2016 Rolex Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master (photo: Rolex)

This combination of metals is used in a few of their 2016 model configurations. Photographed above with a chocolate dial, the Yacht-Master features a bidirectional rotatable 60 minute graduated bezel with raised numerals. This certified Superlative Chronometer is powered by a 3135 movement manufactured completely by Rolex.

The Everose Rolesor version of the Yacht-Master paired with the chocolate dial makes for a very distinct, contemporary looking timepiece. The mix of warm and cool tones create a balance that stands out amongst more traditional yellow or white gold color combinations. This model is also available in monochromatic combinations of platinum and stainless steel.

Closeup of the 2016 Rolex Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master (photo: Rolex)

Rolex Milgauss with custom engraving by Huckleberry Ltd and Fin Des Temps (photo: Huckleberry Ltd)

Fin Des Temps put in over 140 hours of hand engraving to add the huckleberry plant pattern to the bracelet and case of this stainless steel Rolex. They also added 3.4 carats of black diamonds to the channel set bezel. This one of a kind timepiece is numbered and sold in a reclaimed wood box lined with orange suede.

The organic plant pattern and black diamonds accentuate the orange details of the Milgauss model, giving this watch an old world feel. It looks like a relief carved into a gothic cathedral that has been weathered over hundreds of years. The jewelers added their Huck x Fin signature to the dial and engraved it on the back of the case as well.

Rolex Milgauss with custom engraving by Huckleberry Ltd and Fin Des Temps (photo: Huckleberry Ltd)

This particular wristwatch retails for $36,000 and is currently out of stock. Huckleberry has also engraved a Submariner and a DeepSea, both currently out of stock. It comes as no surprise that there is no stock available. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, this beautiful timepiece is a work of art and will only go up in value. Check out the Huckleberry Ltd website for more of their impressive work.

Parts of a Rolex Movement

After I figured out what a movement was, I became curious as to how the inner workings of the movement manage to precisely keep track of time. I poured over diagrams and blog posts, but I was still confused about what each part of the movement does.

Why does Rolex advertise their blue Parachrom hairspring technology? What is an escapement and why do they need to make it better? How do you power a self-winding mechanical movement without a battery?

Though I still consider myself a novice when it comes to horology, I do feel that I now have a basic understanding of how a mechanical watch works. The inner workings of a mechanical wristwatch are quite impressive, even in a time where most technology is based on silicon chips and global positioning systems.

The video below was produced by Hamilton Watch Company in 1949 to explain how a watch works. Much of what the video presents is still a part of how mechanical watches work today. It is the most comprehensive, detailed demonstration that I've found on YouTube to explain the mechanics of a watch movement in layman's terms.

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Young Thug wearing a custom Rolex in GQ (photo: Ben Watts)

In the profile of the rapper that appeared in the February issue of GQ magazine, Young Thug is characterized as both violent and stoic, brilliant yet unintelligible. This dichotomy may explain why people are fascinated by his music. If art is a mirror for society, then Young Thug is showing us that growing up in the projects of south Atlanta indelibly affects the way you approach the world.

Instead of using fame and success as a vehicle to move away from the street, the hip hop star seems to want to take the street with him on his climb to the top. Unlike rappers like Jay Z, who seem well adjusted to the finer things in life, Thug still seems to cling onto the volatility and language of the street. Perhaps this is what makes people gravitate toward him, even though they may not understand a word he is saying in any of his songs.

In the above photo from his GQ shoot, Young Thug layers a Bally jacket over a floral shirt by All Saints and a tank by Saturdays NYC. He wears an Apple watch on his right wrist and a custom Rolex on his left wrist, making an interesting statement about whether or not smartwatch sales will have a negative effect on the mechanical watch industry.

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2016 Rolex Cellini Date

The Cellini is perhaps the most distinctive amongst Rolex Models, with a more elegant aesthetic that harkens back to the early 20th century. This year, Rolex has released a version of the Cellini Date with a blue guilloche dial, blue leather strap and 18 karat white gold case. The color combination brings the model into the 21st century, while retaining the sophistication of the Cellini.

Rolex Air-King

2016 Rolex Air-King

I have come across many vintage Air-King models while browsing online shops and have come to appreciate their simple yet sporty look. I really like that the minute scale is displayed between the large 3,6 and 9 numerals on the dial. In their homage to aviation, Rolex kept the same 'Air-King' lettering used in vintage models. The stainless steel and black dial make it look similar to the Explorer, but this model features a colored Rolex logo and a green second hand.

Rolex Explorer

2016 Rolex Explorer

This update would fall under the 'more subtle' category I mentioned earlier. I spent a few minutes going back and forth on the Rolex website trying to figure out the difference between this one and the previous model. To my understanding, this model has improved luminescence, making it easier to read in the dark. While largely unchanged, I love the Explorer model because it is so simple and clean. The combination of black and stainless steel is chic, but still substantial. It is also probably the least ostentatious of all the models, which is something I appreciate.

Rolex Pearlmaster 39

2016 Rolex Pearlmaster 39

In contrast, the Pearlmaster 39 is one of the flashiest of the new models. It boasts a dial paved with diamonds, a diamond bezel and diamonds going down the bracelet. This is the Rolex for anyone who loves ice. The dial on this version is quite stunning. It looks like a diamond mosaic and the combination of the brilliant diamonds with the Everose gold on the case and strap is very pleasing to the eye.

Rolex Ladyjust 28

2016 Rolex Ladyjust 28

The Ladyjust 28 also combines brilliant diamonds with Everose gold. This model comes with a two-tone jubilee bracelet, combining Everose gold with 904L stainless steel. Rolex refers to this mix of metals as 'Rolesor.' Another aspect of this model I found interesting was the dial. The hour markers are diamonds and the dial has what appears to be clouds in the background.

Rolex Datejust 41

2016 Rolex Datejust 41

With a 41mm case, this larger version of the classic Datejust is perfect for anyone who feels that size matters. This model also features a 'Rolesor' combination of gold and stainless steel, pictured here in yellow gold. Equipped with a 3235 movement manufactured completely by the watchmaker, this model is available with either a fluted or smooth bezel. It also comes in Everose combinations.

Rolex Day-Date 40

2016 Rolex Day-Date 40

2016 Rolex Yacht-Master

Perhaps the most stylish of the 2016 model lineup is the Cosmograph Daytona with a white dial and black ceramic bezel. Paying tribute to the 1965 version of the Daytona, this wristwatch honors the legacy of Rolex while standing on its own as a fashionable timepiece for today's horology enthusiast. The color combination is both classic and contemporary, proving that great design transcends time.

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