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Friday, June 19, 2009

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The Rolex Watch


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Rolex Submariner Vs the Rolex Sea-dweller


The Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Sea-Dweller are two of the truly exceptional sport models Rolex makes. Meant for the divers, both these models have taken the brand 'Rolex' to new heights or, should we say, depths. These two models are popular all over the world for their ability to perform accurately even deep under water.




How is the Sea-Dweller Different from the Submariner?


The basic difference between the two lies in their depth ratings. While the current Submariner models have a maximum depth rating of 300 meters or 1000 feet, the current versions of Sea-Dweller can comfortably go underwater up to a depth of 4000 feet (all earlier models had a depth rating of 2000 feet). As a result, the Submariner is the choice of amateur and recreational divers whereas professional divers go for the Sea-Dweller. The underwater treasure hunters also wear Sea-Dwellers.


Another major difference between the two models is the presence of a one-way gas escape valve opposite the winding crown in the Sea-Dweller. This special feature has been added to it to protect the watch from internal pressure, which builds-up when the divers go to the decompression chambers. Deep sea divers use a helium/oxygen mix in their air tanks, which can easily permeate the crystal of the watch. However, during decompression, helium particles are not able to come out of the watch, thus, blowing the crystal out of the watch. The gas escape valve was the a solution to this problem, which has proved extremely effective. The current Sea-Dweller models feature a larger and improved gas escape valve.




You will also find that the Sea-Dweller is bigger than the Submariner. This primarily is because of the thicker sapphire crystal that makes the former about 4mm thicker than the latter. The thicker crystal also leads to another notable difference between the two. Although the Sea-Dweller displays the date, it does not feature the Cyclops lens (magnifying lens). The thicker crystal does not allow for such a magnifying lens.



To What Extent the Sea-Dweller is Similar to the Submariner?


There are certain features found in both the models. The major similarity between the two is their ability to survive under water without any flaw in their functionality. In addition, there are many other aspects where the two are similar. For instance, you can find the following features in both models


1. A scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire crystal


2. Unidirectional bezel, capable of turning only counterclockwise preventing the accidental movement of the bezel while diving


3. New Triplock system now features a triple gasket system that screws down tightly onto the case tube and against the Oyster case. This offers another layer of protection under water


4. Self-winding mechanism with a perpetual motor5. Made of either solid block of 904L stainless steel (a stainless steel alloy which is completely corrosion resistant) or gold




The Rolex Submariner and the Sea-Dweller are alike in many ways, but the Sea-Dweller is a bigger, heavier and tougher brother of the Submariner. Go for the Submariner, if you are into recreational diving, however, for true professional and commercial divers, the Sea-Dweller should be the choice.

Intresting Rolex History

Known to be the world's bestselling watch company, with over 100 years of history, Rolex could be written as the definitive textbook in branding, with an emphasis for luxury items. Unfortunately, for many customers today, branding has taken on a negative nuance. Pop culture ads that rely on fashion and polling trends, naming right battles, mass production that sacrifice quality through outsourcing – these are some of the different means that companies use to gain success. However, Rolex has stood its ground and has not resorted to any such means in building its image. It let's its quality products speak for itself. Hence it stands as the standard in the wristwatch industry.

Quality, performance, innovation and stability are the pillars that Rolex has built its brand, since the introduction of wristwatches. The company first sold pocket watches and folding watches called travel clocks when it was first formed in 1905 as Wilsdorf & Davis. Interestingly, until this time, it was only women who wore wristwatches. Later it became popular when people realized how impractical it was to have pocket watches, this was during the Boer War of South Africa (1899-1902) when they noticed the soldiers with wristwatches.

Seeing the opportunity in this new market, Hans Wilsdorf, along with his brother-in-law, William Davis formed the company and began producing high quality watches. Around three years after W & D was formed, the company's name was officially changed to Rolex, a name that was trademarked by Wilsdorf. Somewhere during that time, the benefits of having a logo and brand name to distinguish a product from its competitors was just being discovered, and Wilsdorf capitalized on this opportunity. In essence they wanted a name that was easy to pronounce by all, had no meaning as such in any European language and something that was short and easy to spell. Another example of simple brand name was George Eastman naming his camera Kodak.

Quality

It was from Herman Aegler's Rebberg firm that Rolex got their mechanics in a watch. As a teenager Wilsdorf worked at Cuno Korten with Aegler, a watch exporter in Switzerland. Quite often Wilsdorf would set up 15 watches and check them each for accuracy and it was here at Cuno Korten that Wilsdorf's obession with accuracy began. Also he would submit the most accurate ones to the Neuchatel Observatory for testing without permission. However this was overlooked since all the testing passed and he received much praise from his seniors. Much later Aegler's company came to produce exclusively for Rolex, as it does today. Aegler's descendants still run the company, although owned by Rolex.

