Which rolex model best executes the new design direction?

[Chewbacca]

apologies in advance if this has been discussed...

i own a dssd but i just wanted to see what all of you thought of the new cases (six digit model designs) since they've been out for a while now?

it started with the airking (i think) and has come full circle with all mens rolex models.

personally, i think the sub-c 116610 vs. the previous 16610 loses out to the old one along with the older exp2 vs the exp2 42mm and the 16610LV vs the hulk or kermit (not sure what we settled on).

the turn-o-graph, airking and dssd seem to be the ones that work best imo, because the dssd was meant to be a brute tool rolex and as a new model from the start, its hard to compare. airking is clean and feels larger than the spec'd 34mm and milgauss and the t-o-g seems to work too as a stand alone effort.

i'm still a bias old school rolex owner/collector but i'm also on the fence with the other new models.

any thoughts from others?

[joe100]

The super cases started with the Air-King. The reason Rolex went this direction, in my opinion, was to make the watches feel visually larger without increasing diameter. So the AK and OP get my vote with the GMT coming in second

[427shark]

Imo the newest sub is the best yet and feels like the natural evolution of the submariner. After the sub-c I really like the exp2

[Chainring]

I read a thread the other day that was from 2007 and it talked about the "fad" of the large watch and whether it would last. It's 2013 and it's stronger than ever and stalwart Rolex has given in and dipped its toes into the larger watch arena. Truthfully, I don't see us going backwards and now women are wearing 34 and 36mm watches comfortably. We've even seen female celebrities sporting subs. I'm not sure when, but I believe the Sub and GMT will catch up to the new 42mm Explorer. So my answer to your question is that the 42mm Explorer is Rolex's experiment to see if the market wants bigger watches. If it does, I think we'll see them sooner rather than later.

[psv]

Not a huge fan of the new cases with fatter lugs, I think the model that looks the best of the new ones is the 116718.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by 427shark

Imo the newest sub is the best yet and feels like the natural evolution of the submariner. After the sub-c I really like the exp2

interesting.

the sub-c and the exp2 42mm were my least favs thus far... yet i love the older sub and the exp2 which i own.

maybe i'll warm up to them in the future.

[ciscopro2000]

Originally Posted by psv

Not a huge fan of the new cases with fatter lugs, I think the model that looks the best of the new ones is the 116718.

Wow, what a beautiful shot Patrick. Makes me want to run out and buy one. Then I checked the price list and woke up.

[T. Ferguson]

I have both a 5 digit Sub and a ceramic GMT. While appreciating the differences of both I prefer the new maxi-case models. Frankly the differences are not as major to me as some seem to think, especially when looking at them on someone else from 10 feet away. But on my own wrist the ceramic model just seems more solid and less tinny, especially the newer bracelets. They also have a more commanding wrist presence without being a clowny 50mm.

Just my $.02. YMMV of course.

[FNFZ4]

I think the New Daytona does

[busytimmy]

Originally Posted by 427shark

Imo the newest sub is the best yet and feels like the natural evolution of the submariner. After the sub-c I really like the exp2

Same here. I really like the SubC LV and Explorer II so I bought them both

[Cru Jones]

well, the TOG is no more, so, i guess it wasn't that successful of a re-design?

[crowncollection]

Lugs'lugs'lugs'. Imho. Most models have had a lug change. Sports models thicker lugs , most other models from brushed to polished and thicker also now. :thumbup:

[Magic-Matt]

Originally Posted by Chainring

I read a thread the other day that was from 2007 and it talked about the "fad" of the large watch and whether it would last. It's 2013 and it's stronger than ever and stalwart Rolex has given in and dipped its toes into the larger watch arena. Truthfully, I don't see us going backwards and now women are wearing 34 and 36mm watches comfortably. We've even seen female celebrities sporting subs. I'm not sure when, but I believe the Sub and GMT will catch up to the new 42mm Explorer. So my answer to your question is that the 42mm Explorer is Rolex's experiment to see if the market wants bigger watches. If it does, I think we'll see them sooner rather than later.

