What is it with the Rolex traditional YachtMaster

From a distance, the traditional Rolex YachtMaster looks like a Submariner, but in reality, it is a much different watch. Initially introduced in 1967 as a derivative of the Rolex Daytona Chronograph, there were only two known versions. The more modern edition of the Yachtmaster was introduced in 1992 in 18kt gold, utilized the same crown and movement as the rolex GMT-Master replica uk Submariner of the day, but because of the caseback, was given a 100m depth rating rather than the Submariner’s depth rating of 300m. Since 1992, the YachtMaster has had a few size and model variations, but by and large, has followed the same design updates as the Submariner. Differentiating the YachtMaster from the rest of the Rolex professional line is the use of platinum and the lug and solid end link design. Designed for top-side of a Yacht rather than the undersea world of SCUBA diving, the Yachtmaster has a high gloss finish and slightly rounded corners. Rather than possessing brushed lugs as the Submariner, the YachtMaster has a high polish finish throughout the case that compliments the platinum rotating bezel. Unlike the all stainless bezel of the Submariner, the YachtMaster is Rolex’s only sport u boat replica uk with an all platinum bezel. The only notable exception is the all platinum Rolex Day-Date. Further differentiating the YachtMaster is the use of platinum on the watch face. Rather than being a contrasting black found on other sport watches, the YachtMaster has a platinum glitter that matches the high polish case and bezel. The only hint of contrast is an all red second hand that is exclusive to the YachtMaster. Lastly, the Rolex YachtMaster bracelet solid end links are raised from the watchcase. There is no documented reason why the solid end links do not match the contour of the case lugs, but there are a distinguishing feature not found on any other Rolex. Some theorize that in the early 1990′s Rolex was looking to update and modernize the venerable Submariner as the Yachtmaster possessed more similarities than differences. The Yachtmaster is the same size as the Submariner, weighs more than the Submariner because of the platinum bezel, and designed to compliment a fiberglass yacht and feel at home in a yachting club clubhouse. Not until 2010 were there technical revisions to the YachtMaster taking the rolex GMT-Master replica uk back to its chronograph roots, and 2012 that the 1992 version was updated with revised bezel mechanism, clasp, bracelet, and watch face. Not clearly a Submariner, the Yachtmaster in a class of its own.

The making of the Rolex DeepSea Challenge

Rolex’s partnership with National Geographic and traveling to the bottom of the Mariana Trench makes for an epic adventure story complete with its own movie director. Last week, rolex GMT-Master replica uk released on YouTube a video with James Cameron describing how the DeepSea Challenge wristwatch was made. The Rolex DeepSea Challenge is an oversize version of the already over-engineered Rolex DeepSea wristwatch available at Rolex Authorized Dealers and at Beckertime. The DeepSea Challenge is waterproof to 39,370 feet and has a load resistance of 13.6 tonnes, is 51.4mm in diameter and 28.5mm thick (including the ultra-thick crystal). This rolex GMT-Master replica uk was not really designed to be worn, but rather strapped to the National Geographic Challenger bathyscaphe for traveling to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. made public their latest adventure diving to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The last attempt in 1960 also had Rolex involvement with a Deep Sea Special strapped to its side of the Trieste bathyscaphe that traveled unscathed seven miles under sea to a depth deeper than Mt. Everest is tall. From a marketing view, Rolex’s association with Mariana Trench expeditions makes perfect sense. The Mariana Trench story has all the epic components of a great story, - an unobtainable goal to all but a few people, a literal boat-load of high tech gear to make work, and technology that is unobtainable to all but a few people, all in a far off land requiring the imagination to picture in one’s head. And lastly, any potential screw-up because an unknown variable such as human error or a technical failure leads to catastrophic results. Apollo 13 and Apollo 11 adventures and cinema mainstays Indiana Jones and James Bond all have these elements. The Mariana Trench adventure mixes the elements into a story that centers upon one person, an unfathomable adventure and a watch designed to withstand adventurous elements that no other u boat replica uk brand has done. This particular video profiles James Cameron at Rolex describing how Rolex designed the watch in 5 short weeks. The video shows the laser cutting that engraves the Ring Lock and crown, and how large the case is surrounding the relatively small Rolex 3135 movement. The video shows the pressure testing, and assembly of the Rolex Deep Sea Challenge wrist watch. James Cameron states that he has worn a Rolex on his wrist for the last 25 years, but after seeing the design methods and precision utilized in creating the DeepSea Challenge wristwatch, he will not look at his own Rolex in the same way again.

