Rolex Day-Date 36mm Watches Hands-On

As we previously announced, Rolex introduced six new Day-Date watches for 2013 at Baselworld. Unfortunately, they didn't give them unique names (aside from the reference numbers) outside of the standard Day-Date collection, but in our opinion these are special models. When we first saw them in their glorious colors through the windows at the Rolex booth, we immediately dismissed them as fashionable ladies watches. However, after getting a hands-on look, we can pretty easily say that there is something in here for men and women alike. The Day-Date II watch came out a few years ago that upped the famous Rolex Day-Date to a 41mm wide, versus 36mm wide case size. Nevertheless, many men out there still wear the 36mm Day-Date.

Rolex has pushed the majority of its men's watches into the 40mm wide plus range, reserving most of the 39mm and under timepieces for women. Having said that, the new 2013 Day-Date watches are strictly unisex by Rolex standards. Even so, "unisex" in this situation means just that. These are pieces that many women will gravitate to, but there is an appeal for me. So ask yourself, is there a color combination here that works for you as a man?

The array of new colors is really fantastic. Many of these are colors that Rolex has offered in historic models in the past, but feel fresh for today. In fact this entire collection of Day-Date models is not only a bit retro, but a sign that Rolex is interested in keeping up with fashionable trends. Vintage Rolex watches live on many wrists, and what many people have done to spruce up an older Day-Date (President) or Datejust is take it off its original bracelet and put it on a strap. While straps on Rolex watches aren't unheard out of the factory, they are not entirely common. Think of most current Rolex watches and they all come on (only) a bracelet.

Rolex offering an alligator strap on the Day-Date is thus a bit unique given their current collection. Though I don't think the brand, famous for its bracelets, will change that anytime soon. Even though these Day-Date models look fresh and less serious than your typical Rolex fare, being offered exclusively in gold (at least for 2013), they are certainly high-end models. The new pieces are called the Rolex Day-Date Blue (118139), Cherry (118139), Chocolate (118135), Rhodium (118135), Green (118138), and Cognac (118138). You may notice that the reference numbers seem to only be distinct for the case material and not the dial colors oddly enough.

I decided to model two of the new Day-Date models that appealed to me most. Those were the Day-Date Green and Rhodium. Though in all honesty, depending on the type of guy you are, none of the colors are strictly "men or women." I can see situations where they would fit anyone. Rolex is famous for using green in various anniversary watches. There have been a few green dialed Submariner models, as well as GMT-Master II models. Though this is a darker, more metallic green. By the way, it looks fantastic with the 18k yellow gold case.

Speaking of cases, the Day-Date Oyster case for 2013 is offered in two 18k yellow gold cases, two rose (Rolex's Everose) gold cases, and two white gold cases. No steel, and you aren't likely to see any steel models as Rolex only produces the Day-Date in precious metals. If you want a platinum model in a neat color then perhaps all you need to do is wait a few years. I don't know if Rolex intends to continue with these colorful creations or if it is just an experiment. When it comes to playing with color they have mostly done so on their lady's pieces - which of course will be a major consumer of these new Day-Date models, but again I think some guys will dig them. In addition to the cases being in gold (and lovely they are), the hands and hour markers, as well as the strap's folding buckles are in gold.

Inside the 36mm wide Day-Date is the in-house made Rolex caliber 3155 automatic COSC Chronometer certified movement. It features the time, date, and day of the week (fully spelled out). You of course have Rolex's signature cyclops magnifier lens over the day as well. One of my favorite little details about the Day-Date dial is use of small Roman numerals on the minute scale around the chapter ring. Nice little detail. Rolex also includes a sort of end-piece style element on the case so that there is a gapless connection between the strap and the case. It is a minor detail, but one of the reasons that Rolex watches are held in high regard.

You might not love Rolex, and I certainly don't all the time, but I give them kudos for offering a ton of refinement and a very reliable wearing experience. They really do make some of the best case and bracelet metal out there. If you are interested in an original Day-Date watch because you love the style and fluted bezel, but with a more interesting color then your timepieces may have just about arrived. Prices for the 2013 Rolex Day-Date watch is 17,950 Euros in 18k yellow gold and 19,150 Euros in either 18k white gold or 18k Everose gold.

