Rolex GMT CHNR126711 & 126715 Case query?

[Lol-x]

It has been reported that only the case of the new Pepsi is different in thickness and contour from the BLNR.

However, that is surprising to me and I'd like to know for sure whether the CHNR126711 and 126715 have a new case design too or if they have the same dimensions and shape as the GMT BLNR case???

Thanks

[BT1985]

I have owned both, BLNR and CHNR and the CHNR case had slightly more contoured lugs in my opinion relative to the BLNR. I compared the CHNR side by side with the BLRO and from the naked eye they were the same.


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[Lol-x]

Great, thank you for that awesome information!!!

Merry Christmas

[ArtNouveau]

I thought there was some pretty definitive pictures taken showing that there is no measurable differences between the BLNR and new BLRO cases. It has also been shown that the only thing that has to be changed to switch jubilee and oyster bracelets between them is springbar size. Did I miss a thread that shows otherwise?
I have both steel GMT’s now but no precision instruments to measure them but at a glance they seem identical to me.

[BT1985]

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[037]

Originally Posted by BT1985

I have owned both, BLNR and CHNR and the CHNR case had slightly more contoured lugs in my opinion relative to the BLNR. I compared the CHNR side by side with the BLRO and from the naked eye they were the same.

Respectfully, the naked eye isn't sufficient in this instance. The contour in the 12671x case is identical to the 11671x case. I had the bracelet from my 116710 installed in my 126711CHNR and the endlink radii aligned identically. This is based on physically installing parts rather than judging purely by visuals.

All three 12671x cases measure the same. Bracelets are interchangeable between the three. They'll also accept the Oyster from the 11671x models using 126710 springbars.

The 69200 Jubilee endlinks have thrown visuals off considerably and are what's responsible for making the BLRO appear different than other cases.

HTH

[BT1985]

Originally Posted by 037

Respectfully, the naked eye isn't sufficient in this instance. The contour in the 12671x case is identical to the 11671x case. I had the bracelet from my 116710 installed in my 126711CHNR and the endlink radii aligned identically. This is based on physically installing parts rather than judging purely by visuals.

All three 12671x cases measure the same. Bracelets are interchangeable between the three. They'll also accept the Oyster from the 11671x models using 126710 springbars.

The 69200 Jubilee endlinks have thrown visuals off considerably and are what's responsible for making the BLRO appear different than other cases.

HTH

I agree that standard reported measurements would not change one bit. To me the difference seemed to be the break on the outside edge of the lugs. Although very slight, the CHNR lugs seemed to take a sharper angle as they sloped in. I could be wrong on the naked eye (and wearing them both) analysis but I don’t think your endlink argument applies here as the 90 degree angle of the inside of the lugs and lug width ( inside to inside) would not change regardless.


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[037]

Originally Posted by BT1985

I agree that standard reported measurements would not change one bit. To me the difference seemed to be the break on the outside edge of the lugs. Although very slight, the CHNR lugs seemed to take a sharper angle as they sloped in. I could be wrong on the naked eye (and wearing them both) analysis but I don’t think your endlink argument applies here as the 90 degree angle of the inside of the lugs and lug width ( inside to inside) would not change.

I haven't put the CHNR under a CMM to get a point cloud model of the cases. I didn't see any immediate difference in the break slope but did notice quite a difference in brush grainand how sharply the new cases are finished. I did measure lug lengths to be the same at the tips and breaks on both a 2018 116710 and CHNR case. Case thicknesses were also identical.

If I can CMM a case I will. I might wait until I can get a BLRO of my own since that's the rumor I want to put to bed the most.

[BT1985]

Originally Posted by 037

I haven't put the CHNR under a CMM to get a point cloud model of the cases. I didn't see any immediate difference in the break slope but did notice quite a difference in brush grainand how sharply the new cases are finished. I did measure lug lengths to be the same at the tips and breaks on both a 2018 116710 and CHNR case. Case thicknesses were also identical.



If I can CMM a case I will. I might wait until I can get a BLRO of my own since that's the rumor I want to put to bed the most.

Well I hope you get to conduct the field work soon with a new BLRO and report back. Godspeed!


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[JacksonStone]

Whatever differences there might be between the 11671x and 12671x cases, I'm noticing two recurring themes: (1) people really have to try hard to see the differences; (2) even after trying really hard, they're still not quite sure what the differences are. That suggests to me that the differences are negligible at most, and don't constitute any substantial redesign of the case. Certainly, they're not as substantial as the differences between the five-digit and six-digit cases. I mean, if you need a CMM to know for sure....

More pics (source here):

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by BT1985

I agree that standard reported measurements would not change one bit. To me the difference seemed to be the break on the outside edge of the lugs. Although very slight, the CHNR lugs seemed to take a sharper angle as they sloped in. I could be wrong on the naked eye (and wearing them both) analysis but I don’t think your endlink argument applies here as the 90 degree angle of the inside of the lugs and lug width ( inside to inside) would not change regardless.


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I agree that’s how it appears, however it may just be an illusion

[Lol-x]

I thought that when Rolex released the new models at Basel this year that it was stated that the cases were different at least on the BLRO and so too the CHNR.

Having worn the BLRO for a significant period I did feel that the case felt more comfortable on my wrist than the BLNR model.

Rolex itself says:

Originally Posted by Rolex.com

The lugs and sides of its Oyster case have been redesigned...

Originally Posted by Hodinkee Editor

However, the case is neither bigger or smaller and all that has been done is a modification to the lugs and the sides to optimise the polishing process and to enhance lustre.

But no one says what is the precise "modification".

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

I thought that when Rolex released the new models at Basel this year that it was stated that the cases were different at least on the BLRO and so too the CHNR.

Having worn the BLRO for a significant period I did feel that the case felt more comfortable on my wrist than the BLNR model.

Rolex itself says:





But no one says what is the precise "modification".

I don't know for sure, but a lot of misinformation came out this Basel regarding the new models. I surmise in the end that the "redesigned" case and modification to the lugs for better polishing is nothing more than extravagant marketing to simply say,
We have made the BLRO lugs to accept different springbars and started putting a hella mirror polish on the new watches from here on out.

Again, Rolex now calls it Oyster Steel, that came out of Basel as well, and if you read the literature on that, it also sounds as if they are doing something different. My bet, same ole 904L. Rolex has the most intelligent marketing machine known to man with incredibly vague descriptions of exactly what they're talking about.

And nowhere on their website or owners manuals do they list technical specifications of their products.

From obsessive comparing side by side, and putting the lugs up against each other for a BLNR and a CHNR, I could not see any bit of difference. The BLRO will be naturally more comfortable with a jubilee.

[Dyim]

Well, oystersteel came out also.

If we have to look pretty hard to find a difference, my guess is there is none.

[BT1985]

I must admit, scrutinizing the minutiae of potential Rolex case differences is far more gratifying than talking about AD rumors. Feels more at home.


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[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

Whatever differences there might be between the 11671x and 12671x cases, I'm noticing two recurring themes: (1) people really have to try hard to see the differences; (2) even after trying really hard, they're still not quite sure what the differences are. That suggests to me that the differences are negligible at most, and don't constitute any substantial redesign of the case. Certainly, they're not as substantial as the differences between the five-digit and six-digit cases. I mean, if you need a CMM to know for sure....

Yep, my thoughts exactly.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by Devildog

I agree that’s how it appears, however it may just be an illusion

I agree it's a parallax illusion, since the viewing angle is slightly more to the left of the case in the CHNR pic than in the BLNR pic. This is borne out by the difference in date window placement within the cyclops, and the less visible crown guards on the CHNR.