Why won't Rolex reissue their "classics" like Omega does?

es335 · Jun 28, 2023

Omega reissued the 1957 Trilogy (Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster) with modern movements in 2017.

So why won't Rolex due the same thing and reissue the watches a lot of folks want -- like the 1016 Explorer I, 5513 Sub, 1680 Sub Date, 1655 Explorer II and 1675 GMT-Master?

Like Omega, Rolex could reissue cosmetically faithful reproductions but use new movements and upgraded bracelets/clasps.

Instead, Rolex has kind of been beating around the bush using Tudor to roll out some vintage inspired designs.

WatchTimes · Jun 28, 2023

Because Rolex builds on its past and does not repeat it.
Seriously no one knows what Rolex will do or why they do what they do.
They are one of the most secretive companies out there.
No one knows who owns them, their production #s or anything.

Phlyers13 · Jun 28, 2023

Probably the same reason Chevy doesn’t make a 69 Camaro. Because it’s 2023.

bigclive2011 · Jun 28, 2023

They can’t make enough of the current models, without raking up the old ones.

es335 · Jun 28, 2023

Phlyers13 said:
Probably the same reason Chevy doesn’t make a 69 Camaro. Because it’s 2023.

Except that Rolex does make a 69 Camero, just in the form of a retro Tudor. Since the Tudor relaunch, many of their offerings are vintage inspired throwbacks to the Rolex classics.

But even though some of the Tudors are growing more faithful to the originals (like the BB54), there are usually subtle design changes to the watch head that keep them from being a proper reissue...

Msiekierski · Jun 28, 2023

Because they are Rolex, not Omega.

BrianBinFL · Jun 28, 2023

Why would they bother with it? They sell every single watch they make. I'm not even sure why they bother with new releases of any kind anymore. Yeah, maybe if they never released anything new interest might wane a little, among certain purchasers, but I doubt it would be significant. I think Rolex could keep their lineup exactly as it is today, for the next 10 years, and still sell every unit they make. No R&D needed. No market studies needed.

soboy · Jun 28, 2023

That's what they have Tudor for. Seen the BB54?

es335 · Jun 28, 2023

WatchTimes said:
Because Rolex builds on its past and does not repeat it.

Sure they do. They brought back the Explorer in 36mm and also shaved off some of the goofy "lug lard" from the 2010 maxi-case abomination.

Jetrider · Jun 28, 2023

Disregard. Double post.

Blackbay98 · Jun 28, 2023

Because they have tudor to do that.

es335 · Jun 28, 2023

Just imagine being able to buy a new matte dialed 5513, but with upgraded clasp, solid female end links and modern Rolex movement. Yeah, a BB58 is the closest thing on the market, but it's still not the "real deal."

es335 · Jun 28, 2023

Blackbay98 said:
Because they have tudor to do that.

I can appreciate a modern 39mm Titanium Pelagos (with odd 21mm lug width) or 39mm Black Bay 58, but they will never be a classic matte dialed 5513 Submariner.

It's like Tudor is "beating around the bush" and giving you something in the general ballpark, instead of the "real thing."

Jetrider · Jun 28, 2023

AP and Patek don’t reissue so I’m glad they are following the big dogs on this. although Blancpain has shown that it can be done exquisitely. On the flip side, Panerai has shown how NOT to do it. 🤦‍♂️
(Sorry for the double post)

Msiekierski · Jun 28, 2023

It would ta

es335 said:
Just imagine being able to buy a new matte dialed 5513, but with upgraded clasp, solid female end links and modern Rolex movement. Yeah, a BB58 is the closest thing on the market, but it's still not the "real deal."

It would take away from the coolness of “the real deal”. They are cool because you can’t just go to a store and get them. If you really want that, get 124060, send it to Artisans de Geneve and get it customized.

dwalby · Jun 28, 2023

I do happen to like the dial on the 1680 with plain lume dots rather than the applied indices with WG surround. Not sure if I'm the only one, anybody else feel that way?

Jetrider · Jun 28, 2023

Blackbay98 said:
Because they have tudor to do that.

😂🫳🎤

ugawino · Jun 28, 2023

What would be the point in releasing a Submariner or Explorer with the old dial and case dimensions? All they would be doing is competing with themselves and cannibalizing sales of new Subs and Explorers.

Poorman · Jun 28, 2023

Because Rolex does not cater to watch collectors, Rolex caters to the masses who want to buy flashy status symbols.
They could make an exact re-issue 5513, but they won't.
They could make a modernized matte dial Submariner, but they won't.
Rolex will continue to get ever more glitzy and flashy because that is what masses want.

And I don't see Omega releasing a faithful reissue of the vintage Seamaster big triangle.

Blackbay98 · Jun 28, 2023

es335 said:
I can appreciate a modern 39mm Titanium Pelagos (with odd 21mm lug width) or 39mm Black Bay 58, but they will never be a classic matte dialed 5513 Submariner.

It's like Tudor is "beating around the bush" and giving you something in the general ballpark, instead of the "real thing."

I highly doubt rolex will allow tudor to use the name sub again. The modern tudors are much better than those classic models.

Why won't Rolex reissue their "classics" like Omega does?

es335

WatchTimes

Phlyers13

bigclive2011

es335

Msiekierski

BrianBinFL

soboy

es335

Jetrider

Blackbay98

es335

es335

Jetrider

Msiekierski

dwalby

Jetrider

ugawino

Poorman

Blackbay98

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