Breitling
Breitling SA is a company that has been around before the two World Wars (WWI and WWII). In other words, their culture began in 1884—by their founder, Léon Breitling in Saint-Imier (Switzerland). They primarily make watches that are tailored to be worn by aviators. The brand’s timepieces survived being worn on the wrists of countless WWI and WWII aircraft pilots (aviators). That essentially makes Breitling watches ideal examples of the features quality, functionality, legacy.
A typical example of a Breitling timepiece that can boast of the three features above is the Breitling Transocean Chronograph 38. It is a 38mm sized timepiece made from stainless steel (including the metal bracelet). It features an extremely detailed dial powered by the calibre 01 movement—with a power reserve that lasts about 70 hours (highly remarkable).
This watch is slick, powerful, and easily read since it’s a simplified version of other powerful Breitling timepieces made by Breitling SA. Although, it still has a flaw which is its thickness (14.25 mm). This mildly puts it in the same category as many other Breitling timepieces (known for their size). Depending on your preference though, Breitling timepieces come in various sizes, and you just have to pick a fit. In summary, yes, Breitling watches are exceptional watches that represent class.
All Breitling timepieces are water resistant. Still, a bit of technicality is needed.
1 bar = 10m = 33ft
Despite this, a watch bearing “Water resistance up to 10 meters” doesn’t mean you can use it to a depth of 10 meters. It just simply means that the timepiece will be resistant to the pressure felt at a static immersion of 10 meters (underwater). Still, we digress—Breitling watches like the Breitling Superocean II 42 are water resistant up to 500 m (50bars or 1,650 feet). This, in turn, means you could dive with the timepiece, and it’ll stay impeccable as ever.
Precautions for Breitling watches:
- Do not activate the chronograph pushpieces underwater or when the timepiece is wet. This rule also applies to the rotating bezels of Breitling Montbrilliant and Navitimer collections. Nonetheless, you can void the rule above if your Breitling timepiece has a patented magnetic pushpiece system (resistant to a depth of 2,000 meters).
- Do not pull out the crown underwater and if your watch is equipped with a screw-lock crown, and make sure it’s locked before you attempt to use it underwater.
- Don’t open the case by yourself and in the likelihood of water or condensation appearing in the watch, quickly take it to a trustworthy service center.
Yes, there are some Breitling watches that need a battery to operate. The Emergency, for example, uses a battery for functions like countdown timer, alarm, analog and 12/24 hr LCD digital display, and EOL indicator (End of life), which tells the user when the battery needs to be replaced.
Self-winding or automatic watches are mechanical watches in which the mainspring is wound automatically which makes manual winding obsolete. The mainspring winds itself through the natural movement of the user and this, in turn, provides the watch with energy to operate seamlessly. Breitling timepieces like the Avenger Blackbird, Transocean Day & Date, and Transocean Chronograph are just typical/ideal examples of self-winding watches made Breitling SA.
To wind a Breitling watch, first turn the crown counterclockwise to unlock it. If it’s new, you should gently wind it 40 times (or more) clockwise to fill up the power reserve. If it’s not new and it’s an automatic watch, you should occasionally wind (gently) it 5-10 times only.
Do not worry about winding the watch too much since mechanical watches (automatic) have winding limiters.
Setting a Breitling watch like the Colt Quartz is relatively easy once you know there are three positions to the crown. All you have do is:
- Carefully unscrew the crown in an anti-clockwise direction
- Pull the crown to position two and adjust the calendar to the day before you’re setting the time. i.e if today is the 23rd of March, set the date to 22nd
- Now, pull the crown to position three and turn the hands till the date shifts from 22nd to 23rd. After that, you can adjust the hands to your preferred hour(s) and minute(s)
- Push the crown back into position one and gently tighten it clockwise (opposite of step 1) until you feel a bit of a resistance. Do not force the crown to turn after you feel the resistance
You cannot just set the date and time without going through the steps above because you could damage the date wheel. The date wheel inside the watch requires you to first set the time before the date.
Tip: You’ll hear a clicking sound every time you move from one position to the other. You should not hear a sound when you unscrew the crown.
