Deepsea D-Blue to be stopped

[Mar1177]

[QUOTE=CGJJ;5724926]

Originally Posted by Mar1177

Topanga to Malibu?

How did you know? We want an ocean view....

[CGJJ]

Just had a feeling from your description.
Beautiful part of the World and where i would live given the choice.
Good luck with the move!

[Danex]

Originally Posted by Porsche

Thanks Dan, but I just read the article in the link and nowhere does it say it is a "limited edition"...

I stand corrected. The author seems to speculate whether the D-Blue release portends that Rolex will do special/limited releases. Thanks for helping to clarify.

One thing I think we can all agree to is that Rolex has done something very unusual with the release of the D-Blue - the association with Cameron and the online announcement with watches available the next day.

[SeaDweller50]

Has the blue dial replaced the black in that case? I noticed a DSSD on ebay labelled as discontinued. This was his reply.

I thought this was relatively common knowledge among Rolex enthusiasts and aficionados? But if you need the info here it is.

Rolex released the Rolex Deep Sea - Sea Dweller model ref # 116660 in the 44mm case in 2008 at Baselworld. Production (in factory) was started in 2007 and there a number of DSSD out there with a 2007 dated Warranty Card. I know this because I have personally owned them.

In 2014 Rolex decided that sales of the DSSD were not meeting their expectation. (Probably due to its size and weight)

As a brand, Rolex models NEVER fail, and they could not allow the DSSD to become one. However, they were left with a relatively large number unsold and therefore being discounted by dealers who wanted to "get rid". This was bad news for the Rolex brand and could not continue.

Very cleverly, Rolex introduced a new DIAL for the watch. The Black & Blue version seen on the James Cameron DSSD. The fact that the watch has the SAME 116660 reference number confirms that what Rolex actually did was to change the dials OUT of the unsold models and replace then with a "limited" dial. Thus ensuring the instant hit of the JC DSSD and being left with fewer original Black Dial models that then became much more sought after as a "discontinued" model. Magnificent marketing by Rolex... But that is nothing new. They are the masters.

Yes, you will find brand new black dial models still in stock at authorised Rolex dealerships. Yes you will still see this model on the Rolex website. And yes there are currently still plenty around. BUT... Once these are sold and Rolex have no more they are gone. A discontinued model.

As for my personal sources, they remain private as contacts within Rolex and within authorised dealerships are scarce and hugely protected. However, this is hardly "top secret" information!

[bhfong]

Originally Posted by RolexplorerII

Has the blue dial replaced the black in that case? I noticed a DSSD on ebay labelled as discontinued. This was his reply.

I thought this was relatively common knowledge among Rolex enthusiasts and aficionados? But if you need the info here it is.

Rolex released the Rolex Deep Sea - Sea Dweller model ref # 116660 in the 44mm case in 2008 at Baselworld. Production (in factory) was started in 2007 and there a number of DSSD out there with a 2007 dated Warranty Card. I know this because I have personally owned them.

In 2014 Rolex decided that sales of the DSSD were not meeting their expectation. (Probably due to its size and weight)

As a brand, Rolex models NEVER fail, and they could not allow the DSSD to become one. However, they were left with a relatively large number unsold and therefore being discounted by dealers who wanted to "get rid". This was bad news for the Rolex brand and could not continue.

Very cleverly, Rolex introduced a new DIAL for the watch. The Black & Blue version seen on the James Cameron DSSD. The fact that the watch has the SAME 116660 reference number confirms that what Rolex actually did was to change the dials OUT of the unsold models and replace then with a "limited" dial. Thus ensuring the instant hit of the JC DSSD and being left with fewer original Black Dial models that then became much more sought after as a "discontinued" model. Magnificent marketing by Rolex... But that is nothing new. They are the masters.

Yes, you will find brand new black dial models still in stock at authorised Rolex dealerships. Yes you will still see this model on the Rolex website. And yes there are currently still plenty around. BUT... Once these are sold and Rolex have no more they are gone. A discontinued model.

As for my personal sources, they remain private as contacts within Rolex and within authorised dealerships are scarce and hugely protected. However, this is hardly "top secret" information!

Sorry, but seller seems full of

[ABChop]

Maybe, but it's a great story : )

[Capvvc]

Great looking watch.

[psv]

Originally Posted by RolexplorerII

Has the blue dial replaced the black in that case? I noticed a DSSD on ebay labelled as discontinued. This was his reply.

I thought this was relatively common knowledge among Rolex enthusiasts and aficionados? But if you need the info here it is.

Rolex released the Rolex Deep Sea - Sea Dweller model ref # 116660 in the 44mm case in 2008 at Baselworld. Production (in factory) was started in 2007 and there a number of DSSD out there with a 2007 dated Warranty Card. I know this because I have personally owned them.

In 2014 Rolex decided that sales of the DSSD were not meeting their expectation. (Probably due to its size and weight)

As a brand, Rolex models NEVER fail, and they could not allow the DSSD to become one. However, they were left with a relatively large number unsold and therefore being discounted by dealers who wanted to "get rid". This was bad news for the Rolex brand and could not continue.

