Replica world and no replicas world

Rolex Explorer I is always the most popular and attractive edition in Rolex, black dial with 3, 6, 9 Arab numbers endowing Explorer elegance and dynamic charming. Greatly loved by celebrities, movie stars and broad media report even more makes Explorer I become the pet of fashion.

Explorer Ref. 14270

Putting aside the crazy love by movie star loves, Explorer I actually is quite an attractive watch itself, apart from the outstanding technology used on it, behind its semblance full of sports feeling and elegance, Explorer I not only has exciting historical classical stories, but also with labyrinthian details, just like other Rolex sports watches (still remember the stories of Submariner, Daytona Cosmograph and Explorer II?). Although the latest edition I Ref. 114270 or the former one 14720 of Explorer have been quite different from the Explorer with amazing stories at that time, the typical and original 3-6-9 markers have been replaced by steel markers, and case design, movement and mirror have all changed, its look still the same.

Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary：Tenzing wears an Explorer on his left wrist

In the conception of ordinary watch lovers, Explorer I is specially launched by Rolex just for commemorating Everest expedition. This watch was with British explorer team consisting of Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay etc on 29th, May of 1953, achieving a great task of human being climbing. This story is definitely magic and attractive, but it still has a certain distance to the real fact. Firstly, Rolex indeed had supported Himalayan expedition since 1933, and later in Everest expeditions, Rolex had been always the official supporters, so Rolex supported each explorer team with its wristwatch. However, Rolex was not the only supporter, it is said that when Edmund Hillary climbed up on the top of Everest, what he wore is a watch from the British supporter Smith. But what Tenzing Norgay wore is indeed Explorer. On 19th, July of 1988, this watch was auctioned in Sotheby’s of London, and presently stored in Rolex Museum in Geneva. As for if Explorer is the first watch worn on the top of Everest, I am afraid that no answer will be found forever, as Hillary and Norgay have always not wanted to speak out who first climbed on the top, and persisted in that it is done by both of them.

Explorer Ref. 6350

advertisement of Explorer Ref. 6350

Advertisement of Explorer Ref. 1016 in 1975

Secondly, when observing the Explorer worn by Tenzing Norgay when climbing Everest, it indeed has the typical black dial and 3-6-9 night light markers, although the hands are not Skelette (Mercedes) which we are familiar with but the pure nightlight straight ones, the round nightlight spots on central second hand are al little bigger than today’s editions. What needs to concern is the “Precision” mark but not “Explorer” on the dial of this Explorer. In addition, according to the record of Sotheby, the back of this watch is bubble back style. According to these characters, it can deduce that it is Ref.6350. At that time, Rolex used to carve the production date inside the back. The production date for Ref.6350 worn by Tenzing Norgay is IV 53, which means made in April of 1953. So you can see that before Hillary and Norgay climbed on the top of Everest, Rolex did not name Ref.6350 as Explorer. Although Rolex had registered the trade mark of Explorer in Geneva on 26th, Jan of 1953, Explorer gained its name after Hillary and Norgay climbing up Everest, that is, “Explorer” began to be added on Ref.6350 after the success climbing in 1953. as for Explorer I becoming a fix style and classic watch, it was accomplished by Rolex after a certain time of scrabble.

Anyway, Ref. 6350 is indeed specially made for Explorers by Rolex. Ref. 6350 Explorer has highly readable dial design, and its case is also specially strengthened and uses special lubricant based on the need, making this watch can work between -20° C and +40° C and its accuracy will not affected by the change of emplastic. So regardless of before or after Hillary and Norgay climbing on the Everest, many explorers relied on Ref. 6350 as the necessary chronometer. The distinctive dial of Explorer I is not innovative, its big triangle mark at 12 o’clock position and dials with Arab and Roman numerals of some Rolex editions had been widely used in 1930’s and 1940’s, and 3-6-9 Arab numerals and long bar markers had been used in the early cushion and oyster style. However, these elements which had appeared before combined again in a unique way, creating a fresh and clear image for Explorer.

According to the research on the early Explorers by the author of “The Best of Time. Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History ”James M. Dowling, at the beginning Rolex was obviously not sure about the potential market of Explorer, therefore Rolex also put the dial with the registered trade mark “Explorer” or the name of “Explorer” on other editions. Air King Explorer is one of the most famous examples. The Air King Explorer means 3-6-9 black dial of Explorer is used by some Ref. 5500 Air King, but “Precision” is the mark on the dial, not Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified. Another example is Dress Explorer, means non-explorer dial with steel markers and hands are used by some Oyster Perpetual, but with “Explorer” carved on the dial, including Ref.5700 (also called as Explorer Date) with date display and Ref. 5504 without date display. These explorers which are considered as rare and precious today were mostly made in 1950’s and 1960’s, the earliest one, Ref. 6298 could be traced back to 1953. And their production did not come to a halt until the hot sell of Rolex.

