Will the LV Sub be Discontinued ???

[Tools]

We've talked about new offerings, and we've speculated about what Rolex wil or will not do..

But, I keep hearing more and more that some folks think the LV will be discontinued soon.
Why......What's your reasoning....

Personally, I don't see why they would stop production of a popular model. Expecially one that already had the "upgraded" maxi-dial. I think the most they will do is an upgraded bracelet and chapter ring and possibly the block case - and eventually........yes, eventually....a ceramic bezel.

What are your thoughts...but as importantly....why ?

[puffnmo]

Larry - Sooner or later I believe the LV will be discontinued. How long can an anniversary go on being celebrated???

My guess is that at the next Basel show Rolex will introduce a new limited release, and phase out the LV.

Reason - Most collectors who love the LV, like me, have one by now. Rolex can stimulate sales and buzz by bringing in something new. Like a white dial Sub. limited edition. JMO. L.A. Larry.

[Ralerin]

I am guessing that it will be discountinued in 2008. My reasoning is based upon the LV being an anniversary, released in 2003, should logically have a limited run around say 5 years...

Of course this is pure speculation based some what on hope (to make the LV semi-rare) and part gut feeling. I give myself a 50% chance of being correct.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Ralerin

I am guessing that it will be discountinued in 2008. My reasoning is based upon the LV being an anniversary, released in 2003, should logically have a limited run around say 5 years...

OK...So using this reasoning....The new GMT "anniversary" would have an expected 5 year run..

Although the approach Rolex took with the GMT was completely different.. They made the green GMT anniversary, then cloned it for everyday use, then discontinued the old GMT.

Wouldn't it make more sense with the Sub to discontinue the old small face and just offer the Maxi Dial on either a green or black bezel..??? Then make the jump to ceramic for both ?

[Oyster Lover]

I am betting LV will be done once 5-year mark is achieved (i.e., 2008). I'll be selling my LV to anyone on TRF for $7,000 once the annoucement comes out...

[mike]

This is the kind of topic that can get everyone going. LOL!
Here's my thoughts--for what it's worth. Rolex has never to my knowledge done "Limited Editions". Rather, what they seem to do is create a reference, call it a "regular production item, but make it in far fewer numbers than standard offerings.
At some point I do think the LV will cease production. Yes, Rolex could very well "upgrade the case, bracelet, bezel, etc.... the upshot of which is the current 16610LV has ceased to exist. I think it's noteworthy that this could also be done with the 14060M with the COSC labeling--a watch that would have had an EXTREMELY small run by any standard.
Has this been done in the past? Sure! One need only look at the reference 168000, a watch that some say was produced for only nine months or so.
The question that burns on everyone is--Will it be collectable?
To be a collectable two factors usually enter the picture--Rarity and Desirability.
Is the 16610LV rare? By most standards it is still a rather hard to come by watch (yeah I know--"there's one at my ADs right now, been there for ever") Most locals seem to report difficulity in getting one, and I have yet to see one in the wild save for my own, but I would submit it is not that rare a watch.
Sales corners have a number of examples at any given time (one wonders how many were purchased by those buying into the "limited edition" idea?

Is it a desirable watch? Time and the collecting community will be the ultimate decision makers here. Witness the 5513, not a very rare reference (matt dial), but one that has captured the imagination of the vintage community. This IMHO will be the deciding factor for the LV.
As the era of the plastic crystal becomes more and more expensive for the new collector, and as the mothership curtails more and more support for that which got them there, how many enthusiasts will look upon the "Green Bezel" in a different light?
Time will tell.........

[Ronnie Rolex]

Although not as knowledgeable as Mike (think spit wad vs. atomic bomb type of difference) the Rolex rep I talked to said the 14060M with COSC will be a collectible in his opinion. The ceramic bezel will be on this watch sooner than later and the run may only last a year or two with the aluminum bezel.

[Arturo]

It is a commemorative watch. So there will never be a ceremic bezel for it. It will be what it is and will die at some point in time. I simply cannot see them make a new version out of a commemorative product. Rolex is too brand saavy for that.

[austinsig]

It would seem logical the LV would be wrapping up soon, but who knows?

The 14060M with COSC would seem to have great collectors potential if it is only made for a short run, but I don't know if Rolex would rush to add the ceramic upgrades to the No Date. It would make sense they would upgrade the Sub Date first, and let the No Date run for awhile as is. After all there has been no rush to upgrade lug holes, and SEL.

But I guess if a Rolex rep thought otherwise that is probably the best indication of where things will go.

[problmchylde]

Well said MIKE. Interesting view on the 14060M COSC.May very well be a gem in the making.....

[JJ Irani]

Just think what chaos would prevail if they discontinued the TT Blue Sub?

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Just think what chaos would prevail if they discontinued the TT Blue Sub?

They would have to replace two billboards I see on my daily commute.

[Rawhyde]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Just think what chaos would prevail if they discontinued the TT Blue Sub?

Rawhyde

[Tombstone]

I feel the LV Sub will never be worth a ton of money. People buying them to make money would do better with other money investment options. I have made more money off stocks than I ever will a Rolex. For me and others a Rolex is a hobby or a passion few non-dealers make any money on Rolex. You have to find someone willing to part with their Rolex for nothing then find a buyer willing to buy giving you your profit oops that would make me a grey market dealer.

I think Rolex will make the LV Sub as long as people buy it. When the "hype" dies down the watch will go away and over time be a small bump in the history of Rolex. I feel the GMT II Pepsi was slowing down in sales prior to its closure. I always saw several sitting in my ADs case at any given time. My AD was saying until they stopped making the GMT II you had a difficult time moving them as most selected the Sub over the GMT II. With the redesign I wonder if that logic still holds true?

[puffnmo]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Just think what chaos would prevail if they discontinued the TT Blue Sub?

[BiG JeEzY]

These are just pure speculations by me. I know that only Rolex knows what they will do with their models.

With that said, I think the current production LV will eventually be discontinued. However, when the new upgraded Submariner comes out with the ceramic bezel, I think a green ceramic bezel will be an option. So the LV will go away but will be revived again.

Rolex has already produced a green ceramic bezel. I can only speculate that it will be for the next generation Submariner.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

My guess is that the LV won't be discontinued anytime soon. It was already "advanced" at its launch since it has the Maxi Dial, and since it has a rather different overall look than the regular SS Sub, I guess it will stay on the market for a long time.