Source: A Blog to Watch (July 6, 2013)

Rolex Submariner 114060 Watch Review

Top 5 Rolex Watches of all Time

Rolex has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious watch brands on Earth. The company was founded in 1905 in London, England and has grown to be one of the most recognizable designer labels in the world.

Celebrities, royalty and the average person who understands a great looking watch alike have all found comfort in owning a Rolex watch, but these 5 models in particular stand out as the company's finest timepiece designs of all time:

1. Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona is one of the most coveted of all models on the market. The watch was first issued as a hand-powered watch in the early 1960s. It was made in a very small demand and initially worn by many Hollywood film stars, including Paul Newman. With a certain dial, some circles will even refer to the particular model as the Paul Newman Daytona.

As the world demanded more of the Rolex Daytona model, the company began to manufacture new variations of the classic design. Today, it features a mechanical, self-winding movement with a chronograph on the dial. It is waterproof to 100 meters and the case size is about 40 mm. A few different models exist, of course; it’s possible to get the casing in steel, yellow gold and white gold. There are also models that combine two metal elements for an even more intriguing look. The band itself can be found in steel or with leather straps. While acquiring the steel model can still require putting one's name on to a waiting list, this is a common model to see in Rolex shops. Other celebrities who have been seen wearing Daytonas include Paris Hilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger and winners of the Rolex 24 hour race, such as Jeff Gordon.

2. Rolex GMT Master
The GMT Master is another Rolex design that has become almost synonymous with the brand's legendary sense of style and prestige. It was originally developed at the request of Pan Am airlines, as they were looking for a watch that could keep time for two time zones simultaneously. Rolex delivered with a stunning watch that featured an independent second hand that completed a turn on its axis every 24 hours. This addition made it possible to read the current location’s time with the regular hand and then the home location’s time with an independently adjustable 24-hour hand.

It wasn’t long before others who enjoyed travel wanted the GMT Master for themselves. Since then, the model has become an integral part of the Rolex family. It is being constantly modernized on a regular basis, including various colors on the dial and a new larger bezel that features digits in a larger size going around the face. The case can be found in steel, yellow gold or white gold iterations. The movement is mechanical and self-winding, while the band of the watch is made of steel. Some celebrities that have favored the GMT Master include Timothy Olyphant, David Beckham and Emily Van Camp - to name just a few.

3. Yacht-Master II
Many watch manufacturers have embraced the sailing trend, owing to that sport's popularity among the well-to-do. In a style completely unlike anything else in that field, however, Rolex produced the Yacht-Master II  It features a regatta chronograph, which allows skippers to count down at regatta functions.

The Yacht-Master II has the largest body of any model watch from Rolex. The case itself measures 44mm, which can be compared to the average size of 40mm. It is available in white gold or yellow gold as well as higher-end platinum. Near the crown, there are two buttons similar in placement to the traditional Rolex design. These work with the bezel to form the regatta chronograph function. It has a complex mechanism that has caused the entire watch to be redesigned. It works on a mechanical and self-winding operation. It is also waterproof up to 100 meters. Some celebrities that have been spotted wearing this stylish Rolex include Bruce Willis, Zac Efron and Brad Pitt.

4. Submariner
The Submariner is one of the most popular models that Rolex has ever created. It is well-known for being a classic design and moderately priced as well. The quality is far above many other watches in the marketplace. The durable body, clear display and reliable mechanisms are why so many people choose this watch. Due to the mechanical, self-winding movements, this is also a very low maintenance timepiece to own.

Anyone looking for a quality diving watch won’t be disappointed with the Rolex Submariner  It is waterproof to up to 300 meters, which is 1000 feet. There are models available with and without the signature date magnifier on the glass face. Either model is water right. There is also an anniversary edition on the market, celebrating 50 years that the Submariner has been on the market. A larger index and a modified dial are also unique on this model, which is available in steel and yellow gold with a standard case size of 40mm. This classic watch has been found on the wrists of Jonny Depp and Robert Redford, among many other celebrities.

