[JBHII]

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.

 

[Mike295855]

I think one thing you have mentioned in the past is the fact that the clasp on these Rolexs, especially the one on the SD, does not seem justified when you consider the price you are paying. Rolex, as mentioned many times, is slow to change, but it is nice to see, based on your observation and mine, that they are indeed 'reacting' to the public in some way.

I really like the new Deepsea, as I am sure many will, but I am actually realy falling for the robin blue submariner. The ceramic bezel is truly something that is extremely attractive as well as the new clasp which finally adds a sense of durabilit or trust into the band. Certainly it will be difficult to acquire some of these fine timepieces in the near future especially the deepsea. Is there any idea, based on Rolex history, how long it will take for this to make their way to a local AD?

 

[chunglee]

for what it's worth, the deep sea has captured my interest as well as the platinum dd with charcoal dial. i prefer the gmtc over the subc since i use the extra complication and they appear to be basically the same watch now. not feeling the new daytonas yet?

but of course this is all moot since i'm no longer buying watches : )

cl

 

[Scott D]

Well, I'm really liking the Deep-Sea.. I wasn't too sure at first, but the more I see of it the more I like it. Especially the 43mm size..

Unless it really disappoints me once it hit's my wrist (unlikely) or it's completely outrageously priced (by Rolex standards of course), I'll be getting one...

Time to start saving.... :wink:

And I agree with your assessments John. I've heard at several places that Breitling has really pulled in market shares the last few years, and with the internet & all these new watch companies out there now making good high-end watches, I think Rolex has realized if they don't react they may find themselves in a place they don't want to be in a few years. Sticking to your guns & historical ways is great & admirable. But, at some point you do have to 'listen' to your customers & change some. Or, you'll find you don't have any customers for the next generation. Based on what I see, Rolex is doing that without alienating the current customers by changing everything on every line. There's never anything wrong with more choices... :thumbup1:

 

[s1m0n]

Hi all,

My thoughts are that the Deep sea is a very interesting watch technoloy wise and I have to say I would like to see it strapped to the outside of a submarine, lets say at about Titanic depth. The titanium case back is a first for Rolex and the clasp looks like a great bit of engineering.

I have to say I was expecting a ceramic bezel and supercase Sub date and loved some of the photoshop mockups that circulated, we got just that and I'm thinking that if they had shown it in YG or WG with only a black face and bezel I think I/we would be drooling over it, but the blue face and bezel seem to have stolen the show and have made it almost clown like.

The Oyster perpetual being upgraded to 36mm was a good idea but I wonder if it is to similer to the Air King and therefor be in direct competition with it.

Well what about that DayDate at first I thought it was a Tudor and not a Rolex. Not much else to say about the Daydate really.

Well there are my 2c's

Simon

 

[haakon59]

I like the new Deepsea and also the new Day-Date. Even though I think Rolex is smart to offer some bigger sizes, I hope they keep offering the smaller ones as well. If you are buying the day-date, you "should" be able to use it as a dress watch too. Now although I think Rolex is smart to offer the larger size, and although I like it, I also want to see them continue to offer the smaller size because I think too big a watch can be distracting when you are wearing a suit.

 

[LarryD]

Couldn't agree with John more.......:thumbup1:

 

[MINIAC]

I think Rolex has realized if they don't react they may find themselves in a place they don't want to be in a few years. Sticking to your guns & historical ways is great & admirable. But, at some point you do have to 'listen' to your customers & change some. Or, you'll find you don't have any customers for the next generation. Based on what I see, Rolex is doing that without alienating the current customers by changing everything on every line. There's never anything wrong with more choices... :thumbup1:

I agree :thumbup1:

Lots of folks on the forums (myself included) have been asking for a larger Datejust, so we can hope the Day/Date II is a step in that direction. I don't think the larger case (41mm) will be a problem with a suit since the Sub, SD, SMP or Speedy don't cause problems :cool1:

 

[Scott D]

I like the new Deepsea and also the new Day-Date. Even though I think Rolex is smart to offer some bigger sizes, I hope they keep offering the smaller ones as well. If you are buying the day-date, you "should" be able to use it as a dress watch too. Now although I think Rolex is smart to offer the larger size, and although I like it, I also want to see them continue to offer the smaller size because I think too big a watch can be distracting when you are wearing a suit.

