Has Rolex painted themselves into a corner?

[bjw]

With all the talk of the "off" colors of current 6 digit BLRO, the general consensus is that current method and technology is unable to make the colors true to its 5 digit predecessor so Rolex got as close as it could. If that is the case, what would happen if the research and development dept finally perfected the technique of producing a true Red/Blue color combo of the original PEPSI? Imagine, they they are - finally being able to produce a perfect Red/Blue ceramic bezel, but they can't do anything with it. To do so would be denouncing there own product, the WG and SS "pink/purple" ceramic bezel.

This is why, IMHO, there will never be a "perfect" BLRO color bezel in ceramic form Rolex. And why no-one should be expecting one in the future.

[subtona]

I suspect they already can and they will release it at a time when they believe it would have the best financial impact. They have denounced other pieces in the past... the explorer comes to mind.

[digitalcrocodile]

Originally Posted by subtona

They have denounced other pieces in the past... the explorer comes to mind.

I respectfully disagree with you on this point. Changing the dial and hands of the 214270 is not (IMHO) tantamount to Rolex "denouncing" the MK1 design.

[Laszlo]

Interesting.

[torifile]

Originally Posted by bjw

With all the talk of the "off" colors of current 6 digit BLRO, the general consensus is that current method and technology is unable to make the colors true to its 5 digit predecessor so Rolex got as close as it could. If that is the case, what would happen if the research and development dept finally perfected the technique of producing a true Red/Blue color combo of the original PEPSI? Imagine, they they are - finally being able to produce a perfect Red/Blue ceramic bezel, but they can't do anything with it. To do so would be denouncing there own product, the WG and SS "pink/purple" ceramic bezel.

This is why, IMHO, there will never be a "perfect" BLRO color bezel in ceramic form Rolex. And why no-one should be expecting one in the future.

I don’t buy it. Companies do this all the time when they release a new model. Apple are masters of this - each new product is “the best ever!” without ever mentioning how inadequate their previous products were. If it works for the most valuable company in the world, I’m sure the most successful watch company can figure out how to do it.

[Onikage]

Turning one half of a single piece of red/pink ceramic blue/purple was as far as Rolex got. I'm sure they anticipated GMT fans negative reactions and the possibility of cheap aftermarket ones becoming available with perfect colouring. Rolex aren't the only ones researching ceramic melding techniques. If Omega and Tag can do a better job they won't continue with a dated method. It will be a bloodbath.

[Glidelock]

This is a non issue for Rolex specifically, as they will just just simply start phasing the perceived improved color way into the market place as they slowly phase out the older less perfected one! They have done this over and over with bezels and dials over the years! A perfect example of this is the lighter Lime Green bezels of the 16610 LV’s that slowly were phased out to a much darker and shade of green in the later models! And...I’m sure that the result of this will be the Pink and Purple original Ceramic version of the Pepsi watches will become coveted over night!

[jaisonline]

100% agree with everything you typed.

Originally Posted by Glidelock

This is a non issue for Rolex specifically, as they will just just simply start phasing the perceived improved color way into the market place as they slowly phase out the older less perfected one! They have done this over and over with bezels and dials over the years! A perfect example of this is the lighter Lime Green bezels of the 16610 LV’s that slowly were phased out to a much darker and shade of green in the later models! And...I’m sure that the result of this will be the Pink and Purple original Ceramic version of the Pepsi watches will become coveted over night!

[Glidelock]

Originally Posted by Glidelock

This is a non issue for Rolex specifically, as they will just just simply start phasing the perceived improved color way into the market place as they slowly phase out the older less perfected one! They have done this over and over with bezels and dials over the years! A perfect example of this is the lighter Lime Green bezels of the 16610 LV’s that slowly were phased out to a much darker and shade of green in the later models! And...I’m sure that the result of this will be the Pink and Purple original Ceramic version of the Pepsi watches will become coveted over night!

Originally Posted by jaisonline

100% agree with everything you typed.

Originally Posted by meganfox17

For God's Sake, it's just a patented modern interpretation of the bicoloured ceramicised bezel, it's not like Rolex had mistakenly circumcised the watch head...

I’m not even sure what this means! But, it’s definitely funny!!!

Originally Posted by tyler1980

please clarify what original red/blue bezel GMT are you referring to? Its not the aluminum pepsi, that came after the original.

I agree the new BLRO is a homage in a sense to the original... the bakelite bezel. The current BLRO is far closer to that than the version that came after.

Originally Posted by busytimmy

I think it’s pretty obvious we’re comparing the new ceramic “Pepsi” with the pan am blue/red “Pepsi” with aluminium bezel. Perhaps ‘original’ is not the best choice of word, but I’m not interested in arguing semantics of this any further.

