Why wouldn't Rolex offer a 50th Aniversary Sea-dweller

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Well, the first Explorer was a commemorative watch, too - a nod to (or commercial celebration of) Edmund Hillary's ascent while wearing an Oyster Perpetual.

Yea, verily.

[Mick P]

Chaps

We are talking at cross purposes.

Leica got themselves into a mess by coming up with commerative models quite frequently and plastered the camera with tacky engravings and there was a bit of a backlash.

I have an old M6 which is plain and looks good but there was a limited edition of some obscure royal family which was released as a limited edition and the collectors avoided it like the plague.

At least it appears that the commerative watchs are not plastered with tacky engravings and are totally discreet.

Regards

Mick

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Well, the first Explorer was a commemorative watch, too - a nod to (or commercial celebration of) Edmund Hillary's ascent while wearing an Oyster Perpetual.

Strange, I don't recall anywhere in my brochure of 76' the Explorer being called a commemorative watch but of course you must be right. Is the Daytona a nod to a race or something? I suppose the Submariner was a celebration of the first 200m Submarine launch. Maybe that some monarch was crowned when airborne way back when!

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

There's no way that the Sea Dweller is a flop.

Rolex would never have resurrected what they consider to be a flop.

They resurrected the Milgauss twice (1019 and 116400) after the 6541 was a total flop.

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

There was this thing called the quartz crisis and Rolex adopted a model that save their butts when the rest of the Swiss watch industry was on the chopping block.

That model has served them well for nigh on to 30 years.

Some kind of change may be on the horizon, but we commoners will only find out after it's occurred.

Which model saved their butts again?

[arizonapaul]

You guys make some good points, but to call the sd400 a flop is a joke.. think about it, if one were to want to buy a 116600 sd4000, how many choices would they have as far as options, metal,color,dial, etc? The answer is exactly one choice, as there is only one. If course it is going to sell far less than all the choices for let's say a submariner. The other huge factor is the price at retail is substantial more than a ss sub. That can easily be avoided by looking for a secondary market with upwards of 3000 off from full retail.
I think it is a no brainer for rolex to offer a second option if one wants a sd4000.

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[GB-man]

Originally Posted by cmcm3

Chaps,

Don't forget the green dial YG GMTc...

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The Milgauss GV was an anniversary model, too, according to the original press release

Good points!

Given what Rolex likes to do for 50ths I see a touch of green headed our way. I would prefer a Kermit sdc.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

There's no way that the Sea Dweller is a flop.

Rolex would never have resurrected what they consider to be a flop.

It's the only model you can find in the U.K. It's not popular.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

It's the only model you can find in the U.K. It's not popular.

It's very simple. 99% of Rolex buyers want the cyclops. They want to be noticed. They also don't want to pay more

[arizonapaul]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

It's the only model you can find in the U.K. It's not popular.

I think this is because, for me anyways, the Submariner has always been the iconic and most recognizable Rolex on the planet. Heck, up until just a few months ago, the 116600 was not even on my radar screen as I knew nothing about it.. I have had a TT SS sub since about 1990 and that was it.. then I joined the forum and rest was history.. the SD4K is my favorite watch now.
If Rolex adjusted the price on the SD4K, it would very interesting to see how well they sell compared to a black SS dated Sub.... just my 2 cents.


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[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by arizonapaul

I think this is because, for me anyways, the Submariner has always been the iconic and most recognizable Rolex on the planet. Heck, up until just a few months ago, the 116600 was not even on my radar screen as I knew nothing about it.. I have had a TT SS sub since about 1990 and that was it.. then I joined the forum and rest was history.. the SD4K is my favorite watch now.
If Rolex adjusted the price on the SD4K, it would very interesting to see how well they sell compared to a black SS dated Sub.... just my 2 cents.


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I think the DateJust is the iconic Rolex. If you want to be seen wearing a Rolex, a two tone DJ makes that statement pretty well. A YG DD shouts it to the world. A diver is a diver, most non-WIS people don't associate the style with luxury.

