Future of Skydweller?

[Nidal]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Don't think we'll see it in steel. The YMII is in the Professional line (Sport watch category) so a SS version was appropriate. The SkyDweller line is solidly positioned in the dress watch category (note the strap options) so I'm guessing will more likely follow the DD line, precious only.

But you never know...

It's like seeing DD iN steel. So, I agree with you 👍


Nidal

[landroverking]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

i don't see a ss model anytime soon, if ever.

Times X

[AndyK]

It would be a shame if that movement wasn't made more widely available. Precious metal pricing has placed it out of the range of many collectors, myself included.

[Racerdj]

My hope is that it is successful.

[Metalheart]

With all the money Rolex invested in R&D and production of this watch, they will gain little by going SS on this model.

So no, I don't have any hopes for an SS model.

[Thatguy]

Originally Posted by Metalheart

With all the money Rolex invested in R&D and production of this watch, they will gain little by going SS on this model.

So no, I don't have any hopes for an SS model.

Why would they gain little if they sell more of the movements in SS?

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Thatguy

Why would they gain little if they sell more of the movements in SS?

Because it loses much of its exclusivity factor. Why is the DD considered so prestigious? It's not because of the date mechanism, it's because it is available solely in precious metal. A decade ago, it was the only men's size Rolex available in all platinum. And the YG "President" has become rather iconic. The DJ doesn't carry the same prestige, and my guess is because every Tom, Dick and Harry can probably save up for one if it's important enough, but at the price of a car, the DD is simply out of reach for most.

The price for the SD has to do with the complexity of the movement, the cost of the case/bracelet materials and the exclusivity of the watch. If it came in steel, chances are the precious metal variants would end up taking a hit (not in terms of MSRP but in terms of actual out-the-door prices).

[MortgageGuy]

Personally I still am in the never going to happen camp and here is why... I as many view this piece with the same regard as a DD or DD and Role would never put these into a SS piece IMO.

As for the YM2 this is in the professional line and the SS was bound to be released sooner or later. I was caught off guard that it had the stunning blue bezel however did anticipate its release eventually.

All being said I love the SD reference you posted a pic of in your original post

[DCgator]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Because it loses much of its exclusivity factor. Why is the DD considered so prestigious? It's not because of the date mechanism, it's because it is available solely in precious metal. A decade ago, it was the only men's size Rolex available in all platinum. And the YG "President" has become rather iconic. The DJ doesn't carry the same prestige, and my guess is because every Tom, Dick and Harry can probably save up for one if it's important enough, but at the price of a car, the DD is simply out of reach for most.

The price for the SD has to do with the complexity of the movement, the cost of the case/bracelet materials and the exclusivity of the watch. If it came in steel, chances are the precious metal variants would end up taking a hit (not in terms of MSRP but in terms of actual out-the-door prices).

Agree 100% with dannyp + I love the SK specifically because it is different from any other Rolex out there. Some don't like it because it has a month a date but no day. I could say hthe same about a DD not having a month display, and because of its cost should have a month. Well no. It is a good looking watch, unique, and it is unmistakably a Rolex. My 2c.

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by DR.Golf

I for one love the look of this new bersion on strap. Wonder when it will hit the dealers.

Me too! Quite excited about this new SkyD. ADs I've asked say end of year...

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Don't think we'll see it in steel. The YMII is in the Professional line (Sport watch category) so a SS version was appropriate. The SkyDweller line is solidly positioned in the dress watch category (note the strap options) so I'm guessing will more likely follow the DD line, precious only.

But you never know...

Yes, thanks for your thoughts.

Originally Posted by Nidal

It's like seeing DD iN steel. So, I agree with you 👍


Nidal

Not quite not like a DD in my mind as SkyD is thicker and larger.

Originally Posted by landroverking

Times X

Originally Posted by AndyK

It would be a shame if that movement wasn't made more widely available. Precious metal pricing has placed it out of the range of many collectors, myself included.

Agree it would be nice to have in SS. If in SS it will likely be priced north of 18k in any event.

Originally Posted by Racerdj

My hope is that it is successful.

Originally Posted by Metalheart

With all the money Rolex invested in R&D and production of this watch, they will gain little by going SS on this model.

So no, I don't have any hopes for an SS model.

SS models sell a ton and probably generate more revenue because of volume so don't follow your logic. Be well.

