Gold steel
Model features
Gold is bright and noble, and it teaches people to be fascinated. Stainless steel stands for sturdiness and reliability. The two blend harmoniously and combine perfectly with other characteristics. Gold Steel is a true and distinctive symbol of Rolex. It was placed in the Rolex replica watch in the early 1930s and officially registered in 1933. This is also one of the salient features of the Oyster series.
The unique Rolex watch dial makes the watch easier to identify and easier to read.
Olive green dial
Model features
The unique Rolex watch dial makes the watch easier to identify and easier to read. The hour markers are made of 18 ct gold that lasts for a long time. Rolex designs and manufactures each Rolex dial in its own factory. Most of the processes are carried out by hand and are perfect.
Oyster strap
Model features
The enamel strap is the embodiment of perfect shape, function, aesthetics and technology, exquisite and charming. The strap is equipped with a shackle buckle and is also equipped with Rolex’s unique easy-to-adjust link extension system. This cleverly designed system allows the strap to stretch approximately 5 mm, giving the wearer a comfortable feel in all situations.
The new generation 3235 calibre is all developed and manufactured by Rolex.
3235 movement
Model features
The new generation 3235 calibre is all developed and manufactured by Rolex. This self-winding mechanical movement is the pinnacle of watchmaking. With 14 patents, this movement is excellent in precision, power reserve, shockproof, magnetic, convenience and reliability, and perfectly demonstrates Rolex’s superb technology. This movement is equipped with Rolex’s new patented Chronergy escapement system. The new escapement system is made of nickel-phosphorus, which is not only efficient and reliable, but also immune to magnetic fields.
The new escapement system is made of nickel-phosphorus, which is not only efficient and reliable, but also immune to magnetic fields.
Small window convex lens
Model features
The small window convex lens magnifies the calendar display for easy reading. It is not only a feature of the Rolex watch, but also easy to identify.
18CT gold
Model features
Rolex has a dedicated foundry to develop high quality 18ct gold alloy. Different types of 18ct gold can be extracted by mixing different amounts of silver, copper, platinum or palladium: gold, pink gold or white gold. All raw materials are made of highly pure metal. Before the gold is formed, it must be carefully tested by the advanced equipment in the self-operated laboratory, and each process is meticulous. Since the beginning of the production, the pursuit of perfection is the consistent insistence of Rolex.
Since the beginning of the production, the pursuit of perfection is the consistent insistence of Rolex.
Pavé diamond dial
Model features
Gem-set artisans, like sculptors, use precious metals to craft their jewels for each gem. Then, the craftsman inlaid the gemstone with extremely precise skills. Each gemstone is precisely aligned and calibrated to its location, ensuring a solid decoration on the gold or platinum setting. In addition to the quality of the gemstones, Rolex also has other strict requirements on the gem setting, including the height of the gemstone and its precise arrangement, orientation and position, the regularity of the inlay, the firmness and proportion, and the exquisiteness of the metal setting. Surface Modification. All of this makes the watch bring a dazzling embellishment to the wearer’s wrist.
this makes the watch bring a dazzling embellishment to the wearer’s wrist.
Headband strap
Model features
The design, development and production of the Rolex straps and buckles, as well as the rigorous testing required to pass, are fully applied to advanced technology. Like other components of the watch, the strap and the buckle will also be checked by a person to ensure that the product is beautiful. The headgear strap is equipped with three rows of semi-circular links, specially designed for the -type perpetual motion calendar type watch introduced in 1956. This strap is crafted from carefully selected precious metals for an elegant and comfortable fit.
This strap is crafted from carefully selected precious metals for an elegant and comfortable fit.
3155 movement
Model features
Week Calendar Type 36 The 3155 self-winding mechanical movement, fully developed by Rolex, is equipped with a day and date dial unit. Like all Rolex constant-core cores, the 3155 calibre is also certified by the Swiss Official Accreditation Timepiece, which is awarded to precision watches that have passed the Swiss Precision Timepiece Test Center (COSC). This movement is constructed in the same way as all -type movements with unmatched reliability.
MONDAY, LUNDI
Model features
The week-old calendar watch, which was introduced in 1956, achieved a remarkable innovation: it was the world’s first watch with a calendar window and a full-write week on the dial. The calendar of the week is widely favored by multinational leaders, and the week is available in a variety of languages.
EVEROSE GOLD
Model features
To preserve the beauty of its pink gold watches, Rolex created and patented an exclusive 18 ct pink gold alloy cast in its own foundry: Everose gold. Introduced in 2005, 18 ct Everose is used on all Rolex models in pink gold.
18 ct Everose is used on all Rolex models in pink gold.
