Why Doesn't Rolex Revisit The Past?

[toocustom]

I am definitely a fan of the modern Rolex models. I like the bigger sizes and new materials. But like many of you I am also a lover of vintage watches, especially Rolex. I really like the mostly brushed bracelets. I have never really liked the polished mid link look, although I'm sure many do. I am partial to a more rugged, or tool looking watch.

So I often wonder, with many other companies looking back to their history for inspiration, why Rolex hasn't. Panerai loves to explore their past, Omega has released the Seamaster 300 Master Coaxial and the Speedmaster '57. Even Tudor has been able to make a huge comeback by relying heavily on some of their most classic and coveted designs. Rolex has so much history and so much variation to play off of, I can only imagine the possibilities.

I personally would love to see a modern Daytona with a fully brushed bracelet and some kind of vintage inspired Panda dial. Or a new guilt and matte dialed sub. Another like many have already done, a GMT II with Jubilee bracelet and maybe a full blueberry insert and a modern glidelock clasp.

Not to say that Rolex has to jump on the bandwagon of Tudor, Omega, Panerai or any other brands, but I just think they could come up with some really awesome stuff that many would really enjoy.

I went ahead and photoshopped this 116520 to make it look a bit like a modern PN. I added a faux brush to the polished mid links, inverted the subdials, added a black strip around the seconds markers and extended the chrono pushers a bit. What do you guys think? And why do you think Rolex has avoided this trend?



Original

[KarlTheToyotaGuy]

I wish they would make an Explorer with the Ref. 1016 dial/font.

[DamienStepien]

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[GradyPhilpott]

Rolex has built a reputation for keeping one foot planted in the past.

Rolex evolves and therefore really doesn't need to introduce spiffed up versions of vintage watches.

The whole line practically is spiffed up vintage styled watches.

I do agree with your sentiment and I'd like to see more dial offerings for the SS Daytona.

As for the brushed links, some here have taken matters into their own hands.

[toocustom]

Originally Posted by JoseyWales

I wish they would make an Explorer with the Ref. 1016 dial/font.

Yes, I am not particularly fond of the metal applied numerals on the current 214270.

Originally Posted by DamienStepien

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Thanks!

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Rolex has built a reputation for keeping one foot planted in the past.

Rolex evolves and therefore really doesn't need to introduce spiffed up versions of vintage watches.

The whole line practically is spiffed up vintage styled watches.

I do agree with your sentiment and I'd like to see more dial offerings for the SS Daytona.

As for the brushed links, some here have taken matters into their own hands.

You make an excellent point here. Rolex has definitely stuck with what works and that is something I definitely applaud them for. Improving not reinventing. But still I would love to see some limited runs of something more obviously vintage inspired as the current lineup has come a long ways from those original models.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by toocustom

You make an excellent point here. Rolex has definitely stuck with what works and that is something I definitely applaud them for. Improving not reinventing. But still I would love to see some limited runs of something more obviously vintage inspired as the current lineup has come a long ways from those original models.

What's the point? I mean, the vintage market is thriving. If you want a vintage look, buy a vintage watch.

The current line seems to be working well in the market, and the latest Basel models are on the same trend line, which would seem to indicate Rolex doesn't see much value in looking deep into the past for new models.

[toocustom]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

What's the point? I mean, the vintage market is thriving. If you want a vintage look, buy a vintage watch.

The current line seems to be working well in the market, and the latest Basel models are on the same trend line, which would seem to indicate Rolex doesn't see much value in looking deep into the past for new models.

Just something I'd personally like to see. I don't think they should change their trajectory though, but maybe a few special models every now and again.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by toocustom

Just something I'd personally like to see. I don't think they should change their trajectory though, but maybe a few special models every now and again.

I would like to see a custom shop at Rolex. Give them your wish list and a blank check, and they give you your custom original Rolex. (Dreaming of a SS DD)

[aaamax]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

What's the point? I mean, the vintage market is thriving. If you want a vintage look, buy a vintage watch…

The point would be to be able to buy a new "vintage" piece with all that it implies.
I would be all over a new Milsub and use it without thinking about it unlike the vintage piece which is almost to good to use… If you know what I mean. New movement to the old specs… they've done it in the guitar/amp world with great success.
I bloody love the idea.

[cop414]

Agree pretty much with you OP, would live to see a sub sans crown guards, a GMT with a jubilee option and would go out front and do backflips in the street for a resurrection of the OQ. I think the above wouldn't appeal to the masses though and that means no profit and that means no dreams coming true,,,

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Rolex has built a reputation for keeping one foot planted in the past.

