Swiss-Wrist , Swiss-Wrist.com , Swiss-Wrist.com The Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex model that became an instant hit in the market for its superb looks was the Rolex Yacht-Master, and it remains one of the most popular sports watches in the world. The first model 16628 was launched in the year 1992 and was made available only in 18k yellow gold. Seeing its surge in popularity, Rolex rolled out the following two new models of Yacht-Master just two years after it was introduced:

Model 69628: This model was exclusively launched for women. Hence, the size was quite small with its case being 29mm and the lugs 13mm. It was available only in 18k yellow gold.

Model 68628: This was a mid-sized watch that marked the introduction of a smaller professional Rolex wristwatch for the first time. While the case was only 34mm, its lugs were of 17mm. It was made available only in 18k yellow gold.

A major development took place in 1996 when Rolex released two-tone (stainless steel and yellow gold) versions of the above two models. The two-tone Yacht-Master for women was numbered as the 69623 and the mid-sized model as the 68623. However, if you want to go for an all-stainless-steel Rolex Yacht-Master, that is possible now as well--but only in mid-sized versions.

One year after the introduction of the two-tone versions, Rolex took one more step ahead in the form of a new model of Yacht-Master that was made available in Rolesium. Rolesium is a combination of stainless steel and platinum, the term being patented by Rolex in 1932. This model was an instant hit in the market, its success even being comparable to that of the stainless steel Daytona. Two reasons behind the success of the Platinum Yacht –Master, especially among young buyers, are described as follows:

• The stainless steel and platinum finish has provided the watch with a unique look when compared to other Rolex watches.
• The model is being produced by Rolex in limited numbers--which makes it an exclusive, and even more desirable, model.

The features that you find in a standard Rolex Yacht-Master Oyster Perpetual Date today are stainless steel case, special platinum time-lapse bezel, platinum dial, 31-jewel chronometer movement, synthetic sapphire crystal, and special men's or ladies' Oysterlock bracelet. You have the option of a special 18k yellow gold time lapse bezel as well. While a platinum dial is another option, if you are looking for a watch outfitted with jewels you also have the choice of a mother of pearl dial fitted with 8 round cut diamonds, 1 triangular and 2 baguette sapphires, and 1 triangular and 2 baguette rubies. With features like these, the Rolex Yacht-Master conveys the essence of luxury and class.

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Swiss-Wrist , Swiss-Wrist.com , Swiss-Wrist.com The Rolex Prince

The Rolex Prince was introduced in 1928 as a watch for men who were looking for something distinct to wear. It was indeed a distinct watch for its trendy rectangular case and its dual dial. The dual dial was in the form of separate dials, one on the top and the other on the bottom. The top dial featured the hours and the minutes while the one on the bottom was for the seconds. Powered by the calibre 1036 movement, this model was compared to the Cartier's Tank watch because of its rectangular shaped case.

Rolex Prince Available Today

The Cellini line (dressy wristwatches) of Rolex watches are available in Prince models for men alongside many other unique models designed for ladies. The currently available Rolex Prince gives you the choice of 18k yellow gold, white gold, or everose gold, enabling you to choose the one that fits your style. Although the Prince is exclusively a men's wristwatch, it offers the options of decorated dials as well as Rayon flamme de la gloire dial with Arabic numerals, clou de paris dial with Roman/Arabic dials, silver godron dial with Roman numerals, and many more. Featuring a small second hand at the 6 o'clock position and hand-wound movement, it offers leather straps in black, brown, and many other colors. A gold folding clasp is a common feature of all leather straps.

The Cellini Prince features the standard rectangular case. Its most unique feature is the movement that can be viewed through its transparent case back.

Different Styles Available in Vintage Rolex Prince

For all vintage watch collectors, the early Prince models that were available during the 1930s and 1940s are nothing less than treasures. There were five different styles of the vintage Rolex Prince. Each style was unique in some way or the other. Here is a brief summary of each of those models:

The Classic Rolex Prince (Model 1343): It was one of the original styles that marked the introduction of the Rolex Prince. It featured the standard rectangular case along with the dual dial. It was available in 9k and 18k gold as well as in sterling silver.

