Rolex Model Information & History
Below is a summary of each Rolex model line with a brief history for each. The end section contains a chronological timeline for various model and innovation release dates. This information was pulled together from various sources around the internet as well as some additional content added by me. Where applicable, I added a link to the original source at the bottom of this post.
andrema Administrator At watch freeks
Rolex Air-King A part of the Oyster Perpetual line, it is the least expensive wristwatch in the Rolex collection. And if you are a military aviation buff, you might want to wear this watch just for the historical value it represents. Apparently before WWII Rolex was the favourite brand of long-distance flyers and had become the watch of choice for Battle of Britain fighter pilots. Neutral Switzerland stayed out of the war, but Rolex's founder, Hans Wilsdorf, (who, ironically, was German-born) was so moved by this distinction, he decided to honour these brave men with a new line of manual wind Oysters. While the Oyster Royal line existed already before the war - and was, at that time, the most expensive manual wind model - Rolex began producing larger watches and baptizing them with names like "Air Tiger," "Air Lion," "Air Giant," and "Air King." Interestingly enough, what was then considered a "large" watch- 32 to 34 mm diameter - is now small in comparison, asRolex models feature up to a 44 mm diameter. The "Air" line of watches remained in production until the early 1960s, but never really took off. In the end only the Air-King survived and was eventually fitted with an automatic movement. This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image.
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Rolex Cellini Benvenuto Cellini was a well-known 16th century Italian artist. He was a master goldsmith of the Italian Renaissance. He brought the same level of inspiration and skill to jewelry and decorative design as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelodid with their artwork. The results were works of such refinement that they blurred the distinction between craft and art. The watches in the Cellini line have a feel of the Renaissance to them - fluid and exquisitely crafted masterpieces that are as timeless as the Beaux Arts themselves.The Celliniembodies the eye-pleasing blend of classicism and simplicity. These quintessentially elegant watches are hand-wound, have no date display, and are not waterproof. There are no rotatable bezels or functions allowing the wearer to monitor time zones. It is as if Rolex decided to return to the very basics of the fine art of watchmaking. The common elements of Cellini men's watches is a very discreet, no-frills design. Leather straps and gold bands impart muted elegance that might be understated for some tastes, but has certainly endured the whimsy of changing fashions. The ladies' watches in the Cellini collection are powered by Quartz movements. Some folks may say the classic design is totally inconsistent with a quartz movement, especially as men's models in the line are all hand-wound. Ladies' Cellini watches are just a tad dressier than their male counterparts. A couple of the models can even be described as quite flashy, but, again, it may be just a reflection ofCellini's rebellious streak. All in all, the Cellini line is Rolex's fine tribute to the enduring qualities of classic elegance, which, like the artist's works, really is timeless.
Rolex Cellini models in production:
Cellinium Quartz Cellissima Classic Danaos Cestello Orchid Prince
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Rolex DateJust First introduced in 1945, DateJust was the first watch not only to display the date automatically - and have it verified by an official chronometer certificate -- but to move the numbers to the next day's date at precisely 12:00 AM. It was also the world's first fully waterproof men's watch with automatic winding and central seconds-hand. How DateJust Evolved: 1945: The original DateJust is modified from Bubbleback with introduction of the date function at the 3 position. When introduced, the DateJust was fitted with a coin-edged bezel and a pie-pan dial. Later a 2mm smaller version of Datejust – the Oyster Date was introduced. 1954: The cyclops feature -the two and a half times magnifying lens- was first released on the Datejust. Two years later, Rolex released a Datejust “Thunderbird― model with a Turn-O-Graph
gold bezel. Late 70’s: The Quick Set Feature was introduced in all Datejust models. The old pie-pan dial was replaced with a new case and dial to fit the new smaller movement. 1988: The domed plastic crystal was discarded with the introduction of the sapphire crystal, which created the now familiar version of the Rolex DateJust. 1994: Rolex went to a "no holes" case. 2005: The hidden clasp is introduced on Men's model 2009:The Rolex DateJust II was released at the Baselworld. The DateJust II is 41 mm width, which can be considered a larger version of the DateJust catering to the current fever of big watches.
