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Rolex and The Hour Glass Australia Announce The Opening Of A New 90 Square-metre Space In One Of Melbourne’s Iconic Listed Buildings

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Building on a long-standing partnership, Rolex and The Hour Glass Australia, today announced the opening of a new 90 Square-metre area in one of Melbourne’s iconic listed buildings. Renowned for its ornate façade, the eight-story building is located at 252 Collins Street, Melbourne, right in the heart of the luxury shopping precinct.

The Rolex area which occupies the mezzanine level offers professional expertise in an elegant setting, one that promotes a sense of harmony, discretion and intimacy with the brand, which has been setting standards in watchmaking for more than a century.

“The re-opening of the Rolex space in The Hour Glass on 252 Collins Street marks an exciting milestone in our journey with Rolex in Australia, an important partnership that began when we opened our first Australian boutique in 1989,” said Mr Michael Tay, Group Managing Director of The Hour Glass. “Prominently located over an entire floor, the space overlooking Collins Street reinforces our commitment to present the best of Rolex to our community of watch enthusiasts in the city of Melbourne.”

The entire mezzanine level which features bespoke architectural and design components, was designed and created in collaboration with the Rolex Interior Design department in Geneva to reflect the values of the crown. Excellence, precision and attention to detail emanate from the careful calibration of colours and patterns in the fittings and furnishings. Sensitive lighting accentuates the beauty of a wide selection of Rolex models in display cases lined with beige leather with bronze trims.

A striking emerald aqua strip highlights Rolex’s rich heritage – its wave motif referencing the iconic Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. This intense green is referred around the space, creating accents that harmonize a refreshed colour palette. The walls mix textures from walnut brown wood to beige-coloured stone.

The new Rolex Space is located at:

The Hour Glass Australia | Mezzanine Level | 252 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

For more information visit www.thehourglass.com

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INTRODUCING: 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 in Candy Pink, Turquoise Blue, Yellow, Coral Red and Green

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

With all the hype around the new subs unveiled by Rolex (and rightly so) this year, I have to admit that I am a tad bit distracted by the splash of colours on the new Oyster Perpetual 36 collection, particularly that candy pink version. For a brand who’s always churning out serious, timeless, elegant watches, its refreshing to see them having a little bit of fun with this line.

Available in five original coloured lacquered dials – candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green, the Oyster Perpetual 36’s are great for those looking to kickstart their Rolex’s wardrobes. Great summer additions too! The dial is punctuated by hour markers fashioned from 18 ct gold to prevent tarnishing, enough for them to feel right at home. The new generation Oyster Perpetual models also have a Chromalight display: the hands and hour markers are coated or filled with a luminescent material that emit a long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions.

There are certain pieces you just have to see in the metal and the Oyster Perpetual 36 is clearly one of those. I’m quite keen on seeing how these colours pop on steel. Precious and dainty, the watch sits pretty at 36mm in an Oyster case made out of a solid block of Oystersteel. A paragon of robustness and elegance, the Oyster case of the Oyster Perpetual 36 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Other details include: the Twinlock winding crown and the scratch proof sapphire crystal.

These reasonable sized watches, which would perfectly accentuate slim wrists are fitted with an Oyster bracelet and an Oysterclasp with the Easylink comfort extension system. It is the first time that this extension system has been used on a bracelet for the Oyster Perpetual range. On this particular Oyster bracelet, the tops of the links are satin-finished, while the sides are polished.

Aesthetics aside, the other talking point here is the calibre. The new Oyster Perpetual 36 gets Rolex’s new Calibre 3230, which works even more efficiently than its predecessor (Calibre 3130). Calibre 3230 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. The movement is now powerful enough to deliver a power reserve of 70 hours and will also be accurate to +2/-2 seconds a day.

Priced at approximately USD $5,600, I’d say the new Oyster Perpetual 36 is a great“everyday” wear Rolex. It’s bright, light and a beautiful reflection of the crown.

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INTRODUCING: 2020 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 In White Rolesor

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Among all the Rolex launches this year, I couldn’t help but take notice of the four new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 watches in White Rolesor (A combination of Oystersteel and 18 ct white gold).