Originally Posted by Thatguy

Why would they gain little if they sell more of the movements in SS?

Originally Posted by dannyp

Because it loses much of its exclusivity factor. Why is the DD considered so prestigious? It's not because of the date mechanism, it's because it is available solely in precious metal. A decade ago, it was the only men's size Rolex available in all platinum. And the YG "President" has become rather iconic. The DJ doesn't carry the same prestige, and my guess is because every Tom, Dick and Harry can probably save up for one if it's important enough, but at the price of a car, the DD is simply out of reach for most.

The price for the SD has to do with the complexity of the movement, the cost of the case/bracelet materials and the exclusivity of the watch. If it came in steel, chances are the precious metal variants would end up taking a hit (not in terms of MSRP but in terms of actual out-the-door prices).

Not sure I agree. Precious metal YMII have remained where they were in terms of pricing after SS was released.

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

Personally I still am in the never going to happen camp and here is why... I as many view this piece with the same regard as a DD or DD and Role would never put these into a SS piece IMO.

As for the YM2 this is in the professional line and the SS was bound to be released sooner or later. I was caught off guard that it had the stunning blue bezel however did anticipate its release eventually.

All being said I love the SD reference you posted a pic of in your original post

Thanks for your thoughts.

Originally Posted by DCgator

Agree 100% with dannyp + I love the SK specifically because it is different from any other Rolex out there. Some don't like it because it has a month a date but no day. I could say hthe same about a DD not having a month display, and because of its cost should have a month. Well no. It is a good looking watch, unique, and it is unmistakably a Rolex. My 2c.

very unique!

[zacharyrtyler]

I have a platona, WG skyd, explorer II, YG GMT master II, WG Sub, and SD, and the WG skyd gets the most wrist time. I initially bought it as a novelty but it's grown on me like none other and I now see it as truly a perfect watch. WG model is perfect aesthetically. Hate the incongruent black subdial against chocolate dial on RG/Strap model and the YG model would've been so much better with ivory dial and yellow roman's.

[fmc000]

Wow, great collection you have. Congrats.

Sent from my SGS using Tapatalk.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by zacharyrtyler

I initially bought it as a novelty but it's grown on me like none other and I now see it as truly a perfect watch.

You have to respect a man who buys a Sky Dweller as a novelty.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by DCgator

Some don't like it because it has a month a date but no day.

If the Sky Dweller had a day wheel, it'd have to be bigger and/or thicker and it's already at the limit of acceptability for a true dress watch--way beyond it in my book, but that's just me.

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by zacharyrtyler

I have a platona, WG skyd, explorer II, YG GMT master II, WG Sub, and SD, and the WG skyd gets the most wrist time. I initially bought it as a novelty but it's grown on me like none other and I now see it as truly a perfect watch. WG model is perfect aesthetically. Hate the incongruent black subdial against chocolate dial on RG/Strap model and the YG model would've been so much better with ivory dial and yellow roman's.

Stunning collection you have! Would love to see those lined up! I have to say I quite like the RG on strap and had been toying with the idea of picking one up but then the YMII got in the way. I'm curious about the WG on strap pictured above so now waiting to see it in person. Tks for your thoughts.

Originally Posted by fmc000

Wow, great collection you have. Congrats.

Sent from my SGS using Tapatalk.

Agree above re above poster!

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

You have to respect a man who buys a Sky Dweller as a novelty.

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

If the Sky Dweller had a day wheel, it'd have to be bigger and/or thicker and it's already at the limit of acceptability for a true dress watch--way beyond it in my book, but that's just me.

Thanks. Do you really think they didn't have space in the casing to fit a day wheel? Hard to believe when you see the PP and JOC annual calendars in 39mm cases... anyway, the point is that the day would have been a nice to have.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Do you really think they didn't have space in the casing to fit a day wheel? Hard to believe when you see the PP and JOC annual calendars in 39mm cases... anyway, the point is that the day would have been a nice to have.

I'm not a watchmaker and the watchmaker whom I used to get all the latest Rolex information from is no longer at my AD.

The new guy is excellent, but not as garrulous as Jordan was.

I think there are a couple of things to consider. One is what my dentist used to say and that is that "two things can't occupy the same space at the same time." Don't ask me why he always said that, but it had something to do with how teeth move about the mouth over time.

