Rolex has defined the market when it comes to watch design to target a specific task.  In short, we call this the tool watch.  Although Rolex adds its luxury and personality to each timepiece raising the bar of excellence and value - a collectible masterpiece that can be sought for and cherished by all - the tool watch is inspired by the need to provide accurate time and other functions in the most extreme situations and circumstances.

The YachtMaster II is a tool watched designed to countdown with a mechanical memory and an on-the-fly synchronization with the Yacht Race countdown clock.  The countdown can be programmed from 1 to 10 minutes.  Rolex took on the considerable technical challenge to develop the Yacht Master.  The Ring Command bezel of the Yacht Master II regatta chronograph operates in conjunction with the internal mechanism of the timepiece. Adding to the complexity of this countdown tool, the Ring Command bezel is both attractively set in ocean blue with numeral inlays, however it is also simple to use.

The YachtMaster II has all of the typical features you might expect from a Rolex timepiece - Oyster case, Oyster bracelet, sapphire crystal, screw down waterproof crown, and an automatic self-winding movement which is the result of over 35,000 hours of development.  The patented function of the calibre 4161 movement comprises some 360 components.  The new calibre also features a power reserve of 72 hours.

The 44 mm case is available in steel or in 18 ct yellow gold.  However, the dial and coloring utilizes the US and regatta coloring of Red, White and Blue throughout - giving the timepiece a unique appeal that can be recognized by Yacht owners instantly.  Owners of the Yachtmaster II are not only owners of one of the finest tool timepieces made, they are also part of an exclusive club.


The Submariner tool watch was specifically designed to withstand the diving depths to 1000 feet.  The Deep Sea model supports an extreme depth of 12,800 feet with its patented Helium escape valve.

Designed from the ground up to be a diver's watch, the triplock triple waterproofness system provides protection tot he inner perpetual movement.  The highly legible chromalight display provides long lasting luminescence under water - even in deep under water situations.  The bezel rotates in one direction, and has 60 minute graduations coated in platinum.  This allows the diver to rotate the bezel in order to accurately monitor diving time and decompression stops.  Even the knots in the bezel allow excellent grip underwater even with diving gloves on.  An extra luminescent capsule is added to the zero marker to ensure legibility even in extreme darkness.

Leaving nothing to chance, the Rolex team designed a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system to allow divers to wear the timepiece on top of a dive suit as easily as putting it on their wrist.  It is not a secret that the master of tools himself - James Bond - first made good use of his Rolex Submariner in all of his spy activities.


The Rolex Daytona is arguably the best tool watch designed in the world.  Rolex has been tied to auto racing since the early days of World Land Speed Record holder Malcolmn Campbell in 1935. The early years of racing on the Bonnevile Salt Flats in Utah and the early Daytona Florida Races (where the Rolex Daytona derives its name) became a growing obsession for the Rolex dynasty.

Collectors worldwide clamor to find some of the early versions of this tool - the self-winding movement versions of this highly collectible masterpiece.  Rolex released the 4130 calibre this year, with a more reliable, more sparsely populated component movement allowing for a larger mainspring - thus increasing the power reserve from 50 to 72 hours.

However, the Daytona has been setting records long before its current set of enhancements.  Rolex created its trademark tachymetric bezel which allows drivers to measure elapsed time and read average speeds.

The chronograph functions activate the 3 dials on the timepiece through the two pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock.  One press to start, stop or reset the chronogrph produces a a clear click that provides an accurate start to the timing without sacrificing reliability of the timepiece itself. The center hand is accurate within 1/8 of a second and provides the Chronograph function.  Stop seconds provides accurate time setting.  There is a 30 minute counter at the 3 o'clock position, a 12 hour counter at the 9 o'clock position and a small seconds hand at 6 o'clock.

All three of these tool watches by Rolex are leaders in the industry today as much as they were when they were first released.  Although there are other tool watches developed by Rolex and other companies, these three timepieces are in my opinion, the greatest tool watches developed, exhibiting the pinnacle of watchmaking expertise.

Rolex is clearly the #1 most recognizable luxury brand in the world.  However, Rolex's impact on the entire watchmaking industry is felt by the entire industry.  Rolex has worked hard since early on to be the center of action - wherever that might be.  This has helped lift  the entire watchmaking industry and carry them upon its back.


Rolex and Tennis

Even before Roger Federer became a Rolex Brand Ambassador, Rolex became a partner and official timekeeper for some of the greatest tennis competitions worldwide.

