2017 White Rolesor Rolex Datejust 41 (photo: Rolex)

The Datejust 41 is the largest of the collection and Rolex has been rolling out different configurations in this size over the past couple years. Last year they introduced yellow and Everose Rolesor versions and at Baselworld 2017 they introduced the white Rolesor version shown above. It features a blue dial with luminescent baton-style hour markers.



The new Calibre 3235 powers the DJ41, with technology covered by 14 patents. It has a power reserve of 70 hours and features Rolex innovations like the Chronergy escapement. Its oscillator provides a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour. With 31 rubies, four Microstella nuts and a high performance Paraflex shock absorber, it offers a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day. 

Baselworld 2017

Baselworld 2017 opened to the public today and Rolex placed all of their 2017 model configurations on display. They are only visible through a glass display case, so the photos below represent the best I could do with my smartphone. Even though the watchmaker posted their main model updates onto their official website yesterday, I was surprised to see some of the alternate configurations shown in the display case. Click here for official photos and details on every 2017 Rolex model configuration.

Rolex Stand, Baselworld 2017

The photo above shows the Rolex Stand, familiar to those who attended the event last year. It follows the modern design aesthetic that the watchmaker's design team presented at the Oscars a month ago.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Display, Baselworld 2017

Perhaps the most surprising configurations presented are the Sky-Dweller models, now available on Oyster bracelets in Rolesor.

Rolesor Sky-Dweller Models on Oyster Bracelet, Baselworld 2017

The two-tone models above take from the classic Datejust aesthetic, with white, gold and black dials on steel cases with gold fluted bezels. Their Oyster bracelets are made from steel with yellow gold center links.

White Rolesor Rolex Sky-Dweller Display, Baselworld 2017

Even more interesting is the white Rolesor Sky-Dweller with a blue dial. The dial display has been altered to feature luminescent baton-shaped hour markers, replacing the white gold roman numerals on past configurations.

Rolex Daytona on Oysterflex Bracelet, Baselworld 2017

I was expecting the Oysterflex bracelet to make a splash this year, but I did not anticipate it on the Daytona model. The yellow, white and rose gold Daytona models now feature black Cerachrom bezels and black rubber Oysterflex bracelets.

Rolex Yacht-Master II, Baselworld 2017

The Yacht-Master II models shown above are relatively unchanged, save for their hands and hour markers at 12 and 6 o'clock.

Rolex Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary, Baselworld 2017

The Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary model features a 43mm case, a Cyclops magnifying lens over the date aperture and the name colored in red.

Blue and White Rolesor Display, Baselworld 2017

In the photo above, the white Rolesor Datejust models are positioned next to the new Sky-Dweller in the same material configuration.

Yellow Gold Display, Baselworld 2017

The yellow gold display shown above features Lady-Datejust models next to Day-Dates and the yellow gold Sky-Dweller.

Ice Blue Platinum Display, Baselworld 2017

Rolex maintains the combination of Ice Blue dials with their platinum models, shown above for men and women with and without diamond settings.

Blue Oyster Perpetual Display, Baselworld 2017

The blue Oyster Perpetual model configurations shown above feature displays similar to the Explorer model. Blue and white seems to be the most common color configuration of the year, replacing the Everose gold that dominated past presentations.

Oyster Perpetual Display, Baselworld 2017

The Oyster Perpetual models shown above feature a variety of dials, including a dial similar to that of the Z-blue Milgauss.

Click back in the next week for more a more detailed look at the new configurations presented by Rolex at this year's Baselworld 2017 trade show. They have shown a desire to diversify their stainless steel product offerings, something that falls in line with luxury watch sales figures from the past year.

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Rolex Baselworld 2016 Stand (photo: Rolex)

In the next 48 hours, all of the speculation about which models Rolex will roll out this year will cease as we will have confirmation from the watchmaker. Click back on Thursday, March 23, for coverage of the Rolex stand at Baselworld 2017. Check out the teaser below for a sneak peek, featuring a model with screw-down pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock and a smooth bezel.