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Rolex Day-Date Released in 1956 after Rolex had been enjoying quite a barren spell in the sale of its manufactured complicated timepieces it soon began to revive fortune. This new 6511 the "Day Date" had a window at 12 spelling out the day at 12 and the date was shown at 3. Due to the complexity of the watch, with its automatic movement, additional day and date discs and a screw down back it was a very large and thick watch which gave it presence on the wrist. Introduced as a niche model it soon gained the popularity it deserves and after the introduction of the concealed clasp it was known as the "President" The Day Date became Rolex's flagship and savior. The first model (6511) lasted just over a year before it was replaced by the externally identical 6611. This model featured the new caliber 1055 movement with its free sprung Micro-Stella balance and was the first to be labeled " Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" on the dial. This new accuracy standard guaranteed the watch to remain within + 3.0 seconds per day. The Day Date earned the nickname the "President" when Rolex reportedly gave one to the then President of the United States Dwight Eisenhower. Other U.S. Presidents wore the model as well, including John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford. While the name "President" stuck in the U.S., in Europe this model is known only by its original name of Day-Date. These early models did not have the hack feature and appeared rather bulky. In their never ending quest to modernize the basic configuration of the Day Date, Rolex designers have changed from the bubbleback look of the early models to the slender shape employed today. With only a few mild case design changes over the years the first modification to the Day Date was the addition of the hack feature in 1972. This allowed the second hand to be stopped dead if you wanted to set the time via a preset accurate source. At this time the shape of the head was essentially the same as it is today. The Day Date was available in white gold, yellow gold, pink gold and platinum. The "Quick set" feature solved one of the watches biggest problems. The model # 18038 was introduced in 1978. The Quick set allowed you to quickly advance the date instead of turning the crown round and round to change the date.The wearer could just pull the button out half way and a few turns at most and the correct date was displayed. The introduction of the quick set feature also coincided with other developments for the Day Date. The inclusion of the sapphire crystal not only gave the watch a sleeker look but also added to the durability of the watch. The sapphire crystal fitted tighter than the plastic glass employed before and rendered the watch glass scratch proof near enough. The early Day Date models were waterproof to 165 feet ( 50 meters) while the current model is safe at depths of up to 100 meters. At the same time the current model is much slimmer. In addition to the advancements structurally and internally Rolex introduced a new number system that is still in use for today on some models. They added an extra digit to the model number. This number although denoted a new line actually represented the material the watch was when it left the product line. The "Double Quick Set" feature was introduced in 1989. This model # was 18238 and it made the setting of the Day and Date even easier as they could both be done on the button. Rolex has also increasingly expanded their "Crown Collection" to include all types of precious stones by now although they were available with diamonds on the bezel from their introduction. From the end of 2000 the Day Date has been available in pink gold again as pink gold was not in production in the 1980's and 1990's. The watch has also been introduced with a doomed sapphire mineral glass and can come on an oyster bracelet to bring it in line with many of their other models. At the same time, the band was made much heavier making the watch 30% heavier than pre 2000 models.
The Day Date across the world has become synonymous with class and style. This watch remains one of the most prestigious additions a man can have to his wardrobe.
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Rolex Daytona If there ever was a watch that has become a living legend, it has to be the Rolex Daytona. It is so revered and coveted that collectors around the world are willing to wait years and pay exorbitant black market prices for the privilege of wearing this universally acclaimed timepiece around their wrists. What is really surprising when you see the frenzy surrounding this sought-after object of desire, is that upon its introduction in 1961 the watch, known at the time as the Cosmograph -- a revamped version of the chronograph model launched by Rolex in 1937 -- was not very popular at all. Introduced in 1961 using a Valjoux 72 manual-wind 3-register chronograph movement, the Cosmograph, Cosmograph Daytona and Oyster Cosmograph Daytona were produced continuously until 1988. Relatively unpopular, they were replaced by a bigger Daytona featuring self-winding movements, using a slightly modified version of Zenith's El Primero caliber, under the name Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph. In 2000 Rolex replaced the Zenith movement with a 3-register chronograph movement entirely of its own design, the Rolex 4130 caliber (model number: 116520). Due to its limited production and increasing popularity, the stainless steel Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is considered a rare watch to own. Although Rolex continues to manufacture a version of the "Daytona" to the present time, the rarest versions of the Rolex Daytona are the first versions, the 6238, 6239, 6240, 6241, 6262, 6263 6264 and 6265 References, made from 1961 to 1987, and now out of production. Another rare version known as the 6269, there are only 15 known models of the 6269. The 6238, 6239, 6241 and 6262 References were the first versions, and were not "Oyster" versions, they did not have a screw down winding crown or screw down timing buttons. The movement used was a manual windValjoux cal. 72, named the Rolex Cal. 722.
