ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Nav01L · 15 November 2012, 05:17 AM

As I can't help myself but to look at the Rolex catalog trying to convince myself that I really should stop wanting/purchasing what's in there, I came across the page repeatedly where the DSSD is portrayed... And something on that page always bothered me. I couldn't put the finger on it initially but once I noticed, it couldn't have been more obvious. It is the date.

The DSSD is a watch on which everything is oriented and optimized for the purpose of deep diving. It is as function-driven as no other watch and nothing has been compromised... Or has it, because one got to wonder... Does one really need to sacrifice a lume marker in order to know what the date is, all while diving in the Mariana Trench? It sort of seems incoherent... Or is it just me?

jay1988 · 15 November 2012, 05:29 AM

It's a marketing gimmick.

We know that most Deepsea owners don't dive to crazy depths with them and so do Rolex.

Showing some pictures of it deep underwater has a better effect than showing a picture of David Beckham wearing one courtside at a Lakers game.

Most GMT owners aren't pilots, most sub/DSSD owners aren't divers and most Daytona owners aren't race car drivers. Every Rolex line has a corresponding activity which has long lost the need for the assistance of a high priced mechanical watch. These activities use very precise digital equipment now. They know that and we know that but I still like the way they market their watches. I like thinking of my Sub as a divers watch instead of what it is, a piece of jewellery.

masterserg · 15 November 2012, 05:32 AM

Yeah, nothing wrong with living vicariously through my watch :)

JJL · 15 November 2012, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nav01L

As I can't help myself but to look at the Rolex catalog trying to convince myself that I really should stop wanting/purchasing what's in there, I came across the page repeatedly where the DSSD is portrayed... And something on that page always bothered me. I couldn't put the finger on it initially but once I noticed, it couldn't have been more obvious. It is the date.

The DSSD is a watch on which everything is oriented and optimized for the purpose of deep diving. It is as function-driven as no other watch and nothing has been compromised... Or has it, because one got to wonder... Does one really need to sacrifice a lume marker in order to know what the date is, all while diving in the Mariana Trench? It sort of seems incoherent... Or is it just me?

I suppose that is a fair point, however this is nothing new. For example, the SD4000 has always had the date, going back decades.

I think when it really comes down to it, Rolex SD wearers are going to be checking their watch for the date, more often than diving in the Mariana Trench - catch my drift? :)

Bangel · 15 November 2012, 05:38 AM

You make a good thought provoking point.

Maybe it's like some high performance cars which are marketed as track ready yet docile enough to double as a daily driver with all the creature comforts.

I guess with the DSSD you have a watch you can take down to the Mariana Trench, yet it's still practical enough to wear everyday because it has a date function?

Monte Cristo · 15 November 2012, 05:50 AM

Date on a DSSD is like having a SatNav in a Ferrari...not an problem.

Rashid.bk · 15 November 2012, 06:00 AM

It's just you. In fact the lack of that said marker is also an easy orientation reference for the dial. Also, underwater isn't the only use the watch, we don't live there. We first have to live a life on land where eventually you a make a plan to go diving.
Any true diver or anyone with employment under water spends a fraction, minuscule amount of their life in water compared to land.
With that, I want the date function, wouldn't buy the watch without it.

Chewbacca · 15 November 2012, 06:02 AM

try a 114060 for size... that may be the compromise.

Nav01L · 15 November 2012, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

try a 114060 for size... that may be the compromise.

I did and I really liked it... If I didn't want to go for a white EX ll as my next watch, the 114060 might have been the one on top of my shortlist.

Anyhow, I still think in an effort of purity, a dateless DSSD might have been nice. Fully understand the day to day advantage of having the date function, but still. After all, the Daytona and EX I don't have date functions either.

c.rod · 15 November 2012, 07:38 AM

i need the date on a watch. i always forget... :)

Kahler · 15 November 2012, 07:38 AM

When you're doing a saturation dive (the only place you really need a DSSD), and are stuck in the compression chambers for over one month, it might be nice to know what day it is :)

DIVER4USN · 15 November 2012, 08:30 AM

Kahler is correct. The DSSD Is more of a saturation diving watch, than a watch for recreational dives. Most of the time spent in a typical saturation dive, is spent in a dry decompression chamber (enter date function). Additionally... no one is diving the Mariana's Trench; no watch needed.