The other thing is that the Rolex has a completely different means of setting the watch than the watches you mentioned.

We might also consider that since the big watch movement began, I've noticed that movements are tiny compared to the cases they're in and the stems can be quite long.

So, whereas there may not have been a problem with the diameter of the watch, surely there would have been a necessity to put the day wheel above or below the month wheel.

So, that's why I thought there might be a matter of cramming everything into a watch that is comfortable to wear and isn't clownish in size.

I also think that Rolex didn't just get lazy and give up on putting a day wheel in the case. There must have been sound reasoning behind their decision.

Rolex doesn't have a history of laziness or stupidity.

[capote]

Many people said the YM2 would never be available is SS, with Rolex you never know.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Not sure I agree. Precious metal YMII have remained where they were in terms of pricing after SS was released.

While I haven't followed YMII prices, I would have guessed that the prestige hit came when the TT version was released. $18k price difference between that and the YG, vs only $7k difference between TT and SS.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I see the Sky-Dweller as a strong competitor (if not even THE competitor) to the "flagship" model Day-Date and Day-Date II... therefore I could never see it coming in steel.

Yes, there existed an ultra rare Day-Date in steel long time ago but it was only for a very, very short period (Ref. 651 and Ref. 6511/4, made on July 19, 1955. Only 6 made)

[AK797]

Originally Posted by DCgator

Agree 100% with dannyp + I love the SK specifically because it is different from any other Rolex out there. Some don't like it because it has a month a date but no day. I could say hthe same about a DD not having a month display, and because of its cost should have a month.

Nah, I don't want to buy a watch called a Day Month Date.

[zama]

I doubt the Skydweller will come in SS probably because it is more dress watch and arguably would not be a big hit SS anyway. I think the argument about value dropping because it is no longer "precious metal" is more hypothetical than real. People still buy Mercedes Benz S Classes even if Merc make cheaper models. Rolex made the call to bring back the Pepsi in Gold despite its history as a SS watch.....(sought of defeats the argument IMHO). If buyers who really really really want a precious metal Skydweller have the cash and have not done so within 3 years of launch I think having a SS one in the family wont change the decision much for Rolex, and worrying about second hand value for customers has never been much of a consideration for any company in the last 10 years.

[tomchicago]

Total profit = Quantity * profit per unit. How can you be so confident that keeping the Sky in precious metals maximizes this function? Ie, that higher volume would not more than make up for reduced per unit margin? How many suckers actually pay $35 -50k at the AD for a precious metal watch? And don't forget there is significant dealer margin in that price well beyond what Rolex actually gets.

Originally Posted by dannyp

Because it loses much of its exclusivity factor. Why is the DD considered so prestigious? It's not because of the date mechanism, it's because it is available solely in precious metal. A decade ago, it was the only men's size Rolex available in all platinum. And the YG "President" has become rather iconic. The DJ doesn't carry the same prestige, and my guess is because every Tom, Dick and Harry can probably save up for one if it's important enough, but at the price of a car, the DD is simply out of reach for most.

The price for the SD has to do with the complexity of the movement, the cost of the case/bracelet materials and the exclusivity of the watch. If it came in steel, chances are the precious metal variants would end up taking a hit (not in terms of MSRP but in terms of actual out-the-door prices).

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I'm not a watchmaker and the watchmaker whom I used to get all the latest Rolex information from is no longer at my AD.

The new guy is excellent, but not as garrulous as Jordan was.

I think there are a couple of things to consider. One is what my dentist used to say and that is that "two things can't occupy the same space at the same time." Don't ask me why he always said that, but it had something to do with how teeth move about the mouth over time.

The other thing is that the Rolex has a completely different means of setting the watch than the watches you mentioned.

We might also consider that since the big watch movement began, I've noticed that movements are tiny compared to the cases they're in and the stems can be quite long.

So, whereas there may not have been a problem with the diameter of the watch, surely there would have been a necessity to put the day wheel above or below the month wheel.

So, that's why I thought there might be a matter of cramming everything into a watch that is comfortable to wear and isn't clownish in size.

I also think that Rolex didn't just get lazy and give up on putting a day wheel in the case. There must have been sound reasoning behind their decision.

Rolex doesn't have a history of laziness or stupidity.