Let’s start with the first watch of this quintessential Oyster, an aubergine delight. The magnificence of White gold and Oystersteel can be seen in all its glory in this spectacular piece. The watch is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy and features a bezel set with 46 diamonds, a gorgeous sunray-finish dial with 18 ct white gold Roman numerals with the VI set with 11 diamonds. With its balanced bling, this watch could easily be the perfect day-to-evening accessory.

The screw-down caseback and the screw-down crown, with the Rolex Twinlock double waterproofness system, ensure that that this timepiece is water resistant to 100m. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date.

The three other versions are fitted respectively with a mint green, sunray-finish dial, white lacquer dial, or dark grey, sunray-finish dial, and a fluted bezel in 18 ct white gold. The hands and index hour markers or Roman numerals on all four watches are in 18 ct white gold. Although the aubergine has my heart, I have to say, that mint green reference is a welcome change.

Elevating the status of this instrument is the elegant White Rolesor bracelet (Oyster or Jubilee bracelet). The Oyster bracelet on the versions with either an aubergine or white lacquer dial is fitted with a folding Oysterclasp and the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, that allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. The Jubilee bracelet on versions with a mint green or dark grey dial is equipped with an elegant concealed folding Crownclasp. In addition, a concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case.

The new versions of the Datejust 31 are equipped with calibre 2236, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Calibre 2236 is fitted with a Syloxi hairspring in silicon, making it insensitive to magnetic fields, thus delivering an extremely high level of chronometric performance. The movement also contains a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Ten times more precise, the movement offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours.

Et voila! Ladies the new 31mm Datejust’s are here. Switch it up and add some spunk to your Rolex wardrobe. Any favourites?

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VIDEO: 4 incredibly alluring Rolex Watches for Women

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Rolex is one brand that makes it a point to go deep into the world it chooses to explore… And from a consumer’s standpoint, the more in depth you explore it, the deeper your affinity towards it gets. Today we look at just how seriously Rolex takes its female clientele.

Unveiled earlier this year, here are 4 incredibly alluring Rolex Watches for Women.

#Rolex #Rolesor #Datejust #DayDate

 

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

As much as anyone would try and deny it, owning a Rolex is still a matter of prestige for many and clearly the first choice when you plan to kick-start your luxurious watch wardrobe. Know as the crown, be the Daytona or the Yachtmaster, Rolex spells prestige. Today however, we’re looking at the fresh and colourful Oyster Perpetual Day-Date’s that the brand introduced earlier this year at Baselworld 2019.

A Fresh New Take on The “Presidents’ watch”

Quick History

Since its launch in 1956, the Day-Date has been a major innovation – the first calendar wristwatch to indicate, in addition to the date, the day of the week spelt out in full in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock. The indication of the day of the week is available in a choice of 26 languages.

Worn by many political figures, directors and visionaries, the Day-Date is instantly recognizable, in particular thanks to its emblematic President bracelet, whose evocative name, together with the eminent figures who have worn it, ensured the Day-Date became known as the “Presidents’ watch”

The new generation of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36’s are available in 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold with distinctive new dials and gem-set bezels on some versions. Here goes…

Day-Date 36 Everose Gold 128235

CASE • Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown) DIAMETER • 36 mm MATERIAL • 18 ct Everose gold MIDDLE CASE • 18 ct Everose gold, polished finish BEZEL • 18 ct Everose gold, fluted CASE BACK • Solid, screw-down with fine fluting WINDING CROWN • Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system CRYSTAL • Scratch-resistant sapphire • Cyclops lens over the date with double anti-reflective coating WATERPROOFNESS • 100 metres (330 feet) MOVEMENT • Calibre 3255, Manufacture Rolex • Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor PRECISION • −2/+2 sec/day, after casing FUNCTIONS • Centre hour, minute and seconds hands • Instantaneous day and date in apertures at 12 and 3 o’clock, secure rapid-setting • Stop-seconds for exact time setting OSCILLATOR • Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz) • Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring • Rolex overcoil • Large balance wheel with variable inertia • High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts • Traversing balance bridge • High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers ESCAPEMENT • Chronergy with optimized energy efficiency • Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel JEWELLING • 31 rubies POWER RESERVE • Approximately 70 hours DIAL • Brown ombré, gloss, sunray finish • 8 diamonds in 18 ct pink gold settings • 2 baguette-cut diamonds in 18 ct pink gold settings at 6 and 9 o’clock • Hands in 18 ct pink gold BRACELET • President, three-piece solid links • 18 ct Everose gold, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges, ceramic inserts • Concealed folding Crownclasp

