Category: rolex

In our initial exploration in February 2021, we delved into the intricacies surrounding the “Rolex Batgirl” moniker attributed to the GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR. In light of Rolex’s recent update offering the model with both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets, the question arises: Should there be distinct nicknames for the black and blue Rolex GMT-Master II, or is it time to unify them under the “Rolex Batman” umbrella?  

Upon discontinuing the first Batman GMT reference 116710BLNR in 2019 and introducing the revamped reference 126710BLNR, the primary distinction lay in the Jubilee bracelet replacing the Oyster bracelet. However, with the current model offering both bracelet options, the validity of the “Batgirl” nickname comes into question.

Streamlining Nicknames: The Case for Rolex Batman
Examining Rolex GMT-Master II nicknames reveals a precedent of simplicity based on bezel color. For instance, all red and blue insert-equipped GMT replica watches bear the “Pepsi” moniker, irrespective of model specifics. Applying this logic, consolidating all black and blue GMT-Master II models under the “Rolex Batman” nickname seems plausible. The recent availability of both bracelets further supports this streamlined nomenclature.

Moreover, consistency with other Rolex collections, such as the universally recognized “Rolex President” for the Day-Date series, highlights the practicality of singular, widely accepted nicknames.

Embracing Diversity: The Case for Rolex Batgirl
In the realm of Rolex, unofficial nicknames often cater to specific models or configurations. The “Smurf” exclusively refers to the 18k white gold Submariner ref. 116619LB, exemplifying the uniqueness of certain designations. Retaining the “Batgirl” label acknowledges the spontaneity and diversity inherent in Rolex nicknames, providing clarity within the collecting community.

Shorthand clarity, especially for communication within the Rolex enthusiast sphere, favors the continued use of “Rolex Batgirl” as it distinctly identifies the model equipped with a Jubilee bracelet.

Insights from the Community
To gain a broader perspective, industry enthusiasts shared their opinions on the Rolex Batman vs. Batgirl debate:

Rob (@spanishrob)
Preferring the Oyster bracelet for the Batman, Rob acknowledges the charm of the Batgirl nickname and its community-driven origin.

Eli (@watchesofgibraltar)
Emphasizing comfort, Eli favors the Batgirl on the Jubilee bracelet, finding its dynamic appearance and refined blue shade appealing.

Sam (@samray_gtr)
Sam sees the Batgirl nickname as a conversation starter, potentially appealing to a broader audience and appreciates the dynamic aesthetics of the Jubilee version.

Ripley (@ripley.sellers)
Critical of the Batgirl nickname’s divergence from established GMT-Master naming conventions, Ripley suggests alternative names for the Oyster bracelet version.

Justin (@abeautifulwrist)
Arguing for the unification of nicknames under Rolex Batman, Justin acknowledges the Jubilee’s refinement while expressing a preference for the Oyster bracelet.

The ongoing debate surrounding replica Rolex Batman vs. Rolex Batgirl reflects the dynamic nature of the collecting community. Whether to consolidate under a singular nickname or celebrate diversity, the discussion remains subjective. As Rolex enthusiasts continue to weigh in, the community’s evolving language will undoubtedly shape the future of these iconic timepieces.