The 6263, 6264 and 6265 References were produced commencing 1970, were Oyster versions with screw down crown and screw down timing buttons. The movement used remained based on the manual wind Valjoux cal. 72, but with some refinements, and was called the Rolex Cal. 727. These Daytonas are the original Rolex Daytona watches, and are very rare and very collectible. The movement has proven to be exceptionally reliable and accurate. In fact, the Cal. 727 was certified as a chronometer in some cases.[suP][2] [/suP] The most rare Daytonas are those with the so-called "Paul Newman" dial. The appearance differences between a Paul Newman dial and a normal Daytona dial of the time are subtle and often unnoticeable to the untrained eye. First, to be authentic, a Paul Newman dial must be in a Reference 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264 or 6265 watch, installed by Rolex Geneva as original. All of these References had acrylic domed crystals. Once this simple provenance has been determined, the easiest visual way for the layman to determine a Paul Newman dial from a normal Daytona dial is in the sub-dials (the dials that are the opposite or contrasting color of the main dial). The sub-dials of a Paul Newman dial has block markers instead of lines, will have crosshairs across each sub-dial meeting at centre (the normal Daytona dial does not), and the minutes sub-dial placed at 9:00 is marked at 15, 30, 45 and 60, whereas a normal Daytona dial is marked at 20, 40 and 60. The dial may or may not have the word "Daytona" written on the dial above the hour sub-dial located at 6:00. The dial came in four color and layout combinations, and was installed as an option by Rolex on the Daytona line of watches in the Reference 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264 or 6265 watches. The watch has been out of production since the early 1970's, and Rolex is not able to supply any replacement version of it. It is said that Paul Newman wore this watch until his death in 2008, and has done so since 1972, the watch having been given to him by his wife, Joanne Woodward, when Newman took up automobile racing. The original Daytona watches were not in demand when produced, and were available for little money, but have gained rapid esteem in the collector milieu and today are known as the "Holy Grail" of collectible watches and fetch astronomical prices at auction, purchased by avid collectors in the know and other cognoscenti. This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image.
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Rolex Explorer There is nothing even remotely dainty about the Rolex Explorer watch, the luxury watchmaker's tribute
to the fearless adventurers who have been bravely blazing new trails and conquering the world's last frontiers. Explorer I: [/i] Rolex launched the model in 1953.The Origins of this masterpiece are in it's name. Originally designed for explorers, so it had a high visibility dial, an extra strong case, and upon request it could be lubricated with a special oil so it could withstand temperatures between -20C and +40C without changes in viscosity. Although it was widely acclaimed that this watch had been designed and made in honor of Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay who were the first men to reach the summit of Everest on May 29 1953. Evidence suggests that this watch was indeed used on previous expeditions as Rolex registered the name in 1953. The look of the Explorer is all about the dial, which is a mixture of a number of previously used styles. The large triangle at '12' was first used by the company on the mixed Roman and Arabic dial of the 1940's. The large Arabic numerals for the quarters and bars for the remainder are seen on many of the very first model cushion Oysters. Despite this some what mixed parentage, the Explorer dial has taken on an identity of its own and created a cult following and can now never be confused with any other. The first Explorers (6350 models) used the "big bubbleback 10-1/2" A296 movement. Most of the 6350 models that have been studied do not have the classic "skelette" (Mercedes) hands. Instead they have heavily luminized versions of the standard parallel hands of that period. While the sweep hand is very strange, it looks similar to the current hand having a large luminous insert. Most of the early 6350 dials are also unusual in the fact that they are "honeycombed" textured and are signed "Officially certified Chronometer". As this model was