For Those Complaining That Today's Releases Were Boring...

[slfkjasldfj]

I feel like this was the most Rolex release that Rolex could have done. Rolex makes small incremental technical improvements over long periods of time with a view for the long game only. The reason that Rolex is the insane brand it is today is because it has never made a great miss-step with a launch.

Can other watch companies with flashy releases this year say the same?

The entire Rolex catalog is slightly stronger today than it was yesterday which seems like their plan. If they had released a green and black Explorer II with a ceramic bezel would that somehow have been better than just a superior version of what we already had?

Am I totally wrong here?

[Cru Jones]

It’s not that the releases were boring. They were (for the most part) bad.

[kieselguhr]

Honestly I think people are being too harsh. I think the new dials for the DJs are nice!

[msu_1972]

Boring or not, for the most part the average Joe won't be able to get their hands on any of it.

[GradyPhilpott]

It's the same thing every year--weeks of anticipation and speculation, followed by weeks of whining.

More often than not, the watches that are complained about the most, turn out to be some of the more popular in the long term.

I don't know why so many people take it so seriously.

Some people can't seem to handle the fact that Rolex makes watches that they don't like, as if an AD is going to ambush them on the street, wrestle them into the store, and force them to buy the watch they hate the most.

[macrowatch]

2016 was also incremental for Daytona.

[904VT]

It’s been too long since a new model introduction that included a new complication. Rolex needs to build out the Cellini line. Add a double spilt chronograph with power reserve as a start. Refreshes are always a little boring

[-Skyfall-]

A green and black Explorer II would have been perfect.

[vh2k]

Originally Posted by 904VT

It’s been too long since a new model introduction that included a new complication. Rolex needs to build out the Cellini line. Add a double spilt chronograph with power reserve as a start. Refreshes are always a little boring

Seems that time is up (in both time zones) for the Cellini Dual Time. Gone.

[HogwldFLTR]

Why change what works; most of the Rolex catalog is sought after. Perhaps the Exp 1 was under selling. Strange to see it cut and the 36mm introduced in TT and retained in SS. Maybe that says something about the large watch trend. Not too certain about the new dials and diamond watches. Perhaps it's the Rolex way of getting more bang for the build. Nothing new that I want that's for certain or have I missed something!!!

[Cambo]

They seem to be gravitating back to the 36, not just Datejusts, but also Day Dates. A little back to their roots if you will, but still staying strong with the larger models. IMHO, I like that. I admit I kind of bought into the bigger is better hype, and so my very gorgeous 36 mm Datejust has been collecting dust. Time to bring it out!
To each his/her own. Was fun to watch the speculators....especially the Timepiece Gentlemen

[Lew Archer]

Well, I’m very happy they offer, once again, the Explorer in 36mm. Even though I have an Explorer in 39mm (the reference that replaced the 36, “short hands” and all) I would gladly add the new 36mm to my collection, if ever I can find one at an AD.

As for the complaints about the two tone Explorer...yeah, it’s not for me, either. But then, I wouldn’t buy a Submariner in any of its precious metal iterations. Many love those very references. So, if a dive watch can be accepted with precious metals, so can an explorer’s watch.

Part of what makes Rolex “classic” is that it doesn’t change much, year to year, constantly adding new models, limited editions, and so on. They tweak a design here and there, maybe upgrade the internals with refinements to the movement, add a new dial color, but the individual lines largely remains the same. So, if you’re expecting dazzling new products every year, you are bound to be disappointed.

However, the Submariner, the GMT, the Daytona, the Datejust, to name a few, remain instantly recognizable over decades.

Tudor is more willing to experiment, to explore both novel design and nostalgic design, to push the envelope.

Quite intentionally, Rolex tends to be staid and Tudor tends to be novel. These are consciously chosen traits of the two brands, which reside within the same corporate family, and these differing traits are meant to appeal to a diverse range of buyers.

[Dr. Robert]

Both the Rolex & Tudor releases were better than I expected

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[slfkjasldfj]

Originally Posted by Lew Archer

Part of what makes Rolex “classic” is that it doesn’t change much, year to year, constantly adding new models, limited editions, and so on. They tweak a design here and there, maybe upgrade the internals with refinements to the movement, add a new dial color, but the individual lines largely remains the same. So, if you’re expecting dazzling new products every year, you are bound to be disappointed.

However, the Submariner, the GMT, the Daytona, the Datejust, to name a few, remain instantly recognizable over decades.

