ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA WITH CERAMIC BEZEL REF:116500LN

Here is it... Finally a review of a piece that I decided to be the one to end my game... If you can even call it a game...

After a 13 month wait and wearing it daily since the day I got it... it's time for a complete review.

After spending a couple of years collecting watches, meeting great friends with similar interests and learning about horology in general... 

It reaches a certain point where you just want something reliable, bulletproof built quality but with finesse, a little history thrown in, brand cache, a daily wearable watch with as little or no problems with ownership experience.

Based on all those criteria, the 2016 launched Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ceramic Ref:116500LN ticks all the boxes for me.

I chose the white dial as it has the better looking black surround on the subdials which I feel is a better overall look.

The black cerachrome (Rolex speak for ceramic) is just awesome.

Precision laser cut etchings filled with platinum dust exudes quality as you would have expect from Rolex.

5 lines of text greet you on the top dial... some find it too much, some don't... and this is not including the red "DAYTONA" lettering on the bottom of the dial.

As with any new Rolex that is now subjected to in house testing to +2/-2 standards and a 10 year service interval with 5 year warranty, this is as good as it gets if you want to own a watch with a peace of mind.

My experience with the accuracy can be summed up with 1 word... OUTSTANDING... I sync my watches with exact reference to the atomic time and so far... it has been a few seconds fast.

I am glad Rolex did not "supersize" the case into the maxi case style now seen with Submariners and GMT Masters.

It still retains the svelte lugs which makes the watch abit more classy and refined rather than blocky.

The Oyster bracelet is polished on the centre links.

Some don't really like it as it scratches pretty easily.

It doesn't bother me though.

Although scratched, it still keeps it's shine from a distance.

It's not like I scrutinize every part of the watch all the time.

Just wear it and forget about it. It will still look good.

I am not one to baby my watches.

After experiencing countless bracelets and clasps from many brands, I still place Rolex bracelets and their Oysterlock clasp as the best.

Best in an engineering standpoint and also user friendliness and durability.

Construction and execution is simply flawless. No sharp edges or protruding buttons, all smooth to the touch.

One of my pet peeve with older Rolexes or watches from other brands is the inability to centralize the clasp especially for smaller wrists.

6 digit references now provide enough adjustments to make it just perfect.

Owners of 5 digit references and small wrists will know exactly what I mean.

As with most if not all Rolex watches, the caseback is left plain.

Good if you want to engrave something on it to make the ownership of the watch memorable to a certain occasion.

But make no mistake the Caliber 4130 behind the caseback is a one the best chronograph movements ever made.

The flatter caseback is one of the reasons I like this watch when it sits on the wrist.

It's also one the reasons of my fondness for the GMT Master II over the Submariner.

Legibility is no issue on the white dial model for me.

The hands provide enough contrast to make telling the time a breeze.

Another pet peeve of mine is the the alignment of the minute hand have to sync with the markers after the seconds hand makes a complete round.

I am glad to report that after wearing this from day 1, all the hands are still aligned just as I like them to be.

One small detail to clarify.

Although Rolex advertised this watch as being 40mm in width.

I measured it myself and bezel to bezel from 9-3, it's actually 38.6mm.

I always wondered why the Daytona always wears smaller in comparison to similar 40mm watches like the Submariner and the GMT Master II... at 1st I thought it was the maxi case that makes the difference (well it did in terms of visual impact) but the real reasons is the case does measure smaller.

Not that it bothers me anyway.

On the wrist, it just feels at home.

I love how the slimmer lugs just works with this model.

It makes the watch less squarish... more elegant and sublime in it's appearance.

Well, I have been indulging in watches since 2009 starting with a Tissot and slowly moving up til Rolex and up to Audemars Piguet.

Didn't have a taste for Patek, could not afford a Lange Datograph or any Richard Mille or more high end horology brand.

And now I have turned back to Rolex as my end game piece.

Why?

Although many have told me it's what most will do at one point or another. I didn't believe them.

But then... Here I am...

The whole experience have been fulfilling and rewarding in it's own way.

One thing for certain is that... Life already presents enough problems for one to handle... I don't need my watch to be one of the problem.

So, a Rolex is almost guaranteed to be problem free.

And THAT my friends... Is the peace of mind this RM48,130 (at the time of this post) watch provides you... and so much more....

ROLEX GMT MASTER II CERAMIC REF: 116710BLNR

Another thing that I did last year besides the Safari acquisition was a gift to my Dad.

Being in his generation... The best watch will always be a Rolex.

What better than the GMT Master II Ceramic ref: 116710BLNR?

Released by Rolex as the 1st bi-colour GMT bezel watch.

