I am hearing major changes in 2008 for Rolex

[dcash0615]

Just got off the phone with my watch broker friend. As mentioned before he has been in the business for 25+ years and has some really good contacts within Rolex USA. He had a long conversation with him today and got some good info about things to come.

First off, price increases.... He could not get any info on when the price increase was coming, but did indicate that it is to come in 2008, possibly February. As we all know, Rolex is very tight lipped about this. With all the changes that are suppose to be coming out, this is a perfect way to justify a price increase with the revamped models.

Changes to the Rolex watch line.... All current models that start with 1 in the model # are changing. Rolex is going with a larger, heavier case as well as a beefed up bracelet and bezel. These changes due include the now current new GMT II ceramic. From what he told me the Rolex guy indicated that the new GMT II ceramic was a huge disappointment with Rolex as far as quality and design. They are changing it along with all other model #'s starting with 1. I have a feeling the bezel changes will be to ceramic.

The model numbers that currently start with 1 will have an additional 1 added to them. So for example, a 16610 will now be a 116610 and so forth.

I can not validate any of this information, other then tell you that my friend has been pretty accurate in the past about future changes within Rolex. Take this information for what it is worth.

I would be curious if anyone else is hearing anything like this.

[Gaijin]

My AD is thinking Feb for a price increase too.

[Letsgodiving]

(Quote)These changes due include the now current new GMT II ceramic. From what he told me the Rolex guy indicated that the new GMT II ceramic was a huge disappointment with Rolex as far as quality and design. They are changing it along with all other model #'s starting with 1. I have a feeling the bezel changes will be to ceramic. (Quote)

What exactly was the disappointment with the GMT C? These statements seem somewhat contradictory.

[dcash0615]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

My AD is thinking Feb for a price increase too.

I now have a feeling the price increase is going to happen soon.

Who knows what current models will end up coming out on top and going up in value with all of these changes to come. What if the changes are not well received by the consumer and there is a surge of demand for all the old models? Maybe we should pick up a spare of each and see what happens in 3 to 5 years.

I have a feeling the Pepsi will increase in value. That watch is a classic. How will the current new GMT II ceramic fair in the future. If Rolex does make changes to this model so soon, people may consider it a limited production model and increase in price. Who knows...

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by dcash0615

I have a feeling the Pepsi will increase in value.

The only difference between my black GMT and the pepsi is a $51 aluminum insert. So perhaps the 16710 will keep it's value, which I definitely consider a WIN.

[dcash0615]

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

(Quote)These changes due include the now current new GMT II ceramic. From what he told me the Rolex guy indicated that the new GMT II ceramic was a huge disappointment with Rolex as far as quality and design. They are changing it along with all other model #'s starting with 1. I have a feeling the bezel changes will be to ceramic. (Quote)

What exactly was the disappointment with the GMT C? These statements seems somewhat contradictory.

He did not give me specifics on the changes. Please clarify what you mean by the contradiction?

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by dcash0615

He did not give me specifics on the changes. Please clarify what you mean by the contradiction?

They were mostly minor incremental changes to the design.

They improved the hairspring, went with a maxi-dial (which is nothing new to Rolex), changed the color of the GMT hand, and made the bezel in a new material and have it click once per "hour". The movement is pretty much the same one as for the last 20 years. It also has a a solid link bracelet and new awesome clasp.

It's so disappointing they seem to be selling every single one of them. And I wish I had one too.

[dr_rolex]

I know little about the whole inside info thing, because I dont have a relationship with my AD and I dont think that Costa Rica moves enough inventory to get enough juicy secrets.

But I must say I am surprised to read that the ceramic would be a disappointment, since i suppose Rolex did the entire research and investigation - thing.

[Letsgodiving]

You say "the new GMT II ceramic was a huge disappointment with Rolex as far as quality and design" and then "I have a feeling the bezel changes will be to ceramic."

Just trying to clarify.

[dcash0615]

Originally Posted by Letsgodiving

You say "the new GMT II ceramic was a huge disappointment with Rolex as far as quality and design" and then "I have a feeling the bezel changes will be to ceramic."

Just trying to clarify.

Good point... Let me clarify.

The changes to the GMT II are unknown, other then he told me that Rolex was disappointed with it and will be making changes again.

All current models that start with 1 in the model number will have ceramic bezels, beefed up cases and bracelets. Of course the current new GMT II already has a ceramic bezel and beefed up case, so those changes will not apply.

[Ronnie Rolex]

Well, as far as the new Robin Hood, I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

As far as quality goes, my watch keeps great time and I haven't noticed any physical flaws.

Also, if the GMT is a "huge disappointment in quality and design" why did Rolex release it? This is more of a rhetorical question since I don't expect dcash to know the answer.

[BiG JeEzY]

We will find out of any of these major changes soon enough!

At Baselworld 2008!!

Does anybody on here already have plans to go to Baselword next year?

I plan to go at least once sometime in my lifetime.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by Paulie

They were mostly minor incremental changes to the design.