Very cleverly, Rolex introduced a new DIAL for the watch. The Black & Blue version seen on the James Cameron DSSD. The fact that the watch has the SAME 116660 reference number confirms that what Rolex actually did was to change the dials OUT of the unsold models and replace then with a "limited" dial. Thus ensuring the instant hit of the JC DSSD and being left with fewer original Black Dial models that then became much more sought after as a "discontinued" model. Magnificent marketing by Rolex... But that is nothing new. They are the masters.

Yes, you will find brand new black dial models still in stock at authorised Rolex dealerships. Yes you will still see this model on the Rolex website. And yes there are currently still plenty around. BUT... Once these are sold and Rolex have no more they are gone. A discontinued model.

As for my personal sources, they remain private as contacts within Rolex and within authorised dealerships are scarce and hugely protected. However, this is hardly "top secret" information!

This is pure speculation and conspiracy theory.

[ABChop]

And that's what makes it great!! : )

[roquecalleja]

trustworthy dealer

[speedmaster73]

hogwash. the 16610LV had a run of approx 7-8 years before being discontinued. The DSSD-blue 'legend' as taken on a life of its own and many owners don't even know the 'facts', so i will clear it up:

1) James Cameron 'wore' a regular DSSD w black dial during the dive
2) the Rolex attached to the sub was a one off and never a production model

so although the DSSD blue is a 'commemorative' model, it really had nothing to do with the James Cameron Dive. The black dial DSSD did however as it actually 'participated'.

not trying to rain on the DSSD blue parade but methinks Rolex just fudged up a black blue dial with seattle seahawk green lettering and labelled it a 'commemorative' edition. It costs no more than a DSSD to make yet they charge more. Sounds like a Rolex money grab to me. It is for this reason i expect it to run as long as the DSSD is sold. when the DSSDblue is discontinued I suspect the DSSD will be as well.

[IT Nerd]

Originally Posted by c.capt

This and the dreaded "impending price increase" are the two oldest tricks in the salesperson's book to close a sale. I'll believe it when I see it.

Spot on

[ABChop]

Holy thread revival Batman!

[T. Ferguson]

Wow, my AD must really be low on the totem pole or someone at the mother ship doesn't like him. Whenever I ask him about price increase rumors or stuff like this he always tells me I probably know more than he does.

[HogwldFLTR]

DSSD JC coming back from the dead, hmmm??? Walking dead watch...

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

hogwash. the 16610LV had a run of approx 7-8 years before being discontinued. The DSSD-blue 'legend' as taken on a life of its own and many owners don't even know the 'facts', so i will clear it up:

1) James Cameron 'wore' a regular DSSD w black dial during the dive
2) the Rolex attached to the sub was a one off and never a production model

so although the DSSD blue is a 'commemorative' model, it really had nothing to do with the James Cameron Dive. The black dial DSSD did however as it actually 'participated'.

not trying to rain on the DSSD blue parade but methinks Rolex just fudged up a black blue dial with seattle seahawk green lettering and labelled it a 'commemorative' edition. It costs no more than a DSSD to make yet they charge more. Sounds like a Rolex money grab to me. It is for this reason i expect it to run as long as the DSSD is sold. when the DSSDblue is discontinued I suspect the DSSD will be as well.

I largely agree and mostly correct.

However, to suggest the D-Blue dial is "just fudged up" would not give due justice to the effort put into it.

Whilst it is regarded as a simple dial variation and is not reflected by a different model number. Consider the following.
!. The D'Blue dial in made up of 4 colours as opposed to 2.
2. With the exception of the white coloured font the other 3 colours are different and the 2 main colours are faded into each other.
3. The layout of the dial is different.

These 3 points alone represent a level or 3 of complexity that requires a level of commitment of the part of the manufacturer.

Given the low volume of the dial variant, an economy of scale most likely would not apply.
It's not inconceivable there may even an elevated degree of human input into the production of the variant. Given this it's also possible there may be a high failure rate during production of the dial.
It wouldn't surprise me if Rolex has a division dedicated to the production of "specials," the cost to produce the variant would indeed be greater(you get nothing for nothing).
Regarding the issue of clearing facts.
If I recall correctly Rolex made 2 or 3 of the larger models that went on the outside of the JC submersible. with(I think) 2 of them that went down to the bottom of Challenger Deep.
Not just 1 as you assert.
They have shown a willingness to produce specials since the late 50's/early 60's.
It all comes at a cost.
Just maybe the extra few hundred dollars premium one pays for the D-Blue dial is merely an example of a cost recovery exercise by Rolex.
As a totally independent entity in their own right within the industry, IMO they're quite entitled to make commercial decisions that are acceptable to them, and it's up to us as individuals to decide what we will find acceptable.

At the end of the day, history has shown (without exception) they will definitely sell each and every one they produce regardless of peoples prejudices

Further, other manufacturers of high end products have been known to produce special models for sale that do not reflect the true /actual cost of production and are often sold at a slight loss, but produced as a exercise to showcase their technological prowess/expertise.
For example the Buggati Veyron and the Ducati Superleggera are prime examples of this along with others.

