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Fiery · 19 January 2010, 10:06 AM

I keep wondering why a couple of things are written in stone about Rolex. And please exclude the Cellini line from this topic, I'm focusing on the Oyster Perpetual line.

1) Why isn't there a Rolex with display caseback? For the SD, DSSD and perhaps the Sub, I'd think it's to keep the best possible water resistance rating. But with non-dive pieces it should be possible.

2) Why isn't there any special markings (picture, text or anything interesting) on the caseback? I know it's not something other people can see, but when I put my Breitling or Omega on or off, I tend to take a look at their caseback -- they're all look very nice, especially the Breitling B-1 and the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean.

3) Why is it "inappropriate" to wear a Rolex on a strap? Why Rolex doesn't offer an optional strap, either instead of the bracelet, or next to it (in the box)?

4) Apart from the Daytona, why isn't there any chronos in the Rolex lineup? Maybe a chrono with date?

5) Why isn't there a Sub, SD or DSSD with white or gray dial? Why cannot you have a choice about dials on certain models (Sub, GMT IIC, DSSD), but you can with other models (Explorer II, Daytona, etc) ?

6) Why Rolex discontinued quartz men's models? At least with other manufacturers you have a choice on certain models (Omega Seamaster, Breitling Colt, etc). Is it because the quartz era truly ended? Or maybe because having only automatics raise the prestige of the brand?

7) Why Rolex has no quartz ladies' watches? As far as I'm aware, most women do not care about the movement at all, and they actually can get upset when a watch stops every other day. For them quartz is a lot more convenient, not to mention it could also be more rugged and more accurate. Wouldn't Rolex get more women customers by offering e.g. a modern quartz Ladies DateJust?

Thank you for your patience, I really don't mean to start a debate or flame. So go easy on the replies

mailman · 19 January 2010, 10:10 AM

As far as #1 goes, it's because their movements aren't decorated like other's are. They're workhorses, not delicate so no need to do so.

You might be able to make a case for the Daytona, but that's about it

Fiery · 19 January 2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mailman

As far as #1 goes, it's because their movements aren't decorated like other's are. They're workhorses, not delicate so no need to do so.

You might be able to make a case for the Daytona, but that's about it

Not decorated, for sure, but IMHO it is still beautiful:

The GMT Master · 19 January 2010, 10:23 AM

Well, in regards to 1), 6) and 7), you just need to look at the Cellini range. The Prince has a display caseback, showing a particularly handsome manual wind movement that's properly decorated, unlike workhorse movements. As for Quartz models, again, they do offer a slim dress watch with a quartz movement in both gents' and ladies' sizes.

Tools · 19 January 2010, 10:51 AM

Every other watch brand does these things because they are competing with one another for customers...

Rolex doesn't compete......... demand for their products outstrips their manufacture...

mstephen · 19 January 2010, 11:38 AM

2) Sea Dweller has writing on the case back

3) Daytonas sold with leather straps

Zirotti · 19 January 2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

[...]demand for their products outstrips their manufacture...

Not true. If that was the case, dealer's wouldn't have inventory and we woudn't get the discounts we do :)

But Rolex is about as conservative as they come, so they pretty much follow the credo "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Good news is, you can get things like aftermarket display casebacks and put them on yourself.

JBat · 19 January 2010, 11:43 AM

See post #5.

kyle L · 19 January 2010, 11:44 AM

Even though Rolex doesn't do some of these, they're still selling like hotcakes.

jets · 19 January 2010, 01:13 PM

The answer to all of your questions is...because it's a Rolex.

carlhaluss · 19 January 2010, 01:26 PM

Funny thing, I never stopped to consider all of these things until I read your post. I have had, and still do have, a number of watches with decorated case backs, exhibition backs, leather straps instead of original steel bracelets etc. etc. I just accepted that fact that my Rolex comes "as is", and I am quite happy with it that way.
I have to say that my Milgauss really is the most luxurious watch I have ever owned. An exhibition back never was important to me. Having said that, my Omega Aqua Terra 8500 is a gorgeous watch, and does happen to have an exhibition back with a beautifully decorated movement. However, I would still have bought it without the exhibition back.
Rolex must feel simply that their product is more than perfectly adequate without all of these things. I am also glad that they don't follow the trends, and keep their own traditional styles and methods. It is definitely one thing that really sets them apart. And I like that.
Cheers,
Carl

Safetrends · 19 January 2010, 01:31 PM

Regarding casebacks from a wild guess the sticker fits on the caseback and that is why it is blank on most Rolex watches. Always an exception to the Rolex rule.

Safetrends · 19 January 2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mailman

As far as #1 goes, it's because their movements aren't decorated like other's are. They're workhorses, not delicate so no need to do so.

You might be able to make a case for the Daytona, but that's about it

Hi mailman how are you doing?

Singslinger · 19 January 2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mstephen

2) Sea Dweller has writing on the case back

3) Daytonas sold with leather straps

The new Milgauss and older ladies' Datejusts also have writing on the caseback.

snow_rocks · 19 January 2010, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mailman

As far as #1 goes, it's because their movements aren't decorated like other's are. They're workhorses, not delicate so no need to do so.

You might be able to make a case for the Daytona, but that's about it

Read this on movement decorations.

http://montresuisses.blogspot.com/20...corations.html

and

http://montresuisses.blogspot.com/20...-horlogre.html

vitix · 19 January 2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiery

water resistance rating. But with non-dive pieces it should be possible.