For the typical bloke that wants to sport a Rolex diver, there's no reason to spend a bunch of money to get one that is pretty much identical to the cheaper Submariner. I think Rolex is comfortable with its price and doubt we'll see a drop to sub date pricing.

I would like to see a DRSD anniversary edition. A splash of red on a semi-gloss dial would be sharp.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

Which model saved their butts again?

I meant business model, which was to upgrade all their watches.

Some will agree and some will disagree.

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I meant business model, which was to upgrade their all watches more toward the luxury category.

I don't want to argue what constitutes the luxury watch market.

Some will agree and some will disagree.

ok now I get it. I agree that it's gone more toward sparkly luxury rather than sports, adventure, utility, that it used to be.
There are still some great watches in the line up like the divers but excluding the dblue. The chrono's and gmt's are all about bling now as is the exp II.
The new 2016 Explorer is now as good as it should be IMO and a worthy successor to the 1016.
The only thing I'd change on my DSSD would be the polished sides to the bracelet. I'd do the same with all the Oyster bracelets and remove the PCL's. I'd never release a special or commerative edition watch. All this would probably finish Rolex off as it now wouldn't appeal to the majority of Rolex buyers who seem to want people to notice them. A show of wealth that to me at least seems tacky.
Threads like, does your car match your watch, what does your wallet look like, bla bla bla only go to show that some like to be flashy and Rolex now pander to those people. Just my opinion.

[arizonapaul]

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=488842. I must be getting senile, seems I started a thread on the 116600 awhile back...

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[brucethemanlee]

i'm guessing whatever "50th" edition is offered, if at all, it probably won't show up in ADs hands until Sep/Oct. That's potentially a year away assuming no waiting list. At least that's what i'm telling myself as i'm tempted to get the SD4K for xmas!! whatever the 50th version is, it will be available for a few years i expect.

Does anyone know how long the 50th Submariner (kermit) was around for?

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

Strange, I don't recall anywhere in my brochure of 76' the Explorer being called a commemorative watch but of course you must be right.

The fact that the Explorer was introduced to commemorate the summiting of Everest can be found on Rolex's website.

https://www.rolex.com/watches/explor...ine/watch.html

THE OYSTER PERPETUAL CHRONOMETER
History of the Explorer

When climbers reach altitudes usually attained by cruising commercial jets and brave temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F), confronting icy precipices and deadly winds, with 70 per cent less oxygen than at sea level, they need the right gear. This is why several of the pioneering expeditions that scaled the Himalayan peaks from the 1930s onwards relied on the Rolex Oyster as their indispensable timepieces.


THE EXPLORER
History of the Explorer

The epic feat was so emblematic of the qualities of precision and reliability associated with the Oyster watch that the brand marked the occasion in 1953 with the launch of a dedicated model: the Rolex Explorer. It benefited from all the technical know-how gained during the Himalayan expeditions over the decades to make it one of the most rugged of all Oysters: it featured a robust, all-steel bracelet and a new Twinlock winding crown with a double waterproofness system.

[Onikage]

Less is more when it comes to special edition watches IMHO. Leave that to Omega Swatch corp who seem to be constantly releasing SE LIMITED models of their icons. Panerai aren't much better. Blatant cashcow milkery and no way for a serious watchmaker to behave. Too many watches with 1/1000 on the back! Bit off tangent granted but with the exception of the DB James cameron (wtf) Rolex are doing it right with the LV and touch of green here and there and I think the SD4K should be left alone as a serious diver.

[10:10:31 28]

Maybe a Sea-Dweller 4000 with green crystal?

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Well, the first Explorer was a commemorative watch, too - a nod to (or commercial celebration of) Edmund Hillary's ascent while wearing an Oyster Perpetual.

I found an interesting article on Explorer watches, here's an extract from said article,

While many believe that Rolex launched the Explorer due to Rolex supplying watches to Sir Hillary and Norgay who climbed Mount Everest in 1953 – this was not the case. Rolex simply supplied some Explorers to the expedition but the line had existed before 1953 (with references 6150 and 6098, 6298). But the first watch to carry the Explorer name on the dial was the reference 6350 (main picture above) and this was launched also in 1953 – the same year that Hillary successfully climbed Mount Everest. Rolex- the clever marketing company- of course then linked the Explorer watch with these successful watch climbers (see ad below) – and from then on the Explorer would be identified with Hillary & Co.