Among its iconic Rolex timepieces, the Submariner has held a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts worldwide. The Submariner’s timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and association with adventure have made it a coveted watch.
As the years pass, Rolex continues to innovate and evolve its watches, maintaining its position as an industry leader. Enthusiasts and collectors eagerly await each new release, speculating on design changes and, of course, price adjustments. With the anticipation surrounding the 2024 Rolex New 41mm Submariners, many are wondering what the price forecast will be.
While we cannot provide an exact price for the 2024 Rolex New 41mm Submariners, we can offer some insights and factors to consider when estimating their potential cost.  
The materials used in the watch’s case, bracelet, and dial, as well as any additional features or complications, significantly impact the price. Rolex may introduce new materials or improvements that could affect pricing.
Market demand plays a crucial role in pricing. If the 2024 Rolex New 41mm Submariners generate high demand and limited availability, this could potentially lead to higher prices in the secondary market.
Economic conditions, including inflation rates and currency exchange rates, can influence watch prices. Rolex may adjust prices to account for changes in the cost of materials and production.
Certain Rolex models become highly collectible over time, leading to price appreciation in the pre-owned market. The desirability and collectibility of the 2024 Submariners could affect their future prices.
So, predicting the exact price of the 2024 Rolex New 41mm Submariners is challenging, as it depends on various factors. However, Rolex’s pricing history, commitment to quality, and market demand are all factors that suggest the prices are likely to increase gradually and reasonably over time. For the most accurate pricing information and updates, it’s advisable to consult authorized Rolex dealers and official Rolex sources as the release date approaches. Rolex enthusiasts can also keep an eye on the secondary market to gauge price trends for specific models.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rolex debuted its Sky-Dweller collection in 2012. It’s not often that Rolex introduces a brand new model, so it’s no surprise that the novel Sky-Dweller was the biggest news at Baselworld that year. the Sky-Dweller was hard to swallow at first – it had a wide 42mm solid gold case with a rotatable fluted bezel that served to control the movement inside. Its dial is packed with information, including two time zones, a date window, and a month indicator – oh, and it’s also an annual calendar. That’s amazing, isn’t it?
Rolex fitted the first two models with matching oyster gold straps and the latter with a leather strap. Two years later, replica Rolex added three more gold versions with additional bracelet and leather strap options. For the first five years of the Sky-Dweller’s history, the watch was only available in an all-gold version, which was out of reach for most collectors. The pair of then-new Sky-Dweller replica watches were equipped with Oyster bracelets and Rolex offered a few Rolex offered some different dial colors.
Perhaps because the steel/white gold combination is more readily available than the previous all-gold version, onlookers can allow themselves to imagine wearing this watch. Perhaps it’s because Rolex used cleaner baton-style hour markers on the dial and dropped the more ornate Arabic and Roman numerals. Another possibility is that the market is increasingly appreciating the Sky-Dweller’s striking looks and mechanical complexity. After all, this is not the first time that a new Rolex model has taken several years to catch on with the public.
The local time is read by a traditional central hand, while the second time zone is read by a small inverted triangle located slightly off-center above the 24-hour disc. In addition to the traditional date window at 3 o’clock, Rolex also features 12 dial windows next to the Sky-Dweller’s hour markers, which are filled in red to indicate the current month. Finally, one of the most impressive features of the 9001 movements is that it is an annual calendar, which means that the Sky-Dweller can distinguish between months that have 30 or 31 days.
However, the addition of the white Rolex Sky-Dweller, and in particular the blue dial, thrusts the entire collection into the spotlight. What the blue dial offers is something different – wearable and seductive, luxurious and sturdy. It is everything that the Rolex Sky-Dweller did not represent when it was first released.

Rolex’s dive watches are highly sought after. It’s no wonder that Rolex has such an exciting history, many noteworthy collaborations, unique designs, and powerful, precise internal movements. We explore the various models in this feature.
Rolex currently produces some different dive watch models: the Submariner and Submariner Date, the Sea-Dweller, and the Deepsea. The Submariner and Submariner Date have the same case size. Almost all of the watches in the collection are available in versions with different materials, dials and bezel colors. The Submariner without the date is the entry-level piece. Introduced in 1953, the Submariner was Rolex’s first dive watch. At the time, it had a bi-directional rotating bezel for measuring dive time. Initially, the Submariner was water-resistant to 100 meters, but by 1954 Rolex had increased that level to 200 meters. In 1955, the British Royal Navy began using the Submariner as its official dive watch, and the Royal Canadian Navy followed suit the following year.
In 1927, Rolex first became known for its water-resistant watches with patented screw-down crowns, and the clever Oyster name was an effective marketing tool. During the more than 15 hours that Mercedes Glaze attempted to swim the English Channel, she wore a Rolex water-resistant watch that stood the test of time. Rolex advertised the event on the front page of London’s Daily Mail newspaper, earning great acclaim for the watch.
Rolex also developed a special deep-sea watch for exploring the depths of the ocean. Between 1953 and 1960, it participated in a number of sea expeditions, attached to the outer hull of a Submarine. In 1960, Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh manned their submarine Trieste to dive to the Mariana Trench, at a depth of 10,916 meters, which was just a few meters short of the deepest point of the ocean. The Deep Sea Special survived unscathed. Although this model was built several times, it never went into mass production. Due to the use of a hemispherical crystal and an overall height of 35mm, it was still too large to be considered wearable.