The Brancard Rolex Prince: It was also introduced at the same time as that of the Classic model, but featured a more gorgeous design. It was made available in a two-tone 18k gold configuration as well as gold and sterling silver. However, by the 1930s, the Brancard line was extended to include two more models 971U and 971A. The added feature of these two models was the faceted end pieces. While the model 971U was made available in gold and sterling silver, the model 971A was introduced in two-tone 18k gold stripes all over the top of the case. This made it popularly known as the “tiger stripe.” In the early 1930s, Rolex made even more additions to the Brancard line. For instance, in 1934 it rolled out a steel-only version of the Brancard. It had even offered a solid platinum option in this line, which today is considered one of the most expensive Rolex wristwatches.

The Railway Prince: The model 1527, popularly known as the Rolex Railway Prince, was introduced in 1935. It had been so named for its stepped sides that looked just like a locomotive.

The “Quarter Century Club" Prince: It was a special line of Prince, customized for one of the leading Canadian department store chains known as the Eaton company. The watch was engraved with “¼ Century Club" along the perimeter of its top dial. This made it a unique and great collectible vintage watch. The reason behind its interesting name is that this watch had been given as a memento to the employees of the Eaton company who had served Eaton for 25 years. It was indeed a great way to acknowledge the association of people with the company. The case back of every watch had the name and years of service of the individual engraved on it.

The Sporting Prince: It is one of the rarest models of Rolex pocket watch. It was largely used during athletic events--particularly golf. Its unique feature was its hunting case, which once opened, would bring into action a spring loaded mechanism that protected the movement from outside disturbances during the sporting events. Later, the same model was even created as a wristwatch. Since, these models had been produced in very limited numbers, they are really sought after by the rare vintage watch collectors.

The Rolex Prince Heures Sautantes: In 1935, Rolex introduced the H.S. (Heures Sautantes) movement which means jumping hours. All Rolex Prince models that were introduced with this feature had a tiny aperture at the 12 o'clock position in place of the hour hand. The aperture had a miniature wheel to display hours from 1 to 12. Its working was quite simple. When the minute hand passed the 60-minute mark, the wheel would turn with the hour mark jumping into the next hour display. Although this arrangement never became popular amongst the masses, it later led to the introduction of the Datejust aperture in 1945, which became a big success. Rolex also later came out with additional versions that featured sweep seconds.

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Swiss-Wrist , Swiss-Wrist.com , Swiss-Wrist.com A Brief Review of Rolex Turn-O-Graph

The Rolex Turn-O-Graph was launched in 1953 as an adventure watch. Although it was discontinued in the early 1960s due to the immense success of the Submariner and GMT as sport watches that overshadowed this model, it is a fantastic vintage model worth collecting. Today, a similar model still manufactured is the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust Turn-O-Graph.

The Oyster Perpetual Datejust Turn-O-Graph Today

This model displays the date at the 3 o'clock position and features a bi-directional bezel to measure periods of elapsed time. Like other current Rolex models, this model is self-winding and waterproof to a level of 330 feet. Available with a standard case size of 36mm, all current Datejust Turn-O-Graph models feature a two-tone (also known as Rolesor--a combination of steel with either 18k yellow gold, white gold, or everose gold) body. Although the Jubilee bracelet is more common, you also have the choice of going for the Oyster bracelet. The rotating fluted "Turn-O-Graph" bezel is a popular feature in these models. As for dial, you have multiple options such as slate dial, white dial, black dial, and silver dial.

