Rolex

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

Hope you all enjoyed this report.

Best to all

Imran

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

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

and the photos are a different view all together compared to the press releases...

And I think you got Rolex's marketing department's number regarding the Sky-Dweller..there is a market out there for non-WIS that wants this piece...

The blue in the new YM is really dark blue in the real photos.  too bad they didn't do that shade fo blue for the SubC Blue TT. 

Thanks for a great report!

Thank you for your report and live photographs, they give a better impression, definitely!

As for the most awaited model, the Black Bay, it's a no go for me, it's still nice, but no thanks.

Submariner and Pelagos: More like what I was expecting. One modern classic no date, and the other a real new with hints from the past.

The surprise: Sky-Dweller in pink gold and leather strap looks different and more elegant than the rest to me, I think me likes, but still no, thanks.

Vintage fill my eyes more, still.

Best regards.

René

... It is wonderful to be able to view these new models on your wrist. This makes for a different appreciation for the new models, which I must say, gave me a rather dissapointing feeling when the announcements were made.

It is very interesting to read your comments, and view these photographs.

Of all models presented, the one I would like to try on my wrist, is the new no guards Tudor Sub. I have some mixed feelings on this one, and I guess best thing will be to see it on my hands.

Thank you again Imran! I enjoyed this post so much!

Best cordial regards, Abel.

I'll probably end up with one at some point in time.

Question plaguing my mind of late... do you think it's just a Milgauss with date? It's nicely executed without a doubt. I am sure as hell that it's going to sell. But from a "WIS" perspective, it does bother me a bit. Like maybe they played it really safe on this one kinda like taking the easy way out... plop in a cyclops and call it a day sort of thing.

But then again, a piece like this was begging to come out, eh? Maybe just semantics. Still one hell of a watch and it knocks off everybody else off my pathetic list