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Rolex Datejust Featured on Instagram (photo: Rolex Instagram)

In the days leading up to Baselworld 2017, Rolex has placed a heavy emphasis on the Datejust model on their official social media accounts. Most of the predictions leading up to the event focus on their professional models. However, if their social media updates serve as an indication of what they will be presenting, it looks like the Datejust may be the model to watch out for.

This is the watch that was destined to become a classic. #Rolex #Datejust #TBT

A post shared by ROLEX (@rolex) on Feb 16, 2017 at 8:00am PST

The video above was posted to the official Rolex Instagram account in mid-February. It ties the history of the Oyster case and date aperture at 3 o'clock to the introduction of the Datejust model as a Throwback Thursday post. A week later, the video below was posted featuring the current Rolesor Datejust configuration.

A perfect play of light on the fluted bezel, one of the most iconic Rolex details. #Rolex #Datejust #Rolesor

A post shared by ROLEX (@rolex) on Feb 20, 2017 at 9:30am PST

Finally, the video below was posted one week ago. It also featured the #tbt hashtag.

The Rolex Datejust, the world's first fully waterproof automatic wrist chronometer. #Rolex #Datejust #TBT

A post shared by ROLEX (@rolex) on Mar 9, 2017 at 8:00am PST

Today, they debuted the Baselworld 2017 teaser on their official site and social media accounts, embedded below from Instagram.

Unveiling March 22nd #Rolex #Baselworld2017

A post shared by ROLEX (@rolex) on Mar 17, 2017 at 2:11am PDT

Click back on March 23rd for confirmation on which model configurations will be featured at the Rolex stand at Baselworld 2017. Click here for more information on the Datejust model and visit our Rolex Models section for Baselworld predictions.

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Rolex-Sponsored 'Surprise Me' TED App (photo: TED)

Rolex's emphasis on innovation goes beyond the production of their wristwatches. Since 2007, Rolex has partnered with TED to provide an innovative approach to help people discover ideas worth spreading. The "Surprise Me" feature on TED's iOS application is the result of this partnership.

TED is a nonprofit that began in 1984 as a conference where topics pertaining to technology, entertainment and design were discussed. Today, their talks range in topics and languages, with the only caveat being that they run no longer than 18 minutes. They have also spawned independent events, known as TEDx events, that take place across the globe.

The "Suprise Me" app allows you to enter what type of talks you would like to listen to, from inspiring to funny, beautiful to courageous. You then select how much time you have to watch or listen, a feature that ties in an element of Rolex's brand. The time limit is also ideal for people who have busy lives as well, something common amongst the watchmaker's customer base.

While this is a low-key partnership for Rolex, especially considering that they just sponsored the 89th Academy Awards, it represents the company's interest in promoting global citizenship. To check out the app and learn more about TED, visit ted.com.

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Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 on Oysterflex Bracelet Concept Design

Baselworld 2017 is days away and I will be updating this blog with photos of their new model configurations from the event on March 23rd. By then, all of the speculation about 2017 Rolex models will be replaced with questions about how soon we will be able to get our hands on them. In the meantime, I have been looking around online to check up on the most up-to-date rumors and predictions leading up to the event.

Earlier this year, rumors circulated that there would be a 50th Anniversary edition of the Sea-Dweller with its name and depth rating in blue. My prediction was that they would release a blacked-out Sea-Dweller with the name and depth rating in red. As the trade show approaches, I have come to consider that while watchmakers like Panerai have released blacked-out models this year, Rolex is less likely to follow current trends.

With their penchant for classic configurations and preference for technical innovations over design overhauls, I think it may be more likely that they release a 50th Anniversary Sea-Dweller 4000 in stainless steel with their Oysterflex bracelet as shown in the design concept above. This prediction errs on the side of practicality, something that falls in line with the company's past Baselworld presentations.

This configuration would still fit into their current collection while incorporating their latest material innovation, the rubber bracelet seen only on the Yacht-Master model as of yet. The red lettering is an homage to the 1967 Sea-Dweller model (Reference # 1665) known as the 'Double Red' by collectors. All of this is speculation, but if I had to put my money on one 2017 Rolex configuration, it would be this one.

