Rolex Articles
The ‘Zombie’ Rolex GMT Master II 126713GRNR watch
The GMT Master II has gained a loyal following from watch enthusiasts & collectors who have been responsible for giving models in the GMT collection, witty and catchy nicknames. These nicknames are prompted by the uniquely coloured bezel combinations and are regularly used within the industry to refer to particular models.
View morePublished on Wednesday 28th of February 2024
Rolex Starbucks
The Rolex Submariner 126610LV was released in 2020 and has become known as the ‘Starbucks’ due to its signature green bezel and black dial that are reminiscent of the famous coffee chains logo colours. The 126610LV is not the first Submariner to be adorned with the vivid green bezel, its predecessors, 116610LV, The Hulk and 16610LV Kermit which both had the unique green feature.
View morePublished on Thursday 22nd of February 2024
Rolex Pepsi supply issues?
Rumours have been circulating in the industry for a little while that Rolex are experiencing production issues with the GMT Master II “Pepsi” models, which is resulting in supply issues to their authorised dealers and in turn the preowned market.
View morePublished on Friday 16th of February 2024
How to set the Rolex Sky Dweller
The Rolex Sky-Dweller is one of the most sought-after prestigious watches currently on the market. It also happens to be one of the most unique automatic watches when it comes to setting.
View morePublished on Thursday 26th of January 2023
The History and Development of Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer 214270 has always been a little overlooked in the Rolex Professional Watch range. Unlike its bigger brother the Explorer II 216570, with its large case and a chunky, tool-watch aesthetic, the Explorer 214270 is a much smaller more refined design, a design that has remained relatively unchanged since its inception in 1953.
View morePublished on Sunday 20th of March 2022
What is a Watches Mechanical Movement?
The watch movement or calibre is often considered as the heart of a watch, powering all of the functions and movements of the watch including the chronograph, alarms and any complications. The movement is made up of a collection of intertwined springs, coils and gears that work together beautifully to turn energy into precise regulated movements.
View morePublished on Wednesday 16th of March 2022
The History and Development of the Rolex Milgauss
Rolex looked to the scientific community for a market to sell its next watch for professionals to, specifically the scientific researchers at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland. A watch made to be used in such an environment would need to be legible and rugged like the rest of the Rolex Professional watch range, but scientists posed a unique problem for Rolex to solve, when working with electromagnetic fields greater than 100 gauss, conventional watches would be affected greatly, disrupting the time keeping so much that they either had to deal with a dysfunctional timepiece, or simply not wear a watch. To solve this problem, Rolex created the prototype ref 6543, they took the design of the Rolex Submariner, and created a watch that had a 37.5mm steel case, with an inner case surrounding the watch movement made of a soft iron, effectively creating a Faraday cage around the watch movement, making the watch resistant to magnetic fields, and thus the Rolex Milgauss was born.
View morePublished on Saturday 12th of March 2022
The History and Development of The Rolex Sea-Dweller
The Rolex Sea-Dweller was developed in the late 1960s, and this first, (reference number 1665) was released to the public in 1967. These first models featured all the hallmarks of a Rolex divers watch, such as would be found on the Submariner, such as a similar black dial and bezel, with the famous ‘mercedes’ hands. It even mentioned its sibling on the dial, with two lines of red writing reading "Sea-Dweller / Submariner 2000", giving It the nickname “double red” before the text changed to white in 1977.
View morePublished on Friday 4th of March 2022
How to set the Rolex GMT Master II
Possibly one of the most iconic Rolex models of all time the GMT Master was initially created for pilots of the Pan American Airways and since then has grown and developed its own following. The GMT Master II has some of the brightest colour schemes available on any models of Rolex, some of the most iconic ones being nicknamed the Coke, Pepsi and Batman / Batgirl. Learn how to set the watch including the GMT 24 hour hand here!
View morePublished on Tuesday 1st of March 2022
Rolex Daytona, everything you need to know
Initially created and designed for the stars during the space race the Rolex Daytona found its home on the race track, being rebranded and becoming the go-to watch for the modern racing driver. The Daytona took its name from the Daytona International Speedway after Rolex became the official timekeeper in 1962. Firstly lets take a look at the Chronograph functions, primarily on the Rolex Daytona ref 116500LN models, although all functions will be the same just dial configurations may look slightly different on some models, such as the Zenith Rolex Daytona ref 16523.