What I see is lately on this forum is a lot of fanboys getting out of shape when someone levels a fair criticism at the watch they are perhaps “on the list” for. There will always be people who blindly adore and approve of anything Rolex does does or produces. Again, if you like the new Pepsi, more power to you. I’ve certainly got nothing against it besides the fact people are calling this blue/red because they so badly want it to be.

Full disclosure, I’ve never owned a Pepsi gmt master, but if I were to consider it, I’d definitely go for the icon. I’ll let you decide which one that is.


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Originally Posted by busytimmy

I forgot to comment on your bit about the new gmt being homage to be Bakelite. I get it... but again, Rolex shows the colours are blue/red really clearly on their website and all marketing material. Additionally, nowhere have I read on official Rolex material that this new GMT is in some way a homage to the Bakelite. Personally I feel this espoused by the community as a way to justify the colours not being red/blue (again, as intended and as per the Rolex website).

And yes, I’ve not had any other instances of a watch looking vastly different in real life when compared with its online depiction. Look the the BLNR, for instance. The blue on the Pepsi GMT is the same blue as what is depicted for the BLNR. Yet irl they are totally different to one another. Need I go on?


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Originally Posted by tyler1980

i agree IRL its not the same as pics. Its the same as the WG and i have seen that many times.

Its just odd to me that colors are such an issue. People who don't like the AK, just don't like the AK. There isnt this constant need to criticize it. They move on and buy something else.

With the BLRO its like the people who don't like it have to constantly drive home the fact they don't like it. So this is very different to other love it or hate it watches. Maybe its disappointment because people wanted to to sing to them and it doesnt... who knows.

Originally Posted by busytimmy

Fair point. I agree, maybe it’s a bit of both. “Pepsi” invokes a lot of emotion for Rolex nerds, and for good reason. I think most folks who really loved the older Pepsi are just disappointed and venting.

In a rare turn of events, I have to say you are both right! Now with reference to the Bakelite, one would have to think if we had the internet and the Rolex Forums back when the Pepsi was changed from Bakelite to Aluminum, many would have taken a similar position as those whom are frustrated with the current differences in color and overall look and feel so to speak of the bezel! That said, I sure wish they could have truly created a modern technologically advanced version of the Bakelite Pepsi!

[Vaxe]

I enjoy the current blro bezel and can’t wait for my steel one this year. Perfect shade of blue and red imo. Much prefer this over “electric” blue.

[willuk]

Originally Posted by Vaxe

I enjoy the current blro bezel and can’t wait for my steel one this year. Perfect shade of blue and red imo. Much prefer this over “electric” blue.

I agree!

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[Shamorai]

Who says they tried to make the same colors as the 5 digit?
It is what it is.

[Uhtred59]

Originally Posted by Shamorai

Who says they tried to make the same colors as the 5 digit?
It is what it is.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by Shamorai

Who says they tried to make the same colors as the 5 digit?
It is what it is.

It seems awfully like they were trying to make a Pepsi to me.

[tyler1980]

maybe they are not trying to win over aluminum bezel pepsi owners who for the most part probably prefer vintage anyway if they still wear theirs. Maybe they are trying to win over those who wouldn't buy an aluminum bezel Pepsi because the colors are too loud. I guess it depends on how you look at it. Lots of people don't get the AK either, but there is a market for it and it was not intended by Rolex to be everyone's watch just some who want something a bit different.

[Speedbird-1]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

maybe they are not trying to win over aluminum bezel pepsi owners who for the most part probably prefer vintage anyway if they still wear theirs. Maybe they are trying to win over those who wouldn't buy an aluminum bezel Pepsi because the colors are too loud.

"for the most part"??

Who do you suppose bought all the thousands, and thousands of
Brand New Pepsi's and Coke's over the last five or six decades?
Too loud, PAH!

If Rolex HAD been able to replicate the original, beautiful, vibrant colours, the
scramble for the new model, would, I think be even more frantic.

I also believe that the 'pastel shades' of the WG GMT Bezel, held back, the sales.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Lt Virgil Hilts

"for the most part"??

Who do you suppose bought all the thousands, and thousands of
Brand New Pepsi's and Coke's over the last five or six decades?
Too loud, PAH!

If Rolex HAD been able to replicate the original, beautiful, vibrant colours, the
scramble for the new model, would, I think be even more frantic.

I also believe that the 'pastel shades' of the WG GMT Bezel, held back, the sales.

for some maybe. Its the only pepsi i would buy. I wouldn't even consider one with the color shade of the aluminum. If Rolex wanted everyone to buy every one of their watches the AK would not exist. The assumption that appealing to everyone is the goal isnt supported by what Rolex releases generally. OF watches, YMII, Sky Dweller, Explorer II etc.

[Roll the Lex]

Originally Posted by Lt Virgil Hilts

"for the most part"??



Who do you suppose bought all the thousands, and thousands of

Brand New Pepsi's and Coke's over the last five or six decades?

Too loud, PAH!



