For Those Complaining That Today's Releases Were Boring...

[emersm]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Both the Rolex & Tudor releases were better than I expected

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

^^

[jrs146]

I don’t have a problem
With the releases at all. Except I just bought a 116710BLNR recently and wish this had already come out. Oh well!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

Imagine these forums around when all they did were remove lug holes one year?

The servers would have been down for hours.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The forums were around, but the discussions were more cerebral.
I remember very well when the lug holes were deleted.
Some only expressed a little disappointment around the degree of difficulty regarding changing straps or simply removing a bracelet, but that was about the extent of it generally speaking.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by teck21

OP is right.

Releasing new and exciting references every year gets old very, very fast.

The release of entirely new and/or refreshed lines needs to be restrained, like supply in order to maintain buyer interest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This!

[tudk]

Conservative compared to what happened in September last year

[Chadridv]

Personally, I’m not complaining about anything, but in the past 5 years there have been several years I was extremely excited and pleased with the releases. This year is a disappointment. But as others have said, who cares, and to your point OP, it’s all About the long game.

Also, in defense of the crown, weren’t they closed down for probably 6+ months out of the year!? It couldn’t have been easy to pull much together with half the time gone.

[TheVTCGuy]

I Would call it disappointing. Think about it, there was a huge opportunity to introduce a brand new model, the 50th anniversary of the EX II. What was done? Practically nothing. Yes, they put a newer movement but the watch is basically the same. It was not too much of a stretch to get excited that a new watch would be released today, maybe 41, maybe a ceramic bezel, maybe a green 24 hour hand, who knows? But IMHO, Rolex just dropped the ball. We can’t have a new (42MM) Explorer every year, or a completely new model like the SkyDweller, but introducing a 50th anniversary model that hasn’t been changed in 10 years was a reasonable expectation and (again IMHO) would have been quite sought-after and exciting.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

It's the same thing every year--weeks of anticipation and speculation, followed by weeks of whining.

More often than not, the watches that are complained about the most, turn out to be some of the more popular in the long term.

I don't know why so many people take it so seriously.

Some people can't seem to handle the fact that Rolex makes watches that they don't like, as if an AD is going to ambush them on the street, wrestle them into the store, and force them to buy the watch they hate the most.

Best post. Completely agree.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I Would call it disappointing. Think about it, there was a huge opportunity to introduce a brand new model, the 50th anniversary of the EX II. What was done? Practically nothing. Yes, they put a newer movement but the watch is basically the same. It was not too much of a stretch to get excited that a new watch would be released today, maybe 41, maybe a ceramic bezel, maybe a green 24 hour hand, who knows? But IMHO, Rolex just dropped the ball. We can’t have a new (42MM) Explorer every year, or a completely new model like the SkyDweller, but introducing a 50th anniversary model that hasn’t been changed in 10 years was a reasonable expectation and (again IMHO) would have been quite sought-after and exciting.

Completley agree. It's already 10 yrs old model, good chance to change it. I'm not in favor of ceramic bezel or green text but something else. The more pertinent point is to having teasers for Explorer II. Why do we need teaser for basically same watch? If the teaser was for 2-tone Explorer it made sense but then why hype Explorer II everywhere without having real deal and then deliver with just movement upgrade.

[nervosa1901]

Originally Posted by 904VT

It’s been too long since a new model introduction that included a new complication. Rolex needs to build out the Cellini line. Add a double spilt chronograph with power reserve as a start. Refreshes are always a little boring

They cannot satisfy demand for watches that have been out for YEARS and you make this suggestion? As others have said, "refreshes" are what make Rolex who they are. Anyone at odds with this philosophy ought to seek out another brand, eh?

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by RolexSimon

Not sure I get that sentiment.
1. 36 Explorer - the "classic" everyone missed to replace the not-so classical 39.
2. Option of jubilee or oyster on GMT - great.
3. Option of oyster or jubilee on Sky-dweller - masterstroke!
4. Daytona meteorite - what's not to like? I've already put my name down.
5. New dials on DJ - love the palms but shame its not on the smaller DJ.
6. TT Explorer - OK, not for my taste but some may love it.
7. Adjustments to Explorer II - remove the "ghost" hand and improve the movement - nothing bad just not as radical a change as many had predicted.

As everyone has said, Rolex evolves slowly with no big moves every year.
It's disappointing they didn't do more IMHO but definitely all positive moves in the right direction and not bad at all.

Yes, most of that is “bad” IMO.

* Explorer: Bad. One can’t claim a heritage downsizing then destroy that heritage with a TT version. Imagine Hillary and Norgay on Everest with a TT Rolex? Moreover, with OP being at 41, the Explorer makes even less sense now that the heritage is trashed.

