Rolex

As we approach another Baselworld, its enivitable we will start to dream od the watch we would like to see. Over the last few years most have undergone the transition to the the new supercase. We have seen the relaunch of a new a Milgauss and a new watch..with a new movement, The YM2. I would love to see the |YM2 in steel...black ceramic bezel..I digress..

There are two Rolex legends left (if we assume the EXp 2 we accidently saw last year is correct), the non date Submariner and Daytona.

The Daytona was the star of the 2000 fair. So it has been in production now for 11 years and seen some minor modifications and introductions in new metal, rose gold. If two years ago or even one year ago you asked me what size a replacement should be I would have said 40mm...standard, leave it alone. But now ....if you ask me..I would say has to be 44mm. IMaybe you could get away with 42mm, but honestly in todays world..I think they have to consider the 44mm. For those with slimmer wrists need not worry too much though....the architecture of the case means that all would be able to wear it. Even I was shocked that my wife could make a Deepsea look good on such a small wrist. The fact is Rolex's don't wear as big as Panerai..they would be more like an AP ROO, but thinner..

As for the date...I personally dont think thats a good way forward. The Daytona is and always will be a pure chronograph, a professional sports watch for timing, date is not relevant. But I can understand folks wanting it. I just think it would kill the design.

Then there is the non date Sub. For me with the Explorer 1 one of the most iconic watches ever. I respect the new Explorer 1 for what it is...to be worn with Ralph Lauren rather than North Face..

I hope for the Submariner they follow the Deepsea philosophy instead.I hope for a new case design, again 44mm. I hope they actually take the Deepsea..and make a Submariner based on that..A Deepsea but thinner if you like..with the same bracelet. This would be once again be the perfect scuba watch...

Well we will see the way Rolex go soon enough, 2011 may be or not the time for these two legends. I just hope Rolex remain true their spirit.

Best

Imran

...model my next purchase. I do not want a situation of short supply when i am ready to plunge into buying the current Exp II which i feel so strongly is already one of the legends of Rolex tool watches and have to wait for months or having to buy it at premium prices or even hit of a situation where you can only find the current model in secondary market at rocket prices, now, do we... pls dont suggest any changes to the Exp II, Imran although you have good intentions Cheers!

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44 mm Dayto?

Are you kidding?

I already fear  the next evolution ( when, by the way? ) will moderately grow up in size... In a period where most of the brands has understood that the big size watches are not trendy anymore. ( See SIHH tendance, this year ).

Except Panerai, but that is another story, of course.

Why not the actual case, which  is idfferent from the " Zenith "case, with a dial ala PN?

Why not a sweet return to the " Zenith " dial, which is, in my opinion, of the nicest dial, a kind of compromise between Vintage and Modern Daytos?

As for the Explo II, I hope that what I furtively saw last year won't happen... Or, at least not in this configuration.

As for the No Date Subs, I would appreicate a oot a no crown guard one, but I don't believe they will issue it.

Best, Irman.

Nicolas.

 

not that significant.

the new 40 is 44...wether we like or not.

a daytona would work in 42-44 .....look at the Tudor heritage..42mm

Its not the size ..its the way you design it.

a neww 42/44 with a ceramic black bezel will hide the extra girth well.

What Rolex wont do..is go back, even with the Milgauss...they make a 40mm new design.

the milgauss looks bigger than 40mm though...just compares yours..

 

Best

Imran

Honestly, to me it is too bulky, too thick, too big.

Its case doesn't have the sensuality of the Vintage, and the extra millimetes kill its sweet line.

It is a funny watch, it is not a sensual one, anymoreI had the Tudor Heritage in mind when I typed these lines, and honestly, I do hope that Rolex won't kill the Dayto  with a bigger case.

If you look at the shape of the case and lugs on the new models, they are far from being as elegant as the previous models.

Extra millimeters kill a pure line, and you can see that with every brand which plays this card.

As for the " new " Milgauss, in no way I can say it is a sensual watch, but at least it is a funny, completely crazy and original one, and that, from Rolex, amazed me, and ...convinced me ( in its green version ).

Best,

Nicolas

Are we talking about the movement or that's something different altogether? Is there a photo to show?

Best
Tyler

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Hi Imran,

A part of me (actually a big part) wants the original lines to stay the way they are but I also realize that change is inevitable.

It feels strange to see the new with the old in the same display case.  But I guess it's just a matter of time before we see the old make way for the new.  Am I correct in thinking that the new ones are a replacement and not an addition to the existing lines?  Is the new Exp1 a replacement of the old Exp1?  And so it is with the Exp2?  Changes of this nature have a more seismic feel versus other brands beause THIS IS ROLEX where the designs have been more or less stable as the Porsche 911.

I think changes to legends can be a bit more palatable, heck, siginificant, if they time it with some event that will use it and the changes made, sort of a justification arising from said event.  For example, and I am stretching it as I am no expert... if they introduce something new to the Daytona, a feature that reflects perhaps a change in some racing rule (not that race officials will use a mechanical piece to time anything).  Ok, still flimsy perhaps given how useless mechanical timepieces are for the most part but... : )  If it's just done purely for commercial purposes (Ok, that's also a landmine right there but the romantic in me wants to believe that it ain't all about money), it almost doesn't make emotional sense.

Personally, i don't mind them offering bigger sizes but it might make a bit of sense to do a more radical take off rather than say it's an evolution or an iteration of the existing... like maybe introduce it under another Exporer line while keeping the original intact... still lots of guys out there who are trying to play catch up with their dreams.  And if you change the dream midstream, it can be quite upsetting.

Of course, I'm thanking my lucky stars that I already have the current Exp2 and am quite happy with it as has been a childhood dream attained

Just wanted to share impressions.

Thanks for another great post, Imran.

Echi