Will Stainless Steel Rolex Sports Models Ever Fall Out of Favor?

[Marciano]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to get some thoughts on the long-term style and popularity of Rolex sports models. Right now, it seems like stainless steel sports Rolexes—Submariners, GMT-Masters, Daytonas, and Explorers—are the dominant choice among collectors and casual wearers alike. Every time I go out, I see plenty of Submariners on wrists, on instagram tons of celebrities and influencers can be seen wearing these watches. To me this is just reinforcing how desirable these models have become.

But looking at the history of collecting watch, trends tend to shift over time. There was an era when smaller, dressier pieces were the norm. I remember watching a hodinkee video where collectors where flocking to bubbleback Rolexes, considering them highly collectible.

In the early 2000s, Panerai and Breilting took the spotlight with their oversized, bold designs, only for preferences to shift again over the years. Given how cyclical watch trends can be, it makes me wonder:


Could stainless steel sports Rolexes ever become unfashionable?


Is there a point where people might move away from these tool watches in favor of smaller, more elegant pieces?


Are we in the middle of a long-term cycle, or is the dominance of steel sports Rolexes here to stay?


Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts! Have you seen any shifts in collector preferences that might hint at future trends?

[Nurseford25]

Trends are cyclical but the fact that these designes have remained in production for +/- 75 years is due to their timelessness.

[Mystro]

No. Next question………

[ArtNouveau]

Well, Rolex’s bread and butter model has actually been the Datejust line for at least the last 50 years. Submariners, GMTs, and Explorers have always sold decently for someone wanting more of a tool watch. SS Daytonas have been a hot commodity since the first automatics came out in the late 80’s.
The “influencers” hyping on steel sports models will probably move onto something else in the future. Bottom line the DJ will still be the biggest seller and sports watches will always be popular too.
I think Panerai is the textbook example of what not to do. Dating back to the 40’s they were relaunched in the 90’s and were quite the novelty for their size and look. They became an “overnight sensation” but instead of keeping the availability steady or with small increases they overproduced big time and their market share plummeted. A decade later they’re back to being a niche brand and doing okay again.

[cop414]

A stainless Rolex unfashionable, nope.

[rolexnerd]

Could stainless steel sports Rolexes ever become unfashionable? No


Is there a point where people might move away from these tool watches in favor of smaller, more elegant pieces? No as you can have and enjoy both in your collection


Are we in the middle of a long-term cycle, or is the dominance of steel sports Rolexes here to stay? Rolex has been popular for many years and will continue to dominate the steel sports category.

[brandrea]

I doubt it. They’ve been popular since the 50’s.

[WatchTimes]

Who knows...

[Calatrava r]

I think the overall watch market will see a decline in interest to historical norms. Nothing lasts forever and people will move on to the new hot thing. The industry faces a lot of challenges going forward. The hype has been so high, the level of enthusiasm at current levels will be hard to sustain. The watch buying public is somewhat concentrated and I believe the market is actually saturated. The industry has relentlessly raised prices staying way ahead of inflation and that puts the value proposition in question. The sales process at many retail outlets has been very difficult and the attitude of some stores has turned some new and seasoned buyers away. The secondary markets have become mainstream and just a little softening in used watch prices can create a huge drag on new watch sales.

I would not expect to see a spurt in the dress watch segment away from SS sports models. The dress watch market is really reeling at this point with many fine watches seeing a third to fifty drops in the used markets.

[G23]

There's only so much you can do on a watch. Stainless sports Rolex will always be recognized and fashionable forever.

[Hollie_Rollie]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

I think the overall watch market will see a decline in interest to historical norms. Nothing lasts forever and people will move on to the new hot thing. The industry faces a lot of challenges going forward. The hype has been so high, the level of enthusiasm at current levels will be hard to sustain. The watch buying public is somewhat concentrated and I believe the market is actually saturated. The industry has relentlessly raised prices staying way ahead of inflation and that puts the value proposition in question. The sales process at many retail outlets has been very difficult and the attitude of some stores has turned some new and seasoned buyers away. The secondary markets have become mainstream and just a little softening in used watch prices can create a huge drag on new watch sales.

I would not expect to see a spurt in the dress watch segment away from SS sports models. The dress watch market is really reeling at this point with many fine watches seeing a third to fifty drops in the used markets.

Agreed. The market is especially saturated with used watch dealers


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[illiguy]

No

[Harry-57]

Unknown but unlikely.

[KatGirl]

Probably not! There is just something about a Sub, or an Explorer, or a GMT, or a Daytona, etc.

Kat


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[ap1]

Never, 100%

[4 Aussies]

Originally Posted by Mystro

No. Next question………

Well said, Mystro!

[Bxtek]

Originally Posted by Mystro

No. Next question………

Originally Posted by 4 Aussies

Well said, Mystro!

I agree!

[herefortheattachment]

With many companies and the government now doing 5 days/week in office, styles may become less casual, and dressier (non-sports) models may see a resurgence.

[SS Oyster]

Not unless their retail price exceeds that of other options. People want a Rolex, but most can only afford SS, so demand is highest, thus “in favor” despite being much higher on secondary market, still affordable vs. gold. TT had its day in 70s and 80s, but that’s over.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

Who knows...

I agree...

Some trends influence purchasing decisions across various demographics in unseen ways.

Maybe the metal bracelet gets displaced.

Or the whole concept. Or Apple or Android Watches take over Worldwide.

Or younger consumers prioritize something other than status, thus leading them to choose anti-brands.

Who knows...


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[ChronoZach]

Nope, Never! The Submariner is the most iconic design in the world, every manufacturer has a similar model in their catalog, followed by the GMT and Explorer that went to Everest. These will be around long after we are gone.

Cheers ,

[bluestreak]

People want a Rolex but 1) want it “stealth” and 2) can’t afford full gold. I think that’s why they stay popular.


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[downtorock]

No


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[Andad]

World time cerebral implants are on the horizon.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

“Fashion changes, but style endures.”

—Coco Chanel

[Linuxpenguins]

In a word, no.

[joli160]

Yes, not so very long ago GMT’s were really cheap on the secondary market Subs could be bought with discounts everywhere.
Only the Daytona was strong.

Hypes are cyclical so sure the interest will fade, when nobody knows

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by joli160

Yes, not so very long ago GMT’s were really cheap on the secondary market Subs could be bought with discounts everywhere.
Only the Daytona was strong.

Hypes are cyclical so sure the interest will fade, when nobody knows

Exactly this.

[In-N-Out]

They will never be out of fashion like hublot is today. Brand is too strong for that. But there will always be newer trends in terms of dress watches, comps, precious metals, rubber straps etc

[metallic]

Technology will continue to advance but watches are not technology goods. Casual dress is here to stay. Thus the short answer as already stated is no.