Day-Date 36 Yellow Gold 128238

CASE • Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown) DIAMETER • 36 mm MATERIAL • 18 ct yellow gold MIDDLE CASE • 18 ct yellow gold, polished finish BEZEL • 18 ct yellow gold, fluted CASE BACK • Solid, screw-down with fine fluting WINDING CROWN • Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system CRYSTAL • Scratch-resistant sapphire • Cyclops lens over the date with double anti-reflective coating WATERPROOFNESS • 100 metres (330 feet) MOVEMENT • Calibre 3255, Manufacture Rolex • Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor PRECISION • −2/+2 sec/day, after casing FUNCTIONS • Centre hour, minute and seconds hands • Instantaneous day and date in apertures at 12 and 3 o’clock, secure rapid-setting • Stop-seconds for exact time setting OSCILLATOR • Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz) • Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring • Rolex overcoil • Large balance wheel with variable inertia • High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts • Traversing balance bridge • High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers ESCAPEMENT • Chronergy with optimized energy efficiency • Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel JEWELLING • 31 rubies POWER RESERVE • Approximately 70 hours DIAL • Green ombré, gloss, sunray finish • 8 diamonds in 18 ct yellow gold settings • 2 baguette-cut diamonds in 18 ct yellow gold settings at 6 and 9 o’clock • Hands in 18 ct yellow gold BRACELET • President, three-piece solid links • 18 ct yellow gold, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges, ceramic inserts • Concealed folding Crownclasp

Day-Date 36 White Gold 128349 RBR

CASE • Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown) DIAMETER • 36 mm MATERIAL • 18 ct white gold MIDDLE CASE • 18 ct white gold, polished finish BEZEL • 18 ct white gold, set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.36 ct) CASE BACK • Solid, screw-down with fine fluting WINDING CROWN • Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system CRYSTAL • Scratch-resistant sapphire • Cyclops lens over the date with double anti-reflective coating WATERPROOFNESS • 100 metres (330 feet) MOVEMENT • Calibre 3255, Manufacture Rolex • Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor PRECISION • −2/+2 sec/day, after casing FUNCTIONS • Centre hour, minute and seconds hands • Instantaneous day and date in apertures at 12 and 3 o’clock, secure rapid-setting • Stop-seconds for exact time setting OSCILLATOR • Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz) • Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring • Rolex overcoil • Large balance wheel with variable inertia • High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts • Traversing balance bridge • High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers ESCAPEMENT • Chronergy with optimized energy efficiency • Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel JEWELLING • 31 rubies POWER RESERVE • Approximately 70 hours DIAL • Pink opal • Hour markers in 18 ct white gold set with 32 diamonds, Roman VI and IX in 18 ct white gold set with 24 diamonds • Hands in 18 ct white gold BRACELET • President, three-piece solid links • 18 ct white gold, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges, ceramic inserts • Concealed folding Crownclasp

Day-Date 36 Yellow gold 128348 RBR

CASE • Oyster (monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown) DIAMETER • 36 mm MATERIAL • 18 ct yellow gold MIDDLE CASE • 18 ct yellow gold, polished finish BEZEL • 18 ct yellow gold, set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.36 ct) CASE BACK • Solid, screw-down with fine fluting WINDING CROWN • Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system CRYSTAL • Scratch-resistant sapphire • Cyclops lens over the date with double antireflective coating WATERPROOFNESS • 100 metres (330 feet) MOVEMENT • Calibre 3255, Manufacture Rolex • Mechanical movement with bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor PRECISION • −2/+2 sec/day, after casing FUNCTIONS • Centre hour, minute and seconds hands • Instantaneous day and date in apertures at 12 and 3 o’clock, secure rapid-setting • Stop-seconds for exact time setting OSCILLATOR • Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz) • Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring • Rolex overcoil • Large balance wheel with variable inertia • High-precision regulating via four gold Microstella nuts • Traversing balance bridge • High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers ESCAPEMENT • Chronergy with optimized energy efficiency • Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus pallet fork and escape wheel JEWELLING • 31 rubies POWER RESERVE • Approximately 70 hours DIAL • Turquoise (decorative stone) • Hour markers in 18 ct yellow gold, set with 32 diamonds, Roman VI and IX in 18 ct yellow gold, set with 24 diamonds • Hands in 18 ct yellow gold BRACELET • President, three-piece solid links • 18 ct yellow gold, polished centre links, satin-finished outer links with polished edges, ceramic inserts • Concealed folding Crownclasp

