Under The Hood : 3135 Movement Put Back Together...

Under The Hood
Leo and I were talking a few days ago and I mentioned I am interested in doing a series of Ken-Burns-like-documentaries on the history of Rolex. I also mentioned I want to do a series of videos where we take you on a guided tour of the inside of a Rolex so you can see what makes it tick–literally.
If we did a video named "Inside The Rolex Daytona" we would use super-high resolution cameras with high-end macro lenses to literally take you inside the watch. I envision walking through each step of dismantling, cleaning and putting the watch together again.
Leo sent me this video which I have seen before. I chose not to post it in the past because I think it leaves much to be desired, but it is fascinating nonetheless. Hopefully in the future we will produce something much, much better that makes it easy to understand how a Rolex movement works.
I believe if people actually learned how these mechanical masterpieces work, it would give them a hole new appreciation for Rolex watches and mechanical movements in general. I am embarrassed to admit it, and even though I know so much about Rolex design and history, I still don't understand what every part of the movement is and how they interoperate–and I am really curious to learn about how they work!!!

Rolex Lume Shot Of The Month: DEEPSEA

Rolex Lume Shot Of The Month: DEEPSEA

Mark in Canada took this amazing lume shot of his Rolex DEEPSEA. Nice!!!!!!!!

Ferrari Italia 458 Preview...

Ferrari Italia 458 Preview

The all new Ferrari 458 is on its way to market and here are some amazing preview shots from Ferrari!!! What lines!!! All I have to say is Go Speed Racer! Go Speed Racer, Go Speed Racer, Go!!!

You have got to click on these images to see the amazing details close-up!!!

A Note From Jake & Rolex Question Of The Day...

A Note From Jake

Hi Everybody!!!

Just a note to update you and share a some fascinating questions from one of Jake's Rolex Watch Blog readers.

I plan to resume The Complete History Of The Rolex Submariner & SEA-DWELLER series in the next week or so. I ended up uncovering far more fascinating research material than I initially expected.

Rolex Question Of The Day?

Jake's Rolex Watch Blog reader Jeff Daniel wrote in with these interesting questions and thought I would share my answers with you:

Jeff asked:

"I am a big Rolex fan, owning 1 Sub SS, 1 Sub SG, and a YachtMaster SP. I really enjoy your site. What are your thoughts on the new DD II and the DJ II 41MM? Are these too big in your opinion or simply the evolution that people just like large watches? What are your thoughts on the new Ceramic bezels? They don't look as black or dark as the original. I enjoy your site. "

Kind Regards,

Jeff

41MM Day-Date and Datejust

I think the new larger Rolex Day-Date II and Rolex Datejust II in 41MM make a tremendous amount of sense. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I originally was not crazy about the idea, but as time went by I began to realize it makes much sense.

If you examine the history of wrist-watches you see they have constantly grown larger in diameter. I don't think it is a trendy thing either–I think it makes sense. If you wore the first Men's Rolex ever made in 1905, which I recently tried on–it was so tiny–you would swear you were wearing your grandmother's wristwatch!!!

So how big is too big? I don't know, but lately I have been wearing a 44MM Magrette and I love the larger size!!! I can't see Rolex ever going past 47mm. Ironically it appears to me that Rolex watches are evolving in a back-to-the-future kind of way back to the 47mm Panerai watches made by Rolex from the 1930s to 1950s.

On a design note, I do find the applied Rolex crown (12 o'clock position) on the dial of the new 41MM Datejust to be too small. To my design eyes, it appears they scaled up the entire watch including all the 5 minute markers, but forgot to scale up the crown.

You did not ask, but on the new DEEP SEA DWELLER I think the bracelet tapers too much and gets too skinny for the massive body. I also think the watch is too thick. I think Rolex needs to remove the bubble-back. Nobody is going to wear that watch anywhere near as deep as it can go and I think the watch looks too fat. I have always believe a watch should look like a natural, stream-lined extension of your wrist–not like you are wearing it on-top-of your wrist.

Ceramic Bezel Inserts?

Regarding the difference between the Ceramic bezels on the new Super-case Rolex sports watches–I like them. They are basically scratch-proof and will never fade. They also have white gold inlaid numbers and markers which is a very nice touch.

I agree they are not nearly as dark as on the aluminum bezel inserts, but I think it is a nice contrast. It almost creates a new class of vintage which I imagine you would call Pre-Super-Case? In other words, I think it is cool that a Super-case Ceramic GMT looks totally different that its predecessor.

It just hope Rolex is smart enough to put a red Submariner designation on the new Super-case Stainless Submariner due to be shown at Basel in 2010.

You Think You Suffer From RISitus!?!

You Think You Suffer From RISitus!?!

Philipp from the Netherlands is probably one of the most hardcore Rolex fanatics I have ever met. Talking with him at the recent Carmel, California GTG was like talking with a Rolex Encyclopedia–Enlightening and Inspirational. But Philipp does not stop there!!!

He loves photographing his beauties as we see in these amazing photos where he is showcasing all the different crystals on these vintage Rolex Submariner watches.

Thanks for sharing Philipp!!! You have to click on these images to check out the detail!!!

It is really amazing how many different domed Rolex Submariner crystal styles we see here from Superdomes to standard domes to service domes.

The curves of the different style domes are just amazing!!!

Princess Mathilde: The Dutchess Of Brabant

Two-Tone Ladies Rolex Datejust

Since we were checking out the British Royal Princes I thought that since we were on the subject of European Royalty we would take a look at Princess Mathilde. Princess Mathilde, Her Royal Highness, The Duchess Of Brabant is the wife of the heir apparent to the Belgian throne and she is wearing her ladies two-tone Datejust in the photo below.

Sweet Child O' Mine on Violin...

Sweet Child O' Mine On Violin
Adam is Just Amazing!!!! You can check out more of his amazing video by clicking here. Nothing like Passion!!!

Time Quote Of The Day: Patrick Stewart From Star Trek...On Time...

"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived." –Patrick Stewart (Star Trek)

Rolex Receives High Digital IQ Index Ranking

Rolex Earns High Digital IQ Index Ranking

Scott Galloway, a professor of marketing from New York University (NYU) and a team of experts recently developed a Digital IQ Index for the Luxury industry. This analysis is the most robust and comprehensive of its kind, ranking 109 brands in 11 luxury categories across 15 digital competence criteria.

Rolex was ranked number 13th overall and came in 2nd place in the watches category. It is a pretty fascinating read.

The Digital IQ Index believes their metric will become the definitive measure in assesing luxury competence online. To view a copy of the report brief including complete ranking and category information please click here.

Nikon 20X Mini Field Microscope

Nikon 20X Mini Field Microscope By Ed Delgado of Double Red Sea-Dweller
I noticed on Twitter that Ed Delgado of DoubleRedSeaDweller.com posted this interesting video of a compact portable field microscope for examining watches in great detail. Thanks for sharing Ed!!!