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 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.
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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
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.
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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.
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“ROLEX SUBMARINER Big Crown REF 6200” made its debut in 1954, it took on the nickname Big Crown because of its large crown. The need for the Big Crown on the 6200 was due to the need to create a watch with thick gloves in heavy-duty situations. What is also interesting is that many of the 6200 have military provenance.
ROLEX SUBMARINER BIG CROWN 6200.png
ROLEX SUBMARINER BIG CROWN Ref 6200 Dives in that Watch Legacy
The Rolex Submariner 6200 is a legend in the vintage Rolex collecting community. There were only a small number of productions (approximately around 300 were produced by Rolex) in a tied serial range of 31.9xx–32.2xx. The Submariner 6200 came in three different dial versions. In some cases, you can find the big logo and “Oyster Perpetual” text under 12 o’clock, while in others, you can notice a smaller logo and text, or some may have the “SUBMARINER” label above 6 o’clock while others don’t.
In 2013, Christie’s sold a Submariner ref. 6200 with “Officially Certified Chronometer” text under the “Submariner” label for CHF 485,000. This model is the first Submariner with 200 meters of water resistance, featuring an A296 caliber. The auction house stated that this is the only known example of the Submariner 6200 to include the “OCC” text.
According to Rolex collectors, if you ask them, what is the most important diving watch—the holy grail of all subs? They will all answer the big crown 6200. The Paul Newman Daytona of Submariners watches!
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Behind Gérald Genta , is hidden one of the most interesting and creative minds in the history of watchmaking. Borned in Geneva, Switzerland (1 May 1931 – 17 August 2011) was the creator for many lines for IWC, Omega, Universal Genève, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. In all his life Gérald Genta had a mission, to overcome all the challenges creative or technical and achieve the extraordinary. In all his life he constantly reinvented himself therefore his creations were always unique. This unique ability allowed him to work throughout his career with the most important watch masterpieces were for Patek Phillipe the famous Nautilus, Cartier Santos Octagon as well as for Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
GERALD GENTA AND Audemars Piquet Royal Oak
One of the most important partnerships that defined the future of Audemars Piquet was the collaboration with Maestro and the creation of one of the most iconic watches for the brand, Royal Oak. In 1970, they reached out in order to design a new watch . It was Inspired by a vintage diving helmet attached to the rest of the suit with screws, the model was sketched in just one night. The designer transferred the octagonal shape to the design of this piece, keeping the screws on the bezel. The Royal Oak was the first luxury sports watch that was ever made from steel and changed forever the perception of this metal and its position in luxury watches.
Universal Geneve The Polerouter
One of the first collaborations of the creative and young at the time Gérald Genta was with Universal Geneve when in 1954 was assigned to create a watch that would celebrate the historic flight from Copenhagen to Los Angeles via the North Pole, called the Polerouter.
IWC the ingenieur REF 1832
IWC Ingenieur SL, was launched in 1976 as the leader model of the SL collection, a collection of luxury sports watches with cases and bracelets made of stainless steel. The watch featured a bold aesthetic that was presented with a screw-on, round bezel with five recesses, a special pattern on the dial and an integrated steel bracelet with H-links. The Ingenieur SL was nicknamed “Jumbo” for its extra impressive case size. Although its design was unique as in many cases of innovative design the public was not ready to appreciate it therefore only a little more than 1000 pieces were produced during the following years.
Omega Constellation
In 1959, Omega appointed Maestro to create a new strategic for the Constellation range one of the most important collection for Omega. It was his creative approach that played a crucial role to the rebirth of Constellation. This collaboration was really important for him as well as from that point he was perceived as a “star designer”.
Patek Phillipe “The Nautilus”
In 1976 Phillippe Patek appointed Maestro to design a new watch, named Nautilus that is till now considered the most well known watch for Patek Phillipe. Nautilus was inspired by the nautical world and took its name as a tribute to Captain Nemo’s submarine in Jules Verne’s novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”. Maestro creative mind conceived and illustrated this watch in a papaer napkin at a restaurant in just 5 minutes.
