How will Rolex announce the 2020 models?

[timepiecegentleman]

Not sure if this topic has been discussed yet but with the cancellation of Basel, Rolex temporarily closing its factories, and all the other mess in the world, will Rolex be releasing new models this year.

If so, how will they do it? Just update the website? Public Service Announcement?

[Hub6152]

Maybe they have different priorities this year, like we all have! I really don’t think new model releases is one of them.

[brandrea]

It wouldn’t surprise me if they delay or scrap any new announcements till next next year. I hope I’m wrong.

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It wouldn’t surprise me if they delay or scrap any new announcements till next next year.

I think the same.

Personally, I had little interest in Basel 2020/new releases when this year started. Now, I have zero interest.

[nightmyth]

No one unaffiliated with Rolex knows for sure.

[newu5er]

On one hand, there has been a ton of demand so I could see it done strictly using online presence but on the other hand, I can see Rolex just squashing the rest of the year and not doing anything.
I read another post that referred to staying ahead and bringing the newest hot model and depending on who Rolex sees as their clientele, we very well could see a Coke GMT or something like that. I imagine each company is having to evaluate what the future looks like, so it's really hard to have confidence in any opinion.

[direwolf]

I can totally understand not thinking it is appropriate to release any models. Obviously, all these watches are superficial compared to what is happening in the world right now. On the other hand, it might actually be exciting to debut the releases online and give us something fun to focus on. Rolex....when the factory reopens can we make sure we assemble and ship out an ample number of the new blue submariners with those slightly more tapered and curvaceous lugs?!?

[sgwatchguy]

Their thoughts and actions will probably be focused on what’s happening in their nation and communities, and the wellbeing of their staff. Their PR machinery may also be compromised at this time and that of their partners and agencies. Not the most opportune time for them to be announcing new watches. Humanity’s collective enthusiasm for what’s being announced is ebbing rapidly, WIS interest notwithstanding.
Just my 2c worth.


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[A-Wax]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Maybe they have different priorities this year, like we all have! I really don’t think new model releases is one of them.

Agreed. They've already closed the factories for however long, and rightly so.

[denmanproject]

When they released the D-Blue it was just through their website, no Basel

[pickettt]

Carrier pigeon. That's where we're headed.

[TswaneNguni]

Will be released when they open up again .

I don't think they will wait till there is an economic up-turn.They may just wait until they can have an opening event .

Even in this potential calamity Rolex will sell well .

[rolexguy212]

It will be interesting to see new models released via virtual means, like directly on facebook or youtube. Interesting times we are living in.

[interestedwatcher]

Releasing new models in the next 3 months would be very tone deaf.

[Rocket_Man]

Just my opinion, but I think Rolex has a multi-year plan for rolling out new models and movement updates and they just can't put it off for a year. I suspect they will roll our new models through their website as if there were a BaselWorld. Afterall, they don't exactly need BaselWorld to sell watches. They can't make them fast enough as it is. Will there be a slowdown in sales? I suspect most people buying Rolex watches may not be terribly impacted by the economic slowdown just yet, and if it doesn't last very long it could be a minor blip. If it lasts a long time then it might change supply/demand. Right now I bet there are many who have been unable to find a reference that see this as a possible buying opportunity. Personally the only thing I'm hoarding right now is money. Got all the TP and Rolex's I need! lol.

[iTreelex]

They will go live on IG lol

[Ihatecheese]

Agreed! Instagram once appropriate to shift new goodies.

[Gdaso]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It wouldn’t surprise me if they delay or scrap any new announcements till next next year. I hope I’m wrong.

Agree!

[tvlaan]

Bundled with an N95 mask so they’ll actually sell...

J/k - I don’t think you’ll hear anything from Rolex until later in the Summer if/when things have stabilized a bit.

[watchmework]

Originally Posted by brandrea

it wouldn’t surprise me if they delay or scrap any new announcements till next next year. I hope i’m wrong.

x2.

[1William]

As soon as things calm down they will do an Internet based release that will hit all of the platforms. This will be in conjunction with information about the next Basel World Event. I would not be surprised to see the calendar for watch release move to the fall of the year to avoid winter and the repeating flu season. Remember these are businesses, not charities, and they will act as soon as it is feasible from a business and PR standpoint.

[Boba Fett]

What they could do to give us something to talk about is do a Photoshop of whatever they are planning and release it on rolex.com. baselworld is just a trade fair and no watches are sold, Rolex factory shut and we wouldnt see a new model for months anyway so it would make little difference. I'm sure they could organise all this while they work from home.
A virtual Basel word release would be fun but it's more likely they'll just sleep till the current situation is over.

[kwingy]

I can't see any new models releasing this year - it's not like they need to given the climate. And ADs have closed at the moment - who knows when they will reopen.

[CaptT]

Opinion:

1. Delay any release announcements until things stabilize (summer?)
2. Soft release via web (IG, website)
3. Fewer updates than in the past, but enough to create at least a little buzz

[WastedYears]

Apparently, there will be an announcement around the time Baselworld was supposed to take place.

What exactly will be announced is anyone's guess.

[onnomon]

Originally Posted by pickettt

Carrier pigeon. That's where we're headed.

Dropping bird flu upon us!

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It wouldn’t surprise me if they delay or scrap any new announcements till next next year. I hope I’m wrong.

I think this is becoming more likely unless we see a dramatic change in events for the better.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by denmanproject

When they released the D-Blue it was just through their website, no Basel

And promoted the heck out of it too, book, film, first time I've heard of that from Rolex...Proud owner of the JC DSSD 116660

[WatchNutcase]

I think they will just do a bland online launch and update the website with them. If they postpone it to next year their entire timeline is off.

[Aberdein]

My AD told me he was attending a Rolex event in London sometime in April. That said now the UK is about to go into lockdown am sure any planned event will be cancelled.