rolexdoc
76
Sky Dweler
Mar 21, 2012,20:44 PM
Mike first let me preface the below commentary by saying that I respect your opinions on this site and have enjoyed your comments here for years and will surely continue in that vein. This topic hits a nerve with me so I thought that I would make comment to see where it goes.
Provacative comment. The movement is interesting and the fact that Rolex ventured out of the" comfort zone" is even more surprising. The manufacture deserves koodos for that to be sure and it is undeniable that it is a step in the right direction for an otherwise purely commercially motivated company with plenty of potential but no recent historically significant production. Unfortunately, the watch design is not nearly as inovative nor is it a step outside of the box for the company. The watch looks to be commercial Rolex design and without a hint of moving into a direction suitable for the movements innovation. Too bad. Sure every company has their run of production pieces that are what is to be expected....year after year . There is even good argument that the masses require this continuity of production to ground them in their allegiance to the brand. However, Rolex has been replete with this philosophical need to maintain the status quo since the 1960's and the once great innovator of design and technical development (i.e. Oyster , rolex bubbleback, prince, Ref 8171, ref 6062 etc.) has been largely absent of trend setting design for over five decades. This watch can not be held to comparison with Patek manufacture .The question is best suited for the Rolex or "Horologically Meandering " sites in my opinion .
. Sorry I think Rolex had a great opportunity with this movement but shoved it into the same old Rolex presentation.
Comments:
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Curious to know...will the Rolex Sky-Dweller....
By: Mike Wood : March 20th, 2012-14:26
dent Patek sales? Although lacking the elegance of a Patek complication, I think Rolex deserve top marks for developing a new and innovative interpretation of an Annual Calendar watch. The Rolex Sky-Dweller will be a little more affordable than similarly ...
Naaah. I don't think so.
By: amanico : March 20th, 2012-14:57
Aesthetically speaking, they are totally different worlds. Therefore, I don't see a Patek Annual Calednar fan tempted by the sky-Dweller, and vice versa. But who knows... Best, Nicolas
One important consideration is price
By: Miranda : March 21st, 2012-00:36
As the new 5396 on bracelet is £51600 The sky dweller on oyster is around £30000 This message has been edited by imran in london on 2012-03-21 00:42:32
Absolutely right, but ...
By: Georg : March 20th, 2012-17:39
... the Rolex is the Audi in this comparison, whereas PP - to me - is more like Bentley. So, IMHO, they are not really comparable and will not steal customers from each other. Best regards Georg
Agreed.
By: amanico : March 21st, 2012-10:54
It may one day when...
By: Signo : March 20th, 2012-15:12
Rolex decides to put such a movement in a watch that actually looks good. Until then, not a chance, because the Sky-Dweller is one big and ugly-looking watch IMHO.
let's wait and see...
By: dirost : March 20th, 2012-16:46
Imho, this complication (annual calendar + GMT) is very interesting because of its simplicity of use and its originality (the bezel function). Up to now, I see 2 problems for this watch : - a problem of look. But imagine it with indexes instead of roman o...
Mike my friend....
By: SteelerFan1965 : March 21st, 2012-03:04
I can't say that I see this happening. The watch is a major step for Rolex but in terms of aesthetics I think it is a bit flat. As much as I love Rolex this one doesn't do it for me. There are far too many nicer options out there IMHO in that price range ...
Chalk and Cheese
By: Cpt Scarlet : March 21st, 2012-08:33
Patek - King of Watches
Some of these posts
By: asg : March 21st, 2012-09:43
Are silly...... To the OP - I agree and didnt think about it, but I think you are on to something. I can tell you that would sooner add the Sky Dweller to my collection then another blah blah Patek annual. Yes, I have a 5205, 5960P, 5056P. I wouldnt think...
Sky-Dweller: a great chance missed
By: COUNT DE MONET : March 21st, 2012-14:16
Finally Rolex enters the big center stage of complications and what is the result: same old watch, again. Instead of introducing a new case for this event, a new dial layout ... . A very sad start for an annual calendar from a house like Rolex. Moritz
Interesting responses and I may be at the wrong end of the boat, but...
By: Mike Wood : March 21st, 2012-15:13
I do think Rolex has scored pretty high marks with the Sky-Dweller. The 42mm rose gold Sky-Dweller on croc strap with rose gold deployant buckle will retail at GBP £28k That is just £2k more expensive than the STEEL 5726A and £5k cheaper than the 5396R I ...
Mechanically, you're right. Aesthetically, well...
By: amanico : March 21st, 2012-15:20
I think a Patek Fan will have some issues to love the Rolex Design, on this Sky Dweller... Even a Rlex Guy may have some issues to fully appreciate this " meli melo " design. But to each his own. Indeed. Best, Nicolas
Stern says
By: porter505 : March 23rd, 2012-01:07
I was told by Thierry Stern that rolex is the only threatening rival when I visited patek factory. so lets wait and see ...
Sky Dweler
By: rolexdoc : March 21st, 2012-20:44
Mike first let me preface the below commentary by saying that I respect your opinions on this site and have enjoyed your comments here for years and will surely continue in that vein. This topic hits a nerve with me so I thought that I would make comment ...
I'm not crazy about it but believe it will eventually be
By: whit : March 22nd, 2012-07:48
a successful model for them once folks understand it for what it is and the ease of how it works. There will be a little bit of a learning curve with respect to the functions as they are quite different from what we are accustomed to but the ease of use s...