Will Rolex Stick with the Maxi Case Forever?

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Where is your data? Yes there is a gray market but the cost of 4/5 digits continue to rise as well.


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The SS hype started with the maxi case models and it was with these series the first time you could not get a Sub as a walk in customer.
5 digits have always been easily obtainable from any AD at any time with a discount back in the day and from the grey an even higher.

I get that you don’t like the super case, but objectively it must have been one of the best moves Rolex made in it’s design imho. Really stands out compared to other brands and sold as hot cakes.

Good that we all like different styles, otherwise it would be boring

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I may be in the minority, but the slimming down of the cases that has taken place over the past 2 years or so isn't very dramatic. I understand that Rolex might not call these newer cases Supercases, but they certainly aren't close to the older cases on the five digit references. It's much more difficult to tell apart a 116610 from a 126610 than it is to tell apart a 116610 from a 16610.

Personally, I like the "Supercase" or whatever that means. I like the cases now; whatever we call them. But the newest Submariners (using that as an example) wear very similarly as the previous generation and we are kidding ourselves if we think the change is dramatic. We can argue if the changes are an improvement or not. I feel ambivalent about them, but they are definitely subtle.

x2.

[Roddypeepa]

Originally Posted by RealMadrid1988

I was giving some thought to Rolex's 2021 releases recently, and in particular to the "new" Explorer, which was downsized from 39mm to its historical 36mm proportions.

Without extrapolating too much from one example, it got me wondering: could there be a movement back to smaller watches on the horizon? Obviously the maxi case has divided opinions among fans of the Crown, and I for one wouldn't mind seeing the Submariner revert to its five-digit proportions.

So, are maxi cases here to stay, or could slimmer proportions be coming down the pike?

Super case, maxi dial.

I like it to be honest. And on the new subs you’d need to be within a few feet to notice any difference I think. They’re both chunky.


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[Glidelock]

Originally Posted by joli160

The SS hype started with the maxi case models and it was with these series the first time you could not get a Sub as a walk in customer.
5 digits have always been easily obtainable from any AD at any time with a discount back in the day and from the grey an even higher.

I get that you don’t like the super case, but objectively it must have been one of the best moves Rolex made in it’s design imho. Really stands out compared to other brands and sold as hot cakes.

Good that we all like different styles, otherwise it would be boring

Was not with the Maxi Case series that resulted in the first time you couldn’t buy a SS Sub as walk-in customer! 2-5 month waiting list in all of So. Cal, and much of the U.S. in late 1999 through 2000! Not at one specific Rolex AD mind you, but all AD’s!

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by joli160

The SS hype started with the maxi case models and it was with these series the first time you could not get a Sub as a walk in customer.
5 digits have always been easily obtainable from any AD at any time with a discount back in the day and from the grey an even higher.

I get that you don’t like the super case, but objectively it must have been one of the best moves Rolex made in it’s design imho. Really stands out compared to other brands and sold as hot cakes.

Good that we all like different styles, otherwise it would be boring

I don’t think that’s quite right. You could walk in and buy a “Hulk” with discount also before the hype kicked off in around 2017. Don’t forget that the first super case Sub came out in 2010. Way way way before this crazy market started.

If a 5 digit existed today it would also sell like hotcakes also. That’s the Rolex machine. A machine in which even the humble OP and Datejust are hard to get.

[Sprezzatura!,]

Come on let’s face it, there’s not a huge difference between what was coined as the maxi case and the 2020 onwards model.

I know of all the differences, but the changes to the case and bracelet are minor.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by joli160

There has never been a Sub in more demand than any of the 11 series, perhaps very successful is a better word

Agree.

I also like the wide case more. It takes influence from the early 6204 rectangular case shape.


OP with regard to the new Subs, it's not the case that makes it look visually different, it's the bracelet width. I mentioned here years ago that when Rolex updated the Sub they would play a visual trick and take the Tudor Black Bay approach of the wider bracelet. Still nice, but I prefer the original 6 digits.

[Sprezzatura!,]

Originally Posted by roddypeepa

super case, maxi dial.

I like it to be honest. And on the new subs you’d need to be within a few feet to notice any difference i think. They’re both chunky.


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x2

[amh]

Several people have said the GMT was also modified. Is this really the case? (no pun....)

[joli160]

Originally Posted by amh

Several people have said the GMT was also modified. Is this really the case? (no pun....)

Yes, but ever so small that you cannot see it.

[garyk]

I am grateful I bought a 116613LB weeks before it was discontinued. One of the best overall watches I’ve owned over the past 50 years.

[brandrea]

I wish Rolex would go back to chamfers on the case

[Gab27]

There doesn't seem to be a consensus on whether the 12 constitutes being a supercase or not?

I personally would think this design will stay, as I don't consider the 12 to be a vast difference from the 11 and to me it is more of a refinement (compare either of the two six digit Subs next to a five and the difference is far more pronounced than the two six digits next to each other.)