View morePublished on Saturday 26th of February 2022
The History and Development of the Rolex Yacht-Master
In the mid-1980s, Rolex were having great success with their line of sports watches that had remained unchanged for many years. However rumour has it that at some point Rolex were looking at redesigning the iconic Submariner. Thankfully Rolex eventually came to their senses and left the design of the Submariner alone. However, the work that had gone into the redesigned watch was rather good and it seemed a shame to leave it on the design room floor. Therefore, in the years that followed, Rolex used the new design intended for the Submariner to make a brand new line of maritime watches for the luxury market, and so the Rolex Yacht-Master was born.
View morePublished on Tuesday 22nd of February 2022
How to set the Rolex Day Date
The Rolex Day Date is the flagship model of Rolex watches. It is often associated with power and wealth, for many it is the epitome of success. Learn how to set the time and the date for your Rolex Day Date here.
View morePublished on Wednesday 16th of February 2022
The History and Development of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The words ‘oyster’ and ‘perpetual’ are synonymous with Rolex. They are terms that appear on the dial of almost every Rolex watch made today, and symbolise the pioneering technological advancements that the horological giants put into the development of the watches made today. The name Oyster Perpetual comes from two key aspects that Rolex put into every watch they make today. Oyster refers to the water resistant properties of the watch case, and Perpetual from the name Rolex have given the automatic winding function of their movements.
View morePublished on Sunday 13th of February 2022
Our Favourite Travelling Watches 2022
There is so much to consider when looking for a watch for your holidays or use when travelling, we have taken some of the stress and research from you, offering our favourite watches that are fit for this purpose.
View morePublished on Tuesday 8th of February 2022
Rolex Nicknames
Within the world of Rolex, collectors and enthusiasts there are a number of nicknames that have been developed throughout the years. Rolex, themselves have never given their watches any such names and have stuck to the model names and numbers, so where have many of these names come from? Some of the nicknames refer to the people that have worn them such as the ‘James Cameron’ or the ‘Pussy Galore’ whilst others refer to the colours of the dials, bezels or both including ‘hulk’ or the ‘batman’. Many of these have then further developed as the watch has changed or other variations have been included and added to the collection.
View morePublished on Saturday 5th of February 2022
How to set your Rolex Explorer II
The Rolex Explorer II comes with a 4th hand displaying a second time zone or 24 hour time. This can often be tricky to set, learn how to do it here.
View morePublished on Sunday 30th of January 2022
The History and Development of Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea
In the late 2000s, Rolex had been making waterproof mechanical watches for over 80 years, and had established themselves in the world of divers watches as the industry leader, with the most capable dive watch in the Rolex range being the Rolex Sea-Dweller ref 16600. In 2008 however, Rolex replaced its Sea-Dweller ref 16600 with a new addition to the Sea-Dweller range, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea ref 116660.
View morePublished on Saturday 22nd of January 2022
Rolex Bracelets and Straps
Whilst certain Rolex watch models have gained a following and are available in an array of models. Differing in size, material and function. Many of the watch bracelets have fans of their own. Most Rolex bracelets have been designed for a specific series, however some models of watches now give the buyer the ability to choose a bracelet for their watch (usually dependent on the material of watch).
View morePublished on Tuesday 18th of January 2022
How to set your Rolex Datejust
Originally introduced into the Rolex collection in 1945 the Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic models available on the watch market. It was the first wristwatch to have a date complication that changed itself at midnight, meaning that 'the date is always just' and providing the watch with its name; the Datejust. Later in 1953 the Datejust was given one of its iconic features, the cyclops lens and a small magnifying lens over the date and helping the wearer to see the date better. Learn how to set the Rolex Datejust here.
View morePublished on Sunday 16th of January 2022
Rolex Sky-Dweller Features
As the Rolex Sky-Dweller approaches its 10 year anniversary, having been originally released in 2012 we decided to look at some of its many features. For many Rolex fans this will not be new news however there are many people out there that will not know about these.
View morePublished on Wednesday 12th of January 2022
Rolex Papers, what are they and how do I tell if they are real?
