Who’s thinking slimmer lugs?

[jdpny]

Same Super Case with chamfer lugs will be wonderful!

What he said...

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

The percentage of prospective buyers and current owners that ponder the finer points of lug size is so small I seriously doubt it will be of any concern to Rolex.

How large should my cufflinks be with a 5 digit vs. 6 digit?

Probably right in the grand scheme of things
Maybe Rolex keeps the max case on the GMT & SUB only, maybe not, We’ll see.

The trend to slim down in their other models after “beefing them up” so to speak, definitely happened fairly quickly, buy Rolex standard. Maybe it’s a sign of what’s coming, but I keep asking myself......

was the “slimming” of the lug, and or, case proportions on the DJ, DD, SD4K, SD43, etc....because of ???
Regular buying public lack of sales, on “beefed” up newer models, or WIS folks like us on forums, not happy with new designs??? A combination of both???
Not sure we’ll ever know the actual reasons...

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Richris1

Probably right in the grand scheme of things
Maybe Rolex keeps the max case on the GMT & SUB only, maybe not, We’ll see.

The trend to slim down in their other models after “beefing them up” so to speak, definitely happened fairly quickly, buy Rolex standard. Maybe it’s a sign of what’s coming, but I keep asking myself......

was the “slimming” of the lugs/case proportions on the DJ, DD, SD4K, SD43, etc....because of ???
Regular buying public lack of sales, on “beefed” up newer models, or WIS folks like us on forums, not happy with new designs??? A combination of both???
Not sure we’ll ever know the actual reasons...

I suspect it was just a matter of differentiation Richard. Nothing more, nothing less.

Couldn't really go bigger than the DD2, DJ2, supercase Sub and GMT, so to differentiate the DD40, DJ41, SD4K and SD43 the design change was to go slimmer and more elegant/refined.

If we assume that change was a given, there's no reason to suspect that Rolex designers simpy didn't just take the opportunity to further refine the case shape as part of that process

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by Devildog

I suspect it was just a matter of differentiation Richard. Nothing more, nothing less.

Couldn't really go bigger than the DD2, DJ2, supercase Sub and GMT, so to differentiate the DD40, DJ41, SD4K and SD43 the design change was to go slimmer and more elegant/refined.

If we assume that change was a given, there's no reason to suspect that Rolex designers simpy didn't just take the opportunity to further refine the case shape as part of that process

Good points

[1William]

I think we will see a new movement and possibly stay with the same case.

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by 1William

I think we will see a new movement and possibly stay with the same case.

I’m hoping for that scenario

[AK797]

There is also the direct sales comparison of the SD4K v Subc for a straight ceramic shoot out of cases, and one got smoked, even given the higher price. So very little financial evidence that smaller lugs are required by the majority of buyers, who as we know do just buy the name or what is hyped on SM.

[Wrist Watcher]

I like everything about the six digit Sub over the five digit Sub EXCEPT for the wide lugs and blocky/squarish look of the case (which also makes the six digit Sub look like crap on most straps). I think the new Sea Dweller's tapered lugs and look of the case are much better than the Sub. Hopefully they are making the change this year and will announce it at Basel.

[Portland]

Originally Posted by ClemsonTC

I like everything about the six digit Sub over the five digit Sub EXCEPT for the wide lugs and blocky/squarish look of the case (which also makes the six digit Sub look like crap on most straps). I think the new Sea Dweller's tapered lugs and look of the case are much better than the Sub. Hopefully they are making the change this year and will announce it at Basel.

I agree about the strap comment, however it’s not like most straps work on five digit Rolex oyster cases anyway since the holes are drilled so ridiculously close to the case. Almost every photo I see of a 5 digit Sub on a leather strap shows strap chaffing near the case. Same with the Explorer II, and same with the Datejust.

Case and point in the pic below of my 16200 Datejust. That strap was on the watch for a whole 10 minutes before the pic was taken.

[Wrist Watcher]

Originally Posted by Portland

I agree about the strap comment, however it’s not like most straps work on five digit Rolex oyster cases anyway since the holes are drilled so ridiculously close to the case. Almost every photo I see of a 5 digit Sub on a leather strap shows strap chaffing near the case. Same with the Explorer II, and same with the Datejust.

Case and point in the pic below of my 16200 Datejust. That strap was on the watch for a whole 10 minutes before the pic was taken.

Ah, very interesting. I do remember reading other folks say that as well about the 5 digit version (also applies to my 6 digit). I know the bracelet is meant to be worn with the Sub, and I do really like the bracelet, but I also like to change straps a lot as a strap can completely change the look of a watch without having to purchase another watch. I think that's why I've been close to picking up (and keeping) a Speedy for my collection. It just looks fantastic on about every strap people throw on it.

[VicLeChic]

With the SD43 Rolex have decided to revive the slim lugs. I don't see why this could not be rolled out to the next gen Sub, either at BW2018 or future editions.

A larger 41 / 41.5mm Sub with slim lugs does not sound too farfetched to me. I don't know if potential buyers would rather stick to 40mm in their vast majority or move up to a larger size, this is probably what will determine Rolex's decision. Me personally I find 40mm to be on the small side when it comes to sports watches on my small to average 7in/18cm wrist.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by AK797

There is also the direct sales comparison of the SD4K v Subc for a straight ceramic shoot out of cases, and one got smoked, even given the higher price. So very little financial evidence that smaller lugs are required by the majority of buyers, who as we know do just buy the name or what is hyped on SM.

