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Tools · 4 May 2008, 02:50 PM

OK......Rolex unveiled their new flagship watch........The 41mm Day Date..

Historically Rolex has introduced their latest plan in the flagship line.. solid bacelets, hidden clasps, engraved rehauts, etc....

Along with the new bigger and more trendy size, it has the in-house Parachrome hairspring and the latest in-house shock system... This one is likely a complete in-house time-piece..

The bigger size case comes with wider lugs so the first couple of links are wider before tapering down to the standard size, but the clasp will likely set the trend for future models...

So, with the 43mm YMII, the 43mm DeepSea, and the 41mm DD...what's the bottom line...

Are we gong to still buy these tiny, puny, slightly girlish 40mm "sport" models ?

Or are we all going to step up to the plate and get a real man's watch....

Hamilton Carvalho · 4 May 2008, 02:56 PM

40mm is still a good size for a watch, so, I'll continue to buy as long as it smile to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

OK......Rolex unveiled their new flagship watch........The 41mm Day Date..

Historically Rolex has introduced their latest plan in the flagship line.. solid bacelets, hidden clasps, engraved rehauts, etc....

Along with the new bigger and more trendy size, it has the in-house Parachrome hairspring and the latest in-house shock system... This one is likely a complete in-house time-piece..

The bigger size case comes with wider lugs so the first couple of links are wider before tapering down to the standard size, but the clasp will likely set the trend for future models...

So, with the 43mm YMII, the 43mm DeepSea, and the 41mm DD...what's the bottom line...

Are we gong to still buy these tiny, puny, slightly girlish 40mm "sport" models ?

Or we all going to step up to the plate and get a real man's watch....

Magik · 4 May 2008, 06:47 PM

Things are going to get interesting. I believe part of the success of Rolex is that through the years, most of their watches have remained essentially the same looking. All of a sudden we're seeing big changes as evidenced by the GMT ll-C, Deep Sea, and DayDate. I'm pretty sure the people will still want to pick up some pre-owned, older models, but in time more people are going to pursue the bigger models. When and if this happens, and re-sale value of the older stuff lessens, will buying a Rolex still be a good value in terms of holding its value. Will this overall hurt Rolex? I'm sure their marketing experts have it all figured out though.

SPACE-DWELLER · 4 May 2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

(...)Are we gong to still buy these tiny, puny, slightly girlish 40mm "sport" models ?(...)

Well, it depends on who "we" are?

A tiny, puny, slightly girlish person like Jocke would probably not buy the bigger Rolex watches.

OYSTERMANN · 4 May 2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Well, it depends on who "we" are?

A tiny, puny, slightly girlish person like Jocke would probably not buy the bigger Rolex watches.

Bo, I see storm clouds on the horizon - Jocke's not going to take this lying down

!!

rpryan55 · 5 May 2008, 12:12 AM

I remember in the 1970's and 1980's when Casio was coming out with LED watches and Movado was coming out with ultra-thin watches. Those fads lasted for years, (Rolex was even issued patents in the 70s for LED watch movements - one such movement made it all the way to the prototype stage and was issued the reference number 7065). When Movado was the "in" watch, Rolexes were looked upon by many as extremely chunky and "uncool".

The current craze, to make watches larger, seems to be lasting a bit longer than the others, but I think (just my $0.02) it's still a fad. That said, I have a 43mm Patek Philippe and a Panerai along with my Rolexes, and I love them all. Today, though, I'll wear my SS Daytona (white dial). That one is timeless........

llamaofdoom · 5 May 2008, 12:23 AM

I bought a nice, clean 18038 today from one of my pawnshop friends...he's had a lot of defaults and needed the cash. It's 36 mm, but I bought it anyway...but it's not to keep, just to re-sell. It looks like a girl's watch on my fat butt.

There's still a market for 36mm watches. Hard to sell anything smaller to men, though. I sold a Panerai 232 to a guy locally on Saturday...it's a 47mm watch, and the guy had (maybe) a 7 inch wrist and had a very small frame.

Mrdi · 5 May 2008, 12:26 AM

"Are we gong to still buy these tiny, puny, slightly girlish 40mm "sport" models ?
Or are we all going to step up to the plate and get a real man's watch...."

