New rolex submariner ? Why ?

[lukestevenson]

Recently went into an ad and got talking about rolex releasing the new sub? sureley this watch is an absolute classic and timeless piece? So then I thought well maybe they will just put the new bracelet on it..... NO, they are going to make it look more like the GMT 11C? thicker crown etc....why why why?

[rkb]

I agree, I would rather they not try to improve perfection.

[alant]

Totally agree! Leave it!

[Quicksilver]

Absolutely agree - the Sub is a timeless classic which Rolex are on the verge of destroying forever.

[The GMT Master]

Let's wait to see the finished product before we condemn it, eh?

[WatchSmith]

I love the current sub, but at the same time I'm also a bit bored with it. I wouldn't object to it getting some GMT IIc enhancements. Not saying the original should be replaced, but if it was I don't think I'd mind. Of course I reserve final judgement until if and when I actually SEE one. We must also remember that the Sub, like the GMT, has been around so long there are literally millions of them out there, and since just one will last a lifetime we won't have to do without a favorite classic.

[Trainer]

I agree that I wouldn't change much, or, like to see much changed.
However, I wouldn't mind solid links and GMTIIc- like clasp improvements.

Tempus Fugit,
Trainer

[padi56]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Let's wait to see the finished product before we condemn it, eh?

Have to agree lets see it in the flesh before making any assumptions or any rumours about any change.When or if we have a real new watch to comment on,then IMHO then be can prevail Judgement on this subject,but at the moment its pure speculation about the Sub.

[rkb]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Let's wait to see the finished product before we condemn it, eh?

Ok, Ok, in the interest of fairness I'll call off the mob......for now.

[landroverking]

I think if you look at the 18Kt ones on the Rolex site you will see what the next SS will look like, and yes it is very close to the GMT IIc.

[delldeaton]

Could be that "function" is driving "form" changes. Possibly a more robust Submariner?

[frostie]

You can never keep everybody happy !

If there wasn't any new sub everybody would be complaining that rolex is not modern, slow, old fashioned etc.

Now that rolex is introducing new watches everybody is complaining but MARK my words in 5-6 years all of you will be loving the new rolexes

Same thing happened when the GMT II C released same thing happened when the Deep Sea was released, same thing happened with the funky YM II etc. etc.

Just check some old threads and you'll see what I am talking about

PS. I love the new updated rolexes

[CharlieG]

I think change is good.
I would compare it to cars. I can think of the BMW M3, Porsche 911 to name a few and people thought they could never improve.
It also make us appreciate our classics that much more

[Wooddog44]

Originally Posted by lukestevenson

Recently went into an ad and got talking about rolex releasing the new sub? sureley this watch is an absolute classic and timeless piece? So then I thought well maybe they will just put the new bracelet on it..... NO, they are going to make it look more like the GMT 11C? thicker crown etc....why why why?

They (Rolex) make nothing from transactions on pre-owned watches which are far more numerous than those on new watches. To get buyers in the door for new watches they have to make periodic changes in the models.

[chriseskew24]

If the sub see's drastic changes. There will be no shortage of old ones going around thats for sure. I love my sub as much as the next guy. But if they give it a shiney look with ceramic bezel. I just wont buy the new one. Or maybe i will!!!! Maybe it will look great. The only sport model that they did i havent liked is the YM2. But it is still a fine piece of enginering i just dont like it.

[sea-dweller]

Agreed, the 16610, 14060, 16613 and 16618 are my favorite watches. Why change a classic design ?

[Lion]

All the speculation in the world isn't going to make a difference when it comes to what Rolex may or may not do. I'm sure there will be changes and people will grumble about them. But Rolex is in a competitive business and must put out new products which show innovation and style!!!

So my vote is to wait and see what they do and embrace the changes!!!

[frostie]

It is called PLC (Product Life Cycle) and we all know that Rolex follows all the marketing principles.

And there are 5 stages: R&D, birth of the product, growth, maturity, decline of the product !