Breitling watches should be serviced every 2-4 years to ensure that the timepiece runs smoothly. The services are to prevent the watch from breaking due to reasons such as an insufficient lubricant, worn pieces, faulty seals, and reduced water-resistance capabilities.
A list of pros for each brand would do well to treat this particular question. In the case of Breitling timepieces:
Pros of the Breitling brand:
- Most Breitlings are more affordable than Rolex watches’
- Breitling timepieces are made for professionals such as pilots, astronauts, search and rescue personnel
- Breitling watches come with a wide variety of straps and metal braceles.
- Breitling feature more quartz models that require less maintenance and more precision than mechanical watches
- Compared to Breitling, Rolex do not have a lot of limited/special edition watches which affects sense of variety
Pros of the Rolex Brand:
- The resale value of Rolex timepieces is more consistent and better than most other luxury watches brand
- Their collection is filled with timepieces that possess a lot of diamonds
- Rolex is the number one (arguably or otherwise) recognized brand of luxury watches world-wide (partly due to iconic timepieces)
- They have numerous patented innovations such as Osterflex bracelets, Triplock locking crown, and Oysterlock
As with topics such as this, there’s simply no personal best to be had. It all falls on user preference at the end of it all. A wearer might like the diamond bezels that are featured by Rolex and will most likely consider it better than a Breitling watch due to that very reason. Alternatively, affordability is a powerful incentive that can convince wearers to prefer Breitling timepieces over Rolex made ones.
The Breitling Navitimer 01, for example, is a favorite of pilots which features the caliber 01 that has a power reserve of 70 hours (minimum). The timepiece has a black dial that is complemented by the red seconds hand and silver chronograph counters. That said, one of the most important functions of the Navitimer 01 is that it can be used to carry out processes like currency conversion, multiply and divide numbers, calculate speed and production rate, and determine gas consumption.
There are different Breitling watches like the Navitimer (Twin Sixty), Cosmonaute, Chronomats, and Montbrilliant. Still, the Navitimer (namely, the Twin Sixty) and Chronomats are personal favorites of most people (though, you might disagree). The Navitimer Twin Sixty is the most popular if you’re looking for an iconic timepiece while the Chronomats are simply the most popular in terms of sales. Both have thousands of counterfeits and you’ll even find watches with their design but with a different brand name.
Locating the serial number of Breitling watches is easy. In the case of Breitling watches with metallic bracelets, you’ll find the serial number on the bracelet itself (likewise the model). On the other hand, if the Breitling timepiece features a rubber strap, the serial number will be on the back of the watch instead (case back) since users might change the strap. Alternatively, if the serial numbers are not found in the previous locations, you’ll find it on the case itself.
To purchase a genuine Breitling watch, you need to stick with a reputable watch dealer such as Wingate’s Quality Watches. Wingate’s has been established as a trustworthy and user-friendly independent timepiece dealer since 1976. Wingate’s offers the most exquisite luxury timepieces such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and A. Lange & Sohne at competitive prices that have further complemented by their exceptional customer service.
As the name implies, the Breitling Emergency is a timepiece that releases a distress signal whenever the wearer has an emergency. To go deeper, the Breitling Emergency is the first watch in the world of horology to feature a 121.5 MHz locator homing beacon for the purpose of communicating with the search and rescue (SAR) services. In fact, the new Emergency also features a 406MHz frequency on top of the original 121.5 MHz. The 406MHz guarantees a longer range and better accuracy than the 121.5 MHz frequency which although is obviously weaker, is still in use.
Using it in Case of Emergencies
In the case of an emergency, in which you need to activate the beacon on the Breitling Emergency, firstly remove the timepiece from your wrist and then unscrew the antenna caps (counter-clockwise) until a break away from the antenna wire occurs. To send out the distress signal, use the transmitter outdoor with both antenna sections vertical to the ground. Also, protect the transmitter from wind for best results.
Now, after the signal has been sent and the rescue performed, then the timepiece will be taken back to Breitling and the distress signal reloaded free of charge. If the cause for the distress signal is not appropriate/suitable, you (the wearer) will be required to pay a large fine.
