New demand from Basel

[BIGORANGE]

As compared to last year's releases, do you think that Rolex created more demand for a particular model? My opinion is that a SS GMT Pepsi would have far outpaced the demand for BLNR this past year. What will be the "hot" model this year that will be hard to get?

[Richard.]

Sea-Dweller 4000 I would have thought.

[versatile1]

Originally Posted by richard.

sea-dweller 4000 i would have thought.

x2

[Brandon(phila)]

No doubt the SD will be in demand and the "hot" watch for a year or so.

If the Pepsi was SS.....that would have been 5 year "Hot" / hard to get / waiting list watch....b/c everyone wanted it sooooooo bad.
****BUT****
they chose to make it in WG so a few wealthy will have their orders in at the AD's and for 6 months, once those orders are filled. You will see them at the AD along side the Smurf Sub's..Don't get me wrong they are beautiful watches...but 35K + not as many buyers at that level.

The Cellini line will definitely sell a lot more too (I wouldn't call them the "hot" watch) but they really look like a nice alternative to PP and higher end brands that cost much more.

[ROLEX4EvEr]

Originally Posted by Brandon(phila)

No doubt the SD will be in demand and the "hot" watch for a year or so.

If the Pepsi was SS.....that would have been 5 year "Hot" / hard to get / waiting list watch....b/c everyone wanted it sooooooo bad.
****BUT****
they chose to make it in WG so a few wealthy will have their orders in at the AD's and for 6 months, once those orders are filled. You will see them at the AD along side the Smurf Sub's..Don't get me wrong they are beautiful watches...but 35K + not as many buyers at that level.

The Cellini line will definitely sell a lot more too (I wouldn't call them the "hot" watch) but they really look like a nice alternative to PP and higher end brands that cost much more.

I agree

[Passionata]

^
very well said ,
Rolex is keen to make high profit which easy with the precious metal watches ,also the high price tags increase the brand exclusivity.

[joe100]

When the BLNR came out, I knew we'd never have a SS Pepsi. That was sealed from the beginning. Making it a WG model really ticked me off. The tool watches of old are really dead now.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by joe100

When the BLNR came out, I knew we'd never have a SS Pepsi. That was sealed from the beginning. Making it a WG model really ticked me off. The tool watches of old are really dead now.

Joe I agree on the first part. I also agree tool watches of old are dead but they died long ago. How many collector's actually use the watch for what it was originally designed for? Submariner/SD: Diving, GMT: Flying , Daytona: Racing, YMII: Boating. The fact is people buy watches they like the look of and want to have and wear on daily. That has not changed so the demand for Rolex won't either. If Rolex actually depended on the tool original watch was made for they would sell waaaay fewer watches.

[mike]

Originally Posted by joe100

When the BLNR came out, I knew we'd never have a SS Pepsi. That was sealed from the beginning. Making it a WG model really ticked me off. The tool watches of old are really dead now.

As mentioned Joe Rolex went luxury a while ago, but I do see your point.

Rolex has always been expensive relative to the era, but there was a time when we used these watches for more than just a luxury item. I have a couple that saw the ugly side of Vietnam. I have a few that saw me through a career as a police officer.

I still use a GMT as it was designed for today, but a PM reference won't go with what that enviorment is.

RED/BLUE was always the flagship color for some of us for the GMT. For a long time it was the only flavor.

That it has now been closed out to many is, in a way, the reflection of the path Rolex has chosen. Same with service on vintage pieces.

Things change. I'll miss it, but as they say "Better to be a has been than a never was".

[watchwatcher]

With the WG Pepsi, Rolex can have their cake and eat it, too. If they had put the pepsi bezel on SS, I think sales and demand for the BLRN would have taken a hit. With the WG introduction, I think sales/demand for the BLRN will remain strong-as will the 718. IMO.

[Token74]

Rolex is more of a Tool watch than ever before!!

I have just placed an order for the new SD and I don't even know how much it's going to cost.

I don't need the diving capability, I just need the time and date.

I could have just bought a £1.99 Casio which which arguably suits my needs better.

Thus, I am declaring myself a proper Tool.

Thus, I am declaring the new SD a proper Tool Watch.

Done.

[Lgear080]

All said above is true - even on the floor of Basel there was a crowd
Leering into the window of the new sd. The Milhauss will sell well, however
I think the new cellinis will revive the brand a bit. The new cases are
Thick with classic lugs. Frankly, they harken back to a Rolex of some
Time ago. The crowns are undersized, but match the look.

I'll definitely purchase one after the market settles out, though likely
Not before next Basel.