replaced roughly a year after it was released it is difficult to know just how successful it was as in many was its predecessor (model 6150) has over shadowed it. The 6150 was distinguishable from the 6350 by being 2mm larger and was only available as a precision model. The 6150 was made until 1959 when it was replaced by the 6610 which looks identical but can be identified by its flatter back caused by using the new 1030 calibre movement. The dial of the 6610 is signed " Chronometer" The simplest method of recognizing any of the early Rolex Explorer's is by looking at the dial for their variations. During these early years Rolex was unaware of the potential of this model. As a result the name was affixed to a number of watches, not easily recognizable as Explorers. There were two variations on the theme. The first was the "Air King Explorer" this was an Explorer bearing the model ref. 5500 but with an Explorer dial marked "Precision" rather than "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" The second variation are the "dress Explorers." These are standard Oyster Perpetuals in steel or gold with white or black non-Explorer dials but signed, "Explorer". Seen both with and without date these watches seem to have been predominately in the North American Market. In 1963 the Explorer evolved again, with a new 1560 calibre movement it was renamed the 1016 and it became the longest running explorer from 1963 right up to 1989. The second version of the 1016 was really the second version of the 1560 calibre (now called 1570), because the major recognizable difference is the movement. The "hack" feature stops the hand when the winding crown is pulled out to the hand setting position. By stopping the hand at the "12" position, it is possible to synchronize your time with a known source. Simultaneously with the movement change Rolex introduced the New Oyster Bracelet. The bracelet was now machined out of solid stainless steel as opposed to the previously folded steel sheet links. In this revised form the Explorer continued through to 1989, when to the astonishment of Rolex retailers, it was removed from the Rolex catalogue. Six months later the new heavily revised version of the Explorer emerged. The new Explorer bearing the model designation 14270, sported a new case, dial, movement, and glass. The hands and the name are the only thing carried over from the 1016. Thirteen years after Rolex first introduced the Sapphire crystal glass the Explorer was finally fitted with one. Under this new crystal the dial featured white gold skeleton markers with luminous tritium fillings: these replaced the previously painted markers. Under the dial was the very latest fast beat calibre 3000. These modifications brought the Explorer in line with all the other Rolex models and because the cosmetics of
the new watch differed so much from that of the old one the price in the collectors market for the old one spiraled. Click this bar to view the full image.
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Explorer II: [/i] Introduced in the early 1970's as model 1655, it is in essence a GMT Master with a fixed bezel. It has the same calibre movement as the GMT (1575) and has a forth hand which rotates once every 24 hours. This hand was read using the 24 hour engraved steel fixed bezel. Rolex introduced the watch as an essential tool to all 'speleologists' (more commonly known as 'cave explorers' ) Rolex also claimed that the speleologist "soon loses all notion of time: morning, afternoon day or night." For these intrepid souls Rolex developed the watch that could tell them whether the "2"
on the dial was 2:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. (14:00). This may well be true, but there are other things with a higher demand than speleologists. The limited popularity that it had was because of people in the aviation field, air traffic controllers, etc. In its life the watch for the first 3 years had an orange hand, and up until 1985 it had a red one. The 1655 Explorer II and the 1019 Milgauss are the only Rolex Models which use hands that are not used by any other model. The Explorer II 1655 was not really popular until 1991, five years after it was re-launched with a sapphire glass and the same movement as the GMT Master II. This allowed the owner of the watch to set the hour hand backwards or forwards in one hour jumps without disturbing the second or minute hands. This facility allowed the owner to change time zones without losing a preset accurate time.
