A New Submariner from Rolex Soon?

[edflores]

I totally dig the new design of the new GMT with the ceramic bezel.

Hey Rolex! Why don't you do a new design on the Submariner with the same kind of bezel and a thicker more beefier case!?

If you agree, or not, chime in.

I think that it would be cool if the Submariner got a new design update (as long as it didn't up being like the new Yacht-Master, eeesh)

I've had my Submariner for 22 years now, it would be cool to see an evolution of the line.

Ed

[dman]

Welcome to TRF Ed.

I think in time it will happen, just don't hold your breath. Everything takes a year there.

[ohlins]

yeah if they do that....it would all start with the 18k gold watches first....:)

[Tombstone]

I don't know about the ceramic bezel, I was in one of my ADs today and a guy was turning in his TT GMT II with a ceramic bezel. He dropped the watch and the bezel broke into three different parts. I saw the parts OUCH the bad issue is the AD thought the replacement cost was around $500.00.

If this is correct we have a problem the old metal bezels were under $100.00 in time everyone will need some form of service. I have broken two crystals (one hit on the edge of a marble table the other was dropped onto tile) So if I buy the new SS GMT II I wonder how long it will be before I need a replacement bezel $500.00 OUCH and remember ceramic in all forms does tend to break under the proper conditions. What are your views on this?
Can anyone else verify that the replacement cost for a ceramic bezel? In fairness to the AD it is more likely than not the first ceramic bezel replacement they have had to do so there could be the chance of an error.

[Blue Bull]

Originally Posted by Tombstone

I don't know about the ceramic bezel, I was in one of my ADs today and a guy was turning in his TT GMT II with a ceramic bezel. He dropped the watch and the bezel broke into three different parts. I saw the parts OUCH the bad issue is the AD thought the replacement cost was around $500.00.

If this is correct we have a problem the old metal bezels were under $100.00 in time everyone will need some form of service. I have broken two crystals (one hit on the edge of a marble table the other was dropped onto tile) So if I buy the new SS GMT II I wonder how long it will be before I need a replacement bezel $500.00 OUCH and remember ceramic in all forms does tend to break under the proper conditions. What are your views on this?
Can anyone else verify that the replacement cost for a ceramic bezel? In fairness to the AD it is more likely than not the first ceramic bezel replacement they have had to do so there could be the chance of an error.

Steel dents,but pottery shatters.

[Arturo]

Glad I got my Sub....it is an LV, and not ceramic, but like my GMT, those trad Roller bezels will go on and on without having to worry about the soft spot on thier heads....(ceramic cracking)...and I am hard on glass, so I am not that thrilled with ceramic.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Arturo

Glad I got my Sub....it is an LV, and not ceramic, but like my GMT, those trad Roller bezels will go on and on without having to worry about the soft spot on thier heads....(ceramic cracking)...and I am hard on glass, so I am not that thrilled with ceramic.

Just hang on to your LV, Art....read my other thread!! SS models are now having an overwhelming demand!!

JJ

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Just hang on to your LV, Art....read my other thread!! SS models are now having an overwhelming demand!!

JJ

JJ, what are you basing this on? I am not getting that sense here in the States?

[edflores]

The ceramic/impact thing is an interesting point. I've been lucky with the Submariner. I've dished out some pretty hard abuse in the form of shock and impact as a paratrooper. The steel of the case and bracelet have gotten torn up only to be repolished during servicing but the crystal has held up throughout. I don't think that if you drop most any watch onto the concrete that it will survived unscathed. The hardness of the saphire crystal and now the ceramic bezel make it only that much more precarious.

I still want one.

[padi56]

If a new sub is launched its hardly going to be a new watch with just a ceramic bezel and perhaps this new parachrome hair spring.Basically the sub has changed very little, except for the added date function.The SEL Sapphire crystal no lug holes and a few minor cosmetic, and slight movement modifications in over 40 years.
If it ain't broke why fix it,just think of the Yachtmaster 11.

[sandman98]

and i would expect the price to follow suit...if speculation is correct, the updated gmt II will see a 30-40% price increase??? i'm sure the sub pricing will continue to be in line with the gmt (when it's updated with the supercase, new bracelet, etc.)

[Alex Stylianou]

Welcome To TRF

[Solo118]

I think the Sub will stay as is for a while, Its not worth it to change the bezel it will look different and the Sub has looked the same more or less for the past 50 some odd years, If you see a clasp change or dial change here and there that might be good, But as others have said dont mess with a good thing!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

JJ, what are you basing this on? I am not getting that sense here in the States?

Current SS Sports models will eventually be more in demand than the new stuff that's being churned out by Rolex.

Most of the new stuff is waaaaaaaaaay beyond the reach of the average Rolex buyer....and quite horrible in aesthetics too.

The Milgauss will NOT be everyone's cuppa....and the new SS GMT-II is going to be obscenely priced.

So just hang onto your current SS Sports models. Trust me on this one.

JJ

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Current SS Sports models will eventually be more in demand than the new stuff that's being churned out by Rolex.

Most of the new stuff is waaaaaaaaaay beyond the reach of the average Rolex buyer....and quite horrible in aesthetics too.

