Red and Black Rolex GMT Master II with Santa Red Rubber Band from Rubber B.  Image Rubberb.com

If Santa climbed down the chimney this year with one thing in his gift bag, certainly a Rolex would be the one thing on many people's top 3 wish list. So, let's look at some of the Rolex timepieces that would make the naughty or nice list.

Naughty Rolex Timepieces

If I had to pick the naughtiest timepiece from the Rolex collection I think I would have to pick the Rolex Milgauss.  It screams evil genius! 

Rolex Milgauss

Where else could you find an evil mastermind except in a lab somewhere hidden in the depths of some scientific lair. The Milgauss has an orange lightning bolt that might lead some people to think of Star War's Emperor Palpatine (Darth Sideous), who made his triumphant return in the most recent and final chapter of the 9 part Star Wars series. 

Sideous was able to release lightning from his fingertips.  Certainly he would love to have a timepiece that could keep up with his own magnetic interference that he could generate from the depths of the dark side of the force.  On top of that, the luminescent hour markers would give him perfect visibility in the darkness of his throne room, no matter where it is.

If I had to go back in time, I would conjure up the spirit of a swashbuckling pirate who would be interested in the lootiest loot he could get his hands on.  For that finest catch I would have to lay my sights on the Rolex Pearlmaster encrusted with diamonds.

Rolex Pearlmaster

This Pearlmaster needs no introduction.  It would dazzle a pirate's eye, and anyone unlucky enough to cross his path.  This is the lucky Rolex white pearl, to counter the most famous swashbuckler's ship - the curse of the black pearl - from Pirates of the Caribbean lore.  At 39 mm this is a fairly large women's timepiece, but don't tell that to Captain Hook or else you might get struck by his hooked hand.  A more gentile wordsmith pirate, the famed Captain Jack Sparrow would simply argue that he has hundreds of diamonds on his wrist, "How many you got?"  Who could argue with that kind of logic. 

Nice Rolex Timepieces

The nicest Rolex Timepieces would have to start with something old Nick would appreciate himself.  For this first timepiece I would go with a Blue Sky Dweller.

Rolex Sky-Dweller

This timepiece isn't gaudy or threatening in any way.  The blue color is eye catching even in deep North Pole snow.  The white hour markers are like snowflakes floating on the sea of blue.  The sky-dweller has another purpose for the holiday.  There is no bigger Sky-Dweller than Santa - who has to fly pole to pole and across the world with incredible speed to hit all the nice boys and girl's homes.  A second timezone can help him keep in synch with the actual time clock of the frosty north and whichever timezone he is visiting at the moment. 

The second timepiece for the nice on Santa's list, would have to be the Rolex Day-Date with a green dial.

Rolex Presidents Day-Date with Green Dial

This yellow gold masterpiece would look good under, next to, or anywhere near the Christmas tree.  The green dial is stunning and makes the diamond hour markers pop with dazzling beauty.  As if the yellow gold needs anything else to make your favorite pirate jealous.  The hour markers are surrounded by yellow gold themselves.  The fluted bezel and Presidents bracelet gives this timepiece a superior sense of luxury and dazzling beauty that is timeless. 

Frankly, whether you were on the naughty or nice list this year, rewarding yourself with a Rolex is a great way to end the year on a high note. 

Merry Christmas!!

Rolex Submariner with Black Bezel and Black Dial

The Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is the #1 Rolex that should be first on anyone's list.  This all steel timepiece is as durable as they come with scratch resistant sapphire crystal, 904L steel on the case and body, and even 904L steel to surround the luminescent hour markers.  It is a significant achievement for a timepiece that can also withstand deep diving pressures - showing a water resistance of 1000 feet.

Rolex GMT-Master II with Pepsi Dial

The GMT-Master II

Rolex Daytona with Black Dial and Black Bezel

The Rolex Daytona

The Most Underrated Rolex Timepiece - The Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer II is probably the most underrated Rolex Timepiece on the market today.  Most collectors go straight for the Submariner, Daytona, and the GMT Master.  However the Explorer II has both an incredible history in horological lore, and is extremely well designed.  It has all of the features of the GMT-Master II, yet can be purchased at a discount used since it loses value almost instantly after purchase.