When a new Rolex watch is purchased from an Official Rolex Dealer, the watch will come with what is called Rolex Papers, even though in recent years this is a card. These Rolex papers are used initially to hold warranty information, but once the watch is out of that warranty period, why are the papers still considered to be important?
View morePublished on Saturday 8th of January 2022
The History and Development of the Rolex Day-Date
For many, the words ‘A gold Rolex’ conjure up an image of wealth, success, and of luxury. For over 60 years that image has been of Rolex’s flagship, the Day-Date. The Rolex Day-Date is worn by world leaders, business tycoons, heads of industry and the worlds elite. It is no wonder then, that the Rolex Day-Date is considered the epitome of success, a goal for the many and treasured by those who use them.
View morePublished on Thursday 30th of December 2021
Box and Papers, Important or not?
When looking at buying pre-owned watches there are plenty out there that stipulate box and papers. Why is this important? Does it matter?
View morePublished on Tuesday 14th of December 2021
Rolex Bezels
The bezel is the protective ring around the edge of the watch case. Bezels are usually made from metal or precious metals. They sometimes have and insert/inlay which are normally coloured and made from steel or ceramic materials. Some bezels are able to click round in one or both rotations as a timer or time zone function. There is an array of bezels available on many different Rolex watches but what are the differences? What do they actually do? Rolex offer bezels in an array or styles, but the humble bezel has a much more important function. Initially Rolex designed and used the bezel to aid in creating a waterproof seal around the case but has since evolved as new functions have been added to the watches over the years.
View morePublished on Sunday 12th of December 2021
How to set the Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner range is offered by Rolex as part of their ‘Professional Watches' collection. It has a clean and classic design that has remained virtually unchanged since its release in 1954. It is widely considered the staple of the modern tool watch, and is said to be ‘the reference among divers watches’ by Rolex themselves. There are a few differences in the models, with the main one being the Date and Non-Date versions. Setting the time and date on these watches can often be tricky, learn how to do it here.
View morePublished on Saturday 4th of December 2021
The History and Development of the Rolex GMT Master II
The modern Steel Sports Rolex is one of the most desirable and difficult to obtain watches in 2021. Playing on the psychology of people who, when told they can’t have something, makes them want it more, Rolex restrict the amount of steel sports watches that are available for sale, fuelling ever growing waiting lists from authorised dealers. This results in an increased demand, which then develops in ever growing waiting lists. Arguably the watch that has the most attention for being subject to this vicious circle of lowering supply to increase demand is the Rolex GMT Master II. With its loud and vivid (for Rolex) colour schemes, and iconic design with a cult following, it's one of the most recognisable Rolex models of all time.
View morePublished on Saturday 27th of November 2021
The History and Development of the Rolex Datejust
A lot of attention is given to the professional watch range. It would sometimes seem that the whole world paying attention to every update or new addition to the Submariner range or GMT Master II etc, but one collection that is often overlooked is also one of the best-selling, most successful watch models ever made, the humble Rolex Datejust.
View morePublished on Saturday 20th of November 2021
The Rolex Submariner Range
For many people, when you think of a Rolex watch, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner 126610, (or simply the Rolex Submariner as it is almost exclusively referred to), is what you will think of. The clean and classic design has remained virtually unchanged since its release in 1954. It is widely considered the staple of the modern tool watch, and is said to be ‘the reference point among divers watches’ by Rolex themselves.
View morePublished on Sunday 14th of November 2021
The History and Development of the Rolex Yacht Master II
The Rolex Yacht-Master sits well in the Rolex Professional Watch line up. A watch with all the capabilities as the truly rugged working watches like the Rolex Submariner, or the Rolex Sea-Dweller, but with more of a luxury feel, and a more affluent target market than some of the other watches in the range. In 2007, 15 years after the birth of the Rolex Yacht-Master, Rolex announced it would be making a new watch that would share the Yacht-Master name, the Yacht-Master II. At first glance it looked like this watch would be the missing link between the luxurious Yacht-Master, and the bulkier function orientated watches that it shares a catalogue with.
View morePublished on Saturday 6th of November 2021
Rolex Chromalight vs Superluminova
An integral component to a Rolex watch is how well it works in little or no light. Look at any Rolex divers watch for instance; if it didn’t glow in the dark it would be useless as a dive watch. A diver depends on how legible that watch is in murky waters. The same goes for watches worn for other adventures, such as mountaineering or cave exploring. A big selling point of the first Explorer watch was its ability to tell the time in the dark.