5. Day-Date
The Day-Date is one of the longest running models that Rolex continues to produce, and aside from the Submariner, it is their most popular model. There is a magnified date display on the dial of the watch as well as a special window that shows the day of the week in full. The watch itself has been re-designed a number of times and includes models for men and women alike. A specially designed bracelet was created for Eisenhower’s re-election and was named the president bracelet.

Today, the watch has been redesigned yet again to feature a polished body with clams. There are also no transitional fasteners on the bracelet of the watch. Now, the bracelet connects to the watch directly, adding more support as well as finesse. The watch is made in platinum as well as 18 ct yellow, white and rose gold. Some models will actually mix gold colors for an added luxurious look. The design and color on the dial can change from model to model as well, ensuring everyone can find a watch they love. Some of the celebrities that have been seen sporting the Day-Date by Rolex include Eddie Murphy, Bono from U2 and even Kim Kardashian.

Source: TheTopTier.net (July 2, 2012)

The New Rolex Sky-Dweller

Late last week, we showed you two new divers from Tudor and while they arguably stole the show from big-brother Rolex, that doesn’t mean Rolex didn’t come out and play at all. The big announcement from Rolex this year is the new Sky-Dweller which offers some fantastic technology but unfortunately wraps it up in a dial design that seems to have left Basel attendees rather cold. This new 42mm model comes in the three variations seen below and offers a technological first for Rolex, a watch with both an annual calendar and dual timezones. I will do my best to explain these, but please see the included video as the visual is quite helpful. The annual calendar complication means the Sky-Dweller can account for how many days are in each month so, with the exception of leap years, the Sky-Dweller won’t need to have its date advanced for months with less than 31 days. Further more, the month itself is cleverly shown on the dial via an aperture at each hour marker (see photos, eight o’clock is a different color so the Sky-Dweller is indicating it’s August), very cool.

The most visible feature on the Sky-Dweller is certainly the 24 hour wheel prominently displayed just off-center of the handset. This wheel is meant to display the reference time (time in your home timezone) while the handset is meant to show the local time. The hour hand is jump set so setting local time only involves moving the hour hand, not the entire hand set (this is faster and more accurate). This 2nd timezone complication seems to throw the familiar Datejust design off balance, making for a rather awkward dial design. While the Sky-Dweller’s dual timezone feature may be quite practical, it certainly isn’t pretty.

The Sky-Dweller has one more trick up its sleeve as Rolex has designed a simple and ingenious method of choosing which feature the crown will control when turned. The feature select is done via a four position setting in the bezel, which Rolex calls “Ring Command”.  By rotating the bezel counter clockwise, the user can select month/day control, local time, and reference time (fourth setting is idle). The level of understanding that goes into a technical design such as this should not be overlooked and you can even try a simulation of it here. Rolex had to create a new in-house movement, the Calibre 9001, for the Sky-Dweller which is both chronometer certified and sports a 72 hour power reserve.

The way I see it, the Sky-Dweller is a bitter-sweet design from Rolex. On one hand, you have a complex but practical movement that integrates multiple complications into a simplified and pusher-free user interface and Rolex should be celebrated for the technical design and its implementation. On the other hand, the Sky-Dweller is neither pretty or classic in terms of its visual design. It is essentially a large Datejust with a somewhat messy dial that may appeal to some well-heeled travelers.

The fact that Rolex is not making a steel version of the Sky-Dweller could make this new model something of a novelty but I also I think that it is indicative of Rolex’s slow-but-steady march away from their tool watch roots. Pricing has yet to be announced but given that a white gold 36mm Datejust (ref 116139) had a 2011 price of $20,500 USD, it’s safe to say that the Sky-Dweller, with its host of technical additions and improvements, will retail for far more. Only time will tell if buyers will accept the Sky-Dweller as a top tier offering from one of the world best known watch brands or if it will fail to find the same rabid fan-base that surrounds many of the marques more conservative models.

Source: The Watch Report (March 12, 2012)

Rolex Sky-Dweller

Rolex Datejust II And Day-Date II Watch Review