Says Tools.

This is of course a tongue in cheek remark?
Rolex WIS tend to be more traditional and not fans of avid trend setters like
Ralph Lauren or Oprah.

To equate size with virility seems a little diminutive in terms of perspective.

unclesallie · 5 May 2008, 12:43 AM

So, with the 43mm YMII, the 43mm DeepSea, and the 41mm DD...what's the bottom line...

Are we gong to still buy these tiny, puny, slightly girlish 40mm "sport" models ?

Or are we all going to step up to the plate and get a real man's watch....
Posted by Tools.

My response: I like 'girly' watches, apparently so does Jocke!

best,
dan

bmackinlay · 5 May 2008, 04:20 AM

Will be glad when these start showing up in US,I for one want one!!Bill DD that is.

BigHat · 5 May 2008, 05:06 AM

This DD will be a huge hit at 41mm. Perfect size.

Sizes trending up. I think it's for the better and glad Rolex is on board. I wish the new Sub was a tad better too.

Perdu · 5 May 2008, 06:17 AM

I did not realize the kif shock system had been updated. Or is the update an improvement to the rotor moving?

DJF881 · 5 May 2008, 06:40 AM

I think the GMTII, the Sub and the Daytona are likely to stay at 40mm. That's pretty standard.

The YM II will always be a watch with a small production run and the DeepSea apparently needs the extra size to accommodate the ring lock which braces the case against greater pressure.

DD probably needed to be bigger. Unlike many dress watches, the DD is supposed to be flashy. It's entire premise is that it is a solid gold watch on a solid gold bracelet.

The fact that it is smaller than many subtler high-priced watches probably dissuades the sort of buyers who would want to wear a day-date. The new one fixes the problem. I have a feeling Rolex will be marketing the 36 mm Datejusts to women now, which is why all the "special edition" DJs have been quite feminine looking.

pwrslider · 5 May 2008, 07:57 AM

A 41mm DD??? My wallet just twitched a bit...

Any photos??

**oops, nevermind...went to the Rolex web site...must have the 18ct gold with white dial...................

DS/B MINI S · 5 May 2008, 08:38 AM

My wallet stands ready for the 41mm Datejust

Tools · 5 May 2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwrslider

A 41mm DD??? My wallet just twitched a bit...

Any photos??.............

Sure.....We've got some photos here

Rolex Day Date II

Watchonisto · 5 May 2008, 10:15 AM

I agree with Patrick.

pwrslider · 5 May 2008, 10:49 AM

hmmmmmmm...anyone out there actully have one yet...wrist shot comparison with a sub or gmt??

What the msrp on the all gold one?

JostheBoss · 5 May 2008, 11:09 AM

I think the message is clear from Rolex, the slowest house to change. Blame it on inflation :)

BigHat · 5 May 2008, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwrslider

hmmmmmmm...anyone out there actully have one yet...wrist shot comparison with a sub or gmt??

What the msrp on the all gold one?

It will be months before you see any owner shots.

BiG JeEzY · 5 May 2008, 12:13 PM

I think 43 mm will be the new 40 mm in due time along with 40 mm being the new 36 mm. I think this is true for many Western countries from Greenwich mean time. I'm not saying that Rolex will increase the case size but the general public here seems to be into bigger watches over the last few years. So bigger watches seems to be a trend growing in popularity just how like bigger cars was a trend for awhile too.

For the Eastern countries on the other side of the GMT, they prefer the watch sizes as they are now.

Ursa Major · 5 May 2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiG JeEzY

I think 43 mm will be the new 40 mm in due time along with 40 mm being the new 36 mm. I think this is true for many Western countries from Greenwich mean time. I'm not saying that Rolex will increase the case size but the general public here seems to be into bigger watches over the last few years. So bigger watches seems to be a trend growing in popularity just how like bigger cars was a trend for awhile too.

For the Eastern countries on the other side of the GMT, they prefer the watch sizes as they are now.