I think the current reference would look pretty awesome if they added back chamfers.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by Sprezzatura!,

Come on let’s face it, there’s not a huge difference between what was coined as the maxi case and the 2020 onwards model.

I know of all the differences, but the changes to the case and bracelet are minor.

I couldn’t disagree more. Maybe it’s a wrist size thing, but I have about a 7 inch wrist and the changes are noticeable for me.

Having worn and owned both submariners, their is a huge difference to me. The 41mm wears much differently than the previous maxi. The bracelet taper is substantially changed, maybe in a good way depending on wrist size. The way the end link comes into the bracelet is flatter, the case wears flatter, and the clasp is much larger. They look similar but they made some fairly large changes while maybe only making 1-2mm moves.


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[Sprezzatura!,]

Originally Posted by shaunylw

I couldn’t disagree more. Maybe it’s a wrist size thing, but I have about a 7 inch wrist and the changes are noticeable for me.

Having worn and owned both submariners, their is a huge difference to me. The 41mm wears much differently than the previous maxi. The bracelet taper is substantially changed, maybe in a good way depending on wrist size. The way the end link comes into the bracelet is flatter, the case wears flatter, and the clasp is much larger. They look similar but they made some fairly large changes while maybe only making 1-2mm moves.


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Of course, everyone will have their take on it.

What’s negligible to someone will be significant to another, and vice versa.

Either way, I definitely prefer a slimmer bracelet where it joins the case, regardless of the taper on the newer Sub.

[Glidelock]

Originally Posted by Sprezzatura!,

Come on let’s face it, there’s not a huge difference between what was coined as the maxi case and the 2020 onwards model.

I know of all the differences, but the changes to the case and bracelet are minor.

Originally Posted by shaunylw

I couldn’t disagree more. Maybe it’s a wrist size thing, but I have about a 7 inch wrist and the changes are noticeable for me.

Having worn and owned both submariners, their is a huge difference to me. The 41mm wears much differently than the previous maxi. The bracelet taper is substantially changed, maybe in a good way depending on wrist size. The way the end link comes into the bracelet is flatter, the case wears flatter, and the clasp is much larger. They look similar but they made some fairly large changes while maybe only making 1-2mm moves.


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Own versions of both, and gonna have to agree w/ Shawny on this one. Altho to the untrained eye…the differences might seem subtle, the 12’s not only look more elegant, but wear smaller and less clunky than the “technically” smaller 11’s!

[Becweb]

Maybe

[Glidelock]

Originally Posted by Mendota

I really wish they would bring back the chamfers and bevels from the vintage pieces. So beautiful. I have seen aftermarket mods done to maxi cases introducing chamfers and it completely changes the look, for the better.

Originally Posted by Mendota

Here's their website. They also did a sweet homage to the original 6542 GMT Master using a ceramic GMT. Once again with sweet chamfers, drilled lug holes, no crown guards, a coin edge bezel, a chapter ring gilt dial with roulette datewheel, and they even produced a bakelite insert for it.

Rolex could easily add the chamfers themselves to all of their new offerings. It really brings back that sense of design and beautiful lines that the original 4 digit pieces had.

https://tempus-machina.com/

Originally Posted by brandrea

I wish Rolex would go back to chamfers on the case

Chamfers on a Rolex are just pure Sex. You know that’s why they took ‘em away from us…is so we would just beg for them to someday bring them back! And altho I’m not one for customizing my own Rolex watches…obviously, every now and then I come across one I really like. That said…the custom Pepsi w/ the Bakelite insert referenced above is drool worthy watch porn that Rolex should give us a taste of someday in the future!!!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Glidelock

Chamfers on a Rolex are just pure Sex. You know that’s why they took ‘em away from us…is so we would just beg for them to someday bring them back! And altho I’m not one for customizing my own Rolex watches…obviously, every now and then I come across one I really like. That said…the custom Pepsi w/ the Bakelite insert referenced above is drool worthy watch porn that Rolex should give us a taste of someday in the future!!!

so true ...

I believe someone here had LA Watchwerks or some one like that, add chamfers to a 6 digit Sub .... maybe some else can post the link to that.

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[Glidelock]

Originally Posted by brandrea

so true ...

I believe someone here had LA Watchwerks or some one like that, add chamfers to a 6 digit Sub .... maybe some else can post the link to that.

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Oh yeah…I’ve seen a few examples here on the forums over the years. And if I recall LA WW was one of the examples, and I think he had them shave off the Crown Guards and in at least one example they had Matted the Ceramic Insert as well! I have no doubt that Rolex will bring back those Sexy Chamfers someday down the road!

[Rori]

Gmt will have the new sub proportions soon. soon.


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[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by RealMadrid1988

I was giving some thought to Rolex's 2021 releases recently, and in particular to the "new" Explorer, which was downsized from 39mm to its historical 36mm proportions.

Without extrapolating too much from one example, it got me wondering: could there be a movement back to smaller watches on the horizon? Obviously the maxi case has divided opinions among fans of the Crown, and I for one wouldn't mind seeing the Submariner revert to its five-digit proportions.