• The Australian Open hosted at Melbourne Park (renamed Rod Laver Arena after the great tennis champion).
• Roland-Garros in Paris for the French Open
• Wimbledon in England
• US Open in New York

Rolex was slow to adopt and roll out its own rubber band itself which it named the Oysterflex.  It is flexible rubber in black and works great and extending the coloring of an timepiece with a black dial, or to complement a yellow gold timepiece with a black bezel or other touches of black throughout.  Black and yellow gold are a combination with excellent luxury and beauty.  Add to that the strength of vulcanized rubber and the comfortable fit it naturally has.  Plus rubber works great in sporty situations and compliments the athletic lifestyle that many of the Rolex timepieces are built to support. 
3. Gemology Will Be a Growing Focus for Rolex

Rolex has made a big movement towards adding gems to its lineup of Rolex timepieces.  They have started a campaign promoting their gemology as the finest in the world.  They select the finest gems, hand picked to fit in their timepieces.  At Baselworld the last two years, the centerpiece of the Rolex lineup are watches almost engulfed with gems - encircling the bezel and throughout.  In order to find stones of the exact shape and size to encircle a timepiece so perfectly is an unbelievable achievement and certainly showcases the talents of Rolex's gemological prowess.

The Rolex Daytona was for many years produced in steel only.  Its purpose was simple - be a tool for race drivers.  However, the resurgence of interest in Daytona opened the door for Rolex's gem team to start adding bling to an otherwise stark tool watch.  Rolex has now started adding diamonds and more to some of its Rolex Daytona's.  I fully expect their gemologists to continue to influence other Rolex timepieces with their masterful use of sapphires and diamonds to create something new and artistically fashionable.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm, coming in at $5,700, should be on every person's list as the best Labor Day Rolex timepiece.  It is a workhorse and has the beauty and luxury that is simple and timeless.  This is a working man's timepiece.  It can go wherever you want to go and do whatever you want to do with it.

Made with 904L Oystersteel it is extremely resistant to scratching and maintains its beauty even in harsh environments.  The white dial is distinctive for its readability, and the domed dial and Oyster bracelet are both simple and not overly decorative.  It is a working man's timepiece - a blue collar Rolex if there ever was one.  And at under 6k, it is one of the most affordable Rolexes you will find.

Although the power reserve is still clinging to the old 48 hour standard, the rest of the features still display what a Rolex is all about.  The single winding crown is easy to access.  The luminescent hour markers indicate the time in day and night with perfection.  Hard workers will often need to leverage this capability as they come home late at night from a hard day of work.

There aren't any distractions or features that clutter up the face of this timepiece.  It does its job - telling you the time - better than almost any other fine timepiece on the planet.  This timepiece aspires to be the best there is, while demonstrating the exceptional in its simplicity.  The Oyster case gives its water resistance to 330 feet, and the scratch resistance of the sapphire crystal protects its face from tarnishing.

This timepiece would look fantastic on both a man or a woman and will look good with casual or formal attire.

So pay homage to your working brothers and sisters this Labor Day and consider picking up this Rolex Oyster Perpetual.

As you probably are well aware, Rolex also controls the Tudor brand.  And, although Tudor seems to be a bit more aggressive in its styling, and cutting edge in its approach, the models for the most part look awfully similar to their Rolex counterpart.

As prices in Rolex continue to skyrocket, it might make sense for first collectors to start their collection with a lower priced Tudor rather than a Rolex they can't yet afford.  So, in the article that follows I am going to compare some of the models and show  you how similar these models appear to be.

The GMT

The fantastic GMT tool watch has a utility that allows the owner to track two time zones at the same time, while also knowing the day of the month from the date window.  However, the timepiece is much more than just a tool.  It has an exceptional beauty and a distinctive look that is recognizable by all as a fashionable icon of pure value.

Rolex GMT Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master II comes in with a price tag of $9,250, but communicates tremendous value and nostalgia to the wearer and to anyone that comes to view this piece of jewelry on his wrist.  Two color tones on the bezel, in Pepsi colors of Red and Blue are offset by engraved numerals and graduations, provide the ability to keep track of a 2nd time zone, as notated by the big 24 hour Red Hand and arrow tip.

A world traveler, businessman, a sports icon or artist who is often in a different city from night to night, might use the bezel to easily rotate to the current time rather than needing to adjust the hands using the winding crown.  A useful feature, indeed.  Even digital watches or cell phones for that matter, would take longer to set the time than a GMT timepiece.  However, the original time is still fully preserved, allowing the wearer to know what his home city's time is currently at.

If they might need to call their wife, say goodnight to their children, or even call the office, knowing what time their home base is at becomes essential.

Tudor GMT

The Tudor comes in at less than half the price of the Rolex - clocking in at a mere $3,625.  Although you might notice the fabric strap pictured above, the Tudor GMT also comes on a steel bracelet or a brown leather strap.

The look and feel is almost identical to the Rolex GMT Master II.  The same Pepsi colored dial and 24 hour hand in matching Pepsi Red gives you that important 24 hour adjustable clock.

Both dials are black and have luminescent hour markers and luminescent hands.  Even the 24 hour and seconds hands have luminescent tips that  provide exceptional visibility even on a plane at night time when business travelers might be catching a red eye.