* Explorer II: Bad. The watch itself is fine, but this was a 50th anniversary year that was hyped by Rolex. They totally wasted the opportunity to do something special. What did they do instead? They made the black model more generic by swapping the matte dial for a glossy GMT dial and got rid of the phantom hand. Oh, and they finally swapped in the movement that’s been around for a few years.

* new DJ dial: Bad. Compared to the subtle imagery of GS nature dials, this leaf dial is far too literal.

* bracelet options: Boring. Why boring? Because this doesn’t qualify as a “release” IMO. It’s just a bracelet. Hardly something to get excited about. At least Rolex is righting a wrong with the GMT, even if the SS oyster Pepsi is now a homage of the OG WG Pepsi GMT. But, yeah, the Sky-Dweller on jubilee looks good.

* Daytona meteorite: by far the winner of this year. It’s really nice on Oysterflex and I would take this over the 519. Again, though, this is just a dial... and they’ve been doing meteorite dial for a long time, so it is boring (even if it is well done).

* brighter blue YM (one you didn’t mention): looks good in pictures, but would have to see it in person. I always thought the previous dark blue dial contrasted too much with the light bezel. The brighter blue looks like it could be more harmonious.

[usmc_k9_vet]

Originally Posted by RolexSimon

Not sure I get that sentiment.
1. 36 Explorer - the "classic" everyone missed to replace the not-so classical 39.
2. Option of jubilee or oyster on GMT - great.
3. Option of oyster or jubilee on Sky-dweller - masterstroke!
4. Daytona meteorite - what's not to like? I've already put my name down.
5. New dials on DJ - love the palms but shame its not on the smaller DJ.
6. TT Explorer - OK, not for my taste but some may love it.
7. Adjustments to Explorer II - remove the "ghost" hand and improve the movement - nothing bad just not as radical a change as many had predicted.

As everyone has said, Rolex evolves slowly with no big moves every year.
It's disappointing they didn't do more IMHO but definitely all positive moves in the right direction and not bad at all.

I agree with this. I like the new releases. They also just released more back in September 2020. I don’t know how much people are expecting.

I would have liked to see an updated Explorer II with green GMT hand and some text and the green sapphire of the Milgauss, possibly both a black and white dial. That would have been cool and they could have kept the “standard” Explorer II black and white dial models that they just updated as well. That would have been cool, but oh well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wuyeah]

I’ll use painter Henri J.F. Rousseau’s work to describe Rolex’s release this year.

It is monkey business.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by slfkjasldfj

I feel like this was the most Rolex release that Rolex could have done. Rolex makes small incremental technical improvements over long periods of time with a view for the long game only. The reason that Rolex is the insane brand it is today is because it has never made a great miss-step with a launch.

Can other watch companies with flashy releases this year say the same?

The entire Rolex catalog is slightly stronger today than it was yesterday which seems like their plan. If they had released a green and black Explorer II with a ceramic bezel would that somehow have been better than just a superior version of what we already had?

Am I totally wrong here?

Yes. The releases were boring and more designed by Rolex to get customers to buy sizes and metals than they otherwise would, and not to necessarily give Rolex fans what they want.

No one was asking for a two-tone Explorer, but it seems like Rolex is trying to get customers to spend more money, just as it did with the two-tone Seadweller (no one was asking for that or saw that coming). And, if the new blue and green dials were offered on the 41 rather than the 36, the DJ 41 would be on fire. But Rolex offers more dials on the 36 to get more customers to buy 36s, maybe as a second watch to a larger DJ or sports model?

[richydave99]

Not boring just didn't live up to expectations.

[usmc_k9_vet]

Originally Posted by No SUBctitute

Yes. The releases were boring and more designed by Rolex to get customers to buy sizes and metals than they otherwise would, and not to necessarily give Rolex fans what they want.

No one was asking for a two-tone Explorer, but it seems like Rolex is trying to get customers to spend more money, just as it did with the two-tone Seadweller (no one was asking for that or saw that coming). And, if the new blue and green dials were offered on the 41 rather than the 36, the DJ 41 would be on fire. But Rolex offers more dials on the 36 to get more customers to buy 36s, maybe as a second watch to a larger DJ or sports model?

No one needs a two tone Submariner, GMT Master II, or many other models that are two tone either.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by msu_1972

Boring or not, for the most part the average Joe won't be able to get their hands on any of it.

Maybe the 36mm datejust with the palm leaves on it, or that shocking TT explorer

[jamesbondOO7]

I think those new DJ dials are so nice, I want to cry.