That said, picking up one of these fantastic pieces for around  8k list or 6k-7k aftermarket each is not something to be ashamed of by any stretch of the imagination.  It has a beautiful 24 hour bezel.  The 24 hour orange hand provides access to a 2nd timezone similar to the GMT-Master II.

The base features are extensive.  The highly luminescent hands and hour markers makes it very readable both day and night.  The date window with cyclops lens at 3 o'clock provides a highly visable and useful date notation.  We have a great choice between either a black or white dial.  Both are beautiful.  The strength of this unit - utilizing 904L steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal allows for owners to do climbing and almost any other activity without doing much damage.

It has a more beefy 42 mm dial.  The only drawback of this unit is that the calibre has not been upgraded just yet.  It still has a powerful calibre 3187 with a Parachrom hairspring oscillator and 48 hours of power reserve.  Submariner aficionado's might complain about the depth of this timepiece when diving, but at 330 feet of waterproofness, this timepiece would be able to work well for most casual swimmers, snorkelers and the like.

The 2nd Most Underrated Rolex Timepiece - The Yachtmaster

The Yacht-Master is treated as if it was the step-child of the Yacht-Master II, when it is probably one of the most beautiful Rolex timepieces made today.  Above you can see the three Yacht Master Models - one in White Gold, Everose Gold and the Platinum and Oystersteel version.

The new 42 mm Yacht-Master white gold version pictured above gives a slightly larger and more substantial feel to a nearly perfect timepiece.  It has the look of steel but the distinct lustre and luxury of white gold.  The Everose gold version is stunning in almost every detail.  Both of these models feature the Rolex Oysterflex fitted with a Oysterlock safety clasp and Glidelock extension system.

The final model combines both a steel bracelet with a combo steel and platinum case.  This one will wear well with nearly any situation and is more diminutive in its appearance.  If you want to enjoy your luxury timepiece while flying under the radar, this is the ultimate Rolex to go with.

All three models are fitted with the new 3235 calibre movement which features the new 70 hours of power reserve.  They also support waterproofness at 330 feet of depth.

The three models retail for around $28,000, but can be purchased after market for less.  It is a purely wearable masterpiece of a timepiece.  Although collectors may pass this one by and give the love to the Submariner, Daytona and GMT-Master, you can't go wrong with owning one of these beautiful timepieces. 

Gold Rolex La Montoya Limited Edition Daytona. There was a question in Quora asking why Rolex didn't have a transparent case.  The same question could be asked about why Rolex doesn't use skeletal dials.  Well, the Rolex La Montoya Limited Edition Daytona has both.  Rolex dedicated this unique timepiece to Juan Pablo Montoya, famous race car driver - 3 time Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona champion.  Montoya has won the Daytona 24 in 2007, 2008, and 2013, the Indianapolis 500, and the Grand Prix of Monaco.  His greatness is embodied in this ultimate timepiece bearing his engraved name.   This timepiece was crafted by Artisans de Genève - watchmakers of the highest order who work to personalize timepieces to fit you specific requirements.  This timepiece was originally priced at $70,000.  However, only 42 of these watches were ever produced, making them exceptionally rare. This exceptional timepiece took 2 years to develop and the help of 100 Swiss craftsmen.  Starting with a standard gold Rolex Daytona reference 116508, Artisans de Genève modified the skeleton Rolex 4130 movement by hand and added a 21 carat yellow gold rotor and other elements inside the movement so that the beauty of the timepiece would be stunning through the sapphire glass on both the front and back.  A carbon forged bezel replaces the standard black bezel on regular Rolex Daytona's.  However, the 100 meter waterproof resistance remains the same.   The 3 dials on the timepiece are colored in yellow, blue and red - representing the colors of the Columbian flag - Montoya's native country.  A red tip is added to the second hand - a nice touch to an overwhelmingly spectacular timepiece.  A stainless steel version of this timepiece is also made - off the base reference 116520 model.  The outstanding excellence of this timepiece is unmistakable.  It is hard to tell what a timepiece of this magnitude would fetch in an auction today.  However, the high demand for Rolex and for Daytonas in general would make this timepiece's value soar.   The Artisans de Genève were smart to retain much of the standard excellence of the Daytona timepiece.  The 40 mm case remains a perfect size for most Rolex owners.  It provides a 72 hour power reserve.  The yellow gold Oyster bracelet with folding clasp remains untouched.  This timepiece retains all of the Chonometer and Tachymeter functions of any Rolex Daytona.  It has the ability to time laps and account for the speed of the car up to 500 mph or kph. The Rolex Daytona "La Montoya" is an outstanding timepiece.  Although it takes a considerable Mod to make this timepiece, all of the exquisite features of the original Daytona remain intact.  It is amazing that Rolex has not started to develop skeletal dial timepiece or adding a see-through sapphire back on its Rolex lineup.  Perhaps the success of this modded version will inspire Rolex to custom design some timepieces to add these features in future models.  I would especially love to see them add a transparent back to the Presidential Day Date.  Why hide such beauty from the world?

Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph Reference 116264

The Forgotten Rolex - The Rolex Turn-O-Graph
I made a discovery when I was looking through a selection of new Rolex timepieces.  I saw this interesting Rolex that was clearly something I have never seen before.  I thought I had discovered a hidden treasure... a rare species.

The timepiece looked like a Rolex Datejust, but it has some unique differences.  Specifically the seconds hand is bright red.  The date in the 3 o'clock aperture is also red.  But the most unique difference is that the bezel has a 0-60 marking on it in 10 second intervals.

A New Datejust?
So, this was clearly NOT a Datejust even though it retains the name Datejust on the dial.  It wasn't quite like anything I had seen before.  However, it had many of the same features were there.  It has the Oyster case, luminous hour markers and Mercedes-style hands and a screw down crown.  This model is the 116264 which was produced sometime in the early 2000's.  This reference features a Caliber 3135 automatic movement in it.  This one features a Jubilee bracelet and a 36mm case.

As I started to look online, I found that this new Rolex, was actually one of the original Rolex timepieces which had been discontinued and recommissioned in the early 2000's for a short while before being discontinued yet again in 2011.

Vintage Turn-o-graph Ref 6309 with dauphine hands and hour markers.  Photo from Phillip's.

Historically Importance of the Rolex Turn-O-Graph
Pictured above is a vintage Turn-O-Graph reference 6309. This was a later model Turn-O-Graph featuring some exceptionally attractive Dauphine hands and hour markers.  This integrated the Turn-O-Graph into the Datejust lineup and added the date window with cyclops lens. It features a caliber 743.

But if we step back in time a bit further we can see the Reference 6202 with exceptional patina on its more standard hour markers - often found on modern Submariners and other Rolex Lineups.

Vintage Turn-O-Graph 6202 - picture from chrono24

This early Turn-O-Graph Ref 6202 was launched in 1953.  It looks much like a Submariner with the black rotating bezel.  Although the Turn-O-Graph, wasn't the first Rolex with a rotating bezel (that honor goes to the 1937 Ref 3346 Zerographe), it is the first one to be put into regular production. It featured a Caliber A260 movement.

The Turn-O-Graph acquired its name "Thunderbird" because in 1953 the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds - the pilots began wearing the timepiece while performing.  Rolex capitalized on the partnership and issued rare Thunderbird Turn-O-Graphs to the talented pilots.  This made the Turn-O-Graph one of the first Official Military timepieces.  And since it was worn by these acrobatic pilots of the USAF, the Turn-O-Graph became the first Rolex pilot's watch.

Rolesor version Reference 6609 - Picture by Chrono24

The Turn-O-Graph is also the first Rolex to use 2-toned gold and steel - the first "Rolesor" sports watch.

