New Release
Miranda's comprehensive Baselworld 2012 report offers an invaluable historical snapshot of Rolex and Tudor's significant new releases, particularly the groundbreaking Sky-Dweller. This article provides crucial context for understanding Rolex's strategic direction in introducing complex complications and expanding its market reach beyond traditional enthusiasts. Miranda's insights into the target clientele for these new models remain highly relevant for collectors tracking brand evolution.
This year was a special year for Rolex. It's not often we see a brand new model from Rolex, the last being the Yachtmaster 2 in 2007. The new model draws inspriration from three existing classics, the GMT master, the Datejust and the Explorer 2. This is a new version of a two time zone watch.
Visually it looks like a slightly larger Datejust 2 at 42mm, with the classic signature fluted bezel on the Oyster bracelet in white gold as well as yellow gold or leather strap in the rose gold version.
the fluted bezel now had an additional purprose as well as being an aesthetic enhancement. The new bezel, known as "Ring Command" plays a key part in allowing easy adjustment of the home time, the second timezone as well as the annual calender. This is perhaps the most technical watch ever produced by Rolex.
technical features:
cal.9001 mvt with 72 hours power reserve,
14 patents, of which 5 are brand new
let us examine the raison de etre of this piece. One thing for sure it is not meant to be a watch to please those with a longing or fantasy of Paul Newmans or double red's. No..this is a piece with a firm clientele in mind, and most probably the huge majority of whom will not be reading this review, as they do not frequent watch blogs. No, they will be looking at lifestyle magazines. The clue, is in the ambassadors that have already avant premiere looked at this technical piece.
This is watch intended for those, who want a Rolex with a strong identity (is there any Rolex which is more recognisable than a Datejust?), but which offers the added benefit of the second travel time and also not having to change the date every month, with the exception of February of course. I see bankers, businessmen/women and professional athletes all wanting and indeed buying this piece. There may even be the odd WIS buying it 
As for the price, its entirely affordable by those that will want it..... it is almost the superior option to say a gold DJ2 or Day Date 2 (for those that travel a lot).
My opinions on this are that it does work. On the wrist it is different to the pictures. An interseting fact from a small town AD, the Yachtmaster 2, which I thought nobody would want, is one of his best sellers in all gold. The yellow gold version to be precise..and the clients, Yachtists? nope, Doctors, Lawyers and business people- not yachtists but golfists! Rolex is not so much a watch brand, it is a lifestyle statement. this is why the Sky Dweller will in my opinion reach for the skies! It is a clever complication, and will be a hit. Would I buy one? Well I'm not a golfist, I'm a WIS 
Will there be a bimetal or steel version? no word on this, but in my opinion, I think it will be kept exclusive, but who knows.
Then there was the re-invention of a classic icon, the Submariner non date. We should really call this just Submariner. The Submariner is the divers reference for me, right from the begining from the ref 6200/6204, this is the divers watch. Ofcourse most divers today wear this watch with a wool suit not a wet suit! My reactions, its what we expected, no more no less. But I am so happy I have my 2007 14060M. This watch will please some, but being so close to the Sub Date in price, I am not sure how the real world will see this piece.
Now my favorite Rolex from 2012...the new smooth bezel Datejust 2. There are a variety of dials available for this model, but no Jubilee bracelet as of yet. The look is superb classic Rolex, and is in the UK is priced around £4700.
I think that is good value in todays market. My only dilemma is what dial one would choose. This is going to be a monster hit. It really is that good.
The new Yachtmaster is a very subtle reworking of the original. The bracelet is new with the Easylink extension link and the bezel has been re-engineered. It now has 120 clicks to go around the full circumference. It is also now available with a stunning blue dial, at slightly less price than the platinum dial version. The bracelet is definately a huge improvement but as a fan of the blue lume, I am happy that it is available with chromalight.
I could definately see my self buying this new version in blue, but probably after some one else has enjoyed it first and save some hard earned ££
The bracelet is good improvement over the old model.
There was new Haute Joalliere 31mm Date just for ladies:
(thanks to my "assistant" for modelling LOL
there was spectacular EverRose Datejust. Now I admit it is not a watch we would admire from a watch collector perspective, but as piece of jewellery, it was superb. The diamond setting is awesome, especially those set around the edge. The diamonds are checked by a light mechanism to ensure they are set to perfection.
Black lacquer and diamond dial.
Tudor.
