The Chronoclub
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Julien Favre

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ROLEX SEA DWELLER
ROLEX

ROLEX SEA DWELLER Awesome History in 3 sec!

ROLEX SEA DWELLER History

Its really interesting to begin our article with answering the question why the watch was named Sea Dweller but is also easy when you think that this watch had a specific need to fulfil the need of divers to have a working watch in extreme depths.

 In 1967 Rolex launched Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller REF 1665, 40mm, waterproof to a depth of 610 metres. To meet the needs of professional deep-sea divers, the case was equipped with a helium escape valve so that, during long decompression phases in hyperbaric chambers, the helium from the gas mixtures used could be released without risking damage to the watch.

The first ROLEX SEA DWELLER Ref 1665
The first ROLEX SEA DWELLER Ref 1665

 

ROLEX SEA-DWELLER REF4000 Ref 1665

In 1978 Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller Ref 4000, waterproof to a depth of 1,220 metres (4,000 feet).

Waterproof to a depth of 4,000 feet (1,220 metres) for the Rolex Sea-Dweller, launched in 1967, and 12,800 feet (3,900 metres) for the Rolex Deepsea unveiled in 2008, they are the ultimate manifestation of Rolex’s leadership in divers’ watches and the result of decades of collaboration with diving professionals.

 

ROLEX SEA-DWELLER- Deep Sea 4000 Ref 116660

The first Deep Sea was introduced to the market by Rolex in 2008 , with its rotatable bezel, a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert, Chromalight display and reinforced waterproofness ready to cover every need of adventurous divers.

In 2014 Rolex released a special version of the model, the Rolex Deep Sea with a D-blue dial, to commemorate James Cameron’s historic solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, some 11,000 metres deep. From twilight blue to bottomless black, its two-colour gradient dial celebrates one man’s journey to the deepest place on Earth.

ROLEX SEA DWELLER D BLUE 116660
ROLEX SEA DWELLER D BLUE 116660

 

ROLEX RAREST MODELS 

ROLEX SEA DWELLER “Single Red” Ref. 1665

“Single Red” Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 was the first prototype of the series that carried the red Sea-Dweller logo developed in 1965 but released 5 years later in 1970. Continuing with the “Double Red Sea-Dweller,” featuring two lines of red text on the dial, one reading “Sea-Dweller” and the other reading “Submariner 2000” directly below it.

“Single Red” Sea-Dweller ref. 1665
“Single Red” Sea-Dweller ref. 1665

DIFFERENCES between “Single Red” and “Double Red Sea Dweller”

“Single Red” has a different case back than the “Double Red Sea Dweller” . The Single Red has engraved on the case back Oyster Gas Escape Valve (Patent Pending) but on the  “Double Red Sea-Dweller” we can spot Rolex logo  with Oyster*Gas Escape Valve* Rolex Patent. Moreover we can observe a noticeable difference on the dial, on the “Single Red” SEA DWELLER is mentioned on the bottom of the dial when on “Double Red Sea-Dweller” we can notice Sea Dweller Submariner 2000, 2000ft- 610m. 

 

ROLEX SEA DWELLER Deep Sea Special (DSS)

The Rolex Deep Sea Special (DSS) is a powerful, rugged dive watch made to withstand unimaginable ocean depths. Only 35 models were ever produced, and this model is #35, which is seen engraved on the case back. It dates back to 1965 after the record breaking dive by Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh took place. With this special watch Rolex was able to prove its excellence and make a clear statement to the world, that there is nothing that they can’t do.

ROLEX SEA DWELLER Deep Sea Special (DSS)

ROLEX SEA DWELLER Deep Sea Special (DSS)Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started.

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ROLEX SUBMARINER MODELS
ROLEX

ROLEX SUBMARINER Models

ROLEX SUBMARINER Models brief history

Rolex designed its very first first Submariner for the British Royal Navy. Presented in 1953, the Submariner was the first divers’ watch waterproof to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet) that gave them the ability with its rotatable bezel to read their immersion time. The Submariner has been ever since one of the most popular and cool sports watch not only among divers but for every watch addict who loves luxury sport watches.