Explorer Ref. 5500 in Antiquorum auction

Explorer Ref. 6150 in Antiquorum auction

Explorer Ref. 6298 in Antiquorum auction

honeycomb dial of Exoplorer Ref. 6350

Explorer Ref. 6350 was produced about one year in 1953, and then Ref. 6150 was in production in the same year. Most Explorer Ref. 6350 with black dial was carved with “Officially Certified Chronometer”, and the dial is with special honeycomb. Both Ref. 6150 and Ref. 6350 used A296 movement, but the case is 2 mm bigger than Ref. 6150, both with “Precision”. Ref. 6150 stopped to produce in 1959 and replaced by Ref. 6610. from semblance, Ref. 6610 and Ref. 6150 are almost the same, but since Ref. 6610 used new Caliber 1310 movement, so the back is more flat than bubble back. So these early explorers are all stainless steel made, and all the fonts, Rolex logo and minute markers all use golden color.

After five years production of Ref. 6610, Explorer Ref. 1016 replaced its production in 1963. Ref. 1016 is the most famous edition with longest production in all the Explorers, its production lasted until Ref. 14270 replaced it. Explorer Ref. 1016 looks like Ref. 6610 from semblance, and its movement changed to use Caliber 1560, water resistant increased from 50m to 100m. During the long production of 26 years, Explorer Ref. 1016 also changed a little. The first generation of Ref. 1016 was changed in 1975, changed to use the improved Caliber 1570 with hack from Caliber 1560, and the oyster strap was changed to made of solid stainless steel.

Explorer Ref. 6610 in Antiquorum auction

Explorer Ref. 1016

In 1989, Ref. 14270, which is familiar to most watch lovers, came to the market with surprise. Apart from remaining the name of Explorer and Benz hands, the inside and beauty conception of Ref. 14270 were completely different from Ref. 1016: the movement is Caliber 3000 with higher frequency, the mirror is sapphire crystal glass, the case is designed again, the dial changes quite a lot, the original full printed nightlight markers including clock markers, triangle mark at 12 o’clock and 3-6-9 nightlight Arab numerals are all changed into the design of K steel circle plus Tritium nightlight coating. Such a change definitely makes the style of 14270 have a feeling of elegance and modern, but the pure sports and explorer style of Ref. 1016 actually made most watch lovers hard to forget, and since the number of it became fewer and fewer, therefore the price of Ref. 1016 in recent years has risen up quite a lot. The price is nearly as twice as the brand new 14270.

Explorer Ref. 1016

Explorer I changed a little again in 2001: 114270 replaced 14270, changed to use Caliber 3130. regardless the antique Explorer Ref. 6350, 1016, the former generation 14270 or the present Explorer 114270, Rolex Explorer I is always a very simple watch with simple semblance and functions, stainless case and strap, self winding movement and black dial with 3, 6, 9, it is really unremarkable, but maybe it is just because “simple is the best”, Explorer I seems to be more attractive as time goes by. What is more magic is that Explorer I not only loved by male watch lovers, even female consumers are always attracted by its modern and entertainment feeling. Most watch lovers can not understand the low complex but high price and hot purchased by consumers of Explorer I, but why should you need a reason for the love to a watch? 

the everlasting Explorer Ref. 1016

Its exquisite styling, elegant character and rich history are the best reasons.

In 2004, Audemars Piguet announced its theme for the year: Femmes du Monde(French, means women of the world). Now let us have a review of it and enjoy the soul of ladies’ watches.

To pay a tribute to the everlasting ladies, Audemars Piguet specially launched four ladies’ jewelry wristwatch series: Deva、Lady Royal Oak、 Facettes and Dream，making ladies more charming, exquisite, this is what Femmes du Monde offers for the elegant ladies from all over the world.

Deva: featuring the elegance in simplicity

Among these jewelry series, Deva is the first gift to the global ladies. Deva means the bright goddness in the sky. The design inspiration from flowers and curves are well displayed by the elegant and ingenious square watch case, the soft styling and beautiful diamond or natural bijous. Deva series based on traditional squareness, mixed with soft curves, the square back and sapphire crystal watch face are a little arcual, like a rare and ingenious pillow matching with different combinations of precious diamond or bijous. Of each side of watch dial, there is round watch rod with diamonds and semi-round sapphire. Regardless of matching rubber or steel strap, it looks exquisite and absolutely elegant.

Deva, which is specially designed for ladies, owns a dial made of white pearl sea shell, serving as a foil to the elegance of 18K gold or white gold. Markers of 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, 9 o’clock are diamonds or sapphire, and the 12 o’clock are displayed with the letters of “AP”. As for the edition with full-diamond set, it looks more elegant and noble. Dial with full-diamond set matching 18K white gold steel bezel and watch rod with full crystal and diamond set, showing the top work of Deva series.

Lady Royal Oak：Featuring the special characters and power of ladies

The new Lady Royal Oak follows the original typical design of Royal Oak series: octagon bezel, in the spirit of symbolizing character and power, injecting brightness and female design, endowing Lady Royal Oak a brand new style. The distinctive feature of Lady Royal Oak is that the diameter of the case increased to 33 mm and the original complanate octagon bezel and the sapphire crystal mirror are modified as round bezel and mirror. The bezel is with or without diamond. The dial is with stripped silky shape matching with shuttled markers or natural white pearl sea shell matching with 11 pieces of diamond markers. The watch head is made of 18 K gold and with semi-round and transparent sapphire of 0.42 CT sapphire.

