Are you a classic (metal insert) or modern (ceramic insert) Rolex watch person?

[RolexDivers]

Hi folks,

I am defining "classic" as those watches that have metal inserts, regardless of how recent their production might be and "modern" rolexes as those with the ceramic insert.

Most responses I think will fall in the "sort of both" realm but I was just curious.

I personally am a classic person predominantly because those styles give me that nostaligc feeling of yester-years as I was growing up ... plus I find the ceramic offerings a little unimpressive.

But despite how I feel about the ceramic versions, I own a GMT2c and a DSSD so I am a little big of a traitor myself.

Other factors for me going Classic:
1. Hearing of too many craftsmanship defects on modern rolexes.
2. Ceramic insert is too expensive to replace and too easy to crack.

Thank you

[beshannon]

I am a buy the watch I like person

[KBM]

I keep hearing ceramic inserts are easy to break but can't recall reading a single post about one having actually been broken?

Regardless, both generations have their merits, and with the number of watches Rolex produces, we get to pick all the watches that speak to us, so the variety is all for the best!

[Rolex40mm]

I am a fan of the older style. Mainly because they fit my wrist better. Also, I think the dimensions and design are understated, and less in your face, sort of speak. The new thick lugs, maxi dials, polished center links, and bigger cases have never been a Rolex trait, but where done to follow the market trends. So, i see them as being less of a Rolex, and more of a Breitling. Rolex sports watches have always been tools, and the new designs contradict that.

[timely]

I own both

[RolexDivers]

Originally Posted by kauebm

I keep hearing ceramic inserts are easy to break but can't recall reading a single post about one having actually been broken?

Regardless, both generations have their merits, and with the number of watches Rolex produces, we get to pick all the watches that speak to us, so the variety is all for the best!

There are a few posts about people driopping ceramics on the bathroom floor...one post was about a guy who banged it against something hard...
Then there was a post about a high resolution pics about cracked ceramic insert on a GMT2c...

[travisb]

I have gone all ceramic.
Still love the predecessors though.

[cop414]

Classic for me but hey, whatever floats your boat!

[samsam]

Modern. Actually it's the case not the bezel that I like. (Fire suit on).


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[KBM]

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

There are a few posts about people driopping ceramics on the bathroom floor...one post was about a guy who banged it against something hard...
Then there was a post about a high resolution pics about cracked ceramic insert on a GMT2c...

I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but Rolex produces a million watches a year, it seems to me that breaking a ceramic insert is unusual, as opposed to them being easily breakable. One thing that is indisputable is that these inserts are super expensive to replace, whereas the good old aluminum ones could be had for a fraction of the cost and did their job just as well.

I guess it comes down to aesthetics, really, as both have their advantages and disadvantages. Good thing would be owning one of each, if possible!

[Lion]

I own two of the non-ceramic Rolexes but the newer Ceramic Models are fine as well...my only preference would be I'd love to own more watches.....

I really do like the older Vintage Rolexes and would love to own some of the references as well one day...now all I need to do is win the Powerball!!!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I am a buy the watch I like person

Me too and that's ceramic.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

There are a few posts about people driopping ceramics on the bathroom floor...one post was about a guy who banged it against something hard...
Then there was a post about a high resolution pics about cracked ceramic insert on a GMT2c...

Don't drop it on the floor, bang it against something hard, ride unicorns or feed great whites by hand.....come on man...this is a bit umm...silly.
Just pick the watch you like and wear it. Why does it always have to be this back and forth.
Both have pros and cons, choose the model for the purpose you need based on the pros and cons you favor.
No Rolex is really a tool watch, in my opinion those days came and went with the 80s.
I like both, prefer the ceramics.

[TempoKing]

Older style for me
I am not your guy for Maxi dials, Thick lugs, Tank looks, Ceramic bezels etc.
New Rolex watches do not inspire me - I guess the "Breitling look" bothers me.
Most likely I am getting old...

[Vincent65]

vintage metal for me:

[Nek]

I prefer ceramic and only own ceramic.

[kilyung]

Own both but prefer ceramic.

[iazrollie]

I find the ceramic really pops.

[Watch Professor]

Both

[Tudor66]

Currently I only own classic watches, but I have tried on a GMT-IIC- the smooth modern bezel is really nice. I also like the spring mechanism that gives it a really nice feel when you turn it. I will probably own one someday....

[samuelhuntington]

I prefer the classic. But as it happens I am saving up for a white gold sub. So I guess I like both. I think for an every day watch classic works better for me. The 116619 will be more of a night weekends special occasion watch and I think the ceramic works great for that reference.

[Old Expat Beast]

Classic here.

[Jeronimo]

Both, but lately I feel I'm going more towards ceramic... Adds a different depth to the bezel...

[jshepard]

I'm a metal insert kind of guy. I just like the curves of the older style.

[jjnd08]

I like the aesthetics of the ceramic better, and the ability to adjust the clasps on the fly.

But I prefer the way the old models feel and look on my wrist. The new ones just look kind of boxy once they are on. To me, it's hard to beat an old Coke or bluesy.

[GradyPhilpott]

I personally like the classics.

My 116200 is of the newer case size and has the 63600 Super Jubilee bracelet, but it is not as radically changed as the 41mm DJII. The 36mm case is perfect.

My 114270 retains the classic lines of the original design, despite minor updates over the years. It also has a 36mm case and on the whole, though a beautiful watch, it doesn't draw undue attention to itself. It's the one Rolex that everyone thinks is fake, because, well, "Rolex doesn't make a watch that looks like that."

My 14060M is probably one of the last to come off the assembly-line. Externally, it has many of the classic design cues of the early models.

It also has the new Parachrom Bleu hairspring, which it has in common with the newer watches.

It's a best of both worlds kind of watch

[viper9669]

I'm just really happy to be an owner of a Rolex.


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[yld2rob]

I like both. But if buying a watch, I'd rather have the newer version.

[clu]

Ceramic gets my vote here.

[datejust24]

yea I like the aluminum inserts and old case...the super case is just too block-y for my taste....and Carl...every time I see your gilt GMT I end up having to get out some paper towels and cleaner to clean up the drool spot on my desk...fantastic man!