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

Rolex Oyster Case (photo: Rolex)

The Oyster was the first waterproof wristwatch case that utilized Rolex's patented system of screwing the bezel, case back and winding crown into the middle case. It was tested by famed swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, who swam across the English Channel with a Rolex Oyster provided to her by Hans Wilsdorf in 1927.

All of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual models currently on the market are water resistant up to at least 100 meters due to the hermetic construction of the Oyster case. Today's Oyster case is made of a middle case that is stamped out of a solid block of metal (904l steel, 18 karat gold or platinum), a screw-down fluted case back and friction fitted crystal and bezel. Either a Twinlock or Triplock winding crown is also screwed into the Oyster case for watertight security.

All Oyster cases are made by Rolex in-house and undergo rigorous testing, including immersion underwater with high pressure to assure quality control. Although it may feel redundant to add the word 'Oyster' to every model name, the shape of the Oyster case is one of the easiest ways to identify a Rolex.

>>BACK TO TECH

The 2016 Cosmograph Daytona features a white dial with contrasting black sub-dials reminiscent of the Paul Newman. It is equipped with Rolex's 4130 movement and a black monobloc Cerachrom bezel with a tachymetric scale engraved into it.

This stainless steal wristwatch has already become a sensation at Baselworld and on the Internet. The new Daytona combines Rolex's updated and constantly evolving manufacturing standards with a sense of nostalgia that puts this model on everybody's radar.

When creating a logo for this blog, I was inspired to incorporate the dial of the 2016 Daytona in my design. The black and white geometric elements create a wonderful backdrop for the gold blog title. I don't normally feel inclined to produce fan art, but I think it's fitting in this instance considering that this is a blog about Rolex.

Rob's Rolex Chronicle Logo

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model took to Instagram to show off her new gold Rolex 101031 last November. She paired it with a fur lined coat and an interesting snake-like gold ring on her finger.

Welcome to Instagram @Rolex #101031

A photo posted by Lindsey Vonn (@lindseyvonn) on Nov 28, 2015 at 9:10am PST

In the video for Rolex posted below, Vonn touches upon the aspirational quality of owning one of their timepieces. ''You've done something right if you're wearing one,' she states.

>>BACK TO ATHLETES

Rolex Paraflex Shock Absorber

Shock absorption is a very important part of maintaining the accuracy of mechanical watch movements. The oscillator is what regulates the time in the movement and that very fragile piece must be protected from shock in order to keep proper time.

Rolex asserts that their Paraflex absorbs up to 50% more shock than other shock protection systems. It is easier to manufacture and service than other shock absorbers and is meant to avoid deformation.

>>BACK TO TECH

Mentors for Cycle 8 of Rolex Mentor and Protege Arts Initiative

This cycle's mentors include: David Chipperfield for Architecture, Mia Couto for Literature, Robert Lepage for Theater, Joan Jonas for Visual Art, Ohad Naharin for Dance, Philip Glass for Music and Alfonso Cuaron for Film.

In February of 2016, finalists were announced for four categories: dance, literature, theater and visual arts. The list of finalists is available on the Mentor and Protege Arts Initiative official site.

>>BACK TO ARTS

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer

In 2010, Rolex upgraded the iconic timepiece from a 36mm case to a 39mm case. It features a smooth bezel, black dial and the Explorer's unique hour hand design with a 3132 self winding mechanical movement equipped with Rolex's parachrom blue hairspring and Parallax shock absorber. Made with Rolex's 904L steel and featuring the oyster bracelet, this is one of the most simple and sturdy models available.

The Explorer is classic and elegant, with smooth, clean lines and a very clear display. Although many other Rolex models provide additional features that may excite buyers, this model is ideal for those with an understated but elegant aesthetic.

The suggested retail price for the Explorer (reference # 214270) is 6,200 Swiss Francs or approximately $6,503 US according to current exchange rates.

>>BACK TO ROLEX SHOPPING GUIDE

Rolex Parachrom Blue Hairspring

Hairsprings are generally composed of ferromagnetic alloys such as iron, nickel, cobalt and chrome, however, these alloys are sensitive to magnetism and shock. Rolex developed the blue Parachrom hairspring buy fusing niobium and zirconium with a precise quantity of oxygen then introduced to obtain this specific alloy. The use of this alloy makes this hairspring up to ten times more accurate than traditional hairsprings.

Rolex has two patents on their blue Parachrom hairspring. One is for the chemical composition of the alloy and the other is for the surface treatment that was developed in 2005 that gives the hairspring its blue color.

>>BACK TO TECH

Model Carmen Dell'Orefice in 2009 Rolex Ad at Age 78

'Class is Forever' reads the ad copy, a phrase that is true for both the Rolex brand and the timeless beauty of Carmen Dell'Orefice. Still modeling as an octogenarian, she says it keeps her young - and who are we to argue?

>>BACK TO MODELS

Adam Scott wins WGC-Cadillac Championship 2016 (Photo: John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports)

Most of the media coverage, however, was centered around Donald Trump, whose chopper landed on the Red Tiger golf course on Sunday afternoon. The polemic presidential hopeful agreed to stand on the sidelines while Scott was presented with his trophy, but all eyes were on him as he indulged fans by signing campaign hats and smiling and pointing at people who voiced support for his campaign.

