Patrick’s resignation came at the height of the recession in 2008. During the global recession, exports of Swiss watches plummeted, with Rolex’s mid- to high-priced products being particularly hard hit. This reportedly led to a drop in sales of up to 40 percent, almost unthinkable by today’s standards and a huge inventory surplus.
At the time, Rolex had just completed an investment program to rationalize its supplier network and achieve vertical integration through in-house production, which could have been disastrous for the brand.
“During his tenure, Rolex developed only one new model, the Yacht Prestige. However, during his 16-year tenure from 1992 to 2008, as CEO, he consolidated Rolex’s entire operations into four superbly advanced facilities, all located in Switzerland, creating excellent economies of scale that contributed significantly to the quality of modern Rolex replica watches.” The Forthcoming Heinrich Rolex Yachtmaster During his time at Rolex, Patrick chose to wear his favorite metal: the Day-Date in platinum, and as mentioned earlier, he introduced the Yachtmaster as we know it to the Rolex lineup.
The watch has been in the custody of the Heiniger family since it was first launched, but this weekend it will go under the hammer at an exclusive watch auction organized by the Monaco Legend Group on April 22 and 23 at the Le Meridien Hotel in Monte Carlo. The preview will take place from Thursday, April 20th to Saturday, April 22nd.
This watch is a platinum prototype commissioned by the Heiniger family. It is truly unique, dating back to the early 1990s, and celebrates the 10 millionth Rolex watch with a chronometer certificate. Equipped with a platinum Oyster bracelet, this copy Rolex watch features diamond hour markers, baguette sapphires at 6 and 9 o’clock, and triangular sapphires at 12 o’clock. Its distinctive platinum-colored dial bears the inscription “DIX MILLIONIEME CHRONOMETER.”
“In addition, the watch is made of the rarest metal, has an incredibly unique dial, it has an outstanding provenance directly from the family that marks the history of the Rolex company. This is a Rolex made by the Chairman of the company for their family and is a unique piece that has never been offered for sale.
Author: admin
Rolex’s journey around the world
In the early 20th century, a visionary entrepreneur based in London was on the verge of success. What was his goal? To introduce to the watchmaking world of the time a dial mark that was not yet known: Rolex. A new name, invented in 1908, would become one of the world’s most respected brands in a few decades. As Hans Wilsdorf recounts in his memoirs of the company’s early days, the opposition he faced initially seemed impossible.
As a comprehensive, independent company, replica Rolex has manufacturing resources encompassing many skills and knowledge. Watchmakers, engineers, designers, and other specialists work closely together from the design to the manufacture of a watch. Rolex’s company culture is based first and foremost on the value of people, placing expertise and soft skills at the heart of the brand’s different activities.
Rolex organizes various professions, animated by employees who are experts in their respective fields. The company has complete control over its basic components, from casting gold alloys to machining, finishing and assembly of movements, cases, dials, bracelet elements, and gem-setting. The company’s expertise is also available worldwide thanks to an excellent after-sales service network.
To ensure the brand’s expertise continues, Rolex has its unique training center. Located in Geneva, the center is dedicated to pursuing excellence and developing its staff, providing training and mentoring apprentices. The company aims to pass on its pride in its skills and mastery of knowledge to younger generations.
The Oyster Perpetual collection builds on the success of the original Oyster model, which was patented and launched by Rolex in 1926. As the world’s first waterproof watch, it played a pioneering role in the development of modern watchmaking. Over the years, the Oyster became the proud home of many other innovations – such as automatic winding by perpetual motion (1931) – that defined the identity of the collection and forged Rolex’s reputation for excellence, of which precision and reliability in timekeeping are among the cornerstones.
The Oyster has gradually evolved into a watch collection incorporating new features and innovative technologies. All models share basic characteristics and a solid visual identity. Today, the collection comprises 12 lines divided into two categories: classic watches, such as the Datejust and Day-Date, and professional replica watches, including the Explorer and GMT-Master II.
Rolex Gold Prices and Other Rolex Gold Watches
Regardless of the specific color, all Rolex yellow gold is now 18k and is produced in-house by Rolex’s own foundry. When it comes to materials, Rolex uses only the finest alloys, tirelessly striving for perfection and specifically designing its gold for maximum longevity and brilliance.
Rolex’s foundry currently produces all the gold used in its watches, as well as a specialized 904L stainless steel alloy that the brand calls Oystersteel. However, since the Rolex Day-Date is only available in precious metals, you won’t find any Oystersteel or two-tone options in the Rolex President collection.
