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Rolex

Thank you Moritz! Yes, of course! I have very clear that Watch Brands are commercial enterprises...

 

... and their goal is to sell as many watches they can put in the market and at their best prices.
So... we collectors and lovers of vintage and classic models who also buy modern watches from time to time, are a very small portion of the market they aim to.
I know aim of Watch Brands goes to the much bigger commercial market of potential buyers of modern watches who in general are not aware of the details or differences between say a modern ceramic Sub and the Submariner of the 196'´s or 1980´s. They know most buyers of modern watches look for a date on the dial, and bigger sized watches, more polished cases, etc. etc. and they try to satisfy that demand.
So I understand why Rolex would prefer to satisfy that market with a bigger and cyclops equipped SD instead of following the tradition of a 40 mm case and no cyclops of their previous versions we lovers of classics would prefer to have.
In any case, I have serious doubt that modern versions of watches of yesterday will reach the same charm and classic status of what we call vintage today and that they will become "classics" due to several factors:
Much bigger quantities produced; the fact that dials and lume will get little or no patina at all; and the fact that what we call "tool watches" are being used less and less for their intended purpose and are bought just for the pleasure of owning a diving watch, a pilot watch, etc. etc.
Well that is just my personal point of view of course!

All the best! Abel

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SD43 by the lake

 
By: emcquillan : July 31st, 2017-20:23
I sincerely appreciate and respect the passionate vintage Rolex collectors who have issue with this watch... the size, the cyclops, the blasphemy. On the positive is the dial, bracelet, new caliber and improved autonomy, which are undeniably impressive an...  

The most important thing is you love it.

 
By: Luis6 : July 31st, 2017-23:04
Ad the end of the day it's the wearer's own satisfaction that counts the most.

Most important thing in buying a watch is that the owner is completely satisfied with it...

 
By: Subexplorer : August 1st, 2017-12:45
... and enjoys it and smiles each time he wears or views it. It really doesn´t matter what others think of it. I had been trying the new SD in an AD a few weeks ago, and I personally regret the size. I would had preferred it without cyclops of course, as ... 

Thank you Abel for your thoughtful comments

 
By: emcquillan : August 1st, 2017-13:38
I pretty much agree with you. It would have been deadly at 40mm and no cyclops, but I'm a glass half full kind of guy. This way, because of the controversy, it was not difficult to purchase at the AD and I still have the opportunity once I've done my rese... 

My pleasure emcquillan! The Vintage game is a minefield we have to cross with much care and research...

 
By: Subexplorer : August 2nd, 2017-06:05
... so buying a brand new SD gives a lot of peace of mind and a modern watch which can be subjected to a much more hard use than what a vintage can support. If you intend to use yours for diving or just to swim in sea or pool, a modern watch is the way to... 

Good points Abel

 
By: COUNT DE MONET : August 1st, 2017-21:18
But you have to give a newbie also the chance to become a classic ... Best Moritz

Thank you Moritz! Yes, of course! I have very clear that Watch Brands are commercial enterprises...

 
By: Subexplorer : August 2nd, 2017-06:23
... and their goal is to sell as many watches they can put in the market and at their best prices. So... we collectors and lovers of vintage and classic models who also buy modern watches from time to time, are a very small portion of the market they aim ... 

Still : there are some modern Rolex that are on theire way to get more and more collectible

 
By: COUNT DE MONET : August 2nd, 2017-22:52
Think of the Sub anniversary with the LV, that you can distinguish to a LV fat four also: both are modern and maybe also in high quantities produced (albeit Rolex does not communicate numbers) but it "made it" to the collectors sphere and if you judge it ... 

Hello dear Mooritz: I agree with your points. It is difficult to say if and which of present production of Rolex models will ...

 
By: Subexplorer : August 3rd, 2017-12:28
... became collective or classics as it happens today with models made about 40 to 60 years ago. Only Time will show. Also agree with you regarding the 50 Years Green Bezel Sub. But we should remember that adding to the charming characteristics you mentio... 

Stunning !!

 
By: ptug : August 1st, 2017-13:38
Health to wear. I'm getting mine tomorrow !! 😬

I wish you happiness on the wrist

 
By: emcquillan : August 1st, 2017-18:54
SD43 is a controversial watch to be sure, but in a vaccuum it is a magnificent beast. Kindest regards,

It isa keeper for sure

 
By: COUNT DE MONET : August 1st, 2017-21:24
Not all anniversary models have also reached the point of collectability but this one has very good chances and hence it is a keeper. Apart from collectability the main reason is that you like it and I must say I like it also a lot and to me it is the mos... 

I love the philosophy of

 
By: emcquillan : August 1st, 2017-21:38
Throwing collectibility aside and trusting your own instincts and keep what you love. How can you lose if it's just for your own and family's pleasure. That said I am human and would be lying if some of my watches were not purchased due to love and collec... 

I love the philosophy of

 
By: emcquillan : August 1st, 2017-21:38
Throwing collectibility aside and trusting your own instincts and keep what you love. How can you lose if it's just for your own and family's pleasure. That said I am human and would be lying if some of my watches were not purchased due to love and collec... 

I completely agree with your point emcquillan!! Satisfaction and enjoyment of the piece you personaly like is a paramount aim for a new purchase...

 
By: Subexplorer : August 2nd, 2017-06:30
... and it is what I personally look for with every new piece I add to my collection. I will never think if others will or will not approve my purchases nor follow a new trend or think about collectivity or making a future profit. If I like it and it haun... 

Thank you Abel

 
By: emcquillan : August 2nd, 2017-18:31
I've been influenced in the past by marketing and AD's, but the amazing thing about this forum is the honesty, knowledge and different civil opinions. My tastes have evolved over the years and now I like what I like. Truth be told many in this forum have ... 

My pleasure to share my views and read yours and of other fellow members. I had the same experience as you...

 
By: Subexplorer : August 3rd, 2017-12:32
... and being the collecting journey a long long trip, our tastes change and evolve as we learn, read and talk about our passion. The important thing is to learn about our own tastes and obtain the most enjoyment and fun from our hobby. All the best! Abel... 

Aaaah: sense AND sensibility, the classic combination! :-)

 
By: COUNT DE MONET : August 3rd, 2017-01:18
And: it is not wrong, but good indeed, if the emphasis is always on sensibility.

It is of it's time!

 
By: fatboyharris : August 3rd, 2017-02:08
I don't quite follow some of the vintage community bemoaning of this modern iteration of the red sea dweller............its akin to comparing a 60's Ferrari with today's models. They may share the same heritage and blood line even come in the same colour ... 

Thanks John

 
By: emcquillan : August 3rd, 2017-07:18
I agree with both the vintage enthusiasts and your experiences. Speaking about cars I was at an auto museum late last year (sorry no pictures were allowed) and two Ferrari's from the 1960's, a DB5 and Zegato stuck out by far. I understand the charm of a c...