Rolex 950 Platinum (photo: Rolex/Cédric Widmer)

Platinum is a rare paramagnetic noble metal with a very high melting point. One of the least reactive metals, it is resistant to corrosion and mined mainly in South Africa. Its unique properties make it ideal for industrial applications and its scarcity makes it a valuable commodity. Rolex offers 950 Platinum versions of only three of their wristwatch models: the Daytona, Day-Date (36 mm and 40 mm) and the Lady Datejust. They also use it on the bezel of the Rolesium Yacht-Master and white gold Yacht-Master II. 

Rolex Platinum Lady Datejust 28 (Reference # 279136 RBR)

Rolex Lady Datejust 28 (photo: Rolex)

The Lady Datejust 28 is available in platinum with an ice blue dial and diamonds set on the bezel and hour markers. It is fitted with a president bracelet and a Cyclops magnifying lens over the date aperture at 3 o'clock. This Lady Datejust model is powered by a 2236 movement manufactured in-house by Rolex with a power reserve of 55 hours. The suggested retail price for this configuration is 54,300 Swiss francs or approximately $55,543 USD.

Rolex Platinum Day-Date 40 (Reference # 228206)

Rolex Day-Date 40 (photo: Rolex)

Rolex's offers platinum versions of their popular Day-Date model in 36 mm and 40 mm. The 44 mm version is shown in the photo above with a smooth bezel and president bracelet. The platinum Day-Date 40 is also available with a diamond bezel (Reference # 228396 TBR). It is powered by a 3255 movement with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The suggested retail price for Reference #228206 is 59,600 Swiss francs or approximately $60,964 USD.

Rolex Platinum Cosmograph Daytona (Reference # 116506)

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (photo: Rolex)

The Cosmograph Daytona model is also available in platinum as shown in the photo above. This version features Rolex's Cerachrom ceramic bezel insert in a chestnut brown color. It too has an ice blue dial, but unlike the Day-Date, this version comes with an Oyster bracelet. Rolex enthusiasts refer to this model as the 'Platona' a combination of the words Daytona and platinum. The suggested retail price for this configuration, which also comes with diamonds on the dial, is 71,500 Swiss francs or approximately $73,136 USD.

As one might surmise, the reference numbers for platinum models end with a 6. They are all available with an ice blue dial, the Day-Date's dial featuring a diagonal pattern. All are also available with diamonds on the dial or the bezel. For more information on Rolex's 950 Platinum, check our my post on their production process. For more information on the platinum models, visit rolex.com. 

Rolex 'Polar' Explorer II (Reference # 216570)

Rolex Polar Explorer II (photo: Rolex)

With a 42 mm stainless steel case, the Rolex Explorer II is the largest watch on this list. It is also unique in that it is available with a white dial, which is where it gets the 'Polar' nickname. This watch, originally released in 1971, features an orange 24-hour hand and 24-hour bezel, allowing the wearer to tell the time in two places at once. It also has a very legible display with large minute and hour hands and luminescent hour markers. Its size makes it ideal for someone who wants a large watch that isn't as bulky as the 44 mm Deepsea, for example. This model is also available with with a black dial. The suggested retail price for the Explorer II is 7,700 Swiss francs or $8,076 USD.

Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman' (Reference # 116710BLNR)

Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR (photo: Rolex)

Equipped with Rolex's patented Cerachrom bezel insert, the GMT-Master II BLNR or 'Batman' as it is also known, was introduced at Baselworld in 2013 and soon became a favorite amongst Rolex enthusiasts. It features a blue and black bidirectional 24 hour bezel and a 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to switch between time zones with a turn of the bezel. This model was originally introduced in  1955 during the aviation age and bears a striking resemblance to the Submariner model. However, this model offers a more practical functionality than the popular dive watch. The bracelet has polished middle links that also differentiate it from the Sub. The suggested retail price for the BLNR is 8,500 Swiss francs, or approximately $8,847 USD.

