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Rolex

Rolex is one of the world’s largest luxury watch brands. Rolex was founded in 1905 in London by Hans Wilsdorf, eventually Rolex moved to Switzerland in 1919. The Tudor watch brand is a subsidiary of Rolex. In 1914 Rolex obtained a chronometer certificate (Class A precision certificate) and thus became the first manufacturer of a chronometer wristwatch.

By obtaining the first chronometer certificate, Rolex demonstrated that, in terms of precision, a small wristwatch could rival that of the best timepieces, including pocketwatches, which were the norm at the time. This proof of performance would contribute significantly to the rise of the wristwatch in popularity. On the strength of this achievement, Rolex would eventually become the world’s largest manufacturer of chronometer-certified wristwatches. The Geneva-based brand perfected the concept of the modern watch in 1926 by inventing the waterproof “Oyster” case to protect the movement inside and then, in 1931, by developing the self-winding “Perpetual” rotor movement. Today, all Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are officially certified chronometers, carrying on the heritage of the pioneering role the brand played in bringing precision to the wristwatch. That milestone feat of miniaturized precision. Rolex went on to innovate constantly and several times brought new technologies to the market that eventually set standards for the whole industry; among them are (according to Wikipedia) the first waterproof wristwatch Rolex “Oyster”, 1926; the first wristwatch with an automatically changing date on the dial (Rolex Datejust ref.4467, 1945); the first wristwatch case waterproof to 100 m (330 ft) (Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner ref.6204, 1953); the first wristwatch to show two time zones at once (Rolex GMT Master ref.6542, 1954); the first wristwatch with an automatically changing day and date on the dial (Rolex Day-Date, 1956). Rolex uses only in-house calibers and many automatic movements but also deployed Quartz movements in the 1970s. Notable models today are Rolex Air-King, Rolex Date, Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Rolex Datejust, Rolex Datejust II, Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph, Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster, Rolex Daytona, Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, Rolex Day-Date, Rolex Day-Date II, Rolex Day-Date Oyster Perpetual, Rolex Explorer, Rolex Explorer II, Rolex GMT Master II, Rolex Masterpiece, Rolex Milgauss, Rolex Oysterquartz, Rolex Sea Dweller, Rolex Sea Dweller DeepSea, Rolex Sky-Dweller, Rolex Submariner, Rolex Turn-O-Graph, Rolex Yacht-Master, Rolex Yacht-Master II. Rolex is the timekeeper of Wimbledon and many other prestigious sports events. Explorers, aviators, military groups, celebrities and royals regularly purchase Rolex watches. Fake Rolex watches and Rolex replica watches are sought after by bargain hunters but can easily identified by Rolex serial numbers and by comparing the fake prices with the original Rolex prices on the internet and the Rolex price list in every brand boutique.

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Rolex Celebrates 100th Anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Race with New Cosmograph Daytona

Drumroll please: Today, Rolex has unveiled a new variant of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, created to honor the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance motor race. Manufactured in white gold, the latest iteration of this legendary chronograph watch sports a dial with a classic “panda” layout, with the base being...

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Jun 10, 2023 by Sabine Zwettler

It’s Time – WatchTime New York 2024 Tickets On Sale Now!

After an incredible show in 2023, WatchTime New York, the premier collector’s event in North America, is set to return to Manhattan from October 18th to 20th, 2024. WatchTime New York 2024 promises to be even more spectacular, with the show marking the 25th anniversary of WatchTime and bringing together the world’s finest watchmakers, timepieces,...

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Jun 20, 2024 by WatchTime

Another Look at Rolex’s Latest and Most Colorful Oyster Perpetual

At this year’s Watches and Wonders, Rolex was not one to shy away from a bit of colorful experimentation, especially with its newest Oyster Perpetual model. The classic design sports a creative new dial characterized by a pattern of vivid-colored circles against a light turquoise blue background. Although the dial design makes a statement with...

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May 4, 2023 by Caleb Anderson

Jewel Tones and Diamonds: Rolex Updates the Day-Date 36

One of the many updates to the Rolex catalog to come out of Watches and Wonders this year is a trio of Day-Date 36 models with decorative stone dials. Rolex has historically taken some creative freedom with its Day-Date models, and the latest collection updates are no different. Each example makes use of a unique...

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Apr 27, 2023 by Caleb Anderson

Hands-On: Rolex’s “Puzzles & Bubbles” Watches and the Death of Self-Seriousness

Rolex’s long-held adherence to discretion and conservatism seemingly came to a sudden end this year with the release of the Day-Date 36 “jigsaw puzzle” dial and Oyster Perpetual ‘Celebration’ collections (which I have affectionately begun referring to as the “Puzzles & Bubbles” watches). Taking a watch so associated with buttoned-up elegance and prestige that it...

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Apr 5, 2023 by Bilal Khan

Green Rambles: Money In Mediocrity

In the watch world, there is a tremendous amount of money in mediocrity. I am not talking about quality here because, quite frankly, it has been quite a while since I have seen a watch that was not up to par in that area. This was a different case when I started in the late...

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Apr 3, 2023 by Martin Green

Hands-On Debut: Rolex Yacht-Master 42 in Titanium RLX

First introduced in 2019, Rolex is taking a new approach to the Yacht-Master 42 series, this time opting for a new case and bracelet material: titanium RLX. This grade 5 titanium alloy is exclusive to Rolex and has previously only been used for the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge presented last year. According to the brand,...