To check out all of my posts about Baselworld 2017 rumors and predictions, visit the Rolex Models section of this blog. Click back on March 23rd for confirmation with photos from the Rolex stand at the international trade show taking place in Basel, Switzerland.

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Every Rolex Tells a Story: Lydia Ko (photo: Rolex)

In 2015, Ko became the Rolex Player of the Year after winning her first major championships. To mark the occasion, she engraved a 37 mm Rolex Yacht-Master with '2015 Player of the Year' on the case back. "This watch is a great mix between the traditional face and the sporty look. Especially being an athlete, I thought it would be great to showcase this balance between sport and a traditional classy look."

Mondani Books About Rolex Watches (photo: Mondani Facebook)

While the Internet has certainly made it easier to access information in an instant, there is still a role for traditional publications to play in the distribution of information about Rolex watches. The company itself offer very limited information to the public through their official channels, leaving many scratching their heads when searching for reliable information about their favorite models.

In my research for this blog over the past year, I have found it difficult to find reliable sources of information on Rolex watches, particularly on vintage models that are no longer in production. You can Google any reference and find conflicting information on watch specs, including info from trusted sources. On several occasions, my searches have led me to books published by Mondani, a family-run publisher located in Genova, Italy.

Guido Mondani began collecting watches after his wife, Franca, gifted him a Rolex Reference 8171 in 1986. His quest for knowledge about the watch was the impetus for starting the publishing company that focused on luxury watches. By 2006, he had amassed a watch collection that earned him over $11 Million at auction. Now, his daughter Giorgia runs the marketing and foreign sales for the company. She has also co-authored some of the books they offer on their official website.

“I am one of the very few women in this business. Often at watch events, I am the only woman,” Giorgia told the New York Times in 2015. “Being a woman in this men’s world is not that easy or common," she added. While it may have been difficult for her to break through in the male-dominated world of horology, she has helped Mondani maintain their status as a leader in publishing books about luxury watches.

Rolex Reference 6238 Vintage Gold Chronograph (photo: Phillips)

With the popularity of Rolex's Cosmograph Daytona model, it's hard to imagine another chronograph model from the watchmaker. However, the chronograph shown above (Reference #6238) is known as a 'Pre-Daytona' because this reference preceded the now iconic Daytona model. One of the distinguishing features of this vintage model is the tachymetric scale printed on the dial instead of the bezel. This is the last chronograph made by Rolex with that feature, making it a rare and coveted vintage timepiece for collectors.

Close Up of Rolex Reference 6238 Chronograph (photo: Phillips)

It's remarkable how one design feature can change the face of a watch. Looking at the close up above makes the differences between the 6238 and the Daytona model even more apparent. This 14k yellow gold chronograph features a 36 mm case with pushers at 2 and 5 o'clock. The silver sunburst dial provides a wonderful compliment to the gold case and hour markers. This particular model, sold at a Phillips auction last year for 81,250 Swiss francs, is in great condition given its age. It is even more rare because of its gold case, with most examples of Pre-Daytonas in stainless steel.

Crown and Pushers of Rolex Reference 6238 (photo: Phillips)

The side view shows the minimal wear around the lugs and the crown. The crown has the characteristic Rolex crown logo in relief and the lugs on this model still maintain their sharp edges. It was sold with its original box and papers dated 1969. The original release of this particular reference was in 1968. For more information on this vintage timepiece, visit phillips.com.

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Rolex Submariner LV (photo: Rolex)

If you've frequented Rolex's official website over the past few months, you may have noticed that the watchmaker recently added pricing for some of their popular wristwatch configurations. The screenshot above shows an example, with the suggested retail price of the stainless steel Submariner LV below the photo. This pricing feature is new to Rolex, surely designed to direct traffic to their website from search engines.

