Rolex

Dive into the world of the Rolex Datejust Ref. 16233, a timepiece that epitomizes luxury and precision. This blog post unveils the journey of the Ref. 16233, a symbol of Rolex's commitment to craftsmanship. Discover the rich history, elegant design, and unparalleled functionality that make this watch more than just a timekeeper. It's a statement of style, a legacy in horology, and a must-have for watch enthusiasts and collectors. Join us in exploring the allure of the Rolex Datejust Ref. 16233, a watch that continues to captivate and inspire.

History of the Model and Reference The Ref. 16220 hails from the esteemed 162XX series launched in 1988, representing a harmonious blend of Rolex's traditional charm and modern sophistication. This series marked a significant evolution in Rolex's design approach, skillfully integrating classic elements with contemporary features. Standout Features One of the most striking aspects of the Ref. 16220 is its design. Far from being a mere update to previous models, it signifies a comprehensive revamp. The bezel, particularly noteworthy for its distinct style, stands as the last of its kind in the Datejust line, offering a unique connection to Rolex's rich heritage. The bezel of the Ref. 16220, particularly admired by collectors, adds a dimension of exclusivity to the watch, showcasing Rolex’s commitment to both tradition and innovation. The Ref. 16220 also offers a personal touch with its range of dial options. From the understated elegance of classic black and white to the vibrant allure of sunburst blue, each choice adds a layer of personal expression. The available bracelet styles, the elegant Jubilee and the sporty Oyster, further enhance this versatility, catering to different tastes and occasions. Movement At the heart of this timepiece is the Caliber 3135 movement, renowned for its reliability and precision. This caliber isn't just about keeping time; it embodies Rolex's commitment to performance and durability, crafted to meet the highest standards of watchmaking. Bracelet The choice between a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet on the Ref. 16220 goes beyond mere aesthetics - it's a decision steeped in Rolex's rich history. Each bracelet, with its distinct design and craftsmanship, represents Rolex's legacy of elegance and adventure, respectively. The meticulous attention to detail in crafting these bracelets underscores their iconic status in the Rolex collection. What to Look out for when buying: Authentication: Confirm authenticity through official Rolex hallmarks and serial number verification, ensuring its legitimacy. Mechanics: The 3135 movement should be running well. Bracelet: Check for any stretch and that the bracelet code on the clasp matches the watch. Year and Serial Number: Displayed between the lugs; ensure the serial number is intact. Summary For those venturing into the world of high-end watches, the Ref. 16220 is an exemplary starting point. It's not just a foray into luxury; it's an initiation into a tradition of horological excellence. Owning a Ref. 16220 goes beyond having a premium timepiece; it's about embracing the Rolex legacy of elegance, innovation, and unmatched craftsmanship. In conclusion, the Rolex Datejust Ref. 16220 is more than a mere acquisition; it is an immersion into a legacy that has shaped the world of watchmaking. It stands as a testament to the art of fine watchmaking, a piece of history, and a symbol of enduring craftsmanship. This watch is not just about telling time; it is about being part of a narrative that has been woven through generations of Rolex's commitment to perfection. We carry a selection of certified pre-owed Rolex