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Mar 30, 2023 by Sabine Zwettler

Watches and Wonders 2023: Rolex Wows With New Perpetual 1908

With the Perpetual 1908, Rolex introduces an entirely new collection for the first time since the Oyster Perpetual 39 in 2015. Commemorating the founding of the brand by Hans Wilsdorf 115 years ago and taking inspiration from an Oyster Perpetual from 1931, the Perpetual 1908 is a notably elegant retro watch with subsidiary seconds, three...

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Mar 29, 2023 by Sabine Zwettler

Watches and Wonders 2023: Rolex Drops Two New GMT-Master II Executions

Rolex expands its GMT-Master II collection with two new iterations: one clad in 18 kt yellow gold and Oystersteel and the other in yellow gold. Both are equipped with a Cerachrom bezel insert in gray and black ceramic. Intended to evoke the passage of the sun and the alternation of day and night, this is...

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Mar 28, 2023 by Sabine Zwettler

Rolex Unveils New Cosmograph Daytona at Watches and Wonders 2023

Arguably the most important new Rolex release from Watches and Wonders is the latest generation of the Cosmograph Daytona. Right in time for its 60th anniversary, this iconic chronograph revs up with a new motor. Under the hood ticks the new Caliber 4131, an evolution of the brand’s in-house Cal. 4130 that first debuted in...

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Mar 27, 2023 by Sabine Zwettler

Green Rambles: Why I Dislike Safe-Queens

Recently a befriended trader showed me a Rolex Submariner 16610LV, also known as the ‘Kermit,’ that was bought by its initial owner and spent until recently every day in the safe. It was never worn, and the bracelet was not even sized. While this may be a dream come true for some collectors, I always...

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Mar 16, 2023 by Martin Green

FEATURE:

First Watch: U.S. Presidents and Their Timepieces

WatchTime shares, in this feature on U.S. presidents and their watches, what brands graced the wrists and waistcoasts of our chief executives, such as Lincoln's Waltham pocketwatch, JFK's Omega Ultra Thin and Bill Clinton's Cartier Ballon Bleu.

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Feb 20, 2023 by WatchTime

2022 Year in Review: Flying High With 5 New Pilot Watches

Continuing our round up of some of the most important watches launched this year, today we look back at more exciting and innovative releases that broke onto the scene in 2022. Aviation is the theme for today’s recap with a host of memorable novelties on review today. So please fasten your seatbelts and place your...

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Dec 27, 2022 by Caleb Anderson

2022 Year in Review: Going Deep With Notable 5 Dive Watches

Continuing with our annual round-up, today we look back at some of the most exciting and innovative debuts that broke onto the scene in 2022. In spite of an ever-changing and increasingly volatile economy, the year saw the expansion of high-profile retailers, the launch of a host of notable timepieces, and the watch industry resumed...

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Dec 26, 2022 by Caleb Anderson

Rolex Launches Certified Pre-Owned Program

Rolex today announced that it launches a program that will enable retailers that are part of the brand’s official distribution network to sell second-hand models that are certified as authentic. They will come with a new two-year international guarantee. According to Rolex, these timepieces benefit from the same high quality criteria as its new watches. The...

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Dec 1, 2022 by Sabine Zwettler

Green Rambles: The Power of the Lefty

As of recent, watchmakers have been giving more attention to releasing models with the crown (and pushers) on the left side of the case rather than the right. But why has this just become a thing? Earlier this year, we saw Rolex, and quite recently, Patek Philippe launch timepieces with the southpaw characteristic. While they...

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Nov 21, 2022 by Martin Green

Pressure Resistant to 11,000 Meters: Rolex Introduces the Brand New Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge Clad in Titanium

On January 23, 1960, the Deep Sea Special – an experimental Rolex wristwatch designed for extremely high pressure – accompanied oceanographer Jacques Piccard and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh as they set a diving record in the Mariana Trench. Attached to the outer shell of the deep-sea submersible Trieste, it descended to a depth of...

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Nov 1, 2022 by Sabine Zwettler

Watches and Wonders Creates Foundation Together with Rolex, Richemont, and Patek Philippe and Opens to the Public in 2023

After the success of the first edition of Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2022, Rolex, Richemont and Patek Philippe have decided to create the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation (WWGF), a not-for-profit foundation based in Geneva, established in September 2022.  According to the trade show, the mission of the foundation is “to promote watchmaking excellence throughout the world...

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Oct 28, 2022 by Sabine Zwettler

Oak or Oyster? Comparing Steel Luxury Sports Watches from Audemars Piguet and Rolex

Rolex Oyster steel models are hard to come by and are trading well above their original retail price. For just a bit more money you can purchase alternative models from Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak line. Is it worth it? We find out in this latest visit to the WatchTime archives. ChronographsThe Rolex Daytona in steel...

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Sep 8, 2022 by Jens Koch

Perfecting a Watch: The Design Evolution of the Rolex Datejust

Water resistant, automatic winding, chronometer-certified, a date window— in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was the first watch that could offer all this — just about perfect. Nevertheless, Rolex has continued to improve upon it. What does the perfect watch look like? Automatic winding, three hands, a date display, accurate, sturdy and water resistant — you...

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Jul 16, 2022 by Jens Koch

Rolex Introduces the Day-Date 40, Now in Platinum with a Fluted Bezel

As Rolex enthusiasts are aware, even small adaptions make for big news in the brand’s universe. This year, Rolex’s elegant Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 is presented in a stunning new 950 platinum version with a fluted bezel. Until now, platinum executions of this model equipped with the nickname “president’s watch” sported only smooth bezels because,...

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Apr 7, 2022 by Sabine Zwettler
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