Who’s thinking slimmer lugs?

[rmlovett1]

This has been talked about, not sure if it’s been debated or rationalized...two different ways to think.....

1. With recent Sub and GMT incomings, trickling in inventories, etc.... it seems there’s no change coming, in case or lug dimensions on the Sub or GMT.

2. On the other hand, there’s the recent developments or redesigns from bigger, to more refined, or “classic” proportions....ex: DJ 41, DD 40, SD4K, SD43, possible discontinuation of BLRO, etc....

WHAT’S EVERYONE’S THOUGHTS ON WHAT WE’LL SEE, soon?

I know...”only Rolex knows”, but just looking at some contradictory factors, as stated above, what is this fine collection of experts opinion?
Just some Sunday thought provoking...

[Maiden]

No change. It’s only a small minority that likes the vintage size of the 5 digits. Rolex knows their markets. Or I could be wrong.

[Rebel]

I like the vintage size.

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by Maiden

No change. It’s only a small minority that likes the vintage size of the 5 digits.

You are just making things up.

[Iflylo]

I too like vintage size. Recently bought Exp1 for that reason.

I'm not fond of big chunky, clunky...just me.

[Wcdhtwn]

The real advantage to the 6 digit models is the massively improved bracelets over the 5 digit bracelets. I will take the larger lugs for a higher quality bracelet over the better proportioned lugs with the flimsy bracelet. Now if Rolex could do a 5 digit case/lugs with the 6 digit bracelet that would be ideal.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by Rebel

I like the vintage size.

Originally Posted by Iflylo

I too like vintage size. Recently bought Exp1 for that reason.

I'm not fond of big chunky, clunky...just me.

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

The real advantage to the 6 digit models is the massively improved bracelets over the 5 digit bracelets. I will take the larger lugs for a higher quality bracelet over the better proportioned lugs with the flimsy bracelet. Now if Rolex could do a 5 digit case/lugs with the 6 digit bracelet that would be ideal.

Thank you men....any thoughts on what you THINK may be happening, based on the facts and questions I posed?

[mailman]

I prefer 5 digit case dimensions over 6 for the most part. Having said that I still like the 6 digit Submariner and GMT cases. The 116500, 214270, 216570 and 116622 give a nice combination of both IMO

I think if Rolex does anything in regards to the GMT and Submariner lines it might be with a 32xx movement.

[SeaDweller50]

Prefer 5 digit dimensions too. I’m in the minority. Lol

[Justinmg]

Originally Posted by Ra_88

Prefer 5 digit dimensions too. I’m in the minority. Lol

Same

[lhanddds]

I think the big lugs will disappear. These were designed about 13 yrs ago and all the new models are better proportioned IMHO


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mjclark32]

I think the chamfers look will be returning to the sub, not sure if it’ll be this year or not though.
Agree, it’ll probably come with a new (dj41) movement too

[subtona]

Bring back slimmer/proper lugs.

The transition from lug to bracelet was at one time beautiful and elegant, now it just appears as an after thought.

[Jsanders1985]

I’d buy one right away if they Increased size to 41mm and reduced lug size for better proportions.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

I think the big lugs will disappear. These were designed about 13 yrs ago and all the new models are better proportioned IMHO


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’m thinking same thing at some point...just with all the recent incomings, either Rolex is releasing stock that’s left, before a change, or they’re slowly producing again and filtering in the unchanged SS sports models. Which to ME, would indicate no case or lug change this year...but who knows??

[Justinmg]

Originally Posted by subtona

Bring back slimmer/proper lugs.

The transition from lug to bracelet was at one time beautiful and elegant, now it just appears as an after thought.

And some chamfers!

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Thank you men....any thoughts on what you THINK may be happening, based on the facts and questions I posed?

Predictions... as soon as I have one I talk myself into the opposite conclusion. I'll say this to add to my comment and will use it as a prediction:

Rolex evolves it's Sub/GMT line by reverting back to slimmer lugs but will keep the thicker, better quality and feel, 6 digit bracelets.

I think the SD43 is somewhat an experiment by Rolex to see if they could pull off slimmer lugs with a larger bracelet, and I think they succeeded. This leads me to believe thinner lugs could return. However, and this is key, if the Subs return with thinner lugs then that's big competition for the SD43 and DSSD. Also the maxi-case on the DS/DSSD would be ridiculous, 50+mm Invicta ridiculous. This isn't true on the slimmer Sub and GMT which I think still look great despite the thicker lugs. So here, as predicted, I've reached the opposite conclusion than in the previous paragraph. The Sub/GMT keep their thicker lugs to differentiate from the Sea Dwellers.

[rmlovett1]

[QUOTE=Wcdhtwn;8293600]Predictions... as soon as I have one I talk myself into the opposite conclusion. I'll say this to add to my comment and will use it as a prediction:

Rolex evolves it's Sub/GMT line by reverting back to slimmer lugs but will keep the thicker, better quality and feel, 6 digit bracelets.

I think the SD43 is somewhat an experiment by Rolex to see if they could pull off slimmer lugs with a larger bracelet, and I think they succeeded. This leads me to believe thinner lugs could return.

I agree.. I just wonder when?

[Mundi]

I am a big guy, with large wrists--- so I prefer a larger watch---but, in my humble opinion, those big, square lugs on the Sub changed its whole look---I for one am hoping for a return of the tapered, more elegant lugs of old.

@ Richris1---I agree totally agree with your SD43 comment--- a big success and my new favorite watch.

[bmrisko]

I like both and have a mix of 5 and 6 digit refs...

[Spoonage]

In order to go to new case sizes I would imagine they would need to deplete enough of the inventory of current cases (except service case quantities). Could be that is what they were doing with the recent shortage was to use up the last of tge cases and now new models will be out... but thats such a huge change i dont think itll happen this year.

[AK797]

I think it unlikely on balance, given Rolex are financially motivated, not WIS motivated, and the 6's are flying off the shelves so no real need for all this extra cost. On the other hand if they are introducing new movements then they may redesign the models too, dials and possibly the lugs, to make the new watch significantly different.

However slimming the lugs would be indicating the 6's were a mistake and would both annoy a host of owners and harm the idea of the "great untouchable Rolex" and the brand image they currently enjoy, so I think Rolex won't take this unnecessary risk. I'd wait for a downturn for something this big.

[jaySL350]

i am seriously considering to go to 36mm same spec as my dj2 blue dial ,oyster with
fluted after trying one the other day but i do so love the dj2,,,

[DoctorA]

I prefer the thicker lugs myself even though I think this IS the minority lol

[jrs146]

My guess is lugs stay the same or at least larger than 5-digit cases. New movement with the same or similar case.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[landroverking]

Originally Posted by Maiden

No change. It’s only a small minority that likes the vintage size of the 5 digits. Rolex knows their markets. Or I could be wrong.

Yes I believe you could be wrong.
I prefer the 4 and 5s over the 6s. And the only watch I wear over 40mm is a SMP.

[gregmoeck]

The old case is better, I don’t like ceramic bezel

[returntorolex]

If they do go back to slimmer lugs, would lug holes come back as well?

[travisb]

I don't think cases will change. Movements - yes. Maybe adding a bracelet option to the Gold Daytonas with ceramic bezels. I'd love to see a new GMT variation.

[lecorsaire]

I like how the 5 digits look especially the Subs. The classic shape and crown guards are beautifully designed. But, whenever I try on one I just can't get past the inferior bracelet and the crown on the clasps that can easily get flattened after being polished a couple of times. After trying on so many 6 digit watches, the 5 digit bracelets all feel really cheap to me. It's different with gold watches. The extra heft of gold makes a difference.