Should I Add Variety to My Watch Collection?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Watches owned by collectors are as varied as the collectors themselves. If you have spent time on watch forums you may have come across collectors posing questions about which timepiece to add to their collection next. As one could imagine, the answers usually run the gamut and offer more insights about the responders than the watches in question. However, there are a few factors that one might take into consideration when deciding which timepieces to add to their collections. 

Stainless Steel Professional Rolex Models
Functionality
Perhaps the most logical way to decide which watch to add to your collection is by functionality. Dive watches like the stainless steel Submariner are a popular first choice for watch enthusiasts. Those who have an affinity for nautical watches may add a Deepsea next, but it may be more sensible to go with a GMT-Master II instead as it adds a different complication to the mix. Other popular complications include chronometers, regatta timers, moon phase indicators and, of course, date displays. The choice to vary a watch collection based on functionality is ideal for those who would rather stick to one aesthetic, like the combination of black and stainless steel shown in most of the watched in the photo above. 

Aesthetic 
Those who are fine with owning several watches with the same complications usually vary their collections by choosing watches made from different materials. Many start their collections with stainless steel models, adding precious metal configurations as they go along. Yellow and rose gold may not be for everyone, but they certainly add color to any collection. The yellow gold Yacht-Master II model is a fine example of a nautical watch that stands out amongst the rest of Rolex's professional models. I've also seen many collections consisting of Submariners in various materials. While gold may be a little flashy to wear as a daily beater, it makes for a classic addition to any watch collection.

Rarity
Anyone who collects vintage watches loves to find rare references that are hard to come by. Many such configurations were sold in the Phillips auction in Hong Kong this past weekend. While they fetch a large amount, rare timepieces like the "Paul Newman Oyster Sotto" make excellent additions to any collection. In addition to increasing their monetary value, the rarity and legacy of these timepieces make them the perfect piece de resistance for any collector. This also goes for new watches as well. The watches in the 2016 and upcoming 2017 Rolex Oyster Collection that are less popular now and thus not produced as much as, say, the Submariner, may increase in value after production ceases and only limited quantities are out there. This was the case for the Paul Newman Daytona, so it is worth considering as well. 

As I usually conclude when making suggestions about which watches to buy, the ultimate decision is up to the collector. While there are many reasons that motivate people to buy the watches they buy, the most important reason is weather you feel that you would be better off with the watch in your collection. For those who are less adventurous with their aesthetic, there are many black and stainless steel Rolex models for you to choose from. For those who prefer a bold statement, they make many gold models that demand attention. For more information visit the Rolex Models page on this blog or visit rolex.com. 

Every Rolex Tells a Story: Steve Guerdat

.Sports.
Every Rolex Tells a Story: Steve Guerdat
Olympic equestrian Steve Guerdat, born in Switzerland and coached by his father Philippe Guerdat, was riding horses before he learned how to walk. The young but successful show jumper won the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva in 2013 wearing an Everose gold Rolex Daytona and he shares his passion for horses and his timepiece in the latest installment of the watchmaker's Every Rolex Tells a Story series on rolex.com.

"You really need to be addicted to it because you basically have to give your life to the horses. It is a beautiful school of life: what horses can teach me makes me a better person. The success comes after," Guerdat says of his passion for riding. Rolex is a company that has always tied itself to excellence and achievement, so it is no wonder they tapped Guerdat for his Rolex story. His Cosmograph Daytona (Reference # 116515LN) features a black Cerachrom bezel on the rose gold case and a black leather strap.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference # 116515LN)
This Daytona reference is the first to feature the black Cerachrom ceramic bezel introduced by the watchmaker in 2005 on the GMT-Master II model. It is powered by Rolex's 4130 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by the watchmaker. For more information on the Everose gold Cosmograph Daytona on leather strap, check out my previous post about the top Rolex rose gold watches. For more information on Steve Guerdat, visit his official website.

Will Rolex's Oysterflex Bracelet Make a Splash at Baselworld 2017?

