Rolex 3187 Movement

.Tech.
The Rolex Calibre 3187 is a self-winding mechanical movement developed by Rolex for the Explorer II model in 2011. All of the elements of the movement were manufactured by the watchmaker, including the Parachrom Blue Hairspring. 

Rolex 3187 Movement
The certified Swiss Chronometer is slightly larger and thicker than its predecessor, the 3186 movement found in previous models, to fit into the 42mm case of the Explorer II. This movement features a 24 hour hand that displays a second time zone, one of the main features of the Explorer II. 

One of the crowning features of this movement is the addition of Rolex's Paraflex shock absorber. Replacing the KIT shock absorber in the 3186, the Paraflex shock absorber is manufactured by Rolex and is said to absorb up to 50% more shock than other shock protection systems.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Royal Black

.Rolex Models.
The Rolex Datejust Royal Black (116199 SANR) is a flashy take on the traditionally simple Datejust model. Featuring a unique black dial with paves diamonds in a zebra pattern and diamond hour markers, this model goes for about $69,000 these days, making it a valuable and unique addition to any Rolex collection - if you can find one.

photo of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Royal Black
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Royal Black

This is the ideal Rolex model for anyone who has a thing for bling. The black stingray rubber strap is decorated with 10 diamonds and the bezel contains 60 black sapphires. With a 36mm 18 karat white gold case, this timepiece looks best on a woman's wrist. Iconic model Carmen Dell'Orefice was tapped for Rolex print ads featuring the Royal Black in 2009.

I was surprised by this Rolex model when I first came across it. While I don't generally hate animal prints, I find the zebra pattern on the dial of this model a bit lowbrow for the luxury watchmaker. And the excess of diamonds makes it seem like it was designed for British social climber Edina Monsoon, the hilariously tacky main character of Jennifer Saunder's Absolutely Fabulous.

Lindsey Vonn Wearing a Rolex Datejust

.Celebrities.
Olympic Gold Medal winner Lindsey Vonn is one of the many Rolex ambassadors from the world of sports. The accomplished alpine skier has broken many records in her career, making her an ideal spokesperson for the brand.

lindsey vonn rolex ambassador in rolex ad for datejust
Lindsey Vonn wearing a Rolex Datejust in Photo Shoot for Rolex
Photographed wearing a Rolex Datejust with a diamond baguette bezel, jubilee bracelet and pink floral dial for a print ad, her natural beauty almost makes you forget that she is a world class athlete.

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.

A photo posted by Lindsey Vonn (@lindseyvonn) on


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.

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What is Baselworld?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Baselworld is an international trade show featuring the best of the watch and jewelry industries from around the world. It takes place annually in Basel, Switzerland and watchmakers and jewelers use the international attention paid to the event to showcase their latest innovations and set trends for the year to follow.

Taking place from March 17-24, 2016, this year event coordinators expect up to 150,000 guests and will feature 1,500 brands from 40 countries around the world. The name of the event has changed several times since it began in the early 20th century, most recently becoming known as Baselworld in 2003.

Entrance to Baselworld 2015
Entrance to Baselworld 2015 (photo: Studioforma)
Rolex debuted several new models at the 2015 event, including the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in platinum with an ice blue dial, which has been heavily featured on their website and in other publications since its debut. The timepiece is equipped with the 3255 self winding movement developed by Rolex with 14 patents for its technology.

Many are anxiously awaiting what will come out of the 2016 event, particularly from watchmakers such as Rolex, Panerai and Patek Philippe - to name a few. Watch the video below for a look at what Rolex presented at the event last year.

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UPDATE: Check out my list of 9 new models configurations Rolex will be featuring at Baselworld 2016.

Rolex Paraflex Shock Absorber

.Tech.
In what seems like another effort to fully vertically integrate their wristwatch production, Rolex developed and patented its Paraflex Shock Absorber in 2005. This replaced the KIF shock absorption system is some of their models. 

Rolex Paraflex Shock Absorber
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.

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