The new versions of the Day-Date 36 are equipped with calibre 3255, a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, at the forefront of the art of watchmaking, this self  winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents and offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.

Calibre 3255 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hair – spring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Calibre 3255 is equipped with a self winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escape – ment’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3255 extends to approximately 70 hours. This calibre equips the Day-Date 36 for the first time.

Like all Rolex watches, the new Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 versions carry the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist. A paragon of robustness and elegance, the Oyster case of the Day-Date 36 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet). Needless to say, all these versions of the Day-Date 36 are fitted with a President bracelet in 18 ct gold.

Have you picked out your crown yet?

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Stories Of Time

Gem Setting: The Rolex Standard

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

If you own a Rolex, or ever plan to own one, there are a few things you’d want to be familiar with; one of them being the brands’ bejewelled creations. The more in depth you explore it, the deeper your affinity towards it gets.

Rolex is known for gem set pieces that speak of the utmost refinement. The brands’ very own in-house gemmologists select gems that meet the company’s extremely stringent quality criteria. The stones then pass into the hands of the gem-setters, who are tasked with placing and fixing each stone to best reveal its beauty, colour and sparkle. To guarantee the quality of the stones, gemmologists have a range of analysis tools at their disposal, in addition to their own expertise. These tools, some of which are specially developed for Rolex, can provide information on the stones’ chemical composition. Diamonds, for example, are systematically tested via X-ray imaging to confirm their authenticity. 

 

Since the cut influences the brilliance of the stones, special attention is paid to the fact that only the most translucent natural gemstones are selected. The way in which the gemstones are cut – the symmetry and shape of the facets – determines the way in which light penetrates the stones and is reflected off the pavilion, or lower part of the diamond. Pretty darn amazing! The facets of each of the stones – the result of the diamond cutter’s painstaking work – are analysed in the gemmology laboratory. For diamonds, IF (Internally Flawless) stones alone are accepted – those in the highest category of the grading scales generally used in gemmology.

The colour of the diamond is always evaluated by the naked eye, and calls for seasoned judgement. In their assessment, expert gemmologists compare the diamonds against certified master stones. The brand chooses to use only the most colourless diamonds; they must fall within categories D to G – the highest grades on the Gemological Institute of America colour scale.

Placement of stones is an art in itself. It requires coordination from the designers (about colours and arrangements of stones) and the case and bracelet engineers (to determine the amount of metal to hold it in place).  This collaborative process balances the technical and aesthetic aspects of watchmaking, thereby ensuring that both these are seamlessly merged. 

Then begins the truly and most painstaking process – choosing the optimal position for the stone, the right tool and right force. Rolex tolerances are to within no more than two hundredths of a millimetre, which is around a quarter of the diameter of a human hair. The surrounding metal is then gently pushed into place around the stones to fix them securely. It is common for this process to happen 3000 times on certain diamond paved dials. This ensures a seamless blend of the diamonds incorporated in the most ambitious of designs and arrangements.

Rolex gem-setters harness the beauty of traditional techniques. In all, four key techniques are used. “Bead” setting finds use on pieces that are essentially paved with diamonds. Here the stone, which is always round, is held in place by three to five small, bead-shaped pieces of metal. “Claw” setting is similar in concept, but with more of the stone being visible. “Channel” or “baguette” setting is often used with baguette or trapeze-cut stones; when the stones have to be aligned side by side to form a circle. In a “closed” setting, a metal band encircles the gemstone, holding it in place. It is the mélange of these techniques, individually or in combination, with the best of stones that really transforms a timepiece into a jewel. One look is all it takes to induce a reaction so profound of magical surrealism, creating a world of immense love and timeless beauty.

