Rolex + Basel = Snooze.

[Mosco]

I got my flame-suit on, I know it is coming, but I don't care.

I love the brand - but let's face it, the most exciting and revolutionary thing to come out of the House of Rolex in the last 5 years has been the ceramic GMT and the DeepSea. 2010 lineup simply disappoints.

They take the iconic Explorer and add WG markers to a tool watch

They take the LV and make it even greener (with non-matching finishes on the bezel and the dial at that!!!)

Finally, they do what we all expected and release the SS Sub-Date in ceramic. Yawn.

At this point, they're just playing with colors and materials. No different than Hublot Big Bang - same damn watch in a multitude of finishes.

Are they really out of ideas? Do they get some sort of sick pleasure torturing its fans, building up suspense every G-dd**n year just to let us down? What gives?

The ONLY reason they added the Parachrom is because the past maker of their hairspring stopped supplying them. Otherwise, it would be the same ol' same ol'. Which it really is - blue parachrom is no better than the past one, it's just friggin BLUE. Here's your cookie, Rolex. I'm going back to sleep.

[chillviper]

I'm with ya!

[kcmo]

Agree, Greg! Disappointed too.

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by Mosco

I got my flame-suit on, I know it is coming, but I don't care.

I love the brand - but let's face it, the most exciting and revolutionary thing to come out of the House of Rolex in the last 5 years has been the ceramic GMT and the DeepSea. 2010 lineup simply disappoints.

They take the iconic Explorer and add WG markers to a tool watch

They take the LV and make it even greener (with non-matching finishes on the bezel and the dial at that!!!)

Finally, they do what we all expected and release the SS Sub-Date in ceramic. Yawn.

At this point, they're just playing with colors and materials. No different than Hublot Big Bang - same damn watch in a multitude of finishes.

Are they really out of ideas? Do they get some sort of sick pleasure torturing its fans, building up suspense every G-dd**n year just to let us down? What gives?

The ONLY reason they added the Parachrom is because the past maker of their hairspring stopped supplying them. Otherwise, it would be the same ol' same ol'. Which it really is - blue parachrom is no better than the past one, it's just friggin BLUE. Here's your cookie, Rolex. I'm going back to sleep.

boy someone didn't have their coffeee, tea, and/or bong hit this morning!!!!!
face it ladies & gentlemen....Rolex doesn't care about the W.I.S. group.....they make what's in demand(and sell a lot)....and folks outside the W.I.S. community don't have the taste, class, & savoire faire that we in the W.I.S. community have.

[chriseskew24]

Agreed this is two years in a row that Tudor out shines its big brother IMHO. Rolex had better get a hint.

[Dan Pierce]

Rolex had new releases this year?? I'm too busy over at the Tudor booth.
dP

[gmh1013]

No Pepsi or Coke GMT's....
The Green SUB looks like something the green hornet would wear..
the old EX1 looked better IMHO.
They continue do ruin the DJ with those dial combo's they would be great
if my name was Timmy and I went to broadway plays and drove a Miata.
so far it looks to be a ZERO for me.

[snow_rocks]

That is all well and go, but what has happen with

the RADO line of fine watches?

[jchampton]

Originally Posted by gmh1013

No Pepsi or Coke GMT's....
The Green SUB looks like something the green hornet would wear..
the old EX1 looked better IMHO.
They continue do ruin the DJ with those dial combo's they would be great
if my name was Timmy and I went to broadway plays and drove a Miata.
so far it looks to be a ZERO for me.

AHAHAHAAAA!!!!!

The Miata bit just made me spit my coke all over my keyboard. Nice.

[bandityo]

yep....nothing here..move on folks

[hhh007]

I believe one of the many reasons that Rolex has maintained their world class status as well as their traditional high resale value on pre-owned is BECAUSE they are typically conservative regarding dramatic change of any kind. Just my .02

[CKLinLA]

Originally Posted by hhh007

I believe one of the many reasons that Rolex has maintained their world class status as well as their traditional high resale value on pre-owned is BECAUSE they are typically conservative regarding dramatic change of any kind. Just my .02

Good point. Except while the changes were smallish, whether they are tasteful and/or conservative design-wise is uncertain/debatable/personal opinion/etc.

I am glad there wasn't a supersized Sub! That would reduce ('cheapen') the appeal of an iconic watch (re DJ II, Day Date, etc.)

[N_Swe]

Originally Posted by hhh007

I believe one of the many reasons that Rolex has maintained their world class status as well as their traditional high resale value on pre-owned is BECAUSE they are typically conservative regarding dramatic change of any kind. Just my .02

SPOT ON! The guys who wants new flavors every year should look at Omegas or IWCs (etc) 2315 limited series, with 3521 versions, of every watch.

How much is their resale value?

How many iconic series do they have?

Lets face it. Rolex is what they are BECAUSE they dont change for changes sake. And that quality is in another word: timeless.