We were able to put the Rolex Milgauss, designed specifically for scientists and engineers, in the same category as the air-king — among the brand’s second-tier, less fashionable models. But recently, its new look, impressive antimagnetic capabilities and the fact that it is one of those replica watches that have more or less taken root have attracted a growing number of admirers.
First manufactured in that company heyday of the 1950s, the Milgauss was made in the same era as the Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer, and Day-Date. As a result, it has traditionally been left in their collective shadow, so much so that it was actually discontinued totally in 1988, ending with the ref. 1019. A large number of people think that we would never see the Milgauss again, but in 2007, and to coincide with the opening of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Rolex reintroduced the watch with the ref. 116400.  
Now with a case diameter of 40mm for the first time, the current Milgauss benefits from many colorful modern elements, but it retains its characteristic resistance to electromagnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss. The update was originally issued in three versions: black and white dial editions were fitted with a standard clear sapphire, while a second black dial piece (the ref. 116400GV, with ‘GV’ standing for Glace Verte) was given a green-tinted crystal. All three proved especially welcome with fans and started the Milgauss’s climb towards its current popularity, with the GV model really capturing the imagination.
In 2014, Rolex replaced the black and white dial with a transparent sapphire crystal (which could further drive up its price in the future) with a second green sapphire dial, this time electric blue. It was named Z-blue dial and its blend of colors, including a bright orange lightning bolt second hand and minute track, makes it one of the most vivid watches in the entire professional watch series.
Different from the other two used fake rolex watches on our list, the ref. 116400 is still in production (excluding the versions with clear crystals), but there are rumors that cosmetic surgery is on the way. When this happens, you can expect the demand for the current reference to increase, possibly across all versions. Until then, it had been undervalued on the second-hand market, and it was an excellent watch, with some wonderfully quirky touches, and relatively cheap compared to most contemporary Rolex watches — at least for now.

There are many reasons as to exactly why the Rolex Day-Date makes such an enticing pre-owned purchase. The first and foremost is usability. Different from most of their steel motion models, Rolex has never really restricted the supply of the President to their retail network, which means those who want one have had some problems locating a new model. As a result, a significant number of Rolex presidential watches enter the secondary market quite frequently and retailers are not really lacking in pushing second-hand prices above retail prices.
Besides, the fake Rolex Day-Date’s stubborn choice of only precious metal construction is another explanation. The big majority of brand-new watches immediately depreciate the moment that you leave the store with them, with solid gold or platinum models often taking the largest hit in value. Since precious metal watches are much more expensive than stainless steel watches, there are far fewer buyers for them, resulting in significantly less demand in the second-hand market than in the less expensive stainless steel replica watches. This means you often have a great chance of finding a used Rolex CEO at a significant discount compared to the original retail price.
And thirdly, the Day-Date’s iconic aesthetics have to be taken into account. There have been several generations of the Rolex President over the last 60+ years. With the looks more or less cemented from the get-go, new references have generally been announced to introduce a noteworthy upgrade to the watch’s movement instead of any major outward design alterations.
Take a model from the original series and put it next to a modern example and you’ll see relatively small differences in style, despite the massive upgrades and improvements that have taken place over the past few years. So if you can get a used watch that’s indistinguishable from the latest model for a fraction of the price, why not?