In recent years, Rolex has increased the use of gold in its various watch collections, and now even some of the brand’s most tool-like collections, such as the Sea-Dweller and Explorer, offer two-tone options. Currently, the Submariner, Daytona, GMT-Master II, Sky-Dweller, Datejust, Yacht-Master, Cellini and Pearlmaster collections all offer solid gold models. However, despite the modern trend that usually favors sporty watches, it remains that the Rolex President remains the most iconic gold watch in the world.
Day-Date prices can vary quite a bit, depending on the reference number and the condition of the watch itself. However, you can expect to pay at least $12,000 for an “entry level” model. For example, the resale price of the Ref. 1803 is between $12,000 and $15,000. the second-hand price of the Ref. 18038 is around $15,000, while its successor, the Ref. 6-digit Date has a slightly higher premium, the Ref. 118238 has a slightly higher premium, and the current production Ref. 128238 is up to $50,000. the Ref. 128238. For comparison, at the retail level, the Ref. 128238 is $35,000, while the 41mm model, the 228238, is $38,500 as of 2023.
While fashion trends come and go, Rolex gold replica watches have always remained in style. In addition, Rolex gold watches tend to hold their value well, especially over the long term, which is why so many watch enthusiasts consider the gold President Day-Date such a solid investment. There is no better place to buy than at Bob’s Watches, the world’s largest and most trusted marketplace for pre-owned Rolexes.
Why Is It Called “Rolex Day-Date Platinum?
Rolex models are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, rose gold, yellow gold or white gold. However, the Rolex Day-Date Platinum is one of the world’s top luxury watches because of its platinum material.
Platinum is rare and precious, prized for its unique lustrous beauty. It is characterized by its vibrant luster, silvery whiteness and great density. In addition, this metal has excellent corrosion resistance. In addition, platinum appears soft, malleable and malleable, making it difficult to work. It requires highly skilled artisans to craft and polish it into the beautiful shapes you see on every Rolex platinum watch.
Rolex has never compromised its pursuit of flawless craftsmanship in its groundbreaking designs. Each piece is crafted using 950 platinum, a metal alloy composed of 950‰ platinum, which is carefully crafted in-house by the brand’s renowned fine metal craftsmen.
For these reasons, if you truly appreciate fine detail, the Rolex Day-Date Platinum is a watch you cannot resist. Designed for the most discerning of tastes, this copy watch is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their accessories. Its elegant design and sleek finish will make you feel like royalty when you wear it.
The Day-Date 40 ref 228206 is one of the most prestigious men’s watches with its timelessly elegant design, fine details and exceptional craftsmanship. It is made of pure 950 platinum and finished in-house by Rolex artisans. As a result, it does not tarnish or fade over time. In addition, its weight exudes quality and exclusivity.
With its unique reference number and 41 mm case diameter, the Rolex 218206 for men is a great choice for those seeking a timepiece that dominates the wrist. In addition to its larger size, this replica watch features a very valuable solid 950 platinum case and matching presidential strap.
Filled with unique details and signature style, the Rolex 118206 exudes pure luxury and power. Made of 950 platinum, this Day-Date variant is of the highest level of craftsmanship and features the finest finishes on its bezel, dial and bracelet. In addition to its more modern look, the 118206 is equipped with a sapphire crystal that helps it to be more scratch-resistant than its predecessors.
A Journey into the World of Rolex
At the turn of the 20th century, a visionary entrepreneur based in London was on the verge of success. What was his goal? To introduce to the watchmaking world of the time a dial signature that was not yet known. Rolex. A new name, invented in 1908, would become one of the world’s most respected brands in the space of a few decades. As Hans Wilsdorf recounts in his memoirs of the company’s early days, the opposition he faced seemed impossible at first.
“Too complicated, too fragile, not adaptable” – the watch was met with skepticism. Yet, relying on his strong conviction, Hans Wilsdorf succeeded in his audacious goal of establishing the Rolex watch – the Oyster Perpetual – as the quintessential waterproof watch: precise, robust, and able to withstand all conditions. But he was more than just a visionary who gave Rolex replica watches their basic technical and aesthetic characteristics. His constant quest for perfection was accompanied by a profound tolerance and an unshakeable faith in human potential.
As an integrated, independent company, replica Rolex has manufacturing resources encompassing a wide range of skills and knowledge. Watchmakers, engineers, designers, and other specialists work closely together from designing to manufacturing a watch. Rolex’s company culture is based first and foremost on the value of people, placing expertise and soft skills at the heart of the brand’s different activities.