Ladies with AP are absolutely elegant and beautiful, therefore, new Lady Royal Oak has to own this feature, and it needs to show the elegance in the details of its semblance. As far as the case concerned, Lady Royal Oak has a mirror which is more complicated and exquisite and manual polish, both octagon bezel and case have three layers stripped polish, since these polishes are so complicated, so they have to be finished by manual but not machine. Lady Royal Oak shows the charming and special characters of ladies. Case with a bigger size, round dial and bezel matching with steel or rubber strap, stating a distinctive style.

Dream: round, ingenious and transcendent

Another Dream series, just like gorgeous satin, matching with white K gold setting diamond off and emitting special bright, showing the absolute charming ladies’ design, resplendent and florid. Inscrutable circular curve shape, round, refined and transcendent, with exquisite diamond setting art. Just a glance at that, you will find that Dream is absolutely a dream wristwatch for ladies. With new and soft styling, the Dream series not only interprets the extreme elegance of lady jewelry wristwatch, but also pursue a perfect and comfortable feeling when wearing on wrist. The circular curve shape case is elegant and with a good style, softly touching the skin on the wrist. Satin strap or K gold set steel strap even more adds a sexy feeling to Dream, even if skinniest wrist can wear it.

18 K white gold rectangle case, soft styling, with either side extending circular and wide border and theme pattern like flowers, just like two flower baskets full of diamonds, giving us an unprecedented feeling of dial. especially in the editions with full-diamond set, neat diamond setting makes the diamond just like dancing on the case. Dream with pearl shell dial, having blue and snow white color. Diamond set markers and leaf shape and hollow out minute hand dial. As for the strap, Dream uses satin. And the editions with full-diamond set matches with 18K white gold polished steel strap with rhodium coating.

Facettes: pure styling with exquisite diamond set technology

As for Facettes, it is just like lady wrist watch series Promesse of Audemars Piguet, focusing on displaying the good taste and nice character. Facettes uses natural sapphire and colorful changes and different setting technology, showing us a bright and colorful watch picture. Facettes wristwatch purely focuses on simple and straight styling, interpreting its facettes design just like its name, rectangle case matching with oblique edge bezel, setting the sapphire mirror off, showing a straight line just like a ridge, in consistent with protuberance of satin strap. As far as the integrated design of the watch is concerned , edges are compatible, faces match well, exquisite and fabulous.

The mechanical watches are very popular all over the world nowadays and information about them are also full of the market, so sometimes consumers just can not make a right decision because of too much information, and some even pay more than what they should to buy the improper items. Watches professionals think that the consumers should clearly know the purpose of buying a mechanical watch, for collection or for daily wear? Even if it is the same brand, the prices are tremendously different between collections and daily wear ones. Confirm what your watch is for so that you do not spend a lot of money on buying a wrong thing.

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref.5059

How to differentiate daily wear ones and collection ones? As for daily wear, the watch needs to meet the need of time display or suits for doing sports or recreation, and one thing which is the most important is the water resistant, a sports or recreation watch should be water resistant to at least 50 meters, and as for those for daily life, it only needs to be 30 meters. If you join in an evening party etc, simple and high class ones, such as three big hands, can build your elegant character, with a diamond or color ceramic dial can even more show your elegance. As for chronometer or other functions for sports, they depends on the need or risk in the specific sports. As for a sports with high professional and risk, such as diving, climbing, you need to choose professional chronometer. A high price does not mean to meet the practical need in daily life, but to symbol a status or personal consumption level.

Audemars Piguet Equation of Time and Patek Philippe Ref.5059

Watches for collection involve problems such as watches heritage etc. professionals pointed out that after Swiss’s experience in the watch disaster in 1970’s, many excellent watches making from famous makers came to a halt and the maintenance work was hard to continue. Therefore, whether the brand lasted long enough or still stood stably after the watch disaster were what consumers concerned. And regardless of for collection or daily wear, the consumers especially pay attention to the maintenance after purchasing. Especially as for the collection ones which would be stored for more than 50 or 100 years, so it is hard for makers without continuous running to offer continuous maintenance services.

Patek Philippe perpetual calendar

Therefore, professionals suggest that brand is a very important thing when choosing a watch for collection, apart from brand, watches for collection have conditions of limited quantity, special for commemoration, special style or special functions, and even as long as it is the first edition launched or as long as it can raise some topics, collectors may pursue them. But those editions which are worth of collections, they are not necessarily expensive when coming out of factories. As for some antique watches, their price could be more than ten times higher compared with factory price, and the factory price just low or middle price which could be afforded by ordinary people. Therefore, collection value does not depend on price. The reference indexes could be brand, limited quantity, special function, special style, value for commemoration and value for topics etc.

