Was the white gold “Pepsi” a big mistake?

[StevenMichael]

Just sitting here thinking. Was the 18K white gold GMT Master II “Pepsi” a big mistake? How will they ever release a true SS original with an oyster bracelet now without offending every who paid the better part of $40K? I like the new SS Pepsi jubilee sure, but the oyster bracelet is still better and I don’t want to have to create a Franken-Watch. Thoughts?

[indiana]

I have one and I don't think it was a mistake. In fact, mine seems to have gone up about $5,000 or so since the new SS release - at least according to DavidSW pricing...

[Chewbacca]

It was brilliant.

And Rolex never says if any of their watches are limited. Those who assume should just enjoy their watches.

[Tools]

That's how Rolex does it, PM models first, then TT and SS afterwards. Doesn't seem to be a mistake so far, everybody still wants them all.

[StevenMichael]

I know you don’t regret yours. It’s stunning. But how would you feel if a SS version came out that looked the same?

[Speedbird-1]

Originally Posted by StevenMichael

I know you don’t regret yours. It’s stunning. But how would you feel if a SS version came out that looked the same?

They have. Fit an Oyster and away y'go!

[Kostas]

The weight on my wrist is all I would need to know :)

[joli160]

Why would anybody be offended? You buy a watch for your self. I don’t care if people think if a watch is made from Ss or whatever. Probably you don’t get the allure of white gold. Oyster better than jubilee? In what way ?


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[GTC]

Can’t possibly see how that release is offensive. The WG version is breathtaking in a way that stands on it’s own for the owner, and it’s satisfaction is uneffected by other releases, particularly by a company as measured as Rolex.

[tyler1980]

i don't think it was a mistake. I think it sold well vs comparable white PM watches Rolex makes. I think the smurf did/does marginally better but its a sub so it also has a built in advantage.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by joli160

Why would anybody be offended? You buy a watch for your self. I don’t care if people think if a watch is made from Ss or whatever. Probably you don’t get the allure of white gold. Oyster better than jubilee? In what way ?


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it wouldn't offend me if someone did it, but i would not do it because i don't like the optics of modifying a SS watch to mirror the configuration of a PM exclusive configuration.

Its like putting an Mercedes AMG badge on a non AMG Mercedes. Will 99% of people even notice? nope. But to those who do they will think its in poor form.

To me its expected PM filters down to SS eventually. When that happens fine as an oyster may happen in the future and PM owners just have to deal with it, but in the meantime I don't think it should go the other way... modifying your watch up. Its a big difference to me.

[Eric-London]

Originally Posted by kostas

the weight on my wrist is all i would need to know :)

+1

[Eric-London]

Originally Posted by StevenMichael

Just sitting here thinking. Was the 18K white gold GMT Master II “Pepsi” a big mistake? How will they ever release a true SS original with an oyster bracelet now without offending every who paid the better part of $40K? I like the new SS Pepsi jubilee sure, but the oyster bracelet is still better and I don’t want to have to create a Franken-Watch. Thoughts?

I thought I’d hate the jubilee bracelet of the Pepsi but having acquired one from my AD I actually love it now. Also I plan on buying the WG Pepsi with blue dial so so changed nothing for me really.

[CRM114]

No, of course not

[Rashid.bk]

No, it was not a mistake. A beautiful watch. It was a mistake for Rolex to kind of screw over their customers. We'll see how the blue dial looks, so far it actually looks very good in real life. I can say this much, and I don't really know why a "heavy" watch does it but beyond the subtle look of the white gold, the balanced heft of that model is undeniably pure luxury.
But you seem to have an opinion, every one has one, go for it.

[Flier]

Watches do not offend
People do
I personally love it
Heavy and robust with a nice dial and colours

[HL65]

Can’t say a mistake but certainly not ideal for anyone who owns the WG. As for the jubilee it makes the watch IMHO and very glad they released the 126710 on it versus the oyster. If I want to wear an oyster there are lots of options. So for me what a great change up and again really makes the watch special.