Get a free Rolex –report it

For public officials, politicians, or celebrities in the public eye, receiving gifts come with strings –a detail that doesn’t affect private citizens. Public officials who have the ability to award contracts (and dollars associated with contracts) and politicians who can wield influence, must report all gifts in order to stay transparent as to whom is trying to influence them with food, shopping, trips, and gifts. Despite the prevalence of this rule in all government circles, some people such as Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R), choose to ignore it. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that McDonnell received a $6500 rolex GMT-Master replica uk inscribed with “71st Governor of Virginia” and did not claim it on his yearly economic interests statement. Reported from multiple sources, the Washington Post discovered that McDonnell received the rolex GMT-Master replica uk from Jonnie Williams, CEO of Star Scientific after McDonnel’s wife arranged a meeting between the Governor and top state health officials in the summer of 2011. McDonnell received the Rolex gift two weeks after Williams pitched the benefits of his company’s health products arranged by the first lady Maureen McDonnell. Apparently, Williams bought the u boat replica uk at the urging of Maureen McDonnell who admired William’s own Rolex and suggested that he buy her a similar one she could give her husband. Adding to the motive behind the gift, Maureen McDonnel’s proposal occurred moments before the meeting she had arranged with state health officials. The Washington Post continues that Williams and Governor McDonnell lobbied state health officials to consider including Star Scientific’s new non-FDA approved anti-inflammatory supplement Anatabloc in the roster of medications given to medicare patients claiming that it could provide a cost-cutting alternative. Needless to say, many people have received Rolexes as gifts. For many, receiving a Rolex is the perfect gift especially when it is unexpected and when it marks a milestone, an accomplishment, or a sentiment that cannot be conveyed any other way. For athletes, winning a Rolex from a Formula 1, equestrienne, yachting, or some other event that Rolex sponsors is also an ultimate prize because of the work put behind the achievement and being able to wear a Rolex prize is a somewhat less ostentatious way than wearing a medal around one’s neck. But athletes are not government officials. Government officials especially ones who can influence purchasing decisions on behalf of the people whom they govern or serve must (and “shall” according to statute) report their gifts on their yearly economic interest statement -it is clear as black and white.

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 GMT-Master replica uk 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 replica rolex Masterpiece uk 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 u boat replica uk. 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.

The First Rolex Oyster Watch From 1926

What you see are the two versions of the very first Rolex Oyster watch, in other words, the world's first water-resistant timepiece. It was proven on the wrist of a swimmer, and when it was released in 1926 it was a rather big deal. The origin of the Oyster name is rather straightforward, borrowed from the sea-dwelling mollusk of the same name, and has been a hallmark of rolex GMT-Master replica uk ever since. In fact, all Rolex watches produced today are technically in the Oyster collection (except the less common Cellini Prince models), sharing the first Oyster watch's focus on durability and water resistance.Rolex was a young brand when the original Oyster watch was released, but it was not until later in Rolex's history did the brand focus on the Oyster concept almost exclusively. Hans Wilsdorf, German born and living in London, entered the watch industry in 1905 doing timepiece distribution in Britain and the British Empire. He went on to produce his own watches a few years later, and the Rolex name came about in 1908. In about 1920 he moved to Bienne, Switzerland to open Montres replica rolex Masterpiece uk S.A., which is when everything really begun. Just six years later the brand's hallmark product family would be released. The First Rolex Oyster Watch From 1926 feature articles The First Rolex Oyster Watch From 1926 feature articles One thing is notably absent from the 1926 Rolex Oyster watches. The trademark crown logo is missing. Rolex didn't come up with the crown logo until the early 1930s, but you can see that on one of the pieces the Rolex name was presented in the same font and style that it is in today. You'll also notice the fluted bezel, which is also a hallmark of Rolex design on today's Datejust and Day-Date models (among others) This was part of the patented water-resistance system employed in the Oyster. Hermetically sealed, the Oyster was innovative not just for being able to be taken into the water, but for resisting a range of liquids and particles such as dust from entering the case. The system was all about screwed-down elements. The original Oyster watch was innovative because the case back, bezel, and crown were all screwed-down. The fluted bezel was an important part of this because Rolex developed special tools which allowed them to tightly seal up the cases. The First Rolex Oyster u boat replica uk From 1926 feature articles The First Rolex Oyster Watch From 1926 feature articles A further development that helped increase the safety of the movements was in the later Oyster Perpetual watch. In 1931 Rolex developed a module to fit over their movements that offered automatic winding, and thus the "Oyster Perpetual" was born. This new term joined Oyster and today is on the dial of all Rolex watches. This is good to know in case you've ever wondered why "Oyster Perpetual" is on the dial of every Rolex watch sold these days. Automatic winding was a benefit to water resistance and other durability matters because the wearer did not have to unscrew the crown and wind the watch manually, thus opening up a small area of the case. The Perpetual rotor (as it was called) allowed the watch to be wound merely by wearing it. The First Rolex Oyster Watch From 1926 feature articles It is also worth mentioning an extra added item of watch history that is related to the cushion-shaped case of the original Rolex Oyster. Does it look familiar? Rolex went on to increase the size of the case and develop a diving watch for Italian instrument company Panerai. The now iconic Panerai case was actually a Rolex creation. If you put a modern Panerai next to this small (under 30mm wide) Rolex Oyster you will see exactly where its design DNA came from. While so much of what Rolex is today evolved in the first few years of the brand, the traditionally-styled dials and cases of the first Oyster watches are a thing of the past. They are rather typical of watches from that era. In fact, the wristwatch as a popular consumer good wasn't even really a decade old at that time. aBlogtoWatch included the Rolex Oyster in its list of the best Great Gatsby-era watches here. What Hans Wilsdorf understood from a very early point in the industry is what consumers wanted, as well as needed. It is interesting to see these first Oyster watches and see not only how far we've come, but how much of Rolex's heritage really began from that start. rolex.com