Today we’ll be talking about the Rolex Submariner, a watch that needs no introduction. We will be going into a brief history of the Submarines without a date, and letting you know what our favorite version of this legendary Rolex Sports Model is. In the interest of brevity, we will start with the reference 5512 as it marks the next wave of Submariners, following the very hard to find references that preceded it. The 5512 and the submariners that follow (other than the 5514/17) are still accessible to the masses, whilst the previous references are very hard and expensive to procure.   Rolex 5512: 1959–1978     A 5512 with special crown guards courtesy of Phillips-     The 5512 marked a significant departure in the appearance of the popular Rolex design. Crown guards, or "Shoulders" were added to the crown side of the case to protect the crown from collision. In the early watches these shoulders were pyramid-shaped and ended in points. Later watches were manufactured with rounded shoulders. The first few ref. 5512 models that came out did not bear the chronometer (Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified) writing on the dial, and actually were not chronometers at all. Later on, the ref.5512 Submariners were equipped with a chronometer certified caliber 1560 and 1570 movement, bearing the chronometer writing on the dial (so-called 4-line writing).  The 5512 ceased to exist in 1978, and the ref.5513 Submariner kept going on. This watch had a long production run, so there’s a good amount on the second-hand market. Be aware that slight differences in the dial can create huge differences in price. If you know what you’re doing this can translate into the good deals.  Rolex 5513: 1962-1990 The 5513 was first introduced in the early 60s and it had a long 27-year run. Most of the changes during it’s near 30 year run had to do with the dial. The bezel and bracelet also went through some changes as well.  We could write a whole article around the different dial variations of the 5513. For brevity the 3 main dial variations are gilt, matte and glossy. Comparing the 5512 to the 5513, we can say the 5512 is much rarer, and benefits from the chronometer certification versions which the 5513 never got. This however creates 4 lines of text, instead of the 2 on the 5513. The 5513 has a much cleaner aesthetic which many collectors prefer.    Rolex 5514/5517: 1972-1978 A 5514 - Original photo courtesy of Phillips-     The Rolex 5514 is also known as the “COMEX” submariner as it was made for the Compagnie Maritime d’Expertise, a professional oil diving company. These submariners had a special gas escapement valve. Less than 200 of these were made so these are super rare and fetch very high prices at auction.    A 5517 - Original Photo Courtesy of Phillips   The Rolex 5517 also known as the “MILSUB” was made in limited numbers for the Ministry of Defense. The MILSUB had certain features that would differentiate the civilian and military Subs: fixed spring bars, a larger bezel, and a bezel material of German silver which would typically dent upon impact, versus cracking or breaking. The MilSub is one of the priciest vintage Rolex watches, as it had very low production numbers (1,200 estimated) and serious historical value.   Rolex 14060/M: 1990-2012   The ref. 14060, can be seen as the bridge between older and new subs, and is the last of the classic Submariners. The 14060 is a no-date. The introduction of a date feature on the ref. 1680 was controversial, not so much for the addition of a itself (this had been done in the SeaDweller for a while) but for the inclusion of Rolex’s Cyclops lens over the date. Many argue (including myself) that the cyclops ruins the symmetry of the dial.   The case is the last case before the introduction of the Maxi case. It has the slender profile that will fit almost any wrist. It’s also the last model to have lug holes, which is very desirable for easy strap changes. The 14060 also left behind the acrylic crystal for a sapphire.   The ref. 14060 is the first no-date Sub to have both a sapphire crystal a Triplock crown, and a waterproof rating of 300m (up from the ref. 5513’s 200m). The Cal. 1520 was replaced with the Cal. 3000 a more modern movement than its predecessor.   It seems the 14060 is able to walk the thin line that separates modern and vintage well. Prices also remain very attractive compared to other models.     Rolex 114060: 2012-2020     In 2012 the No -Date Submariner line took a huge leap, with the introduction of the 114060. The 114060 acquired many of the modern Rolex innovations we take for granted, including the "Maxi Case" with "Chromalight" hour markers, ceramic bezel, blue Parachrom hairspring and bracelet with "Glidelock" extension system. The 114060 marks the beginning of the “Modern” no-date submariner.    To be clear the Rolex maxi case was first introduced in 2005 with the release of the new generation GMT-Master II. The first watch to feature the new maxi case was the GMT-Master II reference 116718. The maxi case was then carried into the submariner (with date). It wasn’t until 2012 that the Submariner without date received the maxi case. The Maxi case measures the same 40mm in diameter as its predecessor, but wears completely different on the wrist. With beefier lugs, a wider bezel, and thicker profile, the Maxi case watches wear much larger. As stated Chromalight blue lume replaced green Superluminova. According to Rolex the blue lume is much more visible at greater depths. The Glidelock clasp introduced the ability to make micro-adjustments to the bracelet on the fly.        Rolex 124060: 2021   In 2021, the Submariner line got a number of subtle upgrades, including an improved case profile, slimmer lugs, a better bracelet and a new In-House Movement. The case is now 41mm instead of 40mm   So what's our favorite reference? Well it's a tie. We love the 14060 as it straddles modern and vintage almost perfectly. The case fits well on almost any wrist. We are forever fans of matte dials, and so the 5513 would also fit the bill as it is a very accessible vintage Rolex offering. Ones with really nice crystals and creamy patina have this timeless look that will forever be popular.   So there you have it, that covers the most popular no-date submariners from the 5512 onwards. We have a feeling you'll be happy with whichever you choose, especially with pre-owned prices on Rolex references continuing to climb.  

There are no revolutions in the world of Rolex, only small, incremental steps over a long period of time. So when Rolex dropped it’s new 41mm Submariner in August of 2020, we expected subtle tweaks and minor updates to the tried and true Submariner. Today we will be looking at the Two-Tone Black dial iteration of the new 41mm Submariner, the 126613LN.     Small Tweaks The new Submariner line sports an improved case profile, slimmer lugs, a better bracelet and a new In-House Movement. The case is now 41mm instead of 40mm. The 126613LN still uses the Calibre 3235 which was introduced in 2015.Inside, you’ll find the Calibre 3235, which has been serving the Submariner line since 2015. You get 70 hours of power reserve and a true workhorse movement that you don’t have to service for 10 years. The Case Honestly, you may have a hard time feeling any difference between the old and new sub on the wrist. The case looks a bit thinner, and closer to Submariners of the past, but dosen’t feel that much different from the old sub. I’m a self-professed fan of Two-Tone watches, and I have to say there is something special about the Rolesor in the 126613LN. This watch is a contrast-generating machine, catching and reflecting light in all the right places. I find this watch even more attention grabbing than it’s blue-dialed brother, the 126613LB, though less sporty. This is an admittedly flashy watch that you’ll have a very hard time dressing down. You’ve been warned! The Bracelet Like the rest of the watch, the new bracelet is both the same and different. It’s wider at the lugs, at 21mm, however, you probably won’t notice it. Apart from the size difference, it’s pretty much the same, and still retains that oh-so-necessary GlideLock system. The Glide-Lock system saves you from wrist purgatory, where the perfect sizing is between links. It also eliminates the cumbersome pin system in older models. Honestly, once you get used to making micro-adjustments on the fly with the Glidelock, there’s no way you can go back. The Bezel and Dial You’d be hard pressed to find any changes in the dial. It’s the same deep gloss black with maxi (large) markers and white-gold surrounds. I will add thought, that the black dial, along with the contrasting gold filled bezel numerals, adds to that classy contrast we touched on earlier. On the Wrist It’s honestly very hard to tell the difference between this submariner and the previous generation, which is not a bad thing. The fact that very little was changed is a testament to how well the submariner line has evolved.   Outside of the differences in the new Submariner, I’ll say that the Two-Tone experience is not for everyone. This watch nails it at a cocktail party, or on a fancy yacht, but is just too loud in casual settings. Having said that, if you’re looking for some reliable flash, this is the watch for you.