BLACK DIAL
Model features
The simple, clear dial of the Cellini Time pays tribute to the timeless codes of classic watchmaking, while reinterpreting them with an elegant modernity. The stylized, stretched applique hour markers are divided by a minute track that has been moved toward the center of the dial, closer to the tips of the hands. Like on all Rolex watches, the appliques and Rolex crown are crafted in 18 ct gold.
A LEATHER STRAP
Model features
In the purest traditional style, the Cellini Time is fitted on a remborded and stitched alligator leather strap with large scales. The 18 ct gold buckle matches the gold of the watch case.
The round shape and classic 39 mm diameter of the Cellini Time are marks of tradition
ELEGANCE AND NOBILITY
Model features
The round shape and classic 39 mm diameter of the Cellini Time are marks of tradition, while the refined lugs and polished finish add a touch of distinction. Faceted and shaped like a two-edged sword, the hands count off each second, each minute and each hour with the full precision of the self-winding chronometer movement at the heart of this prestigious timepiece.
Hours, minutes and seconds form the essence of everyday timekeeping. The Cellini Time captures the present as if nothing else were of importance; nothing but the magic of the moment.
Its simple, clear dial pays tribute to the timeless codes of classic watchmaking
Its simple, clear dial pays tribute to the timeless codes of classic watchmaking, while reinterpreting them with an elegant modernity. Faceted and shaped like a two-edged sword, the hands count off each second, each minute and each hour with the full precision of the self-winding chronometer movement at the heart of this prestigious timepiece.
EVEROSE GOLD
Model features
To preserve the beauty of its pink gold watches, Rolex created and patented an exclusive 18 ct pink gold alloy cast in its own foundry: Everose gold. Introduced in 2005, 18 ct Everose is used on all Rolex models in pink gold.
A sparkling symphony to enhance the watch and enchant the wearer.
DIAMOND PAVED DIAL
Model features
Gem-setters, like sculptors, finely carve the precious metal to hand-shape the seat in which each gemstone will be perfectly lodged. With the art and craft of a jeweller, the stone is placed and meticulously aligned with the others, then firmly secured in its gold or platinum setting. Besides the intrinsic quality of the stones, several other criteria contribute to the beauty of Rolex gem-setting: the precise alignment of the height of the gems, their orientation and position, the regularity, strength and proportions of the setting as well as the intricate finishing of the metalwork.
A sparkling symphony to enhance the watch and enchant the wearer.
PEARLMASTER BRACELET
Model features
The design, development and production of Rolex bracelets and clasps, as well as the stringent tests they face, involve advanced high technology. And, as with all the components of the watch, aesthetic controls by the human eye guarantee impeccable beauty. Both sensual and sophisticated, this solid gold bracelet with rounded five-piece links was created in 1992 for the launch of the Pearlmaster model. The Pearlmaster bracelet is always fitted with a concealed Crownclasp.
the assembled watch is carried out using a methodology and high-technology equipment specially developed by Rolex.
3235 MOVEMENT
Model features
The new Pearlmaster 39 is equipped with a new generation movement, calibre 3235, entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex for a superlative level of performance. Certified as a Swiss chronometer by COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), it is tested a second time by Rolex after being cased to ensure that in everyday use it satisfies Rolex’s criteria for precision, which are twice as exacting as those for an officially certified chronometer. This control of the final precision of the assembled watch is carried out using a methodology and high-technology equipment specially developed by Rolex.
It is one of the most distinctive Rolex features, and one of the most recognisable.
THE CYCLOPS LENS
Model features
The Cyclops lens enhances the date aperture, magnifying the date display for easy reading. It is one of the most distinctive Rolex features, and one of the most recognisable.
Protected by 14 patents, the Sky-Dweller is the first all-new Rolex to be introduced for a long while, and certainly the most complicated Rolex for even longer. Sharing similar styling to Rolex’s flagship Day-Date, the Sky-Dweller is unmistakable with its cut away sub-dial and apertures at each hour marker used in its dual-time and annual calendar functions. If these two features aren’t enough, the impressive command ring allowing the date, reference time, and local time to be set with the crown by rotating the bezel to select each.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II, Lot 75
Alongside the Sea-Dweller, the Rolex Yacht-Master II is the largest of Rolex’s watches at 44mm, bringing us into Hublot territory. The Yacht-Master II is a statement watch that is meant to be worn to be seen but also has a function. It features a programmable, 1-to-10-minute flyback regatta timer which is set using the rotatable command bezel, similar to that found on the Rolex Sky-Dweller.
Rolex GMT-Master II Ref 116758SARU – Lot 16
The original GMT was launched in the mid-1950s with the current generation launching over 60 years later. The GMT has always had a two-tone bezel to differentiate between day vs night. The model on offer is the SARU 18ct gold with a bi-directional rotating bezel set with 18 baguette-cut sapphires, 18 baguette-cut rubies, 22 baguette-cut diamonds and a trillion-cut diamond. Its case is set with 76 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Platinum Ref 116506 – Lot 28
Leaving arguably the best until last… Debuted at Basel World 2013 by Rolex for the 50th anniversary of the sacred Cosmograph Daytona, the first Daytona to be crafted in Platinum. It features a superb ceramic bezel to combat those pesky scratches, making it the second Daytona to feature Rolex’s “Cerachrom” technology.
