I was really excited to see what Rolex and Patek Philippe would show at this years Basel World but I feel they both missed the mark! Here are my thoughts on the major offerings from Rolex...
Sea Dweller: ghastly and completely unnecessary to the point it made me wanna throw up!
Yachmaster: should have stayed as a 40mm Rose Gold as it's a good differentiation from the Stainless Steel/Platinum version and instead they should have just updated movement with the glidelock clasp.
GMT: Last year they did a blue dial to differentiate from the new BLRO but in my opinion it didn't look good and the meteorite dial is no better. The Batman didn't need a jubilee bracelet as the Pepsi already has one and thwy could have just want with the improved movement and bezel.
I know that the Green Submariner was not rereleased but if they did an updated Submariner I'd love to see one available with an updated movement, blue face/bezel with an optional Oysterflex bracelet. Ultimately Rolex should have just made small changes to the existing catalog via updated movements and a commitment to increase production for the sports range.
Patek Philippe's offerings were in my opinion WEAK! The Aquanaut in khaki green is not attractive compared to the previous years blue offering, Calatrava Weekly Calendar dial is way too busy and overpriced, the minute repeater is nice but I would have preferred a more subtle dial design and a slightly wider case (39mm), the new chronograph and annual calendar are ok but I'm not liking the dial colors and the alarm travel time is just ridiculous! I mean 200k which is 5x the 5524 and all I get is an alarm? The 6300 is "nice" but it's just overkill. The one bright spot for me is the updated 5726 with the blue dial as I wasn't a fan of the white/grey version
Both companies ultimately need to increase production of their mens steel pieces because a lot of customers are getting turned off by these extensive wait times which are measured in years! It seems the only way to get the new watches is too have a really good relationship with your AD (No guarantee that you'll be able to get a watch) or be willing to 50% markup on the grey market
So, my latest is a Grand Seiko GMT with Spring Drive movement.
It is in Stainless steel, 44 mm, but it wears like a 41 mm watch.
The bezel is luminous with a sapphire layer on top. That creates a unique halo effect, the colour of the bezel is almost never black, but grey or blue.
What vitrually nobody does better then GS are the hands and the dials. Just as an example, the hour markers are not only facettet, but have a carefully engineered surface, which bends daylight into it's rainbow colours. It's amazing to see in real life, you can't capture GS dials on pics.
Just another detail is the little luminous dot on the minute ring at 12.
Everybody elsw would not do it, because you have another separate production step just for the dot.
It's amazing that GS just does it because it's nice.
President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Comments
which reminds me of Asp9mm's face
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I am massively disappointed by Rolex this year (and was in 2018)
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Though im kind of glad really so I dont open my wallet.
YM looks nicest by far out the bunch.
Im not a fan of meteorite dials so think the GMT is a bit bland
Sea Dweller: ghastly and completely unnecessary to the point it made me wanna throw up!
Yachmaster: should have stayed as a 40mm Rose Gold as it's a good differentiation from the Stainless Steel/Platinum version and instead they should have just updated movement with the glidelock clasp.
GMT: Last year they did a blue dial to differentiate from the new BLRO but in my opinion it didn't look good and the meteorite dial is no better. The Batman didn't need a jubilee bracelet as the Pepsi already has one and thwy could have just want with the improved movement and bezel.
I know that the Green Submariner was not rereleased but if they did an updated Submariner I'd love to see one available with an updated movement, blue face/bezel with an optional Oysterflex bracelet. Ultimately Rolex should have just made small changes to the existing catalog via updated movements and a commitment to increase production for the sports range.
Patek Philippe's offerings were in my opinion WEAK! The Aquanaut in khaki green is not attractive compared to the previous years blue offering, Calatrava Weekly Calendar dial is way too busy and overpriced, the minute repeater is nice but I would have preferred a more subtle dial design and a slightly wider case (39mm), the new chronograph and annual calendar are ok but I'm not liking the dial colors and the alarm travel time is just ridiculous! I mean 200k which is 5x the 5524 and all I get is an alarm? The 6300 is "nice" but it's just overkill. The one bright spot for me is the updated 5726 with the blue dial as I wasn't a fan of the white/grey version
Both companies ultimately need to increase production of their mens steel pieces because a lot of customers are getting turned off by these extensive wait times which are measured in years! It seems the only way to get the new watches is too have a really good relationship with your AD (No guarantee that you'll be able to get a watch) or be willing to 50% markup on the grey market
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Stick to carrots Donk, Chocolate will give you the SHlTS
That is quite nice B-)
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
You've all missed it ....Basel (Bank) ....chocolates ....Casino Royale!
;% :x
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I've always preferred GMTs ;%
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
It is in Stainless steel, 44 mm, but it wears like a 41 mm watch.
The bezel is luminous with a sapphire layer on top. That creates a unique halo effect, the colour of the bezel is almost never black, but grey or blue.
What vitrually nobody does better then GS are the hands and the dials. Just as an example, the hour markers are not only facettet, but have a carefully engineered surface, which bends daylight into it's rainbow colours. It's amazing to see in real life, you can't capture GS dials on pics.
Just another detail is the little luminous dot on the minute ring at 12.
Everybody elsw would not do it, because you have another separate production step just for the dot.
It's amazing that GS just does it because it's nice.
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
I 100% agree, much better without ape-like wrists visible!
To be honest Donk I thought he had been plucking his arms
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!