Rolex's not so smooth transition to Big Watch trend n

[rollee1]

Rolex is very clever doing the number game, these maxi sizes are big in numbers, the actual case size is less.

It's about proportion and balance, Rolex does these very well.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Hollister

I think they need to slow down with all the changes.

The 16600 is looking very attractive right now.

On the contrary.
I would posit the 16600 is looking dated.
Further, I think the 116600 is now looking irrelevant and little more than a footnote in history

[BravoOne]

See the weekends WSJ article regarding the bigger is better trend in high end watches. Not complimentary towards this trend. While I'm sure Rolex did some homework before releasing these new wrist heavy weights, it might not be a long term success story. In particular they called out the 36mm DJ as a happy medium.

[Majin Buu]

Im a large person, therefore Im happy, but Im not a majority..
Even I admit the DJ2 bezel was too wide, they only needed to make
It a bit thinner add a few more facets and had a winner again.. but history
showed me otherwise!

Cheers

[Etschell]

The maxi dial is much better than the old dials imo. If you actually dive you understand this.

[Flstfirider]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

sorry to the op but there is no 'trend'

👍

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by landosystem

The larger Sea Dweller does not mean there is a trend in Rolex upsizing. The fact that they stuck on a cyclops to account for the weird position of the date window, rather than develop a new movement for a larger watch, suggests that they aren't planning a line-wide upsizing.

In any event, what's the big problem? The sub is always available for people who want 40mm, and now there is just an additional option for the bigger-wristed.

Of course there's been a Rolex trend of upsizing, but it didn't start with the new SeaDweller. It's been happening over the last decade with maxi-cases, DJII, Explorer 39mm, etc. The SeaDweller is just a bit of a double-down on larger watches, after maybe getting a glimpse of hope with the SD4k.

No matter, Rolex already jumped the shark to me with most of the 6-digit line, and they're not bringing me back.

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by Etschell

The maxi dial is much better than the old dials imo. If you actually dive you understand this.

Dive computer.

[Swiss_Time_Watches]

Originally Posted by Lausanne

With the new SD 43 and DJ 41 (Basel'16 and '17) Rolex' commitment to the Big Watch trend continues. But could it possibly be also a statement that the transition may not have gone as planned since it's replaced DDII with DD40, DJII with DJ41 and now SD4000 with SD43 pretty quickly (by Rolex standards).

Could Sub be up for a design update next (away from maxi dial?).

If the sd43 is a success expect to see a 43mm submariner in the next couple of years. Probably in addition to the 40mm classic sub rather than replacing it.

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Of course there's been a Rolex trend of upsizing, but it didn't start with the new SeaDweller. It's been happening over the last decade with maxi-cases, DJII, Explorer 39mm, etc. The SeaDweller is just a bit of a double-down on larger watches, after maybe getting a glimpse of hope with the SD4k.

No matter, Rolex already jumped the shark to me with most of the 6-digit line, and they're not bringing me back.

Yep.

The OP line is the only one which appeals to me on any level, the OP 39 having particularly fine case, dial and bracelet proportions. A throwback to the elegant-looking Rolex sports watches of old. The irony is that this is their cheapest model, but it's also the only one I'd be seen wearing. The Daytona has escaped the ravages of case inflation, and doesn't look too bad, either.



It wears comparably to a 16610, but has a slimmer profile.

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by gaetano_alfano

If the sd43 is a success expect to see a 43mm submariner in the next couple of years. Probably in addition to the 40mm classic sub rather than replacing it.

Even if successful I doubt we will ever see 43mm sub because that's what the new SD43 is for


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Smarties]

Probably new Sub with 3235 movement will be 41mm only. I guess.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Dirt

...the economy model Sub.

That's an awfully dismissive description of the only true Submariner.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

That's an awfully dismissive description of the only true Submariner.

Yes you're right, I suppose it is somewhat dismissive.
But I believe it's accurate in some circumstances.

I take the position that a person wishing to purchase their first Rolex(preferably a diver) would look upon the non-date Sub as the most affordable option. Period.
I know I did when looking to purchase my first Rolex back in the day before internet forums ever existed. Price is a genuine factor for some.

If we were talking about cars. Any make of car for that matter.
The one without fast glass and central locking, or AC and power steering would've been the economy model.

[Hollister]

I have an economy-model 5513, but it wasn't very cheap to buy.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Topic discussed at length in many many many other threads.

I think it's safe to say we could cut & paste this sentence on about 98.35% of the threads on this forum...yet I keep reading.