Patek Philippe -simplest style

According to the brands available in the market, professionals suggest taking Patek Phillipe1845, Breguet 1775, Vacheron Constant 1755, Audemars Piguet 1882, Blancpain 1735 and Omega 1848 as collection brands; because these brands have outstanding technology and a long history, and watches they launched previously offered inspirations for copy editions. All of these attract watch lovers.

Patek Philippe perpetual Calendar 5059

Basel world exhibition of 1954 is a memorable moment to Rolex and the watch world. In this year, Rolex presented Explorer especially for explorers, Submariner especially for divers and Turn-0-Graph for common consumers, transferred the concept of utility watch into specific image, acting a leading role in the watch world. It was certainly the working effort of all the Rolex staff, but the public relationship manager of Rolex Rene-Paul Jeanneret, who was a sports lover, also made great contributions to putting the concept into reality. It was just because of Rolex’s leading role in the watch design and production, so it attracted Pan-Am, the biggest airline company in the world, who hoped to own a practical watch specially designed for their pilots to fly among different time zone. After the negotiation between Pan-Am and Rene-Paul Jeanneret, who were both leading enterprises in their respective market, then a famous GMT-Master came out.

Turn-0-Graph

Pan-Am assigned a famous pilot leader Frederick Libby, who was an air war hero in the Second World War to offer technology consultation, and Jeanneret wanted to add a rotary 24-hour watch bezel, and had a conception of adding another hand on the dial to show a second time zone. In technology, Rolex took 6202 to match the Turn-O-Graph of movement 1030 as the basis of assembling, plus a 24-hour gear shape display and new date dial, and then a new 1065 came out. Apart from the double colors rotary second time zone outside bezel with a 24-hour mark, the first generation of GMT-master of 6542 is quite similar with Turn-O-Graph and Submariner from semblance, also without crown protecting shoulders. However, what needs to pay attention is” the first generation GMT-Master of 6542 is the first Rolex with date Cyclops. In 1956, the second time zone plastic outside bezel of GMT-Master was replaced by steel which had been used in the future days. GMT-Master became the officially certified chronograph for Pan-Am, and the company distributed one GMT-Master to each official, pilot and navigator.

GMT-Master Ref.6542

From 1960, GMT-Master was changed into Ref.1675, and started to match crown protecting shoulders, and GMT hands on the dial also became quite big, and were very similar with the editions nowadays. The mark of Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified used by present editions was also carved on the dial of Ref.1675. But different from officially certified chronometer of Ref.6542, It mainly used Caliber 1565, which had Micro Stella free sprung balance and became more accurate. Ref.1675 is not only popular with Pan-Am but also other pilots from Civil Aircrafts and it is also welcome by common consumers. It was sold pretty well nearly 20 years, which is one of the best sell watches in Rolex.

GMT-Master Ref.1675

GMT-Master is not only loved by civil aviations, but also gains high evaluation from military and many combat pilots wore it in succession. In 1940’s and 1950’s, NASA started a series of tests and challenges to flying speed and height, eventually the trial aircraft North American X15 made a record of 4,534 mph (7,269 kph), which has not been broken so far. What the pilot of X15 wore was GMT Master, and he so admired the accuracy of GMT Master even it was at a height of 45,000 feet and endured furious operation and Centrifugal Force of more than 3.5G. We could still find the reason why Pete Knight chose to wear GMT Master: there had been always heroes in Edward Air Force Base where Pete Knight belonged to, what Chuck Yeager wore when drove Bell X-1 to conquer the sound barrier was Rolex Oyster which had companied him for many years in the Second World War.

GMT-Master II Ref.16710

In 1976, GMT had an improvement again, and launched an improved edition owning the function of second stopping; in 1980, GMT Master was changed into Ref. 16750, increasing its quick date adjustment function. Later, GMT-Master was again changed into Ref. 16700, and the watch mirror evolved into sapphire crystal glass. In 1983, Rolex presented GMT-Master II, which was Ref.16710, matching the Calibre 3085 together with GMT hands. Since the 24-hour watch bezel and GMT hands can rotate in two directions, making GMT Mater own a function of three time zones display. From the persistent in typical design of GMT M aster and continuous improvement which keeps pace with the time, it is not hard to conclude that it is such watch making culture that makes Rolex a rising brand and a permanent love by consumers.

GMT-Master II Ref.16710

In Antiquorum Rolex auction, one Rolex Submariner attracted me more than Daytona Paul Newman and other expensive Patek Philippe, after all, I am a fan of James Bond, and have been quite addictive to the exciting history of Submariner. Please keep patient and read the following story.

Generally watches in a movie attract worldwide attention, and even forming a trend that the combined sales of movie and watches. In 007, the handsome James Bond used his wristwatch to dissolute the risk to do with a matter of life and death, so that the wristwatch became so important in the movie. The portable watch becomes a weapon to the FBI. Regardless of from the reality or movie effect point of view, it seems to be very natural. Actually the original author of 007 Ian Fleming used to describe the Rolex Oyster Perpetual used by James Bond being used as side arms in his novel “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” in 1963.

