Case on Ceramic Bezel Submariner

[surillious]

I did a couple of searches, but could not come up with an answer as to why the case on the new ceramic Submariner changed. Several people noted that the watch case is wider where it meets the bracelet than it used to be, and looking at pictures, it does nothing for me.

Since the watch case in not more water resistant on the new ceramic bezel Submariner, why change the proportions?

[JBat]

The Super Case is what you'll find on the GMTIIc. It seems to be the direction Rolex is headed, albeit slowly. Some like it some don't. I love the GMT, but can see why people prefer the older cases. They just seem to flow a little better, especially at the lugs. That said, I wouldn't trade my GMT for just about anything.

[The GMT Master]

Agreed, it's just Rolex's latest take on sports watches, and a general concession to the "big watch" trend without changing the case dimensions drastically. Just a case of smoke and mirrors really

[thesharkfactor]

im not a fan of the new cases at all. for me, the lugs are too wide..but worst of all, with the new crown guards, makes them look like bad replicas of thier former versions.

[wantonebad]

Amen!!

hate is a strong word but I hate the super-case

[lwrm23]

Do you think the reason for larger lugs associated with the block cases is for a longer life span of the case? For instance, more polishing?

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by lwrm23

Do you think the reason for larger lugs associated with the block cases is for a longer life span of the case? For instance, more polishing?

Not IMHO, there are plenty of vintage pieces that have survived multiple polishings by pros, and you can still over polish a super-case if you don't know what you're doing

[Bullyterrier]

Originally Posted by lwrm23

Do you think the reason for larger lugs associated with the block cases is for a longer life span of the case? For instance, more polishing?

How much polishing do plan doing?

[thesharkfactor]

i doubt it.. for the same reason cars rust and washing machines break down.. they dont last forever and have to be replaced.

[surillious]

Thanks for the clarification. I guess I'm just a little disappointed that there seems to be no real reason for the change.

All the other changes made recently 1) ceramic bezel insert 2) new clasp, seem to be grounded in raising the quality standards, and giving customers what they desire. While my Rolex experience is limited, I not aware of any posts where there were complains about the old lugs not being wide enough.

I could totally see it if the bracelet were going to be widened too (a proportions thing), but since that isn't the case I am left perplexed.

[mike]

Originally Posted by lwrm23

Do you think the reason for larger lugs associated with the block cases is for a longer life span of the case? For instance, more polishing?

I don't think so. Rolex is, in it's own way, moving in the direction of slightly larger watches.

It's something that isn't out of the ordinary though. If one looks at the evolution of the GMT (as well as others) the watches have grown larger. The 6542 was in the area of 37/38 mm before the 1675s 40mm thin case, then the thicker 16760,etc....

[surillious]

Originally Posted by mike

If one looks at the evolution of the GMT (as well as others) the watches have grown larger. The 6542 was in the area of 37/38 mm before the 1675s 40mm thin case, then the thicker 16760,etc....

Interesting. Would that lead you to believe that eventually the bracelet will be widened? Perhaps a 42mm thin case with a 21/22mm bracelet at the lugs?

That is a proposition I could get behind because I feel the proportions would be more like on the current (non-ceramic) version.

Thanks for the info...now I have something new to ponder.

[mike]

Originally Posted by surillious

Interesting. Would that lead you to believe that eventually the bracelet will be widened? Perhaps a 42mm thin case with a 21/22mm bracelet at the lugs?

That is a proposition I could get behind because I feel the proportions would be more like on the current (non-ceramic) version.

Thanks for the info...now I have something new to ponder.

It is an interesting proposition, but I think Rolex has the die cast for the new SS Sub. Had they decided to follow the lead of the DSSD and increase the lug width I would have guessed it would have started with the gold and TT models.

[lwrm23]

How much would you think a new GMT or Submariner case would cost?? I am talking about the new block cases...

[ingoodtime]

Originally Posted by JBat

The Super Case is what you'll find on the GMTIIc. It seems to be the direction Rolex is headed, albeit slowly. Some like it some don't. I love the GMT, but can see why people prefer the older cases. They just seem to flow a little better, especially at the lugs. That said, I wouldn't trade my GMT for just about anything.

My GMT has a problem. It never wants to leave my wrist! My poor poor sub is crying allot now! A little sibling rivalry!

[Luxe Time]

The new case is most likely used to balance the heavier and slightly bulkier ceramic bezel and remain proportionate with the rest of the watch. To me it looks slightly less refined however this does add to the size perception of the watch. Just like a car manufacturer tweaking a car's body style, Rolex modified the case.

Another thought: Perhaps the case was changed so that the new ceramic bezel will not be interchangeable with the current 16610 bezel. This would prevent bezel swaps and encourage consumers to buy the new model.

[dalip]

I am a big fan of the new cases...and cannot wait for the new SS sub
+ agree with Chris above: it's seems to be a concession to the bigger watch trend in Rolex's way

[the KING]

it won't be polished bracelet but with new adjustable clasps.

[Bullyterrier]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Agreed, it's just Rolex's latest take on sports watches, and a general concession to the "big watch" trend without changing the case dimensions drastically. Just a case of smoke and mirrors really

I agree with Chris, I am not a fan of the larger cases, but no doubt in a few years time it will be the norm and we will probably look back and think how small and skinny the old watches were.

[rolexnovice]

Originally Posted by surillious

Since the watch case in not more water resistant on the new ceramic bezel Submariner, why change the proportions?

Good question.

I can't wait to see the SS Sub next year to find out!

[Speed]

Watches, cars, guitars etc. Each mfg changes their models from time to time.

No avoiding it. Like death and taxes, eh?

[Tools]

I think that with the success of the GMT II ceramic and it's block case, Rolex won't have any trouble selling every ceramic Sub they make..


Much as I dislike the block cases, it's going be awfully hard for me to pass one up.......

[cobblecanyon]

I love all the new upgrades Rolex has to offered,,,,evolution is a beautiful thing IMHO.

[rickyslam]

Originally Posted by cobblecanyon

I love all the new upgrades Rolex has to offered,,,,evolution is a beautiful thing IMHO.

x2

[multimedia]

I like the new cases and I think it's only natural for a manufacturer to take the next step when it comes to product development. Sure, one might not like everything that comes out of each and every factory, but I personally for sure like it much better when a brand changes things around here and there, instead of just playing it safe year after year after year... what's the fun in that?

Cheers,
Joe