Rolex is the organizer of various professions, animated by employees who are experts in their respective fields. The company has complete control over its basic components, from casting gold alloys to the machining, finishing, and assembly of movements, cases, dials, bracelet elements, and gem-setting. The company’s know-how is also available worldwide thanks to an excellent after-sales service network.
To ensure that the brand’s expertise continues, copy Rolex has its unique training center. Located in Geneva, the center is dedicated to pursuing excellence and developing its staff, providing training and mentoring apprentices. The company aims to pass on its pride in its skills and mastery of knowledge to younger generations.
As the world’s first waterproof watch, it played a pioneering role in the development of modern watchmaking. Over the years, the Oyster became the pride of many other innovations – such as automatic winding via a perpetual calendar rotor (1931) – that defined the identity of the clone Rolex collection and forged its reputation for excellence, of which chronometric precision and reliability are among the cornerstones.
Rolex Datejust I vs. Datejust II vs. Datejust 41 Ultimate Comparison
Comparing the Rolex Datejust (now called the Datejust 36) and the Datejust II is like comparing Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Pepsi and Coca-Cola are both colas. Their tastes are similar to each other. Statistically, one appeals to an older, more conservative demographic and the other to a younger, more liberal group. One has been around for a long time, while the other is a slightly younger upstart.
However, the two are very different. So are these two Datejusts. (We’ll start with the Datejust II, then the currently produced Datejust 41). First, there are similarities. At first glance, one could be mistaken for the other on the wrist across the room. However, there is a 5 mm difference between the two.
Keeping the design in harmony with this 14% size difference has led to a change in proportions between the two. Of course, the overall design of the Datejust has remained virtually unchanged for over half a century (it was introduced in 1945). When Rolex designers decided to project the design of the Datejust II to 41 mm in 2009, the most obvious change was a wider bezel.
Imitation Rolex designers also retained the 20mm strap width, so the Datejust II has slightly thicker lugs. These thicker lugs aren’t as noticeable as the bezel, but they still account for the overall difference in proportions between the two models.
Both models are available with either a fluted bezel or a smooth bezel. On top of that, each one has an incredible variety of features. There are countless combinations of metals, dial designs, finishes, bezels, and straps.
The Datejust 36 is available with the venerable Jubilee strap, which was developed when the Datejust was first introduced in 1945, or with the Oyster strap with Oysterclasp and the brand’s exclusive Easylink comfort extension link. A strap is also an option for certain combinations of functions. In contrast, the Datejust II is only available with an Oyster bracelet and Oyster buckle, regardless of which other option is chosen.
The Datejust is available in 904L steel, yellow gold, or Everose gold (Rolex’s term for its proprietary rose gold). It also comes in a two-tone (steel and white, yellow or Everose gold) combination, while the Datejust II is a two-tone proposition in stainless steel or steel and gold.
The differences between these two models are not just skin deep. The modern Datejust 36 has a caliber 3135 or 3235 under the dial, depending on the year it was produced, while the Datejust II uses the caliber 3136. Each is a COSC-certified chronometer movement with copy Rolex’s Parachrom hairspring, but the newer movements, the 3136 and 3235, also feature high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers. Rolex claims these shock absorbers are more resistant to shocks and other extreme conditions.
These are robust movements that carry Rolex’s newly redefined Super Chronometer designation. The new definition means that both movements will run -2/+2 seconds per day when housed in a case. This is more than double the -4/+6 seconds per day accuracy required for COSC certification.
If you’re a little confused after reading this, don’t worry. To see all the changes between the Datejust II and the Datejust 36, go to the Datejust page on the replica Rolex website and see the difference. Also, since all of the replica watches listed for sale on our website have their corresponding years, it is easy to tell when the different Datejust watches were made.
2022 Amazing TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200
Recently, we spent some time on the podcast discussing the durability and appeal of the vintage TAG Aquaracer. You can still see them here and there, even quartz replica watches that have been beaten to death while it’s been going for a decade. They have a lovely quality, and I get excited about the Aquaracer watches that often serve as someone’s first beautiful watch.
This week, Replica TAG Heuer announced a new and extensive Aquaracer line of watches that takes us back to the early days and a more minor 40mm case (the specific version we’ll be watching). The new TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 is in automatic and Quartz versions.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer was launched in 2004 and is the brand’s entry-level model if you’re looking for a dive watch. Unlike previous models, the new TAG Heuer Racer Professional 200 is downsized to a more wearable 40mm and comes with a choice of black, white, or blue dials.
It should be no surprise that my favorite combination is the black dial quartz version pictured above. No date, no Cyclops, and no sunburst effect – a dial treatment found on more expensive automatic versions. Other features, such as water resistance to 300 meters, Super-LumiNova-treated hands, markers, and an all-steel diving bezel, make this a valuable sports watch for the masses.
