brandon.c
161
I may be turning into a Luddite
I typically get pretty excited about new movement advancements, but I don't find this movement very exciting. With the escapement design fundamentally requiring it to be a MEMS device, I can't help but find it more comparable to the gyroscope in my phone rather than a typical Swiss lever escapement that at least has the potential to have a human hand in its manufacturing (even if that is often not the case). I am also imagining (but probably wrong) that this must be extraordinarily cheap to produce given the prices of much more sophisticated MEMS devices manufactured using the same techniques.
I am in favor of things like silicon hairsprings, even if they are not artisanal, as the amagnetic properties are a notable livability improvement. But if it is a new architectural design that can only be produced via some microscopic lithography process, I can't help but find it is lacking some of the vibe I am looking for from the watches I collect.
Of course, I have only a basic understanding of this movement or MEMS manufacturing, so I will certainly change my opinion on the subject. However, I was surprised at myself for how unimpressed I was when reading about this new and novel movement architecture.
Rolex Land Dweller 7135 Movement: The Most Advanced Movement In The World!
Moderator Patrick_y celebrates Rolex's achievement in creating the most Advanced Movement In The World! When we use the word "Advanced" in the watch space, it is usually defined as pioneering construction methods or pioneering materials. This is not to be...
Go to this Thread!
This thread talks about the strange naming choice... www.watchprosite.com
Maybe City Dweller would have been a better fit
In any case, it’s an interesting watch… I like the case style
They did step it up huge in the movement side of things.
Glad they will do exhibition case back as well. However, like you suggest, I believe the movement details and advancements will be lost on many leaving most questioning the price differential with OP etc.
I may be turning into a Luddite
I typically get pretty excited about new movement advancements, but I don't find this movement very exciting. With the escapement design fundamentally requiring it to be a MEMS device, I can't help but find it more comparable to the gyroscope in my phone ...
You may come around!
It really is A BIG DEAL. And when you think about watches with these things, they're typically fragile, very expensive, and not always reliable. For Rolex to have the confidence to debut this on such a mass market piece is a big deal. But, I also understa...
Brandon needs the best of both worlds; Romain Gauthier.
Machines yes, and integral to the output. But lots of hands too, real hands doing real work. And this watch from Rolex and the statement regarding how impressive they are doing this at scale, this also goes back to why so many great watchmakers (including...
As someone with a degree in nanotechnology let me tell you this
MEMS technology is amazing. It's far more interesting than conventional technologies related to mechanical design. If you see a MEMS device under a microscope you'll quickly realize how amazing these little things can be. I see this advancement as the log...
Yes, I understand
My disappointment isn't a strongly-held opinion, just my quick take after seeing the announcement. However, as a thought experiment, when I think through the development of this line of watchmaking and how it will progress I see it converging more in-line...
Sometimes we want to drink the Kool Aid!
Welcome to the Rolex cult! Up next…. The Porsche cult!
My usage of MEMS may not be 100% accurate
I am referring solely to the production process. A typical example of a MEMS device would be the accelerometer or gyroscope in your smartphone which are tiny mechanical machines, but also have an electronic component as they communicate with an IC's logic...
MEMS is a manufacturing method used for Silicon parts.
Google "MEMS Silicon" and that might help! I find it kind of funny. This is the same silicon that's in computer chips. So, from that perspective, it's definitely confusing. We're using a "Silicon Valley" technology but one that has no circuit board, no co...
So cool to hear about someone with a similar
background; small world! Yes, wafer scale electron beam lithography making watch parts are cool. To the old guard’s defense, one can argue that if the technology is not ubiquitous; it would be hard to replace or repair. But all good and great to see new a...
Is any else as concerned as i am with a ceramic balance staff?
the dynapulse is an interesting concept though.
It's definitely not as big of a deal as the dual wheel escapement!
But it is a wear item. The ends that are in the metal rub and rub so if it were steel, this metal would eventually rub away. So this is definitely a step in the direction of keeping the watch service intervals longer. To craft something so small in cerami...
I will need time too!
I'm not smitten with the aesthetics. But! I can't wait to have that movement! This is the first Rolex movement I've been excited about in a while!
LW40
Probably the most interesting Rolex release in the last three decades and the only watch in the lineup that may interest me (but it's a moot point because even if I decided to buy one they wouldn't sell it to me). I like almost everything of it, the case,...
I agree about the 6 and 9, I'm not sure I like the "open 6 and 9" design.
I concur, I prefer the closed 6 and 9 as seen on the current Explorer. As for availability, the world is becoming poorer. Rolex stores are mandated to tell you something isn't available. But if it is, expect a call back in as little as 2 hours! "Oh, we ju...
Thanks a lot, Patrick, for
highlighting the technological achievement while also making it readable and comprehensible. A few days ago, in anticipation of this release, I read up on natural escapements but, uh, a certain percentage of intel was lost on me, I’m sure. I wholeheartedl...
Thank you for the kind words!
I especially like to highlight works that improve the user experience. As these are not selling points that are immediately realized by the consumer. The consumer typically asks for an automatic watch, a sapphire crystal, date complications, seconds, and ...
First impression.
The movement is breathtaking and from what I can read here seems to be a huge advancement. From the photo it is not a watch that I absolutely have to have. In terms of design, this watch leaves me cold. BUT - as always - a watch, especially in terms of fe...
Thank YOU Thomas for the kind words!
I agree. The design doesn't inspire me neither. I do like the movement. But give Rolex several years and they'll revamp the design and it'll be something more refined. I'd probably prefer a non-Jubilee bracelet, an Oyster bracelet version or a President b...
Ok so I have read it a couple of times now and still don't understand it but that's my fault no one elses.
I quite like the case and bracelet but not the dial at all, it may well be using very advanced technology but all that goes way above my head. To those that love Rolex I'm sure they will love it and may eventually get one but for me it's a hard pass. Marc...
Basically, in a nutshell...
This is a lot of stuff for accuracy and super long service intervals. It's a technology previously only found in much more expensive watches that Rolex has democratized to some sense. But, it's not a beautiful watch to many people, so I can totally unders...
YES YES YES!
Take off that ridiculous Land Dweller text! Too many lines of text! I would even take off the Officially Certified Superlative Chronometer text. As technically, after the watch is five years old, that certification expires.
So on one end we have hi-tech horology, at the other are watchmakers who handcraft / decorate most of the bits.
Where is fancy bread, in the heart or in the head?
Yup. Two schools of thoughts.
And look at Breguet, they marry the two with a really impressive high tech and highly decorated watch with the 7727. A.L. Breguet would approve!
Nicely written Patrick. Thank you.
I’m behind this one, but perhaps not sold on the dial choices. Look forward to seeing one in the metal though.
I’m not crazy about the dial neither.
The dial and the name all perplex me. The dial to me looks like a tortoise shell. Tortoises are definitely land dwellers. They don’t swim. They don’t Climb trees. Perhaps instead of Oyster, they should call this one Tortoise!
