An increase in the Submariner 40mm case size?

[dmash]

I have seen this pop up a few times around here and was curious what other members thought about the possibility of Rolex increasing the Submariner (and other 40mm sport models) case size.

On one hand, it makes sense to me with models like the Explorer II being 42mm, SD50 jumping 3mm to 43mm and even the new Datejust which is technically supposed to be a dressier counterpart clocking in at 41mm. It seems as if Rolex is embracing larger sizes than just 40mm.

On the other hand, the Sub has historically been 39.5mm/40mm for I think something like 50 years now? Would Rolex really deviate away from this? Not to mention there are multiple models with the 40mm such as Sub, GMT, etc that would need to be changed.

What do you all think about this possibility? Honestly, I ask because I'm on the fence about a new 116610LN. Am thinking to myself that I'd hate to splurge on this just to have a new case released at Basel '18.

[hugs]

I don't think they would. I think the maxi case is a sign of acknowledgement of the large watch trend while not wanting to break the tradition of the Sub/GMT being 40mm.

If they changed anything I could see them adding a mm or 2 to the width of the bracelet (as they did with the SD43), but keeping the watch at 40mm. This would satisfy those who don't like the "square" look while not making the case any smaller.

[watchwatcher]

Doubt it.

[locutus49]

Not. Going. To Happen.

And we with smaller wrists are glad.

[Jsanders1985]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Not. Going. To Happen.

And we with smaller wrists are glad.

Did Rolex tell you directly?

[locutus49]

The Sub is the iconic Rolex that has been around for a long time. Don't need Rolex to tell me that. People that want large subs can buy Sea Dwellers, DSSD, etc.

Originally Posted by Jsanders1985

Did Rolex tell you directly?

[eonflux]

Originally Posted by dmash

I have seen this pop up a few times around here and was curious what other members thought about the possibility of Rolex increasing the Submariner (and other 40mm sport models) case size.

On one hand, it makes sense to me with models like the Explorer II being 42mm, SD50 jumping 3mm to 43mm and even the new Datejust which is technically supposed to be a dressier counterpart clocking in at 41mm. It seems as if Rolex is embracing larger sizes than just 40mm.

On the other hand, the Sub has historically been 39.5mm/40mm for I think something like 50 years now? Would Rolex really deviate away from this? Not to mention there are multiple models with the 40mm such as Sub, GMT, etc that would need to be changed.

What do you all think about this possibility? Honestly, I ask because I'm on the fence about a new 116610LN. Am thinking to myself that I'd hate to splurge on this just to have a new case released at Basel '18.

Who knows what Rolex will do?
No one expected the D-Blue or the BLNR

That said, now that the SD43 is here, seriously doubt the Sub will go larger
The SD43 is basically a larger Sub, especially with a cyclops
I doubt that even TRF members can look across a room or table and differentiate a Subc from a SD43 with a quick glance

And there are now essentially Small, Medium, and Large Rolex divers
Making the Small size a bit larger doesn't really make sense
Would take market share from the larger models
Makes sense to keep the Sub the same size for the customers that can't/won't wear a larger diver

Why not just get a SD43?

[wrist_watcher]

As been said, there are multiple options if you prefer a diver larger than the 40mm Sub. I have a 7.75 inch wrist, and a SubC is perfect.

[AK797]

Very unlikely, the other big seller for Rolex, the Daytona, is often complained against for being too small so that was a prime candidate to be increased in ceramic but as that didn't happen I can't believe the Subc will undergo another size/design change.

[Psmith]

Imho it is inevitable.

[kilyung]

Perhaps they'll continue to thicken the case to keep up with modern design vs increasing the case beyond 40mm. The present case is much chunkier than past models. Judging by the case size design of other brands, it seems the large case trend is tapering off.

[Boaters]

Not happening IMPO

[rolexnub]

Originally Posted by locutus49

The Sub is the iconic Rolex that has been around for a long time. Don't need Rolex to tell me that. People that want large subs can buy Sea Dwellers, DSSD, etc.

This

[Adrianobr]

Doubt it

[brucethemanlee]

didn't they just do it with the SD43?

[Cru Jones]

The Submariner is a best seller as it is + Rolex finally has some diversity across its diver range.... why mess with success?

[DCheeta]

They just did. And they called it a Sea Dweller.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by locutus49

Not. Going. To Happen.

And we with smaller wrists are glad.

I wish I could say that I agree, but you never know with Rolex. They upsized the Explorer 1, Explorer 2, SD, Air King, etc... I would not be surprised if Rolex upsized the Sub to 41mm or 42mm.