What’s more, as availability grows over time, I’m sure we’ll see a better market price, especially for the quartz models. Finally, it would be nice to have a fully frosted bracelet option. So if I buy one, you might see it with a NATO strap. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Automatic costs $2750, and the Quartz costs $2050. It looks like an exciting offering from TAG Heuer and an excellent option for those looking for an old-school diver vibe in a newer fake watch. While pricey, I could see TAG Heuer charging more for this, and I’m glad they didn’t.
How to identify a laser welded Rolex case?
As always, when you begin analyzing a vintage Rolex, every little detail matters and should match the “patina all over”. In other words, the case should age to the same degree as the dial, hands, and bezel. In most cases, when the case welder has finished his work, he simply focuses on the lugs and bevels of the watch with the newly added bevels. Don’t forget that collectors want their replica Rolex laser-welded because the case looks very tired and worn out. Logically, the rest of the watch will still show you aging, and once the case looks new, you will immediately notice that it doesn’t match the rest in detail.
But what if the dial is great and the case only needs a little surgery to become more impressive? If it’s not obvious that the parts don’t match, look closely between the lugs and you’ll see that this matte area is much more “worn” than a brand new one. On top of that, the holes in the case are usually newly drilled and you notice that when ringing them up, the inside is different, lacking the necessary patina and looking new.
Next, you have to know what the cheap Rolex case looks like, what the exact curve of the bevel is, and how wide it is, because every reference is distinguished and then you can compare. In addition to the glossy finish, the matte polish on the case tells you if it is a redo or original. A current finished matte finish has a different light break than a matte finish that was finished 20-40 years ago. Small scratches will appear on a matte finish and you will see the depth of it, plus a newly added polish will never have the same structural sanding lines when done later. Here’s a good NOS example of what a small crown looks like when it leaves the factory. Study the lines, polish, curves, and dimensions, but most importantly, the condition of the entire body is matched. Every part is NOS, not just the center case/lug.
Up close, you will see polished examples where the fine lines are not perfectly straight, because most likely the polished case was done by hand, while the unpolished case was done while all the parts were still assembled, and always the same, in one piece. Another important feature of polished watches is that the case looks good at first, but it is mainly on the case back where the engraving is worn and polished.
The Reference Model 1675 of GMT Master
When Rolex 1675 model replaced the original GMT-Master model in 1959, the company introduced some notable updates to the then-new model. First, the 1675 GMT-Master got a crown protector – a detail that was lacking in the previous model. To accommodate the new shoulders on either side of the winding crown, the 1675’s case was increased by 2 mm to a diameter of 40 mm. In addition, another important change made by replica Rolex is the replacement of the bakelite bezel of the old 6542 with an aluminum bezel on the GMT-Master 1675.
Since Rolex produced the GMT-Master 1675 for 20 years, the replica watch has undergone a number of changes throughout its history. For example, early examples of 1675 had pointed crown guards (known as PCG or El Cornino), which eventually evolved into the more rounded guards we are familiar with today. In addition, the Ref. 1675 changed over time; early examples were equipped with a lustrous gold-plated dial that featured a shiny black dial with gold lettering. Starting in the mid-1960s, the company moved to a matte black dial with white text. Rolex also added the option of an all-black 1675 bezel in the early 1970s, alongside models with the iconic blue and red “Pepsi” GMT-Master bezels.
Finally, Rolex has also updated the movement inside the GMT-Master 1675. The first movement to power the reference 1675 was the 1565 caliber, which ran at 18,000 BPH. By the mid-1960s, this movement was replaced by the 1575 caliber, whose frequency was increased to 19,800 BPH. In 1971, Rolex added a hacking function to the 1575 caliber that allowed the seconds hand to pause while adjusting the time.
This particular GMT-Master 1675 is a later model, made in the late 1970s. Its dial is matte black, and its tritium luminous pattern has been transformed into a warm cream shade. In addition, it has what collectors call a Mark 5 dial, defined in part by the vertical line to the right of the M in “Master” aligned with the middle of the C and H in “Chronometer”.
But it’s the detail on the dial, just above the indexes at six o’clock, that makes this GMT-Master 1675 particularly noteworthy. An AB logo sits above the GMT-Master name, which makes this a co-branded dial. The AB logo comes from the Arkansas Best Company (now renamed ArcBest Corporation), which was founded in 1923 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, as OK Transfer, a local freight company. The company was incorporated as Arkansas Best in 1966 and became a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. We can only assume that the company issued these AB marked Rolex GMT-Master 1675 co-branded examples to its longest-serving personnel.