Rolex Submariner Date 'Hulk' (Reference # 116610LV)

Rolex Submariner Date (photo: Rolex)

The Submariner was introduced by Rolex in 1953 and has become their most imitated timepiece. Like the GMT-Master II, this watch has a 40 mm Oyster case and a Cerachrom bezel insert. It has a depth rating of 300 meters and has a unidirectional bezel with a unidirectional 60 minute graduated bezel. Its simplicity in design and utility underwater makes it ideal for recreational and professional divers alike. However, most go for the Submariner because of its sporty yet clean aesthetic. The configuration shown above is known as the 'Hulk' because of the green-on-green bezel and dial combination. The dial has a sunray finish that gleams in the sun and while the combination of green and steel seems odd at first, it makes for a very interesting take on the classic Sub design. The Submariner Date goes for 8,600 Swiss francs, or approximately $8,957 USD.  Sea-Dweller 4000 (Reference # 116600)

Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 (photo: Rolex)

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Ceramic' (photo: Rolex)

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN (photo: Rolex)

The instructions below are applicable to any Rolex Daytona manufactured after the year 2000, like the 116500LN shown in the photo above, with a Rolex movement and screw down pushers. The Daytonas released prior to this date are equipped with an El Primero Zenith movement that has a different configuration of the sub-dials.

Using the Chronograph Function
First, unscrew the pushers located at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions. If the long, thin seconds hand is not at 12, hit the pusher at 4 o'clock to reset. The chronograph function is initiated by hitting the pusher at 2 o'clock once. This will get that seconds hand moving around the dial. Once one minute has elapsed, the sub-dial at 3 o'clock will mark it. Once an hour has passed, the sub-dial at 9 o'clock will mark it. (The sub-dial at 6 o'clock is used to keep the seconds on the clock, not the chronograph.)

Using the Tachymeter
The numbers printed on the bezel of the Daytona are to measure the average miles per hour a race car driver goes per mile on a race track. As you can see, there is a 60 at 12 o'clock, meaning that if you travel a mile in one minute, you are traveling at 60 miles per hour (there are 60 minutes in an hour, after all). To measure your average speed per mile, hit the pusher at 2 o'clock to start and hit it again to stop it right when you reach one mile traveled. Wherever the chronograph seconds hand lands on the bezel would indicate the amount of miles you would travel in an hour at that speed.

While chronograph and tachymeter functions seem superfluous in an era where you can keep time and measure speed on your smartphone (and now smartwatch), the sub-dials and numbers printed on the bezel fill the space nicely and harken back to the 1960s when these watches became popular. Like many classic watches, chronometers offer more in the way of aesthetic and legacy these days than they do in terms of functionality. However, they possess a charm that is hard for horology buffs to resist.

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Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 (photo: Rolex)

The Sea-Dweller is equipped with a 3135 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured by Rolex in-house. A Superlative Chronometer, this watch has a power reserve of 48 hours and comes equipped with Rolex's proprietary blue Parachrom hairspring that helps it achieve a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day.

This professional dive watch also features a unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel, allowing divers to keep track of their time underwater. The bezel insert is made of black Cerachrom, a ceramic material patented by Rolex that is virtually scratch-proof. It also has a helium escape valve to avoid damage to the case and crystal during decompression. A Triplock winding crown provides triple waterproofing protection for the Oyster case.

This model's Oyster bracelet is made from 904L stainless steel. Its Oysterlock clasp is fitted with Rolex's Fliplock extension link that extends the bracelet by 26 mm. It also comes with the Glidelock system that allows for an additional 20 mm extension in increments of 2 mm.

While the Submariner and the Deepsea receive more praise than the Sea-Dweller 4000, its features make it the perfect alternative to both dive watches. Like the Deepsea model, the Sea-Dweller 4000 does not come with the Cyclops magnifying lens that is customary on Rolex date models. However, it shares the same case size as the Sub.

