Basel disappointment

[vh_bu98]

Even though Rolex is a tool watch at heart, it stopped catering itself as one a long time ago. Rolex in essence has become jewelry. I love the history and heritage behind Rolex, but when I buy a Rolex...it's all about the looks. I am not going to spend thousands of dollars on something that doesn't look good on my wrist.

With that said, I am disappointed with this year's and last year's introductions. Even though I like the technological aspect of the ceramic bezel and the glide lock, that tool aspect is not going to make me want to buy one.

If they came out with a deep color red and blue SS GMT in ceramic with the new bracelet, I am all for that even if it's a super case. Until then, there's not much in the Rolex line that appeals to me.

[gregdolley]

Originally Posted by nylawbiz

Don't you think they would rather sell one $100,000 watch, than a dozen $8,000 wacthes? Their margins are much, much bigger on precious metal and diamond watches; less units to support, cheaper to produce one watch than 12. It seems Rolex is always pushing the precious metal and/or diamond watches over the SS models. I guess this is not news and it is not a big surprise.

Kinda like many things in this economy: The mid-range market is dead, those who buy $100K watches are still able to buy them, but a lot less people who used to be able to afford a $8,000 watch, can still buy one. Same thing with homes, the high end is still selling around here, while the middle market is dead; and same thing with other collectibles: the truly rare and desirable collectibles are still selling for record prices, while the average stuff isn't fetching big numbers. For example,, the four stamp block that make up my avitar is worth around $5 million, and would sell it a heartbeat, if it went on the market today. $100 stamps are languishing in the market.

x2!

[MrCowboy99]

where's the coke?

[gregdolley]

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

Even though Rolex is a tool watch at heart, it stopped catering itself as one a long time ago. Rolex in essence has become jewelry. I love the history and heritage behind Rolex, but when I buy a Rolex...it's all about the looks. I am not going to spend thousands of dollars on something that doesn't look good on my wrist.

With that said, I am disappointed with this year's and last year's introductions. Even though I like the technological aspect of the ceramic bezel and the glide lock, that tool aspect is not going to make me want to buy one.

If they came out with a deep color red and blue SS GMT in ceramic with the new bracelet, I am all for that even if it's a super case. Until then, there's not much in the Rolex line that appeals to me.

x2. A Rolex IS jewelry, IMO. Why would I spend thousands of dollars on a tool watch that doesn't look any better on my wrist than a $1000 dollar Tissot??? One might say the difference is quality, which I agree, but then again, I could buy five or six Tissot's for the price of one Rolex tool watch. So there has to be something more to compel me to buy a Rolex.

[Ed Rooney]

I don't see why everyone is disappointed. Did they do something unexpected? We knew the TT SubC was coming, and we had a hunch the DJII would follow last years DDII.

Did you guys think they were going to come out with a James Bond Sub or a Double-Red?

The good news is you can still buy the vintage stuff.

[ronin7]

have to agree with jm,really felt this years offerings were dreadful.too garish for my liking.

[Perpetuator]

From a business strategy standpoint, Rolex would probably be better off waiting until next year's Basel before revealing the new Sub, etc. The economy right now is way too sick for any luxury goods company to expect to sell nearly as much as they would if things were better, regardless of what they make available. The "flowery" watches that target a specific demographic, which as mentioned earlier, is not nearly as affected by the economy and is likely to buy despite slow times. Rolex is basically just biding their time.

[SSD]

Well, I wasn't expecting a flower-dial watch, although I must confess the rest wasn't too surprising. I lament the passing of the blue 16613 as well.

[newrolexman]

My local AD received his DD ll's at the end of last year and has sold ONE.

but he continues to sell the 36 mm DDs,,, no one seems interested in the fugly gawky new DD lls.

wish they did better research before manufacturing the DD lls.

The new DJ ll will follow suit unfortunately.

times are tough all the way around now.

[Strut99GT]

Originally Posted by newrolexman

My local AD received his DD ll's at the end of last year and has sold ONE.

but he continues to sell the 36 mm DDs,,, no one seems interested in the fugly gawky new DD lls.

wish they did better research before manufacturing the DD lls.

The new DJ ll will follow suit unfortunately.

times are tough all the way around now.

Disagree. There is a larger market for a 41mm all-stainless watch than an all-gold one.

[Lamone]

Very disapointed as well. Nothing really new this year beside Rolex's effort to reach more people by pushing Tudor.

[Tony-GB]

Anyone have pics?

[Andad]

Every manufacturer with a range of products struggles to suit everyone's taste (cars, clothes, furniture, food etc etc). Rolex have a strong base of sports and 'dress' watches and are really only aiming at other markets with some of the new watches released at Basel.

IMO the serious changes ie. the GMT IIc, new Sub gold ceramics and Sub TT's etc have been big improvements (except for the ceramic blue colour - JJ). I think the maxi case and specced up bracelet & clasps have been long overdue.

We have 20000+ Forum members here that make NO significant difference to the Rolex sales figures on an ongoing yearly basis. We can only give an opinion on our tastes and I expect opinions to be put forward with due consideration to the taste and preference of others.

Having said that, Jees mate, that pink dial is a shocker.

[jameshe]

Originally Posted by newrolexman

My local AD received his DD ll's at the end of last year and has sold ONE.

but he continues to sell the 36 mm DDs,,, no one seems interested in the fugly gawky new DD lls.

wish they did better research before manufacturing the DD lls.

The new DJ ll will follow suit unfortunately.

times are tough all the way around now.

What I would like to know is WHY does everyone seem to be hammering the (41mm, not exactly 48mm+) size of the new DJII (and DDII for that matter), yet seem to be in love with the 'milgauss', also 41mm, on a PCL oyster, unless I am mistaken. The Milgauss sports stick markers, and a giant orange ligthening bolt second hand (and the green crystal on some too), yet with the DJII you will have the option of fluted bezels, TT, Roman dial combo's, many more colour way options.

It is the SAME SIZE, and a lot classier in terms of the dial/bezel/metal options - so why is a DJII in 41mm so much more repugnant and disgusting in comparison to a milgauss?

Not to rant, or say 'this is right and that is wrong', but 36mm? I have kept trying them on, I am 20 years of age and 5'11, and it still looks (no doubt elegant) but feeble on my wrists. Surely there are bigger guys than me around the world!? I am not a fan of oversized watches either, and I want a DJ. It is just too small for a man of any average or above stature in my opinion. It is definitely more suited to the 'mid size' market now in my opinion.

Times have changed. Expect others to change with them

[stusrt]

I personally am very happy to see them release the datejust in 41mm

I have always loved the look of that watch, but 36mm is way too small for me.
I wish they made in in 43-44mm

I was getting tired of hearing rolex was never going to fold to the bigger watch fad.
41mm datejust and 44mm DSSD -
I am very happy with the direction rolex is moving.

next -
GMT-III-C PEPSI/COKE/and something else @ 44mm

or 42mm daytona with a freakin' date on it

[Rolex Lover]

I'm very disappointed