In the movie of 007, the watch was really a faithful assistant to Bond and it appeared many times in the movie. You must know what the latest 007 CIA wore in the movie is the Seamaster of Omega(Die Another Day, acted by Pierce Brosnan); then do you know before Ian Fleming described the watch brand in 007, what is the first watch seen in the movie of 007? The answer is: Rolex Submariner.

Creator of 007 James Bond: Ian Fleming

Why is Rolex Submariner? First talk about something off topic. In 1953, famous climbers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first climbed on the top of Everest. But maybe you do not know that several months after human beings climbing up on Everest, Auguste and Jean Piccard, the father and son explorer also dived up to 3,150m under the sea, creating a new record in the world. With the record made the father and brother, there was a watch star being created in the world of watch, which was Rolex Submariner. The submariner developed by Rolex that year was with their submariner Trieste diving up to 600m deep, and became famous with the media report. The next year, Rolex launched its Submariner formally in the Basel exhibition hall. On 21st, Oct of 1954, CBS played a black and white movie “Casino Royale”(acted by Barry Nelson) which lasted 50 minutes, which was the first time that 007 CIA first shown on the screen, what he wore was just the Rolex Submariner launched just one year ago. So it was reasonable to give up Oyster Perpetual and wear Submariner, regardless of from advertisement or reality point of view.

Rolex Submariner James Bond 6536/1 Antiquorum 2003

Another reason why James Bond wore the Submariner maybe: Bond’s background in the Original article was a commander of British Royal Navy, the interesting thing is the author of 007 Ian Fleming was a commander of British Royal Navy, and he even worked at CIA during the second world war. And in the real world, it was indeed after a series strict test, British Royal Navy last chose Submariner as their watch. Then later, the navy of France, Canada and Australia also chose Submariner in succession.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 6204

The first Submariner (model number: 6204) used in 007, later was called as Submariner James Bond specially, different from today’s Submariner: it did not have crown guards or shoulders, and the head, bezel and hands were also quite different. The next year after Submariner had a change, then Benz hands and 0 to 15 minute markers on the bezel appeared. In several years after that, Submariner launched 5504, 6538, 5508 and 6200 in succession.

Submariner British Army Ref. 5517

In 1962, the first movie of 007 CIA, Dr.No finally appeared, and what Sean Connery wore was still Submariner (Ref.6538 or 5508?). It is said that Rolex did not want to give a Submariner to Sean Connery as a gift, so the director Albert Broccoli had to give his own Submariner which had replaced the bezel with NATO to Sean Connery to wear in the movie. Just because of this famous story, today there are also a lot of watch lovers changing their original Submariners’ steel bezel into NATO cloth bezel. Later, in several 007 movies including “From Russia with love” of 1963”Goldfinger”of 1964, “Thunderball” of 1965 and even “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” of 1969, what 007 wore were all Submariner. But in “You only live twice” of 1967 and “Diamond are forever” of 1971, scenes of 007 wearing watch did not appear.

In the 007 movie of Live and let die of 1973, Roger Moore, who acted James Bond wore Submariner Ref. 5513 again. In the movie, the Submariner had amazing functions and could change into super magnet, and its rotating case could also change into a small electrical saw. With the popularity of Quartz and electrical watches, Bonds seemed to keep pace with the science and technology and wore another Pulsar Time Computer Quartz LED in the movie. In “The man with the golden gun” of 1974, Roger Moore wore a Submariner and smoked a Cigar, which became a typical scene in many 007 and Submariner lovers’ mind.

The next watches worn by 007 may make today’s mechanical watch lovers especially Submariner owners so crazy. Seiko Quartz LC Chronograph worn in “The Spy Who Love Me”of 1977, Seiko LCD Digital worn in “Moonraker” of 1979, Seiko Quartz Analog/Digital Alarm Chronograph worn in “For Your Eyes Only”of 1981, Seiko Sports 100 LCD & Seiko TV watch with LCD screen worn in ”Octopussy” of 1983, Seiko worn in “A View To A Kill” of 1985, and the watch worn in “Living Daylights”of 1987 was not clear, but in “Licence To Kill” of 1989, it is believed that Rolex Submariner were worn again and it seemed to follow the recovery of mechanical watches.

In 1995, Pierce Brosnan became the actor again in the new movie. In the movie of  “GoldenEye”, Omega went off with Rolex’s business, so handsome Bond had a new watch- Seamaster Professional Quartz, which saved Bond’s life in the movie. What war worn in “World Is Not Enough” was Omega Seamaster Professional Chronometer, which could changed into hook. From then on, since people can only memorize short-term things and marketing done by watch producers, Omega Seamaster has replaced Rolex Submariner and become Bond’s typical watch. Omega especially launched a new limited edition Seamaster James Bond for the movie “Die Another Day” in 2002.

Omega Seamaster James Bond 2002 Limited Edition

In a word, no matter if you wear Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster or even Seiko as the best partner of James Bond, I hope you can enjoy this article, and if you just wear these editions of James Bond watch, then I hope the legend it owns can bring you happiness.