Rolex is an official sponsor of all four World Golf Championships. Scott is wearing a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date in the above photo. The golfer is also featured in Rolex's ads for their Sky-Dweller Model.

>>BACK TO SPORTS

Other unique qualities of this model include an analog date display on a sub-dial in the 3 o'clock position and a double bezel that is both domed and fluted. The hour markers are split down the middle by the minutes, making for another interesting design feature.

Saliera by Benvenuto Cellini, Paris, France, 1543

904L stainless steel has a different chemical composition than 316L. It has a lower amount of carbon and a higher concentration of nickel and chromium, with copper added to make it less corrosive and more resistant to stress cracking.

It has been reported in forums that higher nickel content in 904L steel can lead to rashes in people with allergies to the metal, however, this is disputed as 316L stainless steel would create a similar allergic reaction, thus making the point moot in comparing the use of 316L over 904L in the wristwatch industry.

Though the average person wearing a Rolex may not be battling the elements on a daily basis, the quality of sheen and higher tolerance for scratching may be a good enough reason to choose a watch made with 904L grade stainless steel over a model using 316L.

>>BACK TO TECH

Actress Charlize Theron wearing Rolex DeepSea at Lakers Game

There is something sexy about a beautiful woman wearing an oversized watch designed for a man's wrist. Even while wearing a flannel shirt - or boyfriend shirt, as they have come to be known - she exudes sex appeal.

Theron plays up the femininity in her Christian Dior commercials and red carpet gowns, but seems completely comfortable blurring the gender lines with her more casual looks. As they do with menswear, Rolex watches seem to up the ante for any look in terms of style and elegance.

It certainly doesn't hurt that this particular timepiece is on the wrist of one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, but the juxtaposition between the masculinity of the DeepSea and Charlize's smooth, glowing skin is a sight to behold.

>>BACK TO CELEBRITIES

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller

This beautiful timepiece is designed to remedy that. With a turn of the bezel, you can set your watch to two different time zones without stopping the watch. This allows you to tell the time in your current time zone while keeping your watch set to the time zone you came from. It also adjusts the date between months with 30 and 31 days, meaning you only have to adjust the date once a year on March 1.

Shown here in 18 karat white gold with a black leather strap and ivory dial, this wristwatch is built to go anywhere and go with anything. Golfer Adam Scott is featured in Rolex's ads for this model.

Golfer Adam Scott wearing Sky-Dweller in Rolex Ad

Full Page Ad by Rolex in 1927 Commemorating Mercedes Gleitze's Swim

Rolex Submariner 5513 worn by Roger Moore as James Bond (Image: Phillips)

Another unique characteristic of this particular timepiece is that it does not tell time. The watch does not contain a movement, as it was designed as a prop for the movie. Though it is only right twice a day, the case back is signed 'Roger Moore 007' which certainly adds to its value.

The James Bond character has always been associated with luxury watches, most recently with the Omega brand, but this particular piece is a part of cinematic history. The purchase of this piece also included sketches from Syd Cain used in the development of the timepiece.

Syd Cain's Art Departement Sketches (Image: Phillips)

Bloomberg Business speculated that the lack of functionality could have a negative effect on the value for the item. Phillips estimated the value at $150,000 to $250,000 prior to the November 2015 auction. However, the magic of the movies and the Rolex brand seemed to prove more valuable than some previously imagined.

>>BACK TO TIMELINE

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona

Though it may have been designed for race car drivers, this watch is both elegant and distinguished, pictured here in platinum with an ice blue dial and chestnut brown bezel. With a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that is water resistant up to 100 meters, this high precision personal timing tool can go sailing on the open water with you, too.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona

My grandfather was an avid deep sea diver and fisherman and he was rarely seen without his Rolex on his wrist. He left me that watch in his will a few years ago, and I wore it proudly for years. I liked having a piece of him with me and was also fascinated by wearing a watch that was close to my age that still looked great and functioned well.

For my fortieth birthday, I decided to purchase my own Rolex and preserve my grandfather's for when my young son would be old enough to inherit it.

It was the search for my own Rolex that became the genesis for this blog. With so many options and styles to choose from, I spent a lot of time diving into the rich history of Rolex to decide which model best suited my lifestyle.

As a creative executive based in South Florida, I spend a lot of my time with clients and colleagues, but I also like to get out on the water as much as possible. Whether I'm taking the family out to the sandbar on a Saturday or kite surfing on the beach in the early mornings before heading to the office, I need a watch that can handle my active lifestyle, but still look good with a Tom Ford suit for one of the many black tie events I have to attend throughout the year.

Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller with Black Ceramic Bezel

After much consideration and hours spent in Rolex forums, I went with the Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller with the black dial, black ceramic bezel and oyster bracelet. It is certainly a departure from the yellow gold Daytona with the brown leather strap in terms of style, but the DeepSea gives me all that I want in a watch - it is rough and tumble but still elegant. I feel comfortable transitioning the stainless steel watch from diving and boating to getting dressed and going out.

Although the search for my own Rolex is over, I am left with an appreciation and passion for the Rolex brand that I intend to explore using this blog. My particular areas of interest include the history of Rolex, vintage advertisements, Rolex models, design, functionality, fashion, style and accessories.