Rolex is known for incremental changes and updates, so it makes sense that the first all-titanium production watch they made was in a line that had previously used titanium components. Rolex also uses materials strategically to ensure maximum performance, so it makes sense that a watch of this size would be made in RLX titanium. If it were made of steel, its weight would probably take you straight to a rated depth of 11,000 meters.
Jokes aside, a watch this big and at a rather expensive $26,000 makes you wonder who this watch is for. It’s not something people can afford, and it’s certainly not a size that will be comfortable on most wrists. So if we know that this watch is not for the average luxury watch consumer, the fashion-forward, or the average person, then who exactly is this watch for besides James Cameron?
Regardless of whether it fits their wrist or lifestyle, Rolex collectors will likely clamour for it because of its historical significance as the first fake Rolex watch produced in all titanium. Except for The Rock and Sylvester Stallone, this watch would be too heavy for most people. And finally, the flippers will want their new Rolex Deepsea Challenge, no matter how big their wrists are.
If Rolex does launch a new RLX Titanium watch, some interesting design elements suggest Rolex might do so, in addition to the new Rolex Deepsea Challenge. First, the fact that Rolex has created a dedicated point-break-dot crown stamping to signify the titanium Triplock is exciting and may suggest that Rolex will continue to create titanium timepieces. Second, if Rolex produces more RLX titanium watches, the finish on the Deepsea Challenge suggests that these titanium designs may be primarily brushed – making them less dazzling than their steel and precious metal counterparts. Finally, the lug profile seen on the Deepsea Challenge is very vintage-inspired. The lugs are thinner in width, but have a fairly thick mirror-polished bevel – reminiscent of vintage case finishing styles and watches like the Tudor Black Bay that emulate vintage styles in the modern era.
So, my overall assessment of the replica Rolex Deepsea Challenge is: it’s okay, it’s cool. But, considering that the watch really doesn’t fit most people and wrists, the real excitement is the doors it opens. In fact, it may well usher in a new era of RLX titanium for Rolex’s entire line of watchmaking.