The Earliest Version Of Rolex Turn-O-Graph

The first model numbered as 6202 featured an A.296 movement. Since it was marketed as an adventure watch, it was equipped with a depth rating to 165 feet. If you are lucky enough, you may come across this model with 165 feet engraved on it. This is because very few versions of this model actually bore it, and such a watch has become very collectible. Available with a case size of 40mm, the first model had the name "Turn-O-Graph" labeled on it just below the 12, but in very small print. Subsequently, this was changed into a larger and more prominent font, but this time just above the 6. The most attractive feature of this model was its black rotating bezel measuring the elapsed time. In fact, it was the first Rolex model featuring a rotating bezel--a key innovation noted by history buffs and collectors. While the ten-minute marks on the bezel were of a rounded profile, the minute divisions were of tiny circular shape, all around the bezel. This model also featured a black dial complimenting its black bezel. The dial sported a versatile look with round luminous markers on all the hours with the exception of 3, 6, and 9, which were marked with rectangular indices, while an inverted triangle was used at the 12 o'clock position--a characteristic that has become quite popular today. Subsequently, many other Rolex models carry an inverted triangle on their dials. In the earliest version of the Turn-O-Graph, the hands were pencil shaped. One unique thing about the second hand was a small luminous circle at the tip. Some models in the early 1950s also had the writing "Officially Certified Chronometer" positioned just above the number 6.

The Initial Changes in the Model

By the mid 1950s, Rolex Turn-O-Graph had undergone certain significant changes. The A.296 movement was replaced by the improved A.260 movement. Mercedes style hands were introduced in place of the old styled pencil hands.

The popularity of other Rolex sport watches might have made the Turn-O-Graph models less popular. Today, collectors look for the stylish Oyster Perpetual Datejust featuring the Turn-O-Graph bezel, which is currently produced by Rolex.

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Swiss-Wrist , Swiss-Wrist.com , Swiss-Wrist.com The Rolex Cellini

The Cellini line is one of the three major categories of Rolex watches (Oyster Perpetual and Professional being the other two). It represents the Rolex line of “dressy” watches. These high class, formal watches have helped define Rolex as a luxury brand. Popular for their charm and elegance, most of the Cellini models feature highly-accurate quartz movements.

Current Rolex Cellini Watches

There are seven types of Rolex wristwatches currently available under Cellini line. These include the following:

The Cellini Cellinium: Available in platinum, the Cellinium is an exceptional model known for its elegance and charisma. Its most attractive feature is its small second hand at the 6 o'clock position. The black leather strap with platinum folding clasp renders a simple yet stylish look. Featuring a hand-wound movement, it offers two popular dial options: black dial and white decorated mother-of-pearl dial. The polished and wide bezel is an added attraction.

The Cellini Quartz: The Cellini line also includes some classy models with quartz movements. Their elegance lies in their extraordinary finish. For instance, men's Cellini Quartz in white gold is an impressive model. Its blue (or red) leather strap with white gold folding clasp matches perfectly with its blue (or white) dial featuring Roman numerals.

The Cellini Cellissima: If you are looking for a dressy Rolex wristwatch in white gold, the Cellini Cellissima will be your clear choice. Available only in white gold and with the quartz movement, it offers wide options in dials, bracelets, and bezels. Its attraction lies in high quality, sparkling diamonds outfitted in either bezel or case-to-bracelet attachments, or both. The white dial or the pink dial with Roman numerals looks impressive. The case comes in two popular shapes: round and tonneau. The ladies' Cellissima models sport leather straps with a gold folding clasp. The colors available for the leather straps are red, green, and blue. The polished bezel and end pieces set with round cut diamonds can be a great, stylish choice.

The Cellini Danaos: This is a unique Rolex Cellini, where ladies' versions are available with a quartz movement and men's models are hand-wound. The elegant ladies' Danaos model comes in pink and white gold with a round case. Featuring a black dial with Arabic numerals, it comes with a brown leather strap complimenting the black dial. The men's Danaos comes in 18k white gold featuring a black and silver dial with Arabic numerals. Its black leather strap with gold folding clasp adds charm to its appearance.

The Cellini Prince: Designed for men only, this model is one of the truly unique Rolex models for its rectangular case and transparent case back, giving you the view of the movement. This model is available in 18k yellow gold, white gold, or everose gold. Like the Prince model introduced in the early 1930s, the Cellini Prince currently available features a small dial at the 6 o'clock position for displaying the time in seconds. Featuring a hand-wound movement, this model offers the maximum variety in dials such as rayon flamme de la gloire dial with Arabic numerals, silver godron dial with Roman numerals, clou de paris dial with Roman and Arabic numerals, and many more. You can also go for black or brown leather straps with a gold folding clasp.