ROLEX SUBMARINER
ROLEX SUBMARINER

ROLEX SUBMARINER REF 6538

The first Submariner was introduced in 1957 along with the GMT Master II. The modern-day version of the Submariner was based on the GMT Master II. The GMT Master was  a supercase that was originally used in military watches and carried the same case. It’s new case was about a mm larger than the originals. The new in-house calibers used in the watches were 3230 and 3235 respectively. The new calibers provide improved accuracy and power reserve. The first version of the Submariner, the 6538, was even used by James Bond in various movies. The Mercedes hand is a popular addition in the film.

ROLEX SUBMARINER REF 6200

The second version of the Submariner was launched in 1964. This was the first model with a date window. The Ref. 6200 introduced a number of improvements to the Submariner, some of which were carried forward to later models. The dial was more popular, with a date window and a cushion-shaped Oyster case. The watch’s design was influenced by the Rolex Explorer. 

Materials…

Rolex Submariner has undergone incredible changes over the years, introducing 16 years later since it was presented the gold version (1969). It is interesting to mention that although Rolex prototyped the white gold version of 1680 it never released it for production. And the most important watch was 1680 that introduced to the Submariner series yellow  gold. 

ROLEX SUBMARINER Milestones over the years

6204  First Submariner A.260  (1953 – 1954)

6205  First Submariner A.260  (1954 – 1955)

6200  Mercedes Hands – A.296 (1954)

6538  First Submariner with Big Crown “James Bond” worn by Sean Connery in Dr. No  (1955 – 1959)

6538A Military Submariner  1030 “Coroncione” (1955 – 1959)

6536  Small Crown  1030 (1955 – 1959)

6536/1  Chronometer  1030 (1955 – 1959)

5508  Small Crown  1530 (1957 – 1961)

5510  Small Crown  1530 (1958)

5510 (1958 only – Big Crown)

5512  Chronometer- The Cornini  1530-1560-1570 (1959 – 1978)

5513  First Crown Guard  1520-1530 (1962 – 1989)

5514  Comex Submariner  1520 (1969 – 1977)

1680/8  First DATE in Yellow Gold  1575 (1969 – 1978)

1680  First Submariner Date  1575 (1969 – 1979)

5517  Military Submariner  1520 (1977)

16808 Submariner Date  Sapphire crystal Gold  3035 (1979 – 1987)

16800 Submariner Date  Transitional model  3035 (1979 – 1988)

16803 Submariner Date  Sapphire crystal SS/YG 3035 (1983 – 1988)

16610 Submariner Date  Superluminova Dial  3135 (1986** – Today)

16613 Submariner Date Superlum. Dial SS/YG  3135 (1986** – Today)

16618 Submariner Date  Superlum. Dial Gold  3135 (1986** – Today)

14060 First with Sapphire crystal  3000 (1988*- 2001)

14060M  Updated Automatic Movement  3130 (2001 – Today)

14060M  Submariner 

16610LV 50th Anniversary

114060 Submariner Ceramic bezel (2012-2019)

116610LN Submariner Date with Ceramic bezel (2012-2019)

124060 Submariner (2020 – present) equipped with caliber 3230

126610LN Submariner Date (2020 – present) equipped with 3235

Want to learn more? Read our next article regarding the full history of Submariner

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ROLEX SUBMARINER
ROLEX

ROLEX SUBMARINER AWESOME HISTORY IN 5 MINUTES

Rolex Submariner the Beginning 

In the beginning of 1950s scuba diving became a rising sport among young Americans therefore the need of a watch that would be waterproof and precise in order for the divers to have an accurate way of the time they spend underwater was created. In 1953 Rolex created the Rolex Submariner, a watch exclusively designed for the specific needs of scuba diving waterproof to a depth of 100m that has been evolve over the years up to 300 metres. Its unique characteristics such as its rotatable bezel and large hands has made it a unique watch among scuba divers.  

 

Rolex Submariner 6204 & 6205

Introduced officially a year later in 1954 the Submariner 6204, with an A260 movement and certified as waterproof up to 200 meters. The Submariner 6205, with a A260 movement and the Submariner 6200 fitted with A296 movement and a larger crown marked Brevet (patented) waterproof also up to 200 meters. In the following years quite a few collectors have questioned the chronological order of the first three models of Submariner but as a logic consequence we can safely say that as Submariner 6204 and 6205 share the same movement they were produced together and Submariner 6200 follows with a different and better movement A296. 