GERALD GENTA brand
In 1969, along the other partnerships and collaborations Gérald Genta created his own brand. 1977 can be considered as a very important milestone in his journey to watchmaking as he launched THE AUTOMATIC PERPETUAL CALENDAR. He was the first not only to create a perpetual automatic calendar and sealed his reputation as an innovator.
THE ULTRA-THIN MINUTE REPEATER
In 1981 Maestro introduced his first ultra-thin Minute Repeater with an impressive 2.72mm thickness. His new entrance emphasised to the importance of style in watches with unique dials crafted from white onyx, engraved bezels, and moon phases made from Lapis Lazuli. At the end of 1981 a perpetual calendar complication was added.
THE GEFICA SAFARI
In 1984 created a limited edition mens watch after receiving a request from three important clients that wanted a watch for safari, amazing Gérald Genta created The Gefica Safari.
THE DISNEY COLLECTION
In 1984 with a playful approach to the watch industry created a watch that few would dare to introduce, The Disney Collection. This line now plays an important part of the brands DNA that reflects his liberal and creative spirit that for many broke the rules of the till now conservative watch world.
In 2000 Bvlgari acquired the Gérald Genta brand until 2011 when the ownership passed to LVMH Group.
Rolex Pepsi history goes back in the early 1950s, at that period Pan American Airlines best known as Pan Am shared with Rolex the special of its pilots. They wanted a watch that would be able to display two different time zones at the same time when they had a transatlantic flight.
Rolex set out to create a timepiece that would revolutionize the world of aviation and travel. This marked the beginning of an iconic watch known as the Rolex GMT-Master, and one of its most famous variations came to be known as the “Pepsi” due to its distinctive red and blue bezel that looked like the famous soft drink Pepsi.
A Tale between Rolex and Pan Am
It all started due to the special needs of the employees of Pan Am, due toIn 1954, the Rolex Pepsi GMT was launched as the outcome of a specific requirement of Pan Am to Rolex . Rolex collaborated with Pan American World Airways in order to create a watch that would be especially designed for the needs of the pilots transiting in different time zones as well as tracking time during long-haul flights. The first GMT-Master was launched featuring a red and blue bi-colored bezel made from Bakelite and quickly replaced by anodised aluminum.
ROLEX PEPSI
The colors that were chosen in order to represent the day and night hours on the watch, making it easier for pilots to differentiate between those two. The “Pepsi” nickname was given due to the blue and red GMT-Master bezels(ref. 6542) launched in 1955 that reflected the colours of the logo of one of the most well known soft drink globally PEPSI.
Over the years, the GMT-Master Pepsi became highly popular among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The watch embodied the perfect blend of functionality, style, and luxury. Its robust construction, reliable movement, and distinctive design made it an instant hit among professionals and adventurers alike.
ROLEX PESPI: Technological Advancements and Modernization
Throughout its history, the Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi went through several updates and improvements. In the late 1950s, Rolex replaced the aluminum bezel with a more durable one made of Bakelite. However, due to its tendency to crack and fade over time, Rolex transitioned to using aluminum inserts for the bezel in the 1960s.
In the 1980s, Rolex introduced a new reference, the GMT-Master II, featuring an enhanced movement and a more modern appearance. This version allowed for independent adjustments of the hour hand, making it even more convenient for frequent travelers.
In 2014, Rolex unveiled a new iteration of the GMT-Master II Pepsi at Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewelry fair. This model, reference 116719BLRO, brought significant updates to the iconic timepiece. It introduced a ceramic bezel, which offered enhanced scratch resistance and vibrant colors that stayed true for years to come. The Pepsi bezel now featured patented Cerachrom technology, which allowed for the creation of the iconic red and blue ceramic bezel.
ROLEX PESPI: The Enduring Appeal of legacy
The GMT-Master II Pepsi continues to captivate watch enthusiasts with its timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and technical prowess. It represents the enduring legacy of Rolex as a pioneer in the world of horology and a symbol of luxury and precision. It is a watch that many celebrities wore and it stands out due to its unique combination of red and blue colors.
Today, the Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master II remains a highly coveted and iconic timepiece, with its rich history and distinctive aesthetics continuing to make it a favorite among watch collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
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The Rolex “Root Beer” is a popular nickname given to certain watches that feature a distinct brown and gold color scheme. This nickname originated from the resemblance of the watch’s bezel to the color of root beer, a popular carbonated beverage.
