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Secondhandunwinds · 2 January 2018, 02:34 PM

In thinking about some of Rolex’s releases over the last several years - and discontinued models - I’m seeing a pattern of less dial & bracelet choices.

Examples include the DD 40 vs DD 36. DD 40 is only president bracelet, only fluted bezel (except platinum) and less dial options.

Milguass dial is down to one design, two colors. New Air King has one dial, last one had several. Daytona now only has stick dials or diamonds - the romans and numerals are gone...

It almost seems that as they go along updating each model they simplify it.

We can of course only speculate as to the “why” is it reduced manufacturing or engineering cost? Is it marketing saying the purchase decision needs to be easier on the consumer?

Of course this isn’t necessarily a bad thing - I love the new DD40 for example, and always thought the stick dialed Daytona’s looked best.

Just wondered if others noticed this and what your thoughts were?

Paul

jcatt · 2 January 2018, 02:43 PM

I think there is plenty of variety in their design. Witness all the "choose this or that" type questions on this forum. What is lacking, however, is availability. Could your statement may be based on what you see in an AD window, rather than the total catalog of what Rolex manufacture?
JCATT

vincenzowl · 3 January 2018, 01:37 AM

This would be a good thing for them to simplify both manufacturing and sales. People do like choices though especially for watches. Would be interesting to see how they continue this trend.

JR16 · 3 January 2018, 08:57 AM

The DJ41 runs contrary to your observation but I do see what you are saying about a few models.

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EagleArmsHBAR · 3 January 2018, 12:29 PM

It would be cool if they rotated availability throughout the years. For example, this year they only make black subs and black GMTs. Next year they only make Green Subs and Bruiser GMTs. The following year, something else. Maybe do a three year rotation.

tamiya · 3 January 2018, 11:16 PM

Maybe they're rationalising to the point there'll only be one dial per year for every model... then they'll call it a Limited Edition for that year only

Heck, Lamy does that very well

2 January 2018, 02:34 PM	#1
Secondhandunwinds "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: Paul Location: Wisconsin Watch: Daytona C & DJ Posts: 62	The New Rolex Way.....Minimalism In thinking about some of Rolex’s releases over the last several years - and discontinued models - I’m seeing a pattern of less dial & bracelet choices. Examples include the DD 40 vs DD 36. DD 40 is only president bracelet, only fluted bezel (except platinum) and less dial options. Milguass dial is down to one design, two colors. New Air King has one dial, last one had several. Daytona now only has stick dials or diamonds - the romans and numerals are gone... It almost seems that as they go along updating each model they simplify it. We can of course only speculate as to the “why” is it reduced manufacturing or engineering cost? Is it marketing saying the purchase decision needs to be easier on the consumer? Of course this isn’t necessarily a bad thing - I love the new DD40 for example, and always thought the stick dialed Daytona’s looked best. Just wondered if others noticed this and what your thoughts were? Paul

2 January 2018, 02:43 PM	#2
jcatt "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Lost, but on-time Posts: 267	I think there is plenty of variety in their design. Witness all the "choose this or that" type questions on this forum. What is lacking, however, is availability. Could your statement may be based on what you see in an AD window, rather than the total catalog of what Rolex manufacture? JCATT __________________ Daytona 116500, White Dial Custom Daytona 116520/ 6263 Daytona 116520, Black Dial GMT Master II Pepsi 16710 Cartier Roadster Chrono

3 January 2018, 01:37 AM	#3
vincenzowl "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Real Name: Vince Location: Maryland Watch: 116400GV Posts: 270	This would be a good thing for them to simplify both manufacturing and sales. People do like choices though especially for watches. Would be interesting to see how they continue this trend.

3 January 2018, 08:57 AM	#4
JR16 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: USA Posts: 6,251	The DJ41 runs contrary to your observation but I do see what you are saying about a few models. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

3 January 2018, 12:29 PM	#5
EagleArmsHBAR "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 241	It would be cool if they rotated availability throughout the years. For example, this year they only make black subs and black GMTs. Next year they only make Green Subs and Bruiser GMTs. The following year, something else. Maybe do a three year rotation.

3 January 2018, 11:16 PM	#6
tamiya "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Real Name: Willy Location: AU, SG, MY Posts: 1,248	Maybe they're rationalising to the point there'll only be one dial per year for every model... then they'll call it a Limited Edition for that year only Heck, Lamy does that very well

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