Rolex Submariner History
Rolex Submariner History

Auguste Piccard the incredible mind behind Rolex Submariner evolution

Are you up for it? It is always fascinating when two minds that don’t think alike join their forces and their creative minds. This happened when August Piccard and Rolex connected, but lets dive a little bit to the life of this incredible mind. August Piccard was a Swiss physicist and explorer that came into publicity due to his record breaking hydrogen balloon flights that allowed him to study Earths upper atmosphere and became the first person to enter the Stratosphere.  Piccard after this incredible journey on space, in 1948 he invented the first bathyscaphe that allowed the divers to explore the ocean in depths that they have never imagined before. 

In 1953 two very different Submariners were produced for the Swiss scientist Professor Auguste Piccard for his dives in Trieste named Deep Sea Specials and Piccard. On the 30th September 1953 with Deep Sea Specials, Rolex made a world record dive to 3155 with Auguste Piccard team. Seven years later in 1960 under Jaques Piccard’s son August  Piccard 7205/0 conquered a new world record to 11000 meters. 

1954 what an interesting year for Rolex Submariner!

1954 was a fascinating year for Submariner and Rolex fanatics as it is the year that Rolex is experimenting with the name of Submariner and launching Frogman, Skin Diver, Dive-O-Graph and Deep Sea Diver and does not conclude until the ten years later in the 1960s.

Rolex Submariner 1030 Movement

In 1955 Submariner re-released 6204 and 6205 with the new 1030 movement. 6204 was renamed as 6538 and 6536 replaced 6205 adding to them a larger crown. Rolex re offered 6536 with a chronometer version named 6536/1.

Rolex Submariner Reference Guide

This is your quick reference guide that includes the reference and the years of production, if you require more information regarding all the Submariners models please check our article “THE 32 AMAZING ROLEX SUBMARINER MODELS”

Rolex Submariner References (1953-Present)

6204  First Submariner A.260  (1953 – 1954)

6205  First Submariner A.260  (1954 – 1955)

6200  Mercedes Hands – A.296 (1954)

6538  First Submariner with Big Crown “James Bond” worn by Sean Connery in Dr. No  (1955 – 1959)

6538A Military Submariner  1030 “Coroncione” (1955 – 1959)

6536  Small Crown  1030 (1955 – 1959)

6536/1  Chronometer  1030 (1955 – 1959)

5508  Small Crown  1530 (1957 – 1961)

5510  Small Crown  1530 (1958)

5510 (1958 only – Big Crown)

5512  Chronometer- The Cornini  1530-1560-1570 (1959 – 1978)

5513  First Crown Guard  1520-1530 (1962 – 1989)

5514  Comex Submariner  1520 (1969 – 1977)

1680/8  First DATE in Yellow Gold  1575 (1969 – 1978)

1680  First Submariner Date  1575 (1969 – 1979)

5517  Military Submariner  1520 (1977)

16808 Submariner Date  Sapphire crystal Gold  3035 (1979 – 1987)

16800 Submariner Date  Transitional model  3035 (1979 – 1988)

16803 Submariner Date  Sapphire crystal SS/YG 3035 (1983 – 1988)

16610 Submariner Date  Superluminova Dial  3135 (1986** – Today)

16613 Submariner Date Superlum. Dial SS/YG  3135 (1986** – Today)

16618 Submariner Date  Superlum. Dial Gold  3135 (1986** – Today)

14060 First with Sapphire crystal  3000 (1988*- 2001)

14060M  Updated Automatic Movement  3130 (2001 – Today)

14060M  Submariner 

16610LV 50th Anniversary

114060 Submariner Ceramic bezel (2012-2019)

116610LN Submariner Date with Ceramic bezel (2012-2019)

124060 Submariner (2020 – present) equipped with caliber 3230

126610LN Submariner Date (2020 – present) equipped with 3235

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started.

Feel free to contact and share your thoughts with us your feedback is important as we are trying to create a unique interactive community for all the watch fanatics.

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ROLEX TURN O GRAPH
ROLEX

ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH Ref 6202! The model that will blow your mind!

ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH History

ROLEX introduced for the first time in the public Rolex Turn-O-Graph in 1953 under the Reference 6202, the characteristic of Turn-O-Graph that made the watch stand out was the rotating bezel that measured elapsed time and the pencil shaped hands.

The Rolex Turn-O-Graph ability to accurately record elapsed time made it quite popular among watch lovers and therefore was chosen by the Thunderbirds—the United States’ elite aerobatic squadron in order to help their pilots to calculate the time. For many Turn-O-Graph is considered the opening watch to the main category for Rolex of sports watches followed by GMT and Submariner.

 

ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH
ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH

ROLEX TURN O GRAPH Movement

It used a A296 movement later replaced by A260 and had a depth rated at 50 meters. As it covered the same needs as GMT of world traveler in the next few years was totally replaced by Rolex GMT therefore its production years were limited to a decade until the early 1960s. In this decade of production the watches were accompanied by two movements A296 from the beginning till the mid of 1950 and A260 from that point till the end of production. 

ROLEX TURN O GRAPH Reference 6202

In 1953 Rolex introduced  Turn-O-Graph under the reference 6202. This marked a revolutionary step for Rolex, as the Turn-O-Graph was not only a timekeeping instrument but also featured a rotating bezel, setting it apart from traditional chronographs.

The reference 6202 Turn-O-Graph showcased Rolex’s commitment to innovation, combining the precision of a chronograph with the functionality of a rotating bezel. This feature, initially designed for timing intervals, laid the groundwork for future Rolex sports watches, particularly the iconic Submariner.

ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH Design

The Rolex Turn-O-Graph’s distinctive design and functionality quickly gained popularity, earning it the nickname “Thunderbird” when it became the official watch of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic team in the 1950s. This association added a touch of glamour and adventure to the timepiece, solidifying its place in both aviation and horological history.

As Rolex continued to refine its chronograph offerings, the Turn-O-Graph set the stage for the brand’s enduring legacy of creating timepieces that seamlessly blend form and function. The success of the Turn-O-Graph paved the way for subsequent Rolex sports watches, becoming a cornerstone of the brand’s identity.

Want to learn more about Rolex History?

 

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ROLEX EXPLORER
ROLEX

ROLEX EXPLORER Important Milestones

ROLEX EXPLORER History

Rolex Explorer the watch that every explorer should have, keeping deep in its DNA the danger, the reveals, the conger, the feelings, the joy, the worry, the excitement of many explorers. For me is considered as the watch that keeps inside many feelings and actually keeps inside the meaning of life, to continue our journey when everything is not going according to our plans and to explore new ideas, culture, feeling , smells and actually to explore life in all its senses.

In 1953 Rolex launched a new watch addressed to the special needs of the explorers and the adventurous, the new Explorer. Making its first public debut at Mount Everest and forever linked with the great expedition that was led by Sir John Hunt. 

ROLEX EXPLORER
ROLEX EXPLORER MOUNT EVEREST

1952, Explorer Ref 6098 and 6150

In the beginning of 1950s Rolex was famous for the extremely reliable, waterproof, under any condition tough and accurate watches. In order to move a step further towards that direction Rolex is focusing on creating a new series of watches exclusively designed to the extreme sometimes needs and conditions of the explorers. Starting its first efforts and designs in 1950 two years later in 1952 it is ready to give its new watch, the Explorer with reference 6098 and 6150, to a selected group of people that they are going to test it under extreme conditions.

At this stage it is noticeable that the watch doesn’t have a name on the dial singing this series and was accompanied with the characteristic Bubble Back case, accompanied with a white dial and the characteristic triangle made from steel or bras pointing 3,6 and nine o clock. The first models of Explorer 6298 and 6150 were characterized as Precision and it was until 6350 that we could spot Explorer at the dial. 

ROLEX EXPLORER 6098
ROLEX EXPLORER 6098

 

Late 1950’s ROLEX EXPLORER Expansion

In the late 1950’s Rolex enjoyed a fast growth in the new markets of Asia and North America. In order to continue Explorer success it created a new model that used the successful characteristic dial of the Explorer but now with a 19 mm bracelet and a 1520 movement that was named Air-King. Also in this period Rolex stopped producing Honeycomp dial, textured dial, for the Explorer.