Its history can be traced back to the 1960s, when Rolex introduced a new variation of their GMT-Master watch. The GMT-Master was originally designed for pilots and allowed them to track time in different time zones simultaneously. The watch featured a rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale, allowing the wearer to read a second time zone by aligning it with the GMT hand.
By the time of the ’80s, Hollywood was beginning to create iconic stars, one of them was Clint Eastwood, who stated that the Root Beer was one of his favorites, he even used it in several of his films such as Firefox (Firefox, 1982), Tightrope (1984) and In the line of fire (1993)
ROLEX FISRT GMT
The first Rolex GMT-Master “Root Beer” made its debut in the 1960s with reference 1675/3. It had a two-tone bezel with alternating brown and gold segments, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance. The brown color of the bezel was created by using anodized aluminum, which provided durability and a rich hue.
Rolex GMT, Root Beer Ref. 1675
ROLEX ROOT BEER through the 70s
Rolex continued to produce different variations throughout the years. In the 1970s, they introduced the reference 16753, which featured a new case design that also had a date function. This model was also available in a two-tone configuration, with a mix of stainless steel and yellow gold.
In the 1980s, they updated the design with the introduction of the reference 16713. This model retained the brown and gold bezel but featured a slimmer case profile and improved movement. It was crafted from a combination of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, giving it a luxurious and refined aesthetic.
RECENT YEARS
Rolex has reintroduced the theme in their GMT-Master II collection several years ago. At Baselworld 2018, they presented the GMT-Master II reference 126711CHNR, often referred to as the “Root Beer” or “Root Beer II.” This model featured a brown and black ceramic bezel with a two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel case and bracelet.
This collection has gained a strong following among watch enthusiasts due to its distinctive color scheme, luxurious materials, and Rolex’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and precision. The combination of brown and gold gives the watch a warm and sophisticated appeal, making it a sought-after timepiece in the luxury watch market.
The name has become synonymous with Rolex watches that feature a brown and gold bezel, and while the specific references and design details may vary over the years, the essence of the Root Beer remains an iconic and desirable part of the watchmaking legacy.
Today, however, Rolex makes a modern bezel in black and brown ceramic, fitted to Everose gold (ref. 126715CHNR) or two-tone Everose gold and steel GMT-Master II (ref. 126711CHNR) watches. CHNR is short for the French words for chocolate and black, “chocolat/noir”.
Important Milestones
Rolex GMT-Master “Root Beer” Reference 1675/3: This was one of the earliest iterations of the theme, introduced in the 1960s. It featured a two-tone bezel with alternating brown and gold segments, crafted from anodized aluminum.
Rolex GMT-Master “Root Beer” Reference 16753: This model was introduced in the 1970s and featured a two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold construction. It had an updated case design and included a date function.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” Reference 16713: Released in the 1980s, this version featured a brown and gold bezel along with a slimmer case profile. It was crafted from stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, offering a luxurious appeal.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” Reference 126711CHNR: This model was unveiled at Baselworld 2018 and is often referred to as the “Root Beer II.” It featured a brown and black ceramic bezel, a two-tone Everose gold and stainless steel case, and bracelet. It represented the modern interpretation of the theme.
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The Rolex “Coke” is a term used to refer to certain watches that feature a black and red color scheme, reminiscent of the iconic Coca-Cola logo. The nickname “Coke” was given to these watches due to their resemblance to the brand’s distinctive colors.
The history of the Rolex Coke can be traced back to the Rolex GMT-Master collection. The GMT-Master II was introduced in the 1980s as an updated version of the original GMT-Master, offering enhanced functionality and design.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Coke”
The first Rolex GMT-Master II “Coke” Reference 16760 was introduced in the mid-1980s. This is the only GMT with reference 16760 in the history of Rolex that only had this unique coke bezel from 1984-1989, previous models were launched with all 3 bezels (black, pepsi and coke).
This model featured a black dial, a black and red bezel insert, and a stainless steel case and bracelet. The red portion of the bezel represented the daytime hours, while the black portion represented the nighttime hours. With its magnificent design and with a strong and powerful presence due to its color combination the watch was an immediate success.