The suggested retail price for the Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 (reference # 116600) is 9,900 Swiss francs, or approximately $10,130 USD based on current exchange rates. For more information on this model, visit rolex.com.

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Roger Federer holding his trophy at Wimbledon 2009 (photo: Rolex)

Federer is shown wearing his Datejust II in the photo above while holding his trophy. 'Every time I put on my Rolex, it reminds me of those great moments. It also reminds me that if you do not work hard, somebody else will, and they eventually will pass you. So you’ve got to be tough and even ruthless to some extent, but always be fair and play with style. I think that’s really important,' he wrote in his 'Every Rolex Tells a Story' piece. To read the entire story, click here.

Rolex has also added many letters written to the watchmaker about their timepieces to their website. They introduced the hashtag #everyrolextellsastory to encourage others to take to social media to share their Rolex stories. I have embedded video below of Federer recounting his victory.

Rolex is the official timepiece of Wimbledon. The tournament begins on June 27th, 2016 at the All England Club in London. Federer is expected to take to the court after a series of setbacks in his career over the past year.

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Close up of Rolex GMT-Master II

Setting the 24-hour Hand to GMT Time
The benefit of the GMT being equipped with a bidirectional 24-hour bezel is that it allows you to set the 24-hour hand to GMT time once and then rotate the bezel to move between different timezones without pulling out the crown again. To set the GMT time, unwind the crown and pull it out two clicks. This will allow you to set the 24-hour hand and the minute hand to GMT time (same time zone as London).

Setting the Hour Hand 
Once GMT time is set, you can click the crown down to the first position and set the hour hand to local time or whatever time you want it set to. Once that is set, don't forget to screw the crown back in to seal the watch case.

Once the GMT time is set using the crown, you can move the bezel to reflect the time in any time zone around the globe. So, if you would like to set the 24-hour hand to your home time in New York City, you would move the bezel clockwise 5 clicks for Easter Standard Time (GMT-5). Or, if you are traveling with a layover, you can simply move the bezel to reflect the time in the layover city then move it again when you get to your destination.

You can always set the 24-hour hand without using the bezel, as would be done with the fixed bezel of the Explorer II, but setting the 24-hour hand to GMT time maximizes the potential of the GMT-Master II timekeeping functionality.

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Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR (photo: Rolex)

The GMT in the name refers to Greenwich Mean Time, which is the time at the Prime Meridian or 0º longitude. Every 15º that you move away from the Prime Meridian adds or subtracts an hour from GMT time, depending on the direction you move. The GMT-Master II allows you to set the 24-hour hand to GMT time, then move the 24-hour bezel to reflect the time in whatever time zone you are visiting while keeping your home time set on the regular hour hand, or vice versa.

The bezel of the BLNR model has the AM hours colored in blue and the PM or evening hours colored in black. This way, when you move the bezel to the desired time zone you can tell if it is day or night at that location. So, if you leave your family in New York City and fly to Europe or Asia, you can set the 24-hour hand and bezel to your home time (GMT-5 for Eastern Standard Time, depending on daylight savings) and the regular hour hand to local time. This way, when you want to call home you will be able to tell if it is night or day time there.

In terms of aesthetic, the two colors on the bezel of the BLNR can be off-putting to some. Many people choose the LN version of this model, which features a black bezel. However, the original GMT-Master model released in 1955 featured a blue and red bezel, commonly known as a 'Pepsi' GMT, and the coloring on the bezel does serve a functional purpose.

In terms of stainless steel GMT configurations, I have grown to appreciate the BLNR above the Pepsi, Coke (black and red bezel) and plain black versions. It may not be as dressy as an LN, but I wouldn't buy a BLNR as a dressy watch option, so that wouldn't factor into my decision. I would use it as an everyday beater and a travel watch. In those areas, the BLNR outshines the rest. The colors on the bezel offer charm and functionality and, as is the case with the Hulk and the new ceramic Daytona, Rolex will eventually stop manufacturing this configuration and replace it with something new, making the BLNR even more distinctive in the long run.

