions.

Tempus fugit,
Trainer

I've given up trying to figure out how Rolex thinks! :lol:

It's hard for me to imagine the SD being any different....I wouldn't want a polished center link....and I might not want the ceramic bezel either...all features on the new GMT.

You're question is difficult to answer...sorry. :confused1:

 

[Scott D]

If the SD was going to get 'revamped', here's the changes I think would be good.

1) Solid center links on the bracelet. Yes, this will make it heavier, but I like solid center links. NOT polished though, keep it brushed.
2) New clasp. Rolex needs to completely flush that stamped metal clasp.
3) Maxi-dial & hands. This makes the most sense - after all it's a dive watch. More lume is good.
4) Maybe, just keeping with the newer Rolex trend, make the "Sea-Dweller" text green, similar to the GMT's. That would look cool IMO.

Thats all I'd change. Other than that, why mess with perfection.

 

[Trainer]

I've given up trying to figure out how Rolex thinks! :lol:

It's hard for me to imagine the SD being any different....I wouldn't want a polished center link....and I might not want the ceramic bezel either...all features on the new GMT.

You're question is difficult to answer...sorry. :confused1:

Only being a recent student of the history of Rolex, I do not understand introduced changes in the context of then current technology, fashion, or other market forces.
Technological improvements are understandably incorporated, but are those changes incorporated as sporadically as it seems? Ditto for cosmetic changes.
Or, is there an underlying logic?

Given Rolex's phenomenol sustained dominant position in the market place, my sense is that there is a deliberatness which might result in a discernable pattern.
But, paraphrasing as so many have said at this forum, Rolex does what Rolex Wants.

Then too, how do you improve a functional Icon? An improvement which improves its functionality, might also chip away at certain elements inherent of the icon status.
One interesting, rhetorical tangent after another.

I guess I am interested in the "gut Feeling" of the possibility of certain changes. You and many of the other members of this fora have an incredible wealth of knowledge of the intricasies of the Rolex morphology.
I'm just trying to pick the collective brain power represented
Based on past practice, my guess(es) are....

Great fun, Ain't it?

Great forum, bright folks.
Thanks and thanks for your reply.

Tempus fugit,
Trainer