They improved the hairspring, went with a maxi-dial (which is nothing new to Rolex), changed the color of the GMT hand, and made the bezel in a new material and have it click once per "hour". The movement is pretty much the same one as for the last 20 years. It also has a a solid link bracelet and new awesome clasp.

It's so disappointing they seem to be selling every single one of them. And I wish I had one too.

I wouldn't be too disappointed - my GMT11-C has been a real "bag of hammers" and has numerous flaws and is now back with Rolex along with my fairly damming assessment of their Quality Control procedures. If you want one I would give them a year or so to get their act together.

[Ronnie Rolex]

Originally Posted by Woody

I wouldn't be too disappointed - my GMT11-C has been a real "bag of hammers" and has numerous flaws and is now back with Rolex along with my fairly damming assessment of their Quality Control procedures. If you want one I would give them a year or so to get their act together.

Woody,

Could you expand on the problems you've had?

[Woody]

Ronnie,

My watch is currently back with Rolex and I don't know whether they will provide me with a replacement or have a go at repairing the pile of junk they sold me. Anyway the issues with the watch were/are as follows;

1. Flawed dial (requires replacement but Rolex have not provided spares to the RSCs).
2. Fault with the bezel holder(there is a small chip/irregularity at the 2 o'clock position but again no spares)
3. Twisted clasp (Rolex managed to get it to work but the problem is that the joint between the two sections of the clasp is not as it should be but as before they don't have any spares)

The watch has also had to be regulated twice by RSC.

Mine is from the first batch of 50 that were released for sale in the UK so I guess they were still practicing when they put it together. I just can't believe that any major manufacturer would release a product and not think that they might need to provide their sevice centres with a few spare parts!!!

This is my fourth Rolex and in fairness I have never had any problems before - I guess I made a bad choice and should have held on to my previous SD which gave me absolutely no problems........lesson learned.

Anyway I have now spent £3,400 on a new watch + money lost in trading in my previous SD & GMT and am having to go out today to get a new battery for my £50 Tissot, otherwise I shall be watchless.......shame on you Rolex!!!

Oh and one final point - the side of the watch gets scuffed when you wear it with double/french cuff shirts - it is the design of the case sides which causes the problem - again not a problem with the SD, previous GMT11 or SS Sub that I owned - I guess that is progress Rolex style..................

[jesper451]

Hopefully the new GMT-d if the above is true, won't have the green text - then mine will be worth a lot of money as it will be quite rare.

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by Woody

Ronnie,

My watch is currently back with Rolex and I don't know whether they will provide me with a replacement or have a go at repairing the pile of junk they sold me. Anyway the issues with the watch were/are as follows;

1. Flawed dial (requires replacement but Rolex have not provided spares to the RSCs).
2. Fault with the bezel holder(there is a small chip/irregularity at the 2 o'clock position but again no spares)
3. Twisted clasp (Rolex managed to get it to work but the problem is that the joint between the two sections of the clasp is not as it should be but as before they don't have any spares)

The watch has also had to be regulated twice by RSC.

Mine is from the first batch of 50 that were released for sale in the UK so I guess they were still practicing when they put it together. I just can't believe that any major manufacturer would release a product and not think that they might need to provide their sevice centres with a few spare parts!!!

This is my fourth Rolex and in fairness I have never had any problems before - I guess I made a bad choice and should have held on to my previous SD which gave me absolutely no problems........lesson learned.

Anyway I have now spent £3,400 on a new watch + money lost in trading in my previous SD & GMT and am having to go out today to get a new battery for my £50 Tissot, otherwise I shall be watchless.......shame on you Rolex!!!

Oh and one final point - the side of the watch gets scuffed when you wear it with double/french cuff shirts - it is the design of the case sides which causes the problem - again not a problem with the SD, previous GMT11 or SS Sub that I owned - I guess that is progress Rolex style..................

Here's what you are missing !!

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by Woody

Ronnie,

My watch is currently back with Rolex and I don't know whether they will provide me with a replacement or have a go at repairing the pile of junk they sold me. Anyway the issues with the watch were/are as follows;

1. Flawed dial (requires replacement but Rolex have not provided spares to the RSCs).
2. Fault with the bezel holder(there is a small chip/irregularity at the 2 o'clock position but again no spares)
3. Twisted clasp (Rolex managed to get it to work but the problem is that the joint between the two sections of the clasp is not as it should be but as before they don't have any spares)

The watch has also had to be regulated twice by RSC.

Mine is from the first batch of 50 that were released for sale in the UK so I guess they were still practicing when they put it together. I just can't believe that any major manufacturer would release a product and not think that they might need to provide their sevice centres with a few spare parts!!!

This is my fourth Rolex and in fairness I have never had any problems before - I guess I made a bad choice and should have held on to my previous SD which gave me absolutely no problems........lesson learned.

Anyway I have now spent £3,400 on a new watch + money lost in trading in my previous SD & GMT and am having to go out today to get a new battery for my £50 Tissot, otherwise I shall be watchless.......shame on you Rolex!!!

