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  • Rolex

    Rolex is one of the world’s largest luxury watch brands. Rolex was founded in 1905 in London by Hans Wilsdorf, eventually Rolex moved to Switzerland in 1919. The Tudor watch brand is a subsidiary of Rolex. In 1914 Rolex obtained a chronometer certificate (Class A precision certificate) and thus became the first manufacturer of a chronometer wristwatch.

    By obtaining the first chronometer certificate, Rolex demonstrated that, in terms of precision, a small wristwatch could rival that of the best timepieces, including pocketwatches, which were the norm at the time. This proof of performance would contribute significantly to the rise of the wristwatch in popularity. On the strength of this achievement, Rolex would eventually become the world’s largest manufacturer of chronometer-certified wristwatches. The Geneva-based brand perfected the concept of the modern watch in 1926 by inventing the waterproof “Oyster” case to protect the movement inside and then, in 1931, by developing the self-winding “Perpetual” rotor movement. Today, all Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are officially certified chronometers, carrying on the heritage of the pioneering role the brand played in bringing precision to the wristwatch. That milestone feat of miniaturized precision. Rolex went on to innovate constantly and several times brought new technologies to the market that eventually set standards for the whole industry; among them are (according to Wikipedia) the first waterproof wristwatch Rolex “Oyster”, 1926; the first wristwatch with an automatically changing date on the dial (Rolex Datejust ref.4467, 1945); the first wristwatch case waterproof to 100 m (330 ft) (Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner ref.6204, 1953); the first wristwatch to show two time zones at once (Rolex GMT Master ref.6542, 1954); the first wristwatch with an automatically changing day and date on the dial (Rolex Day-Date, 1956). Rolex uses only in-house calibers and many automatic movements but also deployed Quartz movements in the 1970s. Notable models today are Rolex Air-King, Rolex Date, Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Rolex Datejust, Rolex Datejust II, Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph, Rolex Lady Datejust Pearlmaster, Rolex Daytona, Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, Rolex Day-Date, Rolex Day-Date II, Rolex Day-Date Oyster Perpetual, Rolex Explorer, Rolex Explorer II, Rolex GMT Master II, Rolex Masterpiece, Rolex Milgauss, Rolex Oysterquartz, Rolex Sea Dweller, Rolex Sea Dweller DeepSea, Rolex Sky-Dweller, Rolex Submariner, Rolex Turn-O-Graph, Rolex Yacht-Master, Rolex Yacht-Master II. Rolex is the timekeeper of Wimbledon and many other prestigious sports events. Explorers, aviators, military groups, celebrities and royals regularly purchase Rolex watches. Fake Rolex watches and Rolex replica watches are sought after by bargain hunters but can easily identified by Rolex serial numbers and by comparing the fake prices with the original Rolex prices on the internet and the Rolex price list in every brand boutique.

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    What Makes Rolex so Successful? Here Are Nine Reasons

    Rolex is viewed by many as the Number One among major Swiss watch manufacturers. Why? Rüdiger Bucher, Editorial Director at WatchTime's German sister magazine, Chronos, lists nine reasons for the success of Rolex.

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    Feb 10, 2022 by Ruediger Bucher

    Sponsored: Boasting Cutting Edge Technology, G-SHOCK Introduces Its Latest MT-G

    G-SHOCK’s premium MT-G collection of timepieces has long been found at the crossroads of bold style and cutting edge technology, and with the new MTGB3000BD1A that trend only continues. Found as part of the larger MTGB3000 series, the watch is constructed of stainless steel, fine resin, and carbon, and features a renewed Dual Core Guard Structure...

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    May 18, 2022 by WatchTime

    Rare Oyster: Testing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date LV

    Rolex revised its Submariner collection in 2020 and unleashed an extraordinary demand for its Oyster model with a green bezel. Our test looks at this newest edition, with its modified case and new movement, to see if it lives up to the hype. Spend any time at all at a Rolex dealer and someone will...

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    Jan 20, 2022 by Jens Koch

    Highlights from WatchTime’s January-February 2022 Issue, On Sale Now

    The January-February 2022 issue of WatchTime is available at retailers now. Among the highlights of the issue are our cover story, a hands-on review of the new Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph in titanium; a comprehensive history of the dive watch and how it has evolved with the times; and in-depth tests of new models,...

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    Jan 11, 2022 by WatchTime

    Clockwork Orange: Five Watches With Orange Dials, Details, and Straps

    As watches continue to embrace a wider range of color options for their dial, straps, and other details, orange remains relatively scarce in the expanding spectrum, though undeniably appealing to a core of loyal fans. Here are five timepieces where orange tones dominate.    HUBLOT BIG BANG TOURBILLON AUTOMATIC ORANGE SAPPHIRE Hublot takes pride in...

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    Jan 4, 2022 by Mark Bernardo

    2021, The Watch Year in Review: 10 Captivating Chronographs

    By almost any standard, the luxury watch world enjoyed a successful year in 2021 despite the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and its worldwide economic consequences — with high-profile retailers reopening and expanding, new auction records set, some large-scale industry events (like our own WatchTime New York) returning, and of course, a host of...

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    Dec 26, 2021 by Mark Bernardo

    A Brief History of the Mechanical Watch’s Fight Against Magnetism

    From our sister website, WatchTime Middle East, a look at how watchmaking has countered the threat of magnetism over the years, from using metals like palladium in 1915 to silicon in 2015. Magnetism has been the mechanical timekeeping’s nemesis through the years. It is to the mechanical watch what Prof. Moriarty is to Sherlock Holmes.  Though the...