I agree 100%. Just because I don't want a 36mm doensn't mean there's a ton of people out there tht do.

I don't think it'll be a problem though. As the new Day Date is officially the Day Date II, I'd assume they'll keep them both as they've given it a new model name and not just replaced it (like the old GMT / GMT II)

 

[Sea-Dweller]

I'll throw my hat into the ring, because I agree with John here on something that I had actually started to think about yesterday when I saw the pictures of the Deep Sea. I don't wear a suit every day, but I wear one often enough, and I wonder how the Deep Sea would look. My Sea-Dweller goes with literally, everything I own, casual, business casual, formal, you name it...I can wear it with any suit. From pictures alone, my initial assesment is that, although I REALLY like the Deep Sea, and would eventually like to have one, quite frankly, I'm just not seeing it with a suit. Maybe certain combinations, but I just can't make it work in my head with alot of the formal clothes that are in my closet. To many with expendable income, that may not make a difference, but to someone like me, who's watch purchases will most likely be few and far between for awhile (unfortunately), I don't see this as a practical addition to the collection. I still really like it, don't get me wrong...just not THAT much...not right now, anyway.

 

[Scott D]

I'll throw my hat into the ring, because I agree with John here on something that I had actually started to think about yesterday when I saw the pictures of the Deep Sea. I don't wear a suit every day, but I wear one often enough, and I wonder how the Deep Sea would look. My Sea-Dweller goes with literally, everything I own, casual, business casual, formal, you name it...I can wear it with any suit. From pictures alone, my initial assessment is that, although I REALLY like the Deep Sea, and would eventually like to have one, quite frankly, I'm just not seeing it with a suit. Maybe certain combinations, but I just can't make it work in my head with alot of the formal clothes that are in my closet. To many with expendable income, that may not make a difference, but to someone like me, who's watch purchases will most likely be few and far between for awhile (unfortunately), I don't see this as a practical addition to the collection. I still really like it, don't get me wrong...just not THAT much...not right now, anyway.

I agree 100% the DeepSea isn't going to work with a suit, unless you're Hulk Hogan or some similar size.. Although, there's many people that wear the Breitling Super Avenger with a suit (its 48mm) and others will say ANY dive watch shouldn't be worn with a suit (like a sub or sea-dweller). Though I don't agree with that though either...

But, I guess Rolex is thinking the current Sea-Dweller isn't needed as the Sub is 'close enough' in design. You got the date with the cyclops or the no-date without. Aside from the thickness & cyclops they really are the same watch. So maybe they're thinking if they had the DeepSea, SD & Sub they wouldn't be in any better position than just having the Sub & DeepSea. Maybe they're thinking most people who would have preferred the SD would just get the sub in the absence of the SD.. Absolutely no factual basis behind that or saying it's right or wrong, just throwing out my thoughts....

 

[JBHII]

I think one thing you have mentioned in the past is the fact that the clasp on these Rolexs, especially the one on the SD, does not seem justified when you consider the price you are paying. Rolex, as mentioned many times, is slow to change, but it is nice to see, based on your observation and mine, that they are indeed 'reacting' to the public in some way.

I really like the new Deepsea, as I am sure many will, but I am actually realy falling for the robin blue submariner. The ceramic bezel is truly something that is extremely attractive as well as the new clasp which finally adds a sense of durabilit or trust into the band. Certainly it will be difficult to acquire some of these fine timepieces in the near future especially the deepsea. Is there any idea, based on Rolex history, how long it will take for this to make their way to a local AD?