Over the years, Rolex has introduced new interpretations and introductions based on the glorious timepieces of the brand’s past as well as pathbreaking innovations. Its gem-setting prowess only goes on to mark the crowning glory.

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ROLEX AND THE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT WIMBLEDON – PARTNERS IN INNOVATION

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Rolex celebrated their 40th year as the Official Timekeeper of The Championships, Wimbledon, marking an enduring alliance shaped by excellence at the summit of tennis.

This association between two prestigious classics – the leading Swiss luxury watch brand, and the pre-eminent grass court tournament in the tennis calendar, came about on a shared quest for precision and top performance in 1978. According to Rolex Testimonee, Roger Federer, “It’s wonderful that Rolex and Wimbledon have been partners for so long. They are both the perfect embodiment of prestige and top performance.”

Rolex clocks keep the official time inside the arena, on court and throughout the grounds. The Wimbledon media centre – an international hub – shows Rolex time in Wimbledon, Johannesburg, New York, Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo and Melbourne, just a few of the major cities where the tournament is broadcasted live.

Today, Wimbledon is the world’s oldest tennis championship, steeped in a rich heritage that stretches back to 1877, when 22 tennis players competed in front of 200 spectators at the All England Club’s courts for the first-ever Gentlemen’s Singles Championship.

Roger Federer’s victory at Wimbledon 2017 brought a record eighth men’s singles title from 11 finals at the All England Club. His record-breaking triumph in the finals, earned him his second Grand Slam singles title in the 2017 season.  Having said that,  Roger Federer wasn’t the only Rolex Testimonee who shone bright at the Wimbledon. Garbiñe Muguruza, earned her place among the sport’s greatest players winning her second grand slam and her first at The Champions Wimbledon 2017 after defeating Venus Williams 7-5, 6-0 in the finals.

 

Rolex Testimonee Roger Federer, winner of the men’s singles at The Championships, Wimbledon 2017

Rolex Testimonee Garbine Muguruza, winner of the womens singles at The Championships, Wimbledon 2017

 

Every woman who wears a Rolex has a story. One of passion and adventure. A story of a pioneering spirit who has pushed back the limits of performance. These women epitomize the essence of Rolex since its very beginnings and what the Swiss luxury watchmaker stands for.

Rolex is a leading supporter of tennis, with a commitment that extends across the men’s and women’s game to high-quality events and exciting talent.  Each year, new champions emerge at The Championships, Wimbledon, and sporting history is made as the game soars to new heights of excellence.

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Baselworld 2017: Top 4 Rolex watches that set Baselworld 2017 on fire

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

With Rolex, you never anticipate. You wait. You watch. You pretend that long journey from Australia to Switzerland never happened and you go back all awestruck. This year Rolex set Baselworld 2017 on fire with 7 new introductions.

Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of ahh, let’s get right into our top 4 winners:

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller with Cyclop Lens

It’s Rolex’s 50th anniversary and the watch that has conquered the seas is back, only this time with a slight twist. This years Sea Dweller features a 43 mm case (the largest sea dweller ever produced by Rolex) with a cyclop lens (date window), the new calibre 3235 with a 70 hour power reserve and water resistance of 1220 meters.

The Sea Dweller name in ‘Red’ – who would’ve expected it. Rolex has balanced out personality and innovation extremely well. Australia we can tell you one thing for sure, this one has created quite a stir, so head in to your nearest Rolex retailer; get in line and place your orders before its gone.

RRP – AUD $14,400

 

 

Cellini Moonphase

Goodbye conservative. Hello Daring. The highlight of the new Cellini is without a doubt its moon phase display. Nope we did not see that coming. Situated at 6 o clock, the lunar module that drives the moon phase display has been patented by Rolex. All thanks to Rolex’s new and improved caliber 3195, the moon phase module will need no adjustment for the next 122 years.

So really what’s all the buzz about? The moon phase disk has been carefully enameled featuring an actual piece of meteorite rock symbolising the moon. The tiny gold arrow on top of the moon phase indicates the lunar cycle.