Latest Submariner from Rolex: Maxidial Submariner

There were still a sea of faces in Rolex exhibition hall this year, but there were no innovative or tremendously changed editions as well. Patek Philippe and Breguet who work on silicon research together both launched new editions to match silicon balance wheel, but only Rolex did not show anything new. But Rolex is always famous for conservation and planning well before doing something. So it will take some time to do test again and again by the Rolex producer before new edition can be launched. I believe that watch lovers still need to wait patiently.

Summarily, there are four special things for Rolex new editions this year, which are green, colorful, jewelry and GMT. As for the editions, Rolex mainly launched Oyster Perpetual Day Just, GMT-Master II and Oyster Day-Date 50th anniversary, which are all with a few of changes.

Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 50th Anniverary 118348

Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 50th anniversary 118348

In 1956, Rolex presented Oyster Perpetual Day-Date gathering water resistant, date display and self winding. After experiencing a long time of test, Oyster Day-Date is still the most popular edition globally. The Day display even can be shown with 26 languages; which is why it is so popular. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Rolex specially launched a 50th anniversary (model number: 118348) edition for Oyster Day-Date which is well known as “President Style” in Taiwan. The watch case is made of 18K gold, with green dial, green markers and the watch bezel is full of round diamond, it is indeed elegant and noble.

Oyster GMT Master II 116713 LN

GMT Master II 116713 LN

After the Submariner 16610 LV which attracted the worldwide attention, Rolex again chose GMT-Master II to play a green game, and launched GMT Master II 116713 LN with green hands and can show dual time. 116713 LN uses stainless steel watch case, matching 18K golden and black ceramic watch bezel, the 24 hours markers also use golden numbers, which are very attractive. If you do not think 116713 LN is enough for you to show off, then another three editions of GMT-Master II 116758: ruby and golden watch case, Sapphire and golden watch case, diamond and golden watch case which launched by Rolex this year would definitely satisfy your desire of luxury.

GMT-Master II 116758

Oyster Date Just 116200 and 178240

Datejust 116200

Datejust 178240

Rolex created its first waterproof Oyster in 1926, and launched its first self-winding watch in 1931. From then on, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Just has been the most popular Oyster watch which has most editions. The Oyster Day-Date 116200 Rolex launched this year was designed again, and the blue dial is carved by changed font of ROLEX, matching the stainless steel Rome number markers, which adds some young elements. Meanwhile, 178240 for ladies was launched, matching pink watch dial.

Rolex is certainly one of the most popular watches brands today. Since it is a high-end brand and quite expensive, so Rolex replicas are everywhere. Today, watches market is full of Rolex watches, and they are not considered as copies of poor quality. There are a couple of reasons why most people choose Rolex replicas over authentic watches.

Rolex certainly creates an impression on the people around you. A Rolex represents money and prestige. Believe it or not there is a thing called a high quality Rolex replica.

why you should consider purchasing a Rolex replica watch will mainly depend on why you need to have a Rolex watch but not the others. Rolex is usually renowned for its superior quality and durability and its fashionable nature. And since style and quality are the main factors that you mainly concern, Rolex replicas should be on the top of your purchasing list.

Another reason why most people choose to purchase a Rolex replica watch but not an authentic one is because of price difference. When you consider purchasing an authentic Rolex watch, it may take you several thousand U.S. dollars. So you would rather remain with the company’s name and purchase a replica with low price but quality and durability close to a real Rolex watch. You can then use the savings for a new communications tool, or a holiday. When you wear Rolex replica watch, you still enjoy the quality and the style.

Rolex GMT replica

Rolex still maintain the brand name and outstanding reputation with replicas of Rolex watches. Rolex brand is well-known and it is also the senior and popular symbol of the best watches. Choose to participate in Rolex and enjoy all the benefits it offers you. When wearing it, you enjoy the same features as original Rolex watches.

One advantage of choosing replica watches is that you can save money, and you can also afford to buy several editions in one time. If you love style, and you want to wear Rolex, but the problem is the high price, then you can purchase a replica watch with a favorable price, but again with the same functionality and style. You only need to do a couple of studies on how to choose a good replica, with all the features you need to Rolex watches.

Distinctions between replicas is difficult but is categorized into the following - weight, the hacking symbol, water resistance, the gold, jeweled movements, the stainless steel, the crystal and warranty. All these categories between each quality of replicas vary. Prices also thus vary from $5 to $1500. Aim to get what you pay for… simple as that.

The Gucci watch has constantly evolved and re-designed to meet the demands and needs of the ever changing client needs.  Despite all the changes, the Gucci watch brand has always been of a consistent quality, aesthetic and classic design and of rime  demand. The simple lines of a Gucci watch make it suitable to complement any outfit. Genuine and precise Swiss movement,  modernistic and elegant design along with the tradition of quality gives a Gucci watch its appeal. In the replica watches industry,  the Gucci replica watch models have evolved along with the original Gucci watch to keep up the tradition.