Rolex GMT Master II DayNight

Earlier this year rolex GMT-Master replica uk introduced a new version of its iconic GMT-Master II. And for the first time in its history, the Rolex GMT-Master II has a rather nice two-tone ceramic bezel which fades subtly from black to blue . A possible future classic? Thanks to its famous two-tone bezel in blue and red for the so-called ‘Pepsi’ version which was used as day/night indicators for the GMT bezel, it became iconic and it was possible to be seen on the wrists of many actors and celebrities. But before going further into more detail on this new model lets take a quick look back on the history of this model launched in 1954 … When the Pan American World Airways made ??its first non-stop intercontinental flight from New York to Moscow in 1959, the watch chosen by the crew was the replica rolex Masterpiece uk Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master. The reason the “GMT” became the official watch of Pan Am was because it displays two time zones simultaneously using its GMT hand and this was something that was unique at the time. Furthermore when the Concorde carried out its first test flights in 1960 the two captains, Brian Trubshaw and André Turcat, both wore a Rolex GMT Masters further strengthening the GMT Masters ties to civil aviation. When Rolex introduced, the new generation GMT-Master II in 2005, the reference 116710 with a new case slightly larger and a black ceramic bezel, the models popularity was swift and total. However brand enthusiasts were wondering if the Geneva manufacture would market another GMT-Master II with a two-tone bezel? Well its been done and whats more the new bezel is impressive, using a single piece of ceramic that uses a patented process to create a bi-color bezel that fades subtly from blue to black. So on the occasion of Baselworld 2013 u boat replica uk presented a new version of the 904L steel Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II featuring a bi-directional rotating bezel, with for the first time a ceramic disc using Cerachrom in blue and black representing the day and night.The main distinguishing feature of this edition of Rolex GMT Master II Day/Night is the new blue-black Cerachrom two-tone bezel. This is obtained by a unique process developed and patented by Rolex enabling a ceramic component of two different colors to be fused into a single block (a technological challenge). Cerachrom was first introduced in 2005, and has the advantage of being virtually scratch-proof, highly resistant to corrosion and insensitive to the bleaching effects of UV rays. Its diamond polished surface provides an unalterable brightness. The graduation of 24 hours in the engraved ceramic is coated with a thin platinum layer of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition). Note that the bidirectional bezel displays temporarily a third time zone … The characteristic shapes of the GMT case are carved from a solid block of particularly corrosion-resistant 904L steel and the 40 mm case of the GMT-Master II is extremely sturdy and guaranteed water-resistant to 100 meters. The winding crown is equipped with the patented triple seal Triplock system. The black lacquer dial displays indexes with Chromalight (a type of Rolex patented blue lume). In this new version, the GMT hand has a blue coating to compliment the bezel (versus the green with black ceramic bezel). As for the crystal, its topped by the famous Cyclops magnifier (2.5x magnification) at 3 pm for better reading the date and is virtually scratchproof sapphire.This model is equipped with the 3186 caliber, a mechanical self-winding movement with date display and second time zone entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex . The 3186 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a title reserved for high-precision watches have passed the tests of the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). The hair spring, the true heart of the watch uses the blue Parachrom spring patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy. Completely insensitive to magnetic fields the spring has a high stability against temperature changes and is up to ten times more accurate than traditional spring in case of shocks. This new GMT-Master II is accompanied by a solid-link Oyster bracelet 904L steel with Oysterlock safety clasp to prevent accidental opening. This bracelet has Easylink , an ingenious system patented by Rolex that allows you to easily adjust the length by about about 5 mm for added comfort in all circumstances. While this new model the Rolex GMT Master II Day/Night (Ref. 116710BLNR) does not represent a major change – Rolex rarely makes those- it does add a nice looking option to the line and showcases its technical expertise with its creation of a two-tone ceramic bezel with seamless transition. The Black-Blue colour scheme of the Day-Night bezel is an attractive combination and seems a worthy follow up to the iconic Pepsi bezel, time will tell whether it achieve a similar status.