As each night goes by, the moon phase disc follows the lunar cycle: when the meteorite applique is aligned with the moon phase indicator, the moon will be full in the night to come. Rotating clockwise, the disc shows the waning phases until the silver ring reaches the top, indicating the new moon. Thereupon the lunar cycle continues through the waxing phases until the moon is full again.

In terms of layout, the new Cellini is a real classic; not too busy, not too bland, just right. It features a blue date hand and an hours, minutes and second hand which is done in gold.

How deep does your love for complications go?

RRP – AUD $33,900

 

 

Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona with Oysterflex Bracelet

Offered in 18ct yellow, white or everose gold, our next contender is the new Cosmograph Daytona with Oysterflex bracelet. For the first time, Rolex has integrated an Oysterflex bracelet (elastomer reinforced with a metal blade) to the Cosmograph Daytona collection which to be honest gives the watch a refreshingly new look.  A Cerachrom bezel which was introduced in the Daytona only last year makes its way once again in the collection. Corrosion resistant, virtually scratch proof and unaffected by UV rays, this extremely durable bezel also offers an exceptionally legible tachymetric scale, thanks to the deposition of a thin layer of 18 ct gold or platinum in the numerals and graduations via a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) process. The monobloc Cerachrom bezel is made in a single piece and holds the crystal firmly in place on the middle case, ensuring waterproofness.

The winding crown is fitted with a Triplock triple waterproofness system as well as chronograph pushers which screw down securely against the case.

Beating inside the watch, is Rolex’s caliber 4130, a high performance chronograph movement boasting a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

Take your pick people.

RRP:

Yellow Gold – AUD $34,900

White Gold – AUD $36,450

Everose Gold – AUD $36,450

 

 

Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller

It’s the industry’s most iconic travellers timepiece and Rolex’s only dual time watch. For the first time, the new Sky-Dweller is available in a combination of 904L steel and 18ct gold.

So what is the new Sky Dweller bringing to the table this year? For starters, the dial now features rectangular index hour markers and longer hands in comparison to the Roman or Arabic numerals used in its previous models, which is a little more conservative yet classy. It includes a dual time zone, with local time read via centre hands and a reference time display in a 24-hour format read via a rotating off-centre disc on the dial; a particularly innovative annual calendar named Saros – after the astronomical phenomenon of the same name – that requires only one date adjustment a year, when the month changes from February to March; and a month display by means of 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial.

Other features include Rolex’s patented Easylink rapid extension system that allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm for additional comfort and a ring command bezel which is unidirectional and designed to avoid any damage to the mechanism of the watch. The bezel is adjusted with the winding crown to set various functions that include a 24-hour second time zone and an annual calendar.

Beating inside is Rolex’s ‘Anti-magnetic’ Calibre 9001 movement which offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

RRP:

Steel and Yellow Gold (Black Dial, White Dial and Champagne Dial) – AUD $21,700

Steel and White Gold (Black Dial, Blue Dial and White Dial) – AUD $18,250

 

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Stories Of Time

The world of GMT

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

In today’s super connected world, travel is second nature to most of us. We live and work, physically or mentally in different time zones all the time! In such instances, dual timers are very handy and much preferred. This is where the GMT watch comes in.

In simple terms, a GMT watch is a timepiece with a 24-hour format hand that indicates a second time zone in addition to the other hands and must be noted that this is not just any multiple time zone watch with more than one 12-hour format dial. For a GMT watch, the 24-hour scale is a must.

There is a subtle distinction between a regular dual timer and a pure GMT watch. Although GMT and dual time zone watches often use the same movement, a GMT watch is intended to be set to GMT and left there, while the dual time zone watch is intended to have both zones adjusted more frequently. Then, there is also the world timer, which, by contrast, shows many time zones at once.

The going train in a conventional watch is geared to spin the hour hand around the dial every 12 hours. In a GMT, the second hour hand is geared to run half as fast on an additional 24-hour time scale. Thus, the 24- hour hand circles the dial once a day instead of twice, its tip pointing to the corresponding hour, leaving no confusion as to whether it’s a.m. or p.m. The idea of a GMT watch is to offer two things: a hand that is always synched to GMT time, so that the time all around the world can be identified, and normal hands for local time. Hence, a proper GMT movement allows the hour hand of the watch to be adjusted independentlyso that the GMT hand remains set to the Greenwich Mean Time.