A prime example in the Navitimer lineup is the Breitling Navitimer 01. The 01 has a black dial with three silvery white subdials and slide rule. This is all run by the BO1 movement which has a 70 hours reserve (almost three full days). Nonetheless, the Navitimer 01’s most important feature is its ability to calculate speed, productivity rate, currency conversion, and gas consumption (etcetera) by using the slide rule and chronograph function. It’s literally an analog computer that can be used in the following ways:
Calculate Percentage
If you want to calculate 25 percentage of say, $30. You set the outer ring’s “2.5” (25%) over the inner ring index “1”. Then, you find “3” on the inner ring (3 stands for $30). The outer ring will show “4.5” which stands for $4.5.
Convert Miles to Kilometers
Set the outer ring’s “6.21” over the inner ring index “1”—since a kilometer is approximately equal to 0.621 mile. Assume you want to convert 400 miles to Kilometers, so you find “4” on the outer ring. The inner ring will show “6.44” which means 644 kilometers.
Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
Celsius has 100 degrees between its boiling point 100 °C and freezing point 0 °C. While Fahrenheit has 180 degrees between its boiling point 212 °F and freezing point 32 °F. So, the fractional ratio of a Fahrenheit to a Celsius is 100/180 or 5/9. That said, set the outer ring’s “5” over the inner ring index “9”. Assume Fahrenheit temperature is 90 and subtract 32 from it. Find the resulting 58 or better yet, 5.8 on the inner ring. The Celsius temperature will show 3.22 on the outer ring (means 32.2 °C).
If your Breitling watch is mechanical and it is also brand new, it should operate within -4/+6 seconds per day. Still, if it’s not brand new and started running slow, then the cause might be that the crown isn’t manually wound. On the other hand, if your Breitling watch is running fast (about 20+ seconds per day), it might be due to the following:
- The hairspring coils are magnetized and the coils are sticking together. This could also make the watch run slow or even stop.
- There is a small jolt to the movement so, the coils are entangled.
Cartier
The Ballon Bleu De Cartier W6920046 and W69010Z4 (women) are the most popular Cartier watches. They both have the common Ballon Bleu features like a synthetic spinel cabochon, Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, sapphire crystal, and a steel bracelet. Other close contenders are the Cartier Santos and Cartier Tank Française.
Cartier is pronounced in English as “Kah-Tee-Ay”. To break it down further, it is Kah (as in a Car), Tee (as in Tea), and Ay (as in Hay).
On the other hand, follow the information below to pronounce Cartier in French Cartier is divided into two syllables in French. The “Car” and the “tier”. Pronounce the first syllable as “Kah” and pronounce the second syllable as “Tyeh”. So, it becomes Kah-TYEH—with the stress on the second syllable.
Wingate’s Quality Watches is a trustworthy and independent Cartier timepiece dealer. The company was established in 1976 and we’ve sold numerous other luxurious timepieces like the Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Bvlgari, Chanel, and Rolex.
Tip: only buy a Cartier timepiece from a dealer with a history of being trustworthy.
Cartier watches can be bought online from an independent and reliable watch dealer like Wingate’s Quality Watches. Wingate’s was founded in 1976, and we’ve sold countless luxurious timepieces such as Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Patek Philippe at budget-friendly prices. All of this is enhanced by our superb customer service.
Picking the best between a Cartier and a Rolex depends on your personal preference. So, we’ve compiled the information below for you to go through.
Cartier Watches
- Cartier timepieces are cheaper overall than Rolex watches
- Cartier watches are generally more dressy and they come in various case sizes
- Cartier produces a lot of quartz watches (better accuracy than mechanical watches) as opposed to Rolex
Rolex Watches
- Rolex has excellent resale value when compared to Cartier watches
- Rolex has a large selection of timepieces for you to pick from
- Rolex is acknowledged as the most popular luxury watch brand in the world
- Rolex has a focus on using diamonds in many of their watches
All Cartier timepieces are water-resistant by industry standards, but most are not intended for swimming. The Drive De Cartier WSNM0009 is water-resistant up to 3 bar (30 meters/100 feet). This is the least resistance to water that Cartier watches have. On the other hand, we have Cartier timepieces like the Santos 100 Carbon WSSA0006—that are water-resistant up to 10 bar (100 meters/300 feet). Before any contact with water, ensure your crown is pushed all the way in, and do not use the chronograph or crown under the water.
