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Josunese1975 · 23 July 2023, 03:55 AM

Why do you think Rolex got rid of them? To discourage us from changing our bracelet to different straps so easily? Or for purely aesthetic reasons? Or little bit of both? I have three Datejusts and two of them with no holes. I would love to change to different straps but don't want to deal with the hassle, especially scratching the inner lugs and spring bars flying off. I change straps on the older Datejust with holes frequently and with ease. Why Rolex why? Bring back the cases with lug holes!

Kevin of Larchmont · 23 July 2023, 04:03 AM

I would guess they did it for purely aesthetic reasons. It’s still easy enough to change a strap or bracelet without the lug holes. I do miss them though.

amh · 23 July 2023, 04:06 AM

They don't look good

thesharkfactor · 23 July 2023, 04:08 AM

Just buy a classic Rolex if you want them.

AF_Rob · 23 July 2023, 04:15 AM

I’m a fan of lug holes as well. For old school esthetics, I’m surprised Tudor hasn’t brought them back.

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Dan Pierce · 23 July 2023, 04:16 AM

Love those lug holes.
dP

Snowballs · 23 July 2023, 04:18 AM

5 digit with holes for the win

Mystro · 23 July 2023, 04:51 AM

Aesthetic reasons and they did not want to encourage owners to take their bracelet off. Rolex now doesn’t want their owners to modify or even touch their watch other than winding and setting the time.

Harry-57 · 23 July 2023, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josunese1975

Why do you think Rolex got rid of them?

Because they look bloody awful? Just guessing.

UnderTheRadar · 23 July 2023, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Because they look bloody awful? Just guessing.

It's true, they do look awful!

enjoythemusic · 23 July 2023, 05:13 AM

Holes went out of fashion.

Dr. Robert · 23 July 2023, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Love those lug holes.
dP

Lug holes are sacrosanct

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KatGirl · 23 July 2023, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harry-57

Because they look bloody awful? Just guessing.

LOL!

Kat

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INC · 23 July 2023, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josunese1975

Why do you think Rolex got rid of them?

Because despite their best efforts, they couldn't put earrings in them.

RFC · 23 July 2023, 07:55 AM

Bevels/chamfers are also gone from the 6 digit Subs. Trends in fashion to move away from vintage eliminated the lug holes. Too bad.

watchluvr4ever · 23 July 2023, 08:30 AM

Really it is one of the silliest moves I’ve seen in the watch, ‘em “jewelry” industry. Lug holes actually have a purpose. Aesthetically May look a little better, but functionally inferior. Some of Rolex own watchmakers can’t remove and install a bracelet without scratching the watch, lol. Ever seen a bracelet on a daily wearer that’s only been removed once in 5-10 years for a cleaning? I’ve seen some that would straight up make you vomit that had so much DNA and who knows what in them.

Dirt · 23 July 2023, 09:25 AM

The simple explanation is that Rolex probably wanted a cleaner look.
On a tool watch lug holes are one thing but on the more elegant curvy sides of a nicer watch case, it's another thing.
It was a natural progression as other brands were moving to no lug holes as well, so there was also the broader industry trend.
Technically I imagine it's easier to get a nicer finish when polishing the case sides because they don't have to be too concerned with losing the crisp edges of the holes.

No lug holes prevent people from scratching up that part of the lugs which may create more polishing work at service time under some circumstances.

I think that covers the bulk of issues around lug holes from the Rolex point of view of the world

brandrea · 23 July 2023, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Love those lug holes.
dP

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFC

Bevels/chamfers are also gone from the 6 digit Subs. Trends in fashion to move away from vintage eliminated the lug holes. Too bad.

Agreed, love them both

Norbert · 23 July 2023, 09:38 AM

Let's bring back the stamped steel bracelets as well.

gerry100 · 23 July 2023, 09:39 AM

Did the lug holes accumulate grime
With daily wear?

Mystro · 23 July 2023, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerry100

Did the lug holes accumulate grime
With daily wear?

No. They make removing bracelet significantly easier and require no special tools.

joli160 · 23 July 2023, 11:44 AM

Because it looks ugly

Scholar · 23 July 2023, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norbert

Let's bring back the stamped steel bracelets as well.

I assume you're being sarcastic but I actually prefer the old bracelets by far.

Roddypeepa · 24 July 2023, 04:13 AM

My opinion is Tudor should do holes on heritage models asthey are strap heavy and look great: gmt, bb divers, pro, ranger etc and Rolex leave as is.

