Rolex Wrist Watch Models: Datejust to Submariner
by Mike Moon
The name Rolex is defined as a luxury watch that shows the class, success and perfection of the man or woman wearing it. It's an obsession among high personality to own a precious watch that complements their professional achievements. The Rolex models that have been most popular in history are:
Rolex Datejust
The Datejust model rolexwatches were introduced with a coin edge bezel, which later were replaced by a new fluted bezel along with a larger crown. In the mid-50's, Rolex introduced the Datejust (model 6605) with the cyclops, or the magnifying bubble that is placed over the date on the watch's crystal. In 1956, Rolex released a Datejust model called the "Thunderbird" (model 1625). This watch featured a Turn-O-Graph gold Bezel.
Originally, Rolex offered the Datejust in 18kt yellow gold and after seeing much success, they were offered in stainless steel, white gold, or platinum. By 1962 the two-tone Datejust models were in circulation. Also around this time, the Datejusts were offered with an option of a Jubilee bracelet, an Oyster bracelet, or a leather strap. Additionally, Rolex replaced the original four-digit case reference number with a five digit number. Around this time, Rolex also introduced the Oyster date which is very similar to the Datejust, the only difference being 2mm smaller. By then, the Datejust offered the "midsize" which is 80% the size of the original.
Rolex Submariner
In 1953 Rolex underwent stringent experiments, testing the Submariner prototype in deep waters to a depth of 3,150 meters (10,336 ft). The watch withstood the hardest tests, surviving sub-zero temperatures and the wear and tear of expeditions. Rolex launched the Submariner (model 6204) at the Basel Fair in 1954 although it is believed that it was actually released in late 1953 and was based on the Rolex Explorer. However, the name "Submariner" was not officially patented until around 1960. When introduced, the Submariner was powered by the A296 movement but was then replaced with the 1030 movement and Mercedes hands, which are more elongated than the modern day version. In 1955, model 6538 replaced 6204, and the 6205 by 6536 respectively. Model 6536 then became 6536/1, featuring a chronometer version of the 1030 movement. New Submariner model rolexwatches feature a new scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and an upgraded depth rating of 1,000 feet.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Rolex were forerunners in developing the Oyster and Perpetual. Originally, Rolex was not well known for pioneering chronographs. However the success of the Cosmograph propelled Rolex to the position of being the ultimate sportsman's watch. These rolexwatches soon adopted the name "Daytona" after being sought out by some of the biggest names in auto racing in one of the biggest racing communities of Daytona Beach, Florida. In the beginning, the Daytonas were available in two dials, either in black with silver registers or cream white with black registers. Soon, these dials adopted the name "Paul Newman" after he was seen wearing it in the movie "Winning".
Rolex Day-Date
The Basel fair, the new Day-Date model (model 6511) had a window at the 12 position spelling out the day of the week and the numbered date was shown at the 3 position. Initially introduced as a niche model, the first model (6511) lasted just over a year before it was replaced by 6611. This model featured the new and improved caliber 1055 movement with its free sprung Micro-Stella balance and was the first to be labeled "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified". This statement guaranteed the watch to remain within +/- 3.0 seconds per day. With very little design changes over the years, the first modification to the Day-Date was the addition of the "hack" feature in 1972. This allowed the second hand to be stopped dead while the winding stem was completely pulled out, allowing the time to be synchronized with an accurate source. The Day-Date was available in 18kg gold or platinum.
Similar to the Datejust model, the introduction of the Quick-set feature also accompanied other modifications for the Day-Date. The introduction of the sapphire crystal not only gave the watch a much slimmer and better appearance, it also added to the durability and scratch resistance of these rolexwatches. The early Day-Date models were waterproof to 165 feet (50 meters) while the current model is safe at depths of up to 100 meters. Another improvement came in 1990 when the "Double Quick-Set" feature was introduced. Model 18238 allowed both the date and day to be quickly set via the winding stem. Around the same time, Rolex had increasingly expanded their "Crown Collection" to feature a cast of precious stones though they were available with diamond bezels from their inception.
Mike Moon
Melrose Jewelers is a retailer of genuine Preowned Rolex
wrist watches for men and women including the Rolex Day
Date Presidential and Rolex Datejust.
Melrose Jewelers also provides
used Rolex watches
to nearly 100 jewelry stores nation wide.
mike@melrosejewelers.com 888-574-1250
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