[Rolex Freak]

Originally Posted by hhh007

I believe one of the many reasons that Rolex has maintained their world class status as well as their traditional high resale value on pre-owned is BECAUSE they are typically conservative regarding dramatic change of any kind. Just my .02

x2. I totally agree. Rolex isn't who they are because of constant change. Look at the Sub for example. You can look at one from 50+ years and it's almost the same today, other than making it better and more durable to wear. I think if Rolex was to change their tune too often, the value of their product would drop. IMHO they stand in their own league because of this.

[eagle_lex]

while i agree with greg about lack of excitment and not loving the green sub.... i do like the updates on the black sub. love the glidelock, love the maxi and beefier case. ceramic is the new "it" thing i guess. thanks to hublot. subs IMO shouldnt see drastic changes anyway. its an icon. i would like to own one in the future just for the updates but that said.... i wouldnt flip one of my subs for a new one. just save for it instead.

[arabesque]

Like the other conservative European marque Mercedes, Rolex doesn't change for change sake.

I would think Tudor can play with more radical change (relatively speaking) without much consequence on Rolex should perception is adverse.

However, I do not agree with hideous diamonds on men's watches which is becoming norm.

[Safetrends]

Greg:

[Mosco]

Originally Posted by Safetrends

Greg:

I'm in yellow.

[1000ftSub]

Indeed, you should see the new Hublot watches! I love my Big Bang!

[chrislkb]

Originally Posted by Mosco

I'm in yellow.

:r ofl: Oh ! My boss heard my laughing.....

[Tools]

I disagree with all this...

WIS have been clamoring for years about a "bigger Explorer" because it's just too small.. Now, at 39mm, it's a practical dress watch, and likely to grab a lot of attention.... I might check this one out..

WIS have been clamoring for a SS Blue Sub.. Well, it isn't blue, but is a very popular green, if the last iteration of the LV is any indication.. Tis one should prove very popular... and it's not the high price all gold or TT version..

WIS ladies have been saying the ladies DJ is out of date...at 31mm, it is the same size as the mid-size mens/unisex.. Should be very popular this Christmas..

WIS have been looking forward to the release of the SS SUB ceramic.. well, it's here...... I can hear the footsteps and see the dust as Rolex fans line up for this one...... It will be twice as popular as the GMT IIc.


And we haven't even seen the many dial combinations that may appear once Basel actually opens.......

What more did you expect.....

[Safetrends]

I am still fond of black on black Sub's.

[mcubed]

Originally Posted by Tools

I disagree with all this...

WIS have been clamoring for years about a "bigger Explorer" because it's just too small.. Now, at 39mm, it's a practical dress watch, and likely to grab a lot of attention.... I might check this one out..

WIS have been clamoring for a SS Blue Sub.. Well, it isn't blue, but is a very popular green, if the last iteration of the LV is any indication.. Tis one should prove very popular... and it's not the high price all gold or TT version..

WIS ladies have been saying the ladies DJ is out of date...at 31mm, it is the same size as the mid-size mens/unisex.. Should be very popular this Christmas..



WIS have been looking forward to the release of the SS SUB ceramic.. well, it's here...... I can hear the footsteps and see the dust as Rolex fans line up for this one...... It will be twice as popular as the GMT IIc.


And we haven't even seen the many dial combinations that may appear once Basel actually opens.......

What more did you expect.....

Of course Larry, we go through this EVERY YEAR. EVERY YEAR it's "Rolex has lost it's way" EVERY YEAR they are abandoning their tool watch roots. EVERY YEAR it's "well it's not exciting enough". Everyone hated the New GMT when it came out, then everyone loathed the Milgauss (remember the outcry over the lightning hand?) , then the Deepsea was the worst thing ever. We won't even talk about the furor over the Yachtmaster II. This year it will be the Explorer. Then by Christmas, half of the people here will have one and love it. Yep this year is complete with the complaints about Rolexes with precious stones, something that has been well featured in the lineup at least since the early 1980s. I said the same thing the last two years, and I am sure I will be saying the same thing next year. Happy Basel

[Solar]

Originally Posted by mcubed

Of course Larry, we go through this EVERY YEAR. EVERY YEAR it's "Rolex has lost it's way" EVERY YEAR they are abandoning their tool watch roots. EVERY YEAR it's "well it's not exciting enough". Everyone hated the New GMT when it came out, then everyone loathed the Milgauss (remember the outcry over the lightning hand?) , then the Deepsea was the worst thing ever. We won't even talk about the furor over the Yachtmaster II. This year it will be the Explorer. Then by Christmas, half of the people here will have one and love it. Yep this year is complete with the complaints about Rolexes with precious stones, something that has been well featured in the lineup at least since the early 1980s. I said the same thing the last two years, and I am sure I will be saying the same thing next year. Happy Basel

[snow_rocks]

Originally Posted by Tools

I disagree with all this...