There are two series of numbers on the caseback of the Cartier timepiece; the model number and the serial number. The serial number is the one that is made up of eight digits with letters also mixed in.
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe is pronounced as
Step 1: Pronounce Pa as in “path,” and tek as in “tech”—making it Pa’-tek.
Step 2: Pronounce Philippe as Phil-eep’
Patek Philippe is coined from the names of the two men Antoine Norbert de Patek and Jean Adrienne Philippe. Antoine Norbert de Patek was a polish immigrant with a talent for making pocket watches at the time (1839). On the other hand, Jean Adrienne Philippe is the contributor of the second name of the brand and he was a Frenchman who had previously invented the keyless winding mechanism. Their union gave rise to what is now officially known as Patek Philippe & Co.
Patek Philippe
- The different parts of a Patek Philippe watch are made in-house
- Patek Philippe watches can be sold roughly at $5,000 at the least—and can be as much as $24 million
- Patek Philippe watches are scarce. As a result of this, Patek Philippe watches represent exclusivity
- Patek Philippe usually make mechanical watches
- All of the watches made by Patek Philippe are stunning and extremely detailed (handcrafted) in terms of design
- Patek Philippe watches have exceptional resale value regardless if you buy a vintage or modern timepiece, but most owners consider them an heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation.
Rolex
- Rolex is the most recognized maker of luxury watches in the world
- Watches made by Rolex retain their value over time which makes them a great investment due to their resale value
- Rolex has made a lot of patented innovations like the Oysterlock, Oysterflex bracelets, and Parachrom blue hairspring
- Rolex makes a lot of watches that use precious metals/stones (specifically, diamonds)
- Rolex watches roughly range from $4,000 to as high as $18 million
- Rolex mostly makes mechanical watches
Buying a Patek Philippe timepiece depends on:
The Look
There’s no doubt that Patek Philippe timepieces are aesthetically sound. So, you can very much investigate different timepieces from Patek Philippe like the Nautilus (5712R) or in the grand complications collection, the 5208P. Regardless of the watch, their looks can be classified as vintage and modern. The vintage is the Calatrava 2430 (example) which was made in 1949. This timepiece is simple but still modern—which ensures that it’s still fashionable. On the other hand, a modern timepiece like the Aquanaut (introduced in 1997) is an excellent choice nowadays but will it stand properly in the investment market.
As an Investment
Yes, the Aquanaut will stand properly in the Investment market. Still, you can’t compare it to the likes of the vintage Calatrava or Annular which are constantly sought after. If you want a watch that will serve as an investment (with long lifespan), a better choice between the two will be the vintage Calatrava. On the other hand, you could as well mix luxury and investment together and invest in a timepiece like the Nautilus 3800 (made in 1981).
Future-proof
Buying a Patek Philippe timepiece is not as simple as going to their website or an independent watch dealer and just picking any watch that catches your eye. You have to take your time to properly select the timepiece that will fit all tastes and not yours alone. Why? The answer is simple. A Patek Philippe timepiece is meant for several lifetimes. Still, it can be sold for a small fortune at any time. In regards to that, there are Patek Philippe timepieces that are future-proof and there are those that are not. Picking a Patek watch that is current is definitely more future-proof/stylish than one that was made in the 60s. So, depending on your wish, you can pick a watch that will be impressively worn by many generations (an investment) or you can pick one that’ll remain a classic. On that front, classics become antiques (a better investment) after some time.
Price
The most important aspect of any exchange of funds is the price. If funds are not an issue, buying a Patek Philippe Minute Repeater is recommended due to its complications and class. Still, if you want a budget-friendly Patek Philippe timepiece, you can go with the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5119R. At the end of it all, the funds you’re willing to expend will influence your choice in timepieces.
The Patek Philippe Platinum World Time was sold at an auction in 2002 for $4 million. The Patek Philippe Supercomplication or otherwise known as the ‘Holy Grail’ costs more than $11 million dollars. These watches are expensive because of the materials used and the time it takes to make them by hand.
Materials
On the part of the materials, Patek uses white gold, platinum, titanium, rose gold, etca to make their famed timepieces. Platinum as an example costs $29 per gram with a kilo being $29,000. Due to that price and Patek Philippe’s unwillingness to ever cut back on cost (to ensure the best quality)—you get Patek watches that require a significant investment.