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Rolex GMT Master The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date GMT Master is part of the Rolex Professional Watch Collection. Designed in collaboration with Pan-Am Airways for use by their pilots, it was launched in 1954. The Rolex GMT Master wristwatch (ref 6542) is a watch originally designed in collaboration with PanAm Airways for use by their pilots when traveling through multiple time zones on transcontinental (or long-haul) flights, GMT standing for Greenwich Mean Time. Working in conjunction with Pan-Am's Captain Frederick Libby (a decorated World War II veteran and one of the airlines most respected navigators), Rolex executive and Public Relations Director Rene-Paul Jeanneret came up with the idea of a watch with an additional hour hand revolving just once every 24 hours and a rotatable bezel marked with those same 24 hours. Today it has become one of the most iconic models in the Rolex collection, regarded as a status symbol and is popular with travelers and people who need to keep track of the time simultaneously in different areas of the world. In 1981 Rolex added a quick-set date feature to the 16750 model. Before this (on the 1675 model), to adjust the date one would have to continue to wind the crown through all the dates in order to reach the current.
A new model of the Rolex GMT Master came out in 1983 and was named the Rolex GMT Master II (ref 16710). The quick-set date feature and the scratch-proof sapphire crystal added in 1987 are the two major changes in the last 30 years at Rolex. Production for the ref 16710 model ceased in 2007. The successor (ref # 116710) was introduced at the 2007 Basel World Fair with the same specification as the all-gold model (ref #16718). The Rolex GMT Master can display time in two different time zones and the Rolex GMT Master II in three. Using the additional GMT hand (which completes a 24 hour cycle in a single rotation) the GMT Master and the GMT Master II uses a bi-directional rotatable bezel marked zero to twenty three allowing for a second time zone to be displayed with the GMT hand pointing to the bezel hour. The GMT Master II allows the hour hand to be set independently from the GMT hand, thus allowing a third time zone. This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image.
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Rolex Milglauss Before 1954 wearing a mechanical watch near high magnetic fields was nearly impossible. The fields would make the inner workings of the watch malfunction and therefore not keep time. Rolex noted this problem and set out to create a watch that these professionals could wear. The name Milgauss comes from the French word “mille― which means one thousand and “gauss― which is the unit of measure for magnetic induction. A normal watch stops running correctly at about 60-100 gauss. Since Rolex created the Milgauss with anti-magnetic alloys in it’s movement it remains accurate at high gauss levels. It is guaranteed to
work properly up to 1000 gauss but has been tested at 5000 gauss and remained accurate as well. Along with the incredible engineering that went into the movement of the watch comes beautiful design. The Milgauss is one of the most recognizable Rolex’s on the market. Today the Milgauss is identified with the lightening bolt second hand, but that was not always the case. The first model did not have the bolt, instead it had very regular looking hands in the shape of a long triangle. Also, the bezel was the same as the Submariners. Few of the first edition Milgauss were made before introducing the second version. The second version included metal markers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. It also said “Milgauss― under the 12 o’clock position instead of at the bottom in the first version. By the fourth version of the watch the lightening bolt was introduced along with a special bezel that counted to 6. Finally in the 60′s Rolex introduced the Milgauss with a solid metal bezel like the one you see today. Over the years the Milgauss never proved to be a great seller. Because there are not many people who need a watch with the capabilities the Milgauss provides it was mostly sold for its styling. In 1986 Rolex discontinued the Milgauss. In 2007 Rolex brought back the Milgauss with an absolutely stunning design. It came back with three different styles: first was stainless steel with a white dial, the second is stainless steel with a black dial, and the third is stainless steel with a black dial and green bezel. Since its reintroduction, the Milgauss has started to regain some popularity within the luxury watch community.
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Rolex Oysterdate The Rolex Oysterdate is a transition watch. It is arefreshing "blast from the past". It isboth dressy and sporty and can easily fit in with any attire. The Oysterdate is 34mm in diameter. It is one of the last watches that Rolex made with a manual wind movement in an Oyster-case. It featured an acrylic crystal.Since the movement of this Rolex is a manual wind, the case is much thinner then of those fitted with an automatic movement. This is because it doesn't have to accommodate a rotor, and makes the overall profile of the watch rather slim. This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image.
