So...case changes

[DramaTurtle]

Hey all, haven't been around the block lately but with all this Basel news, I'm genuinely curious; has there been a case redesign?? I've been staring at the new Deep Sea's stock picture and the old one's for about a half hour now trying to discern this mythical change!

I am very bitter about the blocky lugs and have nearly sworn off modern Rolex for that reason alone. If this is a return, I am beyond excited but I'm not seeing it.

Anyways, I really need to update the signature; I've made some changes to the ol' collection recently!

[GarbanzoNegro]

I was also expecting some slight adjustments to the sub case, but...

[masyv6]

Other threads have mentioned a slight slimming and lengthening of the lugs.

[savoytruffle]

Looks like you can see the sides of the case from the front. Chamfers of sorts?

Old:



New:

[Likestheshiny]

The new GMT and DSSD have slightly redesigned lugs, but I'm struggling to see the difference. If you hate the current lugs, I doubt the new ones will change your mind.

[capote]

Great move as the maxi case was, well...

[savoytruffle]

Originally Posted by Likestheshiny

The new GMT and DSSD have slightly redesigned lugs, but I'm struggling to see the difference. If you hate the current lugs, I doubt the new ones will change your mind.

I think the new slightly longer ones with slightly shaved edges help to create more of a tapered look which refines the overall design for me. It looks a bit less bloated on top and helps it blend into the bracelet rather than just sitting on top of it.

It just looks better to my eye....

[Likestheshiny]

Actually, I should clarify that on the DSSD I can see the difference (and I like it -- makes the bracelet more proportionate). With the new steel Pepsi, though, I'm really not sure if I'm imagining that it's a little different.

[rossi46]

I would advise holding judgement until we see these things in the metal.

Renders are way too easy to manipulate.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by Likestheshiny

Actually, I should clarify that on the DSSD I can see the difference (and I like it -- makes the bracelet more proportionate). With the new steel Pepsi, though, I'm really not sure if I'm imagining that it's a little different.

I need to see the GMTs side-by-side, but if it's different, then we're talking only about a MM or so.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Likestheshiny

Actually, I should clarify that on the DSSD I can see the difference (and I like it -- makes the bracelet more proportionate). With the new steel Pepsi, though, I'm really not sure if I'm imagining that it's a little different.

The case shape looks the same to me on both, it sort of curves outwards at the bottom of the lugs, a sexy little swish.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by AK797

The case shape looks the same to me on both, it sort of curves outwards at the bottom of the lugs, a sexy little swish.

Not enough for me to make a change from current. I am fine with the case and 1mm in either direction isn’t going to sway me. You know though here 1mm is enough to start a war come to think of it.

[withthesword]

looks like more taper than usual for the 9 and 3 oclock sides of the case. also the solid end links no longer extend past the lugs

[offrdmania]

Anyone else notice the Rolex crown printed on the dial between SWISS and MADE at the bottom?

[HL65]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

anyone else notice the rolex crown printed on the dial between swiss and made at the bottom?

It’s the LEC on the crystal.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by HL65

It’s the LEC on the crystal.

I just thought it was printed because the gap between the two words is greater than the previous model.

[holroale]

Originally Posted by savoytruffle

I think the new slightly longer ones with slightly shaved edges help to create more of a tapered look which refines the overall design for me. It looks a bit less bloated on top and helps it blend into the bracelet rather than just sitting on top of it.

It just looks better to my eye....

Agreed, looks like they’re slightly longer. Looks better I think


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by HL65

It’s the LEC on the crystal.

Looks like it is being printed on the dial to denote the new movement

[DramaTurtle]

So instead of slimming them down, they stretched them out?!

Why, Rolex?

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by DramaTurtle

So instead of slimming them down, they stretched them out?!

Why, Rolex?