The BLNR retails for 8,500 Swiss francs, or approximately $8,847 USD. It is priced about $500 higher than the current LN version.

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Teatro Alla Scala, Milan (photo: Rolex/Ambroise Tézenas)

Antonio Salieri's Europa riconosciuta was the first performance in La Scala, which has hosted 'la prima' of many famous operas in its lifetime, including Verdi's Otella and Falsta, Bellini's Norma and Puccini's Madama Butterfly. The audience at this venue is known as one of the most vocal and critical in the world.

Rolex Testimonee Plácido Domingo's Otello made for one of the greatest seasons in the opera's history. Gustavo Dudamel conducted his first Don Giovanni here and Cecilia Bartoli returned to La Scala after many years absence. Rolex became their official timepiece in 2006.

Rolex Submariner Date 116610 LV or 'Hulk' (photo: Rolex)

Known by Rolex enthusiasts as the 'Hulk', the Submariner LV shown above came after the release of the 50th anniversary Submariner with the green bezel and black dial known as the 'Kermit' in 2003. The green configuration is unique, making many speculate that the Hulk will increase in value once Rolex stops manufacturing it.

At first glance, the juxtaposition of the green dial and bezel with the cool tone of the stainless steel seems out of place. Rolex has traditionally paired green dials with yellow gold watches, like the yellow gold Daytona they displayed at Baselworld 2016. On those models, the yellow and green compliment each other and create a nice alternative to the more common black dials.

Every few weeks a thread about the Hulk pops up in the Rolex Forums with very mixed sentiments from members. Some find the green color cheapens the Sub and are very vocal about their disdain for the configuration. Others vehemently defend it, even going as far as asking the moderators to take down the threads entirely. I have also read many reviews where people express having originally hated the model, but later changing their minds and coming to appreciate its uniqueness.

I have to admit, I didn't like the Hulk at first glance. The green-on-steel look just didn't speak to me and I had trouble understanding why people were so enthusiastic about it. However, after my eyes got used to the, what I would now call interesting color combination, I began to appreciate it. Looking at photos of the dial gleaming in the sun and seeing how it looked in wrist shots made me realize that it wasn't so much a color mistake as it was a challenge to the traditional watch aesthetic. The odd combination of colors that originally put me off about the Hulk now makes me appreciate it more. It's also nice to see a color on the dial and bezel that isn't black, white or blue.

The suggested retail price for the Hulk is 8,600 Swiss francs, or $8,957 US. It is priced approximately $500 above the LN version. To check out all the Submariner Date configurations available, visit rolex.com.

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Bloodhound Supersonic Car (photo: the Bloodhound Project)

The Bloodhound SSC is named after the Bristol Bloodhound, a surface-to-air missile developed by Britain's Royal Air Force in the 1950s. The team of engineers and scientists working on the supersonic car did a dry build of the vehicle in 2015 and hope to have the project completed by the end of this year. Their goal is to have the vehicle ready to reach 1,000 mph by the beginning of 2017.

Andy Green, Richard Noble and the Bloodhound Team (photo: The Bloodhound Project)

In addition to the goal of setting a world record, the team behind this feat of engineering aim to inspire youth to cultivate an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. The offer educational programs for students of all ages to experiment with the sciences with exciting and hands on experiences. “The BLOODHOUND engineering adventure provides us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers,” says Richard Noble of the project.

Close Up of the Bloodhound SSC (photo: Rolex)

Rolex is the official timing partner of the The Bloodhound Project. “I’m enormously proud that I’ll be wearing a Rolex on my wrist when we go for the record. It will take 3.6 seconds to cover the Measured Mile, and then the team will race like hell to get the car turned around for a return run within the hour with the world watching. It will be a split second business and terrifically exciting but the real prize is the creation of a lasting legacy that inspires young people to take up careers in science and engineering. It’s going to be a very special moment in time and I’m delighted to welcome Rolex, the leader in time, to the team," says Andy Green of the partnership. 