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    Dec 21, 2021 by WatchTime

    FEATURE

    Tools for the Depths: The Dive Watches of Rolex

    Dive watches from Rolex are highly sought after. And it’s no wonder with such an exciting history, a number of noteworthy collaborations, unique designs and robust, accurate in-house movements. We explore the various models in this feature from the WatchTime archives. Rolex currently produces four different dive watch models: the Submariner and Submariner Date, the...

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    Dec 1, 2021 by Jens Koch

    Black Friday Special: 26 Ladies’ Watches for the Holidays

    Women today have more options than ever when it comes to choosing their favorite watch. These new models designed for women have a sparkle and appeal all their own and are a perfect holiday gift. BELL & ROSSThe new Bell & Ross BR 05 Diamonds brings a shimmering look to the modern architectural lines of...

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    Nov 26, 2021 by Dara Hinshaw

    The Extra-Terrestrials: 5 Timepieces with Meteorite Dials

    Meteorites are extraterrestrial objects that have passed through the atmosphere and landed on Earth. They can be divided into two different types: stone meteorites and iron meteorites. Most meteorite dials are made from the latter, which make up only four percent of all meteorites. Iron meteorites were born in the core of four-billion-year-old asteroids that...

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    Nov 14, 2021 by Jens Koch

    FEATURE

    Dive Watches in Depth: A Dive Watch FAQ

    "How water-resistant does it need to be?" "How does a depth gauge work?" We answer your FAQs about dive watches: learn about water resistance, diving bezels, depth gauges, and more in this feature from the WatchTime archives.

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    Nov 11, 2021 by WatchTime

    Competition in the Sea: Rolex vs. Omega Dive Watches

    Rolex and Omega are renowned and admired for their dive watches. In direct comparison, which one of the two leading brands dives deeper, offers more value for the money and performs better? The Submariner divers’ watch has been one of Rolex’s most popular models, and not only since its redesign in 2020. Omega has also...

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    Nov 8, 2021 by Jens Koch

    Oak or Oyster? Comparing Steel Luxury Sports Watches from Audemars Piguet and Rolex

    Rolex Oyster steel models are hard to come by and are trading well above their original retail price. For just a bit more money you can purchase alternative models from Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak line. Is it worth it? ChronographsThe Rolex Daytona in steel has been a rarity for quite some time. But the confusing...

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    Nov 5, 2021 by Jens Koch

    PORTFOLIO

    Time Machines: 7 Automotive-Inspired Retro Watches

    A classic car is a time machine into the past. But what about the smaller machines that measure time’s passage? Which watches would harmonize best with a vintage car’s styling? Fortunately, the retro trend in watches is bigger than ever. Here are seven suggestions, photographed by our own Nik Schölzel.

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    Oct 27, 2021 by Jens Koch

    Hands-On with the Next Generation of Tudor Black Bay Chronographs

    Tudor can always be counted on to make a splash at international watch events, and that held true once more at this year’s virtual Watches & Wonders fair, during which the brand released the latest updates to its ever-popular Black Bay collection. Leading the charge were two new precious-metal editions of the smaller-sized Black Bay...

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    Aug 16, 2021 by Caleb Anderson

    EXPERT ADVICE:

    Buying a Chronograph? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know

    10 factors to consider when selecting a chronograph watch, to help make sure it suits your wants and your needs. We take a look at chronographs from brands like Jaeger LeCoultre, Omega, Baume & Mercier, Longines, Montblanc, Tag Heuer and others.

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    Aug 3, 2021 by WatchTime

    Perfecting a Watch: The Design Evolution of the Rolex Datejust

    Water resistant, automatic winding, chronometer-certified, a date window— in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was the first watch that could offer all this — just about perfect. Nevertheless, Rolex has continued to improve upon it. What does the perfect watch look like? Automatic winding, three hands, a date display, accurate, sturdy and water resistant — you...

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    Jul 19, 2021 by Jens Koch

    Highlights from WatchTime’s May-June 2021 Issue, On Sale Now

    The May-June issue of WatchTime is available at retailers (and in our online store) today. Among the highlights of the issue are our cover feature showcasing the new IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43, an in-depth review of the first Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch equipped with the revived Caliber 321, a comprehensive analysis of how the COVID-19...

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    May 12, 2021 by WatchTime

    WATCH TEST

    Hands-On Review: Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” Ref. 126710 BLRO

    Coke or Pepsi? It’s a matter of taste, some say, and individual tastes always differ. But there’s only one right answer if you’re talking about the Rolex GMT-Master. Although the manufacturer made a version that had a GMT bezel in red and black, called “Coke,” the first GMT-Master from 1955 bore the red-and-blue scale for...

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    Apr 30, 2021 by Jens Koch

    Rolex Adds Meteorite to the Daytona for a Truly Cosmic Cosmograph

    Among Rolex’s new releases at Watches & Wonders 2021, the vintage-look Explorer and updated Explorer II claimed most of the spotlight, but the Swiss mega-brand launched several other noteworthy timepieces alongside them. These include an all-new version of its iconic, motorsport-styled sport chronograph, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, whose dial is literally out of this...

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    Apr 23, 2021 by Mark Bernardo

    Introducing the Refreshed Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570

    If the two-tone Explorer I was one of the biggest surprises of Watches & Wonders 2021, then Rolex’s other major release, the new Explorer II Ref. 226570, may well have been one of the show’s most expected. This year, after all. marks the 50th anniversary of the original Explorer II Ref. 1655 from 1971, and...

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    Apr 20, 2021 by Caleb Anderson
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