The concept of GMT dates back to 1884 when an international convention declared Greenwich, England as the “Mean Time” against which the rest of the Earth’s time zones would be compared. Those were the days of slow boat travel, and time zones were crossed over days and weeks, not hours.

With the invention of airplanes things changed. It was possible to enter and exit time zones in a matter of hours. This called for special watches which would track time across time zones. Rolex invented the GMT complication and is today the top reference standard for this type of watch. The Rolex GMT Master was one of the classics of this genre and the very first to feature a dual time complication showing home time on a 24 hour display and local time on an independent 12-hour display. The watch was developed in 1954 by Rolex on a specific customer request and was originally designed in collaboration with Pan American Airways and issued by the airline to their crews on long-haul flights.

Over the years, several watch manufacturers have tested the limits and come out with their own GMT watches, each with unique designs and features. The GMT complication has also been incorporated in watches which have other complications, enhancing its reach and appeal. While GMT watches were originally designed for pilots, they are broadly used today by anyone who may be interested in tracking the time in two different places. It is one more unique pointer to the ingenuity of the watch world!

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Stories Of Time

Wrist Bejewelled

by Hours and Minutes Australia
written by Hours and Minutes Australia

Women and jewels can never be separated for long. Just like a bespoke jewel, a watch is a work of art, adding a new dimension to adornment. It also reflects exquisite craftsmanship and shows the wearer’s aesthetic appreciation for the finer details in life. What makes the use of jewels in watches more interesting is the fact that they were not always intended to be used for adornment. Instead, they had a functional purpose that had to do with the effective working of the timepiece. The inherent properties of jewels (their hardness, that they are slow to wear out and that they can be worked upon to get a smooth finish) led to reduced friction, which in turn led to greater accuracy and efficiency of the movement and the timepiece.

But, the aesthetic potential of jewels and gems in watches cannot be hidden. And why should it be? A jewelled watch takes on precious stones, shapes and materials and uses the expertise of a series of craftsmen who work in a painstaking manner to design intricate and astounding pieces. Here are a few that are enigmatic and breathtakingly beautiful…

BVLGARI – SERPENTI INCANTATI

You will hardly come across a brand that can claim to be emboldened by a culture dating back 2700 years. The Serpenti is one of the most iconic and timeless creations of the brand. Over the years there have been several  executions and reinterpretations of this classic. It is well- known that the snake is a charming part of the brand. The slithering reptile traditionally belongs to the bestiary of Ancient Rome and has long since been successfully tamed by the Roman jeweller! For the very first time, the reptile coils around the watch dial. Each part of the head and body of the snake has been entirely rethought and redesigned with extremely contemporary lines.

Bulgari Serpenti Incantati

CHOPARD – HAPPY FISH

It was in 1993 that Caroline Scheufele created one of Chopard’s icons, the Happy Sport watch. The finely curved Happy Fish has a regal air about it. Ever since, recurrently reinterpreted over the years in occasionally humorous and consistently elegant ways, it has appeared under countless highly evocative identities. Inspired by refined, dynamic and natural women with strong personalities, the fish is sculpted in mother-of-pearl, with hand-applied gold leaf decoration and jasper eye. It swims against a backdrop of snow-set blue sapphires, with seven free-moving diamonds above. The exquisite jewellery craftsmanship continues on the bezel, set with diamonds of three different alternating sizes for a softer effect.

Chopard Happy Fish

ROLEX – OYSTER PERPETUAL PEARLMASTER 39

The new version of this classic is a treasure among its gem-set watches. In 18 carat Everose gold and adorned with the rarest diamonds, this interpretation highlights the extent of Rolex’s expertise in gem-setting. In this 39 mm Pearlmaster, Rolex combines to perfection the art of watchmaking and sophisticated gem-setting of the highest order. This precious watch is also equipped with the new-generation calibre 3235, backed by 14 patents, incorporating the Chronergy escapement developed by Rolex. The new Pearlmaster 39 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015, which ensures singular performance on the wrist.

 

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Pearlmaster 39

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