With his new company, Wilsdorf's obsession for accuracy continued. He was awarded the world's first chronometer award for a wristwatch, after sending the first Rolex movement to the School of Horology in Bienne, Switzerland. Rolex began to gain a worldwide reputation for the finest quality watches, with this award. Rolex watches went on to win a number of awards. Rolex received numerous awards. In 1914, Rolex received the Class A Certificate of Precision award from the Kew Observatory in England, previously only given to marine chronometers. During the testing the watches were subjected to three temperatures and five positions. This entire testing lasted for 45 days. After, Wilsdorf insisted that all Rolex watches would be sold only with an Official Timing Certificate and all their watches would be subjected to a similar testing.

Performance and Innovation

Wilsdorf realized that his watches needed to be extremely durable, in addition to accurate. Under his leadership and direction, Rolex made many innovations in either creating the technology or buying patents that made wrist watches dust proof, water proof, and auto winding. Wilsdorf did not do anything in half measure and showcased its performance and advertised the new products in a dramatic manner.

After the world's first truly water-resistant watch was created, the first example of this was illustrated. Two inventors named, Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret, developed a new moisture proof winding stem and button, which they put on the watch cases and on October 30, 1925, filed a patent for the same. Prior to this, the winding stem was situated inside the watches case, and wasn't really practical to the masses as this meant that the case had to be opened everyday to wind. And so Rolex had the world's only moisture proof case, now that the winding stem was outside the watch. From this design the Oyster watch was developed. On October1, 1927, when Mercedes Gleitze swam across the English Channel, she sported a Rolex Oyster. She came forth from a swim that lasted for more than 15 hours, with her Rolex in perfect condition. Wilsdorf capitalized on this and on November 27th of the same year, in London's Daily Mail, he took out a front page ad of Gleitze's picture and her story. Thereafter, the new Oyster was placed in small aquariums, wherever Rolexes were sold, to further exhibit its water resistant capabilities, this was on Wilsdorf's instructions. In fact, Sir Edmund Hillary wore a Rolex when he climbed the Rolex, in 1953.

Stability

In spite of the company being more than 100 years old, Rolex, in order to maintain its stability as the world's best watch, did several innovative things. And so, due to this stability, in the midst of changes that wiped out a number of watch manufacturers, Rolex not only survived, but blossomed. In the 1950's, the quartz watch was invented, which created low cost time pieces. During the 1970’s about half of the watches sold worldwide were structured on this quartz technology. Hong Kong was the largest watch producer. Since its relocation in 1919, Rolex has been located in Switzerland and never used outsourcing which keeps excellent quality control.

Having made a short venture into quartz technology, Rolex stuck to its foundation and continued to market their basic craft, which was considered old in industry standards. A typical quartz watch has around 50 to100 parts compared to a typical Rolex which has around 220 parts and takes almost a year to produce. Combined with a strong brand name, true craftsmanship can still have value – Rolex was a testimony to this fact.

Rolex kept up to its name and image, and never ventured out to produce any other products, unlike many other manufacturers of luxury items, who lent their name to various high end products. While temporary profits may have been a gain for these manufacturers, their brand name often diminished. And thus, Rolex is a name synonymous to wristwatches only.

In comparison to many of today's well known watch companies which are owned by the same two or three companies, Rolex never resorted to take shelter under any corporate or conglomerate. These well-known companies took advantage of their corporate resources and were able to promote their individual product lines. In 1960, Wilsdorf left the company to look after a foundation in order to avoid their interests being mixed or combined with those of various different watch companies. Wilsdorf's original vision was that the company would never be bought or publicly traded by a larger company.

In terms of gross revenue, Rolex has emerged as the world's number one seller of watches and will be able to compete for years to come. Customers are ensured that they are investing in a quality product, one that will be valuable in the future. The high class performance, innovative techniques, stability and its commitment to its foundation of quality, all these features provide value to all Rolex customers.

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Rolex Gmt Vs the Rolex Submariner


The Rolex GMT and the Rolex Submariner fall into the professional line of watches. While the GMT is meant for the aviators, the Submariner was the world's first watch designed for diving. Both were introduced in 1954 at the Basel Fair.

Similarities between the Rolex GMT and the Rolex Submariner

Apart from being professional Rolex Watches and sharing the same launching year, there are other similarities in the current versions of the two models. Some of these include:


1. Standard case size of 40mm

2. Self-winding mechanism

3. Rotating bezel

4. A scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire crystal, which gives the two watches a slimmer look

5. Triplock system providing another layer of protection to the Oyster case. It features a triple gasket system that screws down tightly onto the case tube and against the Oyster case

6. Available in 18k yellow gold, steel and Rolesor


Besides these similarities, the option of black bezel with black dial is also very popular in both these models.

How is the Rolex GMT Different from the Rolex Submariner?