Handcrafted and Time
On the other hand, Patek Philippe watches are handcrafted—which is a process that is time-consuming. Working with gold and precious stones, for example, take more than a year and the result are exquisite Patek Philippe timepieces. Also, substitute that gold for titanium (extremely hard to work with) and it might take up to two years before you get a masterpiece.
Now, factor in the fees of employees who work the materials into the form of Patek timepieces and you have a labor force that must be well kept financially. This is the opposite of using machines wherein the work will be hassle-free. Still, machines cannot replicate the same kind of ingenuity (attention to detail) that a trained Patek Philippe watchmaker possesses. Likewise, can machine-made watches not demand the same kind of respect that a—timepiece from a specially trained watchmaker can.
All Patek Philippe watches are handmade. To go in-depth, Patek goes through the labor of making and hand-polishing all of the intricate and minute components that make up the watch movement. A single dial you see on a Patek Philippe watch takes up to four months or in other terms, requires 150 processes (or even more).
They encrust the stones and crystals of their timepieces and even engrave (by hand) the renowned “Patek Philippe Geneve” onto the dial. One of their timepieces which is a good player for this question is the Patek Minute Repeater. It takes up to two years to craft the timepiece. This is opposed to watches that can be made by machines within months..
Patek Philippe is a Swiss timepiece maker that lives up to their motto: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation.” Patek Philippe watches are among the most complicated and valuable watches that exist today.
History
The motto is a representative of their lifespan which began in 1839 when Antoni Norbert de Patek, then a polish immigrant—pocket watchmaker started making watches with Franciszek Czapek. Their partnership lasted until 1844 when Czapek withdrew from the company. That empty position was then occupied by a Frenchman called Adrien Philippe in 1845. The result, as you well know is the Patek Philippe of this time whose prestige ensures they’re the business to invest in. An example of the latter is that a Patek Philippe Calatrava, if acquired by you in the 1950s for $300 (you can not command a Patek Philippe at that price nowadays), can currently be sold by you for more than $20,000.
The Motto Itself
Nonetheless, their motto means you’re not particularly the owner of the timepiece. You’re only a single piece of the puzzle wherein the/your next generation completes you, the puzzle—when you pass it down to them. This continues constantly from one generation to the other with the timepiece staying impeccable. In that regard, the watch satisfies the hidden meaning of the statement; your timepiece will outlast the effects of time. Essentially, a Patek Philippe watch entails an exquisite, timeless design which is future-proof in terms of investment. By that evaluation—then yes, a Patek Philippe timepiece is very much worth the money.
Patek Philippe as a brand can be called the ‘fathers of horology’. The one major benefit that this implies is in the (pardon the pun) area of time. The timepieces made by Patek Philippe are made from precious materials which ensure the highest of quality. This extends to all parts of the machine; from the case and the case back to the crown and the dials themselves. Due to that kind of artistic makeup, Patek Philippe watches are made for several lifetimes. During which, the value increases in peak proportions. This makes each and every Patek Philippe watch an excellent financial investment. An ideal example is the 2499/100 fourth series which is currently sold for $50,000 upwards. A stark contrast to its price in the 1970s which was around $3,000.
Any competent resistant timepiece can be subjected to pressure and still not budge. For this to work though, the resistant timepiece (this is where competency comes in) must be made from high-quality materials. Patek Philippe watches are leading examples of such timepieces. The 5167R AQUANAUT is a luxury sports watch from Patek Philippe that has an elegant design based off of a ship’s porthole. It’s also the only timepiece from Patek that features a rubber strap. Regardless, for this purpose, the 5167R AQUANAUT is water resistant up to 120m (meters). At that depth, you can swim for extended periods of time.
Maintenance
The water resistant capabilities of Patek Philippe watches, in general, is maintained with seals that protect the watches from moisture and dust. Still, a visit to an authorized Service Center will help to more adequately maintain the watch. Also, this particular check takes only a few minutes.
For See-through Case Backs
Checking the serial number of a Patek Philippe timepiece is easy—especially if it has a sapphire crystal case back or if it’s simply see-through. On the inside, you’ll find the serial number engraved. Also, you’ll likewise find the reference number there too.