Although a Gucci watch has a few unnecessary but attractive features and elements, it presents the elegance that attracts  attention without being flashy. Gucci, founded in the 1920s, has always followed the tradition of old-world craftsmanship that  makes it stand out in a crowd. These elements of a Gucci watch pose certain problems to the Gucci replica watch makers, in  producing a perfect replica, and hence commands more price in the market in comparison to other replica watch models.

A genuine Gucci watch reflects a modern attitude of accuracy, clarity and restraint. The design of a Gucci watch makes it ideal to  be worn with any kind of clothes, traditional and modern, formal or casual. The designs enclosed in stainless steel cases (most models) express style, delicacy and simplicity makes them ideal to a femme fatale’s wardrobe and lend anew definition to a  man’s  wardrobe. These elegant and timeless unique timekeepers have always appealed to the most stylish and successful and  thus created a demand for them. This demand in turn, has in direct proportion, started an upward trend in the Gucci replica watch  market and taken it to new heights.

A Gucci watch stands apart due to its elegant and classic round, rectangular and steel dials. They usually feature polished  stainless steel set against black or cream colored background. Many models feature roman numerals or no numerals at all.  These  functional and timeless Gucci watches are in very high demand with people who understand style and elegance.

A Gucci watch replica can never replace the original. To fulfill one’s ego and the “status symbol” needs, the Gucci watch replica goes a long way. If you could set aside the feeling of guilt that may arise out of buying a Gucci replica watch ,since it would  result  in losses to the original manufacturer, put it aside as the cost of success and think about what you could save making this decision. For the on-the-success-route individuals, a replica watch can work wonders to enhance their status and goodwill at a fraction of the cost; the savings could be substantial and can be put to better use.

Let is suppose you are out shopping and come across a beautiful designer watch and feel like getting one for you. But, when you  take a look at the price of these original designer watches, you may become hesitant of the high price since it does not match your  budget. Well, you have a choice… you can buy a replica.
Most of the time, the main reason to buy a watch is because it looks great! One may say that people purchase a Gucci replica watch to show off and try to pretend to be of a class which they are not – absolutely wrong. In fact, many who purchase a Gucci watch replica never brag about their watches to be genuine. Most simply wear the watch and if a compliment comes their way, they  are happy, if not, they normally do not go out of their way to highlight the issue.

Problems arise when they are fooled by a few replica manufacturers into a belief that they are purchasing the real Gucci watch and  not the Gucci replica watch. Not only does this tantamount to an unethical practice, it is also unlawful. This is one reason to make  sure that you buy your Gucci watch replica from a reputed and trusted provider. All the best.

Chopard, the renowned Swiss jeweller and watchmaker, is proud to be a part of history, by participating in the most important official event of the inaugural Formula One night race in Singapore, as the main collaborator with the Formula One team to host the President’s Challenge F1 Charity Luncheon on the lawns of the Istana on 26th September 2008.

 For this important and only official event for the race, Chopard will be presenting something equally exclusive – the world premiere of the L.U.C Tourbillon Tech Twist with the innovative silicium escapement . This much-awaited technical marvel has been generating much industry interest since Chopard’s announcement of the exclusive movement during the 2008 Basel Watch Fair in April.

The piece-unique, together with another specially-created watch - the iconic and playful Happy Sport with a moving race car encased – will be up for a silent auction during the luncheon. All proceeds will be donated to the Challenge for the President’s appointed charities, which organizer, Singapore GP hopes to raise more than SGD 1 million.

  Chopard, a strong supporter for good causes, is proud to be part of this historical moment for Formula One and for Singapore.

Every year we have BASEL/SIHH, as for watches presenting on these two exhibitions, each one is a rare flower. SIHH/BASEL of 2008 were still with features of complex functions and jewelry. There were more sports watch editions than last year. A perfect combination of mechanics and jewelry, the R&D of movements with complex functions, an integration of multi materials, magic semblance design with high-tech movement, all of which are just so flourishing that you cannot stop walking towards to them.

However, when it came to an end and you sat down to have an overview, you would find that most of them seem to be quite familiar and just as what you saw yesterday. Comparing with last year, what made us impressive is that there are fewer new designs and new products. 2008 still followed the same way as 2007—classical, although some brands enriched their products by creating new series, most of which just changed the semblance. Maybe explanations from SIHH will attract you: the R&D of parts of products have not been finished yet, plus that the holding time of SIHH will be changed to January, when there will be a perfect show. Such expectations will make you pleased to wait for the perfect moment and neglect what we have currently.

In recent years, the international watch market has experienced a rapid development, making high-end watch demand so prosperous. The R&D groups under cultivation and development of every watch manufacturer have to spend more time than before to complete the current orders, and it gets in the way of the R&D of new products, which maybe one reason for few new products from every watch manufacture these years.

SIHH/BASEL of 2008 seems to be middle-of-road, but they foretell the trend of watch market in future years from another point of view. Because of the well-known movement supply problem, numerous watch manufactures will adjust their business strategies in the future, and it is the trend that they will work on transformation successively. Plus the impacts of increasing exchange rate of Euro and depreciation of USD on watch markets, it is inevitable that the price of watch will go up. Let us wait and see how these things will affect the current watch markets.