Well, since the Deep Sea is an entirely new model, I'm guessing we won't see it on US soil before the fall....if not even later. The stainless version of the GMTIIc hit US ADs likety split...much faster than the all gold version or even the TT version.

 

[JBHII]

but of course this is all moot since i'm no longer buying watches : )

cl

All users are instructed to step away from their computers after reading CL's post to avoid electrical shock from the invevitable lightling strikes... :biggrin::lol:

 

[JBHII]

I agree 100% the DeepSea isn't going to work with a suit, unless you're Hulk Hogan or some similar size.. Although, there's many people that wear the Breitling Super Avenger with a suit (its 48mm) and others will say ANY dive watch shouldn't be worn with a suit (like a sub or sea-dweller). Though I don't agree with that though either...

But, I guess Rolex is thinking the current Sea-Dweller isn't needed as the Sub is 'close enough' in design. You got the date with the cyclops or the no-date without. Aside from the thickness & cyclops they really are the same watch. So maybe they're thinking if they had the DeepSea, SD & Sub they wouldn't be in any better position than just having the Sub & DeepSea. Maybe they're thinking most people who would have preferred the SD would just get the sub in the absence of the SD.. Absolutely no factual basis behind that or saying it's right or wrong, just throwing out my thoughts....

Yep, the only suit the Deep Sea will work with is a dive suit. :biggrin:

I do like the idea that the margin of differentiation between the Sub and SD is widening greatly.

The real question for me is, will the Day Date II be suitable....

 

[Scott D]

The real question for me is, will the Day Date II be suitable....

It certainly will be for me.. And whether it is or not, I'm sure John R will give it a try too.. Hey - real men wear large watches!!! :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :thumbup1:

 

[bullandvodka]

I think we've had enough time to digest the pics of the new models (incidentally, Rolex's website is now updated with more info and fun flash vignettes for each watch).

My thoughts.....

DeepSea - I'm absolutely 100% confident this is Rolex's reaction to Panerai. Not to copy their look, but to capture those looking for a "tough guy", macho, no holds barred, "big boy" watch. Something Arnold or Sly might be tempted to slip off that Panerai and wear. I'm interested in this watch purely for all the unique aspects of it for a Rolex .... domed crystal, large presence, blue lume. It also is something of a spiritual return to Rolex's technical prowess in dive watches. Do we (does anyone) need 3900m of depth? No, but we can all respect the technology that went into achieving this triumph.

The robin's egg blue Sub, IMHO, is very hot looking! Can anyone else imagine wearing one of these on a white sand beach with turquoise blue ocean in front of us and a pina colatta in hand? I can hear Jimmy Buffet in the background right now... There are a couple folks on the fence regarding the color, but we'll see what they look like in the flesh at the AD soon enough. I agree with other's sentiments that possibly Rolex sees the current Sub's form factor as ideal in terms of size and proportions. They are positioning the DeepSea for those looking for something larger.

The 41mm DD is my greatest hesitation at the moment. I'm just so used to 36mm, that I'm fearful I'm biased to smaller sizes in the traditional non-sport lines. Will 41mm look like a dinner plate on the wrist? Maybe for me, for the bigger guys out there like ScottD, this might be the watch that draws them into Rolex's dress lineup. That is a good thing in my opinion. I do however wish they offered a traditional dial on at least one of these new models. The concentric circles with the roman numerals just don't do it for me. Where is the 41mm glacier blue dial we all lust for on the platinum model? I suppose I was hoping for more of a bridge here. Something that better connected the DD of the past with these new DD IIs.