For Solid Non-See-through Case
Backs To find the serial number of a Patek Philippe timepiece with a solid case back—that is not see through, you will have to submit the timepiece to a trustworthy service center (watch dealers might be applicable). They will help remove the case back and inside, you’ll find the serial number engraved.
The Patek Philippe Minute Repeater is a representation of precision mechanical engineering. Wherein, the most important aspect of the watch is called the repeater (a complication). This is the feature that chimes (a hammer beating a tuned gong) the time through the use of a push or a slide-piece. Now, there are different types of repeaters—from the quarter-repeater to the Minute Repeater.
The Quarter-repeater
As an example, the quarter-repeater allow users to know the time down to the hours and quarter-hours. The limitation of this particular repeater is that you won’t know the time to the exact minute.
The Minute Repeater
The minute repeater, on the other hand, is a superior complication to the quarter-repeater. It allows users to measure/hear the time down to the minutes. In other words, you will hear the hours, quarter-hours, and minutes if you have a watch with this complication/feature.
A Patek Philippe Minute Repeater
A Patek Philippe Minute Repeater uses the Minute Repeater to inform users of the time. If the time is 4:33 (an example), the Minute Repeater will sound 4 low tones representing 4 hours, 2 sequence tones representing 30 minutes, and 3 high tones representing 3 minutes. So, that means a Patek Philippe Minute Repeater will produce/chime the time from hours to the quarter-hours, and then, down to the minutes. An ideal example of a Patek Philippe Minute Repeater is the 5539G-001. The timepiece is the simplest minute repeating watch (with a black dial and a case made of 18K white gold) in the collection.
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut was created in 1997 and it gained fame due to its young, modern, and unexpected design/arrival. The AQUANAUT is heavily influenced by the Nautilus which was released in 1976. Hence, its (AQUANAUT) roots can be traced to Gérald Genta who is known as the Godfather of watch designers. Regardless, we digress, the 5167/1A AQUANAUT, for example, is a 40 mm steel-cased timepiece with a design that’s mildly inspired by a ship’s pothole—or better yet, the case takes the shape of a rounded octagon.
The bezels are made of brushed steel and the dials are immaculately set to provide accurate time at a glance. On the part of power, the timepiece is powered by the automatic Caliber 324SC which has a power reserve of 45 hours. Now, onto the price of the 5167/1A AQUANAUT—the timepiece has a price that hovers around $20,000. This price can be considered mild since the price of the 5068R-010 AQUANAUT is more than double at around $44,000.
Regardless, the flagship of this collection is the 5167/1A AQUANAUT which as mentioned above, costs around $20,000.
Rolex
Patek Philippe
- The different parts of a Patek Philippe watch are made in-house
- Patek Philippe watches can be sold roughly at $5,000 at the least—and can be as much as $24 million
- Patek Philippe watches are scarce. As a result of this, Patek Philippe watches represent exclusivity
- Patek Philippe usually make mechanical watches
- All of the watches made by Patek Philippe are stunning and extremely detailed (handcrafted) in terms of design
- Patek Philippe watches have exceptional resale value regardless if you buy a vintage or modern timepiece, but most owners consider them an heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation.
Rolex
- Rolex is the most recognized maker of luxury watches in the world
- Watches made by Rolex retain their value over time which makes them a great investment due to their resale value
- Rolex has made a lot of patented innovations like the Oysterlock, Oysterflex bracelets, and Parachrom blue hairspring
- Rolex makes a lot of watches that use precious metals/stones (specifically, diamonds)
- Rolex watches roughly range from $4,000 to as high as $18 million
- Rolex mostly makes mechanical watches
Rolex watches were created by Hans Wilsdorf in Germany, back in 1908. Partnering with Aegler, Rolex took fine watchmaking to another level with movements that fit inside a wristwatch. The combination of German usefulness and style, combined with Swiss precision, makes for the perfect timepiece.
You can find Rolex watches for sale in quality retail stores and online sites from leading independent dealer of fine luxury timepieces. To avoid getting fake Rolex watches, look for a company that has a proven record as a dealer of luxury timepieces. Ideally, the company should have a history of selling watches and will offer guarantee of authenticity.