It gets purists drooling if a red/black coke or a blue/red pepsi is in the works.

It turns out... the pepsi did come a year later in white gold...

But as far as Rolex Professional series goes, the stainless steel models are the ones to go for.

Sturdily built, robust and reliable movement, ample water resistance, with a little bling factor added in.

A closer look at the ceramic (cerachrom in Rolex terms) bezel.

The transition between black and blue is nicely done.

Trip Lock Crown.

Water resistant rating at 100m.

More than enough.

Rolex Oyster cases are renowned for their water resistance properties.

One of the reasons of my preference of the GMT Master II models over the submariner models is the flatter casebacks.

It might be just slightly flatter, but on the wrist it feels a world of difference. 

This is the little bling factor that I mentioned.

Polished centre links or PCL as people call it.

It comes with a fliplock clasp.

Only drawback is the micro adjustments only allow for +-5mm adjustments.

Would love the same gridelock clasp from the Submariner though which provides more micro adjustments.

Other than that, works like a charm.

40mm case size, I guess this is as good as it gets to a "universal" size.

Never too big or too small, just right.

I think no one would disagree with me when I say that in the comfort department, Rolex does it best.

Being my dad's only watch now, he's back to being a happy camper and wearing it daily.

ROLEX DATEJUST OYSTERQUARTZ REF:17000

Being a mechanical watch aficionado, one can't help but simply be impressed by Quartz Technology in watch movements.

This technology almost brought the Swiss watch industry down on it's knees.

This piece that I recently acquired is an awesome quartz watch.

A piece that was said to be "overengineered" and "ahead of it's time"

It's the Rolex Datejust Oysterquartz Ref:17000.

The 1st noticeable feature of the Datejust Oysterquartz is that the case and bracelet is not like the usual run of the mill Datejust.

The angular case and integrated bracelet gives away a modern feel for a watch of this age.

The integrated oyster bracelet is well made and nicely finished.

It's finished in a higher level than the usual oyster bracelet imho.

Due to the integrated nature of the bracelet, the watch wears bigger than the 36mm size.

Watch have been worn on a regular basis but some of the sharp edges and beveled angles is still around.

This particular Oysterquartz of mine is a white dial with roman applied numerals.

Hands are without lume.

It plays well with the light reflections that even in low light, under certain conditions, the hands are still visible.

Personally, I would like a black dial.

Who knows? One might be available if I am patient enough.

A closer shot of the applied roman numerals.

One single line under the Rolex Crown on the erm... Crown...

Twinlock... Water resistance rated at 100m.

Movement powering this Oysterquartz is the Caliber 5035, a certified quartz chronometer.

The movement ticks at quite a high volume.

Sitting at the office with this watch when there's no one around and you can actually hear the ticks.

Checks online seems to suggest that the last known serial for the Oysterquartz is K (2001)... But guess what? This example of mine carries a Y (2002) serial.

After owning it for a couple of months, I do like the watch.

To me, it's the perfect "grab and go" watch.

It's also a piece that signify a change in the horology landscape.

Where cheap quartz watches flooded the market and some brand jumped on the bandwagon of the so called quartz revolution.

Some brands did not recover.

Those who did, came back stronger.

I personally would love for Rolex to release a more modern iteration of the Oysterquartz, reviving this awesome angular case and integrated bracelet.

It's a long shot I know but in the meantime, this Oysterquartz may very well keep me company while I dream away.

ROLEX EXPLORER II NOIRE Ref: 216570

Recently helped a friend to pick up a Rolex Explorer II Ref:216570 black dial.
He was kind enough to let me keep the watch for 2 days just to photograph the watch and also get a general feel of the watch for a simple review.

The watch, Rolex Explorer II Ref:216570

Case size have been upped from the previous 40mm to 42mm now.
Guess there's no turning back from the "watches getting bigger" trend.

The dial is expertly done. Usual Rolex standards.
Glossy dial, Maxi... or should I say "Super Maxi" markers and hands since it's even bigger then the Maxi Submariner and GMTIIc.
It does look proportionate to the 32mm dial size I must say.
The splash of orange on the Freccione 24 hour hand pays homage to the Rolex Ref:1665
Likewise to the Explorer II font, also done in orange.
Very much welcomed and it looks good.
Movement powering this watch is the caliber 3187.
Blue parachrom spring.
Unlike other manufacturers that like to stuff small movements into huge cases, Rolex actually upsized the existing 3186 movement and called it caliber 3187 just for this watch.
With the 3186 being as robust as it is, I can imagine the 3187 being more so since tolerance levels is less rigid if the movement is bigger. (That's just my opinion)

The bezel is sunburst brushed with 24 hour markings.
Bezel is fixed, non rotatable.
Black filled fonts on the bezel cavity looks fat and clear. Highly legible.