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Rolex Oysterquartz In 1977 Rolex launched the Oysterquartz line in the DateJust and Day-Date (also known as President) watches. Special models of the Oysterquartz were also produced withdiamond dials, bezels, and bracelets. With their solid Oyster cases and matching integral bracelets in gold or a combination of gold and stainless steel, the watches offered just the right blend ofdressy and sporty, without going overboard in either direction. You could comfortably wear them for a dressy or casual occasion. Unfortunately,Oysterquartz proved not to be as timeless as Rolex's other models, because the production of this line ceased in 2001. In total some 25,000 watches were manufactured in 24 years, making the Oysterquartz one of the rarest watches ever produced, and thus all the more valuable to collectors.
The last year the Oysterquartz was produced was in 2001; and this was also the last year Rolex received any chronometer certificates for quartz movements. The last year the Oysterquartz appeared in the Rolex catalog was 2003
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Rolex Submariner The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner is a line of watches manufactured by Rolex, designed for diving and known for their resistance to water. The first Submariner was introduced to the public in 1954 at the Swiss Watch Fair. Copied by other watch makers, the Rolex Submariner is recognized as a classic and one of the most widely recognized luxury products in the world. The Rolex Submariner is part of Rolex's Oyster Perpetual Professional line. The Rolex Submariner has appeared in eleven James Bond movies. The Submariner model went into production in 1953, and was showcased at the Basel watch fair in 1954. The assigned case reference number of this first Submariner was either 6204 or 6205. It is unclear which model came first and, in any event, the two watches are nearly identical. Neither has the distinctive "cathedral" or "Mercedes" hands now so strongly associated with the Submariner line. Rather, both of these early submariners have straight "pencil" style hands. Few if any of the 6205 watches bear the name "Submariner" on the dial, a major distinction with modern Submariners. Some 6204 models have the Submariner logo printed below the center pinion, while others have the logo blacked out. It is believed that there were unexpected trademark issues connected with the name "Submariner" at the time the 6204 and 6205 were released which account for the inconsistent use of the Submariner mark on these early Submariners. Trademark irregularities notwithstanding, both the 6204 and 6205 are designated Submariner models in the Rolex product literature of the time.
In 1954, Rolex also produced a small number of ref. 6200 Submariners. This was the first Submariner (although not the first Rolex) to make use of the Mercedes hand set ( a feature of all subsequent Submariners). The 6200 also featured an oversized winding crown (compared with the 6204 and 6205 models). Within a few years, Rolex revised its Submariner line, producing the 6536 (small crown) and 6538 (oversized crown) models. These watches had "improved" movements (the cal. 1030), including a chronometer version in some 6536 models (designated 6536/1), the now-familiar Mercedes hands, along with the Submariner logo and depth rating printed on the dial. By the early 1960s, these models gave way to the 5508 (small crown) and 5510 (large crown) models. All of these early Submariners used either gilt (6200, 6204, 6205) or gilt/silver gilt (6536, 6538) printing on glossy black dials. Radium paint was used for the luminous indices. The next wave of Submariners, the 5512 (chronometer version) and 5513 (non-chronometer) marked a significant change in the appearance of the popular Rolex design. "Shoulders" were added to the crown side of the case to provide protection for the winding/setting mechanism. In early watches—perhaps until 1964 or so—these shoulders were pyramid-shaped, ending in points. Later watches were manufactured with rounded shoulders. In addition, the 5512 and 5513 were both fitted with the oversized crown, which became a standard feature of the Submariner line thereafter. Sometime in the early 1960s, Rolex discontinued the use of radium paint for the luminous indices, switching to the safer Tritium-infused paint. In 1965-1966, Rolex discontinued use of gilt/silver gilt dials on the Submariner watches, switching to white printing. A final important change came with the introduction of the 1680 model in the late 1960s. The 1680 was the first Submariner to be equipped with a date complication, marking the completion of the transition of the Submariner line from specialist tool watch to mass market fashion accessory. While many professional and military divers used—and continue to use—Submariners in the most demanding underwater environments, by the late '60s the watch had undeniably become a mass market product as well. Throughout the next 40 years, the Submariner was updated with improved water resistance, new movements, and numerous small cosmetic changes. Nonetheless, the modern Submariner of today bears a very strong resemblance to the 5512 or 5513 of the early 1960s, and is an unmistakable descendant of the very first Submariners introduced more than fifty years ago. In 2003, Rolex celebrated the Submariner's 50th anniversary by launching the Rolex Submariner anniversary edition (16610 LV). Its distinguishing features were the green bezel and Maxi dial. In 2006, Rolex introduced the new Submariner model with a new “supercase―, improved bracelet and glidelock clasp. It brings back the vintage Maxi-Markers and ads fat hands as well as a ceramic bezel insert and perhaps most important of all, the super innovative Rolex Glidelock bracelet. The all new Rolex Submariner LN and LV both feature the extremely innovative Rolex Oyster Glidelock Bracelet which allows the wearer to easily micro-adjust the bracelet without even having to take the bracelet of their wrist. Model information and characteristics:
Is waterproof to a maximum depth of 300 metres/1000ft.