.Tech.
Introduced in 2015 on the Yacht-Master 40 model, the Oysterflex bracelet offers the comfort and unique style of an elastomer strap with the technical innovation that Rolex is known for. As I mentioned in my post about my Rolex Baselworld 2017 predictions, it is speculated that this bracelet will be featured on more configurations than it is now. The question that remains is if it will be featured only on the Yacht-Master 40 or if they will also release an Oysterflex configuration for for another model. 
Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet (photo: Rolex/Thomas Hensinger)
Developed and patented by Rolex, the Oysterflex has a metal blade made from a flexible titanium and nickel alloy at its core that attaches the clasp to the case. The blade is then enveloped with a black elastomer that is both durable and resistant to environmental effects. It is equipped with a longitudinal cushion system to stabilize the watch on the wrist. The photo above shows the bracelet with a rose gold Oysterlock safety clasp as it appears on the Everose gold Yacht-Master 40 model. 

If the watchmaker does add the Oysterflex to additional configurations, I believe it will keep its black color but maybe appear on white gold or stainless steel models in addition to the Everose YM. If they do go ahead and add it to another model, my prediction would be that they would add it to the Sea-Dweller 4000 as 2017 represents an anniversary year for the model, something Rolex likes to commemorate with its latest innovations. For more information on the 2016 Yacht-Master 40 model that features the Oysterflex, check out my post here. To check out all of Rolex's bracelet options, check out my post here. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6263 Oyster Sotto

.Rolex Models.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6263 Oyster Sotto (photo: Phillips)
The Phillip's Rolex Milestones auction in Hong Kong is less than a few days away and it will be interesting to see how much the "Paul Newman Oyster Sotto" Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6263 will fetch. It is estimated to be worth anywhere between $600,000 to $1,200,000 US, more than the "Panda" that I wrote about in a previous post. This is due to the rarity of the "Oyster Sotto" configuration that was introduced circa 1970.

One of the interesting aspects of this early 6263 reference is the addition of the word "Oyster" under the words "Rolex Cosmograph" on the Mk2 dial under the crown logo at 12 o'clock. According to John Goldberger in the Rolex Milestones catalog, the word "Oyster" was added in different lettering to reflect the fact that it features new waterproof pushers that weren't on the previous references that used this dial. The word 'sotto' means beneath in Italian, hence the name for this Paul Newman configuration.

This legendary Rolex features its original dial with a stainless steel bracelet from the period. For more information on this magnificent chronograph and all of the other Rolex models that will be up for grabs in a few days, visit phillips.com.

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DJ Khaled Gives Rapper Future a Rolex Sky-Dweller For His Birthday

.Celebrities.
Rapper Future Receiving a Rolex Sky-Dweller from DJ Khaled (photo: DJ Khaled Instagram)
DJ and record producer DJ Khaled, known for offering major key alerts to his popular Snapchat account, gifted rapper and collaborator Future with a Rolex Sky-Dweller for his thirty-third birthday last weekend. Video of the presentation of the luxury timepiece, embedded below, appear on Khaled's Instagram feed.

It looks like the configuration Khaled chose is the Everose gold on Oyster bracelet with what looks like a chocolate dial. Future has been photographed wearing many luxury watches, but I have yet to see him sport a rose gold Rolex, so it seems that it was a good choice. Khaled has an extensive watch collection of his own, including a Sky-Dweller which he has worn on other occasions.

Giving a Rolex to a friend and colleague as a birthday gift is something that not everyone has the opportunity to experience. This tradition only further ingrains the watchmaker's legacy of excellence in the minds of yet another generation. Check out the rose gold Sky-Dweller in my previous post about the watchmaker's top Everose gold models.

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Which Wristwatch Models Will Rolex Update in 2017?

.Rolex Models.

UPDATE: Check out the watches Rolex introduced at Baselworld 2017 here

2016 Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 (photo: Rolex)
With 2016 coming to an end and Baselworld 2017 approaching, many wonder how watchmakers like Rolex plan to change their collections to mark the passage of another year. Forum members and bloggers have already begun speculating which models will receive new configurations and which may be discontinued. I have put together a few of my ideas on the subject based on past years below while we wait for the official announcement leading up to Baselworld next March.

