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

[Jakx]

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?).

[Snow-Dweller]

Many people felt that the DJII and DDII were not well proportioned (particularly the bezels). The DJ41 and DD40 corrected these "errors".

In my mind the SD43 fits better into the lineup (between the Sub and Deepsea) than the SD4000.....so no, imho the Sub will stay as it is.

As an aside, and whilst we're on this subject, I wouldn't mind seeing a slightly larger Daytona!

[Atleo]

Meh.

[rusty427]

I feel the DJ41 is the closest they have got so far to cracking the big watch trend.

[Hollister]

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

[speedmaster73]

sorry to the OP but there is no 'trend'

[Hollister]

Watches are the same size today as they were in the 1950s. Discuss.

[Jakx]

Originally Posted by Hollister

Watches are the same size today as they were in the 1950s. Discuss.

[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.

[AK797]

SD43 is larger to fill a clear gap in the market, DD40 and DJ41 are noticeably smaller than their predecessors, no trend here. Subc is selling very well so no need to mess with it.

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by landosystem

In any event, what's the big problem?

They've ruined the already mildly-ruined SeaDweller. That's the main problem.

[Dirt]

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.

Well said
If it comes down the a perception of value for money then there's always the economy model Sub.

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Well said
If it comes down the a perception of value for money then there's always the economy model Sub.

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

[landroverking]

I want to see the new SD in person and I want to see the real size.
I bet it's closer to 42 than 43. And the cyclops just sucks.

[Lordofrolex]

Rolex is moving into the larger watch trend, Discontinuing the 26mm. But they did understand that the DD41 wasn't the right size and brought it down a little.

[Jakx]

Originally Posted by AK797

SD43 is larger to fill a clear gap in the market, DD40 and DJ41 are noticeably smaller than their predecessors, no trend here. Subc is selling very well so no need to mess with it.

correct. Part of the point I was trying to make (obviously not well enough) is that they might have overplayed the size bit with DD and DJ and now have gone back to more reasonable sizes. SD would actually be the opposite direction: anticipating a more traditional demand for 40mm (SD4k) when in fact the market is looking for a larger diver that doesn't quite reach the Deepsea proportions. The larger point is that it's not usual for Rolex to bring these big correctives in such short intervals. One might expect it from Omega but not Rolex, at least historically.

[Mystro]

Topic discussed at length in many many many other threads.

[Etschell]

Respectfully disagree with you.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

sorry to the OP but there is no 'trend'

this!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Lausanne

correct. Part of the point I was trying to make (obviously not well enough) is that they might have overplayed the size bit with DD and DJ and now have gone back to more reasonable sizes. SD would actually be the opposite direction: anticipating a more traditional demand for 40mm (SD4k) when in fact the market is looking for a larger diver that doesn't quite reach the Deepsea proportions. The larger point is that it's not usual for Rolex to bring these big correctives in such short intervals. One might expect it from Omega but not Rolex, at least historically.

Yes I do think they respond quicker now, but then we are in an instant internet age so they can access feedback and real customer feelings much more rapidly now.

[GB-man]

I totally understand the move, but I hate it.

Many buyers want a larger sub but want something more well executed than the dssd. Now they have it. I predict this will far outsell the SDc and dssd combined.

[osamu]

I don't really think they're trending larger. I mean the SD got bigger, which always kinda made sense given they already have a 40mm diver. If anything the DD40 and DJ41 wear smaller than their predecessors.

I actually expect the Sub to go back to slimmer lugs in the next go around, whenever that might be.

[Hairdude1]

Originally Posted by Snow-Dweller

Many people felt that the DJII and DDII were not well proportioned (particularly the bezels). The DJ41 and DD40 corrected these "errors".

In my mind the SD43 fits better into the lineup (between the Sub and Deepsea) than the SD4000.....so no, imho the Sub will stay as it is.

As an aside, and whilst we're on this subject, I wouldn't mind seeing a slightly larger Daytona!

[kangajack]

Originally Posted by Hollister

They've ruined the already mildly-ruined SeaDweller. That's the main problem.

The SeaDweller was discontinued twice in the last 9 years. It's hard to comprehend your statement from a rational, objective perspective. You may have loved the watch, but clearly the consumer support for the SeaDweller in its previous iterations wasn't there.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[cataby]

Originally Posted by kangajack

The SeaDweller was discontinued twice in the last 9 years. It's hard to comprehend your statement from a rational, objective perspective. You may have loved the watch, but clearly the consumer support for the SeaDweller in its previous iterations wasn't there.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Finally, a rational take on this

[KDS777]

A 43-44mm version of a YG sub would be the next best thing !! I'd be first in line.

But only if they fixed the fat lugs. I'm starting not to like them now the more I look at the previous design.

[Rol604]

IMO Rolex is fine as is. But if they do upsize their entire range, look for older 40mm models to appreciate significantly.

[Robbyman]

Sub with thinner lugs and new movement is surely on the way!

[Blue_Lume]

I passed a guy at the security line that had on a big black watch that had to be 60mm, it was a monster.

Know what? Super un attractive watch.

You have to find YOUR vibe.

What's that? 6 foot 6 and 240lbs? YM 2 a good mix for you.
5 foot 9 and a buck fifty? Enjoy the 35-39 zone. That mid size.

I will say that I find it attractive when a woman wears a man's watch (Rolex).

When I see women wearing men's Rolex - it's always been the majority of DD or Daytona. 5 digit reference.

I see some sub, rare. Super rare.

[Hollister]

Originally Posted by Lausanne

correct. Part of the point I was trying to make (obviously not well enough) is that they might have overplayed the size bit with DD and DJ and now have gone back to more reasonable sizes. SD would actually be the opposite direction: anticipating a more traditional demand for 40mm (SD4k) when in fact the market is looking for a larger diver that doesn't quite reach the Deepsea proportions. The larger point is that it's not usual for Rolex to bring these big correctives in such short intervals. One might expect it from Omega but not Rolex, at least historically.

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.