We all know about the Rolex Submariners, GMTs, and Daytonas of the world. These are the popular references that get a lot of play on Social Media. I’m here to offer you a few alternatives. If you’re on a budget, or like to stand out from the crowd, these watches are for you.     Rolex 6694 "PRECISION": Introduced in the 1960's and produced until the late 80's, this sleeper Rolex has serious watch chops. The watch had many variations in terms of dials, but the movement and case pretty much remained the same throughout it's entire run. This watch has a very appealing, clean vintage aesthetic. This watch is charming, and easy to wear on any occasion. It's a simple three-hander, with Rolex's signature cyclops date at 3. This watch is 34mm, but wears more like a 36mm. The lack of a rotor makes this watch very svelte on the wrist. It's perfect for a business meeting or on a golf course. You can usually grab one with an Oyster Rivet bracelet. These watches have many dial variations, including a creme, silver and a blue dial. My favorite iteration is a classic silver dial from the 80's like the one pictured. You can scoop one of these up for $2,000-$3,000 depending on documentation, dial, and condition.    Rolex Explorer Ref. 14270 We've all hear of the Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016, which has exploded in value in recent years, due to it's popularity with many watch experts and aficionados (ex: Ben Clymer). The 14270 is still an explorer that is very much under the radar. The watch had an 11 year run from 1989-2001. In terms of design, it's the classic 36mm explorer design we all know and love. In it's 11 year run, there were 4 main dial variations: "BLACKOUT": 1989-1991 "T-SWISS": 1991-1998 "SWISS ONLY": 1998-1999 "SWISS MADE": 1999-2001 At 36mm in diameter and 12.5mm thick, this watch is infinitely wearable and comfortable on any wrist.  As of the date of this writing, the 14270 is hovering around the $6,000-$7,000 mark. I anticipate these will go up over the years, as more explorer lovers become aware of this reference. Rolex 16570 (Explorer II) Introduced in 1989 and discontinued in 2011 the 16570 was introduced as the predecessor to the 16550. It brought with it a sapphire crystal, new Mercedes hands, and the Calibre 3185, which was the 1st Rolex movement to feature an independent hour hand. The explorer II was originally designed for Spelunking (Cave Exploration) which explains the fixed bezel and 24 hour hand. At 39.5mm by 12mm thick, the Explorer II will fit on most wrists, and easily slip under the cuff.   This watch has great proportions though I will say that this watch may not dress up very well, due to the brushed bezel and overall utilitarian look.   This watch has gone up in recent times and is trading in the $7k-8k range. The POLAR dial models are very popular, while the black dial versions are less so. This watch has crept up considerably, but is still a decent value and should hold it's value pretty well. Rolex BubbleBack For our final watch in the lineup we go way back into the Rolex Catalog. The Rolex Bubbleback was introduced in the 1930's as part of Rolex's first foray into automatic watches. Rolex took an incremental approach in designing it's first automatic, and decided to layer the rotor atop it's existing movement. This gave the watches a thicker back, thus the name bubbleback. Part of the fun of Bubblebacks is that they are available in a wide range of dials, and metals including Steel, Two-Tone, 9/14/18k Rose or Yellow Gold. Most Bubblebacks usually clock in at around 32mm which will be way too small if you have bigger wrists. If, like myself, you have smaller wrists, this watch is totally doable. It's usually around 14mm thick, which helps bulk up it's presence on the wrist a bit. These watches have a very wide range, usually $3-8K depending on dial, condition, etc. These watches are a bargain hunter's dream, as they are not yet as popular as other vintage models and have a ton of fun dial variations. That concludes our small lineup of affordable, under the radar Rolexs. In the future, we will be posting more of these, are there are some very obvious sleepers we failed to mention (cough Rolex Oyster P cough).