WIS have been clamoring for years about a "bigger Explorer" because it's just too small.. Now, at 39mm, it's a practical dress watch, and likely to grab a lot of attention.... I might check this one out..

That's just the herd mentality speaking, because of what other watch makers are producing!

Running with the herd is !

[Steve260]

I guess I'll swim against the tide here....

I like the new Explorer. I don't own a current-style Explorer, mainly because it just looks too small on my wrist. A 39mm version should be just about perfect (IMHO)! I can definitely see one in my future...

As for the new SS Sub, I love the look of the current Sub. I also love the look of the GMTIIc "supercase". Combining the 2 designs in the new Sub (with no polished center links, and an improved clasp) is a brilliant thing for Rolex to do. I believe Rolex will sell boatloads of the new Subs, at whatever price they decide to charge.

The new "all green" sub is probably stunning in person. And, since it's primarily SS, it should be affordable by many more people than the WG "smurf" sub.

I hope they also introduce more dial styles in the DJII - and a smooth bezel option would be nice!

Rolex rarely does anything too far outside their standard designs. I think the new introductions incorporate updates that are likely to be well received in the general Rolex marketplace.

Steve

[spuds]

Originally Posted by Tools

I disagree with all this...

WIS have been clamoring for years about a "bigger Explorer" because it's just too small.. Now, at 39mm, it's a practical dress watch, and likely to grab a lot of attention.... I might check this one out..

WIS have been clamoring for a SS Blue Sub.. Well, it isn't blue, but is a very popular green, if the last iteration of the LV is any indication.. Tis one should prove very popular... and it's not the high price all gold or TT version..

WIS ladies have been saying the ladies DJ is out of date...at 31mm, it is the same size as the mid-size mens/unisex.. Should be very popular this Christmas..

WIS have been looking forward to the release of the SS SUB ceramic.. well, it's here...... I can hear the footsteps and see the dust as Rolex fans line up for this one...... It will be twice as popular as the GMT IIc.


And we haven't even seen the many dial combinations that may appear once Basel actually opens.......

What more did you expect.....

I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GLAD YOU EXPRESSED THAT SO MUCH BETTER THAN I HAVE THE ENERGY TO!!

THANKYOU!!!!

[kjb]

Originally Posted by Tools

I disagree with all this...

WIS have been clamoring for years about a "bigger Explorer" because it's just too small.. Now, at 39mm, it's a practical dress watch, and likely to grab a lot of attention.... I might check this one out..

WIS have been clamoring for a SS Blue Sub.. Well, it isn't blue, but is a very popular green, if the last iteration of the LV is any indication.. Tis one should prove very popular... and it's not the high price all gold or TT version..

WIS ladies have been saying the ladies DJ is out of date...at 31mm, it is the same size as the mid-size mens/unisex.. Should be very popular this Christmas..

WIS have been looking forward to the release of the SS SUB ceramic.. well, it's here...... I can hear the footsteps and see the dust as Rolex fans line up for this one...... It will be twice as popular as the GMT IIc.


And we haven't even seen the many dial combinations that may appear once Basel actually opens.......

What more did you expect.....

I agree with you Larry and will be lined up to buy the new Explorer and Sub . I think they look great!! I was hoping for some Red Lettering on the Sub but still very Excited with the New Watches.

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by Tools

I disagree with all this...

WIS have been clamoring for years about a "bigger Explorer" because it's just too small.. Now, at 39mm, it's a practical dress watch, and likely to grab a lot of attention.... I might check this one out..

WIS have been clamoring for a SS Blue Sub.. Well, it isn't blue, but is a very popular green, if the last iteration of the LV is any indication.. Tis one should prove very popular... and it's not the high price all gold or TT version..

WIS ladies have been saying the ladies DJ is out of date...at 31mm, it is the same size as the mid-size mens/unisex.. Should be very popular this Christmas..

WIS have been looking forward to the release of the SS SUB ceramic.. well, it's here...... I can hear the footsteps and see the dust as Rolex fans line up for this one...... It will be twice as popular as the GMT IIc.


And we haven't even seen the many dial combinations that may appear once Basel actually opens.......

What more did you expect.....

Agree 100%. I have a feeling that the new green ceramic Sub might prove to be another Deepsea in that pictures may not do it sufficient justice and that once it hits the stores and more people see it in the flesh, its popularity will rise. For sure I'm reserving judgement on this one until I see it for real; for now, I'm very happy that the Exp has been upsized to 39mm!

Overall, I'd say Rolex's 2010 Basel offerings are attractive and within expectations - as well as being tantalising enough to keep everyone guessing what might be in store in future years.

[bolo]

Newbie Question

At the beginning stage, will the price be as high as GMTII Ceramic when it was first launched to the market?

With all respect

Topito