ROLEX EXPLORER EXPANSION
ROLEX EXPLORER EXPANSION

1960’s ROLEX EXPLORER

In the early 1960s Rolex is changing the mark on the bottom of the dial from Swiss to Swiss T<25  

ROLEX EXPLORER T 25
ROLEX EXPLORER T 25

1970‘s ROLEX EXPLORER 1655 FRECCIONE

In the early 1970s Rolex made a lot of changes for Rolex Explore, the Rolex crown logo changed. The first model to be spotted with this significant change was Rolex Explorer under the Reference 1016. At the same period  we notice that on models with reference 5500 on the bottom of the dial they are adding Precision. A fresh start for Explorer begun with the introduction of the Explorer II that was launched in 1971 under the reference 1655. 1655 is also known as Freccione coming from the Italian word that means the arrow due to its large and brightly colored hands as seen in the photo below.

ROLEX EXPLORER 1655 FRECCIONE
ROLEX EXPLORER 1655 FRECCIONE

 

Want to learn more about Rolex Explorer Models?

 

 

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ROLEX OYSTER
ROLEX

ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL 12 IMPORTANT MILESTONES

ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL History

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual history starts almost over a century ago back in 1926. Rolex created Oyster Perpetual the first fully protected from dust and also waterproof watch, features quite revolutional from the time been.  Rolex Oyster Perpetual took its name Oyster due to its sealed like an Oyster case that ensured that the mechanism was fully protected.

ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL HISTORY
ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL HISTORY

1931, Self Winding Movement ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL

1931 was an important year for Rolex as the Self Winding movement was invented with a Perpetual rotor, it is important to say at this point that till now this is the most important part in the mechanism of every watch as it allows the watch to wind using the natural movement of your wrist and accordingly that allows the rotor spins and wind the watch.

ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL SELF WINDING MOVEMENT
ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL SELF WINDING MOVEMENT

1950, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Cal. 645 and 1030.

In 1950 Rolex introduced to new Calibers 645 and 1030

1959, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Ref 1002

Its the first time that the watch has a plastic crystal, accompanied with 1560 nor 1570 Calibre.

1960s, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Mid Size

In the 1960s Rolex also introduced a new Mid Size Oyster Perpetual in order to cover the needs of its lovers. Midsized Rolex are been described the Rolex watches that their case is between 31mm-37mm.

1964, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Cal 1130

Its the first Rolex Oyster that is featuring the Calibre 1130 and has a plastic Crystal with a case dimension of 24.6mm

1974, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL Cal 2030

In 1974 Rolex introduced a new Calibre 2030 that had 28 jewels and the Hack Function, that gave the ability the watch to stop in order to set the second hand. The watch with this feature can be synchronized with a reference time source.  

1983, ROLEX PERPETUAL Cal 2130

In 1983 Rolex is introducing a size increase at 25mm and a new Calibre 2130.

1986, OYSTER PERPETUAL Sapphire Crystal

1986 can be considered the end of the plastic crystal era and the begging of a new with the introduction of Sapphire Crystal.

1995, OYSTER PERPETUAL Calibre 2135

Rolex is introducing a new Calibre under the reference 2135.

1998, OYSTER PERPETUAL Ref 76080

An important year for Rolex as with the introduction of 76080 we can identify the need of Rolex to redefine the identity of Perpetual therefore we can see that it turns back to its history by adapting again the 25mm in its case that now is accompanied with the new Calibre 2235. 

2014, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL 4 Case Diameters

In 2014 Oyster is produced in 4 different diameters for the first time in its history 26mm, 31mm, 34mm and 36mm. 

2014, ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL New Case Diameter

in 2014 Rolex is again introducing a new Case Diameter of. 39mm

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started.

Feel free to contact and share your thoughts with us your feedback is important as we are trying to create a unique interactive community for all the watch fanatics.

