I predicted on this forum, shortly after the RM 10 was announced, that RM would discontinue to 05 model. Every once and a while I get it right.
What does the decision to discontinue a popular model line so soon mean to existing owners of the 05, in favor a bigger (fatter and longer) case with a little more skeletonizing--and no change in movement???
Personally, I have worn larger models of the the RM line, and find the 05 big and beautiful enough, for any wrist size. So, for my taste, the sleightly larger case size for the 10 is not a plus. Nor is it a negative. I can see many people prefering the 05 case, for comfort and aethestics. Certainly, the movement doesn't require a bigger fatter case. As far as the skeletonizing chages, again, I don't see any significant difference, except to the trained eye.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I prefer the 05 to the 10--because I have an 05. I'm merely saying that the 10 is not necessarily an "improvement", and for some, the 05 may be preferable for the entry level RM enthusiast, for a number of reasons.
I will say this: over time, "collectors" are often motivated by rarity created by discontinued models or LE or the "first" in a regular production model line. Obviously, the production numbers of the 05 are low, and there will be no more. So 05 owners and the secondary market has scarcity on its side. Some--such as myself--may question increasing case size without regard to the needs of the movement.
What does it all mean? Clearly, I have no clue. But as a follower of RM and sometimes a critic of his marketing choices, I am going to enjoy following the effect the 10 has on the 05. My guess is that if the 10 is not perceived as a clear improvement, the 05 will gradually increase (or hold) in value based on the market principal of scarcity, and being the "first".
I would also like to hear from other Purists, even if it is rank speculation only
PamLover