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?



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