The Cellini Cestello: A wide range of exquisite dials and leather straps sets this model apart from the others. Featuring a round case and hand-wound movement, this model is available in yellow gold, white gold, and pink gold. The brown leather strap is truly elegant, providing a perfect contrast to the white dial with Arabic numerals. The black mother-of-pearl dial with Roman numerals is equally impressive.

The Cellini Orchid: A perfect ladies' watch, this model is a special Rolex wristwatch fitted with round cut diamonds in its bezel, dial, and bracelet. The gem-set case with diamond markers make it easily distinguishable from other Rolex models. The option of leather strap is also available. Featuring a quartz movement, the Cellini Orchid is available in yellow gold and white gold. The white mother-of-pearl dial set with diamonds makes it no less than a jewelry item.

Apart from the aforementioned seven main types of Rolex Cellini watches, there are also many other types such as Cellini Karat (for ladies), Cellini Parantheses, Cellini Gourmette, Cellini Almond, Cellini Zephyr, Cellini Biseau, Cellini Midas-First Clous de Paris, Cellini Ligne Douce, Cellini Classic (pocket watch), Cellini Clous de Paris, Cellini First, Cellini Jubilee, and others.

Outfitted with precious stones, Rolex Cellini line watches are both elegant and stylish. People love them both for their unique appearance and the manner in which they enhance the class and standing of the individual. They truly are distinct from other Rolex models and command a high price. Still, they remain in constant demand because their attainment has come to represent the fulfillment of a dream in high societies across the world. To be perfectly clear, a Rolex Cellini conveys class.

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Swiss-Wrist , Swiss-Wrist.com , Swiss-Wrist.com Rolex Accessories: Various Available Bracelet Styles

Rolex watches are known for their unique bracelet style. The bracelets manufactured by Rolex are of supreme quality to complement the world-renowned Rolex wristwatches. Although Rolex offers many watch models featuring high quality leather bands in attractive colors, the bracelets offered with Rolex watches have a special place in the hearts of Rolex enthusiasts.

Basic Bracelet Styles

There are three basic bracelet styles available for Rolex wristwatches. They are:

1. Oyster Bracelet: Perhaps the most popular and identifiable Rolex bracelet style. It easily can be distinguished from other bracelet styles by its broader polished center links set off by narrower brushed-finish links on the sides.

Rolex offers some great jewelry options for the Oyster bracelet. If you want to wear an expensive and exclusive Oyster bracelet option, you can select any one of the following:

• Super Oyster Karat bracelet embedded with 100/174/270/286 round shaped diamonds
• Super Oyster Karat bracelet embedded with 100 pink sapphires
• Super Oyster Karat bracelet embedded with 100 sky-blue sapphires
• Super Oyster Karat bracelet embedded with 174 small round shaped diamonds and 14 large diamonds/emeralds/rubies/sapphires

2. Jubilee Bracelet: The Jubilee bracelet was introduced in 1945 when Rolex rolled out one of its most popular watch models: the Datejust. The Jubilee bracelet style renders a very stylish look to the watch. You can identify this bracelet by its center link that comprises three separate lines of highly-polished links. On the sides of the center link are narrower links with a brushed finish.

Of all varieties available in the Jubilee bracelet, those available in bark finish are a consistently popular style. Jubilee bracelets also offer jewelry options such as the following:

• Super Oyster Karat bracelet embedded with 100/174/270/286 round shaped diamonds
• Super Oyster Karat bracelet embedded with 100 pink sapphires
• Super Oyster Karat bracelet embedded with 100 sky-blue sapphires
• Super Oyster Karat bracelet embedded with 174 small round shaped diamonds and 14 large diamonds/emeralds/rubies/sapphires

3. President Bracelet: The President Bracelet was introduced with the Rolex Day Date models in 1954. This bracelet became popular for its powerful appearance. It features polished center links perfectly complemented by the brushed-finish links on both sides of the center links, similar to those in Oyster bracelets. However, the difference between the Oyster and President bracelets lies in the number of links. In the case of President bracelets, there are more links (23 or 24 in men's Day Date models and 36 in ladies' Presidential models) as opposed to the Oyster bracelets that usually come with only 12 or 13 links. This is because the links in the Oyster bracelets are larger than those in the President bracelets.

