Rolex has been manufacturing watches with 34mm case diameters for the majority of their long and distinguished history; however, these “mid-size” models such as the Date and Air-King often get overlooked due to the multitude of options that exist in the more standard, 36mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual case size. However, Rolex has manufactured a number of excellent watches – both vintage and contemporary – that have 34mm case diameters, and their highly versatile size allows them to look at-home on wrists of virtually any gender or measurement.Although the Datejust collection has historically had a case diameter of 36mm for the standard full-size model, Rolex also manufactures a line of watches called the Date that offers many of the same design traits and features of the Datejust – even the same movement too – only in a slightly smaller overall package.One of the most “quintessentially Rolex” watches currently in production with a 34mm case diameter is the reference 115234 Date. With a Cyclops magnification lens, stainless steel Oyster bracelet, and 18k white gold fluted bezel, the reference 115234 Date checks all the same design boxes as the Datejust, just with a slightly reduced size. Additionally, since the 34mm Date and the 36mm Datejust share the same movement, the reference 115234 is in no way a “lesser” watch compared to the Datejust, just one that is 2mm smaller.Since consumer trends favored smaller wristwatches in past decades, a number of great vintage Rolex references exist with 34mm case diameters. One of the longest-running Rolex models of all time is the reference 5500 Air-King, which boasts a super clean and minimal dial design that perfectly complements its slightly reduced case size.The reference 5500 remained in production for thirty-seven years, during which time it was fitted with both Rolex’s Caliber 1520 and Caliber 1530 movements – neither of which were chronometer-certified. Due to their long production run, reference 5500 Air-King watches were manufactured in relatively large numbers and can still be purchased for very reasonable prices. Fitted with one of the cleanest and least text-heavy dials found inside any Rolex watch, the Air-King 5500 pre-dates the widespread implementation of chronometer-certified movements and represents one of the best entry points into vintage Rolex collecting.Although the Day-Date President is the classic all-gold Rolex watch, it has never been manufactured in a size smaller than 36mm. However, throughout its history, Rolex has produced a number of all-gold watches within their Date collection that have 34mm case diameters, and lack the additional complication for displaying the day of the week that is found on the flagship Day-Date line of watches.One of the more modern incarnations of the all-gold 34mm Date is the reference 15238, which stands out due to a number of characteristics that help separate it from previous iterations of Rolex’s all-gold 34mm Date watch. While earlier examples were made from 14k gold, there reference 15238 is craft from 18k – the same as what Rolex uses to manufacture their flagship Day-Date President watch. Additionally, the Date 15238 is fitted with Rolex’s Caliber 3135 movement and a synthetic sapphire crystal, which give it all the ingredients necessary to be a fairly modern watch.
Rolex has graduated from a watch brand into a seismic force to which the regular rules do not apply. While it is far (far) from guaranteed that any Rolex watch you buy will appreciate from the day you bought it, time is showing us that these models, both old and new, endure the fluctuations of the watch market very well indeed.And, in fact, buying a pre-owned model might well be the very best thing you can do in the case of Rolex. Many of the new professional models are simply unattainable without waiting an inordinate amount of time – or without paying an exorbitant grey market mark-up to skip the queue. Older professional models are available for prices below those of a new model, and present the chance to pick-up a potential classic while also expanding your knowledge of the crown.Part of the joy of the watchmaking game is getting to know the tiny ticker on your wrist. Buying modern watches because they are in vogue is all well and good, but it can sometimes be a bit of a rushed exercise (thanks to all that competition). A far nicer, and (in my opinion) rewarding way to pursue this hobby is to consciously decouple oneself from the pursuit of luxury, or status, or the latest trend, and instead put stock in the long road. Read about old models. Pore over their nuances. Allow yourself to appreciate how certain models and certain designs can somehow, almost inexplicably to a modern mind, encapsulate an era so perfectly. These wordless time capsules are worth seeking, as they can, in a single glance, remind us of a simpler time when things didn’t move so fast.My first Rolex was a Rolesor Datejust from 1985. I bought it pre-loved after finally managing to get over my thirst for Pepsi, and having hit the history books in search of inspiration. It cost me around $4,000 and it looked brand new but so satisfyingly anachronistic. Vintage is not for everyone, but before you dismiss it as an option, remember that whatever you like right now will be old someday soon. And it is only with the passing of time that we’re really able to understand what has managed to stand its test.
Case lugs have a curved line so the whole case can fit your wrist very well. Do not worry that the rose gold tone will fade, it will not because the rose gold coating is so thick. After many years of wearing, you can send the watch to us, we can do rose gold plating for you in factory. Bezel is real black ceramic with rose gold markings. On solid case back, the center is brushed while the round edge is polished. The back of each lug is engraved with some symbols, I do not know them.Rose gold dial has Swiss lume applied on hour markers and hands, there will be a strong blue lume effect in the dark. The sunray rose gold dial has a high quality texture. Three subdials have their correct function, small seconds subdial is positioned at 6 o’clock, the small dial at 3 o’clock is for 30-minute chronograph, while the small subdial at 9 o’clock is for 12-hour chronograph. These subdials are all working right. In details, they have rose gold edge with black circles on the center.The replica Rolex Daytona watch is equipped with a black leather band, which is made of genuine alligator leather. The leather strap has a rose gold buckle, there is a delicate Rolex Crown on the buckle. When opening the clasp, you will notice the engravings are perfectly done by the factory. By the way, the watch has a water resistant depth of 50 meters.Rolex only published several pieces Daytona watches for women, but every Daytona watch they unveiled is very suitable for women to wear, I do not think Rolex Daytona is exclusive for men. Under current trend, the Daytona, whose case diameter is up to 40mm, looks neutral and is a nice choice for women. Daytona is the only model of Rolex that has a chronograph function. It is only in 40mm and does not have other options, except some vintage models like Paul Newman Daytona. Among all Rolex models, the popularity of Daytona is close to Submariner.Due to its high popularity, Daytona is also highly welcomed in replica watch industry, it is replicated by a lot of watch manufacturers. Different factories make different quality of Daytona replica watches. The general rule is small factories make low quality Daytona replicas, while big factories make high quality ones. However, I do not recommend you to buy the most expensive replicas, you need to find the right one. Sometimes the watch is not very stable even you spent more than $600 USD on it, from a big factory such as Noob, ARF, etc. But sometimes a replica watch from a common watch factory can serve you for years. This situation always happens, some clients also complained that their expensive watches have issues only after several months. I must say this situation is common, you just need to find a right watch supplier who could do a careful quality control before shipping your order.