Bloodhound SSC (photo: The Bloodhound Project)

Jennifer Aniston wearing a gold Rolex Day-Date at Husband Justin Theroux's HBO Premier (photo: mirror.co.uk)

Aniston, who shot to fame as a member of the ensemble cast of NBC's hit show Friends, has appeared in several feature films since leaving the show. She received a Golden Globe nomination for her gritty role in Cake. Most recently, she appeared in Gary Marshall's Mother's Day alongside Julia Roberts and Jason Sudeikis. She was married to Brad Pitt prior to this relationship and media questions about motherhood have plagued her since the split.

The beautiful and stylish actress has been photographed wearing several Rolex watches through the years. Her chic style of dress is complimented by the classical design of the watches. She is shown wearing a gold Day-Date in the photo above, showing off her engagement ring on the red carpet at the premier of Theroux's HBO hit show The Leftovers.

For more information on the gold Rolex Day-Date, click here. To check out Justin Theroux's Rolexes, click here.

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Setting the GMT or Reference Time
To set the GMT time on the 24-hour disc of the Sky-Dweller, you must first unscrew the winding crown and pull it out. Also, make sure that the bezel is in the home position, turned all the way to the right. Then move the bezel three clicks to the left or counterclockwise from the home position. This will allow you to set the 24-hour reference time with the winding crown.

Setting the Local Time
Once the 24-hour disc is set to your home time, you are ready to set the local time using the hour hand and the 12-hour display on the main dial. Turn the bezel one click to the right or clockwise to access the hour hand. Then wind the crown to move it to the local hour.

Setting the Date
Once the GMT time and local time are set, move the bezel one more click to the right or clockwise to set the date. There is a Saros annual calendar built into this model with a month indicator above each of the 12 hour markers. You can wind through the calendar to get the the indicator on the right month, then choose the correct day of the month.

Once the date and time are set, move the bezel one more click to the right or clockwise, returning it to the home position. Be sure to wind the crown back down to seal the case as well. If you need to make any adjustments to the time or date, simply repeat the process and move the bezel accordingly to access the desired function.

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Rolex Testimonee Plácido Domingo (photo: Rolex/ Mario Testino)

The tenor has sung over 150 roles in some of the greatest opera houses in the world including La Scala in Milan, London's Royal Opera House and The Metropolitan Opera in New York City. After establishing himself as an opera great in the 1960s and 1970s, he began recording popular and Latin music in the 1980s with much success. He became a Rolex Arts Testimonee in 1982.

The worlds of opera and popular music came together when Domingo joined Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras to form The Three Tenors in 1990. Their first album together, Carreras Domingo and Pavarotti in Concert, became the best selling classical album of all time.

In 1994 the trio performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra for their second album of live recordings. Their performance of My Way is embedded below with Frank Sinatra giving them a standing ovation at the end. Domingo is currently the general director of the Los Angeles Opera.

Aside from his illustrious career as a tenor, baritone and conductor, Domingo also gives his time to emerging musical talents. He founded Operalia in 1993, a contest that travels the world looking for fresh opera talent. He is known to take an interest in the winners of the competition and spends time helping develop their individual careers. Rolex has sponsored Operalia since 2001.

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Admiralty Gray NATO Strap Available at monkeyswag.com (photo: Monkey Swag)

The name 'NATO' comes from the 13 digit North American Trade Organization (NATO) Stock Number that was used by NATO countries to identify this item when it was issued by the British Ministry of Defense in 1973. They also go by 'G10' straps, which refers to the form used to order the original straps.

The first NATO or G10 strap was issued in Admiralty Gray, like the one shown in the photo above from Monkey Swag, a producer of watch straps based in the UK. It was 280 mm in length and 20 mm wide with 12 holes and a chrome plated brass buckle. Now, they are available in many colors and styles. These straps have been seen on James Bond and celebrities like David Beckham in the past and are popular with members of Rolex Forums as well.