Hmm, makes me want to pick up an Explorer I while I still can. I'm a big guy with a 7.5 inch wrist, but I don't see anything wrong with 36mm. Maybe it's just what I grew up with, or maybe it's another symptom of my preference for subtlety and nuance vs. bling - while I love my 16613, other than that watch (which came to me from a friend) I prefer SS to gold. A bit watch just screams "look at me! look at me!", which isn't the effect I'm shooting for.

I remember a few weeks ago, there was a thread on the Omega forum on TZ where some guy literally said that any man who wore a watch less than 40mm had questionable masculinity; I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

bsodmike · 5 May 2008, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwrslider

hmmmmmmm...anyone out there actully have one yet...wrist shot comparison with a sub or gmt??

What the msrp on the all gold one?

(photo by James Dowling).

That's the first I've seen, and I actually like that dial quite a bit. Talk about ultimate stealth :)

topcat30093 · 5 May 2008, 03:55 PM

I love my Y/G DD so I'm not sure if I'm going to like the larger DD and shall have to wait until I have seen one.
But 2 things will possibly deter me.
Firstly, I don't think that I could swallow the price difference!!
Secondly, not sure if I like the larger collar.

bsodmike · 5 May 2008, 04:54 PM

I prefer the 36mm smoothe bezel, but that's just me. Also the size is just perfect, especially with French cuffs.

JJ Irani · 5 May 2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsodmike

(photo by James Dowling).

That's the first I've seen, and I actually like that dial quite a bit. Talk about ultimate stealth :)

WOW!! Now that certainly is stealth!!

Rawhyde · 6 May 2008, 10:30 AM

I like it, but there's not much danger in me being able to afford one in the foreseeable future. I like the plain classic President. YG DD with gold (champaign) face, fluted bezel and stick markers.

I've never had a problem with the 36mm DJ and DD, but there's been a lot of people on TRF saying that it should be bigger...well, now it is!

Rawhyde

Wildwing · 6 May 2008, 10:46 AM

Yes, quite a few obsessed with having a manhole cover on the wrist will go for the largest possible. The 36mm DD and DJ will still look sophisticated in an understaded way. Hell, even the foot-wide neckties were popular until people realized how silly they looked.

bsodmike · 6 May 2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

WOW!! Now that certainly is stealth!!

JJ, not sure if you know. The numerals on that particular dial are WG but have been PVD'd black to match the slate dial...

DSJ · 6 May 2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildwing

Yes, quite a few obsessed with having a manhole cover on the wrist will go for the largest possible. The 36mm DD and DJ will still look sophisticated in an understaded way. Hell, even the foot-wide neckties were popular until people realized how silly they looked.

Well said. I can never go wrong with my half Windsor knot or my 36-40mm watches!

4 May 2008, 02:50 PM	#1
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SUBMARINER Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,384	Is The 41mm Day Date A Sign Of What's To Come ?? OK......Rolex unveiled their new flagship watch........The 41mm Day Date.. Historically Rolex has introduced their latest plan in the flagship line.. solid bacelets, hidden clasps, engraved rehauts, etc.... Along with the new bigger and more trendy size, it has the in-house Parachrome hairspring and the latest in-house shock system... This one is likely a complete in-house time-piece.. The bigger size case comes with wider lugs so the first couple of links are wider before tapering down to the standard size, but the clasp will likely set the trend for future models... So, with the 43mm YMII, the 43mm DeepSea, and the 41mm DD...what's the bottom line... Are we gong to still buy these tiny, puny, slightly girlish 40mm "sport" models ? Or are we all going to step up to the plate and get a real man's watch.... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

5 May 2008, 12:12 AM	#6
rpryan55 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Dick Location: USA Watch: SubND,DD,SSDaytona Posts: 2,257	I remember in the 1970's and 1980's when Casio was coming out with LED watches and Movado was coming out with ultra-thin watches. Those fads lasted for years, (Rolex was even issued patents in the 70s for LED watch movements - one such movement made it all the way to the prototype stage and was issued the reference number 7065). When Movado was the "in" watch, Rolexes were looked upon by many as extremely chunky and "uncool". The current craze, to make watches larger, seems to be lasting a bit longer than the others, but I think (just my $0.02) it's still a fad. That said, I have a 43mm Patek Philippe and a Panerai along with my Rolexes, and I love them all. Today, though, I'll wear my SS Daytona (white dial). That one is timeless........ __________________ “The only reason for time ....................... is so that everything doesn't happen at once." Albert Einstein