The crown is the Rolex Twin lock crown.
Similar to the one found on the Milgauss.
Water resistance rated to 10atm or 100m / 330ft
My friend was really lucky to have a watch that the crown lined up when screwed in. Cool!!
In my ownership experience of my Rolexes, none of them lines up.
They should be standard IMHO.

Bracelet is the usual oyster bracelet with solid links.
Measures 21mm form the lug side to 16mm to the buckle side.
By upsizing the bracelet on the lug side, and also not using the chunky lugs found on the Submariner Ceramic and GMTIIc, the case now looks more in flow with the bracelet.
It also features the easylink extension for those hot and humid days.

The watch does have a bigger wrist presence due to the case upsize.
When worn, it hugs snugly... the flatter caseback helps.
Some side by side shot with my Submariner Ceramic.

Here's a customary wristshot.
Overall, the watch is really beautiful, perfect for daily wear.
With the design moving away from the previous iteration ref: 16570 which is akin to a GMTII minus the rotatable bezel.
Now with a bigger case, differrent 24 hour hand, movement that is exclusive to this model, it can finally stand on it's own.

ROLEX BASEL 2013

The Rolex website have been updated and it shows the new offerings from Basel 2013.
Pictures taken from the Rolex Online Brochure.

All the excitement on Rolex's involvement in Formula 1 have most of the Daytona lovers all pumped up for a new model.
Is this it?
Hardly.
Cased in 950 Platinum Ref: 116506

Now I think this will sell really well.
Previously only available in precious metals, it's now available in stainless steel. Ref: 116680
44mm case size will surely rope in those lovers of big watches.

This one I believe will be a hot seller.
A facelift of the GMTIIc with a bi color ceramic bezel ref: 116710BLNR
Alot of people were hoping for a ceramic pepsi or coke GMTIIc...
Well, not all is lost.
Once thing for sure, bi color ceramic bezels are possible.

Exciting times ahead?

START OF THE 2013 FORMULA 1 SEASON AND A NEW SPONSOR

Today will be the start of the new 2013 Formula 1 Season.
For those that have not noticed, official sponsor is now Rolex.

This year being the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex Daytona, perhaps a new watch or a new iteration of the Daytona is in the horizon?

With Basel 2013 being weeks away, this is getting pretty exciting.

ROLEX LADY DATEJUST REF: 178274

This year, me and my wife is celebrating our 10th Anniversary.
Yes it has been that long.
We went thru thick and thin and the ride is not always rosy.
We managed to pull thru and in celebration of our decade together, I bought her a gift.

Although our Anniversary is not due until September, with Rolex's frequent price increases, it would be a good idea to pick one up now rather than later.
The Rolex Lady Datejust ref: 178274.

As you all know, Rolex Datejust are the most widely available models in the Rolex lineup.
The available dial variations are too much to be listed.
To start it off, my wife went for the stainless steel model with white gold fluted bezel, rhodium dial and white gold applied roman markers and polished white gold hands.
There is no lume present.
A very classic setup that won't break the budget sky high.
Case size is a very ladylike 31mm...
She considered the 36mm men's sized datejust as well but decided against it as it just looks too big.
I am glad she picked this one.

The dial really is a beauty.
Brushed to a sunburst effect.
The white gold roman applied numerals plays nicely with the light to provide enough bling and contrasts.
The dial itself appears almost white under normal lighting conditions but can quickly change to grey (like the above picture) or from a distance, could even look pink.
Maybe it's just a reflection from other sources.

The white gold fluted bezel provides an additional bling factor to the watch.
Beautifully finished.
Girls just love bling... more so if it's diamonds... but can't afford that yet... lol

There was a choice of either going with the oyster bracelet or the jubilee bracelet.
Jubilee bracelet won at the end of the day simply because of it's bling factor.
Did I mention girls just love bling? :-)
These newer jubilee bracelets are now all solid and should not stretch like the jubilees of old.
The absence of the clasp is welcomed as now when the bracelet is fastened, only a small Rolex Crown is seen.
Outer 2 lanes of the bracelet is brushed while the centre 3 lanes is polished.
Very comfortable to wear according to my wife.

Classic looking watch from an iconic brand.
Just suitable for a milestone celebration.
She is extremely happy with this watch and will be for a long long time... well, at least until our 20th Anniversary celebration that is... lol
Like my friends say... "Wife happy = Life happy"
Can't say I disagree.

I am not a fan of the men's datejust so I am sticking with my Submariner at the moment.
Still makes a good pair in my opinion.