In short, yes. While might be pricey, the watches are also of the highest quality. Made of gold, the finest steel, and carefully designed to work perfectly, a Rolex is more a work of art than a mere watch. It’s resistant to damage and can handle being underwater, as well. When you purchase a Rolex, you can rest assured that you have the best money can buy, which is why these watches are also a sign of prestige.
You can’t go wrong with purchasing a genuine Rolex. The precision of the movements means with proper maintenance, your watch will last long enough to passed on as an heirloom. Aside from emotional value, these watches are a good investment thanks to:
- Valuable materials
- Long lasting movements
- Timeless looks, rather than trendy
- Lack of technology to go out of date
- High market value, even when used
- Prestigious brand that is known around the world
Rolex prices generally increase every year, though there is no set date for the increase. Price increases are usually fairly modest, unless Rolex is drastically changing a model design. Buying any luxury watch is better done sooner than later, but you want to make sure you’re getting the watch you really want from a reputable dealer. Don’t settle, just for the sake of saving a few bucks.
Only you can decide which Rolex watch is right for you. However, there are a few things to consider when making your selection. Do you prefer:
- Delicate or more rugged designs?
- Simple or complicated faces?
- Date and time or multiple time zones?
- Perpetual motion or battery operated?
- Aviation, regular, or diving design?
- Gold, platinum, or stainless steel?
Among the most popular options are:
- Submariner
- Datejust and Date
- Explorer and Explorer II
- GMT Master
- Daytona
- Yacht Master
- President
The Quickset function was introduced in 1978. This feature allows you to change the time independently of the date and vice versa, making it much faster to set the watch to the correct date. Rolex DateJust, President and Day-Date watch lines are just a few that have the Quickset option.
A genuine gold Rolex watch uses solid gold for most of its parts, including the bezel and the bracelet. Since the company does not use gold plating in any way, any part that looks gold is usually 14 or 18 carat gold. Note that even the tiny screws used to hold these watches together are made of gold. However, some Rolex watches, such as the Rolex Yacht-Master II, are made of stainless steel, while others, like the Lady-Datejust 28, are made with platinum. No matter which finish is chosen, the end result is perfection.
When you pick up a Rolex watch, the first thing you will notice is the absence of that familiar ticking noise. That’s due to the extremely detailed movements inside the mechanical movement. The pieces are so precisely fitted that there is no noise when they move. A true Rolex will never tick.
Interestingly, Rolex watches do not make any noise. That’s because the movements are so precisely made that there is little to no friction inside and everything moves very smoothly. You’ll notice that not only is there no sound, but the hands sweep around the face without stopping. Everything is smooth and perfect on a Rolex, including the movements.
When a Rolex is stolen, its serial number can be recorded and while it is not actually traced, it will be available for anyone to check if they are buying a Rolex. For example, if a buyer is looking at purchasing a used Rolex watch, they may check the serial number to be sure that the item is not stolen. If the watch has been reported lost or stolen, it will show up in the search and can be returned to its rightful owner.
It’s simple to find the serial number for a Rolex watch. It is engraved onto the the case at the 6 o’clock position, tucked between the two lugs (you have to take the strap or bracelet off to see it). The number will be between 4 and 8 digits long and can be checked with the company to ensure it is genuine. In 2005, Rolex started engraving the serial number on the inner rim of the dial, under the crystal.
With the exception of the Cellini models, all Rolex models are water resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet). The company also designs watches meant to be used by divers, including the Rolex Submariner watches, which is water resistant for up to 1,000 meters. Rolex debuted the first water resistant wristwatch in 1926, the Oyster, and has had several innovations since then. The Oyster Perpetual models are all outfitted with the Oyster case and tested for water resistance. Watches are placed in water and put under pressure to simulate the exact circumstances they would be under in a diving situation. The watches are then pushed beyond this limit to ensure they can truly withstand being submerged to 100 meters. Every Oyster watch has been proven to withstand the guaranteed water depth, plus 10% for regular watches and 25% increased pressure for diving watches. Beware though, the crown MUST be screwed down securely for the watch to maintain its water resistance.
Yes, Rolex has four locations within Switzerland, with the world headquarters located in Geneva. The country is known for its fine watch movements, which Rolex takes advantage of to ensure the best quality watches possible. Everything involved in making a Rolex is developed and produced in-house, including the movement assembly and gold alloy casting.
