Rolex and Tudor in depth Baselworld 2012 report.

Mar 12, 2012,06:34 AM
 

This year was a special year for Rolex. It's not often we see a brand new model from Rolex, the last being the Yachtmaster 2 in 2007. The new model draws inspriration from three existing classics, the GMT master, the Datejust and the Explorer 2. This is a new version of a two time zone watch.

Visually it looks like a slightly larger Datejust 2 at 42mm, with the classic signature fluted bezel on the Oyster bracelet in white gold as well as yellow gold or leather strap in the rose gold version.

the fluted bezel now had an additional purprose as well as being an aesthetic enhancement. The new bezel, known as "Ring Command" plays a key part in allowing easy adjustment of the home time, the second timezone as well as the annual calender. This is perhaps the most technical watch ever produced by Rolex.

technical features:

cal.9001 mvt with 72 hours power reserve,

14 patents, of which 5 are brand new

 

 

 
































let us examine the raison de etre of this piece. One thing for sure it is not meant to be a watch to please those with a longing or fantasy of Paul Newmans or double red's. No..this is a piece with a firm clientele in mind, and most probably the huge majority of whom will not be reading this review, as they do not frequent watch blogs. No, they will be looking at lifestyle magazines. The clue, is in the ambassadors that have already avant premiere looked at this technical piece.

This is watch intended for those, who want a Rolex with a strong identity (is there any Rolex which is more recognisable than a Datejust?), but which offers the added benefit of the second travel time and also not having to change the date every month, with the exception of February of course. I see bankers, businessmen/women and professional athletes all wanting and indeed buying this piece. There may even be the odd WIS buying it smile

As for the price, its entirely affordable by those that will want it..... it is almost the superior option to say a gold DJ2 or Day Date 2 (for those that travel a lot).

My opinions on this are that it does work. On the wrist it is different to the pictures. An interseting fact from a small town AD, the Yachtmaster 2, which I thought nobody would want, is one of his best sellers in all gold. The yellow gold version to be precise..and the clients, Yachtists? nope, Doctors, Lawyers and business people- not yachtists but golfists! smile Rolex is not so much a watch brand, it is a lifestyle statement. this is why the Sky Dweller will in my opinion reach for the skies! It is a clever complication, and will be a hit. Would I buy one? Well I'm not a golfist, I'm a WIS wink

Will there be a bimetal or steel version? no word on this, but in my opinion, I think it will be kept exclusive, but who knows.

Then there was the re-invention of a classic icon, the Submariner non date. We should really call this just Submariner. The Submariner is the divers reference for me, right from the begining from the ref 6200/6204, this is the divers watch. Ofcourse most divers today wear this watch with a wool suit not a wet suit! My reactions, its what we expected, no more no less. But I am so happy I have my 2007 14060M. smile This watch will please some, but being so close to the Sub Date in price, I am not sure how the real world will see this piece.

 

 



 















Now my favorite Rolex from 2012...the new smooth bezel Datejust 2. There are a variety of dials available for this model, but no Jubilee bracelet as of yet. The look is superb classic Rolex, and is in the UK is priced around £4700.

I think that is good value in todays market. My only dilemma is what dial one would choose. This is going to be a monster hit. It really is that good. smile


























The new Yachtmaster is a very subtle reworking of the original. The bracelet is new with the Easylink extension link and the bezel has been re-engineered. It now has 120 clicks to go around the full circumference. It is also now available with a stunning blue dial, at slightly less price than the platinum dial version. The bracelet is definately a huge improvement but as a fan of the blue lume, I am happy that it is available with chromalight.

I could definately see my self buying this new version in blue, but probably after some one else has enjoyed it first and save some hard earned ££ wink

 

The bracelet is good improvement over the old model.















There was new Haute Joalliere 31mm Date just for ladies:

(thanks to my "assistant" for modelling LOL wink


 



there was spectacular EverRose Datejust. Now I admit it is not a watch we would admire from a watch collector perspective, but as piece of jewellery, it was superb. The diamond setting is awesome, especially those set around the edge. The diamonds are checked by a light mechanism to ensure they are set to perfection.


 








Black lacquer and diamond dial.

