Rolex Milgauss Watch Review

Case Diameter: 40 mm

Bezel: Polished

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black or White

Bracelet: Oyster

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 44 hours

Water Resistant: 100m

Lug Width: 20 mm

Rolex Watch Reviews: DeepSea, Explorer II, GMT IIc, Milgauss, Submariner 14060, Sub 116610LN

Rolex Sea-Dweller DeepSea Watch Review

  The Rolex Sea-Dweller DeepSea mens (ref # 116660) watch is nothing short of a sea monster! Rolex finally caved to the large watch trend and came out rocking a 43 mm replacement to the Sea Dweller (ref 16600). The Sea-Dweller DeepSea dive watch comes equipped with a revolutionary Ringlock System, built to withstand the immense pressure exerted by water at an extreme depth of 3,900m (12,800 feet).

  Some of the new improvements come from the movement and the bracelet. The DeepSea uses Rolex’s work horse 3135 automatic movement with the new Parachrom hairspring. The bracelet is a feet of technology, the new Glidelock clasp system is amazing. There has been rumblings for years about their clasp, the Glidelock system puts that conversation to rest. The watch has a large presence, at almost 18 mm thick and domed sapphire crystal.

Pros - Improved movement, great clasp, will stand the test of time

Considerations - Size, tapered bracelet

  The Rolex GMT Master IIc mens watch is stunning. The most noticeable and talked about change is the ceramic bezel. This type of ceramic is extremely durable, very resistant to abrasions and discoloration. If you are familiar with the old version you will also notice the the Maxi Dial (previously only available on the 50th Anniversary Sub), larger lumed indices. This watch will glow all night long!

  It also now features the Trip-Lock system giving a greater water resistance rating, another improvement borrowed from the Submariner. The Green text and GMT hand add a nice subtle touch of class. The movement is Rolex’s 3186 featuring a Parachrom-Blu Hairspring, 31 jewels, and a 50 hour power reserve. Most notably the bracelet has the patented EasyLink system. The bracelet also now has solid links, giving the watch an overall nice weight.

Pros - Ceramic bezel, Maxi-Dial, solid links, Parachrom-Blu Hairspring

Consideration - A 22 mm lug width might compliment the case size better.

     904L Steel

Since the late 80’s Rolex has been using 904L Steel, unlike the usual 316L that is used with most other brands. To our knowledge Rolex is the only watch company using this grade. It is proven to be more corrosions resistant and has a “brighter white” appearance than 316L. Oh, it cost more also...

  The Rolex Milgauss (ref 116400 GV) is a special mens watch designed to be resistant to a magnetic flux density of 1,000 gauss (1000=Mille), hence the watches name Milgauss. This means it will continue to keep precision time in highly magnetic environments. This version boast the green sapphire crystal, another nice touch by Rolex. It is has a very unique seconds hand, resembling an orange lightning bolt. Very retro for Rolex and one of the best aesthetic features of Milgauss. The watch case, bezel, and center links are high polish. Utilizing Rolex’s 3131 caliber in-house movement and is C.O.S.C. certified. A very unique and classy timepiece, I believe a must have for any Rolex collector. Rolex watches are work horses that will last a lifetime and this one is no different.

Pros -  In-house movement, C.O.S.C., unique piece, not see often out in the wild

Consideration - No date

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 40mm

Strap: Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Bezel: Unidirectional

Crystal: Sapphire

Power Reserve: 40 hrs

Movement: Auto

Water Resistance: 300m

  Let’s “dive” a little deeper into this lesser known dive watch and circle back. There are a number of reasons that make this the best watch for men. First, most realize that the Submariner is the most recognizable watch to the mass public, one reason being the magnifying cyclops on the crystal above the date. Because there is no date on this watch ref #14060, there is no cyclops. No cyclops means it will be a little less recognizable than it’s big brother (ref #16610). The no-date version still uses drilled lug holes, which has been abandoned by Rolex on other models. This brings a vintage feel to the watch, which many Rolex purists like.

  It also happens to be one of the least expensive Rolex’s, not suggesting it is inexpensive though. Rolex uses their automatic 3130 movement, an in-house movement. This is a big deal, you will be hard pressed to find a true Swiss in-house movement at this price point. Most watches using an in-house movement start many thousands of dollars higher. Circling back, what you get for your hard earned money is a true classic, original design, uncluttered dial, versatile, in-house movement, robust watch that can be handed down for generations to come!