Rolex evolves and therefore really doesn't need to introduce spiffed up versions of vintage watches.

The whole line practically is spiffed up vintage styled watches.

I think that was the case up through the 5 digit models, but now they're more in line with Omega with the bigger and flashier 6 digit models. In fact, Omega probably has more watches that closely resemble early models than Rolex does, at this point.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I think that was the case up through the 5 digit models, but now they're more in line with Omega with the 6 digit models. In fact, Omega probably has more watches that closely resemble early models than Rolex does, at this point.

Well, that's Omegas biggest problem, if you ask me.

The current Rolex offerings while certainly evolved, have the distinctive characteristics of models of yore.

Sent from my SM-G900V

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Well, that's Omegas biggest problem, if you ask me.

The current Rolex offerings while certainly evolved, have the distinctive characteristics of models of yore.

Sent from my SM-G900V

Wow, really? The variance in models and styles was what I thought was always the problem with Omega, but now they're finally sticking with classic designs, like the Moonwatch, Ploprof and Seamaster 300M.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

Wow, really? The variance in models and styles was what I thought was always the problem with Omega, but now they're finally sticking with classic designs, like the Moonwatch, Ploprof and Seamaster 300M.

I think I misunderstood your previous post. Belay my last comment.

Sent from my SM-G900V

[toocustom]

I brushed the lugs and modified the pushers a little more

[AK797]

Originally Posted by toocustom

I brushed the lugs and modified the pushers a little more

Panda SS would go over very well, add a ceramic bezel and well we are back to ten year waiting lists and if you know the Prince of Gotatonofcashistan.

[lhanddds]

My closest modern/vintage Rolex. I would love a modern 6263 with a ceramic bezel in SS.


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[GB-man]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

My closest modern/vintage Rolex. I would love a modern 6263 with a ceramic bezel in SS.


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I would walk in and pay 10% over list upfront for that beauty

[toocustom]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

That is awesome

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by toocustom

That is awesome

Isn't it


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[mike]

I suppose Rolex sees the current buyer as one looking for status. I'd say most current buyers have little knowledge of the history the brand has played in the past.

I was a bit stunned when my AD showed me a pile of Rolex boxes buyers simply left at the AD having no interest in anything but the watch.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by mike

I suppose Rolex sees the current buyer as one looking for status. I'd say most current buyers have little knowledge of the history the brand has played in the past.

I was a bit stunned when my AD showed me a pile of Rolex boxes buyers simply left at the AD having no interest in anything but the watch.

That's amazing. I figured they'd at least take the box home!

[mike]

Originally Posted by joe100

That's amazing. I figured they'd at least take the box home!

Boy you would think. My AD gave me several that I gave away to other members looking for a box.

[landroverking]

Yes one of the things I dislike about the modern Daytona is the like of a true panda dial.

[toocustom]

I changed it a bit more. Darkened the subdials outer rings more, removed extra text under ROLEX, just left COSMOGRAPH, brought the crown down and brightened the DAYTONA text. Thinking about doing a Guilt sub next.

[watchwatcher]

They actually do...it's just not blatant. Such as the orange hand on the new EXP2 and the lightning bolt second hand on the milguass...

[mistral]

Prohunter Daytona RCO PN dial



It's available for purchase from Prohunter GBP 20950.00

[Bakasana]

They should make their next gen Daytona... all brushed, no polished parts, with varying options for "panda" dials. Black dial, white sub dials, or white dial, black sub dials. These changes alone, with the current clasp system and keeping the current movement in tact would make that next gen Daytona a crazy marketing, retail success.

[toocustom]

Originally Posted by Bakasana

They should make their next gen Daytona... all brushed, no polished parts, with varying options for "panda" dials. Black dial, white sub dials, or white dial, black sub dials. These changes alone, with the current clasp system and keeping the current movement in tact would make that next gen Daytona a crazy marketing, retail success.

I would definitely like that but I don't know if the masses would.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by toocustom

Not to say that Rolex has to jump on the bandwagon of Tudor, Omega, Panerai or any other brands, but I just think they could come up with some really awesome stuff that many would really enjoy.

Tudor is owned by Rolex. Their Heritage watches are throwbacks to earlier models incorporating multiple hot buttons to attract buyer. Essentially Rolex is doing a great job of getting back to roots and getting away from what I see as random attempts to go after fashion markets.

As was said, most of Rolexes designs are evolutionary and very representative of their past. That is exactly what makes them so special. How much tie to the past is really needed?