Baselworld 2015 marks what is essentially our one-year anniversary here at Wound For Life, and we couldn’t be more excited to attend. We’ve already started talking about pre-Basel announcements, and now we’re seeing our friends at other publications speculate about what’s to come. Well, I just can’t help myself, so I’m going to get in on the speculating as well. Rather than trying to make sweeping guesses, I’m going to pinpoint to just two brands, with a single guess for each: Omega and Rolex.
Omega
First up is Omega. Our Fratello Watches friends have predicted a new Snoopy Speedmaster, which I think is a solid guess, and something at least substantially similar is going to happen. The folks over at Monochrome have smartly predicted a new Railmaster that falls in line with the Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial, and “First Omega in Space”, each from the last two Baselworld events. My prediction is another ceramic watch. Building off of the Dark and Grey Sides of the Moon, I feel a dive watch version, maybe the Dark Side of the Sea, or some such thing. The theoretical release would not only continue the use of Omega’s beautiful case material, but could possibly compete with the Rolex Deepsea Challenge.
Omega Dark Side of the Sea
When I speculate the Dark Side of the Sea competing with the Deepsea Challenge, it’s because I envision the ceramic case as being complemented by a deep blue ceramic dial. I think the DSotS should be in the form of a Planet Ocean, and powered by the Caliber 8400. If Omega were to really add a cherry on top, they would develop a matching bracelet this time around. However, instincts tell me they would do a very high quality rubber strap with a ceramic buckle, or one of their pricey new NATO straps with ceramic hardware.
Rolex
Guessing what Rolex will release at Basel is nigh impossible, yet us Rolex fans always give it a shot anyway. For quite sometime, a “Newman” Daytona has been on nearly everyone’s dream-sheet, especially since its ceramic bezels have been around. While I think a steel Daytona with a ceramic bezel is very possible, I’m going to make a bolder prediction. This year is Rolex’s 100th anniversary, making 2015 a great year for a surprising release (meaning, something other than a minor color change). I’m shooting for a re-issue of the Bubbleback.
All gold Rolex reference 3131 Bubbleback — courtesy of BubblebackClub.com
Don’t get me wrong, I won’t be the least bit surprised if a new Bubbleback isn’t in the cards, but I don’t think it’s a ridiculous guess. It’s an absolutely iconic Rolex that hasn’t been touched for a long time, and the market right now is very strong with re-issues and vintage watches in general. To me, the time doesn’t get any better to bring back the precursor to the modern Oyster case. A modern Bubbleback with a semi-California dial and contemporary case sizing would sell like hotcakes. Again, this would be a bold move, but I’m holding out hope.
I could make predictions all day, but I’m going to stick with just those two. Let us know in the comments what you expect to see this year.
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Ed Estlow
Well, it’s actually Rolex’s 110th anniversary, but it’s the 100th anniversary of the name ‘Rolex.”
And Damn… I hope you’re right about a PLN Daytona, although I suppose it’s too much to ask for a non-ceramic bezel…
Shane Griffin
The name anniversary is what I was referring to, but thanks for the nitpick, Ed ;-).
I really think some sort of steel Panda Daytona is in the works, as well as a possible revival of the Root Beer GMT (Neil thought of that).
Matt
I think a coke SS GMT could be there and or the SS ceramic bezel Daytona would be very popular.
Those are my realistic guesses. My fantasy ones are that Rolex would shy away from its every increasing trend towards man jewellery and back towards the tool watch. Fair enough ceramic is the future but crikey how sweet would a matte ceramic bezel on a sea dweller look with that matte dial, can but dream…
Chris
A modernized Bubbleback with California dial is way too much to hope for. My money’s on a new outer box for the Submariners and a 4% price increase to cover inflation and new boxes.
Shane Griffin
I agree that a Bubbleback is a big wish, but I think just a box and a price increase is a little weak for a 100th anniversary. We’ll have to wait and see!