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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Garbiñe Muguruza (photo: Rolex)

The New York Times interviewed Hodinkee staff writer Cara Barrett recently to discuss what its like to be a woman working in an industry that's dominated by men. In it, she comments on instances when she was confronted by readers about gendering watches as female. She also touches upon the fact that most executives in the watchmaking industry are older males, making it even more difficult for women to break into the world of watches.

Hodinkee has a most male readership, but they ostensibly cater their content to a younger demographic than Baby Boomers. One would think that this would make room for a more nuanced approach to gender. However, the anonymity of commenting on the Internet allows for trolls to take on antiquated positions without accountability. This presents a challenge for writers like Barrett, but it is nice to see that there are women willing to put up with discrimination in order to advance the cause of gender equality in horology.

UPDATE:
Rolex has recently added more women to their Every Rolex Tells a Story section. Click here to check out Sylvia Earle's story or visit the watchmaker's official website at rolex.com to browse the entire section.

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Rolex Baselworld 2016 Conference Room (photo: Rolex/Cédric Widmer)

As a daily lurker on watch forums, I enjoy reading threads like this one with speculations about Rolex's Baselworld 2017 new model lineup. There is always someone claiming to have inside information direct from the watchmaker. The information posted (and the original poster's creditability) is then analyzed by forum members, with opinions and conflicting theories adding pages and pages to the thread.

I highly doubt that any definitive information would be leaked considering the amount of buzz they need to generate at the event to sustain sales in the year to come. However, I have spent enough time on Reddit and forums to know that marketers do seem to use these platforms as a virtual focus group for their products. I wouldn't doubt it if they give some misdirection to keep people guessing while also leaking certain details to gauge a reaction. Even though the trade show is only a couple months away, the watchmaker can certainly tailor their presentation based on the moods and expectations of their customer base before the show.

When I think of how much time they need to prepare for Baselworld 2017, I remember reading that Rolex created the Deepsea Challenge watch that went down with James Cameron into the Mariana Trench in 2012 with only four weeks' notice before the dive. If they had the capacity to create that watch within weeks, they can certainly prepare marketing materials and display models by March 2017 for any new model. It's not like they will be fulfilling orders at the event. They have months to produce the timepieces, but the show is a way for them to set their sales and marketing in motion for the year to come. They most likely have most of the updates set in stone, but I wonder if they have decided which configuration will be the breakout star, like the Ceramic Daytona of 2017.

As I mentioned in the last post of 2016, I think it's always a good idea to indulge in rumors and predictions. It's like fantasy football or a virtual soapbox for collectors and enthusiasts to express their desires and expectations from the watchmaker. While I'm sure the company spends money on formal marketing research, there's no reason for them not to put their ear to the ground and listen to the rumblings on the internet as well. What would they have to lose?

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Rolex Bronze Explorer II Concept

The image above is a bronze Explorer II that I put together to express my desire for a new and bold Explorer configuration. Since they currently don't offer Explorer models in any material other than stainless steel, I figure it wouldn't hurt to introduce a bronze version. Check out my post on this concept for more information on why I think a bronze Rolex would be a great addition to their professional collection.

Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000

I put together a post with my 2017 Rolex model update predictions that focuses on their past behavior in terms of model updates. The most likely prediction is a 50th anniversary model update for the Sea-Dweller 4000. There are a couple other models with anniversaries and I also list other factors that may influence the watchmaker's model updates, like sizes and materials.

Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet

One of the innovations that I feel will most likely be introduced on new model configurations is the Oysterflex bracelet shown in the photo above. With the popularity of rubber straps for Rolex watches, it makes perfect sense for the watchmaker to capitalize off the trend by offer more rubber strap models in addition to the Everose gold Yacht-Master that is currently offered with the Oysterflex.

Blacked Out Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 Concept

Another concept that I chose to bring to life is a blacked out Sea-Dweller 4000. Although this would be a big move for the watchmaker, who usually maintains a classical aesthetic on their wristwatch models, I feel that it is entirely in their wheelhouse considering that they already use a PVD coating on their Tudor Heritage Black Bay Dark. It may be pie in the sky, but it doesn't hurt to dream.

