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ROLEX GMT DIRTY HARRY- Clint Eastwood’s

Rolex GMT Dirty Harry was highly connected with the famous actor Clint Eastwood, one of the most famous actors during 70s. Straight from the movies “Dirty Harry” and “Magnum Force,” Clint Eastwood’s character is seen wearing a Rolex GMT-Master. and in particular the Rolex Nipple Dial GMT Master with Reference 16753. This particular watch due to the actors popularity was in high demand and became one of the most wanted watch among collectors.

 

ROLEX DIRTY HARRY

 

 

ROLEX GMT DIRTY HARRY Clint Eastwood Collection

Clint Eastwood’s version of the GMT-Master ref. 16753 has a “nipple dial,” characterized by gold raised hour markers filled with lume and is fitted with a two-tone Jubilee bracelet.Clint Eastwood was also often seen wearing one of his Rolex Collection watches in his personal life as is considered one of the most important collectors.

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ROLEX GMT DIRTY HARRY
ROLEX GMT DIRTY HARRY

ROLEX GMT MASTER II EL CORNINO History

In 1959 Rolex was experimenting with new ideas regarding its unique design, the outcome of this amazing and creative effort was ROLEX GMT MASTER II EL CORNINO under Ref 1675 . ROLEX GMT MASTER II EL CORNINO under this specific reference continued to be produced through out1980s with various variations over the years. The early production of El Cornino took its name due to its  curved and pointed crown case combined with is dial creating a unique and rare collectible Rolex GMT. In the past decades we can see many times El Cornino to be one of the favorite watches of the well known Auction Houses due to this extreme love of watch collectors, considered a hidden gem to their collection.

ROLEX GMT MASTER II EL CORNINO Dial

In the first eight years of its introduction we need to make a note of its amazing dial, a glossy dial with a gilt lettering was also adopted in the first years of its production. A special note also to the unique small hands that we can notice also in the very first years.

 

1959-1963, ROLEX EL CORNINO

At the production between 1959-1963 and for only four years we can identify an eagle beak crown guard at the case.

ROLEX GMT MASTER II EL CORNINO
ROLEX GMT MASTER II EL CORNINO

Want to learn more regarding Rolex GMT? Please check our article regarding the Rolex GMT Reference

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ROLEX GMT EYE TIGER HISTORY

The Rolex GMT Tiger Eye  is considered one of the most iconic and beautiful GMT that was first introduced  in 1965, with Ref 1675. Extremely unique with its stunning brown red dial and bezel like a tigers eye.

It is considered a bold and strong statement watch that reflects the power of the tiger.  Throughout the years it keeps a unique position among collectors limited pieces creating a desirable piece to add in your collection. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Rolex GMT Eye Tiger.

ROLEX GMT TIGER EYE MODELS

ROLEX GMT TIGER EYE 1675/3

REFERENCE: 1675/3

CIRCA: 1978

MOVEMENT:  Caliber 3075 Automatic Movement with Center Second

DIAL: Nipple Dial Tiger Eye Root Beer

CASE: Two-Tone STEEL/GOLD case

DATE DISPLAY: Date function

SIZE: 40 MM

CALIBER: 1570 Automatic

ROLEX GMT TIGER EYE 1675/3
ROLEX GMT TIGER EYE 1675/3

 

ROLEX GMT TIGER EYE 1675/8

REFERENCE: 1675/8

CIRCA: 1975

DIAL: “Nipple-Dial”, Signed “T SWISS T”.

BEZEL: Roating

CALIBER:  Cal. 1575 Automatic

SIZE: 40 MM

ROLEX GMT 1675/8
ROLEX GMT 1675/8

ROLEX GMT TIGER EYE 16753

REFERENCE: 16753

CIRCA: 1987

DIAL: Tiger Eye, Signed “Swiss-T<25”

CALIBER: Cal. 3075 automatic, 27 jewels

CASE: stainless steel, 18k yellow gold bezel, screw down caseback

SIZE: 40 MM

ROLEX GMT 16753
ROLEX GMT 16753

ROLEX GMT TIGER EYE 16758

In 1981 Rolex first introduced the 18k yellow gold version of 16758 and discontinued in 1988. It gave to its owners the opportunity to use the 24 hour bezel alongside with the 24hour hand in order to use it in a second time zone. What is interesting is that although Rolex adopted an acrylic crystal in 16578 in the yellow gold version it was replaced with a scratch resistant sapphire one.

