Where Does the Sub Go from Here?

[pgrandster]

I traded my sub-c in back in May after 6 years of scratches, dings, and rough and tumble service and picked up the Explorer II and the PAM359. I liked the addition of the paraflex shock absorbers on the EXP2 and the 72 hour power reserve on the 359. But I loved my sub and plan on getting another one in a year or two.

Does anyone think the Sub is going to get a slight update in the next 3-5 years to add the paraflex shock absorber and maybe an increase in power reserve?

Does the new specs on the Tudor Pelagos give some indications as to what improvements Rolex may make to the sub?

[sco]

I say if you want a Sub go for it. As you know they are great watches. What has the paraflex done for you that the sub can't?

It will change in the future, but no one here knows when that will be. If they do, they aren't going to share....

[watchwatcher]

Eventually, it may get the new movement. But I don't see much else happening looks-wise.

Could be wrong, though. Certainly never know with Rolex.

[pgrandster]

I think the paraflex helps a watch check one or two of five boxes I associate with a perfect watch. My perfect watch must have:

1. A timeless design

2. A robust, reliable and accurate movement

3. A substantial power reserve

4. Good usability and utility

5. A manufacturer with a strong brand

I think the paraflex gives a watch a little extra robustness and usability. I can't imagine an incident that would cause the average watch to miss a beat, but if there is a component out there that purports to make a watch more robust and usable, I wouldn't mind having it in my watch.

[kromdom]

pics of the PAM 359 would be nice :)

[Marcus09]

With a new movement, the sub could get thinner as it did with the datejust II. Other than that, you'll have the advantage of having one of the most advanced movement in recent history, of course other than the other Rolex movements.


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[dr3ws]

My guess it would be at least another 5-7 years before we get our hands on a ss sub with updated movement, which is why I wouldn't worry about waiting for the new one. Also one of the reason I prefer to buy Rolex, they don't keep releasing and updating the watch every year

[OmegaJJH]

The new one will be more expensive i'd imagine.

[Fiery]

I personally expect Rolex to update the Sub-C in 3 or 4 years from now, and introduce the updated model as a new platinum version first. Then I'd imagine an everose gold version to be unveiled on Oysterflex. And after a few years it can trickle down to the steel model.

As for the updates, IMHO it's time to put a brand new movement into the Sub case -- as well as the GMT case soon. A cut-down version of the Cal.3255 (movement of the DD40) would be a great start.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Marcus09

With a new movement, the sub could get thinner as it did with the datejust II. Other than that, you'll have the advantage of having one of the most advanced movement in recent history, of course other than the other Rolex movements.


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I guess it's possible, but the thickness of the Sub has more to do with the water resistance than the movement thickness.

[Marcus09]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

I guess it's possible, but the thickness of the Sub has more to do with the water resistance than the movement thickness.

Point taken


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[landroverking]

Only update I could see would be taking the case closer to the SD4000

[Danny83]

I think it will stay the same

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by Fiery

I personally expect Rolex to update the Sub-C in 3 or 4 years from now, and introduce the updated model as a new platinum version first. Then I'd imagine an everose gold version to be unveiled on Oysterflex. And after a few years it can trickle down to the steel model.

As for the updates, IMHO it's time to put a brand new movement into the Sub case -- as well as the GMT case soon. A cut-down version of the Cal.3255 (movement of the DD40) would be a great start.

You think there will be a platinum Sub? I'd be amazed if there was one....

I don't argue about the Sub potentially getting an upgraded movement or maybe even sitting on Oysterflex.

[kilyung]

Doubt there will be any changes (would love a Pt version)

[JP Chestnut]

I'd be really surprised if Rolex could (or would) machine the dive bezel out of PT.

[Kneecough]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

I'd be really surprised if Rolex could (or would) machine the dive bezel out of PT.

Yeah, bezel and glidelock are probably the reasons that could limit their ability to produce one.

[jmolsberg]

LQQking through my crystal ball, I don't see a case change. But I do see an oysterfex bracelet.

[pgrandster]

As requested--PAM359 pics

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Danny83

I think it will stay the same

+1 and no reason to change anything IMHO.

[pgrandster]

Pam 359

[g-boac]

I think a no-crown guard Submariner would be terrific. The timeless watch should return to its roots of timeless design. Upgraded movement, and materials (e.g., new SS alloy, ceramic bezel) are always welcome.

But a no-crown guard submariner would be terrific for design aesthetic.

As a comparable analog - the Omega Speedmaster retains to this day its classic case design identical to those models produced in the mid-1960s that flew to the moon, and in fact, Omega has in current production classic no-crown guard cases that exactly match their original 1957-1968 Speedmaster pre-professional cases. The Submariner is every bit as classic, and I'd like to see it return to its basics.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by g-boac

I think a no-crown guard Submariner would be terrific. The timeless watch should return to its roots of timeless design. Upgraded movement, and materials (e.g., new SS alloy, ceramic bezel) are always welcome.

But a no-crown guard submariner would be terrific for design aesthetic.

As a comparable analog - the Omega Speedmaster retains to this day its classic case design identical to those models produced in the mid-1960s that flew to the moon, and in fact, Omega has in current production classic no-crown guard cases that exactly match their original 1957-1968 Speedmaster pre-professional cases. The Submariner is every bit as classic, and I'd like to see it return to its basics.

I'd love to see a 37mm, no crown-guard, "normal" lug case, too, but I think the Tudor Black Bay is as close as we're going to get to such a thing. I would be cool if Tudor added a timing bezel to the new Black Bay 36.

For the Sub, many would like to simply see the case shape go back to the way it looked from about 1959 to 2011 (or 2009 for the SubDate.)

[Cryten]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

I'd be really surprised if Rolex could (or would) machine the dive bezel out of PT.

They already do it with the yachtmaster. I'd be more surprised if they ever made a platinum Sub case.

[D111s]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I'd love to see a 37mm, no crown-guard, "normal" lug case, too, but I think the Tudor Black Bay is as close as we're going to get to such a thing. I would be cool if Tudor added a timing bezel to the new Black Bay 36.

For the Sub, many would like to simply see the case shape go back to the way it looked from about 1959 to 2011 (or 2009 for the SubDate.)

I'm with you on the case redesign! Can't stand the bloated one being used now

[Wcdhtwn]

What, in all honesty, would you change?

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

What, in all honesty, would you change?

An updated movement with a three day + power reserve would be nice. A less bulky glidelock would be a plus too.

[GradyPhilpott]

Something will change about the Sub in the future, perhaps five years, perhaps less.

I don't think the change will be major, like returning to 20th Century proportions.

I just think that Rolex is working on something, but it's possible that even Rolex doesn't know yet what that change will be.

One of the things I remember most about Gerardus' interview was regarding the release of the 116500.

The Rolex rep said that they released it this year because no one would be expecting it.

I think that's Rolex in a nutshell.

[Ticknaway]

I don't want them to change anything, cause I might have to by another one!!

[speedolex]

1. Rolex will downsize the case geometry back to the 5-digit proportions now that the oversized trend is over.

2. Rolex will create a vintage reissue series starting with the 5513 to capitalize on the retro trend that they cannot monetize presently.