Rolex created these two models to meet different professional needs. Some of the major aspects where the watch models differ from each other are explained below:


1. The Rolex Submariner features a uni-directional rotating bezel as opposed to the bi-directional bezel found in the Rolex GMT watches. The functionality of the bezels is different in the two models. The uni-directional bezel in the Rolex Submariner is designed to help a diver measure the elapsed time while diving. Before a diver gets enters the water, he needs to set the bezel so the triangle engraved on the bezel points at the current minute hand position. This will start counting the minutes while the diver descends. Similarly, by resetting the position of the triangle again, he can pace his ascent as well. Thus, by measuring the elapsed time, the bezel ensures the safety of the diver. On the other hand, the bi-directional rotating bezel in the Rolex GMT helps the wearer to read the time in two different time zones simultaneously. Divided into two equal parts, the time 6:00 to 18:00 represents the day and the time 18:00 to 6:00 represents the night. The special 24 hour hand is used to display the 24 hour time frame on the bezel. The watch features an independent hour hand, which can be set to a different time zone without adjusting the 24 hour hand and the bezel. In addition, the "one-hour" jump feature enables the hour hand to jump one hour at a time without affecting the minute or second hand. This feature is not present in the Submariner models.

2. The current Rolex GMT Models have a water depth rating of 330 feet, while the Submariner models have a water depth rating of 300 meters or 1000 feet.

3. All current Rolex GMT models sport a ceramic bezel, unlike the Submariner models.

4. The Rolex GMT models currently available offer many jewelry embedded options such as diamond-paved dial, rotating bezel fitted with diamonds, sapphires and rubies and even diamond fitted lugs. Such jewelry options are not available in the Submariner models.

To view the Rolex Submariner click on the link bellow.

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To view the Rolex GMT click on the link bellow.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Basic Care and Maintenance of Rolex Watches

Rolex Watches are known for both precision and elegance. Such a sterling combination of beauty and excellence may be the reason why they command such a high price. Every person who owns a Rolex treats it like a treasured possession. If you own a Rolex and want to cherish it forever, then you have to learn how to take proper care of your watch.

A simple care and basic maintenance program will not only keep your Rolex in perfect functioning condition for years to come, but will provide the feel that you are wearing a brand new Rolex every time you wear your watch.

The basic care and maintenance program for Rolex watches includes the following steps:--

1. Wear Your Rolex Regularly
Regular wear and use of your Rolex will keep the watch in perfect running condition. By doing so, you can ensure a constant flow of lubricants in the movement. If not used on a regular basis, these lubricants may harden, causing friction within the movement. Eventually, this friction may damage the functioning of the movement. If you do not wear your Rolex regularly, make sure to wind it at least once a week. This will keep the watch gears moving, thus preventing the lubricants from hardening.

2. Cleaning Your Rolex
Like any other work of intricate artistry and technology, a Rolex requires occasional cleaning and upkeep. There are many places on the watch where dirt, body oils and other greasy particles accumulate, such as between the links on the bracelet, the area joining the case and the bezel, and around the Cyclops lens. On repeated use, you will see clearly such dirt particles on your Rolex. When such particles are seen, the watch will require a thorough cleaning as described below:

# Before you start cleaning, make sure the winding crown is tightly screwed onto the case.
# Since you will be using your hands to clean your watch, washing them thoroughly with soap or hand wash so you avoid transferring any dirt or grease.
# Use lukewarm water to rinse off your watch.
# Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and ammonia- free mild soap.
# Apply this soapy water all over your watch using your hands.
# Now, gently scrub the watch to clean it of all dirt particles. Your old toothbrush can be used as an ideal scrub for this purpose. During scrubbing, submerge the watch and the toothbrush into the soapy water at short intervals.
# Once you are confident that the Rolex has been cleaned, rinse the watch with lukewarm water.
# Using a clean and soft cotton cloth, gently pat the watch until dried.
# Since your cloth may not reach the links on the bracelet, you need to use a blower or hair dryer to remove the excess water from the inner surface of the links.
# To make your Rolex watch completely dry, you can also use a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture.

3. Removing Scratches from the Bracelet of Your Rolex Watch
The bracelet of your Rolex needs special care, as it is prone to scratches. This is especially true of the Oyster bracelet which features polished center links. By polishing the bracelet once every few months, you can retain the brand new look of your Rolex forever. You easily can remove the scratches from the polished center links with little effort and time expended. All you need is a good quality polishing cloth which can be picked from products designed for removing scratches from polished stainless steel and gold surfaces. Such a cloth comes soaked in a special liquid meant for polishing. These polishing cloths are inexpensive and can be used multiple times. When using the polishing cloth on the surface of your bracelet, there are several things you should keep in mind, including —