Every Rolex watch is made up of hundreds of tiny, precise components. Each of these pieces is made in the Rolex production facility, with roughly 2,000 people involved in the process. Each and every watch movement is carefully assembled by hand, then tested to ensure it’s perfect.
The dials and Rolex watch faces are created with both technology and by hand, depending on the design. Gems are set into the faces when needed and the parts are all put together to create a beautiful masterpiece that you can then wear.
Thanks to the ongoing testing and precision movements, Rolex watches are among the top quality timepieces in the world. The perpetual movement design ensures the watches stay functioning as long as they are worn. An oscillating weight inside the watch rotates as the wearer moves, maintaining the mainspring under tension constantly, maintaining a continuous energy source.
- It doesn’t tick. Real Rolex watches do not make any noise.
- The hands move smoothly. An original Rolex has smooth, sweeping hand movements, thanks to the fine, Swiss-made movements.
- The watch has weight. An original will be weighty in your hand, due to the quality materials used, such as machined stainless steel, gold, or platinum. Non-authentic watches tend to be made of cheap materials that are much lighter.
- The date is magnified. On Oyster Perpetual models with dates, there should be a magnifying bubble on the crystal, with the exception of the Seadweller.
- The movements are precise. A reputable watch maker will be able to identify an authentic Rolex by peeking inside at the movement.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin timepieces have various features that make them stand out:
- Vacheron Constantin itself is one of the oldest brands in the world of watchmaking. They started making watches in 1755, and their watches have been worn by historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte. Also, they belong to the Holy Trinity of the watch world: Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe. The Holy Trinity comprises of three Swiss brands that are regarded as the best manufacturers of watches.
- Vacheron Constantin watches have complications like minute repeaters, chronograph, and the worldtimer, designed to show up to 37 different time zones.
- The designs of Vacheron Constantin watches are original, detailed, and decorative. Examples are their 1972 and Métiers D’art collection. The 1972 feature unique trapezium shaped watch cases while the Métiers D’art involve the printing of a motif on the watch face.
- Vacheron Constantin use materials such as gold, platinum, steel, and diamond in their timepieces. As a matter of fact, watches in the Heures Créatives collection demand the use of substantial amounts (hundreds) of diamonds to make.
To verify if your Vacheron Constantin watch is original, you can do the following:
- Carefully examine the watch yourself by using every of its alleged functions. Also, check the aesthetic details of the watch itself to confirm if they’re authentic or not.
- Open up the watch and check if the seal of the Canton of Geneva is stamped on the lead seal. Furthermore, check whether or not the movement itself is stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva and the brand name itself.
- You can obtain a Certificate of Authenticity from Vacheron Constatin. This usually involves the timepiece being examined by trustworthy watch dealers/experts. After which you’ll be given an in-depth explanation of the inner workings of the watch.
Vacheron Constantin watches can cost as little as $3,000 (rough price) and as high as $11 million. Examples of their luxury watches are the Vacheron Constatin Overseas and Vacheron Constatin Malte Tourbillon Tonneau.
Vacheron Constantin watches are considered expensive because of the high quality nature of materials and components used, production time, and brand name.
Nature of materials and components used
The materials that Vacheron Constantin use in their watches include diamond, gold, platinum, and titanium. In regards to components (complications) used, they use complications such as minute repeaters, chronograph, and tourbillon.
Production time
Every Vacheron Constantin watch takes long periods of time to produce. The Vacheron Constantin Kallista, for example, took over 8 months to simply make and about 20 months for the jewelers to encrust.
Brand name
Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest manufacturer of luxury watches (1755), and they’ve made watches worn by famous individuals such Edward VIII and Pope Pius XI. We can honestly say Vacheron Constantin timepieces are exclusive, luxurious, and can stand the test of time.
People like Jay Z, Alexander Skarsgard (played Tarzan), and Silvio Berlusconi (former Prime Minister of Italy) are wearers of Vacheron Constantin watches. Silvio Berlusconi wears the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar. The watch was produced from 1976 through 2006 and it features a platinum case, a front crystal made of sapphire, and a back crystal made of acrylic.