Anniversaries
One thing that I have noticed about Rolex is that they like to mark the anniversaries of their models' introductions with special edition watches. The biggest anniversary being celebrated in 2017 is that of the Sea-Dweller, originally introduced fifty years ago. It is more than likely that this milestone will be marked with a new configuration, maybe featuring a blue bezel or dial, an Oysterflex strap or a size increase. Other models with anniversaries in 2017 are the Yacht-Master with its 25th anniversary, the YM2 introduced ten years ago and the original GMT-Master II which was introduced thirty-five years ago. Will Baselworld 2017 bring a GMT-Master II 'Coke' as many predict? Or will Rolex present a Sea-Dweller on Oysterflex Bracelet instead? We will have to wait and see.

Materials
One of the biggest model configurations introduced in recent years, the ceramic Daytona (Reference # 116500LN) proved that the demand for models with their Cerachrom bezel insert is high. Their Oysterflex strap is another interesting feature that I feel may appear on more models in the coming year. The watchmaker introduced many Everose gold configurations in 2016 on their sports and dress watches, making it another popular material to look out for. As I mentioned in a previous post, I also hold out hope for a bronze configuration, though many enthusiasts find it improbable. The idea of an Explorer II with a bronze case and leather strap still excites me, though.

Sizes
One of the ways in which Rolex introduces new model configurations is by changing their case sizes. The Datejust and Explorer models have seen increased case sizes in recent years and the big watch trend does not seem to be going anywhere, so I think it is likely that they will come out with new case sizes for one or more of their models. With the current selection of Sea-Dweller and Submariner models sized at 44 millimeters and 40 millimeters, I think that there is a possibility for a 42 millimeter Sea-Dweller 4000 configuration. I also see the possibility for a Yacht-Master configuration in a new size.

Predictions
One of the 2017 Rolex model predictions that has already gained traction on forums is the discontinuation of the 44 millimeter Deepsea. While I am not entirely convinced, I do think that the watchmaker would benefit from positioning a new Sea-Dweller configuration closer to the Deepsea in size while slowly phasing out the Deepsea over time. I think it is also more likely to see more Everose gold configurations than the introduction of a bronze model, though I think bronze would be a bold move. The Cerachrom bezel insert and Oysterflex strap may make appearances again, perhaps this time on more colorful configurations.

For more information on the 2016 Rolex model lineup, check out my Rolex Shopping Guide or visit rolex.com.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6263 with Tropical Dial

.Rolex Models.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with the "Paul Newman" dial (Reference #6263) comes in two different dial configurations. The one with a white background and black sub-dials shown in the photo below is known as the 'Panda' and is up for sale by Phillips Auction House in their Rolex Milestones auction set to take place on November 28th in Hong Kong. One of the differences between this and the "Oyster Sotto" version, with the black dial and white sub-dials, is the sequence of the words "Rolex Oyster Cosmograph" on the dial. On the black version the word "Oyster" is at the bottom, hence the name. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6263 with Tropical Dial (photo: Phillips)
Estimated to take in between $350,000 and $700,000 US at the auction, this reference is unique not only due to the limited quantities of the "Paul Newman" dial that exist on the watch market, but also because of the tropical coloration of the outer track on the dial. In this case, the word "tropical" refers to the brown tone of the once black outer track of the dial. The discoloration, while a sign of age, is also an indication of the authenticity of the piece. With the rarity of "Paul Newman" Daytona models due to their unpopularity at the time of their release, finding one with its original parts, including its original bracelet, makes it even more attractive to collectors.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6263 with Tropical Dial (photo: Phillips)
There are a few other Cosmograph Daytona models set for auction by Phillips later this month, including an "Oyster Sotto" estimated to take in anywhere from $600,000 to $1,200,000 US. For a model configuration that was so unpopular at the time of production, the "Paul Newman" Daytona has certainly come a long way from sitting in stock for years at dealers in the seventies and eighties. Bringing in up to seven figures, it is a testament to the every changing sentiments and tastes of watch collectors over time. For more information on all of the pieces up for auction, visit phillips.com.

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What is the Difference Between Watch Precision vs Accuracy?