The Rolex Day-Date had always been the most elegant, refined and luxurious watch of the Oyster Collection by Rolex – that also has elegant watches in its Cellini collection. Exclusively made in precious metals – gold or platinum – it was available for years in 36mm and more recently in 41mm (with the Day-Date II), but still with the same complication: a 3-hand timepiece showing the date and the day in a unique (but now iconic and highly copied) way. For Baselworld 2015, this luxury Rolex receives a serious update, not only by getting new colours but also by coming with a new case and, mostly, a brand new movement. Here is the Rolex Day-Date 40 with the new Rolex Calibre 3255.
Here is the Rolex Day-Date 40 with the new Rolex Calibre 3255.
THE NEW ROLEX DAY-DATE 40
Together with the new dial colours, the main novelty concerning the Rolex Day-Date 40 is of course its new size – and thus meaning a new case. But first, let’s go back on what is, since 1956 (the year of its very first introduction), the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified. This long name is important to understand all about this luxury watch.
It is said to be an Oyster. In Rolex’s nomenclature, it means that this timepiece is part of the sports watches collections and that it comes with a relatively high level of water resistance – 100 meters here to be precise – and is also a reference to the world’s first wrist watch with a water resistant case, the 1926 Rolex Oyster. Nowadays, this name is stamped more to allow the watch to protect its movement from humidity rather than to define a proper dive watch.
It is said to be an Oyster Perpetual. For Rolex, Oyster Perpetual means automatic / self-winding movement by the mean of a central oscillating weight also called rotor. Patented in 1931, this mechanism was, at that time, a real innovation, preventing the owner to actuate the crown and thus, to let humidity and dust enter the movement – thereby participating to the legendary robustness of the Rolexes.
the movement – thereby participating to the legendary robustness of the Rolexes.
It is said to be a Day-Date. The Day-Date is Rolex’s interpretation of a calendar watch, a timepiece that shows the date (classically by a window at 3, just like in the Datejust) and the day by the mean of a rotating disc with a large aperture at 12, letting the owner have a clear view on the day of the week – entirely written. This disc was – and still is – available in 26 languages and makes, together with the date disc, an instant jump at midnight.
It is said to be a Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified. As every movement made by Rolex, the calibre of the Day-Day is highly tested and certified by both internal controls and by the COSC (and even beats the COSC standards).
The new Rolex Day-Date 40 is respectful of this 4 pillars, a water resistant, automatic chronometer watch that displays both the date and the day, together with a luxurious and refined feeling – as this timepiece is still only available in precious metals (yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum). The case of this new edition shows new dimensions and new proportions. The diameter is reduced to 40mm and both the case-bands and the lugs are slimmer – something that collectors were highly expecting, as the previous editions were a bit too bulky.
the lugs are slimmer – something that collectors were highly expecting, as the previous editions were a bit too bulky.
The other novelty is the arrival of the President bracelet on every editions – this typically Rolex bracelet with 3 rounded links that is now fully integrated to the watch and comes with a new end-links design. This bracelet was introduced first in 1956 and made exclusively for the Rolex Day-Date and is still in good position here, in the context of the new Rolex Day-Date 40. Its solidity and its comfort are now fully admitted, as well as the quality of the hidden clasp. This new Rolex Day-Date 40 is available in a variety of materials and dials (excluding the editions with diamond settings):
Yellow gold with a sunburst yellow gold dial, with raised applied Roman Numerals and a fluted bezel.
White gold with a guilloché sectorial dial in silver, with raised applied Roman Numerals and a fluted bezel.
Everose gold (rose gold) with a stripped ‘Sundust’ dial, with raised applied batons indexes and a fluted bezel
Platinum with a squared sky blue dial, with raised applied batons indexes and a flat polished bezel
These new combinations, together with the new dimensions and proportions, are not totally renewing the concept of the DD. However, the new Rolex Day-Date 40 is more elegant, slightly more refined and still totally versatile – easily wearable with a weekend outfit or with a suit. Once on the wrist, the use of precious metals creates a quite heavy timepiece – especially in platinum – but the reasonable diameter, the slim profile and the comfort of the president bracelet are never debatable. The classic is revisited, not changed.