Many use search terms like 'Rolex pricing' on a monthly basis, so it makes sense for them to finally offer pricing directly as they do in their printed price list. The website only lists pricing for models under $20,000 US, though. The configurations that cost more, mainly precious metal configurations, are available upon request by contacting an authorized dealer. While it's not a comprehensive price guide, this new feature still offers utility to those deciding between most stainless steel and two-tone models.

To check out the new pricing feature, visit rolex.com. For information on configurations above $20,000 US, check out my Rolex Shopping Guide, with pricing on Rolex models priced from less than $10,000 to upwards of $50,000 US.

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Celebrating One Year of Rob's Rolex Chronicle

Today marks one year since I published the first post to Rob's Rolex Chronicle. My original intention was to offer useful and nuanced information about Rolex to fans of the brand, including newbies to the world of horology. I have learned a lot about the company and their wristwatches over the past year and hope that I have shared that knowledge in the content of my posts.

The Rolex Models section has seen tremendous growth over the past year. It currently features sections about new and vintage watches as well as a Tech section that offers a look inside your favorite Rolex models. The Model Comparisons page has garnered particular interest, especially from those who are trying to figure out which model is right for them.

The Rolex Shopping Guide has also expanded over time, covering topics related to the search for the perfect Rolex model for you. There are so many factors that go into the purchase of a luxury timepiece that I felt it necessary to break them down in terms that the average consumer can comprehend. From pricing to functionality, I hope that my shopping guide offers a comprehensive look at the market and the most important aspects of the purchase decision.

The Rolex Owner's Lounge is the newest section of this site and it offers Rolex owners information on every aspect of ownership. The most utilitarian information is found in the Owner's Guide, covering topics that range from how to set the time on your watch to repairs and maintenance. The company's history is also presented in a Historical Timeline that covers their milestones over the past century. Another point of interest for readers is seeing their favorite Rolex model on today's most talked-about celebrities.

An FAQ page featuring Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Rolex completes this blog. The answers range from information about Rolex to mechanical watches in general. This is a great place to start if you are new to the world of wristwatches. I break down the parts of a watch, show you how they work and answer questions about Rolex as a company.

With Baselworld 2017 around the corner, I look forward to adding new and exciting content in the weeks to come. I would love to hear what topics readers enjoy the most so that I can focus my content on that. E-mail rolexchronicle@gmail.com or use the social media links on the sidebar to connect with me and share your thoughts and ideas.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for following my Rolex journey. This blog's readership has grown exponentially over the past few months and I look forward to seeing it grow even more in the future. For now, I hope that the information found in these sections is helpful and informative to you on your journey.

Thank you again!

Rob

2017 Rolex GMT-Master II 'Coke' Concept Design

With Baselworld 2017 coming up this month, predictions have been swirling on the Internet, leading many enthusiasts to discuss what model updates they want to see from Rolex. Among the most talked about rumors is the addition of a GMT-Master II configuration with a black and red Cerachrom bezel, a combination known as 'Coke' by fans of the brand.

I took to Photoshop to create a visual of the configuration based on the current GMT-Master II models. Most of the comment and forum threads suggest that a stainless steel version is the most desired. It will be interesting to see if Rolex grants their wish, as many surmise that adding another stainless steel configuration will cannibalize sales of their current BLNR model. Right now they offer the GMT2 in stainless steel with either a black bezel or the 'Batman' bezel, a combination of blue and black.

The GMT-Master II BLRO is available in white gold, know as the 'Pepsi' for the bezel's semblance to the soda company's logo. Rolex could just as easily add a white gold 'Coke' to the mix, which would be less of a threat to the BLNR based on the price point of the precious metal configurations. Looking at the current collection of Daytona models suggests that the watchmaker is more likely to offer several options on precious metal configurations while limiting the variety of stainless steel models.

The 2017 Rolex models will not hit Authorized Dealers until the summer, but we will receive confirmation on which configurations they will introduce in only a few weeks. I offered my opinion on what I would like to see from the watchmaker in a previous post. My material choices may be ambitious based on Rolex's reticence to introduce new configurations based on current trends, but you never know. This may be the year that Rolex goes out on a limb. It has happened in decades past, after all.

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