Thanks for starting the discussion!
Having had a couple of days to think about this new movement, my thoughts:
1) Obviously this reflects a tremendous leap in technology for Rolex. On paper, the 5 Hz frequency, very thin movement profile, and seemingly very accurate specs (+/- 2 seconds) are all fantastic, and major credit to Rolex for this achievement.
2) One of the most appealing things about Rolex to me is their serviceability. Rolex watches from the 60's (and older) are still running accurately to this day thanks to the robust calibers with relatively straightforward servicing requirements. I felt like this began to change somewhat with the 32xx caliber, with the thin barrel necessitating replacement rather than a simple service. I wonder just how serviceable this new movement will be? To my layman eyes the new escapement seems very complicated. Doubt a Land Dweller owner would be able to send it to his neighborhood independent watchmaker for servicing 10-15 years from now...
3) Widespread use of silicon. While others like Swatch group have utilized silicon, Rolex only used siloxi in a few of ther ladies' models as well as the Yacht-master 37 I believe. Now with not only the hairspring made of silicon, but the components of the escapement as well, what is the long term future of this material? I've read second/third hand reports of old school watchmakers disliking silicon. I'm curious why Rolex didn't go with their parachrom blue for the hairspring?
Again, these are just the musings of a layman, not a watchmaker. If any experts can chime in, would be fantastic! All in all, great time to be a Rolex enjoyer.
