New Rolex Range Launched

October 8, 2013

Those who buy and sell Rolex watches eagerly await the annual Baselworld exhibition and look out for new releases and additions to the prestigious Rolex range. This year, 2013, was no exception, with enthusiasts rewarded by the unveiling of no fewer than four new Rolex watches. rolex_gmt_master_2

GMT - Master II

Favoured by travellers who appreciate the finer things in life, the GMT-Master II features a case made from the super-alloy 904L stainless steel. Highly resistant to harsh environments, the gleaming steel perfectly complements Rolex's love of precious metals. The calibre 3168 perpetual movement features a 24-hour hand as well as conventional hour, minute and second hands to seamlessly display a second time zone. In this new 2013 model, the two-colour Cerachrom bezel is in black and blue to represent day and night.

Yacht-Master II

Sporting a new ceramic blue bezel and now available in 904L steel, the Yacht-Master II has evolved since its launch in 2007. Yachting enthusiasts and professional skippers alike appreciate its timekeeping functions, which are enhanced by crystal-clear readability. Exclusively featuring a countdown function, programmable between 1 and 10 minutes, synchronisation on the fly means it can be matched to official regatta timings. The control is via a Ring Command bezel that interfaces between the movement and the bezel.

Day-Date

In a perfect marriage between elegance and prestige, the Day-Date was the first chronograph to fully spell out the day of the week as well as give the day of the month on its 1956 launch. Then, as now, understated style was the order of the day. It's now available in white gold, 18c yellow gold or a rich Everose gold and with dial and strap colours such as Cognac, chocolate, cherry, green or blue available according to choice of metal. Rolex styling and colour matching are designer inspired. Beneath the case beats a calibre 3155 self-winding mechanical movement that carries the all-important COSC certification.

Cosmograph Daytona

Measuring speeds of up to 400 miles per hour, the tachymetric scale on the ceramic bezel is perfectly legible. This is achieved by depositing a thin platinum layer with a process known as physical vapour deposition. This new version of the iconic 1963 watch is graced with a platinum case and a sumptuous ice-blue dial with a distinctive chestnut brown bezel.

Final thoughts from Watch Buyers

All Rolex watches undergo vigorous testing by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, known as COSC, an acronym taken from its French name. In order to be granted chronometer status, timepieces undergo a set series of tests that run over 15 days, at three different temperatures and in five different positions. Timings are measured against two independent atomic clocks. The relevance and importance of the COSC certification can be put into perspective when it is realised that only 3% of Swiss-produced watches make the grade. In order to gain certification, the movements must be made to the highest standards during assembly and manufactured using only the finest of materials. The Rolex Perpetual movements such as those in this new range all hold this coveted certification, marking them out as high-precision instruments worthy of their place in the hearts of all who own or buy or sell Rolex watches.