In the late 1980s, a new version of Coke was released with reference 16710, which also included a “Coke” variant. This model continued the black and red bezel color scheme as the previous models, but with updated design elements such as improved luminous hour markers and hands. Reference 16710 was available in both stainless steel and two-tone (stainless steel and gold) configurations making it more appealing to the watch enthusiasts.
ROLEX COKE GMT-Master II Reference 16710LN 2000
In 2005, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II reference 16710LN, commonly known as the “Coke” due to its black and red bezel. This model featured a new scratch-resistant black ceramic bezel insert and an updated bracelet design. It was crafted from stainless steel and had a black dial.
ROLEX GMT COKE
However, it’s important to note that in 2018, Rolex made changes to the bezel colors in the GMT-Master II collection. The black and red “Coke” bezel was replaced with a black and blue bezel, creating a new variation known as the “Batman” due to its resemblance to the colors of the superhero’s costume.
While the specific references and designs may have changed over the years, the GMT Coke has become an iconic and sought-after timepiece among watch enthusiasts. Its striking black and red color scheme, combined with Rolex’s renowned quality and precision, have contributed to its popularity and desirability in the luxury watch market.
ROLEX COKE Important Milestones
Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 16760: This model, introduced in the mid-1980s, featured a black and red bezel insert along with a stainless steel case and bracelet.
Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 16710: Released in the late 1980s, this reference also had a black and red bezel. It was available in stainless steel and two-tone variations.
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The Rolex “Batman” is a nickname commonly used to refer to certain GMT-Master II watches that feature a black and blue color theme. This nickname was given due to the resemblance of the bezel colors to the custom colors of Batman.
The history of the Rolex Batman can be traced back in 2013 when GMT-Master II Reference 116710BLNR was released. In this model major changes can be identified as it was the first time that black and blue ceramic bezel was introduced. The black color represented the night time hours, while the blue the daytime hours on the bezel.
ROLEX GMT BATMAN Master II Ref. 116710BLNR
The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR, often known as the “Batman,” with its stainless steel case and bracelet, quickly gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its amazing and strong color combination. The blue and black ceramic bezel insert was crafted using Rolex’s patented Cerachrom technology that was able to give amazing scratch resistance and color durability. ROLEX GMT BATMAN became one of the most favorite models of Rolex for its unique aesthetic.
ROLEX GMT BATMAN Ref 126710BLNR
In 2019, “Batman” made a strong appearance in the watch world with the release of the GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR. This version kept the black and blue ceramic bezel but changed the case and introduced slimmer lags and added the choice of a Jubilee bracelet.
ROLEX GMT BATMAN
ROLEX GMT BATMAN IMPORTANT MILESTONES
Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 116710BLNR: This model, introduced in 2013, is often referred to as the “Batman” due to its black and blue ceramic bezel. It features a stainless steel case and bracelet and became popular for its striking color combination.
Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 126710BLNR: This updated version of the “Batman” was released in 2019. It retained the black and blue ceramic bezel but introduced a slightly redesigned case with slimmer lugs. It also offered the option of a Jubilee bracelet in addition to the traditional Oyster bracelet.
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The “Rolex Batgirl” is often used to describe a variant of the Rolex GMT-Master II with a black and blue ceramic bezel and a Jubilee bracelet.
This particular GMT has gained popularity within the watch community as a way to distinguish this particular GMT-Master II from the “Batman” reference, which has a similar black and blue bezel but is paired with an Oyster bracelet instead. For many this GMT is categorised as the most playfull Rolex watch.
The ROLEX BATGIRL typically refers to the following reference:
Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 126710BLNR: This model features a black and blue ceramic bezel, a stainless steel case, and a Jubilee bracelet. It was introduced in 2019 and is an updated version of the “Batman” reference. The new Jubilee bracelet that replaced the Oyster from the previous version has led to its association with the nickname “Batgirl.” It is not considered as a collectable watch but has gained an extreme popularity between the sport range of Rolex watches.
Technical Characteristics
Calibre: 3285 automatic, 31 jewels
Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back
Size: 41 mm
ROLEX BATGIRL
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