2) Why isn't there any special markings (picture, text or anything interesting) on the caseback? I know it's not something other people can see, but when I put my Breitling or Omega on or off, I tend to take a look at their caseback -- they're all look very nice, especially the Breitling B-1 and the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean.

well i was wondering the same thing untill i got my wife a Date Just and i engrave it with something in the caseback...
so rolex do this so you can dedicate, sign or what ever you want in the back, since they last for ever (if you treat them right)

19 January 2010, 10:10 AM	#2
mailman TRF Moderator & SUBMARINER 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,488	As far as #1 goes, it's because their movements aren't decorated like other's are. They're workhorses, not delicate so no need to do so. You might be able to make a case for the Daytona, but that's about it __________________ JJ

19 January 2010, 01:13 PM	#10
jets "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Mario Location: CANADA Posts: 2,483	The answer to all of your questions is...because it's a Rolex. __________________ ♛ DJII 116234 · Submariner 126610LV · Yacht Master 42 226659 ✿ Pelagos 25600TN Ω X-33 Speedmaster Skywalker · 1861 Speedmaster Modsukoshi · SMP 2254.50 · SMP 2230.50 NAC · Seamaster 300 166.0324 · Genève 162.037 Seiko SLA033 Willard · SKX007

19 January 2010, 01:26 PM	#11
carlhaluss "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Carl Location: Vancouver, Canada Watch: Rolex Explorer 1 Posts: 1,780	Funny thing, I never stopped to consider all of these things until I read your post. I have had, and still do have, a number of watches with decorated case backs, exhibition backs, leather straps instead of original steel bracelets etc. etc. I just accepted that fact that my Rolex comes "as is", and I am quite happy with it that way. I have to say that my Milgauss really is the most luxurious watch I have ever owned. An exhibition back never was important to me. Having said that, my Omega Aqua Terra 8500 is a gorgeous watch, and does happen to have an exhibition back with a beautifully decorated movement. However, I would still have bought it without the exhibition back. Rolex must feel simply that their product is more than perfectly adequate without all of these things. I am also glad that they don't follow the trends, and keep their own traditional styles and methods. It is definitely one thing that really sets them apart. And I like that. Cheers, Carl __________________ Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied.

19 January 2010, 10:06 AM	#1
Fiery "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Europe Watch: Sub-C 116610LN Posts: 2,649	Official explanation of Rolex "rules" I keep wondering why a couple of things are written in stone about Rolex. And please exclude the Cellini line from this topic, I'm focusing on the Oyster Perpetual line. 1) Why isn't there a Rolex with display caseback? For the SD, DSSD and perhaps the Sub, I'd think it's to keep the best possible water resistance rating. But with non-dive pieces it should be possible. 2) Why isn't there any special markings (picture, text or anything interesting) on the caseback? I know it's not something other people can see, but when I put my Breitling or Omega on or off, I tend to take a look at their caseback -- they're all look very nice, especially the Breitling B-1 and the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean. 3) Why is it "inappropriate" to wear a Rolex on a strap? Why Rolex doesn't offer an optional strap, either instead of the bracelet, or next to it (in the box)? 4) Apart from the Daytona, why isn't there any chronos in the Rolex lineup? Maybe a chrono with date? 5) Why isn't there a Sub, SD or DSSD with white or gray dial? Why cannot you have a choice about dials on certain models (Sub, GMT IIC, DSSD), but you can with other models (Explorer II, Daytona, etc) ? 6) Why Rolex discontinued quartz men's models? At least with other manufacturers you have a choice on certain models (Omega Seamaster, Breitling Colt, etc). Is it because the quartz era truly ended? Or maybe because having only automatics raise the prestige of the brand? 7) Why Rolex has no quartz ladies' watches? As far as I'm aware, most women do not care about the movement at all, and they actually can get upset when a watch stops every other day. For them quartz is a lot more convenient, not to mention it could also be more rugged and more accurate. Wouldn't Rolex get more women customers by offering e.g. a modern quartz Ladies DateJust? Thank you for your patience, I really don't mean to start a debate or flame. So go easy on the replies

19 January 2010, 10:23 AM	#4
The GMT Master "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: England Posts: 8,149	Well, in regards to 1), 6) and 7), you just need to look at the Cellini range. The Prince has a display caseback, showing a particularly handsome manual wind movement that's properly decorated, unlike workhorse movements. As for Quartz models, again, they do offer a slim dress watch with a quartz movement in both gents' and ladies' sizes.

19 January 2010, 10:51 AM	#5
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,453	Every other watch brand does these things because they are competing with one another for customers... Rolex doesn't compete......... demand for their products outstrips their manufacture... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

19 January 2010, 11:38 AM	#6
mstephen "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: London Posts: 14	2) Sea Dweller has writing on the case back 3) Daytonas sold with leather straps

19 January 2010, 11:43 AM	#8
JBat "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: John Location: Washington Watch: 16710, 16610, DJ Posts: 7,329	See post #5.

19 January 2010, 11:44 AM	#9
kyle L "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Explorer I Posts: 10,278	Even though Rolex doesn't do some of these, they're still selling like hotcakes.

19 January 2010, 01:31 PM	#12
Safetrends Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: David Walz Location: San Diego CA USA Watch: my hand. :) Posts: 9,156	Regarding casebacks from a wild guess the sticker fits on the caseback and that is why it is blank on most Rolex watches. Always an exception to the Rolex rule.

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