Rolex‘ attack on the Calatrava?

We will probably never know what Rolex's grand plan/scheme is but I'll say this. Rolex ain't Patek Philippe and they never will be. If I had Calatava money a Rolex simply wouldn't be considered an equivalent.

Perhaps the only Rolex i would consider to buy if i have the fortune.

No. Not even in the same league. I don't think Rolex attempts to compete with anyone. After all, they don't have to.

Ha ha. Good one.

The moral of the story is, don't believe a salesman's stories.

It’s not just a salesman, it’s a friend. No reason not to believe him. Why should he promote a watch with this story where they has a long wish list…

He is not even responsible for Rolex distribution. He only does the interesting brands.

I don’t think this style of watch suits the current Rolex era. I’m surprised (well not really) that there’s so much interest in this. There are tons of better looking dress watches in my opinion. The white text and small seconds looks really weak to me.

But that there are tons of better looking dress watches is for this brand not an argument. There is Rolex written on the dial. There are also tons of better looking chronographs and dive watches. But it’s Rolex…

1908 is the most beautiful Rolex on the market. Pure fire.

It's Rolex's attempt to do so, certainly. And for non-watch people, they will probably think that the 1908 is the best dress watch money can buy. But Rolex is incapable of beating Patek at this game, and I'd prefer to have a Ref. 5127G any day over a 1908.

I’d avoid both and just get a Saxonia instead. 🥳

I think its partial getting a gorgeous modern interpretation of an OP from that era in the catalog to replace the cellini, and also using it to compete against the Calatrava. I've been to a rolex AD where I said mentioned that in my opinion this was to compete against the Calatrava and they completely agreed with me

We can always play the speculation game, so here’s my speculative opinion:

Yes, a bit of a direct attack or competitor to the Calatrava. Rolex doesn’t have another watch that really competes with any of Patek’s other pieces and the Cellini style or line/range needed a direction and structure of the type of watch or customer. Rolex has never really had to struggle for this market or cater to this kind of customer.

They had a line and this evolution plays in that Calatrava arena for sure. The name is there, quality is near, price is below and they can be had from the same store. Hook line and sinker for Rolex to garner customers from Patek.

You think a Rolex allocation or list is difficult to maneuver, try walking in to Patek and grabbing the piece you desire. Now, when Rolex can’t sell you that Daytona or GMT and you just left Patek with your feelings hurt as they don’t know your name and have no interest in learning it or putting it on the list because you aren’t John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, or Goldberger and the Hodinkee team, Rolex will certainly be delighted and honored to sell you a Rolex that is 90% the Patek for less, hey look everybody I got a Rolex!

I’m not complaining here, if I wanted a Patek or Rolex currently, I’d do what the rest of us normees have to do and buy grey market.

In summation, yes, I think Rolex is trying to play in the Calatrava arena. They are large and hungry, they can’t stand Patek having the integrated bracelet watch market cornered with inflated prices so let’s release a Calatrava competitor and buy the outlets it is sold through.

• Saxonia

• JLC Master Ultra Thin

• PP Calatrava

• VC Traditionnelle

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I don't think Rolex 1908 is aiming for any particular model in this classic dress watch range, but simply trying agin to see if they can gat any traction in this race with quite competent contenders.

Personally, a matte dial does not work in this category for a modern interpretation. So for me it's a fail. Some of the former Cellini models actually could compete. :)

I think a dress watch done well should be in any good brand's collection. The 1908 is very nice, although it's saying "I may be a dress watch, but I'm still a Rolex."

Don't get me wrong, I do like it, I just think they went off the wrong branch. Instead of meeting the dress watch halfway from the Explorer, they should have started with the OP or Day-Date. Yes, small seconds, but make it much less butch. This one can still work if they tweak it a bit, I'm looking forward to the next version.

And as per choosing this over PP Calatrava... I believe it. People vary. Someone wanted something more substantial and there's no arguing with personal taste. It's not comparable, it's different, and THAT's why they chose it.

Nice. But does it really come anywhere close to the specialness of a Patek!?? And does that 10k really convince people to leave the PP waiting list to buy a Rolex!? Sounds like AD BS to me..

Also I noticed how they chose to write “superlative” again on the balance bridge - kinda weird.. almost like the Lady doth protest too much…

Hmmm not sure that holds true. At the same party the coolest guy there will be the guy with the JLC master thin. The very rich guy will be puzzled but those that know…know 😁

I saw this and wasn’t impressed as much as I thought I’d be. I’m sure if I saw it in person I’d feel different but for not I’m not super pumped about it.

Best looking current model IMHO

I think its a great release in many ways but I feel the gap between the center of the dial where the hands are and the Rolex Logo, that space seems a tad too large...dunno, there is something that is just off.

This watch is just perfection absolutely love this model ahh so lucky 🍀 enjoy it 💯

Attack or no attack, I want one anyhow. 😂

Got to see one while in Chicago. Originally was like "no thanks", but then "sign me up". The power of the crown.

That Cellini moonphase was one of my grail pieces. I do not understand why they would discontinue that beautiful watch.

The Cellini family was similar to the AP Code family. They could have used it as a base for clean simple dress pieces as well more complications like the moonphase, or maybe something like a calendar or a worldtimer. I know, I know, Rolex doesn’t make complicated watches, but it’s nice to dream.

"Do you think this is an intentional attack on the Calatrava by Rolex?"

I cannot be since Rolex has nothing for sale so no worries for the Calatrava.

It’s an interesting design but I prefer the design of the Cellini models with the moon face… I think those looking at PP will not make the move to the 1908 to save $10K #rolex

Love the simplicity and class of this dial layout #patekphilippe #patek

At first glance the 1908 might look similar to a Calatrava but one could have said that about the Cellini Moonphase or many other dress watches with the same dial configuration. However, I don't think the 1908 is a reaction to the Calatrava as much as Rolex still offering a stately dress watch while killing the Cellini name which didn't resonate with buyers.

How do you take something 'head on' but cost $10K / E less?

Beautiful!