Do you think Rolex should make a bronze or ceramic case watch?

[Onikage]

Bronze? We haven't used that for a while now. Doesn't steel sort of trump it in every metalurgical department? Don't rate ceramic much either.

[toph]

Suicide.
Rolex don't follow, they lead.

[Presa canary]

I'd dig a bronze rolex. Not sure which one, maybes it's so cool it hasn't been invented yet

[cedargrove]

I voted neither as I think they are gimmicky, but I do like titanium on larger watches (grade 5).

[ndsleep612]

Originally Posted by Fiery

The new 2014 IWC Aquatimer lineup made me think about the possibility of Rolex starting to use new case materials anytime soon. IMHO a ceramic watch would be against the "Rolex watches are rugged time pieces" principle, so it wouldn't happen anytime soon. But the bronze case may be interesting, although may be a bit confusing that (from a distance) it looks somewhat similar to Everose.

What do you think Rolex should do about case materials?

Rolex is a VERY conservative company. It took them 10+years just to introduce beefy lugs on the Subs and 42mm lug cases.

Stuff like ceramic and bronze is nice, but it's still gimmicky flash in the pan goods. Have you seen how fragile IWC ceramic cases are? Cracked ceramic cases on IWC watches can make any watch collector cry.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by AK797

And we all disliked the YM2 and Platona when they first came out...

Speak for yourself

[subtona]

Just no.

[mfer]

I would guess "not a snowballs chance in hell"

[zeroshiki]

maybe someday rolex will introduce a completely new material for cases.., or even use one of the popular materials(ceramic, etc). one thing for sure, rolex will SURELY name the material something else like their other names created(cerachrom, chomalight, rolesium, etc)

then again, newer materials does not mean better. the bronze, ceramic, composite, carbon, etc on various watches brands doesn't interest me much at all. stainless steel or precious metals are still the best for watch cases.

[Mystro]

Rolex might use a different material but they will wait a long time to see how more progressive manufactures designs do. Rolex moves at the speed of snail and is certainly not cutting edge in design or using advanced materials. Its just not their way. When Rolex is feeling artistic or daring with their designs is to add diamonds or switch up the color on a pre-existing watch.

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Rolex might use a different material but they will wait a long time to see how more progressive manufactures designs do. Rolex moves at the speed of snail and is certainly not cutting edge in design or using advanced materials. Its just not their way. When Rolex is feeling artistic or daring with their designs is to add diamonds or switch up the color on a pre-existing watch.

They made quite a few ground-breaking developments over the years! Most of the watch world follows what Rolex does, and outright copies are abundant. As for radical changes - it's hard to improve on something which is already so brilliant in every way. But, take a look at the newer complications released in recent years.

[BA211]

I am going to buck the consensus of the thread and say yes to bronze. A bronze sub/yachtmaster would be a thing of beauty with a nice patina over time. They should do one run. Limited production. It will sell like hotcakes and in time will be the must have collectors watch.

With a nice patina it will be THE understated, elegant, classic design casual weekend Rolex.