There are some slight variations on the numeral prints around the rotatable bezel.  The Rolex does have a useful cyclops lens over the date aperture.  The Tudor has a slightly larger case at 41 mm to the Rolex 40 mm case.  And the Tudor features a waterproofness system that surpasses the Rolex with a 660 feet depth of support, as compared to the Rolex support for only 330 feet of depth.

The Tudor has a larger winding crown, but the Rolex features two crown guards on either side of its winding crown.

However, both models are featuring the new power reserve with 70 hours of reserve power.  The bezel can be rotated in either direction with speed and precision.  Both exceptional models feature a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protecting the timepiece underneath.  Both timepieces are certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.

The Rolex GMT II is one of the top Rolex timepieces made today.  However, the ability to use the Tudor GMT as a diver's watch adds another level of utility to already useful tool.  I'd give the slight edge to Tudor in the battle of the GMT's for this solitary reason.

The Chronograph Car Racing Timepiece

The Chronograph and the Rolex Daytona have taken the world by storm.  Although this has not always been the case, Rolex Daytona has become valued as one of the most precious Rolex timepieces, and certainly the most collectible models around.  So, for this section we will compare the Daytona to the Tudor counterpart - the Black Bay Chrono.

Rolex Daytona in 18 ct Gold

Tudor Black Bay Chrono

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is an all steel chronograph coming in at only $5,100.  Not only is it only a fifth of the price of a Daytona, but it is far more accessible since the Daytona is backlogged with a waiting list.

Notable markings indicating speed in kilometers or miles per hour, the Tudor has the capacity for up to 500 mph/kph as opposed to 400 mph/kph on the Daytona.  The Rolex has a small seconds at the 6 o'clock position.  Tudor has replaced that with a date window aperture.  Like the GMT, the Tudor version is 1 mm larger in its case size than the Rolex - sporting a slightly heftier 41 mm over the 40 mm Rolex case.  Again, crown guards appear on the Rolex model and not on the Tudor.

The Tudor is also waterproof to 660 feet as compared to the 330 feet of resistance for the Rolex.  However, both are powered by the new calibre with 70+ power reserve in each model.

Although there is so much going for the Tudor, and you can't go wrong with owning the Black Bay Chrono, the Rolex Daytona is far worth the extra money to own this rare collector's item.  The beauty of this Rolex Daytona model is off the charts.  Although Tudor designers might say that having the date aperture gives it a utility that outstrips the Rolex Daytona, the classic Newman 3 dial that has become so sought after by Rolex collectors has a distinctive look and appeal that should not have been messed with.

And although the ability to dive with the Tudor is a fantastic feature, this isn't enough to overcome the new reworked luxury that the new Rolex Daytona communicates with its Gold and Black coloring.  The Rolex Daytona wins - and it isn't even close.

Day + Date

Rolex Presidential Day-Date

Tudor Glamour Day + Date

I admire Tudor, priced at $4,350, for attempting to put out a Day Date model of their very own.  However, it won't take long to see that the Rolex timepiece is in a class of its own.  The Tudor doesn't even have the new features that the Rolex has packed into it.  The Rolex has a 70 hour power reserve as compared to the 38 hour reserve for the Tudor.  The Tudor doesn't have any more waterproofness built into its model - featuring only a a 330 ft depth support - identical to the Rolex.

The Tudor case is also slightly less beefy at 39mm as opposed to 40 mm on the Rolex.  This is where the Tudor starts to lose tremendous ground to the Rolex - clearly being lapped multiple times over.  The bezel is hardly spectacular - almost non-luxurious.  Even though there are diamonds as hour markers, the small form factor isn't as luxurious as the more useful and luscious gold roman numerals. The date aperture is way too small compared to the Rolex which is also enhanced by the cyclops window.

The bracelet is nice with its 5 piece links but incomparable against an all gold presidents style bracelet which speaks luxury in every language.

Clearly in the first two head to head battles, I would say Tudor has a foothold and I wouldn't knock anyone for beginning their collection with either model.  The features matched Rolex and the look also was comparable.  However, in the Day-Date battle, Tudor has dropped the ball and didn't make an effort to keep up with Rolex.  They appear to be playing little league and aren't even on the same playing field as Rolex.  I wish Tudor would step up and make a better attempt.  I would start by removing the word "glamour" from the name and then look at the elements of the Presidential Day Date that have made it an iconic timepiece for decades.

Winner the Rolex Presidential Day-Date.

Overall, in this competition, Rolex wins 2 to 1.  And in the first challenge I'd say that Tudor just barely pulls out the victory over the Rolex GMT Master II.

Tudor Black Bay Bronze

I do have to say that Tudor has really come out with some truly exciting timepieces.  Most notably the Black Bay Bronze model which has a 43mm bronze case and yellowed patina luminescent hour markers and hands that give it a classic look that collectors look for in older Rolex models.  However, it is new, powered by a 70 hour power reserve calibre MT5601 and supports a waterproofness depth of 660 feet.  This is a stunning timepiece that Rolex doesn't really have a comparable model to compete with it.  At only $4,050, I'd put this Tudor first on my wish list.