View morePublished on Tuesday 2nd of November 2021
The History and Development of the Rolex Daytona
Rolex in the 1950s had been busy working hard to cement the brand as a maker of watches for professionals, with the Rolex Submariner released in 1954, targeting professional divers. Rolex also partnered with Pan American Airways a year later to produce the Rolex GMT, the epitome of pilots watches, and worked to meet the needs of the scientific community working around electromagnetic fields, when Rolex introduced the Milgauss in 1956. Despite the relative success of these models, Rolex set their sights even higher and aimed for the stars. When US president Kennedy gave his speech in 1962 promising to put man on the moon, Rolex saw an opportunity to complete the set, and add astronauts to the list of professions they catered for.
View morePublished on Saturday 30th of October 2021
The History and Development of Rolex Explorer II
Ever since Rolex made their first waterproof watch in 1927, they have been making watches for specific groups of professionals and sports people. From the Rolex Submariner, made to be used by professional divers, to the GMT Master II made for transatlantic airline pilots, to the Rolex Daytona for race-car drivers, it's safe to say that Rolex caters for very specific needs to sell watches to the masses. One of the more unknown professions that Rolex caters to however is with their Explorer range. Now it's pretty obvious that their watches are made to be used by, well, explorers. Whilst this is true, many people just think of the 1953 Everest climb by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, where Norgay famously wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual on his wrist that would eventually be branded the Explorer. But almost 20 years after that, Rolex released another watch to complement the Explorer, the Rolex Explorer II. Whereas the Rolex Explorer was created for people climbing to the top of some of the highest peaks on earth, the Explorer II was created for people going under them, cavers. As is obvious, a caver (or spelunker) is someone who explores caves, thus presenting a whole different set of criteria for Rolex to cater for when compared with the standard Explorer.
View morePublished on Saturday 16th of October 2021
One Watch is Not Enough - James Bond Watches
All good spy movies come with their quota of fancy gizmos and gadgets to assist our hero in his mission. The James Bond movie franchise stands head and shoulders above all others in this genre. Each Bond film brings new input from Q Branch to ensure success in the field. The cars, the aircraft and the weaponry have all become synonymous with Bond and made him the legendary figure that he is. The most iconic piece of his customized equipment has always been his wristwatch. Each Bond, each film, has been accompanied by a new model, all of which have passed into movie folklore. All of these watches, (and many of the watches worn by Bonds foes) have their uniqueness, and are certainly worthy of discussion.
View morePublished on Tuesday 28th of September 2021
History and Development of Rolex Air King
During and immediately after World War II, Rolex made a line of watches commemorating the brave efforts of the British Royal Air Force by creating a line of ‘Air’ watches for the pilots arriving home once the war was over. The line of watches consisted of four models: The Air-Lion with a round dial in a rounded square shaped case, the Air-Tiger, with a sub seconds hand at 6 o’clock, the Air-Giant with a larger case often seen in gold, and the Air-King with the largest case size of the four at 34mm, a large watch in its day. As the other models in the Air range were eventually discontinued, the Air-King, launched in 1945, would be the only one of the four to go on to still be made today.
View morePublished on Saturday 11th of September 2021
Rolex Submariner Date 'Starbucks' History
In 1953, Rolex started production of a new watch, after a man by the name of René-Paul Jeanneret, who sat on the board of directors at Rolex, came up with the idea to make a divers watch. The sleek yet sporty design used the Oyster case technology to make an everyday watch that had a rotating bezel, allowing divers to keep track of how much time had passed. The watch was unveiled at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954, and today is regarded as the staple of the modern tool watch. It is said to be ‘the reference among divers' watches’ by Rolex themselves.
View morePublished on Sunday 5th of September 2021
Rolex Swing Tags
If you have recently been looking to buy a Rolex watch, (or you are already the owner of one) you may have noticed that the swing tags (also known as hang tags) that come with Rolex watches have changed colour over the past few years. Up until 2015, Rolex swing tags were red in colour. Since 2015 these tags have changed colour and are now green. What do these tags actually mean? Why have they changed colour?
View morePublished on Wednesday 1st of September 2021