5 May 2008, 06:17 AM	#12
Perdu "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Gary Location: GMT-6 Watch: GMT Posts: 3,350	I did not realize the kif shock system had been updated. Or is the update an improvement to the rotor moving? __________________ Omega Seamaster 300M GMT Noire Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 8500 Benson 1937 Sterling Silver Hunter

5 May 2008, 07:57 AM	#14
pwrslider "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Steve Location: SF BAY AREA CA Watch: 16710 Coke Posts: 3,047	A 41mm DD??? My wallet just twitched a bit... Any photos?? *oops, nevermind...went to the Rolex web site...must have the 18ct gold with white dial................... __________________ Rolex Blue TT Submariner (95) Rolex SS GMT IIc (08) Rolex GMT II 16710 COKE (08 for me..) Rolex Explorer II Blk (91) Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish (07) Panerai 104 & 177ti ( 04/03) Last edited by pwrslider; 5 May 2008 at 08:06 AM.. Reason: update*

5 May 2008, 08:38 AM	#15
DS/B MINI S "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Mike Location: Charlotte NC Watch: SD & Exp II Posts: 961	My wallet stands ready for the 41mm Datejust __________________ 16600 Sea-Dweller 16570 Explorer II (White Dial)

4 May 2008, 06:47 PM	#3
Magik Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Patrick Location: Royal Kunia, HI Watch: Sub-Date & GMT ll Posts: 603	Things are going to get interesting. I believe part of the success of Rolex is that through the years, most of their watches have remained essentially the same looking. All of a sudden we're seeing big changes as evidenced by the GMT ll-C, Deep Sea, and DayDate. I'm pretty sure the people will still want to pick up some pre-owned, older models, but in time more people are going to pursue the bigger models. When and if this happens, and re-sale value of the older stuff lessens, will buying a Rolex still be a good value in terms of holding its value. Will this overall hurt Rolex? I'm sure their marketing experts have it all figured out though.

5 May 2008, 12:23 AM	#7
llamaofdoom Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 417	I bought a nice, clean 18038 today from one of my pawnshop friends...he's had a lot of defaults and needed the cash. It's 36 mm, but I bought it anyway...but it's not to keep, just to re-sell. It looks like a girl's watch on my fat butt. There's still a market for 36mm watches. Hard to sell anything smaller to men, though. I sold a Panerai 232 to a guy locally on Saturday...it's a 47mm watch, and the guy had (maybe) a 7 inch wrist and had a very small frame.

5 May 2008, 12:26 AM	#8
Mrdi Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PA Posts: 3,478	"Are we gong to still buy these tiny, puny, slightly girlish 40mm "sport" models ? Or are we all going to step up to the plate and get a real man's watch...." Says Tools. This is of course a tongue in cheek remark? Rolex WIS tend to be more traditional and not fans of avid trend setters like Ralph Lauren or Oprah. To equate size with virility seems a little diminutive in terms of perspective.

5 May 2008, 12:43 AM	#9
unclesallie 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: dan Location: Pennsylvania Watch: keystone pocket Posts: 5,917	So, with the 43mm YMII, the 43mm DeepSea, and the 41mm DD...what's the bottom line... Are we gong to still buy these tiny, puny, slightly girlish 40mm "sport" models ? Or are we all going to step up to the plate and get a real man's watch.... Posted by Tools. My response: I like 'girly' watches, apparently so does Jocke! best, dan

5 May 2008, 04:20 AM	#10
bmackinlay "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Bill MacKinlay Location: Dade City, Fl. Watch: 18K Pres.DD 118238 Posts: 476	Will be glad when these start showing up in US,I for one want one!!Bill DD that is.

5 May 2008, 05:06 AM	#11
BigHat Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Matt Location: Arlington, VA Watch: Lange One MP Posts: 4,043	This DD will be a huge hit at 41mm. Perfect size. Sizes trending up. I think it's for the better and glad Rolex is on board. I wish the new Sub was a tad better too.

