Steve H suggests that RM enthusiasts prefer bigger watches and don't really like the 05--and that 05 buyers were people who needed "entry" level pricing.
I disagree. I bought the 05 because I really preferred it to other RM models--and I still do. There are numerous factors:
1. I really liked the look of RM watches--and all models to the untrained eye have the same je ne c'est qua (sp)or charisma.
2. My personal taste puts a premium on "the look" and quality of a piece, rather than movement complications. The 05 met both criteria. For that reason, the only "tourbillon" type watch I own is the Freak, because it met all of my criteria. I feel the same way about Vianny Halter pieces--but don't own one, yet.
3. When I tried on other RM models, at MUCH greater cost, I got the same overall feeling with the 05 because it shares the same DNA--so, as a consumer, it just made sense to spend less.
Antecdotally, I've seen two people on the street wearing an 05. Both times, my eye was drawn to their watches--and I swear, just 5 weeks ago and after owning two 05's, I asked the owner, "what model of RM is that?"--thinking it was a higher priced model, not the 05. Honestly, without looking close up, I just see RM. All his watches are mesmerizing and captivating on the wrist.
Now, I have been a vocal critic of RM's marketing of the 05; and I really don't know what to make of the 10--but from the pictures I've seen, I can't say that the 10 is an improvement. Personally, I think the 05 is not "small", physicially or visually. Here again, I disagree with Steve H, that bigger is better and that the 05 isn't big enough for the RM crowd. I have big case watches--A.P. Montoya, Panerai Fiddy, IWC Big Pilot--but I don't consider bigger to be better--especially on high end pieces. Certainly, 39-40 mm is big enough and most collectors, would agree as do manufacturers (Patek, Lange, Dufour, R.W. Smith and even Rolex--just to mention a few). I respect manufacturer's who don't modify their lines to suit trends. Certainly, the movement in the 10, which is the same as the 05, didn't require a longer-thicker case. Whether 40mm or bigger becomes the "standard" long term or not, the 05's size will always be a "classic".
I'm going to go out on a limb with a prediction: if RM's line stands the test of time--and the jury is still out, when the 10 hits the market, after a period of hype, it will not be perceived as an "improvement" over the 05, just sleigthly different. I think some people will prefer the 05 case size and style-shape (take a close look at the length and width of the 10 and see for yourself. There is a subtle beauty the 05 has the 10 does not); and some people (not necessarily collectors but followers of RM) will value owning a discontinued model on the psychological basis of "scarcity" and it was the "first".
I said it before, and I'll say it again (diplomatically), IMHO, it behooves RM to protect the perception of his "entry" level watch more, because the tail often wags the dog.
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