Probably so that older bracelets wont fit the new cases and vice versa

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by DramaTurtle

Hey all, haven't been around the block lately but with all this Basel news, I'm genuinely curious; has there been a case redesign?? I've been staring at the new Deep Sea's stock picture and the old one's for about a half hour now trying to discern this mythical change!

I am very bitter about the blocky lugs and have nearly sworn off modern Rolex for that reason alone. If this is a return, I am beyond excited but I'm not seeing it.

Anyways, I really need to update the signature; I've made some changes to the ol' collection recently!

The blocky lugs are there on the new one.
It's just that it's not easy to see.

The Bracelet is wider and the width at the Lugs on the Mid-case is pushed out a little more to maintain the visual proportions.
As an original owner I always wondered how they would go about it if they put a wider Bracelet on it and came up with the exact same conclusion in my mind.
Now we can see what it looks like in the flesh.
It's very well done and very pleasing to the eye in one way.

I think I can appreciate the original and the effort that was made back in the beginning just a little better now.
The new watch will certainly wear slightly bigger "on the wrist", but I think the original is just about as big as my wrist can handle.

As an aside.
The font change back to the Mk I is great now that the Ringlock font matches that on the Dial. But they've retained the Mk II Coronet.
As a result the watch dial area is more harmonious when using the MK I font.
So in effect we are looking at a MK IV dial on the Black. But the D-blue still has it's own Mk I original style except for the tiny Coronet at the bottom and moving the SWISS MADE to underneath the adjacent ticks instead of above.
In effect we are looking at a MK II D-blue dial along with a MK IV Black dial.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by HL65

Not enough for me to make a change from current. I am fine with the case and 1mm in either direction isn’t going to sway me. You know though here 1mm is enough to start a war come to think of it.

I think you are right.
It will be a war fought on many fields and beaches on the sea and in the air.
There will be no winners except for the owners of the originals

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by HL65

It’s the LEC on the crystal.

I think it's on the dial.
Note how the tick at the 6 o'clock position is gone and replaced entirely with the tiny Coronet.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by savoytruffle

It looks a bit less bloated on top and helps it blend into the bracelet rather than just sitting on top of it.

It just looks better to my eye....

Agreed.
But it appears as though the SELs turn down slightly more at the connection to the Bracelet. I'm not sure I like that.

But we need to assess the watch in the flesh before making up our minds about it.
A side by side comparison of the watches as a whole would be helpful in one way.
It will no doubt be forthcoming in due course.

[Muzz]

What they needed to do was to widen the bracelet instead of playing around with the lugs. That clasp width I find shockingly bad.

I know it is subjective but it is way too thin for a watch head that big.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by Muzz

What they needed to do was to widen the bracelet instead of playing around with the lugs. That clasp width I find shockingly bad.

I know it is subjective but it is way too thin for a watch head that big.

I was under impression they did widen the bracelet.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Muzz

What they needed to do was to widen the bracelet instead of playing around with the lugs. That clasp width I find shockingly bad.

I know it is subjective but it is way too thin for a watch head that big.

Yes, that was always going to be another piece of the puzzle.

make the bracelet wider along its entire length so as not to muck with the proportions and taper of it and as a consequence the clasp has to be widened.
At what point does it all become disproportionate at the bottom if you fix the top?

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by subtona

I was under impression they did widen the bracelet.

Oh wow Gus, that changes everything then. Nice! I didn’t catch that, appreciate the response!!

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Yes, that was always going to be another piece of the puzzle.

make the bracelet wider along its entire length so as not to muck with the proportions and taper of it and as a consequence the clasp has to be widened.
At what point does it all become disproportionate at the bottom if you fix the top?

I may have to reel my neck in and check it out in person when it lands. Funny thing is I turned down being first on the list as the GMT was the one I wanted. Suppose I will see it anyways when it comes in and make the final judgement then.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Looks like it is being printed on the dial to denote the new movement

You are right it is! I thought it was exaggerated LEC shot but now on dial. First time Rolex has ever done this.