Historical Perspective – The Classic Vintage Submariner, The Reference 5512 and 5513

At a certain time in the history of the no-date Rolex Submariner, collectors will commonly accept the switch from vintage to modern references. This moment appeared at the end of the 1980s when Rolex launched the Submariner reference 14060. However, prior to this watch, two references were manufactured, both extremely close in design and specifications, the Reference 5512 and 5513. And because it is the Submariner with longest production period, it has to be seen as the absolute Classic Vintage Submariner, as our “columnist extraordinaire” Paul Altieri (Founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches) will explain here.

7 years ago

Historical Perspective – The Original “Bond” Rolex Submariner, The Reference 6538 “Big Crown”

After having a look at the “Pre-Submariner”, the Rolex Reference 6202, as well as at the mother of all Submariners, the early Reference 6204, it is time for our “columnist extraordinaire” Paul Altieri (Founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches) to look at a watch that helped building the legend surrounding this model, mainly because it was worn by a certain British spy, in a movie called Dr. No. You certainly guessed it: today we look at the “Bond” Rolex Submariner, The Reference 6538.

7 years ago

Historical Perspective – The Very First Rolex Submariner, The Reference 6204

Today, we continue our Historical Perspective series, thanks to our “columnist extraordinaire” Paul Altieri (Founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches). In the first part, we explored a missing link in the history of diving watches, as we looked at the pre-Submariner watches, known under the reference 6202 “Turn-O-Graph”. Today, however, is the real deal, with the more-than-iconic reference 6204, the mother of all Rolex Submariner watches, the very first one born in 1953.

7 years ago

Historical Perspective – The Missing Link, The Rolex Reference 6202 or the “Pre-Submariner”

The Rolex Submariner is, undoubtedly, the most emblematic dive watch ever created, in addition to being amongst the most legendary watches ever shaped. Presented more than 60 years ago, in 1953, it was part of the very first timekeeping instruments to be conceived for a new generation of pioneers; divers. During its over six decades’ career, the Submariner has both drastically evolved on the technical side, but remained visually true to its origins. Thanks to our “columnist extraordinaire” Paul Altieri (Founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches), we are going to take a look at some of the most important Rolex Submariner’s references, starting today with… a Turn-O-Graph, the reference 6202 that we’d call “the missing link”.

7 years ago

Summer’s Over, Back To School – Letter From The Editor

Summer’s over and it’s back to business as usual. Over the past weeks, we have published a bit less, and that was not only due to the diminished number of news and press releases that we received from watch brands. Our team has enjoyed their summer holidays, and as usual, after the summer, travel season …

7 years ago

A Technical Perspective – A Guide To The Hairspring, A Crucial Part Of The Movement (Technology, Manufacturing Process, Future Developments)

Sprung to life: who manufactures Hairsprings? An industry perspective on this key component whose production is still shrouded in secrecy – Barely one centimeter in diameter, the hairspring is the beating heart of a watch movement. It is a strategic component in several respects. Manufacturing hairsprings is a complex process and the whole Swiss watch industry has been relying on one supplier, Swatch Group’s Nivarox… at least, until very recently!

7 years ago

Hands-On – The Updated Rolex Yacht-Master II (and a look back at its great features)

Talking about an update in the case of the “new” Rolex Yacht-Master II is almost ironical, as the changes done by the “Crown” to its Regatta watch are minimal. However, the reality is that we indeed have a new iteration of this niche model, without changing its reference number (Ref. 116680 for the steel version). Something that actually sounds like a nice occasion to look back at the Yacht-Master II and its great functionalities.

8 years ago

Bringing Complexity In A Commoner Attire – The Rolex Sky-Dweller In Steel or Rolesor

A Steel Sky-Dweller… This is a watch many of us were secretly hoping for (we did) but we knew chances to see it would be small. Well, it seems that dreams can become reality, as here we are: for Baselworld 2017, Rolex introduced its most complicated watch – and what certainly is the ultimate traveller’s watch – in commoner attires; meaning more casual look and more accessible prices. Here are the Rolex Sky-Dweller Steel ref. 326934 and Two-Tone ref. 326933, and they come with more than just a material evolution.

8 years ago

Summer Is Coming… 10 Great Dive Watches Of 2017, For Every Pocket

You may or may not be planning a deep dive over the summer. It does not really matter. You do not need to be a diver to love these high-performing, utilitarian dive watches. They make great daily wearers too and as summer is fast approaching, we have picked 10 new dive watches of 2017, with choices to suit every pocket and every taste. In short, the best watches to look cool on the beach, on a boat and with your favorite summer cocktail.

8 years ago

FOUND: What COULD Be A Never-Seen-Before Rolex Rattrapante Pocket Watch?

Here is the story: Dr. Crott Auctioneers is about to auction what COULD be (and that “could” is extremely important to keep in mind…) a Rolex Rattrapante Pocket Watch. This combination Rolex / Rattrapante / Pocket Watch is, considering the immense literature about Rolex, something never seen before. So what do we have here? Potentially one of the rarest and most important Rolex watches ever? A superb example of limited (maybe unique) production by the Crown? Or an example of re-encasing work done by one of those vintage magicians? What is certain though, is that we are facing a highly interesting mystery (found thanks to watch journalist Gregory Pons).

8 years ago