REFERENCE: 16758

CIRCA: 1984

DIAL: Tiger Eye

CALIBER: Cal. 3075 automatic, 27 jewels

CASE: Yellow Gold, Screw-Down Back

SIZE: 40 MM

ROLEX GMT 16758
ROLEX GMT 16758

ROLEX GMT TIGER EYE 16713

REFERENCE: 16713

CIRCA: 1993

DIAL: Tiger Eye

CALIBER: Cal. 3185 Automatic Movement, 31 Jewels

CASE: Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold, Screw Down Caseback

BRACELET:  Jubilee Bracelet

SIZE: 40 MM

ROLEX 16713
ROLEX 16713

ROLEX GMT TIGER EYE 16718

REFERENCE: 16718

CIRCA: 1992

DIAL: Tiger Eye

CALIBER: Cal. 3185 Automatic, 31 Jewels

CASE: 18k Yellow Gold, Screw Down Case Back

BRACELET: 18k Yellow Gold Rolex Oyster Bracelet

SIZE: 40 MM

ROLEX GMT 16718
ROLEX GMT 16718

 

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

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Regarding the ROLEX GMT EXCLAMATION it all started in the 1950s and throughout in the 60s when Rolex presented a new dial with a significant detail a dot under the 6 that looks like an exclamation mark and creating a new dial known as “ Rolex Exclamation Point Dial”.  The references that we can meet for ROLEX GMT EXCLAMATION are 1675 but also 5508 this amazing detail had made the watch extremely collective and popular among watch fanatics.

But why Rolex exclamation mark?

A dot under the six?  The exclamation point is the first official sign used by Rolex on “swiss” radium dial prints to show that the radiation has been adapted to new Atomic Energy Commission regulations  from end of the 1950’s till the beginning of 1960’s. The first dial that we meet in the history of Rolex with an exclamation mark goes back to 1962.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS/ DESCRIPTION FOR ROLEX GMT EXCLAMATION

REFERENCE: 5508

CIRCA:1962

DIMENSIONS: 38MM

CALIBER: 1530

MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

ROLEX GMT 5508 EXCLAMATION MARK
ROLEX GMT 5508 EXCLAMATION MARK

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ROLEX GMT ICE Ref 116769TBR

Rolex GMT Ice is considered one of the most iconic watch of Rolex. As we all know “Diamonds are a girls or let me say everyones best friend” and for the lovers of diamonds, Rolex between 2007 until 2018 introduced a full set diamond GMT-Master II with Ref 116769TBR.

A magnificent diamond watch only for the ones that loves luxury! Rolex GMT Ice is the one that can make you stand out in the crowd. With a diamond bezel, dial, case and strap you are definitely going to be the king in the room.One of the most expensive watches of Rolex, with the retail price originally set to half a million, it was meant to impress even the most difficult collectors.

ROLEX GMT ICE, ICE BABY.. Ref 116769TBR
ROLEX GMT ICE, ICE BABY.. Ref 116769TBR

ROLEX GMT ICE Special Characteristics

This unique watch or to be exact high end jewellery is set to address to unique collectors. 18 ct white gold and  30 Carats brilliantly cut diamonds that covers this amazing Rolex, what more can you ask from Rolex?

And let me add its brilliant waterproof case and a caliber 3186 self-winding automatic movement with 31 jewels.  Having a self-winding movement, Rolex Ice has a 50-hour power reserve. The dial features a date aperture at the 3 o’clock mark, when a black GMT 24-hour hand is allowing to set and view a second-time zone.

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Learn more about the variables of the bracelets as well as for there characteristics in just a few minutes! 

ROLEX BRACELET Jubilee 

One of the most popular bracelets, first introduced in 1945 along with Rolex Datejust and patented in 1947.  But why named Jubilee? 

As the dictionary indicates, a Jubilee is a special anniversary of an event, especially one celebrating twenty-five or fifty years of a reign or activity. Jubilee bracelet was actually introduced in order to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary. You can notice a five-piece link design that forms a series of small X-shaped patterns. It is considered one of the most elegant bracelets of Rolex providing style and elegance. The Jubilee bracelet can be found in all types of metals and also in a two tone. 

ROLEX BRACELET JUBILEE
ROLEX BRACELET JUBILEE

ROLEX BRACELET Oyster

The Oyster is one of the most classic bracelet of Rolex, first introduced in the late 1930s. It is actual one of the most popular and reliable bracelets that can accompany most of Rolex models. Because of its design it is one of the most reliable bracelet that last in time with minimum damages due to heavy use. You can find it in steel, yellow gold, rose gold, combination of materials, and lastly platinum. 

ROLEX BRACELET OYSTER
ROLEX BRACELET OYSTER

 

ROLEX BRACELET President 

The President bracelet was created in 1956 for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Day Date. We can notice the semi-circular three-piece links which is considered as a mix between the Oyster bracelet and the Jubilee. The President bracelet can be spotted on the Day-Date and for some versions of the Datejust.