.FAQ.
What is the Difference Between Watch Precision vs Accuracy? (photo: Niklas Rhose)
Generally speaking, the idea behind wearing a wristwatch is being able to tell the time with a glance at your wrist. While there are many other reasons for choosing to wear a watch, its ability to tell time accurately is of utmost importance. However, there is some confusion regarding the difference between the precision of a watch and its accuracy. Watchmakers test a watch's precision before it leaves the manufacture, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will tell time accurately when it is on your wrist. 

Precision

When watchmakers test precision, they are looking for how close one measurement is to another. For example, when shooting archery, the measure of precision refers to the grouping of the arrows on the target independently of how close those arrows came to the bullseye. Similarly, if a watch measures time with the same variation every day, it is precise, even if it is losing 6 seconds a day. As long as the loss remains at 6 seconds each day, the watch is measuring time precisely, though perhaps not accurately.

Accuracy 

Using the archery example, you can think of accuracy as how close the arrows get to the bullseye. Accuracy is measured against a standard measurement, in the case of watches a measurement of time. So, your watch is only accurate if it tells the right time, even though it can be extremely precise while telling the wrong time every day. There are many factors that can affect the accuracy of your timepiece, including behavioral factors like how much you move your wrist throughout the day and how you store your watch when not in use.

Watchmakers like Rolex publish the precision of their watches after testing them in-house. While the watch may be precise up to -2/+2 seconds per day, that doesn't mean that it will not gain or lose more when on your wrist. However, it is a good indication that the timepiece is capable of keeping accurate time. For more information on how Rolex tests their watches, visit rolex.com. For information on their Superlative Chronometer Certification, check out my post on the subject here.

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Every Rolex Tells a Story: Sir Jackie Stewart

.Celebrities.
Every Rolex Tells a Story: Sir Jackie Stewart (photo: Rolex)
Sir Jackie Stewart, or the "Flying Scot" as he is also known, is a legendary Formula 1 race car driver that has been a Rolex Testimonee for half a century. He won three World Drivers' Championships between 1965 and 1973 and worked as a sports commentator and racing safety advocate thereafter. He has been honored by Sports Illustrated, BBC and ABC for his accomplishments in racing and continues to be involved with the sport to this day.

Sir Jackie Stewart's Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (photo: Rolex)

"The most important thing I learned as a Grand Prix driver was mind management. I found out that if I removed emotion, I was going to be less likely to do the wrong thing," Stewart says about his strategy for success on the racetrack. Unsurprisingly, the model of choice for this gear head is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona shown in the photo above. He has already given Rolex watches to his sons and grandchildren as an inheritance. 

"It’s nice to have been a champion. I think I still want to be a champion at whatever I do — and that’s still a challenge. When I look at my watch today, I see all of that." For more information visit rolex.com. 

Rolex Reference 4645 "Neptune" Non-Oyster Yellow Gold Watch

.Rolex Models.
Rolex Milestones: 38 Legendary Watches That Shaped History is a Phillips auction set to take place in Hong Kong on November 28, 2016 that features a collection of rare and historical vintage Rolex watches curated by John Goldberger. With some lots estimated to take in seven figures, this collection represents the top tier of vintage Rolex models found around the world. Some pieces, like Reference 4645 shown in the photo below, are singular representations of the fine craftsmanship that has represented the watchmaker for over a century. 

Rolex Reference 4645 "Neptune" Non-Oyster Yellow Gold Watch (photo: Phillips)
A yellow gold non-Oyster reference featuring a square case and cloisonné enamel design, the "Neptune" stands out amongst other Rolex references. It was created by famous enameler Mrs. Nelly Richard for Stern Fréres as commissioned by Rolex at the time. Very few such dials have ever been seen and there is no record of any other with the Neptune depicted on it. The cloisons used to bring the scene to life required much skill and attention to detail. The hand-painted shapes were hammered out and filled with enamel paste and fired in a kiln.

This automatic wristwatch features an 18 carat gold case measuring 31 millimeters equipped with a 178 millimeter yellow gold bracelet and a folding deployant clasp. It was manufactured around 1953, likely for a very important client. The back of the dial is stamped with Stern Fréres numbers, including the client code for Rolex, 103. The estimated auction price for this reference is between $500,000 to $1,000,000 US. For more information on this and the other pieces that will go for auction in Hong Kong, visit phillips.com.