5 May 2008, 06:40 AM	#13
DJF881 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New York Posts: 248	I think the GMTII, the Sub and the Daytona are likely to stay at 40mm. That's pretty standard. The YM II will always be a watch with a small production run and the DeepSea apparently needs the extra size to accommodate the ring lock which braces the case against greater pressure. DD probably needed to be bigger. Unlike many dress watches, the DD is supposed to be flashy. It's entire premise is that it is a solid gold watch on a solid gold bracelet. The fact that it is smaller than many subtler high-priced watches probably dissuades the sort of buyers who would want to wear a day-date. The new one fixes the problem. I have a feeling Rolex will be marketing the 36 mm Datejusts to women now, which is why all the "special edition" DJs have been quite feminine looking.

5 May 2008, 10:15 AM	#17
Watchonisto Banned Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Alex Location: European Union Watch: AP, ROLEX, PP, PAM Posts: 4,344	I agree with Patrick.

5 May 2008, 10:49 AM	#18
pwrslider "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Steve Location: SF BAY AREA CA Watch: 16710 Coke Posts: 3,047	hmmmmmmm...anyone out there actully have one yet...wrist shot comparison with a sub or gmt?? What the msrp on the all gold one? __________________ Rolex Blue TT Submariner (95) Rolex SS GMT IIc (08) Rolex GMT II 16710 COKE (08 for me..) Rolex Explorer II Blk (91) Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish (07) Panerai 104 & 177ti ( 04/03)

5 May 2008, 11:09 AM	#19
JostheBoss "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Jos Location: South Africa Watch: SS GMT IIc Posts: 741	I think the message is clear from Rolex, the slowest house to change. Blame it on inflation :) __________________ Life isn't what it is...it's what it looks like

5 May 2008, 12:13 PM	#21
BiG JeEzY "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Jerome Location: N. California Watch: GMT I/EXP II/DJ Posts: 3,351	I think 43 mm will be the new 40 mm in due time along with 40 mm being the new 36 mm. I think this is true for many Western countries from Greenwich mean time. I'm not saying that Rolex will increase the case size but the general public here seems to be into bigger watches over the last few years. So bigger watches seems to be a trend growing in popularity just how like bigger cars was a trend for awhile too. For the Eastern countries on the other side of the GMT, they prefer the watch sizes as they are now. __________________ -Rolex Explorer II Black dial 16570 (circa 2001) -Rolex GMT Master I Pepsi 1675 (circa 1978) -Rolex Datejust TT Champagne 16233 (circa 1991) -Vintage Longines Automatic La Grande Classique -Vintage Seiko 6138 Automatic Chronograph with "Kakume" Dial

5 May 2008, 03:55 PM	#24
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,435	I love my Y/G DD so I'm not sure if I'm going to like the larger DD and shall have to wait until I have seen one. But 2 things will possibly deter me. Firstly, I don't think that I could swallow the price difference!! Secondly, not sure if I like the larger collar. __________________

5 May 2008, 04:54 PM	#25
bsodmike "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sri Lanka Watch: PP 5146 & AP 15300 Posts: 281	I prefer the 36mm smoothe bezel, but that's just me. Also the size is just perfect, especially with French cuffs. __________________ Here's my 2016 Watch collection with Patek, Audemars, Rolex, Omega - SOTC Video 2016

6 May 2008, 10:30 AM	#27
Rawhyde Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Craig Location: NW Georgia Watch: Blue Sub+Tud Chron Posts: 834	I like it, but there's not much danger in me being able to afford one in the foreseeable future. I like the plain classic President. YG DD with gold (champaign) face, fluted bezel and stick markers. I've never had a problem with the 36mm DJ and DD, but there's been a lot of people on TRF saying that it should be bigger...well, now it is! Rawhyde

6 May 2008, 10:46 AM	#28
Wildwing "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 593	Yes, quite a few obsessed with having a manhole cover on the wrist will go for the largest possible. The 36mm DD and DJ will still look sophisticated in an understaded way. Hell, even the foot-wide neckties were popular until people realized how silly they looked.

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