Thanks, Grady and I hear you. I'm sure Rolex could have figured it out if they wanted to. My only point was that they surley could have put a day feature in a 42mm case, but they obviously chose not to for whatever reason. The reason could have been that if this is really a dual timezone watch, it will be different days of the week in the two timezones the watch is tracking. Anyway, thanks for thoughts on this and be well.

Originally Posted by capote

Many people said the YM2 would never be available is SS, with Rolex you never know.

Yeah.. agree. That is my thinking/hope in any event.

Originally Posted by dannyp

While I haven't followed YMII prices, I would have guessed that the prestige hit came when the TT version was released. $18k price difference between that and the YG, vs only $7k difference between TT and SS.

Thanks. Not sure I follow you logic though. I still find the gold YMII prestigious/appealing. I don't love the WG YMII because of the lack of contrast with the bezel being platinum, but I'm sure it has its fans out there. The YG GMT or YG Sub doesn't have less prestige now because we have SS and TT models out there. Anyway, just my 2 cents. Be well.

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

I see the Sky-Dweller as a strong competitor (if not even THE competitor) to the "flagship" model Day-Date and Day-Date II... therefore I could never see it coming in steel.

Yes, there existed an ultra rare Day-Date in steel long time ago but it was only for a very, very short period (Ref. 651 and Ref. 6511/4, made on July 19, 1955. Only 6 made)

Thanks for that. It could be that is where Rolex sees the SkyD. In my mind though Rolex is trying to develop complication watches that are less of a tool watch than the traditional sports line-up and want to fill a slot in the pricing between the 10k and 20k+ range with new/complicated models. That's where the SS YMII sits for example.

Originally Posted by AK797

Nah, I don't want to buy a watch called a Day Month Date.

Originally Posted by zama

I doubt the Skydweller will come in SS probably because it is more dress watch and arguably would not be a big hit SS anyway. I think the argument about value dropping because it is no longer "precious metal" is more hypothetical than real. People still buy Mercedes Benz S Classes even if Merc make cheaper models. Rolex made the call to bring back the Pepsi in Gold despite its history as a SS watch.....(sought of defeats the argument IMHO). If buyers who really really really want a precious metal Skydweller have the cash and have not done so within 3 years of launch I think having a SS one in the family wont change the decision much for Rolex, and worrying about second hand value for customers has never been much of a consideration for any company in the last 10 years.

Agree in my part my friend. I think an SS SkyD could come one of these days. I don't think the SS YMII will be a huge seller, but that isn't the point or the reason why rolex released it in SS. Wait and see...

Originally Posted by tomchicago

Total profit = Quantity * profit per unit. How can you be so confident that keeping the Sky in precious metals maximizes this function? Ie, that higher volume would not more than make up for reduced per unit margin? How many suckers actually pay $35 -50k at the AD for a precious metal watch? And don't forget there is significant dealer margin in that price well beyond what Rolex actually gets.

Agreed. I think Rolex makes much more money from their SS watches as the volume is so much greater. Besides in the precious metal models you have the price of gold and processing of the same which is quite expensive therefore cutting margin.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by tomchicago

Total profit = Quantity * profit per unit. How can you be so confident that keeping the Sky in precious metals maximizes this function? Ie, that higher volume would not more than make up for reduced per unit margin? How many suckers actually pay $35 -50k at the AD for a precious metal watch? And don't forget there is significant dealer margin in that price well beyond what Rolex actually gets.

Well, I was speaking of prestige more than profits, though admit I got sidetracked with the latter. Clearly Rolex isn't interested only with finding where supply equals demand; remember the SS Daytona craze/shortage? Rolex could easily have upped production, yet chose not to because the hype was good for the brand.

Similarly, having certain models remain exclusive because one can only have them in precious metals is another way to do this.

There is also the possibility that Rolex did market research which suggests that enough of those who would pay what the SK would cost in SS would be willing to pay the extra for PM, in which case this is about profit maximization.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Thanks, Grady and I hear you. I'm sure Rolex could have figured it out if they wanted to. My only point was that they surley could have put a day feature in a 42mm case, but they obviously chose not to for whatever reason. The reason could have been that if this is really a dual timezone watch, it will be different days of the week in the two timezones the watch is tracking. Anyway, thanks for thoughts on this and be well.

Actually, I think you hit the nail on the head. Because it is not a typical annual calendar and keeps time in two time zones, a day complication would have been confusing at best and worthless at the worst.