Pros - Iconic, timeless, rugged, classy, in-house movement

Consideration - If you like a date window, spend the extra $$$ to get ref# 16610

New Rolex Submariner Date Watch Review

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 40mm

Bezel: Unidirectional

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet: SS

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: 3135

Water Resistant: 300m

Power Reserve: 48hrs

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 43mm

Bezel: Unidirectional

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet: SS

Lug Width: 21mm

Movement: 3135

Water Resistant: 3,900m

Power Reserve: 48hrs

  The makeover has officially happened to the all time classic Rolex Submariner Date, enter ref. 116610 LN. With opinions on both sides of the fence, I think the new Sub Date is a work of art. The old Submariner (ref. 16610) has been fazed out for 2010. This review covers the new look the new gold Submariners already have adapted. This year the stainless steel version completes the Sub line up. This Submariner has “LN” at the end of reference number. LN is short for Lunette Noir, french for black bezel.

  Finally, the maxi-dial has made it to the this Submariner in stainless steel. In the past, the 16610LV (green anniversary edition) Submariner was the only stainless steel Submariner offered with the maxi-dial. The maxi-dial offers larger indices, larger mercedes hour hand, and larger minute hand. This equates to an easier to read watch and more SuperLuminova, looks amazing. Noticeably, Rolex is now using blue SuperLuminova vs the previously standard green SuperLuminova. The next big change comes from the maxi-case, a larger, more square case. What is nice about the design is the “beefed” up appearance, while keeping the actual case the same at 40mm. The new almost glass like appearance of the ceramic bezel offers up a very clean seductive look, along with the expected 120 clicks of the bezel. Advantages to using a ceramic bezel is it will not scratch or fade (UV proof). Gotta love no scratches! Bringing over the improved bracelets from Rolex, the 116610 LN has the new Glidelock system. Sticking to what works best, the movement stays unchanged using the trusted 3135, with Parachrom hairspring.

  While the 16610 will always remain a classic, it is clear the times are changing. Rolex is forging ahead and the Submariner Date 116610LN is the future.

Pros - Maxi-dial, maxi-case, Glidelock

Consideration - A lot of changes from the classic, might take sometime getting use to.

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 42mm

Bezel: Fixed 24 hour

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet: SS

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: 3187

Water Resistant: 100m

Power Reserve: N/A

New Rolex Explorer II (ref. 216570) Review

  Rolex is the popular kid back in school, everyone waiting to see what cool thing they will do next. Enter the long awaited and once delayed Rolex Explorer II (ref. 216570) unveiled officially at Basel 2011. There has been big changes to this model when compared to the previous generation (ref. 16570) from size, movement, to aesthetics.

  Probably the biggest visual change is Rolex continued move to larger cases. The Explorer II is now 42mm compared to the previous version at 40mm. W&R thinks this is better fit because the watch wears smaller in general do to the lower profile bezel. The new case will beef it up, without being obnoxious. Rolex went back to the vintage Explorer look with the new orange GMT hand. This gives the Explorer the extra little touch it needed to help further separate it from the GMT Master II. The dial now has larger, more pronounced hands. The bracelet has also moved forward with positive change, now featuring Rolex’s patented EasyLink system. This allows the wearer to change the bracelet length by about 5mm, weather and physical activities can all effect wrist size. The EasyLink system is truly a fantastic feature. Rolex has put a brand new GMT chronometer movement in the 216570, called Caliber 3187. The Caliber 3187 features a blue Parachrom hairspring and the new Paraflex shock absorbers. The new chapter ring that we all knew was inevitable has the repeating “Rolex”. There seems to be no stopping this evolution, if you want modern Rolex’s you better get use to liking this change. The watch is offered in white or black, will be nice to see these out in the real world.

  Overall, the new Explorer II looks to have done almost everything right, especially the old 1970’s orange GMT hand.

Pros - New movement, new styled GMT hand, EsayLink, 42mm case

Consideration - Lots of change on a classic and iconic watch, some will prefer the older

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 40 mm

Bezel: Ceramic

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet: Steel

Lug Width: 20 mm

Movement: Automatic

Water Resistant: 100m

Power Reserve: 50 hrs