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2016 Rolex Air-King

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
With a legacy that dates back almost a century to the golden age of aviation, the Air-King model was re-introduced by Rolex at Baselworld 2016 with a few updates. The case was sized up to 40 millimeters in diameter and the dial now features a prominent minutes scale and large arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. This uncomplicated wristwatch combines classical design with new aesthetic elements to create a legible display that takes advantage of the larger dial.

2016 Rolex Air-King Model (photo: Rolex/Samuel Scrimshaw)

Technical Details

The 2016 Rolex Air-King (Reference # 116900) is powered by a perpetual calibre 3131 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by the watchmaker. This movement features a power reserve of 48 hours and is also used in the Milgauss model. Inside the movement the blue Parachrom hairspring and paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel work with 31 rubies and four gold Microstella nuts to keep this watch precise up to -2/+2 seconds per day. The Oyster case is made from Rolex's 904L stainless steel alloy and is sealed with a Twinlock winding crown, giving the timepiece a depth rating of 100 meters. Its Oysterclasp is equipped with an Easylink comfort extension that extends the Oyster bracelet by 5 millimeters.

Design

One of the classic design features is the font used for the Air-King model name printed on the black dial, the same lettering used on models dating back to the 1950s. New design elements include the minutes scale printed in white between the large arabic hour markers in 18 ct white gold. The Rolex logo is printed just below 12 o'clock in yellow and green, a first for the watchmaker. The seconds hand also features a green color, the hallmark color of the watchmaker. The triangular marker at 12 o'clock and the hands are filled with Chromalight luminescence for visibility at night.

Legibility

While the larger size of this model configuration makes the display more visible in daylight, the lack of luminescence on the hour markers makes it more difficult to tell the time in the dark. The green and yellow logo may be a new feature introduced on this model, but it is debatable as to whether it adds to detracts from the aesthetic of the watch. At just 1 millimeter larger than the Explorer, this model offers similar functionality, however the luminescence added to the Explorer's arabic numerals in the 2016 model makes it easier to read in the darkness.

Legacy

The appeal of the 2016 Air-King comes from the model's ties to the world of aviation. Generations of pilots have trusted Rolex watches to keep accurate time in the skies. While the watchmaker offers other pilot's watches, like the GMT and Sky-Dweller, the Air-King came first and therefor has the benefit of its legacy to keep it relevant today, even without the complications that make the other pilot's watches more appealing in practicality. For more information on this model, visit rolex.com.

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Rolex Wristwatch First to Receive Kew Certification in 1914

.History.
Letter From the British Horological Institute to Rolex on the Subject of the Record Kew Certificate
Before 1914, the Kew Observatory in Great Britain had never granted a "Class A" certification to a wristwatch. These certifications were generally given to large marine chronometers that went through rigorous testing until Rolex submitted a wristwatch to prove that they could be just as precise. On July 15, 1914 they proved the skeptics wrong by submitting a small watch that looked like the one photographed below and making it the first wristwatch to ever receive Kew Certification. With this accomplishment, Rolex began manufacturing more certified chronometers than any other watchmaker in the industry at the time.

A Rolex Watch Comparable to the First Class A Chronometer (photo: Rolex)
The testing took place over 45 days and included testing the precision of the tiny wristwatch in five different positions. It was also submitted to extreme temperatures, ice-cold and burning-hot, and also ambient temperature. The stringent testing was necessary because the precision of the marine chronometers of the time was necessary to ensure the safety of the ships that depended on their accuracy. The Rolex watch submitted for testing was precise up to +1 second.

Kew Chronometer Results (photo: Rolex)
Rolex continued to manufacture certified chronometers while it developed other advances in watchmaking. By 1926, they introduced the Oyster case, a waterproof case that is still in use today on most Rolex models. In 1931 they introduced the self-winding Perpetual rotor that is also still used today to power most automatic mechanical watches. After 1951, when it became compulsory for all watches to pass certification, the watchmaker made sure all of its movements received particularly good results through 1971, when those citations were no longer issued. Since then, Rolex has come up with its own Superlative Chronometer Certification.

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Should I Wear My Rolex Watch to a Job Interview?