Couldnt agree more, very well put. And so far is seems the Exp II 216570 is enjoying fairly good success? So probably 3-4 years down the line the 42 mils will hit the GMT, Sub range when Rolex is happy with the stats.

Personally Id be happy to embrace this change simply because the existing incarnations of enlarged 40mm cases IMHO look totally OUT OF PROPORTION and hence I went to another brand for my sports watch as wasnt particularly keen on the Exp II (even though it looks nicely/correctly proportioned).

[travisb]

I prefer all of the new models to their predecessors.
Refreshing yet still maintaining the classic roots of the brand.

[Nalk7]

Overall I can't say I'm a fan of the new design language, Bah humbug! But the 114060 is actually a very beautiful watch, the design just works on this one. Thinking about it, I might even prefer it than the former model

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

well, the TOG is no more, so, i guess it wasn't that successful of a re-design?

agree but the tog was never a good seller relative to the sub and standard dj it was wedged between. there've been many successful watches that never sold well compared to others in a brand's stable, but were still considered great designs and execution... the mass market in the end decides but most collectors and enthusiasts aren't always the norm.

if one looks at secondary market values, the tog is typically 20% - 30% more than a standard dj and close to subs of the same vintage.

[landroverking]

Don't care for the super case at all.

[Lion]

I do not have an answer because I like all the Rolex watches regardless of them being either the older styles or the new ones with the changes!!!

Take it easy.....Leo

[horseco]

I think the AK has has all the new language of Rolex...

[FLY-DOG]

Most of the new designs seem too big for me but I do like their looks, especially the YACHT-MASTER II AND EXPLORER II. However, at 150 lbs (me) the 16610 submariner is large enough and I prefer it over the newer subs - on me. Don't get me wrong, I like the new styling but just aren't comfortable from a visual standpoint wearing with a really large watch on my wrist.

[andromeda160]

If I wanted a larger sub, i'd get a BP FF. I'd be disappointed if they made most of their models larger.

[improviz]

GMT IIc is the sharpest of the new case style IMO, which is why I bought one!

[jbsmith]

Originally Posted by Chainring

I read a thread the other day that was from 2007 and it talked about the "fad" of the large watch and whether it would last. It's 2013 and it's stronger than ever and stalwart Rolex has given in and dipped its toes into the larger watch arena. Truthfully, I don't see us going backwards and now women are wearing 34 and 36mm watches comfortably. We've even seen female celebrities sporting subs. I'm not sure when, but I believe the Sub and GMT will catch up to the new 42mm Explorer. So my answer to your question is that the 42mm Explorer is Rolex's experiment to see if the market wants bigger watches. If it does, I think we'll see them sooner rather than later.

X2!

[capote]

Originally Posted by psv

Not a huge fan of the new cases with fatter lugs, I think the model that looks the best of the new ones is the 116718.

Green and gold looks awesome , not sure I could get away with an all gold Rolex personally though...maybe on a leather strap.

[floater156]

I prefer modern Rolex over its older designs. The ExpII, orange hand, is the perfect modern sports watch with. It has the increased case size but retains nice shaped lugs. It's hands are also the best proportion to the maxi dial.

[RRGHOST1]

I prefer the new bigger cases like the SubC and the 42mm Explorer so can't wait for the Sub and the GMT to go to 42. But to be honest its just a preference as the older Subs etc and GMT's are all good,you buy what you like.

[Ilias_t]

I prefer the new design roughly in every model except from the sub.
I think that the old submariner is better and of course so heavily iconic to be replaced from the new model.


Sent from mobile

[mrhy]

I tried on a new 42mm Explorer ll,loved the orange hand,but it didnt feel much bigger then my 40mm 16570,so I didnt buy it.I would have bought it ,if it had felt much bigger'

[mrhy]

you really want to see new design look at their tudor models.

[427shark]

Originally Posted by busytimmy

Same here. I really like the SubC LV and Explorer II so I bought them both

Sweet! The exp2 is gorgeous, hopefully ill pick one up in the near future. What color dial did you go with?