Well realistically the sub is an iconic watch but let's be honest it can't compete other diving watches in it's price range with it's current features. Even a 1k omega has a better clasp

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by frostie

It is called PLC (Product Life Cycle) and we all know that Rolex follows all the marketing principles.

And there are 5 stages: R&D, birth of the product, growth, maturity, decline of the product !

Well realistically the sub is an iconic watch but let's be honest it can't compete other diving watches in it's price range with it's current features. Even a 1k omega has a better clasp

Agreed. It just needs a little bit of TLC to get it back up to date. I can't wait to see the Glidelock clasp on it, and a bit of a heftier bracelet - hopefully Rolex will see sense and keep the brushed finish like the Deep Sea.

[shelley]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[mcubed]

There is nothing wrong with change. The Sub has always changed...Crown guards, triplock crown, the date, solid end links, white gold surrounds on the dial, and sapphire crystal are all things that were NOT on the original submariner.

Rolex can't just keep producing the same watch. The changes proposed are really not that big of a deal, slightly wider case, revised crown guards and a new bezel insert material. These are in line with previous changes. I just don't understand what everyone is getting so upset about......We should be thankful that Rolex models, even with changes, are instantly recognizable.

the Porsche 911 is also a product that evolved, and I am not sure many would gripe that the car is not EXACTLY the same as it was in the 1960s

[Jazz]

Re: the current SS Sub Date Ref: 16610 - Perfection cannot be improved upon, IMHO.

[gregdolley]

Originally Posted by frostie

You can never keep everybody happy !

If there wasn't any new sub everybody would be complaining that rolex is not modern, slow, old fashioned etc.

Now that rolex is introducing new watches everybody is complaining but MARK my words in 5-6 years all of you will be loving the new rolexes

Same thing happened when the GMT II C released same thing happened when the Deep Sea was released, same thing happened with the funky YM II etc. etc.

Just check some old threads and you'll see what I am talking about

PS. I love the new updated rolexes

Totally agree.

[diablojota]

Personally, I wanted to get the new GMT when they released it. I liked how much more robust than my Sub it looked. So, that said, I welcome a change in the Sub, if it mimics that of the GMT. Just my opinion. At least then it gives me a reason to upgrade to the new TT Sub.

[dkpw]

Of all the modern features of say the GMT IIc or Dipsy, the only one which I would like to see on the current Sub is the glidelock clasp on the bracelet.

The ceramic bezels look great but if a current bezel fades or scratches, you can buy a new one for £60 or so and fit it yourself. Try that with a ceramic bezel. I know the ceramics are not meant to chip or fade but someone will manage it someday.

Rolex are of course "upgrading" the line as they have consistently done, luckily we have the choice - go for the new "fat" styling if you can afford it - or go second-hand if you cannot or want an old style. My late Z without the RBR is how I like it.

[moby33]

Originally Posted by mcubed

There is nothing wrong with change. The Sub has always changed...Crown guards, triplock crown, the date, solid end links, white gold surrounds on the dial, and sapphire crystal are all things that were NOT on the original submariner.

Rolex can't just keep producing the same watch. The changes proposed are really not that big of a deal, slightly wider case, revised crown guards and a new bezel insert material. These are in line with previous changes. I just don't understand what everyone is getting so upset about......We should be thankful that Rolex models, even with changes, are instantly recognizable.

My thoughts exactly, thank you!

News flash guys, that Sub on 99% of the wrists out there HAS changed numerous times over the years, so this is nothing new. Unless you're wearing the first iteration of the Sub, please stop with all this 'No need to change a classic' talk...'cause Rolex has been changing this classic since it first hit the market. Anybody that says differently needs to read up on the history of the Submariner. Why some believe the current model is THE ONLY Sub worth a damn and above any type of improvement/change is beyond me. Lets take the blinders off and look at this situation as it really is - that of just another chapter in the storied history of a great watch. Cheers.