If Rolex HAD been able to replicate the original, beautiful, vibrant colours, the

scramble for the new model, would, I think be even more frantic.



I also believe that the 'pastel shades' of the WG GMT Bezel, held back, the sales.

I think it was due to the fact it was previously ss and then rereleased in pm. Imagine if the milgauss, on its return , was in wg. Nobody would buy one.

Pastel bezel will do just fine in ss. All the ads I talk to laugh about it when I ask if I can get a ss Pepsi.




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[Bladeshot]

Originally Posted by Shamorai

Who says they tried to make the same colors as the 5 digit?
It is what it is.

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[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Shamorai

Who says they tried to make the same colors as the 5 digit?
It is what it is.

[busytimmy]

Originally Posted by Shamorai

Who says they tried to make the same colors as the 5 digit?
It is what it is.

Rolex did.

Look at their website and how the BLRO is depicted. The colours look like actual red and blue. Then look at the product. Simple, right?


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[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by busytimmy

Rolex did.

Look at their website and how the BLRO is depicted. The colours look like actual red and blue. Then look at the product. Simple, right?


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im sure its the first watch in history that looks different in promotional pics than in real life

Its no surprise to anyone who has tried on and liked the WG BLRO. Its been available to view in the flesh for quite some time. Plenty of owners here and plenty of fans here as well.

[busytimmy]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

im sure its the first watch in history that looks different in promotional pics than in real life

Its no surprise to anyone who has tried on and liked the WG BLRO. Its been available to view in the flesh for quite some time. Plenty of owners here and plenty of fans here as well.

It’s very obvious that Rolex didn’t intend to make a purple/cranberry GMT master. The whole watch is homage to the original in a way, and the pictures and marketing material are aligned to this intention. If they’d wanted to make the colours new/unlike the “Pepsi” colour scheme, then I’m sure the digital images on the website would look much, much closer to the colours of the bezel. This whole thing is so cringe worthy, to be honest. If people like the purple/cranberry, more power to them. But please don’t say it’s a Pepsi, or at least admit Rolex didn’t get the colours right if you do believe it to be a “Pepsi”.


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[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by busytimmy

It’s very obvious that Rolex didn’t intend to make a purple/cranberry GMT master. The whole watch is homage to the original in a way, and the pictures and marketing material are aligned to this intention. If they’d wanted to make the colours new/unlike the “Pepsi” colour scheme, then I’m sure the digital images on the website would look much, much closer to the colours of the bezel. This whole thing is so cringe worthy, to be honest. If people like the purple/cranberry, more power to them. But please don’t say it’s a Pepsi, or at least admit Rolex didn’t get the colours right if you do believe it to be a “Pepsi”.


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please clarify what original red/blue bezel GMT are you referring to? Its not the aluminum pepsi, that came after the original.

I agree the new BLRO is a homage in a sense to the original... the bakelite bezel. The current BLRO is far closer to that than the version that came after.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Shamorai

Who says they tried to make the same colors as the 5 digit?
It is what it is.

I tend to agree with this

I can’t wait to see it in the metal.

[toneafficianado]

I agree with Shamorai , above.
The colours are what they are.
Personally i prefer those colours in anodised aluminium , especially when they fade a bit.

[Likestheshiny]

but they can't do anything with it. To do so would be denouncing there own product

You mean like releasing a steel BLRO?

Yeah, if Rolex wants to release it, they'll release it. If anything, history shows that Rolex is just fine with little tweaks to get something just right, even if it puts older models out of favor. The longer hands on the Explorer, reproportioning the DJII into a DJ41, widening the bracelet on the DSSD...

[David Park]

Originally Posted by bjw

...." unable to make the colors true to its 5 digit predecessor..."

Forgive me.... but I am somewhat confused. Why is the 5 digit GMT Master supposed to have "the true" pepsi colours..?

Here is my 4 digit GMT Master which I have worn since 1969, where the colours are Fuchsia/Magenta, and midnight blue, that are hardly 'pepsi' colours.

I think that Rolex never had consistent "true" colours for the GMT Master.

[chloebear]

Originally Posted by David Park

Forgive me.... but I am somewhat confused. Why is the 5 digit GMT Master supposed to have "the true" pepsi colours..?

Here is my 4 digit GMT Master which I have worn since 1969, where the colours are Fuchsia/Magenta, and midnight blue, that are hardly 'pepsi' colours.

I think that Rolex never had consistent "true" colours for the GMT Master.

That is awesome...Same watch since 1969 and it looks amazing!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by David Park

Forgive me.... but I am somewhat confused. Why is the 5 digit GMT Master supposed to have "the true" pepsi colours..?

Here is my 4 digit GMT Master which I have worn since 1969, where the colours are Fuchsia/Magenta, and midnight blue, that are hardly 'pepsi' colours.

I think that Rolex never had consistent "true" colours for the GMT Master.

Beautiful watch