The bezel is the most recognizable attribute, with its signature blue and red Pepsi color scheme, which was replaced at the time of service, giving the fake watch almost as original an appearance as when it was made nearly 40 years ago. It may be a pilot’s watch, but the GMT-Master’s legendary toughness and resilience make it a logical choice to honor the needs of the transportation industry.
In addition to the GMT-Master 1675 with the AB logo we highlighted above, Rolex made many other examples of the same model with different co-branded dials. The most famous of these all is the double-stamped Tiffany GMT-Master 1675, with the Tiffany & Co. logo above the GMT-Master name – retailed exclusively at select Tiffany boutiques, of course.
There are also vintage GMT-Master 1675 models bearing the official insignia of Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Oman. These double-stamped copy Rolex watches were often worn by government, military, and police personnel, or given as gifts to civilians by their leaders.
The co-branded dial segment is a fascinating corner of the vintage Rolex market – some collectors focus on researching and accumulating them. the AB branded Reference GMT-Master 1675 is just one fascinating example of a large number of other double-stamped Rolex dial examples.
Wrist Check: Rolex Explorer II
Wearing certain watches creates an interesting emotion. It’s hard to put into words, but when the Explorer II hugs your wrist, something changes. A feeling of adventure ensues. You’re no longer sitting in a cubicle at your desk – you’re ready to travel to the real ocean. Visions of alpine expeditions and multi-time-zone travel spring up like the plot of an Ian Fleming novel. Some people just see a simple homology between GMT and fake watch design. However, I see something more – a gateway to a different way of life.
Okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the Explorer II holds a special place in my heart. It was what introduced me to the world of Rolex. Memories associated with this watch include trudging through snowy nights in New York City and warm afternoons spent at country wineries. The Explorer II is not just a watch – it’s a companion. The design changes that distinguish it from the GMT-Master II or Submariner give it a more pronounced rugged look. The brushed steel bezel seems to work as a flint if you find yourself stuck in the woods and need to start a fire (seriously, don’t do that). Let’s take a look at why I can’t get enough of one of the most underrated exact replica watches in the Rolex lineup right now.
The 42mm Explorer II is significantly larger than Rolex’s 40mm Sport. To me, this just adds to the overall sturdy tool watch feel. To complement the size, the brushed steel 24-hour bezel mirrors the black dial. While the white dial version of the Explorer II is currently more popular, I prefer the black dial. It adds better readability by contrasting with the white hands. Regarding the hands, for this version of the watch, Rolex used a black hand base to match the dial and added a phantom effect. As a result, at first glance, the hands appear rather stubby, but over time, this look will grow on you.
To add contrast to the black dial, a bold orange arrow-shaped GMT hand helps you measure a second time zone. And, for good measure, this hand is controlled by its own quick time setting function on the crown. This allows the user to switch hours in just a few seconds. Following more traditional design cues, the date function is located under the Cyclops magnifying window at three o’clock. Hugging all of this tightly to the wrist is a synonym for most of their best replica watches – the Oyster strap. Finished in brushed steel, the strap feels as tough as nails without sacrificing comfort. I wish it had the Glidelock clasp. However, it does have the Easylink system, which allows you to quickly expand the bracelet by about half a turn. This comes in handy when switching from a cold climate to a hot one, or when your wrist is expanding throughout the day.
The steel bezel I’ve been raving about has a downside. It makes the Explorer II more casual than its ceramic bezel counterpart. I’ve always believed that you should wear what makes you feel best. However, for me, the Explorer II shines best in business casual and informal settings. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wear it with a suit, but in general, it’s not a good practice. The larger casing and brushed finish make it more suited to nice jeans and facecloth than anything else.
In daily use, the larger case size disappears quickly from my perspective. For most watches, I think size comes down to preference. After a few days, you can get used to anything. I never found the Explorer II to be uncomfortable or too big for my 6.8″ wrist. That said, I did notice that the case was not as flat on my wrist as the 40mm Rolex. I just equate it to a sportier look.
It’s certainly not an original idea, but for men, watches are really the only jewelry we can wear every day. The features that make this watch different from the more traditional Submariner or GMT-Master add more personality to the wearer. It shows that you really know what you’re wearing, rather than simply checking a box on the Rolex list. The Explorer II has a depth to it that really makes you feel special when you look down at your wrist. Even if you’re not traveling, you’ll always be ready for the call of adventure. The Explorer II is a watch that will carry those memories forever.