Rolex Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird – The Other Datejust

The Rolex Datejust is, perhaps, the most iconic dress timepiece in history. Based on the original rolex GMT-Master replica uk Oysters of the 1920s, the Datejust enhanced the Oyster Perpetual line with the added functionality of a date feature (visible through a window at 3:00). In continuous production since 1945, the Datejust has had countless variants of dial, bezel ornamentation, casing materials, and bracelet/strap pairings. A ladies version is also produced, and for a brief time in the 1970s there was even a quartz variant, the surprisingly cool Oysterquartz models. Despite the robust collector market for most vintage Rolexes, there is one variant of Datejust that is yet to “catch on” with the mainstream collector crowd; the oft-forgotten and generally misunderstood Turn-O-Graph models of the 1950s-1970s. Retailed alongside the regular Oyster Perpetual Datejust, the Turn-O-Graph was released around 1955, and despite its Oyster Case underpinnings, looks like an entirely different animal than its siblings. This is primarily due to the addition of a large rotating metal bezel surrounding the dial, which stands in stark contrast to the stationary slim brushed, engine turned, or grooved steel bezels, or the popular ornamental gold fluted bezels fitted to standard Datejust models. The addition of the rotating bezel is probably what kept sales of the replica rolex Masterpiece uk fairly low, but is ultimately what makes it such an interesting and unusual timepiece to examine. Rotating bezels are of course commonplace on diver’s watches, aviation watches, and various types of chronographs and tool watches designed for event timing, but are not often found on casual/dress timepieces. Consumers at the time didn’t really know what to make of it, and more than one potential buyer was turned off by the unusual proportions of the bulky bezel. Like their standard Datejust brethren, Turn-O-Graphs were offered in numerous variants throughout their years of production. Cases were produced in steel, two-tone, and solid gold, and dial variants included stick and Roman markers, textured “honeycomb” dials, and a bevy of colors. There were also specially signed dials for the US Air Force Thunderbirds (keep reading!) and from notable retailers such as Serpico Y Laino. Unlike the regular Datejust, the Turn-O-Graph was never offered with an Oyster bracelet – it was only sold on a leather strap or on the classic “Jubilee” style steel/two-tone bracelets. One thing the Turn-O-Graph did have going for it was its unlikely relationship with pilots in the US Air Force; namely those of the hotshot Thunderbird acrobatic team. The Jet Age was still very much in its infancy in the 1950s (and the moon landing several decades away), and jet-powered flight was the awe-inspiring pinnacle of modern technology and innovation. The original Thunderbirds piloted a number of rudimentary jet fighters in the 1950s and 1960s including the F-84G Thunderjet, F-84F Thunderstreak, and the legendary F-100C Super Sabre. These have long since been replaced with the modern F-16 Fighting Falcon, still used by the team today. While there is little documented history as to how the original connection with Rolex was made, there is no doubt that it was a somewhat formalized arrangement, as Rolex produced special marked dials for the Team Pilots, and used the Thunderbird name and photographs of their aircraft in their advertisements. This, of course, is how the Turn-O-Graph came to be nicknamed the Thunderbird, which stuck. Despite the connection with the Thunderbirds and the fantastic reputation of the brand, the Turn-O-Graph was ultimately a slow seller, and production discontinued in the late 1970s. Rolex subsequently launched a modern version of the Turn-O-Graph in the early 2000s (reference 116264), but once again buyers weren’t convinced, and the model had a relatively short lifespan. Today, the original Turn-O-Graph/Thunderbird models (ref. 6609 & 1625) are still considered an oddity by most collectors, and aren’t aggressively sought after the way other models from the time are. They consistently remain undervalued as compared to standard 1601/1603 Datejusts, and offer a great point of entry for those starting a collection. As with just about everything else Rolex, the Thunderbird will likely have its day in the sun as collector trends evolve, and their relatively low price points probably won’t last. As mentioned previously, the current market value on these models is less than you might expect. Early examples of the Turn-O-Graph/Thunderbird can be found in steel for as little $2500 and up, about $750-$1500 less than their standard Datejust counterparts. Two-Tone models generally start around $3000, with excellent examples reaching into the $4000-$5000 range at most. Very rare models with retailer/logo dials (or the elusive solid gold versions) can run up to $10000 – still a bargain compared to many vintage Rolex models, and a great alternative to choosing a new model. Again, given their limited production and relative rarity as compared to standard Datejust models, these unusual pieces are an excellent way to get into collecting vintage u boat replica uk in a different way. Regardless of their current values, Thunderbirds are an exceptionally cool part of historical horology. They make a great statement on the wrist with their instantly noticeable bezels, and are a great conversation starter.