Rolex 2013 Novelties: Daytona, GMT-Master II

Baron - Mr Red · 2013-05-23T13:00:21Z

Hands-on review of Rolex's 2013 novelties: Platinum Daytona with blue dial and brown bezel, and the GMT-Master II 'Batman' with black and blue ceramic bezel.

Baron - Mr Red

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Baron - Mr Red shares his hands-on impressions of Rolex's 2013 novelties, specifically the Platinum Daytona and the GMT-Master II 'Batman.' This article offers a candid, personal review, exploring the tactile experience and aesthetic impact of these new releases. His unique cultural perspective on color combinations provides an engaging and humorous lens through which to evaluate Rolex's latest offerings.

I was fortunate enough to get an invite to the Watches of Switzerland Basel & Geneva event that was held on Tuesday 21st May. The invitation was particularly welcome as it was one where the watches that have just been released could not only be seen but also handled and worn to get a real feel for what it is like. I have to say, there are so many watches that i like the look of but then when I try them on, it goes flat and empty. Different watches suit different people. So this really was an opportunity to play! There were two watches, in particular, that I wanted to try. Now, being a newbie Mod, I brought my DSLR to London so that i could get excellent scans. But, being a newbie Mod with only 3 brain cells, I forgot to take the camera to teh event....so only phone-cam...and not great scans. Sorry!!

The first watch on for me was the Daytona. Platinum. Very heavy....one really feels the weight of this watch. Now, this is just a personal reflection, but I love that feeling of weight. On the wrist it feels good.

But what about that dial?

Ok, the blue is quite special. It catches the light in a number of different ways and it is quite subtle. I quite liked the dial. It does not have the same enigmatic nature that the 5070P has, for example, but it is still very attractive. However, lets now get to the brown dial.....and before I start, let me accept that this says more about me than it does the watch.....

First of all, I am British. I went to a very traditional school and my first job out of university was at a very old and very traditional City of London firm. When I turned up for work with the other graduates on the first day, it was made very clear to us that we were expected to dress in a certain way. However, there was one absolutely golden rule......never wear brown shoes with a blue suit. Blue suit HAD to be accompanied by Black shoes. I was instructed that brown shoes were not only poor show, but it indicated poor schooling and even a poor upbringing. Brown shoes and blue suits....absolutely NO. This was a combination that we could expect from the continentals, but not from the British. That was 26 years ago.......

So, now we have that mental norming issue out of the way, I guess you will understand that I am circumspect about the brown bezel. I am looking at it just willing it to look black. But it doesn't. It looks brown. And the dial is blue. Oh heavens, this is a no-win situation for me. I am sure that for those who were not conditioned like myself, brown and blue is a combination that can work. It certainly stands out in a crowd.......Sorry Miranda, I just can't get the insert. The dial? Yes.....with a black insert it would be uber-cool. With brown....uhm....sorry.

Uhm....I think I will move on to the GMT.

Now here we are talking.......

Bezel: Black AND Blue....tickbox. Yeah, this is something even Old School British could handle.

It feels like a very well put-together Rolex. This watch is all about the bezel. And it does not disappoint. No scan that I have seen so far has done justice to the nature of the blue. It is really alive. The lume has a blue hew to it, which is a great touch, and of course the cool blue hand. When I saw the original releases from Rolex, I said at the time that my gut instinct was that the GMT was the show-winner. Having had them on the wrist, I can say that gut-instinct is a good thing! I think it looks even better in real life than on any scan.

Sorry...sorry.....sorry about the quality of the scans!!

This message has been edited by Baron on 2013-05-23 13:05:21

Key Points from the Discussion

The author's cultural conditioning regarding color combinations (e.g., brown shoes with a blue suit) influences his perception of the Daytona's brown bezel and blue dial, highlighting how personal background can filter aesthetic judgment.
The Platinum Daytona's weight is a significant tactile feature, making it feel substantial on the wrist, though some find it excessively heavy.
The GMT-Master II 'Batman' with its black and blue bezel is widely appreciated, with the blue color described as very 'alive' and needing to be seen in person.
The Platinum Daytona's blue dial is considered special, catching light in various subtle ways, but the brown bezel remains a point of contention for some.
The author humorously suggests that if the Daytona had a black bezel, it would be stunning, indicating a preference for more traditional color pairings.
The GMT-Master II 'Batman' is seen as a cool offering, with some preferring it over the all-black ceramic insert, and a red and blue bezel combination is wished for if technically feasible.

The Discussion

amanico

May 23, 2013

How can you forget the camera??? When you are a mod, you have to sleep with your camera, to go everywhere with your camera, you never know! ;) Ok lesson learned. Back to the 2 watches you showed, now: The Plat Dayto, well, I need some good pakistani grass to love it. Honestly, I don't get it. As for the GMT, now that is something different. I loved the 116 710 with the all blakc dermaic insert, I find this one cool. Will have prefer this one to the black insert, I don't think so. But at least, t

Baron - Mr Red

May 23, 2013

.....except I know you are being (correctly) insulting!! I know..I know!!! Honestly, if the Dayto had a black bezel, I think it would have been stunning.

amanico

May 23, 2013

While I am seriously thinking about adding a modern GMT... As well, perhaps, the blue YM. Best, my dear friend. Nicolas

Baron - Mr Red

May 23, 2013

.....at that price there would be many wishlists filled. I am not thinking price on it....rather just how cool it would have been!! But its not. The blue on the GMT is very alive.... you need to see My guess is next year sees Black and Red.

amanico

May 23, 2013

As soon as possible... Best, Nicolas, intrigued.

Fricks

May 23, 2013

.... never thought about this before. How to format our history and culture to see things with new eyes. Reminds me of my father always telling me that gold watches were vulgar and diamonds were just for women. Interesting how some things stay hidden inside us and play like a filter in our perception of things. Now that being said, i find that daytona stunning! If you ask me, black goes only with black white and grey. The brown is a good combo with blue in my book. Now what i cannot see on your

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