Has the Triplock system, featuring a triple gasket system, is identified by three dots on the crown which screws down tightly onto the case tube and against the Oyster case providing another layer of protection.
Has a case made from a solid block of 904L stainless steel or gold. 904L steel is a corrosionresistant stainless steel alloy. Rolex makes its gold in its own foundry where it can create new alloys and control the quality of the gold.
As a true diving watch, the Submariner utilizes a unidirectional bezel that enables the diver to memorize and follow immersion time. Since the bezel only rotates counterclockwise, the dive time can only become "shorter" in case of accidental bezel movement, thus avoiding the danger of spending too much time underwater.
Has the Perpetual rotor in the self-winding wristwatch mechanism which allows the watch to run continuously because every slight movement of the wrist winds the movement and the energy generated is stored in the mainspring which can allow the watch to continue to function with no movement for up to two or three days. Every movement is an officially certified Swiss chronometer by the COSC. At midnight the Rolex calendar mechanism advances to the next date in a single short rotation.
As of summer of 2007 the 14060M non date version became a COSC certified Swiss chronometer.
As of 2007, and more particularly, with the "Z" serial number series, there are no holograms on the casebacks.
A new submariner based on the "supercase" used in the GMT II was presented at the 2008 Basel show. The first Submariner models offered are a yellow gold with blue face and bezel and a new white gold with blue face and bezel.
More recent models of the Submariner (late 2008) have a distinctive "ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX" and serial number engraved on the "inner bezel" known more correctly as the "Rehaut" (French) or "Flange"(English).
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Rolex Sea Dweller The Rolex Sea-Dweller, introduced in 1967, is a heavier-duty version of the Submariner in steel, with a thicker case and crystal. The Sea-Dweller incorporates a helium escape valve for use with helium-based breathing gas mixtures in saturation diving. The current model (ref 16600) is guaranteed waterproof to 1220 m/4000ft. The Sea-Dweller was superseded by the Deep Sea Sea-Dweller in late 2008 with the last few 16600 Sea-Dwellers produced running into the V-series (late 2008) The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 (2000 ft = 610 m) that became available in 1967 was developed from the Submariner for the Comex S.A. industrial deep-sea diving company by increasing crystal thickness and was produced in several variations. Most Sea-Dweller watches incorporate a helium escape valve for saturation diving. Early Sea-Dwellers did however not always have the helium escape valve. Another feature setting it apart is the absence of a date magnification
bubble, the cyclop, present on most Rolexes. Since 1977 the Rolex Sea-Dweller diving watch range have served as standard issue diving watches for Comex divers. The Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 watches have 2 red text lines on the watch dial which led to an unofficial "Double Red" designation under watch collectors for these watches. The Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 (2000 ft = 610 m) models were succeeded by the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 4000 (4000 ft = 1220 m) model with an increased depth rating. The current Comex Sea-Dweller 4000 Rolex reference number is 16600 and this watch has been issued to Comex divers since 1992. At the BaselWorld 2008 Show, Rolex introduced an updated Sea-Dweller model, named the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA. Its reference number is 116660. With an official depth rating of 3,900 metres (12,800 ft), the Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA represented in its launch year the most water resistant mechanical watch in serial production. For obtaining this official depth rating the SeaDweller DEEPSEA water resistance is tested to a depth of 4,875 m (16,000 ft) to offer the 25% safety reserve required by the ISO 6425 divers' watches standard.To test the water resistance of the SeaDweller DEEPSEA, Rolex uses testing equipment developed for them by Comex.[suP][5][/suP] Normal surface air filled watch cases and crystals designed for extreme depths must be dimensionally large to cope with the encountered water pressure. To obtain its water resistance the Rolex SeaDweller DEEPSEA watch case has a diameter of 43.0mm, thickness of 17.7mm (domed crystal thickness 5.5mm) and the case and bracelet weigh 220 g. This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image.