.Rolex Owner's Guide.
Going on a job interview requires an attention to detail that can determine the future of your career. Dressing appropriately is just one of the many boxes that need to be checked before walking into the building. Other considerations include brushing up on current events, researching the company and preparing to answer questions about the position and your qualifications. Many Rolex owners wonder if wearing their luxury timepiece to a job interview is a good idea. While there is not one concrete answer to the question, there are variables to take into consideration when making the decision. 

Should I Wear My Rolex Watch to a Job Interview? (photo: Olu Eletu)
First Impressions

The first impression you make on the interviewer will give them an idea of what kind of candidate you are, so it is important to put your best foot forward when walking into the room. Blogs will tell you to dress for the job that you want, no the job you have. So, even if you are interviewing for an entry level position, you may want to dress appropriately for a management position to show your level of interest in moving up in the company. It is important to get an idea of the company culture and research the dress code as much as you would other important details about the workplace.

Tone Down the Wrist Game

In general, wearing a wristwatch gives a classic touch to your professional attire and indicates that you are someone who likes to be prompt. However, the watch you choose to wear should not draw too much attention. If you are trying to get a job at a company where the top level executives are wearing affordable watches and you walk in with a gold Rolex on your wrist, they may find it ostentatious or think that you don't need the job as much as another candidate. While these judgments may be wrong, there is no way for you to avoid them unless you tone down the wrist game.

Rule of Thumb

A good rule of thumb when choosing a watch for a job interview is to make sure that the model you choose is appropriate for the salary of the position you are seeking. So, for example, if you are going for an executive position at a financial firm, you may want to wear a precious metal model to show that you have been successful in the past. However, if you wear a wristwatch that costs more than a few month's salary in the position you are interviewing for, you may want to swap it for something more affordable. This way you show the interviewer that you are prompt and responsible, but still have something to work toward financially.

Exercise Good Judgment 

There is no right or wrong when it comes to wearing a Rolex to a job interview but exercising good judgment in your wardrobe choice is a great way to make a first impression on a potential employer. If you are a watch collector with many models to choose from, the decision may seem easy. If you own your grail watch but think it may send mixed signals to the interviewer, you may want to invest in a Seiko or Timex watch as an affordable alternative. This way you can save your best watches for occasions when you can show them off proudly without being concerned about how it may affect your career prospects.

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2016 Everose Gold Rolesor Rolex Datejust 41

.Rolex Models.
Originally introduced in 1945, Rolex's Datejust model was the first to feature a date aperture at 3 o'clock, something that would later become an industry standard. In 1953 the Cyclops magnifying lens was added, turning it into the classic dress watch that we have come to love so many years later. In 2016 the watchmaker made slight but timely modifications to this model to reflect current luxury watch trends. The Datejust 41 (Reference # 126301) features a new case size (41 millimeters) and a new movement, the 3235 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by Rolex. 
2016 Rolex Datejust 41 Everose Rolesor with Chocolate Dial (photo: Rolex)
Covered by 14 patents, the 3235 movement helps the Datejust 41 attain a power reserve of 70 hours, thanks in part to tech advances like the Chronergy escapement and blue Parachrom hairspring. A Superlative Chronometer, it is accurate up to -2/+2 seconds per day after casing and features 31 rubies and a large balance wheel with variable inertia. The Oyster case is waterproof to a depth of 100 meters with the double watertight seal created by the Twinlock winding crown. Functions of this timepieces include center hour, minute and seconds hands with stop-seconds for precise time-setting and, as the name suggests, a date function through an aperture at 3 o'clock.

The photo above shows the Everose Rolesor (a combination of Rolex's rose gold alloy and 904L stainless steel) configuration with a chocolate dial and Jubilee bracelet. This version adheres to the current trends in the luxury watch industry by replacing the more common yellow gold material with rose gold, a more modern material. The 41 millimeter also helps the Datejust come into the twenty-first century in terms of case size. Though not ideal for every wrist, a case over 40 millimeters caters to those collectors and enthusiasts who prefer an oversized watch.