What an awesome year for Tudor dive watches. I have to say I was totally in love with both the Heritage "Black Bay" and the Pelagos.
First important information: The bezel on the production heritage does not shine like the press release pictures.
It is a wonderful burgundy matt finish. Why burgundy?? it is the colour of Tudor, just as Green is for Rolex. I love burgundy ( two of my cars are this colour!!) and green..luck guy!
Why not a triplock crown? Why put snowflake hands on this watch?
I asked both questions: the answer was simple and logical. This is a modern watch, not a re-creation of the past model. It draws inspiration fro all the previous models, BUT has to stand on its own two feet. This new creation does not have a large inheritance to live from..it has to earn its own money
and I like that....
The vintage leather strap is fabulous, and if you get the bracelet model, you can order the strap as well. I am tempted to get the strap for vintage Submariners!
Its a fabulous watch..brilliantly priced...100% Briliant and kudos to Tudor.
The Pelagos, is another fantastic piece. I fell in love with this straight away. Available with additional rubber strap, made in brushed titatium, 42mm case with gas escape valve and fantastic bracelet.
The bracelet features the classic extension link, but also has fine adjustment of about 3-5mm. It also has a unique spring mechanism (guaranteed to last for 15 years), which allows the bracelet clasp to shrink and expand over a wet suit depending how deep you are.
I loved the blue chromalight dial.....but the bezel..OMG, just like the bakelite bezels of the 6542 GMT Master and old Seamaster 300, the numerals and markers glow blue.
IT IS SUPERB.. I really can not put into words this watch. Once again Bravo Tudor
This message has been edited by imran in london on 2012-03-12 06:45:07 This message has been edited by imran in london on 2012-03-12 06:45:32
Hope you all enjoyed this report.
Best to all
Imran
The GMT Master reference 6542 was introduced in 1955 as a specialized tool watch for pilots. It is notable for its dual time zone complication, achieved through a rotating 24-hour bezel and an independently adjustable 24-hour hand. This reference marks the initial iteration of the GMT Master line, establishing the core functionality and aesthetic that would define subsequent models. Its development addressed the need for a watch capable of displaying multiple time zones simultaneously, a requirement that emerged with the advent of intercontinental air travel.
The 6542 features a 38mm stainless steel case, housing the automatic caliber 1036. This movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal and offers a water resistance of 50 meters. Early examples of the 6542 are distinguished by a Bakelite bezel insert, which was later replaced by an aluminum insert due to durability concerns. The dial is typically black, often featuring gilt printing on early examples.
This reference holds significance for collectors as the foundational model of the GMT Master series. Its distinct characteristics, particularly the early Bakelite bezels and specific dial configurations, are key points of interest. The 6542 represents the original design intent for a pilot's GMT watch, making it a reference point for understanding the evolution of the model line. Variants exist with different bezel materials and dial details, contributing to its collectibility.
The more I see the Black Bay, the more I am convinced that it is not a watch for me. Now, on your pics, I have the confirmation of waht I guessed: The indexes are circled! Another historical blashpemy. But you may be right, it may well not be for Vintage guys. The curious thing is that Tudor linked this watch to the original... Now, it seems that they say that the link is not that close... Strange... As for the Rolex offers, I can understand the No Date Sub... And the Yachtmaster, even if I stil
I am now desperate to try on the Sub and the two Tudors. Interesting faint praise for the Sub..... for me, i love the look of the new Sub and I like the evolution of where they took it. Maybe not far enough for some....but I am now eager to try it. I am with you on the Black Bay.... i think it has something and I think it is not a re-creation of the past....yes it has borrowed, but its not really a re-creation. Again...needs to be seen on the wrist. Great report and some "handy" photographs too.
although I do not like any of these watches , thanks for the photos , always nice to have a look. best crstn
especially with the live pics. Thanks for giving us a better view and feel for the watches. I guess we will have time to digest it all and come to some conclusion when we finally get our hands on them. cheers fernando
none provide enough inspiration to move me over ... yet Maybe when I finally see them in metal my mind will change. The only modern model in my list now is the Heritage Chrono. Regards Tyler
Fantastic report! You definitely made me change my mind on the Black Bay. It looks superb in your pictures. I agree with you on the DJ being a hit! I fell in love with it as soon as I saw the pics on the Rolex website. And, on the YM, I am surprised at how technical it looks! Another winner for sure. Thanks and I hope you had a great fair. Alex
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