[cvo]

Rolex rarely makes mistakes. And if they do, we may not even know. They adjust and recover quickly.

Relative to your question - no, it was not a mistake;there are customers whom can afford PM watches. That is great, I prefer SS myself. PM watches help to keep the demand and value for SS watches high. It is all about marketing and branding of the Rolex name. People who know nothing about watches know Rolex watches are high quality and are relatively expensive (we all know there are tons of watches more expensive, RM, AP, etc.).

Yes, we are patiently awaiting the SS models with the oyster bracelet to come out. Remember, Rolex watches last a lifetime and beyond, a few years isn’t that long in the big picture.

I kinda see Rolex playing a chess game and they prefer each game to take a couple decades at a time which is in alignment with each reference generation.

[hai.tranhr]

It's never be a mistake. It's a great watch in a super design!!!


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[Brew]

"Mistake" for whom?

[RRGHOST1]

They make a SS Sub and they make a YG and a WG one too. Similar in GMT SS and WG.

[REFZ]

It happend to the Skydweller as well, first the PM versions and later the TT and SS versions.
Was that also a mistake?

[Harry-57]

The PM version is a great watch, with black or blue dial. If I could afford to fish at that depth I would own one. If there was an identical SS version on sale I wouldn't be bothered in the least. It's for me to own, love and admire. Not for others. Each to our own.

[037]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

it wouldn't offend me if someone did it, but i would not do it because i don't like the optics of modifying a SS watch to mirror the configuration of a PM exclusive configuration.

Its like putting an Mercedes AMG badge on a non AMG Mercedes. Will 99% of people even notice? nope. But to those who do they will think its in poor form.

Fair point but why does it have to be about optics and poor form?

What if someone legitimately wants a 126710 for the movement but prefers the Oyster? What if someone wants the Pan-Am bezel but prefers the durability in daily wear of stainless over gold? What if someone wants all of the above but in a lighter weight configuration? Or, what if someone has wanted a stainless BLRO for four years but the white gold version was either out of their budget or they'd rather own three watches instead of one?

I'm confused why the only answer your see is that the owner must be a poser rather than simply building a watch that Rolex didn't make four years ago and didn't announce back in March, but can be made for the cost of what still runs more expensive than some new cars ($9,250 + $2,200 USD assuming both are new, plus tax if applicable). It's black-and-white in your view with no option for grey.

Now, if someone were going around telling people that their 126710BLRO on Oyster were white gold, sure, we'd have a problem. However, I don't see anyone doing that. What I do see are a few enthusiasts swapping parts.

I personally see it as someone owning a watch and changing the bracelet. Nothing more. But, maybe I'm missing something.

[AEC]

No. I love it, and I think it's destined to be a legendary Rolex model.

[A.I.]

I have an SS Pepsi and lust after WG Pepsi.

[brandrea]

They’ve also tried to differentiate with the dial color on the WG vs. the SS.

[Glen Sannox]

I’m saving up for a White Gold Pepsi, it’s my holy grail!

[SamP]

The trouble with a post is that you get one chance to say what you want, but it’s not always what you really meant.
This has happened here. As we now know, the OP meant to contrast identical looking watches made from SS and PM and more importantly the wearer’s perception.
White gold has a tinge of yellow, but is only noticeable when placed next to SS - which could only happen at the AD.
Platinum is closer to SS than WG in colour, but Rolex don’t make a Platinum GMT - as yet.
Only a fool would be cheesed off if a SS version looked identical to their expensive PM version, because only a fool would care. Naturally buy what you like and buy it for yourself.
Naturally I wouldn’t expect anyone on this site to be “Offended”. However on a less specific watch site or lifestyle site, plenty would.
I hate the notion of being asked “Is that a real Rolex?”, but one who is “Offended” to see Rolex bring out a SS version of their PM version would love to be asked!

[MCOSUB]

I am hoping the SS Smurf is next!