 

[Scott D]

Well I'm hoping as time goes more & more dials will be offered on the DD II... No fact, just my hopes... :thumbup1:

If done right, the 41mm can look very nice as a dress watch even though it's 'large'. I was at the mall last Sunday & ran across a JLC Master Control in rose gold, which is 40mm. To be honest it always looked nice on the web, but wasn't for me. I'd never seen one in person. However, once I tried it on I really liked it... And the size was absolutely perfect for what I think a dress watch should look like on me. So if you've got the right wrist, I think the 41mm will look just perfect with a suit or tux. In fact, for some people (like me!) it'll look far better than it's 36mm brother! :thumbup1:

 

[Trainer]

I think we've had enough time to digest the pics of the new models (incidentally, Rolex's website is now updated with more info and fun flash vignettes for each watch).

My thoughts.....

DeepSea - I'm absolutely 100% confident this is Rolex's reaction to Panerai. Not to copy their look, but to capture those looking for a "tough guy", macho, no holds barred, "big boy" watch. Something Arnold or Sly might be tempted to slip off that Panerai and wear. I'm interested in this watch purely for all the unique aspects of it for a Rolex .... domed crystal, large presence, blue lume. It also is something of a spiritual return to Rolex's technical prowess in dive watches. Do we (does anyone) need 3900m of depth? No, but we can all respect the technology that went into achieving this triumph.

The robin's egg blue Sub, IMHO, is very hot looking! Can anyone else imagine wearing one of these on a white sand beach with turquoise blue ocean in front of us and a pina colatta in hand? I can hear Jimmy Buffet in the background right now... There are a couple folks on the fence regarding the color, but we'll see what they look like in the flesh at the AD soon enough. I agree with other's sentiments that possibly Rolex sees the current Sub's form factor as ideal in terms of size and proportions. They are positioning the DeepSea for those looking for something larger.

The 41mm DD is my greatest hesitation at the moment. I'm just so used to 36mm, that I'm fearful I'm biased to smaller sizes in the traditional non-sport lines. Will 41mm look like a dinner plate on the wrist? Maybe for me, for the bigger guys out there like ScottD, this might be the watch that draws them into Rolex's dress lineup. That is a good thing in my opinion. I do however wish they offered a traditional dial on at least one of these new models. The concentric circles with the roman numerals just don't do it for me. Where is the 41mm glacier blue dial we all lust for on the platinum model? I suppose I was hoping for more of a bridge here. Something that better connected the DD of the past with these new DD IIs.

I'm so confused.:001_unsure:
It's like Rolls Royce now has a model or two with a broad racing stripe down the hood. Makes sense, Ford made a few bucks selling a Mustang and Shelby decked out that way.

Someone on this site once wrote that the only jewelry men should wear were a watch and wedding ring. That statement essentially addresses the class aspect of style. Style without class is fad.
Me thinks the class of Rolex is devolving into a style-less chase for market share.

I fear I'm becoming a codger. Dam# kids today with their 45 RPM rock music records and color TV.

Tempus Fugit,
Trainer

 

[bullandvodka]

I fear I'm becoming a codger. Dam# kids today with their 45 RPM rock music records and color TV.

Tempus Fugit,
Trainer

You forgot, "...and get off my lawn!" :lol:

Cheer up Trainer, at least these new models are all additional models to the lineup. The only unexpected change to the current lineup is that the SD is probably going away. I bet the blue ceramic Subs will be along side more traditional black colored ceramic Subs. Most are in favor of ceramic upgrade to the Sub.

Although I do agree with you. Rolex's strength is that they never rocked the boat too much. I was at an AD the other day and in the used case there were 2 YG DDs from the 1970s. One looked 95% similar to today's DD and was priced at 13K or so. The other had the 70s trendy "bark" texturing on the case and bracelet. I'm sure it was THE THING in the 70s, but today it was priced at only 10K. History has shown people like that Rolex has extremely long lived models. Models from the 60s and 70s are completely recognizable today.

 

[topcat30093]

I like the Deepsea,with regards to the comments about wearing it under the suit,does anybody know how high this one is going to sit?
I agree totally ith what John says about the dials on the DD, I don't like them either.