Oh and one final point - the side of the watch gets scuffed when you wear it with double/french cuff shirts - it is the design of the case sides which causes the problem - again not a problem with the SD, previous GMT11 or SS Sub that I owned - I guess that is progress Rolex style..................

Here's what you are missing !!

[Remember2]

Originally Posted by dcash0615

Changes to the Rolex watch line.... All current models that start with 1 in the model # are changing. Rolex is going with a larger, heavier case as well as a beefed up bracelet and bezel.

The model numbers that currently start with 1 will have an additional 1 added to them. So for example, a 16610 will now be a 116610 and so forth.

Does this also count for the current Datejust, for example ref 116234 ??

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I cannot see why the GMT IIc should be considered a "flop" by Rolex.

The watch is a big seller and besides the issues with it described here, basically ALL members here are reporting great precision and workmanship.

However, I would say it is very likely that the Sub and SD get the ceramic bezel, Super case and Maxi Dial, updated bracelet, etc., etc.

But I guess we'd have to wait and see. Everyone's got his own "true" opinion on what is going to happen.

[mike]

Intersting about the comment on the GMT. The reference has been a big hit to those that frequent forums, and seem to fly of dealers shelves in my area.
I think it's a certainty ceramic will be making it's way into other references as well as the maxi-dial etc....
My guess would be sooner rather than later.

[Stef_Call]

Sorry to hear about all the problems you have had. I havent heard of any other members with the GMTIIC have anything like the number of issues you have had. I have had mine over 3 months and could not be happier. If they did make some changes I would be very happy. Would make the model i have a transitional model & maybe a collectors item.... I might have to start wearing my Daytona day to day instead of my GMT :)

[SLR]

That is pretty interesting about the GMTIIC. The size of the bezel, huge numbers, case size being so much larger proportionally to the bracelet - it all seems such a departure for Rolex. If true, it's indeed interesting to hear some insight on it. All the AD's i've been to recently say the watch is flying off the shelves - so it's not sales that's a problem. If the comment is true and the GMT is a 'lower quality' watch, i hope it's not a trend for Rolex.

[Ronnie Rolex]

Geez Woody sorry to hear about all the problems you've had. I hope that Rolex stands behind their product and makes things right with you. Keep us updated on it!

I guess watches are like beta versions of software. It pays to be the SECOND kid on the block sometimes. Again, really sorry to hear about your problems.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Rolex

Geez Woody sorry to hear about all the problems you've had. I hope that Rolex stands behind their product and makes things right with you. Keep us updated on it!

I guess watches are like beta versions of software. It pays to be the SECOND kid on the block sometimes. Again, really sorry to hear about your problems.

Ronnie,

Many thanks for your kind words - I went down to my AD earlier today to see how things were progressing but unfortunately the person dealing with my "problems" was off sick. Anyway the manager informed me that she should be back next week so I will try again then - I know she is going to try and get me a replacement so we will wait and see. Only thing I would say is that the manager was wearing a new GMT11-C................

I have to say that my wife loves the GMT11-C and as a rule she is not a Rolex fan - I also think it is the best looking Rolex I have ever owned just a real shame I appear to have bought a pup.

Anyway England 12 - Australia 10 has certainly improved my mood .............all we need now is for our french cousins to have one of their good days ..............

[Green Arrow]

as to quality of the new GMT II Ceramics? As an owner of one, I would certainly be interested in knowing what Rolex finds disappointing about our new watches.

[dcash0615]

Originally Posted by Remember2

Does this also count for the current Datejust, for example ref 116234 ??

My contact did not get specific other then tell me that changes were coming to all sport models that start with 1.

Sorry...

[Downing]

So I guess from all this I should surmise that Rolex is going to increase its prices someday and will make its tool watches more like the disappointing but nevertheless hotselling GMT IIC

Got it.

Woody, I feel for you and hope it gets worked out to your satisfaction.

[mibondin]

Hey guys, I am wrapped with my 2000 GMT II but of course have the occaisonal thought how nice it would be to have the recent release and keep up to date. I think I will hold out till the SS version becomes more common here in Aus though I have to admit I am not keen on the polished links (my brushed bracelet gets scratched enough as it is). Will hold out a little longer and keep observing the opinions of others on this great forum!

[JPP]

I guess half the fun is speculating but I would seriously doubt that Rolex would release a watch they were unhappy with. I mean let's be realistic - Rolex rarely release new models and to release a new model is hugely expensive. ADs don't half talk a lot of old cobblers - why it they were unhappy with the GMT C would they then incorporate the very changes that make the GMT C stand out to the rest of the line??? Nonsensical rubbish.

And as for the other sports models getting the changes - it depends on who you ask. Loads of people at other forums say they doubt the SD will get the ceramic bezel and here people think it will.

I for one hope it doesn't. And how would the extension link fit in a bracelet that is the same as that found on the new GMT C? Am curious. Seems to me that that would be the only upgrade worth anything.

Personally I dislike the maxi-dial/case. It's rather squat and somewhat ugly for my taste. I prefer the more elegant lines of the original oyster case.

Just MHO