Tudor.

What an awesome year for Tudor dive watches. I have to say I was totally in love with both the Heritage "Black Bay" and the Pelagos.

First important information: The bezel on the production heritage does not shine like the press release pictures.

It is a wonderful burgundy matt finish. Why burgundy?? it is the colour of Tudor, just as Green is for Rolex. I love burgundy ( two of my cars are this colour!!) and green..luck guy! smile

Why not a triplock crown? Why put snowflake hands on this watch?

I asked both questions: the answer was simple and logical. This is a modern watch, not  a re-creation of the past model. It draws inspiration fro all the previous models, BUT has to stand on its own two feet. This new creation does not have a large inheritance to live from..it has to earn its own money smile

and I like that....

The vintage leather strap is fabulous, and if you get the bracelet model, you can order the strap  as well. I am tempted to get the strap for vintage Submariners!

Its a fabulous watch..brilliantly priced...100% Briliant and kudos to Tudor.

 



 

































The Pelagos, is another fantastic piece. I fell in love with this straight away. Available with additional rubber strap, made in brushed titatium, 42mm case with gas escape valve and fantastic bracelet.

The bracelet features the classic extension link, but also has fine adjustment of about 3-5mm. It also has a unique spring mechanism (guaranteed to last for 15 years), which allows the bracelet clasp to shrink and expand over a wet suit depending how deep you are.

I loved the blue chromalight dial.....but the bezel..OMG, just like the bakelite bezels of the 6542 GMT Master and old Seamaster 300, the numerals and markers glow  blue.

IT IS SUPERB.. smile I really can not put into words this watch. Once again Bravo Tudor smile

 

 

This message has been edited by imran in london on 2012-03-12 06:45:07 This message has been edited by imran in london on 2012-03-12 06:45:32













This message has been edited by imran in london on 2012-03-12 06:46:52





superb pointed crown guard





Dial draws from the past with snowflake and square markers. The dIal has a wonderful 3D effect



Hope you all enjoyed this report.

Best to all

Imran smile

This message has been edited by imran in london on 2012-03-12 06:49:17 This message has been edited by imran in london on 2012-03-12 06:58:18 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2012-03-13 01:38:49 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2012-03-17 01:30:22


More posts: 14060M16656542Black BayDatejustDay Datedouble RedExplorerGMT MasterPelagosSea DwellerSeamasterSeamaster 300Sky DwellerSubmarinerTudorTudor Heritage

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Very good write up, Imran.

 
 By: amanico : March 12th, 2012-07:29
The more I see the Black Bay, the more I am convinced that it is not a watch for me. Now, on your pics, I have the confirmation of waht I guessed: The indexes are circled! Another historical blashpemy. But you may be right, it may well not be for Vintage ... 

Thank you Imran!

 
 By: Mostel : March 13th, 2012-19:19
really enjoyed this. I don't think new Rolexes or Tudors are for me.... but I loved seeing them. The Sky Dweller is for the crowd you described perfectly. No judgements! I say, let anyone enjoy any watch. To me, it looks best in RG with the choco-dial, bu... 

Imran...great report

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : March 12th, 2012-07:53
I am now desperate to try on the Sub and the two Tudors. Interesting faint praise for the Sub..... for me, i love the look of the new Sub and I like the evolution of where they took it. Maybe not far enough for some....but I am now eager to try it. I am w... 

thanks for this, Imran

 
 By: gensiulia : March 12th, 2012-08:02
although I do not like any of these watches , thanks for the photos , always nice to have a look. best crstn

Excellent report Imran,

 
 By: fernando : March 12th, 2012-08:44
especially with the live pics. Thanks for giving us a better view and feel for the watches. I guess we will have time to digest it all and come to some conclusion when we finally get our hands on them. cheers fernando

Very prolific year for both the crown and the shield but ...

 
 By: TdotBean : March 12th, 2012-08:47
none provide enough inspiration to move me over ... yet Maybe when I finally see them in metal my mind will change. The only modern model in my list now is the Heritage Chrono. Regards Tyler

Thank you, Imran!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : March 12th, 2012-09:23
Fantastic report! You definitely made me change my mind on the Black Bay. It looks superb in your pictures. I agree with you on the DJ being a hit! I fell in love with it as soon as I saw the pics on the Rolex website. And, on the YM, I am surprised at ho... 

