About this two tone Submariner 116613LN, there are basically four factories that are making it. BP, GM, AR and Noob. Among four of them, BP is the factory makes the cheapest one. GM is a new factory, I do not know their quality. So, the last two factories AR and Noob are worth your consideration. Based on the V1 edition, this time AR factory update the bezel and dial, the thickness of yellow gold coating on case and bracelet is also improved. First, the 18K yellow gold coating, which the factory claims, is updated to be 8 mils thick. Second, the black ceramic bezel insert is also updated, the golden markers on the bezel are improved to have the same engraving depth. Thrid, about dial improvement, the golden edge of hour markers is narrowed, while the central lume part is wider, so there will be more lume coating on each hour marker to guarantee stronger and longer lume light in dark conditions.So, instead of spending $50 USD more on the 116613LN from Noob, it is better to choose this one from AR factory.I love vintage watches very much. Especially Rolex and Panerai are my most favorite.This generation’s Paul Newman Daytonas are currently flying under the radar. Yes, the Rolex GMT-Master II has already doubled in value, and is likely going to appreciate further due to Rolex carefully managing the supply of that model to the ravenous public, but only by 200%, 300%, 500%. Now, that’s not too bad at all, but the really crazy money is likely hiding somewhere in the far corner of the industry and we won’t know what it is until it’s too late to rush out, cash in hand, and “collect” it.So what should we do in the meantime? I told my little friend, desperate to see a return on his money that he should be patient. He should wait to fall in love. He should truly get to know himself before he pulls the trigger. And then, when he’s good and ready, he should buy a Rolex anyway.
For a number of years, modern consumer trends have been favoring larger watches. As a result of this, Rolex’s 34mm references have become somewhat forgotten in all the excitement and shuffle that surrounds their larger, sport/professional watchlines. However, recently it seems that smaller-sized watches are starting to make a comeback, and Rolex’s once-overlooked, 34mm watches now represent some of the best values for the money among all Rolex timepieces, both vintage and contemporary.When it comes to Rolex sports watches, the Submariner and Explorer II are amongst the most beloved. And despite the fact that they are both tough, purpose-built timepieces, they’re just about as different as it gets in nearly all respects.But if you’re not very familiar with either watch, comparing these two industry titans can seem daunting. So here, I’m breaking down everything you need to know – and compare – about the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Explorer II.True sports watches, both the Submariner and Explorer II were built by Rolex with specific jobs in mind – and the hint lies in their names. Unsurprisingly, the Submariner is a divers watch, built to time out scuba dives and withstand the unrelenting pressure of 300-meter (1,000 foot) depths. In fact, this watch has been one of the world’s top diving watches since it was first released back in 1953.The Explorer II, on the other hand, was originally introduced in 1971 for speleologists who work in deep underground caverns. But like the original Rolex Explorer – the watch that provided its foundation – the Explorer II appeals to adventurers and explorers of all kinds, especially since its popular 40th anniversary remodel.