The Explorer name was registered in jan 1953. Everest was climbed in May.

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The fact that the Explorer was introduced to commemorate the summiting of Everest can be found on Rolex's website.

https://www.rolex.com/watches/explor...ine/watch.html

THE OYSTER PERPETUAL CHRONOMETER
History of the Explorer

When climbers reach altitudes usually attained by cruising commercial jets and brave temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F), confronting icy precipices and deadly winds, with 70 per cent less oxygen than at sea level, they need the right gear. This is why several of the pioneering expeditions that scaled the Himalayan peaks from the 1930s onwards relied on the Rolex Oyster as their indispensable timepieces.


THE EXPLORER
History of the Explorer

The epic feat was so emblematic of the qualities of precision and reliability associated with the Oyster watch that the brand marked the occasion in 1953 with the launch of a dedicated model: the Rolex Explorer. It benefited from all the technical know-how gained during the Himalayan expeditions over the decades to make it one of the most rugged of all Oysters: it featured a robust, all-steel bracelet and a new Twinlock winding crown with a double waterproofness system.

The watch already existed as did the name when Everest was climbed.

[gregmoeck]

Blue crystal

[WAK4]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Good points!

Given what Rolex likes to do for 50ths I see a touch of green headed our way. I would prefer a Kermit sdc.

I'd be all over that.

[GeeRam]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

Here's an idea, why not Rolex release a catalogue of 1976 references like the original GMT, Exp, Sub etc etc and get back to making iconic looking watches rather than look what I have, shiny special edition pieces covered in various coloured paint and glass etc, rant over

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

The watch already existed as did the name when Everest was climbed.

You don't think that Rolex anticipated that the expedition would summit Everest eventually and planned to launch the Explorer when that occurred.

Does anyone think that Rolex invented a new watch to launch under the Explorer name?

The watch issued to the team was the Oyster Perpetual on a leather strap from which the Explorer with its bracelet was derived.

The Explorer was launched to commemorate the event of summiting Everest and there is an ad from the period stating such, besides the account quoted from the website.

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[eco8gator]

It's time for a Platinum SD with blue dial and bezel...take the steam out of Patek with their anniversary releases. Price it at 90k and it will sell.

[mailman]

Originally Posted by eco8gator

It's time for a Platinum SD with blue dial and bezel...take the steam out of Patek with their anniversary releases. Price it at 90k and it will sell.

To who? The 116506 is MSRP $75000. They don't even sell at that price.

[TK-710]

Originally Posted by eco8gator

It's time for a Platinum SD with blue dial and bezel...take the steam out of Patek with their anniversary releases. Price it at 90k and it will sell.

That sounds great. Make an anniversary edition that symbolizes everything the original is not.

[eco8gator]

A fully functional SD in platinum is still a Sea-Dweller, it will do the job. Besides that watch was designed for a rare breed if people...you have to be a little crazy to SAT dive...I know quite a few and even they admit they have a few screws loose.

Any one considering a Platinum Nautilus would probably consider this watch as an alternative.

If rolex released only a few hundred of these they would sell outhe before hitting the boutiques lucky enough to get one...

Now if they decided that they want to cater to us common folk then I'd love a modern double red... I'd she'll out 12k for that in a heart beat.

[cmcm3]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

The watch already existed as did the name when Everest was climbed.

It's not like Grady just made all that script up. He pulled it off the Rolex website and provided a link. I think we'll generally take the Rolex version of events over yours if that's ok...

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by cmcm3

It's not like Grady just made all that script up. He pulled it off the Rolex website and provided a link. I think we'll generally take the Rolex version of events over yours if that's ok...

In that case you've both just bought into the Rolex spin machine! laughable really. Do some more research instead of believing everything Rolex ad boys tell you. I don't expect you chaps will believe anything other than what you are told though.
The first watch to the top was a Smiths anyway as worn by Hilary.