Great report, thanks Imran. [nt]

 
 By: SJX : March 12th, 2012-09:48
No message body

Nice wrapup Imran!

 
 By: ocwatching : March 12th, 2012-09:49
and the photos are a different view all together compared to the press releases... And I think you got Rolex's marketing department's number regarding the Sky-Dweller..there is a market out there for non-WIS that wants this piece... The blue in the new YM... 

Great report Imran....

 
 By: JMan : March 12th, 2012-09:55
Thanks for the pics and your take. I agree that the smooth DJ is the best in show for me too. I know the Sky Dweller will be a big hit. But I hope that someday they will produce something for the ardent WIS. J.

Many thanks, Imran!

 
 By: renerod : March 12th, 2012-12:40
Thank you for your report and live photographs, they give a better impression, definitely! As for the most awaited model, the Black Bay, it's a no go for me, it's still nice, but no thanks. Submariner and Pelagos: More like what I was expecting. One moder... 

Thank you

 
 By: Le Monde Edmond : March 12th, 2012-13:20
Imran, thank you for your Rolex report. I do agree the Tudor (red bezel) is fantastic and the Rolex sub is interesting. I never have given a modern Sub much thought but this could change now. Thank you for your insights! They are much appreciated. Edmond

re: in depth report

 
 By: DRMW : March 12th, 2012-13:54
nicely done reporting, thanks for sharing! -MW

Thanks

 
 By: Polemic : March 12th, 2012-15:51
Tudors look awesome!

Thank you so much for this most awesome presentation Imran!!...

 
 By: Subexplorer : March 12th, 2012-18:19
... It is wonderful to be able to view these new models on your wrist. This makes for a different appreciation for the new models, which I must say, gave me a rather dissapointing feeling when the announcements were made. It is very interesting to read yo... 

Interesting that DJ2..

 
 By: Echi : March 12th, 2012-19:26
I'll probably end up with one at some point in time. Question plaguing my mind of late... do you think it's just a Milgauss with date? It's nicely executed without a doubt. I am sure as hell that it's going to sell. But from a "WIS" perspective, it does b... 

Superb report !

 
 By: cisco : March 13th, 2012-07:40
You perfectly described the models and their aim ! I like the Sky Dweller a lot, for all the reasons you gave, I hope they will never put a steel piece for this model, it has to stay exclusive to keep its status. I didn't fall in love with the Tudors, the... 

love the new datejust ii - sacrilege: but it is better at what it is than the patek 5711

 
 By: Francoamerican : March 13th, 2012-09:50
love the new datejust ii - sacrilege: but it is in many ways better at what it is than the patek 5711 (which does continue to intrigue me none-the-less.) What do I mean by that? The sweet spot watch for me is a sport heritage - acknowledging that i am not... 

Imran, thank you...........

 
 By: Topcat30093 : March 13th, 2012-12:30
For the nicely written & photographed report.

2 really nice watches in that review. thanks Imran

 
 By: G99 : March 14th, 2012-11:56
i like the Sky Dweller as its good to see an interesting complication from Rolex. i had trouble working out how to read it, but guess the month is hidden and only seen when being adjusted. i just love the Tudor snowflake. having owned a 1976 blue snowflak... 

Fantastic report Imran!

 
 By: i_am_Sam : March 16th, 2012-12:24
I have no comments on the SkyDweller as i have no interest in it.. I really dig the updated no date submariner.. I love update on an icon I like a lot the2 new tudor releases: 1. The pelagos, is a very nic evolution of the already extensive rolex/tudor su... 

Tudor kills Rolex

 
 By: Bolito : March 16th, 2012-14:12
all the news from Rolex are awefull and disgusting, horrible, without character. I will never buy a modern Rolex, just vintage modells from the 50´to the 70´. Tudor has a sensivity for the past, the history a feeling of proportions in these mome... 

Thx for the report!

 
 By: playtime : March 16th, 2012-17:04
Those Tudors are winners! J