It is always interesting to see how Rolex approaches modifications to their classic wristwatch models. With the addition of rose gold to the Datejust 41, the classic dress watch takes on a warm, modern aesthetic that is perfect for someone that wants their timepiece to stand out amongst the rest. The 2016 version comes in various color, bezel and bracelet combinations in addition to the one shown above. To browse all of their options for the Datejust, including size options, visit rolex.com. To read about their Everose gold alloy, cast in their own foundry, check out my post on the subject here.

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What's the Difference Between Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock?

.Tech.
Rolex offers a few different extension systems for their clasps, each with a different way of adding length to the bracelet. For their diver's watches, they have have a combination of systems, the Glidelock and Fliplock extension systems, that help the bracelets of their dive watches fit comfortably over a wetsuit. 

Oysterlock Clasp of the Submariner (left) and Oysterlock Clasp of Deepsea with Rack Lifted
Using a toothed panel located under the clasp cover, the Glidelock extension system allows the wearer to glide the extension to increase the length of the bracelet by 20 millimeters in increments of 2 millimeters. The Submariner, Submariner Date and Sea-Dweller 4000 all feature the Glidelock, allowing their bracelets to be fitted over a 3 millimeter thick dive suit. The Deepsea model features a full diver's extension, combining the Glidelock with a rack that lifts, as shown in the photo above, and a Fliplock extension system that increases the bracelet length by an additional 26 millimeters, allowing it to fit over a 7 millimeter thick wetsuit.

Fully Extended Bracelets of the Submariner (top) and Deepsea (bottom)
Aside from the additional length added to the bracelet of the Deepsea, illustrated in the photo above, the lifting of the Glidelock rack allows the wearer to adjust the length with the watch on the wrist. You can see the extended Fliplock link on the Deepsea bracelet extended from the clasp in the photo. The Sea-Dweller 4000 also features a Fliplock extension, but only the Deepsea comes with the lifting rack to adjust the length without removing the watch. For more information on Rolex's extension systems, check out my post here.

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Rolex 2236 Movement Featuring a Syloxi Hairspring

.Tech.
Rolex 2236 Self-winding Mechanical Movement (photo: Rolex)
At Baselworld 2014, Rolex introduced the 2236 self-winding mechanical movement featuring a silicon Syloxi hairspring in their Pearlmaster 34 model. Manufactured by Rolex in-house, it is the first movement to feature a hairspring made of silicon, a departure from the blue Parachrom hairspring the watchmaker introduced in 2000. To date, the Syloxi hairspring has only been used in women's models, though, with the Parachrom hairspring in most of their movements for men's models. 

With a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing and a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, calibre 2236 features center hour, minute and seconds hands with an instantaneous date at 3 o'clock and a rapid-setting stop-seconds that allows the wearer to set the time precisely to the second. Inside the movement case, it features high-precision regulating with two gold Microstella nuts traversing the balance bridge, Paraflex shock absorbers, 31 rubies and a balance wheel with variable inertia. 

The benefit of using silicon as the material for a hairspring is the lack of magnetism and lubrication of the lightweight material. Rolex spent several years developing the Syloxi hairspring and has five patents on the technology. For more information, check out my post on the silicon hairspring technology here. For more information on Rolex movements and technical innovations, visit the Tech section of this site. 

Louis C.K. Wears a Rolex Explorer 1016 on Conan

.Celebrities.
Louis CK Wearing his Rolex Submariner in a GQ Photoshoot (photo: GQ)
Comedian Louis C.K. was interviewed by Conan O'Brien recently wearing a Rolex Explorer (Reference # 1016). He is usually seen wearing the Submariner shown in the photo above in a photo shoot for GQ magazine. The Submariner was gifted to him by Chris Rock after C.K. helped Rock with a script.

The Explorer 1016  reference was in production from the 1960s to the 1980s. This 36mm vintage Explorer is coveted amongst Rolex enthusiasts for its simplicity and symmetrical display. For more information on the Explorer model, check out the latest reference in the Rolex Models section of this website.

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Watch Plácido Domingo Discuss His Work With Rolex and Operalia

.Arts.
A Rolex Arts Testimonee since 1982, the incomparable singer, conductor and opera administrator Plácido Domingo has used his influence in the world of opera and relationship with the watchmaker to give young artists around the world the opportunity to sing on the greatest staged of the world with his Operalia voice competition. Fostering young talent and creating a bridge between the undiscovered talent of the world, the competition has introduced the world to artists like Joyce DiDonato, Eric Owens, Rolando Villazón, Erwin Schrott, Joseph Calleja, Isabelle Bayrakdarian, and many more. 