ROLEX BRACELET PRESIDENT
ROLEX BRACELET PRESIDENT

 

ROLEX BRACELET Pearlmaster 

The Pearlmaster bracelet was introduced in 1992 and is a five-piece links bracelet, with more curves than the  Oyster bracelet but simpler than Jubilee or President. It is considered one of the most elegant bracelets and accompanies diamonds and precious gems on dials, crowns and lugs. Can be spotted in platinum,  yellow gold as well as white and pink gold. 

ROLEX BRACELET Pearlmaster 
ROLEX BRACELET Pearlmaster

 

ROLEX BRACELET Leather 

In the beginning of the 1990s Rolex introduced leather straps for Daytona until 2017, when the rubber Oysterflex bracelet replaced them.

ROLEX BRACELET Oysterflex t

The Oysterflex was first introduced in 2015 by Rolex for the 2015 yacht Master Everose with reference… It provides the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet, while preserving the comfort and suppleness of an elastomer strap. Rolex gave the opportunity of an Oysterflex bracelet for Daytona since 2018, and the Rolex Sky-Dweller since 2020.

ROLEX BRACELET Oysterflex
ROLEX BRACELET Oysterflex

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

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ROLEX PRODUCTION DATES

In order to learn more about your beloved watch you need to know where ROLEX PRODUCTION DATES are engraved. In the end of the 1940s, Rolex used a circular design, the model number was engraved between the lugs and above 12 o’ clock opposite on the 6 o’clock in the same position you could find engraved the serial number of the watch. 

ROLEX PRODUCTION DATES
ROLEX PRODUCTION DATE

In the beginning of 1950s Rolex added a date mark inside the case back. This showed the quarter in Roman numerals followed by the last two digits of the year.

(I/II/III/IV & YEAR)

ROLEX PRODUCTION DATES! How can you Translate Them?

For example II50, would be the 2nd Quarter of 1950. 

I 1ST QUARTER JANUARY-MARCH
II 2ND QUARTER APRIL-JUNE
III 3RD QUARTER JULY-SEPTEMBER
IV 4TH QUARTER OCTOBER-DECEMBER

In the middle of 1950’s Rolex hit 1.000.000 watches therefore it was decided to start over but not from scratch from 0 it started from 100.000. 

In the end of 1980s Rolex hit 10.000.000 watches and the numbering system used a prefix letter followed by six digits. The letters had the following order R, L, E, X, N, C, S, W, T, U.

 

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ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH? Ok, but why Turn-O-Graph

ROLEX TURN-O-GRAPH Story

One of the most crucial and therefore moment in Rolex‘s chronograph history occurred in 1953 with the introduction of the 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 Rolex Turn-O-Graph is a reflection of Rolex core identity and 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.

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 Rolex 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.

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

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

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CARTIER Baignoire

The amazing CARTIER Baignoire was introduced by Cartier in 1912. This amazing watch was created by Louis Cartier that captured in a magical way a new version of the classic round watch into something really unique. As odd as it seems the new watch had the shape of a bathtub in french a Baignoire!

Small model yellow gold, alligator strap and Quartz movement.

CARTIER Baignoire
CARTIER Baignoire

The Baignoire Allongee with its white gold set diamonds case with brilliant cut and an alligator strap combined with its 1917 MC manual movement.

CARTIER Baignoire
CARTIER Baignoire

 

Favoured from many important women in the past such as Catherine Deneuve and Romy Schneider.

 

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The famous Louis Cartier first introduced in 1906 the Tonneau-barrel shaped cases, where Tonneau in the french word for barrel.  Just two years after the introduction of the famous Santos, the first men watch with a square shape.

THE TONNEAU Milestones

In 1906 Cartier is interrupting the tradition of pocket watches quite famous till now with the introduction of Tonneau.

in 1907 Cartier is women’s version that keeps the shape of the Tonneau case and add a sparkle with the amazing bracelets made from natural pearls, platinum and gold.

CARTIER TONNEAU
CARTIER TONNEAU

In 1911 Cartier is changing the way the lugs are connecting with the case and introduce the famous tube screws.

In 1924 in New York, Cartier is adopting a more girly approach that is reflected to its unique model that combines in the most absolute way the pearl bracelet with the pave diamonds on the case.

Moving one decades later  the Tonneau collection comes back in 2004 with a model that personally brings me back a lot of memories of 1911. This specific model comes with a diamond bezel and a toile poudree strap.

In 2005 Cartier is introducing a unique men’s watch that is featuring a dual time zone.

Cartier Tonneau Dual Time
Cartier Tonneau Dual Time

In 2019 Cartier is coming back with two amazing models an updated design of the previous models and a skeleton dual time zone a certainly upgraded and beautiful version of the 2005 model.

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

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