The different jewelry options available in the President bracelets are very popular for their exceptional beauty. These bracelets fall on the higher end of the price continuum. The cost, however, is clearly reflected in the high quality of precision artistry. Some of the varieties of the President bracelets include:

• Super President Baguette bracelet featuring 50/74 round cut diamonds and 23/35 baguette cut diamonds
• Super President Karat bracelet embedded with 204/288/348/443/460 round cut diamonds

In addition to these high-end options, you can also choose from other popular styles such as the President bracelet in bark finish and the Super President bracelet in 18k yellow gold with center links in white and pink gold.

Additional Bracelet Varieties

Apart from the three primary types of bracelets, the following varieties are also offered on Rolex watches:

• Super President Baguette bracelet featuring 50/74 round cut diamonds and 23/35 baguette cut diamonds
• The Mesh (Flat) Bracelet
• The Moire Bracelet
• The Damier Bracelet
• The Milanese Bracelet
• The Chevrons Bracelet
• The Chameleon (Brick) Bracelet
• The Chameleon (Mesh) Bracelet
• The Mesh Florentine Bracelet

All of the above bracelet varieties are set apart from the regular bracelets by their style and uniqueness. As a result, you can wear them as fashion accessories--in the following sizes:

• Standard Ladies' Bracelet Size: 13mm and 14mm
• Standard Mid-Sized Bracelets (also known as Boy's Size): 17mm
• Standard Men's Bracelet Size: 19mm and 20mm

Different Metal Options Available for Bracelets

Rolex offers bracelets in various metals according to the type of material used in making the case of the watch. In fact, the 5-digit and 6-digit Case Reference Number engraved on every Rolex model bears an identification number for the material used in the bracelet. The last digit of the Case Reference Number signifies the material of the case and the bracelet. Let us have a look

Digit	Bezel Type
0	Stainless Steel
1	Yellow Gold Filled
2	White Gold Filled or Stainless Steel and Platinum
3	Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold
4	Stainless Steel and White Gold, Gold Shell, or 18k Pink Gold
5	Platinum
6	14K Yellow Gold
7	18k Yellow Gold
8	18k White Gold

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Swiss-Wrist , Swiss-Wrist.com , Swiss-Wrist.com The Rolex Explorer vs. the Rolex Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer and the Rolex Explorer II are two popular sport models that fall under the professional line of wristwatches. Sharing the same name, both these models are meant for real adventure-lovers. Explorer and Explorer II: Satisfying Different Needs The Rolex Explorer, successfully tested during the first human conquest of Mt. Everest in 1953, is a special watch designed for harsh conditions. It can comfortably withstand temperatures from -20 degrees to +40 degrees centigrade. On the other hand, Explorer II was specially designed for the speleologists (cave explorers), who work inside deep caverns for days on end. While working deep inside caves with no natural sources of light, it can be easy to lose track of time and even whether or not it is day or night. To solve this problem, Rolex designed the Explorer II. The extra 24-hour hand (initially orange in color but now red) on the Explorer II, when used against the 24-hour graduated bezel, helps to distinguish day from night by clearly differentiating AM from PM. The Rolex Explorer does not feature this special 24-hour hand or a fixed bezel engraved with a 24-hour track. Another major difference between the Explorer and Explorer II is also technical in nature. The Rolex Explorer II is equipped with the “Jump Hour” feature not present in the Explorer models. This feature enables the wearer to set the hour hand forward or backwards in one hour "jumps" without disturbing the second or minute hands. Similarities Between the Explorer and Explorer II

Although the Rolex Explorer II was designed specifically for speleologists and mountaineers, other adventure-lovers benefit from using this model as well, as it functions perfectly in all kinds of extremes. Some of the commonalities between the Explorer and Explorer II models include the following: Both are made of solid stainless steel with no other options available. Both are self-winding and waterproof to 100 meters or 330 feet. Both feature a synthetic sapphire crystal like other Rolex models. Both come with an Oysterlock bracelet with the safety clasp and Mercedes-style hands. Mercedes-style hands have been introduced in the current versions of both of these sport models. Like in other Rolex watches, both these models feature luminous Tritium fillings in place of Radium. Although some basic features (as mentioned above) are common between the Explorer and the Explorer II, and are found in other Rolex models as well, these two models are distinguishable from each other in terms of both their looks and certain specific technical aspects. www.swiss-wrist.com www.swisswrist.com Swiss-Wrist Swiss Wrist

