Why Rolex releases compromised models sometimes...

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

If you're suggesting that the hands on the 114270 and the 214270 were the same, you're wrong.

I don't think that Rolex releases "compromised" models.

They release what they think will sell and if they are wrong they make corrections.

Sometimes I think they may just stir the pot so to speak.



This is closer to the truth, I do believe.

I tend to agree.

I also wonder if the maxi-case was a way to soften up the market with an over the top style and all along the intention was to scale it back to what we are seeing coming through now.
On balance it's not inconceivable that they deemed the popularity of the Submariner being robust enough and able to withstand a backlash to varying degrees.
It's certainly tested the waters(no pun intended).

It's sort of like the fashions one sees on the catwalk at the high end fashion shows.
Seeing as Rolex doesn't, and neither does the watch industry traditionally release concept models like car manufacturers do to excite and gauge public response.