The opera legend speaks of being proud of his relationship with Rolex in the video above, discussing the reach of his work with the watchmaker. He mentions their support of Operalia and of opera houses around the world, like La Scala and The Met. Below, he discusses the twenty year anniversary of the singing competition and its effect on the world of opera at an international level. He emphasizes the importance of opening doors to talented voices in places like China and Sri Lanka, connecting them to the people who can help them elevate their careers.


"My purpose in Operalia is to help identify not only the best voices, but also to discover those singers whose personalities, characters and powers of interpretation show that they have the potential to become complete artists. Individuals such as these become tomorrow’s stars," says Domingo of the competition. Check out the promotional video for Operalia on their official website to learn more about the competition. For more about Plácido Domingo, visit his official website at placidodomingo.com.

The 2016 competition took place in Guadalajara, Mexico, in July and awarded the first prize to South Korean tenor Keon-Woo Kim for the male division and French soprano Elsa Dreisig for the female division. The videos embedded below show the winners performing at Teatro Degollado on July 25, 2016. Click here for a list of all of this year's participants and finalists.

Rolex Submariner Date vs Cosmograph Daytona Model Comparison

.Model Comparisons.
Of all the professional Rolex models on the market today, the Submariner Date and Cosmograph Daytona get the most attention due to a combination of factors. They have many similarities even though they offer different functionalities and appeal to different demographics. I have placed the very popular stainless steel Submariner Date (Reference # 116610LN) next to the white gold Cosmograph Daytona (Reference # 116509) for comparison based on size, functionality and aesthetic. 

Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Date (left) vs White Gold Cosmograph Daytona (right)
Powered by a 3135 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured by Rolex, the Submariner Date offers a clean, luminescent display with a Cerachrom bezel that features a 60-minute graduation that allows divers to time their dives. It features a brushed steel Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock clasp that comes with a Glidelock extension system, adding 20 millimeters to the bracelet. This dive watch is waterproof up to 300 meters and has a power reserve of 48 hours.

Featuring a 4130 movement also manufactured in-house by Rolex, the Cosmograph Daytona features a chronograph function and a tachymeter printed on the bezel for keeping pace while on the race track. The white gold model features 18 ct white gold hour markers and hands, with luminescence on the hands. It also features an Oyster bracelet, this one in white gold with polished center links. Its Oysterlock clasp features an Easylink that extends it 5 millimeters for additional comfort. It is waterproof up to a depth of 100 meters and features a power reserve of 72 hours.

Rolex White Gold Cosmograph Daytona (top) vs Stainless Steel Submariner Date (bottom)
Both of these wristwatch models feature a 40 millimeter case, but as shown in the above photo, the case of the Daytona (12.2 millimeters) is slightly thinner than that of the Submariner Date (13 millimeters). You can also tell by looking at the photos that the white gold Daytona has a yellowish tint as compared to the cooler tone of the stainless steel Sub. The other obvious difference between the models is the bezel, the Submariner with a ceramic bezel and the white gold Daytona with a smooth bezel with the tachymetric scale printed on it.

Rolex Stainless Steel Submariner Date (left) vs White Gold Cosmograph Daytona (right)
In terms of aesthetic, each of these models checks different boxes. The Submariner Date is first and foremost a diver's watch. However, it is also a favorite of those looking for a solid stainless steel watch that doesn't call too much attention to the wrist. It is likely the Rolex model chosen most for daily wear, though those numbers are not verifiable. The Daytona, on the other hand, is more of a showpiece. Its busy yet appealing dial and pushers flanking the winding crown give it design details that make it stand out more as compared to other models.

Both of these Rolex models make excellent choices, each with their own unique legacy and admirers. There is a stainless steel Daytona configuration available (Reference # 116500LN) that features a ceramic bezel similar to that of the Submariner Date, however it is the current 'it' watch of the collection, so it is much more difficult to come by than the Sub. For more information on the 116500LN, check out my posts on the model configuration here.

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