Personally, I feel as though their bracelets are industry gold standard and so you’re mad to take a modern Rolex off of a Rolex bracelet. Tried it, don’t like it. YMMV

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Rolex1982 · 24 July 2023, 05:05 AM

I personally don’t like them. It looks much better without holes.

fskywalker · 24 July 2023, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

I would guess they did it for purely aesthetic reasons.

+1

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shedlock2000 · 24 July 2023, 06:02 AM

I think they deleted them so it was harder to tell when they over-polished the lugs!

I prefer them too — I don’t really know that the watch looks somehow better without them; I suppose they look less finished.

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tekno · 24 July 2023, 06:07 AM

They made that change when their watches still looked like a Rolex. I assume they did it to clean up the lines, make them look more elegant. They added the SEL’s to all the sports watches around that time I think.

I assume it was to boost sales, in the late 80’s - early 2000’s all the watches looked about the same… there was a slump in sales from what I remember. You could get a new watch from the grey market for $500 under msrp in 2003-6. Back then the “grey market” were just some guys with connections to jewelry stores I think. Watches that weren’t moving would get sold out the back door at a discount. I bought a brand new Coke GMT box/papers for $4-4400 I think it was. I bought a Box papers new w/sticker on back 2001 year 16220 for about 3k around 2003/2004 or so.

I bet they were trying to make the watches new without changing them too much. Give people a reason to trade in their old watches.

Then the big watch trend hit and they tossed all that out the window. Maxi cases, maxi hands, ceramic bezels.

You may like the vintage forum more if you prefer holes & the way the watches were for 50 years.

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watchnwine · 24 July 2023, 06:17 AM

I think they look dressier/nicer/more finished without holes... but holes throw off a tool watch vibe that I love. I'm searching for a holes watch right now.

77T · 24 July 2023, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josunese1975

Why do you think Rolex got rid of them?

Too many dirty lugholes detracted from brand positioning.

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23 July 2023, 03:55 AM	#1
Josunese1975 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: USA Posts: 85	Why did Rolex get rid of holes on the lugs? Why do you think Rolex got rid of them? To discourage us from changing our bracelet to different straps so easily? Or for purely aesthetic reasons? Or little bit of both? I have three Datejusts and two of them with no holes. I would love to change to different straps but don't want to deal with the hassle, especially scratching the inner lugs and spring bars flying off. I change straps on the older Datejust with holes frequently and with ease. Why Rolex why? Bring back the cases with lug holes!

23 July 2023, 04:16 AM	#6
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,215	Love those lug holes. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

23 July 2023, 04:18 AM	#7
Snowballs "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Global in 1C Watch: 1675 Posts: 454	5 digit with holes for the win __________________ 1675, 14060M, 16600, 16610, 16610LV, 16622, 16700LN, 116520

23 July 2023, 04:51 AM	#8
Mystro 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: The Mystro ;) Location: Central Pa. Posts: 15,510	Aesthetic reasons and they did not want to encourage owners to take their bracelet off. Rolex now doesn’t want their owners to modify or even touch their watch other than winding and setting the time. __________________

23 July 2023, 05:13 AM	#11
enjoythemusic 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Real Name: Steven Location: Glocal Posts: 21,176	Holes went out of fashion. __________________ __________________ ----> Was Great Seeing Everyone At The TRF December 9 Tampa Meetup <---- https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=968133 Love timepieces and want to become a Watchmaker? Rolex has a sensational school. www.RolexWatchmakingTrainingCenter.com/ Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory.

23 July 2023, 04:03 AM	#2
Kevin of Larchmont 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: The Ice House Watch: Ingersoll Mickey Posts: 3,393	I would guess they did it for purely aesthetic reasons. It’s still easy enough to change a strap or bracelet without the lug holes. I do miss them though.

23 July 2023, 04:06 AM	#3
amh "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tejas Watch: Various Posts: 5,082	They don't look good

23 July 2023, 04:08 AM	#4
thesharkfactor "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Scotland Watch: GMT Posts: 3,643	Just buy a classic Rolex if you want them.