1931 First Self-winding watch movement by Rolex.
1950 Introducing Cal. 645 and 1030.
1959 Ref 1002,  Plastic crystal, Calibre 1560 or 1570, a 26 jewel  calibre.
1960s Mid size Oyster Perpetual.
1964 Calibre 1130, Plastic Crystal, Diameter 24.6 mm
1974 Calibre 2030, 28 jewels, Hack function.
1983 Calibre 2130, Case Size 25mm.
1986 Sapphire crystal Oyster Perpetual.
1995 Calibre 2135.
1998 Ref 76080, Case Diameter 25mm, Calibre 2235 31 jewels.
2014 Case Diameters: 26mm, 31mm, 34mm and 36mm.
2015 Case Diameter: 39mm .
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ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA
ROLEX

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA 2012

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA History

The Rolex Daytona Cosmograph, originally designed to measure the average speed of cars and took its name Daytona after the famous racing beach in Miami. When referring to Cosmograph its origin come from the greek Kόσμος “cosmos”, that is translated as the world.  For the Greeks Cosmograph is the science that maps the general feature of the Κόσμος (world) and the universe. Literary Cosmos in greek κόσμος — the world & graph in greek γραφή that means write, so in greek Cosmograph comes from the connection of this two world.  

 

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH  RAINBOW

In 2012 Rolex introduced the famous COSMOGRAPH ‘RAINBOW’ DAYTONA in yellow and white gold under the REF 116598RBOW. Its amazing and luxurious aesthetics with its multi color sapphires around the bezel accompanied with the diamond set at the lugs and the crown guards set high standards in the watch industry. It is important to mention that each stone is carefully hand picked in order to secure the high quality that Rolex represents. In. 2018 Rolex is adding the Everose gold edition under the reference 116595 RBOW.

COSMOGRAPH 'RAINBOW' DAYTONA, REFERENCE 116598RBOW
COSMOGRAPH ‘RAINBOW’ DAYTONA, REFERENCE 116598RBOW

 

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA RAINBOW

Everose Gold Ref. 116595 RBOW

In 2018 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Rainbow” Everose Gold was added to Rolex Collection. The watch was loved by many celebrities.

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA 116595
ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA 116595

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA RAINBOW Ref. 116599RBOW

Introduced in 2013 another yet amazing Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow that combines in the most awesome way the sporty and luxurious aesthetic.  Difficult not to be spotted among the crowd this unique limited edition Rainbow takes your style in a totally new level.

ROLEX | COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA RAINBOW, REFERENCE 116599 RBOW
ROLEX | COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA RAINBOW, REFERENCE 116599 RBOW

ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA RAINBOW Ref. 116598RBOW

ROLEX DAYTONA RAINBOW 116598RBOW
ROLEX DAYTONA RAINBOW
116598RBOW

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started.

Feel free to contact and share your thoughts with us your feedback is important as we are trying to create a unique interactive community for all the watch fanatics.

 

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ROLEX

ROLEX SUBMARINER MISLUB Reference A/6538

ROLEX SUBMARINER MISLUB The Beggining

The ROLEX SUBMARINER MISLUB can be considered a historic watch with a fascinating story to tell. When the first series of ref. 6538 Submariners was given to the divers of the Royal Marines’ Special Boat Squadron (later renamed to Special Boat Service), the divers reported that it was  extremely difficult to rotate the bezel as they were wearing their diving gloves. Also they expressed the need for a watch with a solid strap that it would be more convenient to wear while diving. 

In order to fulfil this request Rolex decided to create a special model just for them with ROLEX SUBMARINER MISLUB.  This was the beginning of the very limited collection that counted only 21 watches and that would be the base of the amazing the Submariner Reference 6538. The watch was named therefore Mislub under the Reference A/6538.

 

ROLEX Submariner MISLUB Ref A/6538
ROLEX Submariner MISLUB Ref A/6538

ROLEX SUBMARINER MISLUB and Public

As  ROLEX SUBMARINER MISLUB was only produced for military reasons it was never available for the public, therefore from the beginning was considered a highly collectable watch.  As there was only 21 watches produced there were all produced at the same time therefore all the watches have the same  manufacturing date of the final quarter of 1957. 

ROLEX SUBMARINER MISLUB Characteristics

As the divers asked for a specific bezel that would be easy to rotate while wearing their diving gloves Rolex created a bezel that was more extended making it much more helpful for the divers. The new bezels were made of German Silver, the dials were kept the same the only difference was that Rolex decided to replace the 200m=660ft with the 200/660 and change the color lettering of the Submariner with red. 

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started. 

Feel free to contact and share your thoughts with us your feedback is important as we are trying to create a unique interactive community for all the watch fanatics. 