I'm not saying this is the actual case with Rolex

IMO, the dial variation will justifiably take it's place in history

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

ok congrats on an awesome watch, let's see it!!

x2

[RFIgroup]

Has anyone seen this video?
Eric from CRM jewelers says Dblue has stopped production.

Check the video at 9:42 he mentions it.
Just wondering what the consensus is. Are they still arriving at AD's?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik-pZh6vbSA

[Mocha]

For what it's worth I called one local dealer if they had any in stock
They said they would check with their other stores and get back to me
that was at 0900 am
I then called Tourneau Worth Avenue they said one came in the day before and they would set it aside if I could come in same day
By 1030 it was owned and on my wrist 5 year warranty (2 extra from Tourneau)
I paid retail 12.4k
The other dealer called back 2 days later and said they could get one within a week if I came in and paid for it
Supply seemed limited but certainly available

[rick101]

Originally Posted by dazzpowder

Popped into watchfinder Royal Exchange, they had one on display dated as less than a year old, they want £9.5K madness that's £500 more than the last one they had in.

They want 10k for a new one now :) I think they are getting harder to get hold of

[Slippy Chips]

I was at an AD today who said they only made so many dials. Once they're gone they're gone. I have no idea if he's right or not but he's a salesperson I talk to a lot and is generally quite knowledgable and trustworthy.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Mocha

For what it's worth I called one local dealer if they had any in stock
They said they would check with their other stores and get back to me
that was at 0900 am
I then called Tourneau Worth Avenue they said one came in the day before and they would set it aside if I could come in same day
By 1030 it was owned and on my wrist 5 year warranty (2 extra from Tourneau)
I paid retail 12.4k
The other dealer called back 2 days later and said they could get one within a week if I came in and paid for it
Supply seemed limited but certainly available

Congrats on a great watch and you will surely love it!

[Ruud Van Driver]

I spoke to an AD in my hometown in the UK last night and they haven't had one since December. They certainly seem more readily available in the US than they do in the UK. Unless you go to a grey dealer, they're like rocking horse poopy here in Singapore too

[ajas]

Got a call from friend. Aparently Doha aiport shill have them on stock. Planned to pick up one next week on my trip to ME but due to gbp/usd disaster it wont happen.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

[Bobby Bushcraft]

I was in St Marteen 2 weeks ago and two of Goldfinger's stores in Phillipsburg had the Deep sea D-blue on display

[Smarties]

This rumor has been circulated around for quite some time.....

Personally, I don't see any reason why Rolex will stop producing D-Blue in the near future.

[BawlaDK]

Salespeople will say anything to drive up hype and create more demand - Especially in times like these, where sales of luxury watches have declined significantly worldwide

[P2725TMB]

I went in to a West London AD, they had one being held for a customer. I liked it, they said they'd let me know when the next one came in, which apparently is pot luck. Anyway one was in the next delivery a week later and I paid list price for it.

[dabbotjordan]

Originally Posted by Airborne

Has the blue dial replaced the black in that case? I noticed a DSSD on ebay labelled as discontinued. This was his reply.

I thought this was relatively common knowledge among Rolex enthusiasts and aficionados? But if you need the info here it is.

Rolex released the Rolex Deep Sea - Sea Dweller model ref # 116660 in the 44mm case in 2008 at Baselworld. Production (in factory) was started in 2007 and there a number of DSSD out there with a 2007 dated Warranty Card. I know this because I have personally owned them.

In 2014 Rolex decided that sales of the DSSD were not meeting their expectation. (Probably due to its size and weight)

As a brand, Rolex models NEVER fail, and they could not allow the DSSD to become one. However, they were left with a relatively large number unsold and therefore being discounted by dealers who wanted to "get rid". This was bad news for the Rolex brand and could not continue.

Very cleverly, Rolex introduced a new DIAL for the watch. The Black & Blue version seen on the James Cameron DSSD. The fact that the watch has the SAME 116660 reference number confirms that what Rolex actually did was to change the dials OUT of the unsold models and replace then with a "limited" dial. Thus ensuring the instant hit of the JC DSSD and being left with fewer original Black Dial models that then became much more sought after as a "discontinued" model. Magnificent marketing by Rolex... But that is nothing new. They are the masters.

Yes, you will find brand new black dial models still in stock at authorised Rolex dealerships. Yes you will still see this model on the Rolex website. And yes there are currently still plenty around. BUT... Once these are sold and Rolex have no more they are gone. A discontinued model.

As for my personal sources, they remain private as contacts within Rolex and within authorised dealerships are scarce and hugely protected. However, this is hardly "top secret" information!

My DSSD is due for a sevice,so by what you are saying,I'll ask Rolex to swap the dial to the JC DSSD dial.yea right!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by padi56

i would take what most ads tell you with a pinch of salt if the watch is selling world wide then i can see no reason that rolex would stop making the dials.

x2