* Make sure you use the cloth only on the polished surface of your bracelet. If you use it on the non-polished surface, it will damage the brushed finish.
* One way to avoid this error is to use a Q-Tip. You can wrap the cloth around its head and comfortably restrict its movement to the polished surface.
* Do not exert too much pressure while polishing because only a moderate amount of pressure is needed.
* Avoid using circular or cross strokes while polishing. Instead, try to follow the flow of the metal. In other words, go with the grain of the surface and not against the grain.
* A minute of polishing usually is enough to remove the fine scratches that appear like hairlines. You may need to devote more time, however, if the scratches are deeper or more prominent.
* Finally, avoid polishing surfaces that have no scratches. You will end up removing a fine layer of metal from the surface by way of polishing because the surface has not suffered any indentation in the form of a scratch. Less is more.

4. Winding Your Rolex
Rolex watches (except Oysterquartz) are perpetual which means they are self winding. On an average, Rolex watches have a power reserve of 48 hours. If not wound after 48 hours, your Rolex will stop running and appear dead. It is not a major issue, however, because you can manually wind your watch. Simply unscrew the crown to position 2 and wind it about 30 to 40 times and once you have done this, screw the crown back down. There are a few points that you should take into account while winding your watch. They include —

* Winding your Rolex while wearing it on your wrist should be avoided.
* If found dead or in a non-functioning mode, do not shake your watch.
* Even after you have wound it, do not shake the watch if it does not start working. Simply, rotate your wrist gently, which will allow the watch to rotate as well and may give the rotor inside the “kick start” it needs.
* If still the watch does not start, rather than shaking and possibly damaging your Rolex, simply put the watch aside and allow it to start on its own.
* Never worry about over-winding your watch as every Rolex has a built-in protection mechanism, which does not allow the movement to be over wound.

5. Waterproof Rolex
Most of the Rolex watches come with a tested and guaranteed depth rating of 330 feet. This waterproof nature means that not only can you take a shower wearing your watch, but you also can swim with it. Avoid diving with diving equipment, however, when wearing your watch, because they are not made for deep water. For such aquatic situations, Rolex has created the Submariner and the Sea-Dweller models. When you are diving while wearing these models, however, make sure that the winding crown is tightly screwed down onto the case. Underwater, for any reason, if you have left the winding crown loosely screwed, there is a chance the case may become flooded with water, ultimately damaging your watch. If you choose to purchase a Rolex watch (non-diver's watches), we suggest the watch should not be worn even while swimming or showering. Treat these watches as only water resistant due to the age and custom work involved with them. Yes, you can wash your hands while wearing your Rolex, but please treat your Rolex with the respect and care that such a great treasure deserves.

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Ladies Rolex Collection

Rolex is known all over the world as the producer of top-of-the-line luxury watches. Each Rolex watch is meticulously refined and crafted with a superb attention to detail. This makes it one of the most prestigious luxury watch brands for both men and women. Rolex offers a fantastic line of ladies watch.

Lady Rolex watches are an absolute delight. They are crafted with perfection and can be worn on all kinds of occasions. Some of the most popular models of Rolex women's watches are the following:

Ladies Black Diamond Dial Rolex President It is quite popular because of its striking 18k yellow gold President bracelet The case is made of 18k yellow gold with 18k yellow gold crown. It features a custom black diamond dial with 10 round cut diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. Other popular dial colors are silver, mother of pearl and champagne. The other attraction is its custom beadset diamond bezel with 30 round cut diamonds set in 18k yellow gold.

Ladies MOP Diamond Dial Rolex Super President Among different models of Ladies watch, this model has also been quite popular. Its Italian made 18k yellow gold President bracelet, embedded with 232 diamonds, appears bold and powerful. Young professional women specially love its custom mother of pearl diamond dial with 10 round cut diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. Other popular dial colors are champagne and silver. The Ladies White Gold Pave Diamond Dial Rolex Super President is equally attractive and popular among working women.

Ladies Two Tone MOP String Diamond Dial Beadset Bezel Rolex DatejustIts Italian-made 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Jubilee bracelet has a slimmer and more flexible look. The case is made stainless steel with 18k yellow gold crown. Its custom mother of pearl string diamond dial with 10 round cut diamonds set in 18k yellow gold and 33 round cut diamond minute markers look magnificent. Other popular dial colors are champagne, silver, blue and red.

Ladies Two Tone Oyster Silver Diamond Dial Beadset Bezel Rolex DatejustIt is quite a popular Rolex Ladies watch. Its Italian-made 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Oyster bracelet gives a modern, sporty look. It is perfect for those women who have quite an active lifestyle. It features a custom mother of pearl diamond dial with 10 round cut diamonds set in 18k white gold, a beadset diamond bezel with 30 round cut diamonds set in 18k white gold and a scratch-resistant sapphire conversion crystal.

Visit http://www.swiss-wrist.com/ for more info.