[Chadridv]

I've found the SubC to already wear more like a 41-42mm. I don't think that was an accident. If you want a true fitting 40mm you gotta go to an older reference. Still, it seems that today, there's a sub for everyone. Can't see why they'd need to add another size.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

I wish I could say that I agree, but you never know with Rolex. They upsized the Explorer 1, Explorer 2, SD, Air King, etc... I would not be surprised if Rolex upsized the Sub to 41mm or 42mm.

Agree 100%!


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[karmatp]

The sub is already almost 42mm including crown. If you lay one on top of a 42mm Explorer II, they are darn near the same size.

[eonflux]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

I wish I could say that I agree, but you never know with Rolex. They upsized the Explorer 1, Explorer 2, SD, Air King, etc... I would not be surprised if Rolex upsized the Sub to 41mm or 42mm.

While I agree that it's hard to predict what Rolex will do, I think some of what you point out makes sense:
Exp 1 - larger size consistent with Rolex trend towards larger watches
Exp 2 - same as above, offers a larger size GMT option
SD - ceramic SD should have been larger from the start, to further differentiate from Sub, and fill in gap below DSSD
AK - I don't know the history of AKs, but larger size consistent with trend towards larger Rolexes

Sub going larger with SD43 just having come out and no smaller diver available leaves a market offering gap
Look at how many complaints there are here about the SD43 being too large

A larger GMT makes more sense to me than a larger Sub because Rolex doesn't offer a >40mm GMT watch with a rotating bezel
The Exp2 functionality is more limited than that of the GMT, and I, and perhaps others, would not consider it an alternative to a larger GMT

[samson66]

Wouldn't totally shock me if they went to 41mm, but I think that would be it. No reason to go bigger than that. SD43 and DSSD fill that segment

[dmash]

Originally Posted by samson66

Wouldn't totally shock me if they went to 41mm, but I think that would be it. No reason to go bigger than that. SD43 and DSSD fill that segment

I was thinking a 41mm with a bit wider bracelet (similar to the SD) to alleviate the blockiness would be a pretty welcome change. Even with those who say they don't really want a larger case, I believe would definitely be open to a bracelet alteration.



For those mentioning about just picking up a new SD, there's two reasons I'm not entertaining that option. 1st, you're talking a minimum 4000€-5000€ upcharge for at least the next year on this model. I can pick up a brand new 116610LN for 7000€, cheapest SD I've seen went for 12,500€. That's almost twice the price for nowhere near twice the watch IMO. 2nd, I just really like all white text on the Rolex divers.

Now if Rolex added an all white text SD to next years lineup...... ��

[JR16]

Originally Posted by dmash

I was thinking a 41mm with a bit wider bracelet (similar to the SD) to alleviate the blockiness would be a pretty welcome change. Even with those who say they don't really want a larger case, I believe would definitely be open to a bracelet alteration.



For those mentioning about just picking up a new SD, there's two reasons I'm not entertaining that option. 1st, you're talking a minimum 4000€-5000€ upcharge for at least the next year on this model. I can pick up a brand new 116610LN for 7000€, cheapest SD I've seen went for 12,500€. That's almost twice the price for nowhere near twice the watch IMO. 2nd, I just really like all white text on the Rolex divers.

Now if Rolex added an all white text SD to next years lineup...... 😂

I would welcome a 21 or 22mm bracelet w slightly slimmer lugs


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[javier]

Hey. Perhaps they increase the sub case from 40 mm to 41 mm or whatever on the one hand, and on the other hand they keep the 40 mm case as well with the same improvements for both models different sizes.

[Maiden]

Good Lord, this question again....................buy want you want now, if Rolex makes some change you are speculating about, suck it up, sell, and replace.

[oldman2005]

SD43 is the bigger super Submariner

[904VT]

Go ahead and buy your 116610LN. It's only been out for 7 years, so no changes coming anytime soon

The Sea Dweller is an oddity that started life as a Submariner and was not produced at all for a few years and then had a variation (DSSD) released is loosely tied. It's release schedule or treatment is not very consistent with Rolex behavior for other model lines.

The 116610LN as is, may be one of the best sports watches of all time. Bulletproof 3135, Glidelock clasp, and upmarket feel of ceramic and platinum PVD. Enjoy it now, and worry about what's out in the future, in the future.

[Subtiki]

There are two Sea Dwellers. Why not just have two sizes? Their different size men, why not different sizeSubs?