Unpopular Rolex models

[B737]

Hi,

I was wondering something; has Rolex ever put out a watch that due to lack of popularity was redrawn from the lineup after a shorter time?

In a recent post on this forum someone suggested that the SD4K was a flop so far - if this would be the case, how long would Rolex have it current?

(I own the SD4K myself and love it, so this really doesn't matter but still interested).

Erik

[Fiery]

Dropping a model after a few years of production would be bad press for Rolex. So even if they do have an unpopular model, I'm pretty sure they would keep pushing it for at least a decade before doing anything drastic. Also, there are a few ways try and making a new model more popular, like changing the dials or changing the case size or such. IMHO the new electric blue dial made the Milgauss (on a whole) more appealing, so that's one way.

[Andad]

The old Daytona with that pesky manual wind movement comes to mind.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by directioneng

The old Daytona with that pesky manual wind movement comes to mind.

Nothing wrong with the Valjoux 72 series of movements Eddie the Daytona has had a very long run.Yes the automatic Daytona's are very fine watches but I know the one I would choose mainly for the over all style.And its quite funny some of the most collectible Rolex watches don't have a in-house Rolex movement inside

[rollerball]

I don't think any ROLEX should be unpopular. May one should ask about "un-affordable Rolex" instead. If I have the budget, I'd buy every one.

[zama]

I have seen some dials on DJ's (in the flesh) that I have never seen posted by a single member of TRF, but the DJ itself as a model lives on. Similarly don't see too many posting the current red on red leather DD either.

As to what is done about it, they just sit in the window for 6 years until someone will treasure them, some live in hope they will be a Daytona Newman one day but odds are they wont.

Otherwise known as FISH stock, first in still here, as opposed to FIFO.

[Alcan]

The reference 1630 was in production for only a few years.

[powerfunk]

Gorgeous! Along those lines, the 1530 was only made from about 1974-1978:

Originally Posted by Alcan

The reference 1630 was in production for only a few years.

[Widows Son]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

Gorgeous! Along those lines, the 1530 was only made from about 1974-1978:

I really like the looks of that case and bracelet!!!

[Blingtone]

One that I recently sold springs to mind : Turn O Graph Datejust 116264 not in the latest catalogue (discontinued 2010 ?).

[REDiesel]

Unpopular Rolex in general sell poorly, get discontinued, and then become coveted collector's pieces.

[swils8610]

Originally Posted by REDiesel

Unpopular Rolex in general sell poorly, get discontinued, and then become coveted collector's pieces.

Exactly. Look at the vintage Milgauss prices currently.

[PcarSBA]

Oyster-quartz?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by PcarSBA

Oyster-quartz?

The OQ was in production for about a quarter of a century.

[fmc000]

The Tridor Day-Date was quite a poor seller; this makes it very rare nowadays.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by B737

Hi,

I was wondering something; has Rolex ever put out a watch that due to lack of popularity was redrawn from the lineup after a shorter time?

In a recent post on this forum someone suggested that the SD4K was a flop so far - if this would be the case, how long would Rolex have it current?

(I own the SD4K myself and love it, so this really doesn't matter but still interested).

Erik

There is no basis for anybody to knowingly make a post that the SD4K is a flop.. We hear this same nonsense whenever Rolex releases a new model..

[AK797]

I don't think SD4K is a flop - don't get that feeling here at all.

Powder blue flat dial was changed to sunburst on the TT Subc after a couple of years in 2013, presumably because sales were not as high as hoped a few ADs told me.

[HogwldFLTR]

Popularity waxes and wains. AK has gone from the radar screen this year but has been a constant for many years. A loss to the grown demand for larger sized watches. I wouldn't have been surprised to see the OP go that route as well. Does this forum's taste reflect that of the general population; I don't know.

[Kyu]

Not a fan of the James Cameron SD4K but I don't think its a flop either, as mentioned I like the green lettering (I know I have bad taste) but I just didn't like the two tone dial, if they made it a sunburst like or something eye popping, I would've liked it.. Or a good fading from blue to black would've been great
But even with that said, I think it's a fantastic watch and kudos to any of the owners, looks good on them too ! I'm just one of those who cant pull off looking good on such a fine piece

[rwolfort]

Originally Posted by B737

Hi,

I was wondering something; has Rolex ever put out a watch that due to lack of popularity was redrawn from the lineup after a shorter time?

In a recent post on this forum someone suggested that the SD4K was a flop so far - if this would be the case, how long would Rolex have it current?

(I own the SD4K myself and love it, so this really doesn't matter but still interested).

Erik

Not sure the SD4000 is a flop; actually I think it is a nice bridge between the sub and the DSSD

[www777]

I've heard the white Milguass is a pretty slow seller....

[Boothroyd]

Yet it was the black Milguass that they chose to discontinue. Go figure.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

Yet it was the black Milguass that they chose to discontinue. Go figure.

Here I am thinking it would be the white one, but I guess they wanted to keep one white dial, one black, and now the blue.

[judson]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

Yet it was the black Milguass that they chose to discontinue. Go figure.

I'm with you. I thought the black was much nicer than the white, even bought the black. I just could not get that watch to wear comfortably.

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

Yet it was the black Milguass that they chose to discontinue. Go figure.

Yup, and I don't mind that they did, considering I have one already.

[U5512]

Originally Posted by www777

I've heard the white Milguass is a pretty slow seller....

That is what you thought/heard, but Rolex has sold figures to contradict that.

Originally Posted by Boothroyd

Yet it was the black Milguass that they chose to discontinue. Go figure.

No business owner, including Rolex, would drop/stop production when an item is selling well. Apparently the black dial Milgauss wasn't selling well so Rolex isn't offering it anymore.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by B737

Hi,

I was wondering something; has Rolex ever put out a watch that due to lack of popularity was redrawn from the lineup after a shorter time?

In a recent post on this forum someone suggested that the SD4K was a flop so far - if this would be the case, how long would Rolex have it current?

(I own the SD4K myself and love it, so this really doesn't matter but still interested).

Erik

I think many designs are intentionally made extremely simple to avoid having anything that is a "fashion" item. I think that is why there are not too many large 44mm+ watches in the lineup as it was a huge fad a couple of years back. I am happy they did not enlarge everything!

Like others said slow sellers can stay in their catalog, and they can lower production and SLOWLY phase them out (could take 5-10 yrs)

[Tri-Tip]

Don't see much chatter about the rainbow Daytona.

[Muzz]

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

Don't see much chatter about the rainbow Daytona.

It's because it is impossible to get and Rolex is unable to produce them quickly. They are beyond hot right now!!!

[Dalton]

I love unpopular rolex watches. Those are the ones that wis like to collect. 1655 comes to mind. Those were ignored for years til...