2014 Basel - Rolex

[Ryuden]

My only lament about the new SdC was Rolex's missed opportunity to use red font for "Sea-Dweller".

Now, wouldn't that be a dream come true...

IF only the SdC came with the Red Sea-Dweller, I would have jump at it in a heartbeat, place my name on the waiting list without even needing to see one in the metal first...

I am still smitten with the SdC though...hopefully it's as gorgeous or even prettier in the metal then in the press photos...

Cheers.

[Ryuden]

Interesting responses. In short, Rolex released the SdC in 40mm, because it can, period. Rolex has always been the "Gentleman Diver's watch", and is in no hurry to join the vulgar (AP ROO, Richard Mille, etc.), or need to, as it is proving to us.

I have absolutely no problem with watches that are big because they are and need to be. For instance, Panerais were 47mm and Fliegers were 55mm because that's the type of beasts they were originally and had a clear purpose to be. I can assure you it wasn't about fashion! But just "pimpin' it up" to join a fashion fad is just sad, and not something that a time-transcending icon like Rolex should be bothered with at all.

I concur...

Rolex diehard fans and WIS diss the Dssd saying that Rolex are pressured to get into the big watch segment...well...

Rolex being Rolex, yes, they are not trying to chase the rest in the race of big watches...(thus the come back of the SdC at 40mm proves it)
Coincidentally, the creation of the Dssd, together with its technical aspect, needs it to be BIG. Exactly what Panerais and Fliegers that were once being created at their sizes needs them to be, for their intended purpose.

I would say the creation of the Dssd is a clever well executed move by Rolex, though only them (Rolex) will know the actual reasons for its creation...

To get into the big watch segment or just to protray their supreme engineering capabilities...

Whatever the reasons are, due to the technical specifications of the Dssd, the watch have to be big and thus Rolex achieved not only the birth of their deepest diver but also getting into the big watch market...

Smart.

[Gunbucker]

Interesting responses. In short, Rolex released the SdC in 40mm, because it can, period. Rolex has always been the "Gentleman Diver's watch", and is in no hurry to join the vulgar (AP ROO, Richard Mille, etc.), or need to, as it is proving to us.

I have absolutely no problem with watches that are big because they are and need to be. For instance, Panerais were 47mm and Fliegers were 55mm because that's the type of beasts they were originally and had a clear purpose to be. I can assure you it wasn't about fashion! But just "pimpin' it up" to join a fashion fad is just sad, and not something that a time-transcending icon like Rolex should be bothered with at all.

My only lament about the new SdC was Rolex's missed opportunity to use red font for "Sea-Dweller". All this said, the SdC is high up my list, and would be a perfect companion to my SubC-LV and '60s 5513.

[kenn18]

Also don't understand Rolex decision for a 40mm SD. And looking so similar also.

Rather get a Sub which is arguably more iconic, and cheaper too. The only gd thing the 4000m depth rating gives you in real life is 'bragging' rights to other watch lovers.

The depth rating of the new SD is 4000 ft, not 4000 m. The DSSD still holds the flag at 3900m..

[clocking]

I don't care what review you Bros talking, I just hope this video review right one day.. Bro Tricolore what I said, am I right or what but the WG pui pui pui..

[goingeasy23]

2 years of RnD plus the marketing done for the Dssd, I doubt so...

I don't get the comparison of the SD - Dssd - SdC...all are totally different to start with...and so is the SubC...

Introduction of one model doesn't necessary mean the discontinuation of the other...UNLESS its a direct copy...example. Discon the SD and 6 years later reintroduce the SAME model with better upgrades...

And like what ac_wong mentioned, the SdC is an addition to the diver line... After all, the Sub and SD has been coexisting side by side well before the Dssd was introduced...

If Rolex going to discon the Dssd, this will be the fastest model Rolex ever discon...

Well...that's the hope of some Dssd owners...

Cheers.

Many thanks for your insight, and really hope that's the case. Cheers!

[Ryuden]

Will the DSSD be discontinued?

2 years of RnD plus the marketing done for the Dssd, I doubt so...

I don't get the comparison of the SD - Dssd - SdC...all are totally different to start with...and so is the SubC...

Introduction of one model doesn't necessary mean the discontinuation of the other...UNLESS its a direct copy...example. Discon the SD and 6 years later reintroduce the SAME model with better upgrades...

And like what ac_wong mentioned, the SdC is an addition to the diver line... After all, the Sub and SD has been coexisting side by side well before the Dssd was introduced...

If Rolex going to discon the Dssd, this will be the fastest model Rolex ever discon...

Well...that's the hope of some Dssd owners...

Cheers.

[goingeasy23]

Will the DSSD be discontinued?

[ac_wong75]

Lol...

True...agree with you both...

Well there's always the new SdC...I am smitten with it actually...need to see one in the metal to decide...