Lrd2sea · 15 November 2012, 10:06 AM

Good point.
Since you mentioned, maybe place the date window at the 4:30 or 1: 30 location could have served better purpose?

15 November 2012, 05:17 AM	#1
Nav01L "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Fred Location: Zurich Posts: 2,697	Just wondering about one thing (DSSD) As I can't help myself but to look at the Rolex catalog trying to convince myself that I really should stop wanting/purchasing what's in there, I came across the page repeatedly where the DSSD is portrayed... And something on that page always bothered me. I couldn't put the finger on it initially but once I noticed, it couldn't have been more obvious. It is the date. The DSSD is a watch on which everything is oriented and optimized for the purpose of deep diving. It is as function-driven as no other watch and nothing has been compromised... Or has it, because one got to wonder... Does one really need to sacrifice a lume marker in order to know what the date is, all while diving in the Mariana Trench? It sort of seems incoherent... Or is it just me? __________________ Greetings from Switzerland Remember, the dignity you surrender at your AD‘s doorstep will never be recovered by wearing the watch he may get you.

15 November 2012, 05:32 AM	#3
masterserg "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Serg Location: US of A Watch: AP Posts: 7,437	Yeah, nothing wrong with living vicariously through my watch :) __________________ How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat????

15 November 2012, 05:50 AM	#6
Monte Cristo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Sydney Watch: ing you... Posts: 3,775	Date on a DSSD is like having a SatNav in a Ferrari...not an problem. __________________ 'I am easily satisfied with the very best' - Winston Churchill

15 November 2012, 05:29 AM	#2
jay1988 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Midlands Posts: 1,515	It's a marketing gimmick. We know that most Deepsea owners don't dive to crazy depths with them and so do Rolex. Showing some pictures of it deep underwater has a better effect than showing a picture of David Beckham wearing one courtside at a Lakers game. Most GMT owners aren't pilots, most sub/DSSD owners aren't divers and most Daytona owners aren't race car drivers. Every Rolex line has a corresponding activity which has long lost the need for the assistance of a high priced mechanical watch. These activities use very precise digital equipment now. They know that and we know that but I still like the way they market their watches. I like thinking of my Sub as a divers watch instead of what it is, a piece of jewellery.

15 November 2012, 05:38 AM	#5
Bangel "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Australia Watch: 116610LN Posts: 15,802	You make a good thought provoking point. Maybe it's like some high performance cars which are marketed as track ready yet docile enough to double as a daily driver with all the creature comforts. I guess with the DSSD you have a watch you can take down to the Mariana Trench, yet it's still practical enough to wear everyday because it has a date function?

15 November 2012, 06:00 AM	#7
Rashid.bk "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas Watch: 12800ft = 3900m Posts: 11,173	It's just you. In fact the lack of that said marker is also an easy orientation reference for the dial. Also, underwater isn't the only use the watch, we don't live there. We first have to live a life on land where eventually you a make a plan to go diving. Any true diver or anyone with employment under water spends a fraction, minuscule amount of their life in water compared to land. With that, I want the date function, wouldn't buy the watch without it.

15 November 2012, 06:02 AM	#8
Chewbacca Banned Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: CJ Location: Kashyyyk Watch: Kessel Run Chrono Posts: 21,112	try a 114060 for size... that may be the compromise.

15 November 2012, 07:38 AM	#10
c.rod "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Midwest Posts: 1,252	i need the date on a watch. i always forget... :)

15 November 2012, 07:38 AM	#11
Kahler "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sweden Watch: 116610LN Posts: 15	When you're doing a saturation dive (the only place you really need a DSSD), and are stuck in the compression chambers for over one month, it might be nice to know what day it is :)

15 November 2012, 08:30 AM	#12
DIVER4USN "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: JASON Location: Chesapeake, VA Watch: 116660 Posts: 183	Kahler is correct. The DSSD Is more of a saturation diving watch, than a watch for recreational dives. Most of the time spent in a typical saturation dive, is spent in a dry decompression chamber (enter date function). Additionally... no one is diving the Mariana's Trench; no watch needed.

15 November 2012, 10:06 AM	#13
Lrd2sea "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: everywhere Posts: 252	Good point. Since you mentioned, maybe place the date window at the 4:30 or 1: 30 location could have served better purpose?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)