When it comes to making predictions, I find that it is more important to express my desire than try to be dead on. We lose nothing by letting the watchmaker know which models we love, which we think could use an upgrade and what we want our Rolex watches to look like in the future.

Regardless of what we see at Baselworld 2017, I hope that their model updates combine the precision and innovation Rolex is known for with an emboldened aesthetic that incorporates some of the aspects of their Tudor brand that we have come to love. The only question left for me to ask going into the new year is: what would you like to see from Rolex in 2017?

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While Tudor Watch Company offers their Heritage Black Bay Dark model with a black PVD coating on it, we have yet to see Rolex come out with a blacked out model. When thinking of how they might commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sea-Dweller 4000 at Baselworld 2017, it occurred to me that offering a blacked out version is not only within their production capabilities, but also something that already has a market. Many companies offer after-market modification services and it might make sense for the watchmaker to apply a dark coating onto the stainless steel watch in-house to cut out the middle man.

The image above is a Photoshopped SD4K with a blacked out Oyster case and bracelet and the name and depth rating in double red to honor dive watches of years past. What I love about this concept is that it still maintains the Rolex aesthetic while bringing into the 21st century in terms of style. They are not known for following trends with their collections for the Rolex brand, so this would be a bold move that would revitalize a professional model that is usually overlooked. It would also be wise to invest in marketing another stainless steel configuration this year as precious metal watches aren't moving as much in international markets.

Even with all of my arguments for a blacked out Sea-Dweller 4000 in 2017, I know that it is a pie in the sky prediction based on Rolex's modus operandi when it comes to updating models. However, I don't think it hurts to daydream. As much as I respect the brand, I do crave a bold move from them in the coming year that would show watch enthusiasts that they are capable of more than building upon classic models and 20th century aesthetics.

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What is the Difference Between Watch Precision vs Accuracy? (photo: Niklas Rhose)

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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When is a Rolex Watch the Right Birthday Gift? (photo: Ben White)

The first thing to take into consideration is budget. Rolex prices range from less than $10,000 to upwards of $100,000 US, so you must have your finances in order before making the decision to give one as a gift. Most of their stainless steel professional models, like the Submariner, are on the more affordable side while precious metal and diamond models will run you significantly more. There are also models that are harder to find than others, like the 2016 Ceramic Daytona. Dealers may charge a premium for them, so that should also be taken into consideration.

Pricing and availability are important factors of a Rolex purchase, but choosing the right model can make the difference between a watch that will last a lifetime and one that will go back to the dealer for an exchange. This is perhaps the most difficult part about buying a watch as a gift for someone. While from a distance many models look similar, each one has its own legacy and caters to different personalities. For example, even though they have a similar look, the GMT-Master II and Submariner have different functionalities that cater to different demographics. Using Jessi Klein's comparison to an engagement ring, it's similar to the difference between a marquis cut diamond and a pear cut diamond.

The main difference between an engagement ring and a Rolex is that there is a specific occasion for giving someone an engagement ring, whereas you can give someone a watch to mark many different occasions. Whether given to honor an advancement in career, a birthday or a relationship milestone, a luxury timepiece is meant to stay with the owner for a lifetime and even longer, as many choose to pass their watches down to future generations. Anyone would be lucky to receive a Rolex as a birthday gift, but I would say that the best time to give one as a gift is when you are certain that they will be getting a watch that they will never want to take off.

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Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze (photo: Tudor)

Only time will tell if the watchmaker chooses to expand their bronze product offerings from their sister brand to Rolex, but if I had to guess which model they would choose to go bronze it would be either the Yacht-Master or the Explorer II. Even though the current trend favors dive watches, I think creating a bronze Submariner would dilute the market for the Black Bay. It would probably make more sense if they choose to make the Sea-Dweller 4000 or Yacht-Master in bronze, but I think the Explorer II would make for a killer bronze watch with a chocolate dial. I came up with the concept design below based on the 2016 Explorer II model (Reference # 216570).