Inspiration for the Submariner and GMT
The Rolex Turn-O-Graph's rotating bezel and design became the inspiration for both the Submariner and the GMT-Master. The introduction of the Turn-O-Graph into the Datejust line most likely killed the model since its unique appeal of its rotating dial was probably lost since the GMT and Submariners took off with great fanfare.  Datejust users were probably not impressed by the "tool" functionality.  The distinctive Turn-O-Graph features really never became standards.  You could see many different bezels, hour markers, hands, and more.  Unlike many distinctive Rolex timepieces, the Turn-O-Graph kind of lost its unique identity - trying to take on too many looks.  It never developed its unique style.

However, it is clear that the Submariner and GMT-Master owe their popularity today to the early Turn-O-Graph designs.  Vintage Turn-O-Graphs have been fetching a nice price in auctions today, but haven't had the kind of outrageous success  of the Rolex Daytona.  So, it is still possible to pick up a vintage Turn-O-Graph for a reasonable price in comparison.

Where Did the Name Rolex Come From?

Rolex is probably the MOST recognizable brands in the world. 

However, the earliest name for the brand was nowhere even close to the name we so adore and admire.  The Founder of Rolex was Hans Wilsdorf.  He was born in Germany but moved to Switzerland as a young man and started working for a watch export company.  Soon he moved to London with his brother-in-law Alfred Davis, and created Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. 

Early Hans Wilsdorf (Pre-Rolex) timepiece (image: Steemit.com)

Interestingly, men initially thought that the watches that Wilsdorf designed and assembled were un-masculine.  Most men preferred the larger pocket watch. 

In 1908 Wilsdorf registered a trademark for the name "Rolex". 

What makes Rolex a great name?

• Wilsdorf thought that Rolex sounded like a watch being wound.
• Easily pronounceable in many languages.
• It is only 2 syllables.
• The name ROLEX, it goes Consonant, Vowel, Consonant, Vowel, Consonant.  
• LEX sounds much like Luxury.  
• The name is short and easy to remember.  

However, it wasn't until 1915, during the World War 1 conflict against Germany, that Wilsdorf decided to rename the company, Rolex Watch Co. Ltd.  Clearly he wanted to avoid the prejudice against Germany that came with the WWI conflict.  This was a good bet, because many soldiers who utilized a timepiece far preferred to have one of these highly durable wristlets rather than a pocket watch that could break or take precious time to pull out of their pocket in the heat of battle. 

At the time, Wilsdorf also relocated the company headquarters in Geneva Switzerland in 1919, which avoided heavy taxation from the post-war Great Britain.

Hans Wilsdorf Watch (Image: RolexForums.com)

Name Timeline For Rolex

• Wilsdorf & Davis, Ltd.  (1905-1915)
• Rolex Watch Co. Ltd. (1915-1920)
• Montres Rolex SA (1920)  (In Geneva)
• Rolex SA (1927)
• Montres Tudor (SA) - a Sub Brand to Rolex SA, offering Tudor watches since 1946)
• Currently owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation - a registered charity which does not pay corporate income taxes.

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Vintage Rolex Daytona, nicknamed the "John Player Special" Image from BobsWatches.com

Famed celebrity Ellen DeGeneres is a highly accomplished timepiece collector with both new and vintage Rolex watches in her collection.  Although she often gifts timepieces to her friends, this is one she is definitely keeping and wearing on a daily basis.  The timepiece pictured has a rubber band, however, the one Ellen recently acquired has a gold band.

The Rolex Daytonas have become highly sought after in collector's circles, and the prices for these vintage Rolex Daytonas have continued to rise astronomically.  Although 750k sounds like a huge amount for a used Rolex, this rare and coveted timepiece, now with Ellen Celebrity status attached to it, will definitely make this timepiece even more valuable as time goes by.

There are estimated at less than 400 of these rare Daytonas in circulation today.  These timepieces originally sold for about $700 which is approx 5k in today's prices.  That would actually be a bargain in today's Rolex market since most new gold Rolexes sell for 20-30k or more.  Rolex Daytonas are in such high demand that it might cost much more and take some time to acquire a new gold Daytona.  The price of gold is also much higher today than it was in the 1960's when these John Player Specials were sold.

The John Player Special Paul Newman Daytona Ref. 6241 was named after the Formula One Racecar from the 1970's and of course Paul Newman who championed the 3 dial stopwatch during his lifetime.