Swiss-Wrist , Swiss-Wrist.com , Swiss-Wrist.com The Rolex Yacht-Master II

A recent innovation in the Rolex line is the Yacht-Master II, the first watch ever created with a programmable countdown feature that has a mechanical memory. What sets it completely apart from other Rolex models produced to this very day is its ability to be synchronized for regatta countdowns. This is made possible due to an innovative interaction between bezel and movement. With this Rolex model, you can get the best possible start in regattas. It truly has become a favorite among the professional Yachting class.

The key components and technological aspects present in the highly innovative Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II include the following:

Countdown Counter: This is a unique feature not present in any other Rolex model. In a semi-circular shape (located between the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions), the countdown counter has demarcations from 0 to 10 minutes. The minute countdown hand shows the minutes remaining on the 10-minute countdown dial.

Countdown Seconds Hand: On the standard 60-second dial, the countdown seconds hand shows the seconds remaining.

Start/Stop Pusher or Button: This button is pressed to start or stop the countdown. It is located near the 2 o'clock position on the side of the case.

Reset Pusher or Button: For setting or programming the countdown and also for synchronizing the countdown, you need to press this button located near the 4 o'clock position.

4160 Movement: The caliber 4160 movement is a highly advanced movement that is used in this model. This movement comprises around 360 components. A new generation chronograph movement, the countdown mechanism is constructed using a column wheel and a vertical clutch. The mechanical programmable countdown function makes it possible for the wearer to program--in advance of the countdown time--the start of a regatta. In fact, it can be used in regattas with different starting sequences.

The other features of this advanced movement include the following:

• Fully-automatic movement
• Power reserve of 72 hours
• Beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 10 times more resistant to shocks and magnetic fields
• Certified by COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) for its supreme performance

Rlng Command Bezel: Rotatable at 90 degrees, this special bezel perfectly complements the movement in making the programmable countdown mechanism a success. You need to follow only the following three steps while using this ring command bezel:

• First, stop the countdown.
• Turn the bezel 90 degrees counter-clockwise
• Program the countdown and turn the bezel back to its original position

Programmable Countdown: You can program a countdown of 0 to 10 minutes. The process to be followed is quite simple. After ensuring that the countdown is stopped, turn the ring command bezel 90 degrees counter-clockwise. Afterwards, press the reset pusher and unscrew the winding crown to position one so that you can turn it to set the desired minute. Once you are done with this setting, rotate the bezel back to its position and also push and screw down the winding crown. During the starting sequences, it can be synchronized to the official countdown.

Synchronization: This functionality is important as it may happen that you have started the countdown too early or too late. In such a case, the watch allows you to synchronize without much hassle to the official signal (countdown). All you need to do is press the start/stop button to start the countdown and then press the reset button. Upon doing this, the minute countdown hand repositions itself to the nearest minute (forwards or backwards depending upon whether the official countdown started early or late), while the seconds countdown hand returns to 0.

Cosmetic Features of Yacht-Master II

Like all other current Rolex models, the Yacht-Master II is self-winding and waterproof to a level of 330 feet. Available in case sizes of 29mm, 35mm, 40mm and 43mm, this model is available in Rolesium (steel and platinum combination), 18k yellow gold, and white gold. The Yacht-Master II in Rolesium features a steel case in perfect combination with a platinum dial and platinum rotating bezel. It also comes with an Oysterlock bracelet with safety clasp. The option of Oysterlock with easy link is also available. Some of the most popular dial options available are the white dial and black mother-of-pearl dial. The blue ceramic ring command bezel is also as popular as the platinum or yellow gold bezels.

The Yacht-Master II is truly an innovative model. The expert technicians and engineers at Rolex designed and manufactured each and every tiny component used in the movement to perfection, setting yet another example of its dominance in watchmaking.

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