Things happen tomorrow can be only known tomorrow. At this moment, let go back to what we got here and have a look at what is new in SIHH/BASEL of 2008.
SIHH

IWC
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2

Jaeger-LeCoultre will never make you disappointed. No matter how the watch markets change, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been always focusing on what he likes without any hesitance. The less gorgeous SIHH/BASEL of 2008 was not so dull just because they had Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2.
Four years ago, Gyrotourbillon came to meet with us, which completely overthrew the assemble rule of watch mechanics, surprising the whole world. Today, four years later, the great watch makers from Jaeger-LeCoultre chose the rotary case of Reverso to carry this high-tech innovation. Gyrotourbillon 2 has the big size golden balance wheel which can anti shake, the inertia of which could reach 12.5 mgxcm2 and the frequency for that is 28,800times per hour, thus reducing the displacement error caused by impact on movement more accurately. They added hot coating to curved round spring at the end, making it own the blue steel color as minute and hand second and dynamic storage hand. In addition, accurate hollow out design is used on swinging mounting, which is not only elegant but also reducing weight, consisting with the capability and beauty which Jaeger-LeCoultre always insist in. the reversible case and rotary tourbillion perform the techincs of watch making quite well.

Panerai
Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante

the Panerai Luminor 1950 Titanium

The Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante presented by Panerai this year uses the classical Luminor 1950 case of 44mm diameter, assembling with self-made and complex mechanical movement P.2004. The material for case is titanium alloy of V level, which is the most difficult metal to mold and polish, and it is slight, strong and with low sensitivity.

P.2004 is the first Chrono movement which designed and produced by factory of Panerai in Neuchatel.  With the 8 days dynamic storage manual winding movement, the linear indicator which can show left running time, the second timezone indicator of 24hours, Zero-Setting Mechanism, and Chrono Monopoussoir with Column wheel and friction clutch.

The distinctive feature of this edition is the second hand, different from most chronometers nowadays, this edition does not use two buttons, but only one. You can start, stop and reset the central hand just by press continually.

This edition becomes more practical combining with the function of dual time. And the traditional sandwich dial has become the symbol for Panerai. The brown dial looks peaceful and elegant, giving you a kind and comfortable feeling.

Audemars Piguet
Millenary Black White

There are two new members from Audemars Piguet Millenary series in 2008. The use of high quality steel and black and white makes it get rid of proud and becomes so modern. the combination of Arabic Numbers and markers of Roman numerals on the non-central dial is not immethodical at all, but the markers of Arabic numbers of different sizes makes the dial more vividly.

Audemars Piguet Millenary Black & White Ladies Watches

Baume&Mercier
Iléa

Iléa is the new edition from Baume & Mercier this year, meaning the circulation of time. Sensible and round case reflects the charming time with soft styling. The name of Iléa has contained the soul of watch, gathering kindness, noble, elegance and dynamic. And it also displays time in a soft and graceful way, which means that female can also control their time. Regardless of diamond setting or steel shell editions, they are all with fragrance and elegance. Just like flowers blossoming brilliantly, what new Iléa pays a tribute to is the magnificent and perpetual female softness.

BASEL
Maurice Lacroix
Mémoire 1

Maurice Lacroix surprised us a lot this year. The innovate R&D centre consisting of talents showed the world a masterpiece just at the beginning of 2008—
Mémoire 1, which was under development for two years. This is the first mechanical watch owning the function of memory in the world, therefore, the time can be memorized in a mechanical way. Maurice Lacroix set up a landmark in the Swiss watch development course with this edition.

The functions of showing time and chrono are together, and the switch button can help you realize them. The display setting which is at “3”reveals the secret for us: as long as you press the button embedded in the head, the watch will change from “time” to “chrono”, and the hands and 24 hour Rotating dial will change into “chrono” accordingly and start to work. If you press it again, the hands and the rotating dial will return to “time” and continue with the work. But meanwhile, the “chrono” is still going on, and keep record of the time you need. During the process, you can feel free to change these two working models again and again and neither of them will be affected. Regardless of showing time or chrono, either of them can guarantee the accuracy.

One thing I need to mention here is that, Mémoire 1 only have two hands, just for minute and second, and the rotating dial can work as hour hand. From the outside, you can see the design is quite simple, but actually its movement consists of 537 spare parts and the structure is very complex. Simple display setting together with complex functions is what the R&D development center wanted originally. Science and technology can not only simplify our life but also bring us more convenience. One can’t have one’s cake and eat it, too? Is it the truth when it comes to Mémoire 1?

Movado

This year, Movado will present a brand new series——Red Label. To celebrate the birth of this series, Movado specially presented three editions of Red Label mechanical watch, which are with a special pattern and rare watch cases treasured up in the museum: Museum Tourbillon, Museum Minute Repeater and Museum Tourbillon Retrograde. They all keep the art elements of Museum watch case, which are round spot at 12 o’clock position, delicate and parallel hands and exquisite red markers. The new add of these three editions has brought more complex functions to Movado.