Example of the John Player Rolex Daytona with Gold band and inner gold ring on the bezel

Unique features of this timepiece include a top left dial that has a 60, 15, 30, 45 rather than 60,20,30,40 on the dial.  The case is yellow gold with gold pushers and a large winding crown.  This timepiece is not automatic as so many Rolex timepieces are.  The early Daytonas were all self-winding.  However, the pushers allowed racecar drivers or their fans or pit crew to accurately estimate their speed between laps.

The black tachymeter around the edges went to a vintage speed of only 200 mph since racecars hadn't broken the 200 mph barrier during the 1960's.  Modern Daytona's are equipped with a tachymeter that goes to 400 mph or kph.

The yellow gold is beautifully complimented by the black dial and black bezel.  The 3 inner dials are gold with black markings.  The actual timepiece has simple black dots with gold tips acting as the hour markers around the entire edge of the timepiece at standard hour positions 1 through 12 o'clock.

Clearly this is a more elegant example of the tool watch.  The combination of Gold and Black coloring throughout is Rolex artistry at its finest and clearly something Ellen would admire.  Although she owns steel versions of the vintage Rolex Daytona, when you are a superstar celebrity, wouldn't you rather wear the gold and black version?  Although it has elements of a new Rolex, Ellen would know that her timepiece is nearly priceless in comparison.

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#3 The Rolex Yacht-Master

#2 Rolex Sky-Dweller

Rolex has defined the market when it comes to watch design to target a specific task.  In short, we call this the tool watch.  Although Rolex adds its luxury and personality to each timepiece raising the bar of excellence and value - a collectible masterpiece that can be sought for and cherished by all - the tool watch is inspired by the need to provide accurate time and other functions in the most extreme situations and circumstances.

The YachtMaster II is a tool watched designed to countdown with a mechanical memory and an on-the-fly synchronization with the Yacht Race countdown clock.  The countdown can be programmed from 1 to 10 minutes.  Rolex took on the considerable technical challenge to develop the Yacht Master.  The Ring Command bezel of the Yacht Master II regatta chronograph operates in conjunction with the internal mechanism of the timepiece. Adding to the complexity of this countdown tool, the Ring Command bezel is both attractively set in ocean blue with numeral inlays, however it is also simple to use.

The YachtMaster II has all of the typical features you might expect from a Rolex timepiece - Oyster case, Oyster bracelet, sapphire crystal, screw down waterproof crown, and an automatic self-winding movement which is the result of over 35,000 hours of development.  The patented function of the calibre 4161 movement comprises some 360 components.  The new calibre also features a power reserve of 72 hours.

The 44 mm case is available in steel or in 18 ct yellow gold.  However, the dial and coloring utilizes the US and regatta coloring of Red, White and Blue throughout - giving the timepiece a unique appeal that can be recognized by Yacht owners instantly.  Owners of the Yachtmaster II are not only owners of one of the finest tool timepieces made, they are also part of an exclusive club.


The Submariner tool watch was specifically designed to withstand the diving depths to 1000 feet.  The Deep Sea model supports an extreme depth of 12,800 feet with its patented Helium escape valve.

Designed from the ground up to be a diver's watch, the triplock triple waterproofness system provides protection tot he inner perpetual movement.  The highly legible chromalight display provides long lasting luminescence under water - even in deep under water situations.  The bezel rotates in one direction, and has 60 minute graduations coated in platinum.  This allows the diver to rotate the bezel in order to accurately monitor diving time and decompression stops.  Even the knots in the bezel allow excellent grip underwater even with diving gloves on.  An extra luminescent capsule is added to the zero marker to ensure legibility even in extreme darkness.

Leaving nothing to chance, the Rolex team designed a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system to allow divers to wear the timepiece on top of a dive suit as easily as putting it on their wrist.  It is not a secret that the master of tools himself - James Bond - first made good use of his Rolex Submariner in all of his spy activities.