The upgrade time of Laurent Daytona Steel Co., Ltd. is over because we have seen it for 16 years. 904L Steel’s new Baselworld-2016 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference 116500LN is waiting to be completed. It uses a new black ceramic overall Cerachrom baffle, using the updated Tacitometer design, the old carved metal baffle off. It still has the 4130 movement, but now Rolex tests with an accuracy of +/- 2 seconds per second, which is super-magical for mass-produced chronographs. This rating means that the new Rolex Daytona watch will also launch the Rolex Top Observatory certification, where you can read all the information in this regard. One new aesthetic choice I like is the black snail dial on the white dial, and the other version available on the black dial is the grey snail dial. Now, let’s take a look at this new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and see for yourself what it has…
The upgrade time of Laurent Daytona Steel Co., Ltd. is over because we have seen it for 16 years.
The aforementioned monobloc Cerachrom, a material developed by Rolex, is replacing the bezel engraved with metal on the outgoing Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. It is based on the 1965 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and is equipped with a plexiglass black bezel, but the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona will join ceramic bezels with siblings Rolex Submariner and Rolex GMT-Master II. Due to its hardness, Cerachrom’s scratch resistance is excellent, and in addition it prevents the black bezel from fading due to UV light.
Rolex also endeavored to protect the readability of the frame through a process they developed, which involves molding the scale into ceramic before heating the scale to 1500 degrees Celsius. After that, it was coated with a thin layer of platinum using a PVD process. What this process does is create a defined level of contrast with platinum and black ceramics.
Rolex also endeavored to protect the readability of the frame through a process they developed
In addition, the speedometer scale has been updated so that it now “follows” the circular shape of the dial – the number is “horizontal” in previous versions. The final point about the front bezel is that it is a single piece that holds the crystal on the middle shell, which helps to prevent water.
As mentioned earlier, the automatic movement 4130 is still the engine that drives the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. However, the previously lauded COSC Chronometer certified movement is now also approved by the Rolex Super Precision Chronograph. For the record, Rolex did not plan to leave the COSC because they wanted to use it as an external independent certification. However, their internal certification requires a -2 / + 2 second accuracy rating, which is being applied to all new Rolex watches.
Returning to the Rolex designed 4130 movement
Returning to the Rolex designed 4130 movement, they focused on reducing the number of parts in the chronograph function to help improve reliability. The timer is activated and reset by means of a spiral button, which interacts with the column wheel and vertical clutch mechanism of the movement – helping to achieve precise and immediate starting. If you need that precision, the chronograph is accurate to 1/8 second. Interestingly, we still have 4 grooves between the seconds hand of the dial, so you can’t really read 1/8 of the accuracy.
For this 2016 edition of Baselworld, fans of Rolex are – with good reasons – mainly focusing on the introduction of a new Daytona in steel, now with a black ceramic bezel. However, there’s more from Rolex to this year (in fact, there’s a lot). Rolex will indeed discreetly correct some of the aspects people complained about on the Rolex Explorer 214270 (the 39mm with 3-hands), mainly focusing on a more relevant display. New hands, new indexes, all with improved proportions; this is what you’ll have with the 2016 Rolex Explorer 214270. And here is our hands-on.
the 2016 Rolex Explorer still is an Explorer, with its timeless appeal
Some collectors complained about the increased size of the Rolex Explorer, when it moved from 36mm to 39mm with the ref. 214270. However, this diameter remains reasonable and elegant enough – and after a few years, people get used to these 3 extra millimeters. The main problem that collectors saw with this reworked Explorer 1 was the size of the hands. Both were too short compared to the dial and mainly, the minute hand was not relevant, as the tip of the hand wasn’t touching the minute track.
Same treatment has been applied on the hour hand, which is now a little bit longer. Both hands are also slightly larger. Overall, even if the dial looses some lightness with these fatter hands, it also becomes more convenient and more rational, as the hands are now long enough for the diameter of the dial.
its superlative comfort on the wrist and its iconic dial, which just feels more rational than ever… and as for the look of the new hands
The second evolution concerns the iconic 3 – 6 – 9 indexes – certainly the most important part of the Explorer – that are now also coated with blue Chromalight luminous material, just like the rest of the indexes and the hands (as a reminder, the previous edition of the Rolex Explorer 214270 was featuring plain steel, polished 3 – 6 – 9 indexes). If the day-time look will remain close, it will on the other hand bring a better legibility in low light conditions – then again with the idea of a more rational display in mind.
The rest of the watch remains similar, meaning that the 2016 Rolex Explorer 214270 still features its 39mm Oyster case, in 904L stainless steel, water resistant to 100m, with flat and polished bezel and a 3-link Oyster bracelet with brushed surfaces and the Oysterlock clasp, with Easylink adjustment.
now with a black ceramic bezel. However, there’s more from Rolex to this year
Finally – and this shouldn’t be underestimated – the 2016 Rolex Explorer 214270 features the same improvements than the 2016 Rolex Daytona in terms of precision of the movement, meaning that it has the Superlative Chronometer certification, done in-house by Rolex and with stricter criteria (-2/+2 seconds per day). It also is guaranteed for 5 years.
