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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Tory Lanez Wearing Rolex During Jimmy Kimmel Performance

.Celebrities.
Tory Lanez, a young Hip Hop and R&B talent hailing from Toronto, performed his Billboard Hot 100 single 'Say It' on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday January 28, 2016. The hit song features a hook from the 1993 Brownstone hit "If You Love Me" and Lanez invited the group to perform with him during the live set.

Tory Lanez Rolex
Tory Lanez Wearing a Gold Rolex with a Diamond Bezel on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Lanez sported a gold Rolex Datejust with a jubilee bracelet and diamond bezel for this televised performance. He styled it with white high top sneakers, black jeans, a white tee and a black leather jacket, which he removed to perform his new single, LA Confidential.

Many view Rolex as an aspirational brand and the purchase of one of their timepieces usually follows a major life event, including a successful career move. In this case, it seems likely that Lanez purchased the wristwatch to commemorate his success over the past couple of years.

Considering that the up and coming talent spent some of his youth living on the streets, it seems fitting that he honor his recent achievement with a blinged out Rolex. Check out his Kimmel set below.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II

.Rolex Models.
First released in 1971, the Explorer II built upon the legacy of the original Explorer model. In the spirit of exploration, Rolex added additional features to this model to aid in polar exploration and cave expeditions. 

The watchmaker debuted the latest model (ref 216570) at Baselworld 2011, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II. New features include an orange 24 hour hand, large hour markers outlined in black with blue luminescence and a 24 hour fixed bezel.

The oyster bracelet and the 42 mm case (larger than the 40mm case of the previous model) come in 904L steel, brushed to give them a modern finish. The watch contains a 3187 movement, manufactured entirely by Rolex. 
Rolex Explorer II 216570
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
The marketing for this Explorer II model boasts superior luminosity and legibility. The 24 hour hand is also an important component, allowing one to distinguish between day and night in places that may lack daylight. 

A 24 hour hand may seem like a superfluous feature for those who live in areas with regular daylight cycles, however, for those who live or work in latitudes where there is night for several days at a time, this feature would appear to be more useful. It would also help those who may be conducting research underground or in caves, where there is no natural light.

The suggested retail price for the stainless steel Explorer II model shown above is 7,700 Swiss Francs, or $8,076 US. 

The brochure for the Explorer II contains several pages featuring explorers and mountain climbers using the world as a laboratory to test the features of the timepiece over the past decades.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master

.Rolex Models.
Appearing on the scene in 1992, the Yacht-Master is still considered one of the newer models in the Rolex lineup, followed by the Sky-Dweller model two decades later in 2012.

The current model is offered with an Oysterflex bracelet made with a titanium-nickel alloy blade that attaches the case to the clasp and is coated with black elastomer, giving it a sportier look than we have seen from Rolex in past models. The inside of the bracelet is lined with a longitudinal cushion system designed for a comfortable fit.

Everose Gold Rolex Yachtmaster with Oysterflex Bracelet
Rolex Yacht-Master Everose Gold with Oysterflex Bracelet
The Yacht-Master is the only one of the current Rolex Oyster professional models that is available with either a 35mm or 40mm case. The 40mm version is equipped with a 3135 movement and the 35mm with a 2235 movement. It also features a bi-directional, rotatable, 60 minute graduated bezel with a black ceramic inlay and raised numerals.

Waterproof up to 100 meters, this incarnation of the Yacht-Master provides an interesting mix of the luxury Rolex is known for and the pragmatism that is more complimentary to those who wear the timepiece on a daily basis - especially on the open seas.

The suggested retail price for the Yacht-Master configuration shown above (reference # 116655) is 23,800 Swiss Francs (approximately $24,964 US).

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Saint John Paul the Great Wore a Rolex Datejust

.Celebrities.
Pope John Paul II was canonized by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014, making him a Catholic saint. Though much can be said about his accomplishments as a spiritual leader - including the two miracles that were verified by the Church during the canonization process, it may also be noted that the Pontiff chose to wear a Rolex wristwatch. 

I'm not sure how many other watch brands have graced the wrists of Catholic saints, but this does seem like an interesting endorsement for the watchmaker. How many companies can say that their watches were worn by saints - aside from Saint West, who is probably already sporting a luxury watch in his crib.

Pope John Paul II Catholic Saint Wore a Rolex Datejust
President Ronald Reagen and Pope John Paul II, who shows off his Rolex in an OG pose
In the above photograph, the Pope was wearing his Rolex Datejust during his meeting with President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. The two leaders worked together with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to end the cold war, a conflict of both personal and spiritual importance to the Polish Pope.

It may seem odd to see a spiritual leader wearing a luxury watch - some would say hypocritical. However, anyone who has been inside the walls of the Vatican knows that this Datejust would only make up a tiny fraction of the riches of the Catholic Church. Some speculate that Rolex likely gifted the Pope with the watch for publicity, but that doesn't really detract from the fact that it's still an interesting legacy for the brand. He chose to wear it and not re-gift it, after all.

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