The Rolex Daytona is arguably the best tool watch designed in the world.  Rolex has been tied to auto racing since the early days of World Land Speed Record holder Malcolmn Campbell in 1935. The early years of racing on the Bonnevile Salt Flats in Utah and the early Daytona Florida Races (where the Rolex Daytona derives its name) became a growing obsession for the Rolex dynasty.

Collectors worldwide clamor to find some of the early versions of this tool - the self-winding movement versions of this highly collectible masterpiece.  Rolex released the 4130 calibre this year, with a more reliable, more sparsely populated component movement allowing for a larger mainspring - thus increasing the power reserve from 50 to 72 hours.

However, the Daytona has been setting records long before its current set of enhancements.  Rolex created its trademark tachymetric bezel which allows drivers to measure elapsed time and read average speeds.

The chronograph functions activate the 3 dials on the timepiece through the two pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock.  One press to start, stop or reset the chronogrph produces a a clear click that provides an accurate start to the timing without sacrificing reliability of the timepiece itself. The center hand is accurate within 1/8 of a second and provides the Chronograph function.  Stop seconds provides accurate time setting.  There is a 30 minute counter at the 3 o'clock position, a 12 hour counter at the 9 o'clock position and a small seconds hand at 6 o'clock.

All three of these tool watches by Rolex are leaders in the industry today as much as they were when they were first released.  Although there are other tool watches developed by Rolex and other companies, these three timepieces are in my opinion, the greatest tool watches developed, exhibiting the pinnacle of watchmaking expertise.

Rolex is clearly the #1 most recognizable luxury brand in the world.  However, Rolex's impact on the entire watchmaking industry is felt by the entire industry.  Rolex has worked hard since early on to be the center of action - wherever that might be.  This has helped lift  the entire watchmaking industry and carry them upon its back.


Rolex and Tennis

Even before Roger Federer became a Rolex Brand Ambassador, Rolex became a partner and official timekeeper for some of the greatest tennis competitions worldwide.

• The Australian Open hosted at Melbourne Park (renamed Rod Laver Arena after the great tennis champion).
• Roland-Garros in Paris for the French Open
• Wimbledon in England
• US Open in New York

Rolex was slow to adopt and roll out its own rubber band itself which it named the Oysterflex.  It is flexible rubber in black and works great and extending the coloring of an timepiece with a black dial, or to complement a yellow gold timepiece with a black bezel or other touches of black throughout.  Black and yellow gold are a combination with excellent luxury and beauty.  Add to that the strength of vulcanized rubber and the comfortable fit it naturally has.  Plus rubber works great in sporty situations and compliments the athletic lifestyle that many of the Rolex timepieces are built to support. 
3. Gemology Will Be a Growing Focus for Rolex

Rolex has made a big movement towards adding gems to its lineup of Rolex timepieces.  They have started a campaign promoting their gemology as the finest in the world.  They select the finest gems, hand picked to fit in their timepieces.  At Baselworld the last two years, the centerpiece of the Rolex lineup are watches almost engulfed with gems - encircling the bezel and throughout.  In order to find stones of the exact shape and size to encircle a timepiece so perfectly is an unbelievable achievement and certainly showcases the talents of Rolex's gemological prowess.

The Rolex Daytona was for many years produced in steel only.  Its purpose was simple - be a tool for race drivers.  However, the resurgence of interest in Daytona opened the door for Rolex's gem team to start adding bling to an otherwise stark tool watch.  Rolex has now started adding diamonds and more to some of its Rolex Daytona's.  I fully expect their gemologists to continue to influence other Rolex timepieces with their masterful use of sapphires and diamonds to create something new and artistically fashionable.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm, coming in at $5,700, should be on every person's list as the best Labor Day Rolex timepiece.  It is a workhorse and has the beauty and luxury that is simple and timeless.  This is a working man's timepiece.  It can go wherever you want to go and do whatever you want to do with it.

Made with 904L Oystersteel it is extremely resistant to scratching and maintains its beauty even in harsh environments.  The white dial is distinctive for its readability, and the domed dial and Oyster bracelet are both simple and not overly decorative.  It is a working man's timepiece - a blue collar Rolex if there ever was one.  And at under 6k, it is one of the most affordable Rolexes you will find.