Tudor is more willing to experiment, to explore both novel design and nostalgic design, to push the envelope.

Quite intentionally, Rolex tends to be staid and Tudor tends to be novel. These are consciously chosen traits of the two brands, which reside within the same corporate family, and these differing traits are meant to appeal to a diverse range of buyers.

You did a much better job articulating this than I did.

The strength in Rolex’s brand is the incredible consistency from one decade to the next. Also, because they never follow trends, rarely is there a Rolex that is seen as out of style.

[Spartacus]

Very happy here, happy for Rolex doing Rolex things.

People not happy, check out Omega!

[cuibono]

If today's releases mean that Rolex won't have to retool machinery etc to accommodate a new models and an expanding catalogue, and therefore SUPPLY WATCHES, then I'm happy with today's news.

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[Jmbarrack]

Imagine these forums around when all they did were remove lug holes one year?

The servers would have been down for hours.


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[Kmasur]

Originally Posted by Jmbarrack

Imagine these forums around when all they did were remove lug holes one year?

The servers would have been down for hours.


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HA!

[RTG]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

It’s not that the releases were boring. They were (for the most part) bad.

So if they are bad, that means Rolex won't be able to sell them?

Not what you wanted, doesn't mean bad.

[911991]

I chalk it up to internet hype and 50th year of EXP 2, when I look at my 1984 Sub Date and the new SUB its a perfect example of refinement over the years. So why expect a totally different EXP 2? Rolex stayed true to its roots and they don't advertise every small tweak that is made to a watch, we just notice that reliability continues to improve. I like to keep my stuff for a while so it suits me fine, ppl that change watches often may not be as satisfied as they are looking for the newest thing. Different strokes for different folks. Enjoy your Rolex regardless of model or year....

[Chiboy]

I find it a little curious that they move an Explorer from 39mm to 36mm, but recently revised the Sub from 40mm to 41mm. At least in marketing stats...I know the actual measurements vary a bit.

[RolexSimon]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

It’s not that the releases were boring. They were (for the most part) bad.

Not sure I get that sentiment.
1. 36 Explorer - the "classic" everyone missed to replace the not-so classical 39.
2. Option of jubilee or oyster on GMT - great.
3. Option of oyster or jubilee on Sky-dweller - masterstroke!
4. Daytona meteorite - what's not to like? I've already put my name down.
5. New dials on DJ - love the palms but shame its not on the smaller DJ.
6. TT Explorer - OK, not for my taste but some may love it.
7. Adjustments to Explorer II - remove the "ghost" hand and improve the movement - nothing bad just not as radical a change as many had predicted.

As everyone has said, Rolex evolves slowly with no big moves every year.
It's disappointing they didn't do more IMHO but definitely all positive moves in the right direction and not bad at all.

[thenewrick]

I like the new releases and incremental improvements. Not a huge fan of the gimmicky redesigns and wacky colors and bezels. I know it's instagram/youtube fodder but not my thing. Nobody clicks like comment subscribe with a photo of a watch with a new updated movement so I get it.

[brandrea]

They can’t hit a home run every year. This one was more like a single

[Brny11]

Same two sided posts every year (for most part). “Boring release by Rolex” threads followed by “Rolex being Rolex” threads.

[Pimpsy]

I won’t say the releases were bad but they were certainly boring. Not a lot of room for argument there...

That said, GMT bracelet choice is actually quite nice.

[teck21]

OP is right.

Releasing new and exciting references every year gets old very, very fast.

The release of entirely new and/or refreshed lines needs to be restrained, like supply in order to maintain buyer interest.


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[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

It's the same thing every year--weeks of anticipation and speculation, followed by weeks of whining.

More often than not, the watches that are complained about the most, turn out to be some of the more popular in the long term.

I don't know why so many people take it so seriously.

Some people can't seem to handle the fact that Rolex makes watches that they don't like, as if an AD is going to ambush them on the street, wrestle them into the store, and force them to buy the watch they hate the most.

About sums it up right there.
dP

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

It’s not that the releases were boring. They were (for the most part) bad.

They pulled a Laurent Ferreir and released straps. Seriously straps for 3 models.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

It's the same thing every year--weeks of anticipation and speculation, followed by weeks of whining.

More often than not, the watches that are complained about the most, turn out to be some of the more popular in the long term.

I don't know why so many people take it so seriously.

Some people can't seem to handle the fact that Rolex makes watches that they don't like, as if an AD is going to ambush them on the street, wrestle them into the store, and force them to buy the watch they hate the most.

Well said!


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