ALWAYS IN FIRST CLASS

Rolex has added a steel and gold version to its collection for globetrotters, and taken the opportunity to make some welcome changes to the dial.

Rolex has given its travellers’ watch some new elements made of Rolesor, a combination of 904L steel and 18-carat gold. The result? The Sky-Dweller’s exclusive status is even higher. The crown, bezel and links in the centre of the strap are made of yellow Rolesor with yellow gold, while the case body and the outside links are made of steel. An elegant, Champagne-coloured dial illuminates the watch. For the grey Rolesor version, only the bezel includes grey gold, while the other elements are made of steel. The deep blue dial brings dynamism to the design. On both these versions, in comparison with the original 2012 model, the figures have been replaced by rectangular indices and longer hands. The Sky-Dweller is more elegant and the information easier to read, as a result.

The main time information is still displayed in an original way. So, on the dial, we find the dual time zones with the local time zone shown with the central hand and the reference time over 24 hours on an offset rotating disc. The annual calendar associates the date, under the famous cyclops glass at 3 o’clock, with a month indicator displayed in 12 apertures around the outside of the dial. The date does not need to be corrected when February gives way to March. All the functions can be adjusted very simply using the fluted revolving bezel, the Ring Command.

Like all Rolex watches, the Sky-Dweller benefits from a dual certification (Superlative Chronometer and COSC), guaranteeing optimal performances in this timepiece made by the brand with the crown logo. The 42mm case is watertight down to 100 metres and houses the calibre 9001. This hand-wound bidirectional movement provides 72 hours of power reserve.

Price: €13,150 (grey Rolesor) – €15,650 (yellow Rolesor)

By Dan Diaconu

AN EXPLORER AT HEART

Rolex is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of its professional diver’s watch with an evolution incorporating the latest innovations for the ultimate in safety.

So as to fit any wrist and be worn easily over a wetsuit, even a very thick one, the Sea-Dweller comes on a strap with two handy systems. Glidelock enables you to extend it by up to 20mm whilst the Fliplock links give you up to 26mm extra!

Price: €10,400

By Dan Diaconu

LONG-DISTANCE TRIP

See the time in two time zones at a glance with the GMT-Master II. An icon of contemporary watchmaking, the watch has been developed, while keeping the same spirit.

The aficionados affectionately call it “Pepsi” in reference to its blue and red bezel. First released in 1955, the GMT-Master has kept its aesthetic charms through all the different versions and innovations made by Rolex. This new version of the GMT-Master II, unveiled in 2014 (ref. 116719 BLRO – 78209), features a magnificent revolving bidirectional bezel with a two-colour ceramic machined disc. It is actually machined as a single piece – a stunning feat by Rolex! The grey gold Oyster case is 40mm wide, watertight down to 100 metres, and includes the latest self-winding 3186 in-house Perpetual movement with a Parachrom spiral that is unaffected by magnetic fields.

The GMT-Master II dial has kept its distinctive features. A Cyclops crystal magnifies the date window. The red hand shows the “home” reference time and turns once every 24 hours around the black lacquered dial. The time can be read on the graduations along the bezel. When you’re travelling, you can read the local time with the hour hand. It is easy to reset, “jumping” from hour to hour with the help of the winding crown. Thanks to a clever mechanism, this adjustment takes place in a totally independent way, without affecting the minutes and seconds, or the “home” reference time.

Like all Rolex watches, the GMT-Master II has the dual Superlative Chronometer and COSC certification, a guarantee of robustness and precision. The watch is worn with a grey gold strap with a safety buckle and folding clasp.

Price: €35,000

By Dan Diaconu

Introducing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40

Rolesor, Everose, Perpetual, Cyclope, Oysterlock, Chromalight…Rolex is an innovative brand that comes up with new technology and its own language to the delight of its clients. The patented watch terminology has been injected into the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40.

Rolesor Everose describes the combination of steel (body and crown) and Everose rose gold (rotating bezel with raised graduation) on the 40mm case. Perpetual is the name of the rotor that fuels the self-winding 3135 calibre and its 48-hour power reserve. Cyclope is the magnifying glass in the sapphire crystal over the chocolate dial that allows you to read the date with ease. Oysterlock applies to the ultra-secure lock on the strap. Last but not least, Chromalight is the luminescent coating on the geometric hour markers and three central hands.

This piece is COSC and Rolex Superlative Chronometer-certified.

Price: 13,400 CHF

By Sharmila Bertin

Introducing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King

Aviation has significantly progressed since the 30s and Rolex has been there at every step. The Oyster Perpetual Air-King model has taken part in countless airborne expeditions without ever failing, even extreme weather conditions. Its sturdy build and reliability have been applauded by the pilots fortunate enough to wear it on their wrists.

The time functions are brought to life by the COSC-certified self-winding 3131 calibre made by Rolex. The movement fuels a 48-hour power reserve from inside the 40mm steel case.

Price: 5,900 CHF

By Sharmila Bertin

Introducing the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona  

1963 saw Rolex launch a watch inspired by the Daytona Beach (Florida) car races that were held from the 1900s to the 1950s: Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. Then in 1965, the model was updated and its bezel was given a plexiglass ring, its pump pushers were replaced with screw-down ones and its dial was engraved with “Oyster” and “Daytona”.

The whole thing is brought to life by the self-winding 4130 calibre inside the 40mm steel case.

Price: 11,800 CHF

By Sharmila Bertin

What makes a watch truly elegant is its pure simplicity paired with the refined details that only those who appreciate timeless beauty can recognise. The weight and finesse of its body, its curvy lugs, its confidently classic dial, the overall balance of the watch: it all matters to whoever wants to give themselves to a watch. Cellini Time has all this and more. Its black lacquer dial makes the eleven diamond indices above the hour markers shine brighter. The minute track smoothly unfurls its numerals and lines between the gems and white gold applied indices. Two spear-shape hour and minute hands and a slim central seconds hand track the time powered by the self-winding Rolex calibre. A delicately notched bezel gleams with 62 diamonds around the 39mm white gold case. Price: 19,800 CHF

When founder Hans Wilsdorf invented the name Rolex in 1908, nobody could have imagined that it would become the official synonym (or almost) of the word “watch” in years to come. One of the brand’s timepieces has been renowned for its water resistance (100m), sturdiness and reliability since 1926. The Oyster model became famous when British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze (1900-1981) wore it to cross the Channel. The Oyster Perpetual’s steel case grew in diameter to 39mm in 2015. It houses the COSC-certified self-winding 3132 calibre which provides a 48-hour power reserve and brings to life the hour, minute and second functions. The time is displayed on the sunburst taupe grey rhodium dial as applied indices (three have a luminescent coating) and central hands. Sky blue hour markers add a burst of energy to the metallic model. Price: 5400 CHF

Watchmaking is to Rolex what Cellini is to sculpture: the epitome of timeless elegance. The 2014 collection named after the 16th century Florentine artist and craftsman has experienced a renaissance in the form of three new models. The new classic watch trio features a three-handed self-winding piece (Cellini Time), a watch with “vintage” date display (Cellini Date) and a model with a second time zone and day/night indicator (Cellini Dual Time). All three have a COSC-certified self-winding mechanical movement made by Rolex with a 48-hour power reserve. All three have a 39mm white gold or Everose gold case with a subtly notched bezel and screw-down crown. Last but not least, all three have a classic dial whether it be black, white or adorned with the “rayons flammés de la gloire” pattern. Price from 14,500 CHF