In terms of aesthetic, there are differing opinions on how these straps go with luxury timepieces. While some appreciate the vintage military look, others find them too casual. Nonetheless, they are the most common and widely available replacement watch straps on the market. These straps are priced at less than $30 US from most manufacturers.

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The Metropolitan Opera in New York City (photo: Rolex/Ambroise Tézenas)

The original building, or 'Old Met' as it is often called, was located on 39th and Broadway. It wasn't until 1966 that The Metropolitan Opera House moved to its current location at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The Met presents up to 27 performances in a season featuring classical works from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as more modern and minimalist presentations. Many of the greatest opera singers have performed on their stage, including Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti and Jonas Kaufmann.

In September of 1999, Rolex Testimonee Plácido Domingo set the record for the most opening night performances with his 18th appearance on the stage. The tenor, baritone and conductor has been an Arts Testimonee since 1982. Rolex has been the official timepiece of The Metropolitan Opera since August of 2011.

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Engineer Working on Rolex Deepsea Challenge (photo: Rolex/Jess Hoffman)

While Rolex aficionados may be aware of their participation in James Cameron's Deepsea Challenge of 2012, they may not know that the watchmaker committed to the challenge only 4 weeks prior to the descent. Having the materials needed to create the experimental dive watch on hand, engineers and designers had to drop everything to get this watch completed and on the vessel in time. Another interesting note about the experimental watch is that it was not equipped with the Helium Escape Valve that is characteristic of the Deepsea model. 

Stainless Steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26 (photo: Rolex)

Strictly speaking, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26 in stainless steel shown in the photo above is the cheapest of the new model configurations you can buy from an Authorized Dealer. The suggested retail price for this 26 mm Oyster Perpetual configuration is 4,600 Swiss francs, or approximately $4,773 US.

It should also be noted that the 34 mm version of the Oyster Perpetual is priced only 200 Swiss francs more and for 500 more, you can take home a 36 mm version of this stainless steel model. However, for if you are working with a budget of less than $5,000, I would recommend going a different route.

Tudor watches offer a wonderful value proposition for those who may not have the budget for a brand new Rolex. Tudor was founded by Rolex's Hans Wilsdorf in 1946 in an attempt to create a well-made Swiss watch at a more affordable price than a Rolex. They have a large, varied selection of model configurations including the Black Bay Bronze in the photo below.

Tudor Black Bay Bronze (photo: Tudor)

The Black Bay Bronze retails for approximately $3,975 US, making is more affordable than a new Rolex. Hodinkee recently published a review of this timepiece found here. I would encourage anyone who is looking for the cheapest Rolex around to visit tudorwatch.com to check out their selection of watches.

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How to Report a Stolen Rolex (photo: Matt Popovich)

The first and most logical step (that not everyone completes) is to file a police report wherever and whenever you realize you lost it. The theft of any item worth thousands of dollars comes with criminal consequences and a Rolex is no exception. The reporting of the incident not only protects the interests of the victim, it also provides the authorities with information that may help them apprehend the perpetrator.

The other reason that it is important to file a police report is to prove to Rolex that your watch was in fact stolen and not sold or bartered if it turns up at a service center later on. This brings me to the second very important step to follow if your Rolex is stolen: give Rolex the serial number of your watch and report it stolen to them, too. In the US, you can call Rolex Watch USA Inc in New York City at 212-758-7700 and ask to be transferred to the Lost and Stolen Watch Department.

Reporting your stolen watch's serial number to Rolex will flag it in their system. If it is ever taken to a service center for maintenance or repair after that, there is a chance that you can get your watch back if you're lucky. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that it will ever turn up. While many find that insuring a luxury timepiece is expensive, it may be a good idea to do so to avoid going without one in the long run.

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