So, are maxi cases here to stay, or could slimmer proportions be coming down the pike?

The Maxi case pretty much refers to the wide lugged models most of which (all?) no longer exist. But if your real question is whether or not Rolex will maintain manufacturing watches above 36mm then without a doubt yes. 40mm subs and GMTs have been the rule for years. For the ExpII, SDs, and DSSDs, I've no doubt that the larger sized cases will remain for them to remain relevent in those markets. For all the labled 41mm cases which are really sub 40mms I've also no doubt that they'll continue manufacturing at the current dimensions. The question remains as to whether or not the Daytona will be upsized. Given their current inability to meet demand I see no reason for them to change (unless they wanted to reduce the demand on the 40mm ones).

[Johny]

Originally Posted by Mendota

Here's their website. They also did a sweet homage to the original 6542 GMT Master using a ceramic GMT. Once again with sweet chamfers, drilled lug holes, no crown guards, a coin edge bezel, a chapter ring gilt dial with roulette datewheel, and they even produced a bakelite insert for it.

Rolex could easily add the chamfers themselves to all of their new offerings. It really brings back that sense of design and beautiful lines that the original 4 digit pieces had.

https://tempus-machina.com/

Great link. Thank you.

[Sprezzatura!,]

Originally Posted by Glidelock

Own versions of both, and gonna have to agree w/ Shawny on this one. Altho to the untrained eye…the differences might seem subtle, the 12’s not only look more elegant, but wear smaller and less clunky than the “technically” smaller 11’s!

Of course, that’s fine. I’m aware of the small detail also and I get the differences believe me. I appreciate it wears differently as a result of the changes, collectively.

I guess it’s all subjective. I’m coming from an angle as to what one personally considers a big change/update, as opposed to glossing past those small tweaks altogether and not having an informed opinion.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by shaunylw

I couldn’t disagree more. Maybe it’s a wrist size thing, but I have about a 7 inch wrist and the changes are noticeable for me.

Having worn and owned both submariners, their is a huge difference to me. The 41mm wears much differently than the previous maxi. The bracelet taper is substantially changed, maybe in a good way depending on wrist size. The way the end link comes into the bracelet is flatter, the case wears flatter, and the clasp is much larger. They look similar but they made some fairly large changes while maybe only making 1-2mm moves.


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I too have a 7 inch wrist and for me the difference in the bracelet and clasp feels much better on my arm in the 116 Submariner. Obviously everyone will have a different experience.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Rori

Gmt will have the new sub proportions soon. soon.


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This is a certainty. The question will be will the bracelet taper more to easy lock clasp or will there be a new bigger easy lock clasp.

[Maiden]

Originally Posted by brandrea

There’s is more to the Supercase design than just the lugs which seem to get all the attention … it’s the sheered off slab sides with no bevels too.

No idea if they revert back to the 4 and 5 digit profiles, but the overall sizes are unlikely to change IMHO

^^^This, the newest generation is still a slab sided supercase in my view. The fat clasp has Omega jealous!

[amh]

Originally Posted by Rori

Gmt will have the new sub proportions soon. soon.


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Originally Posted by Mystro

This is a certainty. The question will be will the bracelet taper more to easy lock clasp or will there be a new bigger easy lock clasp.

If that's true then the old generation will be chopped liver. I would love to have a BLNR GMT with the Sub case & bracelet!! The existing model is rather dainty.

[faz]

Originally Posted by amanbra

well, they've slimmed down the 41mm sub, Day Date 40, DJ36/OP36 lugs so literally all signs point to Rolex rolling back the maxi...

Wow, I am surprised about the DD40.

Has the DD40 also changed this year? or are you referring to change from DD2 (41mm) to DD40 which is a few years now?

[faz]

Originally Posted by RealMadrid1988

I was giving some thought to Rolex's 2021 releases recently, and in particular to the "new" Explorer, which was downsized from 39mm to its historical 36mm proportions.

Without extrapolating too much from one example, it got me wondering: could there be a movement back to smaller watches on the horizon? Obviously the maxi case has divided opinions among fans of the Crown, and I for one wouldn't mind seeing the Submariner revert to its five-digit proportions.

So, are maxi cases here to stay, or could slimmer proportions be coming down the pike?

one can perhaps include the BB58 vs. BB 41mm in the list.

I am one of the lucky ones who happen to own one of sub and one of GMT in each body style. My 116710BLNR and 116610LV, I love them very much and wouldn't want them any other way. But I am glad to see a move back to a slimmer design with the 12* series. I love the size of the 41mm Sub and the overall shape of it (less boxy) is more pleasing to me. The 41mm is really not that different than 40 mm size wise.

Although the move back to 36mm Explorer is kind of revolutionary (too big a difference), it is going back to the roots of that watch. Having owned 214270 MK1 in the past, I find the 124270 to be extremely pleasing and a much better proportioned watch. It is a keeper for sure.

Although Rolex doesn't follow fashion trends that closely, still watch sizes and watch colors are part of the overall fashion trend and will change. I am looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.