Edit Addition: Another ironic point is how it seem that the same 99% of people that scream "Don't Change the Sub - It's Perfect!!!" always seem to be the same guys that see a vintage Sub and say, "Man, that's a beauty...sure wish I could own such an amazing classic!" Kind of sad & hypocritical if you ask me!

[Subexplorer]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree lets see it in the flesh before making any assumptions or any rumours about any change.When or if we have a real new watch to comment on,then IMHO then be can prevail Judgement on this subject,but at the moment its pure speculation about the Sub.

I complete agree with Padi56 words.

Anyway, would like to comment that many people regard Sub as the most iconic sport watch ever, also origin of may similar designs from other brands.
And that´s very true!

Now, this same people request a new Sub, in bigger case size, with ceramic bezel, polished central links, etc.. This gets that hypotetical Sub very far from its original design pattern.

It´s true that Rolex is a commercial enterprise, whose mayor goal is to get maximun sales & benefits, and as such, he needs to change, improve or accomodate its product line to the taste of his potencial customers, or trends of market.

In this sense, a Watch Company is the same as Car Companies.
A Ford Mustang exists since 1964, but today´s Mustang is not the same. Anybody knows well that, and a car from that era can´t be compared in comfort and handling with the new versions.

A watch is different than a car anyway, as there are not safety or handling issues involved, modern safety and traffic laws to comply, etc., as long as the watch works as an accurate time piece.

Today´s Sub is not the same of 1953/54 vintage. Even it is not the same 5513 which is the one model which in my opinion best represents the breed.

Anyway, present made 14060m is a fair compromise of modern design and keeping the looks and spirit of old Submariners.

Now, why change it a little or much more than that??

If a Rolex customer needs -or his fancy dictates- the purchase of a modern dive watch, with a bigger case than Sub one, heavier, trendier, etc., he already got it in the DSSD.
I guess you can´t get any better in Rolex or any other brand.

I´d love to have the Sub in production in his present configuration, may be improved in its working parts if it´s necessary by any technical reason (don´t think so!) and would really be very sad if a new model replaces it forever.

Just a personal point of view, of course!
Kind regards, Abel

[Subexplorer]

Moby33:
Completely agree with your words here!!

Written by Moby33:
"Edit Addition: Another ironic point is how it seem that the same 99% of people that scream "Don't Change the Sub - It's Perfect!!!" always seem to be the same guys that see a vintage Sub and say, "Man, that's a beauty...sure wish I could own such an amazing classic!" Kind of sad & hypocritical if you ask me!"

100% agree!!
Kind regards, Abel

[coddger]

Originally Posted by Wooddog44

They (Rolex) make nothing from transactions on pre-owned watches which are far more numerous than those on new watches. To get buyers in the door for new watches they have to make periodic changes in the models.

X2 Although everyone's thoughts and opinions are well put, Rolex, just like car manufacturers or any electronic devices needs upgrades to survive the "brand-new" market. I for one love my 16610 and wish Rolex leaves the design alone. But let's wait and see first hand what Rolex comes up with. Maybe in another 5-6 years, we will all say, why didn't they think about that 10 years ago?

[mike]

Originally Posted by moby33

My thoughts exactly, thank you!

News flash guys, that Sub on 99% of the wrists out there HAS changed numerous times over the years, so this is nothing new. Unless you're wearing the first iteration of the Sub, please stop with all this 'No need to change a classic' talk...'cause Rolex has been changing this classic since it first hit the market. Anybody that says differently needs to read up on the history of the Submariner. Why some believe the current model is THE ONLY Sub worth a damn and above any type of improvement/change is beyond me. Lets take the blinders off and look at this situation as it really is - that of just another chapter in the storied history of a great watch. Cheers.

Edit Addition: Another ironic point is how it seem that the same 99% of people that scream "Don't Change the Sub - It's Perfect!!!" always seem to be the same guys that see a vintage Sub and say, "Man, that's a beauty...sure wish I could own such an amazing classic!" Kind of sad & hypocritical if you ask me!

Spot on!