Although the power reserve is still clinging to the old 48 hour standard, the rest of the features still display what a Rolex is all about.  The single winding crown is easy to access.  The luminescent hour markers indicate the time in day and night with perfection.  Hard workers will often need to leverage this capability as they come home late at night from a hard day of work.

There aren't any distractions or features that clutter up the face of this timepiece.  It does its job - telling you the time - better than almost any other fine timepiece on the planet.  This timepiece aspires to be the best there is, while demonstrating the exceptional in its simplicity.  The Oyster case gives its water resistance to 330 feet, and the scratch resistance of the sapphire crystal protects its face from tarnishing.

This timepiece would look fantastic on both a man or a woman and will look good with casual or formal attire.

So pay homage to your working brothers and sisters this Labor Day and consider picking up this Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

As you probably are well aware, Rolex also controls the Tudor brand.  And, although Tudor seems to be a bit more aggressive in its styling, and cutting edge in its approach, the models for the most part look awfully similar to their Rolex counterpart.

As prices in Rolex continue to skyrocket, it might make sense for first collectors to start their collection with a lower priced Tudor rather than a Rolex they can't yet afford.  So, in the article that follows I am going to compare some of the models and show  you how similar these models appear to be.

The GMT

The fantastic GMT tool watch has a utility that allows the owner to track two time zones at the same time, while also knowing the day of the month from the date window.  However, the timepiece is much more than just a tool.  It has an exceptional beauty and a distinctive look that is recognizable by all as a fashionable icon of pure value.

Rolex GMT Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master II comes in with a price tag of $9,250, but communicates tremendous value and nostalgia to the wearer and to anyone that comes to view this piece of jewelry on his wrist.  Two color tones on the bezel, in Pepsi colors of Red and Blue are offset by engraved numerals and graduations, provide the ability to keep track of a 2nd time zone, as notated by the big 24 hour Red Hand and arrow tip.

A world traveler, businessman, a sports icon or artist who is often in a different city from night to night, might use the bezel to easily rotate to the current time rather than needing to adjust the hands using the winding crown.  A useful feature, indeed.  Even digital watches or cell phones for that matter, would take longer to set the time than a GMT timepiece.  However, the original time is still fully preserved, allowing the wearer to know what his home city's time is currently at.

If they might need to call their wife, say goodnight to their children, or even call the office, knowing what time their home base is at becomes essential.

Tudor GMT

The Tudor comes in at less than half the price of the Rolex - clocking in at a mere $3,625.  Although you might notice the fabric strap pictured above, the Tudor GMT also comes on a steel bracelet or a brown leather strap.

The look and feel is almost identical to the Rolex GMT Master II.  The same Pepsi colored dial and 24 hour hand in matching Pepsi Red gives you that important 24 hour adjustable clock.

Both dials are black and have luminescent hour markers and luminescent hands.  Even the 24 hour and seconds hands have luminescent tips that  provide exceptional visibility even on a plane at night time when business travelers might be catching a red eye.

There are some slight variations on the numeral prints around the rotatable bezel.  The Rolex does have a useful cyclops lens over the date aperture.  The Tudor has a slightly larger case at 41 mm to the Rolex 40 mm case.  And the Tudor features a waterproofness system that surpasses the Rolex with a 660 feet depth of support, as compared to the Rolex support for only 330 feet of depth.

The Tudor has a larger winding crown, but the Rolex features two crown guards on either side of its winding crown.

However, both models are featuring the new power reserve with 70 hours of reserve power.  The bezel can be rotated in either direction with speed and precision.  Both exceptional models feature a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protecting the timepiece underneath.  Both timepieces are certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.

The Rolex GMT II is one of the top Rolex timepieces made today.  However, the ability to use the Tudor GMT as a diver's watch adds another level of utility to already useful tool.  I'd give the slight edge to Tudor in the battle of the GMT's for this solitary reason.

