Dr. N.
We have explored, with the powerful tools of Chronosect, the opinions of enthusiasts, traders and operators in the sector regarding the news presented by Rolex. Find out with us what watch professionals think of the House of the Crown's innovations!
The new Submariner 126610
The case of the new Rolex Submariner Date 126610 and Rolex Submariner 124060 presents a clear change compared to that of the Rolex Submariner Date 116610 and Rolex Submariner 114060. First of all, the nominal diameter changes from 40 to 41 mm. The change, however, is not so marked, as the effective diameter has increased very little, from 40.5 to 40.8 mm: the change is not perceptible at first glance.
What is the reason for this increase in size? We asked our technicians for an opinion, who explained to us that the new 3235 movement does not entail, compared to the predecessor 3135, an increase in volume such as to require a redesign of the case. We therefore concluded that the choice of redesign was due to the need to differentiate the new Submariner from the previous references. With the arched lugs, the watch would look similar to the “five-digit” references. In order not to give the impression of being backtracking, Rolex has presumably chosen to widen the overall diameter of the case: the 126610 thus also externally demonstrates that it is a new watch, not a simple reinterpretation of existing models.
The reaction of industry professionals regarding the other big news in the Submariner field, the cessation of production of the Hulk, has been mixed. The general idea is that by ceasing production, the second-hand value should increase, due to the sudden lack of supply. The question many are asking is not if, but how much the price of the Rolex Submariner 116610LV will increase. For the moment we are not able to give a certain answer, we just have to wait and see the evolution of the market, on which we will be sure to update you. For sure, we can anticipate that the new 126610LV will be in high demand…
The new Datejust and the new Oyster Perpetual
However, the reactions to the arrival of the new Rolex Datejust 31 mm and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31, 36 and 41 mm were uniquely positive. Above all, the latter are seen by watchmaking circles as a welcome novelty, a breath of fresh air which, thanks to the new, colorful dials, brings the Rolex range closer to a younger and more informal clientele, making the image of the company less serious and rigid. Crown.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller revisited
The new Rolex Submariner has certainly polarized the industry's attention, but Rolex has also unveiled a revisited version of the Rolex Sky-Dweller. This watch, unusually complicated by the company's standards, includes an annual calendar, which allows you to jump from 30 to 1 at the end of 30-day months without the need for manual adjustment. The Rolex Sky-Dweller also features a visual indicator of the current month in the form of a red mark on the outer perimeter of the twelve indices and a 24-hour wheel. In short, the information that the dial shows is numerous. The interest in this watch with an important diameter of 42 mm is focused on the new Oysterflex bracelet and the new dials: the one that is particularly appreciated chocolate on a rose gold case.
Conclusions
Overall, the 2020 Rolex innovations were positively received by the sector operators we spoke to. The choice of maison to present the new collection during an economically difficult year worldwide is certainly a sign of confidence in the future of the luxury watch sector. This is probably the main reason for the appreciation we perceive from those involved in watchmaking: the feeling that the luxury watch still has a lot to say, despite the crisis.
And you, what do you think of the news from Rolex? Let us know your opinion in the comments!
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All images are taken from the official Rolex website
