RED Sub Production Numbers

[neilgader]

I know about the overall serial numbers that define the era of the RED Sub but does anyone know approx how many were actually produced?

Neil

[samsung82]

i think 3000

[mike]

I don't think anyone knows. Rolex is not forth coming with that type of information. One also has to consider the number of period correct serial numbers that had their dials switched during service over the years which lessens the number of examples still in existence.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I wonder if Rolex would know for sure, too?? Seems like they don't care much for their history altogether.

[neilgader]

Regarding their vaunted history-I would have thought that by this time they would have created a specific "vintage" shop with full restoration/fabrication facilities for accurately maintaining vintage models. They don't evidently and have no plans to do so. Strange.

Neil

[mike]

Originally Posted by neilgader

Regarding their vaunted history-I would have thought that by this time they would have created a specific "vintage" shop with full restoration/fabrication facilities for accurately maintaining vintage models. They don't evidently and have no plans to do so. Strange.

Neil

There's been talk about a "Heritage Center" but as yet nothing.

[neilgader]

"One also has to consider the number of period correct serial numbers that had their dials switched during service over the years which lessens the number of examples still in existence."

It is odd that when you go in to RSC they merely evaluate the watch for repair with absolutely no consideration for it's vintage. It seems that all they want to do is restore and update the watch to the current standard. I had to get them to put in writing that I didn't want the RED Sub dial replaced. I have no idea what possessed them to even suggest it. Not a very sentimental bunch at the RSC.

Neil

[mike]

Originally Posted by neilgader

"One also has to consider the number of period correct serial numbers that had their dials switched during service over the years which lessens the number of examples still in existence."

It is odd that when you go in to RSC they merely evaluate the watch for repair with absolutely no consideration for it's vintage. It seems that all they want to do is restore and update the watch to the current standard. I had to get them to put in writing that I didn't want the RED Sub dial replaced. I have no idea what possessed them to even suggest it. Not a very sentimental bunch at the RSC.

Neil

No they're not. I understand RSC wanting to make the watch as "new" as possible, but not at the expense of the watches soul.

[gha]

It seems that someone from Rolex should be involved on this Forum, and I am quite amazed that they are not. Here is where they could get invaluable feedback from a knowledgeable bunch that have Rolex watches as one of their passions. They couldn't pay enough for this info & enlightenment, yet don't seem to give a rats. This type of focus group would take years to put together, and cost a fortune. Here it is, no charge. What manufacturer wouldn't want to be involved. Guess the product sells itself. You never know, though. We have seen many companies that took their eye off the ball, did not respond to the consumer, and ended up going under.....Just my 2 pennies...gha

[neilgader]

Originally Posted by gha

It seems that someone from Rolex should be involved on this Forum, and I am quite amazed that they are not. Here is where they could get invaluable feedback from a knowledgeable bunch that have Rolex watches as one of their passions. They couldn't pay enough for this info & enlightenment, yet don't seem to give a rats. This type of focus group would take years to put together, and cost a fortune. Here it is, no charge. What manufacturer wouldn't want to be involved. Guess the product sells itself. You never know, though. We have seen many companies that took their eye off the ball, did not respond to the consumer, and ended up going under.....Just my 2 pennies...gha

Even Ferrari created a vintage shop at Maranello where owners could opt for general repairs right up to full-on restorations; even the fabrication of new "old" parts created from the original blueprints. Obviously very costly but like you said when a company has a loyal passionate consumer base willing to pay for the best from experts at the product's birthplace why not offer the service and keep everyone happy. It also provides tremendous good-will which helps sell new product and keep consumers in the fold.

Neil