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Rolex Yacht-Master The Rolex Yacht-Master is a popular sport watch made by Rolex, first introduced in 1992 with the model 11628 in 18k yellow gold. In 1994, Rolex released a lady's model (69628) and a mid-size man's model (68628), which was the first time Rolex had ever issued a smaller professional size watch. In
1996, Rolex introduced two-tone (stainless steel and 18k yellow gold) to the ladies and mid-size line. In 1997, Rolex released the Yacht-Master in Rolesium, a term patented by Rolex in 1932 which gives the Yacht-Master a stainless steel and platinum construction; the bezel and dial are platinum, while the case, band, crown, etc. are stainless steel. This model is also known as the Platinum Yacht-Master. This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image.
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[/i][/b] Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller[/i][/b] [/b] The Rolex Sky-Dweller, is designed for those who travel the world, is the first Rolex watch with two time zones and an annual calendar. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller uses central hands to display local time, while the central rotating disc displays a time in the second time-zone. In 2012, Rolex introduced the model, which included three variations: White gold - reference 326939, Yellow gold reference 32693, and Everose gold - reference 326935.
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When were models and new components Introduced by Rolex? 1926 1927 1931 1938 1938 1945 1945 1950
Oyster Case Serial Number On Oyster Case Oyster Perpetual Bubble Back Oyster Bracelet Jubilee Bracelet Datejust "Mercedes" Hands
1953 1953 1954 1954 1954 1954 1956 1956 1959 1960 1961 1962 1965 1965 1967 1971 1972 1974 1976 1977 1977 1978 1979 1983 1983 1988 1992 1994 2000 2001 2003 2002 2004 2004 2005 2006 2011 2012
Submariner 100m/330ft Explorer GMT-Master Submariner 200m / 660ft Cyclops (aka Magnifying bump on Crystal) Lady's Oyster Perpetual Day-Date President Bracelet Submariner gets Crown Guards and 40mm Case Deep Sea Special Oyster Cosmograph Cosmograph Daytona Submariner Date Submariner Date 18 k YG Sea-Dweller Explorer II Hacking Movement Sapphire Crystal Oysterquartz Oysterquartz Day-Date Quick Set Date Feature Sea-Dweller 4000 Submariner 300m/1000ft with Sapphire Crystal GMT-Master II Submariner Rolesor (aka Sub TT) Cosmograph Daytona (Zenith Movement aka Cal. 4030) Yachtmaster Yachtmaster Lady & Mid-Sized aka Boys Size Cosmograph Daytona with new in-house Mvt (Cal. 4130) Laser Etched Hologram In Crystal "Green" Submariner Date (aka Anniversary Model with Maxi Dial) end of Y series early 2003. Non lugs holes started to make there appearence on most models. Serial F/D on some models the Rolex Rolex Rolex On the Rehaut ring New Datejust Case New GMT-Master YG (Cal. 3186) New GMT-Master Rolesor (Cal. 3186) New Explorer ll with larger 42mm case New Sky Dweller model was introduced at Baselworld 2012
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[/b] Sources:[/b] http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=8478
http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex-Model-Overview http://www.beckertime.com/rolex-model-information-history/ Photos are from various internet sources.