Rolex Explorer II Bronze Configuration Concept Design

We will have to wait till Baselworld 2017 to find out what the next year will hold for new Rolex model configurations. Bronze watches may be a passing trend or become a new staple of luxury wristwatch collections in the years to come. The attention Tudor's official website devotes to the Black Bay Bronze on their homepage makes me think that we may be seeing more bronze watches from them in the future. Hopefully their experience with the material will help Rolex decide if it's worth coming up with a bronze watch of their own. For now, my money's on the Explorer II.

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2016 Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 (photo: Rolex)

Light Blue Rolex Milgauss Modification Idea

The first thing to take into account when deciding whether to modify your Rolex is that the watchmaker will not accept one of their timepieces for service if it has been modified. So, if you would like to change the color of the dial, for example, you will have to put the original Rolex dial back on before sending it in to the service center. If you make more permanent modifications, like adding a coating through a company like Titan Black, they will not work on the watch at all. This means that you will have to rely on someone else to service or repair your watch in the future.

If being blacklisted by Rolex Service Centers doesn't bother you and you plan on keeping your watch forever, you can feel free to modify your watch without being concerned about anything other than the dirty looks you will get from brand loyalists. There are many ways to modify a watch, from something as simple as swapping out the hour markers to more drastic modifications like blacking out or engraving. The good thing about a Rolex is that you don't have to modify them too much to make them stand out since there is such uniformity in their wristwatch model design. The photo above shows a Milgauss (Reference # 116400GV) that I altered in Photoshop.

The Milgauss is a charming model that is often overlooked. I love the lightning bolt second hand and its scientific legacy. But when it comes to the aesthetic, I have a hard time with the black dial combined with its orange and green design details. The Z-Blue dial version does a better job of offering a fresh and bold configuration, but the black dial isn't as sexy. I took to Photoshop to tweak the hour markers and other design details to make them pop against the black background and stainless steel case. I chose a light blue color that looks just as fresh as the Z-blue dial, but a little more low key.

While modifications are looked down upon by the watchmaker and purists, it is up to the owner of the watch to decide what to do with it. As long as you are okay with the restrictions that come with modifying your Rolex, I say go for it. If I've learned anything about watches in the past few years, it's that the most important part of owning a watch is that you love the way it looks on your wrist.

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Rolex Daytona 116500LN (photo: Rolex/Stephan Cooper)

In my Rolex Shopping Guide, I usually break down Rolex watches based on pricing, as most people need to budget and plan ahead of making a luxury watch purchase. I find that it's best to avoid the pitfall of falling in love with a precious metal configuration when you only have the budget for a stainless steel sports model. And even if you have all the money in the world, it still makes sense to compare models of equal value when evaluating a purchase. However, for most people being able to come up with the money isn't reason enough to pull the trigger on a Rolex.

When it comes to luxury watches, there are many great companies that compete for the attention of watch collectors and enthusiasts. Most offer great wristwatches with competitive pricing, but not every luxury watch is created equal. When it comes to retaining their value, Rolex watches are hard to beat. That's not to say they are an investment - unless you are knowledgeable and connected in the watch world, the chances that you will find a watch that's going to earn you a return above the price you paid for it are slim. Many fail to understand the difference between an item increasing in value and retaining its value when discussing watches. That's not to say they aren't a valuable asset, though.

Aside from value retention, there are other reasons to consider a Rolex purchase. Their timepieces are well made and built to last a lifetime, even more with proper care. This makes them wonderful heirlooms for your children. The company's continued focus on excellence also makes their watches symbols of success and achievement, making a Rolex purchase a great way to mark an accomplishment. The style factor should not be overlooked, either, as a luxury wristwatch elevates one's aesthetic effortlessly.

Everyone has their own individual reasons for buying a Rolex, but do you need a reason at all? As much as I like to carefully plan all of my purchases, I have to say that the best reason to buy a Rolex is no reason at all. There is a pleasure in purchasing a beautiful watch that supersedes any logical reasoning attached to the transaction. Luxury purchases will always seem illogical to some, so my recommendation is to spend less time trying to rationalize your luxury watch purchase and more time enjoying the experience of wearing the watch on your wrist.

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Rolex 2236 Movement (photo: Rolex/Jean-Daniel Meyer)