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ROLEX FOUNDER
WATCH ICONS

HANS WILSDORF The amazing Rolex Founder

HANS WILSDORF: The Creative Mind of Rolex

Hans Wilsdorf is considered as one of the legends in watch history, he is the visionary founder of Rolex. As we begin the journey back in time, let’s unravel the remarkable story of a young gentleman  whose creativity and persistence in excellence changed for ever the world of watchmaking.

ROLEX Hans Wilsdorf
ROLEX Hans Wilsdorf

Early Life of HANS WILSDORF

Hans Wilsdorf’s amazing journey in this world began on the 22nd of March in 1881 in the streets of Kulmbach, Germany. A young man that kept a creative eye in the traditional world of watch manufacturing and transform it to a world of luxury, adventure and precision. In the early stage of his journey everyone could understand that this young men came to stay and his spirit could change for ever their world. 

But Why ROLEX?

This tricky question was answered by HANS WILSDORF and we quote:

 “I tried combining the letters of the alphabet in every possible way. This gave me some hundred names, but none of them felt quite right. One morning, while riding on the upper deck of a horse-drawn omnibus along Cheapside in the City of London, a genie whispered ‘Rolex’ in my ear.”

The Birth of ROLEX

In 1905, the idea of Rolex was conceived and this was the beginning of this long journey that holds now over a century. Hans Wilsdorf passion for innovation led to the development of the first waterproof and dust proof watch, a groundbreaking achievement that solidified Rolex’s reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship.

HANS WILSDORF Precision  

Wilsdorf’s commitment to precision gave the ability to Rolex to stand out quickly. An important milestone was the introduction of the Oyster Perpetual in 1931, featuring a self-winding mechanism, that changed the watch history forever. This innovation not only enhanced accuracy but also was the birth of the automatic watches.

HANS WILSDORF Excellence

Under Wilsdorf’s guidance, Rolex became a status symbol that reflected the excellence in each field it was involved. Each Rolex timepiece was a statement and a sign of his commitment to quality, setting the brand among the top of the watch industry. In 1910, Rolex was the first watch manufacturing company that received the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision,  by the Official Watch Rating Centre in Vienne.

Legacy of Mr Rolex

Hans Wilsdorf’s legacy lives on in every Rolex watch till now. His creativity and perfectionism left an indelible mark on the world of horology and change it for ever. Without HANS WILSDORF the watch industry would not be the same. 

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started. 

Feel free to contact and share your thoughts with us your feedback is important as we are trying to create a unique interactive community for all the watch fanatics. 

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rolex submariner
ROLEX

ROLEX Bond SUBMARINER 6538 – A coveted masterpiece

WHAT’S YOUR WATCH, MR. BOND?

The Rolex “Bond Submariner” watch 6538 is the original Submariner to be featured in James Bond/007 films. Both Connery and Roger Moore sported a number of different Sub references during their respective tenures, but it’s the first model 007 wore as he set about ruining Dr. No’s plans for world domination that will be forever be known as the Bond Submariner, a vintage Rolex Submariner that is incredibly hard to find.

The Iconic Rolex Submariner 6538: A Legacy of Bond Films and Collector Prestige

The 6538 gained a lot of attention among Rolex fanatics. With its unique black, rotating bezel, an amazing added feature since the watch’s inception, it was influenced by Rolex’s own Turn-O-Graph ref. 6202. The ref. 6538 was produced with a massive variation of different dials with tiny changes concerning the color or the amount of text, assuming that these changes that we can notice were randomly produced.

Among the most immediately noticeable differences between certain types of watches is whether they have what is known as 2-line or 4-line dials.

Produced between 1954 and 1959, the 38 mm tonneau thinner-shaped Oyster case features more beveled lugs, a screw back, and a large screw-down crown. It is waterproof under water pressure up to an impressive 300 meters or 1000 feet. The Rolex Submariner 6538, with its caliber 1030 nickel-finished lever and 25-jewel movement, became the first of the brand’s calibers to gain official chronometer status, winning certification after challenging testing from the COSC. While all Submariner 6538 watches are highly popular among watch collectors, one is getting more attention than the others and is highly collectable and hard to get due to its limited production and 4-line dial.

 

Want to learn more about Rolex History? Check out our article that describes how everything started. 

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