23 July 2023, 04:15 AM	#5
AF_Rob "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Rob Location: Virginia Watch: Sub/Polar/OP/BB Posts: 4,671	I’m a fan of lug holes as well. For old school esthetics, I’m surprised Tudor hasn’t brought them back. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

23 July 2023, 07:55 AM	#15
RFC "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Puerto Rico Watch: 1968 5513 Sub Posts: 450	Bevels/chamfers are also gone from the 6 digit Subs. Trends in fashion to move away from vintage eliminated the lug holes. Too bad.

23 July 2023, 08:30 AM	#16
watchluvr4ever "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 224	Really it is one of the silliest moves I’ve seen in the watch, ‘em “jewelry” industry. Lug holes actually have a purpose. Aesthetically May look a little better, but functionally inferior. Some of Rolex own watchmakers can’t remove and install a bracelet without scratching the watch, lol. Ever seen a bracelet on a daily wearer that’s only been removed once in 5-10 years for a cleaning? I’ve seen some that would straight up make you vomit that had so much DNA and who knows what in them.

23 July 2023, 09:25 AM	#17
Dirt "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Brisbane Watch: DSSD Posts: 8,064	The simple explanation is that Rolex probably wanted a cleaner look. On a tool watch lug holes are one thing but on the more elegant curvy sides of a nicer watch case, it's another thing. It was a natural progression as other brands were moving to no lug holes as well, so there was also the broader industry trend. Technically I imagine it's easier to get a nicer finish when polishing the case sides because they don't have to be too concerned with losing the crisp edges of the holes. No lug holes prevent people from scratching up that part of the lugs which may create more polishing work at service time under some circumstances. I think that covers the bulk of issues around lug holes from the Rolex point of view of the world

23 July 2023, 09:38 AM	#19
Norbert "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Houston, Texas US Posts: 507	Let's bring back the stamped steel bracelets as well.

23 July 2023, 09:39 AM	#20
gerry100 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: NY Posts: 752	Did the lug holes accumulate grime With daily wear?

23 July 2023, 11:44 AM	#22
joli160 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,759	Because it looks ugly __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

24 July 2023, 04:13 AM	#24
Roddypeepa "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Real Name: Mark Location: Southern England Watch: DJ41 SubC SMP mast Posts: 1,689	My opinion is Tudor should do holes on heritage models asthey are strap heavy and look great: gmt, bb divers, pro, ranger etc and Rolex leave as is. Personally, I feel as though their bracelets are industry gold standard and so you’re mad to take a modern Rolex off of a Rolex bracelet. Tried it, don’t like it. YMMV Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

24 July 2023, 05:05 AM	#25
Rolex1982 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Real Name: Ron the Stoic Location: Netherlands Watch: GMT Meteorite Posts: 1,358	I personally don’t like them. It looks much better without holes.

24 July 2023, 06:02 AM	#27
shedlock2000 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Steve Location: Canada Watch: 16753; Bellini Dia Posts: 1,770	I think they deleted them so it was harder to tell when they over-polished the lugs! I prefer them too — I don’t really know that the watch looks somehow better without them; I suppose they look less finished. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk __________________ The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it. SS Submariner no date 1992 (sold); SS GMT II 2007 (sold); SS GMT II C 2008 ('M' series) (sold); SS Sub C 2011 (sold); BB GMT 1971 (sold); Omega 50th GMT

24 July 2023, 06:07 AM	#28
tekno 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas Watch: Tudor Snowflake Posts: 1,101	Why did Rolex get rid of holes on the lugs? They made that change when their watches still looked like a Rolex. I assume they did it to clean up the lines, make them look more elegant. They added the SEL’s to all the sports watches around that time I think. I assume it was to boost sales, in the late 80’s - early 2000’s all the watches looked about the same… there was a slump in sales from what I remember. You could get a new watch from the grey market for $500 under msrp in 2003-6. Back then the “grey market” were just some guys with connections to jewelry stores I think. Watches that weren’t moving would get sold out the back door at a discount. I bought a brand new Coke GMT box/papers for $4-4400 I think it was. I bought a Box papers new w/sticker on back 2001 year 16220 for about 3k around 2003/2004 or so. I bet they were trying to make the watches new without changing them too much. Give people a reason to trade in their old watches. Then the big watch trend hit and they tossed all that out the window. Maxi cases, maxi hands, ceramic bezels. You may like the vintage forum more if you prefer holes & the way the watches were for 50 years. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

24 July 2023, 06:17 AM	#29
watchnwine "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 103	I think they look dressier/nicer/more finished without holes... but holes throw off a tool watch vibe that I love. I'm searching for a holes watch right now.

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