Do you think Rolex have come up against a brick wall?

[JJ Irani]

Hi guys,

In all fairness to Rolex, they've done a helluva lot in the last few years to improve the quality of their watches and especially their bracelets and clasps.

On the other hand, their movements have always been so damned good and reliable that the only thing they could come up with were some minor modifications like the new Parachrom spring, etc.

So what do you feel now? For example, what more can Rolex do to improve their new Sub-C? How could they possibly do anything better to improve the new GMT-IIC which, I personally think, is the GENIUS in their line up and has virtually no more room for improvement.

The DJs, Air-Kings, OPs, etc. have all undergone changes and improvements.............so one really wonders what's left for Rolex to conjure up from their magical bag of tricks.

JJ

[ersnyder]

Go retro, like a big orange hand for the Exp II!

[Dan2010]

The Sub C needs a red minute hand and red "Submariner".

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by ersnyder

Go retro, like a big orange hand for the Exp II!

Looks like that's coming in 2011, Eric!!

Originally Posted by Dan2010

The Sub C needs a red minute hand and red "Submariner".

Yes, but that's not really a major change or technological improvement. For example, how can they possibly improve on their new bracelets?

How can they improve on their cases, or dials, or crowns or any of the stuff they already have incorporated into their current range?

JJ

[Jocke]

Maybe the Sub-C will get a thinner case?

Of course there is a lot to do, Rolex never sleep and their lips are sealed.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Jocke

Maybe the Sub-C will get a thinner case?

Of course there is a lot to do, Rolex never sleep and their lips are sealed.

You too never sleep, Jocke...............and your lips are never sealed, especially where I'm concerned!!

[Puffy]

Updated clasp on the YM. I also reckon we'll see Pepsi and Coke inserts for the GMT eventually. So much more to pull out of the bag JJ

[EchoBlueUK]

I'd like to see:

Pepsi Ceramic for the GMT2C, DSSD with wider bracelet and "...ring lock" etc. words gone, Super Jubilee option on a DJ2.

That's about it from me.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Puffy

Updated clasp on the YM. I also reckon we'll see Pepsi and Coke inserts for the GMT eventually. So much more to pull out of the bag JJ

I suppose so...................but then what??!! I would be very surprised if Rolex can come up with something really new and unique..........something that has a huge technical improvement to the Horological world.

JJ

[Dan2010]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Looks like that's coming in 2011, Eric!!




Yes, but that's not really a major change or technological improvement. For example, how can they possibly improve on their new bracelets?

How can they improve on their cases, or dials, or crowns or any of the stuff they already have incorporated into their current range?

JJ

As far as true technological improvements, hmmm, maybe seals that do not go bad so the watch does not have to be pressure tested annually. That would be big.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

You too never sleep, Jocke...............and your lips are never sealed, especially where I'm concerned!!

I use to be very quiet, I'm a shy guy.

[Danand]

Thatsthe beauty of engineering and r an d- when we mere mortals think something is perfect and can't be improved someone comes up with something the rest of us didn't think of. For example the glidelock clasp is great but perhaps it is a bit long- so can someone design an improved version that is shorter while still performing the same way( same amount of adjustability, etc)?
I guess the problem is we don't have a crystal ball to see everything coming down the line. We might enter a period of relatively minor changes, but there will be big ones again sometime. Time does not stand still, and likely neither does rolex.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Dan2010

As far as true technological improvements, hmmm, maybe seals that do not go bad so the watch does not have to be pressure tested annually. That would be big.

Even for professional divers, the seals need to be tested just once in 18 months or so............and that was a long time ago.

Since then, I'm pretty sure there have been vast improvements in their seals and now Rolex watches can be serviced once in 8 years!!!

JJ

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I suppose so...................but then what??!! I would be very surprised if Rolex can come up with something really new and unique..........something that has a huge technical improvement to the Horological world.

JJ

I don't think they will do, Rolex designers are at your age.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Danand

For example the glidelock clasp is great but perhaps it is a bit long- so can someone design an improved version that is shorter while still performing the same way( same amount of adjustability, etc)?

Good post, but if that GLIDELOCK were made any shorter, the very purpose for which it was designed and engineered would be defeated.

It has to be long enough for a professional diver to wear on the outside of a thick diving suit. In fact, the DSSD GLIDELOCK is even further modified for this purpose and is an advancement on the Sub's Glidelock system.

JJ

[stephengreen]

Daytona in big need for an update. Sub-c needs to grow to 42mm at least. People are getting bigger. Car makers have recognized this, Rolex needs to too.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by stephengreen

Daytona in big need for an update. Sub-c needs to grow to 42mm at least. People are getting bigger. Car makers have recognized this Rolex needs to too.

Yes, but the masses that buy Rolex watches live in Asia and the Far East countries where the bone structure of these races tend to be small and more suitable for the 31 and 36 mm watches.

JJ

[zeuloa]

They will probably leave the main things such as bracelets, cases , and such the same for the next 20 years while having minor improvements. Maybe the next step for the Sub C will be to take it down to 4000ft like the old Sea Dweller!

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Yes, but the masses that buy Rolex watches live in Asia and the Far East countries where the bone structure of these races tend to be small and more suitable for the 31 and 36 mm watches.

JJ

If they live in Asia they want at least 45 mm watches, they love Panarai's over there.

[Richard.]

Originally Posted by Puffy

Pepsi and Coke inserts for the GMT eventually. So much more to pull out of the bag JJ

Oh, yes please.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Jocke

If they live in Asia they want at least 45 mm watches, they love Panarai's over there.

That size they would have to wear around their necks!!

[JasoninDenver]

Maybe the next big step would be a customization program whereby the buyer has the ability to specify dials, hands bezels, etc. This would let them cater to the exclusive set that is willing to pay a premium for such selections and further enhance their brand VIP chacet.

[457689]

why not open more RSC around the world?

make things easier for us once we buy the watch and it needs service

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Maybe the next big step would be a customization program whereby the buyer has the ability to specify dials, hands bezels, etc. This would let them cater to the exclusive set that is willing to pay a premium for such selections and further enhance their brand VIP chacet.

Good observation, Jason...............but I think that can be done even today by the Rich & Famous!!

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

That size they would have to wear around their necks!!

Just look at Kyle.

[MrTito]

I know you guys don't always embrace the 'bigger' watches, but if Rolex ever produced a 44mm sub I would never buy any other watch ever again.....ever....at all.......ever....never

Pretty please

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by MrTito

I know you guys don't always embrace the 'bigger' watches, but if Rolex ever produced a 44mm sub I would never buy any other watch ever again.....ever....at all.......ever....never

Pretty please

Rolex already have the 43 mm DSSD, so I don't see them pumping up the Sub from its present 40 to 44 mm..............and then have it competing against the DSSD for size.

JJ

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by 457689

why not open more RSC around the world?

make things easier for us once we buy the watch and it needs service

We need a few more RUSA too, there is not enough sued peoples yet.

[zeuloa]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Maybe the next big step would be a customization program whereby the buyer has the ability to specify dials, hands bezels, etc. This would let them cater to the exclusive set that is willing to pay a premium for such selections and further enhance their brand VIP chacet.

I think this is already available to companies and very exclusive customers at a high premium.

[stephengreen]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Yes, but the masses that buy Rolex watches live in Asia and the Far East countries where the bone structure of these races tend to be small and more suitable for the 31 and 36 mm watches.

JJ

Then why produce 40mm? If its for Europeans then they must recognize we have got bigger over the last fifty years and a 40mm watch is now only suitable for Eastern customers