[Oxfordian]

The latest releases were not to the same level as those in September 2020. This year has not seen any major redesign other than the removal of the 39mm Explorer and replacing it with the 36mm Explorer. Not sure where those people who find a 36mm watch small go if they want the look of the Explorer 1 but don't want an Explorer II. If the 3,6,9 Explorer dial had been available in the new OP41 then that may have been an alternative direction.

Sure there were some new dial variations and the bracelet for the GMT but in reality Rolex was very quiet almost subdued IMHO.

[SS Oyster]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Honestly I think people are being too harsh. I think the new dials for the DJs are nice!

Sure for the baby sizes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SS Oyster]

Snooze-fest for Rolex. What a disservice when they blew off the Explorer II’s 50th birthday :(


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rori]

Originally Posted by slfkjasldfj

I feel like this was the most Rolex release that Rolex could have done. Rolex makes small incremental technical improvements over long periods of time with a view for the long game only. The reason that Rolex is the insane brand it is today is because it has never made a great miss-step with a launch.

Can other watch companies with flashy releases this year say the same?

The entire Rolex catalog is slightly stronger today than it was yesterday which seems like their plan. If they had released a green and black Explorer II with a ceramic bezel would that somehow have been better than just a superior version of what we already had?

Am I totally wrong here?

Fully agree.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[msu_1972]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Maybe the 36mm datejust with the palm leaves on it, or that shocking TT explorer

Maybe you're right.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Why change what works; most of the Rolex catalog is sought after. Perhaps the Exp 1 was under selling. Strange to see it cut and the 36mm introduced in TT and retained in SS. Maybe that says something about the large watch trend. Not too certain about the new dials and diamond watches. Perhaps it's the Rolex way of getting more bang for the build. Nothing new that I want that's for certain or have I missed something!!!

Well said; I like the new dials but 36 is too small for me; wish they had included on 41's.

[turkeysub93]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Yes, most of that is “bad” IMO.

* Explorer: Bad. One can’t claim a heritage downsizing then destroy that heritage with a TT version. Imagine Hillary and Norgay on Everest with a TT Rolex? Moreover, with OP being at 41, the Explorer makes even less sense now that the heritage is trashed.

* Explorer II: Bad. The watch itself is fine, but this was a 50th anniversary year that was hyped by Rolex. They totally wasted the opportunity to do something special. What did they do instead? They made the black model more generic by swapping the matte dial for a glossy GMT dial and got rid of the phantom hand. Oh, and they finally swapped in the movement that’s been around for a few years.

* new DJ dial: Bad. Compared to the subtle imagery of GS nature dials, this leaf dial is far too literal.

* bracelet options: Boring. Why boring? Because this doesn’t qualify as a “release” IMO. It’s just a bracelet. Hardly something to get excited about. At least Rolex is righting a wrong with the GMT, even if the SS oyster Pepsi is now a homage of the OG WG Pepsi GMT. But, yeah, the Sky-Dweller on jubilee looks good.

* Daytona meteorite: by far the winner of this year. It’s really nice on Oysterflex and I would take this over the 519. Again, though, this is just a dial... and they’ve been doing meteorite dial for a long time, so it is boring (even if it is well done).

* brighter blue YM (one you didn’t mention): looks good in pictures, but would have to see it in person. I always thought the previous dark blue dial contrasted too much with the light bezel. The brighter blue looks like it could be more harmonious.

Blue dial YM looks the same on the Rolex website...or am I missing something?

[Cagwolf]

I don't find them boring although some were bad but overall the releases were nice! The dials on the DJs are stunning IMO.

[slugworth]

Rolex/Tudor is having an identity crisis. On the upside, vintage has never been more attractive...

[WalterE]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Maybe that says something about the large watch trend. Not too certain about the new dials and diamond watches. Perhaps it's the Rolex way of getting more bang for the build. Nothing new that I want that's for certain or have I missed something!!!

I think it simply underlines how much more important the Asian market and demographic is to Rolex’s market today compared to the traditional US and European markets. 36mm and PM combinations are much more important for success in those markets than the traditional die-hard SS tool watch Western fan.

Makes perfect sense... And explains the apparent disconnect / contradictions

Rolex knows very well what it’s doing

[Shadow Play]

Originally Posted by Spartacus

Very happy here, happy for Rolex doing Rolex things.

People not happy, check out Omega!

Exactly, so many variations and limited editions with Omega. Not my cup of tea but each to their own. Strange thing is you can buy just about any Omega you want.

[knighty88]

Originally Posted by turkeysub93

Blue dial YM looks the same on the Rolex website...or am I missing something?

I don’t think you’re missing anything, it looks identical to me too.