The Milgauss will NOT be everyone's cuppa....and the new SS GMT-II is going to be obscenely priced.

So just hang onto your current SS Sports models. Trust me on this one.

JJ

I was looking into getting a preowned SS model now theyre gonna be even more out of reach

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Solo118

I was looking into getting a preowned SS model now theyre gonna be even more out of reach

If you can get a fairly recent one for a good price...go for it!! Don't give it a second thought, Sol!!

[haakon59]

One local AD here told me he assumed a new Submariner design was coming but he didn't have any specifics--this was around 6 months ago or so. In my opinion, Rolex made some nice changes to the Datejust, GMT, etc., so I would assume they will be doing the same for the Submariner--making the dial markers larger, etc. Then again, there is always the fear of someone messing with a good thing too.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by haakon59

One local AD here told me he assumed a new Submariner design was coming but he didn't have any specifics--this was around 6 months ago or so. In my opinion, Rolex made some nice changes to the Datejust, GMT, etc., so I would assume they will be doing the same for the Submariner--making the dial markers larger, etc. Then again, there is always the fear of someone messing with a good thing too.

From what I hear, the Rolex inscription on the chapter ring has been planned for future models. Prices will go up for sure. That's why I say just hang on to your current SS Sports models.

JJ

[edflores]

I would disagree with Padi56 and Solo118.

There are a few things that can be improved on the Submariner

The links- go from hollow to solid

The clasp - improve it and make the primary and flip-lock much sturdier

The bezel (again) - make it impervious to scratches.

The movement is great, but there are a few things that can be done to make it an even better watch without turning it in to a Frankenstein monster of a Yacht-Master II.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by edflores

I would disagree with Padi56 and Solo118.

There are a few things that can be improved on the Submariner

The links- go from hollow to solid

The clasp - improve it and make the primary and flip-lock much sturdier

The bezel (again) - make it impervious to scratches.

The movement is great, but there are a few things that can be done to make it an even better watch without turning it in to a Frankenstein monster of a Yacht-Master II.

Agreed, my friend.....but just wondering how much all of those extra additions will push the price up by???

[haakon59]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

From what I hear, the Rolex inscription on the chapter ring has been planned for future models. Prices will go up for sure. That's why I say just hang on to your current SS Sports models.

JJ

Good info, thanks. With a bit of luck, I hope to buy a Submariner or Sea Dweller before they change. I do think the new Datejust and GMT Master II are quite nice though--Rolex did a good job with the improvements. But to higher prices, I have to say: "hold the line, please".

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by haakon59

Good info, thanks. With a bit of luck, I hope to buy a Submariner or Sea Dweller before they change. I do think the new Datejust and GMT Master II are quite nice though--Rolex did a good job with the improvements. But to higher prices, I have to say: "hold the line, please".

If you can grab a hold of a mint condition SS Sub-date 16610, go ahead. Just make sure everything's authentic and do the deal. Just some good advice.

JJ

[John Ireland]

beefier. At some point, "bigger" and "heavier" becomes obese. The Sub is fine. Making the case beefier and the links solid might let the bracelet and case survive a direct hit by an RPG but it won't help you survive it. And if you're dead, who cares about the watch? This big watchtrend reminds me of the "big fins" on Detroit cars in the late fifties/early sixties.

[vdave]

I agree. Sub is fine on the size. But, I would die for the sub with Blue Ceramic bezel and blue dial. I have the TT GMT with black cermaic bezel with Gold Letters engraved. aah......I can just imagine how beautiful the Blue Cermic bezel with Gold letters would look. And, all the improvements made to the new GMT should be incorporated in the new sub as well.

[edflores]

It goes beyond being just being bigger or just meeting the trend. Let us not oversimplify about taking a direct RPG hit, there is a low probability of that happening amongst Rolex owners and no watch would survive that nor it's wearer. Everything I mention about the links, the bezel and the clasp have to do with the quality and survivability of the watch. Doing such things would actually improve how the watch would wear over time. We've all seen it, the spreading of links on the oyster band over time, scratched bezels, flip-lock clasps popping open at inopportune moments. We could all take the mentality of "if it ain't broke don't fix it" but Rolex is about superlative quality and even the best will always evolve to become better. Rolex is a professional watch, for professionals. What I mention is an opinion about what I have seen with this watch and others in the professional line that have been used in the field in harsh conditions from one extreme to the next. My watch has been through hell and back; I just bring my 22 years of observations to table.

[mike]

Evolution,

From this,


To this,



To this,



To this,



To this,



To this,



To....................???????

[KJacques]

I love the subtle evolution of the Sub. I was looking through a book about Steve McQueen the other day and noticed he was wearing one on his right hand. Looked as good as a brand new one and I know the picture was taken in the very early 70's. Classic style. I wore a 1680 for 33 years and it never entered my mind to buy another one. Only when I sent it into be serviced and seeing the beautiful pics on here did the fever to have a new one hit me. It's different, but it still feels like the same watch I've always worn.

Personally, I'm not fond of the new GMT II because I find the watch too busy and flashy looking for me. Seeing an SS in person might change my mind...or maybe it's just getting used to something new, but right now, I sure wouldn't want it.

Kevin