[TakeYourTime]

I think most people didn't buy the SW because of the missing cyclops. Now they have a 40mm Sub and a 43mm SW with it and they can satisfy medium and large watch lovers. Sure there are guys, who don't like the cyclops but I think that's a minority and Rolex just follows the market.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Hollister

I have an economy-model 5513, but it wasn't very cheap to buy.

That's because you opted to go with the expensive brand.
Did you buy it new?

Of course you could've bought the Seiko diver and got the day and date thrown in automatically as standard(no pun intended).

The 5513 is one of the greatest models ever as far as I'm concerned with absolutely superb proportions.
I used to have one myself and loved it a lot.
Come to think about it, the 5513 was quite affordable as it wasn't a chronometer grade movement.
Nice simple dial with a Matte finish and a beautifully curved Crystal which matches the taper of the bezel
Pity about the Tritium and it wore a little on the light side
It's long gone to fund the purchase of the Mk II DSSD, also with a beautifully curved Crystal and superb line and fit to the bezel.
Chromalite is way better and it has a Chronometer grade movement
Definitely worth the premium.

[TickTockChuck]

Sure, there was a slight trend to bigger cases with the DDII and DJII which IMHO were too big a leap from the prior 36mm cases. Rolex will wait a few years to modify mis-steps and quietly make changes. The DD40 and DJ41 are nicely proportioned down and slimmer and will probably have broader appeal. The SD43 is a different move to a bolder look to differentiate it more from the Subc. Although I always thought that part of the SD4000 charm was there was no Cyclops lens and I don't care for it on the SD43. The SD4000 might have been a bit of a slow seller too (?). Also note that it took a few years for Rolex to adjust the hand sizes on the 39mm Explorer I. So it goes. Cheers!

[Wingman244]

Dang Big Watch Trend. Those Apollo astronauts running around in their monster 42mm Speedmasters. Watches just have not been the same since.

Oh wait, I was like 5 years old at the time. Nevermind...

[moby33]

Originally Posted by Wingman244

Dang Big Watch Trend. Those Apollo astronauts running around in their monster 42mm Speedmasters. Watches just have not been the same since.

Oh wait, I was like 5 years old at the time. Nevermind...

Ha, Ha...so true. Actually, I was going to say earlier how I don't consider "41-44mm" necessarily a BIG watch. Bigger than 40mm? Obviously...but BIG watch classification I don't agree with.

To me, to be considered a BIG watch, you've got to break 45mm...once you start talking about those 46-48mm (and heaven forbit 50mm+) yeah, you've got a case that they are too big, too much 'in your face' and look somewhat silly on 99% of the population. The other 1% that can pull them off usually put on a helmet and earn millions of dollars a year chasing a pigskin on Sunday!

The way so many people talk on TRF about how "Rolex is ruined & lost their way...they are now part of the BIG WATCH CRAZE...grab your women & children and seek shelter!!!" you would think the vast majority of Rolex's new watches are in the range of 45-48mm.

[RastabanStar]

How long has the Sub been 40MM? I just can't believe they would change one of their most iconic models like that.

[bmdaia]

When the sub bloats out to 42mm people will smell the Starbucks

Originally Posted by landosystem

In any event, what's the big problem? The sub is always available for people who want 40mm, and now there is just an additional option for the bigger-wristed.

[zengineer]

Some hits, some misses in my mind but I am generally a 40mm shopper.

I think the Explorer II was perfect at 40mm and is now too big. The Explorer I at 39mm is a nice improvement over the 36mm older version...lets just pretend those short hands never happened.

What surprised me was that I actually handled a Dempsey last week and I think as thick as it is that the current size is just right even if it is a bit too much watch for me.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Hollister

These watches aren't expensive. It's an aesthetic problem.

to first time Rolex buyers which is a large segment of the market. These folks are just able to see past all the costs of transitioning into adult hood and a 1000 bucks is a big deal.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Hollister

Part of me says they couldn't make the sub any worse, but now I think actually they could.

Brilliant! Certainly not out of the question for Rolex to either, make it larger or add polished center links.

[coleburns]

Originally Posted by moby33

I think it's safe to say we could cut & paste this sentence on about 98.35% of the threads on this forum...yet I keep reading.

+1

[zengineer]

Just noticed autocorrect got me and cant seem to edit. I meant Deep Sea, not Dempsey

[locutus49]

I appreciate this insightful comment.

Originally Posted by Hollister

Rolex are under new management - a protege of JC Biver, no less - and we know Biver likes huge cartoonish watches. I think they need to slow down with all the changes.

The 16600 is looking very attractive right now.

[Tseg]

Look for Rolex's Panerai homage at Baselworld '18.