Me too...

[Ryuden]

the SD reintroduction is Rolex attempt to churn more sales by adding an additional product line to the divers range that they have. Putting it in a 40mm case means it is not tampering with a known product plus it is a safe and conservative way to ensure some success that the product will sell without having to put in a lot of investment.

I will however add the word "some" before the word civilians in your last sentence .

Lol...

True...agree with you both...

Well there's always the new SdC...I am smitten with it actually...need to see one in the metal to decide...

[pegasi]

Just my humble opinion, I think Ryden is correct to point out the DSSD was a model to showcase Rolex's extreme engineering capabilities to set the bar for dive watches as marketing tool to reinforce in people's mind that Rolex still make the best water proofing technology if we all think back the Rolex was made famous by their oyster case.

The DSSD serves as a marketing tool to support sales for their current submariner line, which I think is the core product line for Rolex. Rolex must have long realised the intense competition from other major and micro brands offerings competing directly with the popular submariner in terms of sales and having a DSSD marketing tool to keep sales going may not be sufficient.

Hence in my view the SD reintroduction is Rolex attempt to churn more sales by adding an additional product line to the divers range that they have. Putting it in a 40mm case means it is not tampering with a known product plus it is a safe and conservative way to ensure some success that the product will sell without having to put in a lot of investment.

Cheers

Make a lot of sense to me

[pegasi]

Another part is due to the extreme depth rating of the Dssd, the thickness of the crystal and the ring lock system, the case have to be bigger...this is without a doubt... And if all of the deepsea features , packed inside a 40mm casing (which is impossible due to the ring lock system requiring more space), I would think it will look horrendously thick...to thick to even be worn... The deepsea proportions are exceptionally made to be able to be worn not only by professional divers but civilians too...

Cheers.

Fully understood the technical constraints/challenge. I was not saying Rolex could have made a smaller DSSD with the same specifications. I will however add the word "some" before the word civilians in your last sentence

Cheers.

[ac_wong75]

Just my humble opinion, I think Ryden is correct to point out the DSSD was a model to showcase Rolex's extreme engineering capabilities to set the bar for dive watches as marketing tool to reinforce in people's mind that Rolex still make the best water proofing technology if we all think back the Rolex was made famous by their oyster case.

The DSSD serves as a marketing tool to support sales for their current submariner line, which I think is the core product line for Rolex. Rolex must have long realised the intense competition from other major and micro brands offerings competing directly with the popular submariner in terms of sales and having a DSSD marketing tool to keep sales going may not be sufficient.

Hence in my view the SD reintroduction is Rolex attempt to churn more sales by adding an additional product line to the divers range that they have. Putting it in a 40mm case means it is not tampering with a known product plus it is a safe and conservative way to ensure some success that the product will sell without having to put in a lot of investment.

Cheers

[Ryuden]

My argument is that the Explorer II, though classified under the sport category, is appearance wise a half-sport-half-dress watch

Plus that could be the deciding factor among others why the Explorer II...

Cant mess with the Divers and Gmts...already "upgrade" the Datejust to Datejust II with bigger case size in that department...the Explorer II is the ideal, though not a perfect, candidate...

Granted the DSSD is a model to showcase Rolex extreme engineering capabilities. But whether that also served as a test on the acceptance on bigger size Rolex we will never know for sure. I tend to believe Rolex expected its design/size/thickness to be better received than it is.

Partially I think it's to fill in the bigger size watch department to attract some big size watch lovers who yet to purchased their first Rolex cause 40mm is too small , and thus having a slice of the pie among others big size watch brands.

Another part is due to the extreme depth rating of the Dssd, the thickness of the crystal and the ring lock system, the case have to be bigger...this is without a doubt... And if all of the deepsea features , packed inside a 40mm casing (which is impossible due to the ring lock system requiring more space), I would think it will look horrendously thick...to thick to even be worn... The deepsea proportions are exceptionally made to be able to be worn not only by professional divers but civilians too...

Cheers.

[pegasi]

Thanks for the effort to share your WIS view in such details, Ryuden

I agree with most of the things you wrote, except the part on using Explorer II for experiment being a good decision. In term of minimizing the risk, as opposed to using the more popular/iconic Sub or GMT, yes. In term of really testing consumers' acceptance of the entire range of Rolex sport models, I would say no. My argument is that the Explorer II, though classified under the sport category, is appearance wise a half-sport-half-dress watch and looks quite differently on the wrist from the more "mainstream" Sub/GMT/SD which share similar design of a diver-style bezel, and therefore is not a good representation of the range of sport models Rolex has.

Granted the DSSD is a model to showcase Rolex extreme engineering capabilities. But whether that also served as a test on the acceptance on bigger size Rolex we will never know for sure. I tend to believe Rolex expected its design/size/thickness to be better received than it is.