The Chronograph Car Racing Timepiece

The Chronograph and the Rolex Daytona have taken the world by storm.  Although this has not always been the case, Rolex Daytona has become valued as one of the most precious Rolex timepieces, and certainly the most collectible models around.  So, for this section we will compare the Daytona to the Tudor counterpart - the Black Bay Chrono.

Rolex Daytona in 18 ct Gold

Tudor Black Bay Chrono

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is an all steel chronograph coming in at only $5,100.  Not only is it only a fifth of the price of a Daytona, but it is far more accessible since the Daytona is backlogged with a waiting list.

Notable markings indicating speed in kilometers or miles per hour, the Tudor has the capacity for up to 500 mph/kph as opposed to 400 mph/kph on the Daytona.  The Rolex has a small seconds at the 6 o'clock position.  Tudor has replaced that with a date window aperture.  Like the GMT, the Tudor version is 1 mm larger in its case size than the Rolex - sporting a slightly heftier 41 mm over the 40 mm Rolex case.  Again, crown guards appear on the Rolex model and not on the Tudor.

The Tudor is also waterproof to 660 feet as compared to the 330 feet of resistance for the Rolex.  However, both are powered by the new calibre with 70+ power reserve in each model.

Although there is so much going for the Tudor, and you can't go wrong with owning the Black Bay Chrono, the Rolex Daytona is far worth the extra money to own this rare collector's item.  The beauty of this Rolex Daytona model is off the charts.  Although Tudor designers might say that having the date aperture gives it a utility that outstrips the Rolex Daytona, the classic Newman 3 dial that has become so sought after by Rolex collectors has a distinctive look and appeal that should not have been messed with.

And although the ability to dive with the Tudor is a fantastic feature, this isn't enough to overcome the new reworked luxury that the new Rolex Daytona communicates with its Gold and Black coloring.  The Rolex Daytona wins - and it isn't even close.

Day + Date

Rolex Presidential Day-Date

Tudor Glamour Day + Date

I admire Tudor, priced at $4,350, for attempting to put out a Day Date model of their very own.  However, it won't take long to see that the Rolex timepiece is in a class of its own.  The Tudor doesn't even have the new features that the Rolex has packed into it.  The Rolex has a 70 hour power reserve as compared to the 38 hour reserve for the Tudor.  The Tudor doesn't have any more waterproofness built into its model - featuring only a a 330 ft depth support - identical to the Rolex.

The Tudor case is also slightly less beefy at 39mm as opposed to 40 mm on the Rolex.  This is where the Tudor starts to lose tremendous ground to the Rolex - clearly being lapped multiple times over.  The bezel is hardly spectacular - almost non-luxurious.  Even though there are diamonds as hour markers, the small form factor isn't as luxurious as the more useful and luscious gold roman numerals. The date aperture is way too small compared to the Rolex which is also enhanced by the cyclops window.

The bracelet is nice with its 5 piece links but incomparable against an all gold presidents style bracelet which speaks luxury in every language.

Clearly in the first two head to head battles, I would say Tudor has a foothold and I wouldn't knock anyone for beginning their collection with either model.  The features matched Rolex and the look also was comparable.  However, in the Day-Date battle, Tudor has dropped the ball and didn't make an effort to keep up with Rolex.  They appear to be playing little league and aren't even on the same playing field as Rolex.  I wish Tudor would step up and make a better attempt.  I would start by removing the word "glamour" from the name and then look at the elements of the Presidential Day Date that have made it an iconic timepiece for decades.

Winner the Rolex Presidential Day-Date.

Overall, in this competition, Rolex wins 2 to 1.  And in the first challenge I'd say that Tudor just barely pulls out the victory over the Rolex GMT Master II.

Tudor Black Bay Bronze

I do have to say that Tudor has really come out with some truly exciting timepieces.  Most notably the Black Bay Bronze model which has a 43mm bronze case and yellowed patina luminescent hour markers and hands that give it a classic look that collectors look for in older Rolex models.  However, it is new, powered by a 70 hour power reserve calibre MT5601 and supports a waterproofness depth of 660 feet.  This is a stunning timepiece that Rolex doesn't really have a comparable model to compete with it.  At only $4,050, I'd put this Tudor first on my wish list.