This makes sense

[Jdreg]

So the current sub is selling faster than they make them. Certainly seems like a change is required immediately. I think we have to remember the the number of watches our members buy is an insignificant part of overall sale. The rest of the world doesn’t even know what a lug is.

[ChronoSloth]

Originally Posted by Portland

I agree about the strap comment, however it’s not like most straps work on five digit Rolex oyster cases anyway since the holes are drilled so ridiculously close to the case. Almost every photo I see of a 5 digit Sub on a leather strap shows strap chaffing near the case. Same with the Explorer II, and same with the Datejust.

Case and point in the pic below of my 16200 Datejust. That strap was on the watch for a whole 10 minutes before the pic was taken.

I, too, am hoping for a less boxy Sub next month, but I'm not holding my breath.

As for the strap chaffing, best solution I've found, and I put leather straps on everything... is to place a small piece of clear, Scotch tape on the case-back ridge making contact with the strap. It doesn't have to be large and it won't be seen when on your wrist. The leather will glide over the tape instead of "catching" the angled metal.

[Mrcoach32]

I sure hope not. I'd love to purchase the new Sub, but not with slimmer lugs.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by Onikage

I didn't say barely tolerated...

Fair enough. You said "straight up hate...or tolerate." I added "barely."

Originally Posted by Onikage

...or buying things they don't like.

Again, you're right - you didn't say that explicitly. But in other threads, you have said that the six-digit Sub is "a radical step away from what many regarded the perfect sports diver proportions by Rolex," and the super-case models are "what you get when buying a Submariner from an AD so of course they sell well." Based on that, I thought I was fairly representing your take on why high sales, demand, and above-MSRP prices of the super-case models aren't reliable indicators of their popularity.

I maintain that people won't buy something they fundamentally dislike. As such, the sales of the current Sub and GMT styles speak to their overall popularity. We can agree to disagree.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

Fair enough. You said "straight up hate...or tolerate." I added "barely."



Again, you're right - you didn't say that explicitly. But in other threads, you have said that the six-digit Sub is "a radical step away from what many regarded the perfect sports diver proportions by Rolex," and the super-case models are "what you get when buying a Submariner from an AD so of course they sell well." Based on that, I thought I was fairly representing your take on why high sales, demand, and above-MSRP prices of the super-case models aren't reliable indicators of their popularity.

I maintain that people won't buy something they fundamentally dislike. As such, the sales of the current Sub and GMT styles speak to their overall popularity. We can agree to disagree.

Cheers.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Cheers.

[robvanderpoel]

Maybe Rolex will keep the outer dimensions of the lugs the same, but will fit a 21mm bracelet. This will make the lugs .5mm thinner, and the watch a lot less boxy

[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by robvanderpoel

Maybe Rolex will keep the outer dimensions of the lugs the same, but will fit a 21mm bracelet. This will make the lugs .5mm thinner, and the watch a lot less boxy

[BMess]

I would love a 5 digit case with a 6 digit bracelet also.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by VicLeChic

With the SD43 Rolex have decided to revive the slim lugs. I don't see why this could not be rolled out to the next gen Sub, either at BW2018 or future editions.

A larger 41 / 41.5mm Sub with slim lugs does not sound too farfetched to me. I don't know if potential buyers would rather stick to 40mm in their vast majority or move up to a larger size, this is probably what will determine Rolex's decision. Me personally I find 40mm to be on the small side when it comes to sports watches on my small to average 7in/18cm wrist.

M feelings too Victor but sadly, we are in the minority

[Rolexsd4000]

Originally Posted by robvanderpoel

Maybe Rolex will keep the outer dimensions of the lugs the same, but will fit a 21mm bracelet. This will make the lugs .5mm thinner, and the watch a lot less boxy

Why not go all the way and put a 22mm bracelet on ? That would be perfect . SD50 bracelet is perfect .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[is0lde]

Originally Posted by 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.

Yes.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Rolexsd4000

Why not go all the way and put a 22mm bracelet on ? That would be perfect . SD50 bracelet is perfect .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The wider bracelet should have been on from the get go.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by AK797

The wider bracelet should have been on from the get go.

Quick PS 20mm bracelet on left, 22mm bracelet on right. Much nicer IMO but still needs some additional shaping on the lugs to gove a more curved taper as per the SD43.

And on the bottom, a pic which I believe clearly shows why Rolex need to change the bracelet or the lugs on the supercase .....

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Quick PS 20mm bracelet on left, 22mm bracelet on right. Much nicer IMO but still needs some additional shaping on the lugs to gove a more curved taper as per the SD43.

And on the bottom, a pic which I believe clearly shows why Rolex need to change the bracelet or the lugs on the supercase .....

Yes, they would still need to shave the lugs so it would be quite some work and Rolex could not be bothered back then, they just wanted to modernise the watch to a 41/2mm feel, which I do like.

[SteelSubmarinerGuy]

The 5 digit ref are okay in regards to the case, but you can’t beat the bracelet and clasp on the 6 digit refs.... 6 all day


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Quick PS 20mm bracelet on left, 22mm bracelet on right. Much nicer IMO but still needs some additional shaping on the lugs to gove a more curved taper as per the SD43.

Nicely done! That looks fantastic. 100% prefer the look on the right. Can't see too many people looking at this photoshop and disagreeing that the photo on the right is a big improvement.

Even if folks don't want a 22mm band, it really gives a good idea how it would look with less blocky lugs.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by Rolexsd4000

Why not go all the way and put a 22mm bracelet on ? That would be perfect . SD50 bracelet is perfect .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Should have been 22mm all along !

The case is fine, but it is not proportional to the bracelet.

The 6-digit sub always looked like a fat girl with skinny legs.