As the Rolex Pearlmaster is just as much an item of jewelry as it is a precision timekeeping instrument, every single Rolex watch in the collection is set with some amount of diamonds/gemstones. The degree of gem-setting (and the type/color of the gems themselves) can vary significantly from one Pearlmaster watch to the next. A modest example may “only” have 12 diamonds set into its solid-gold bezel, while the more extravagant and expensive models can have completely diamond-encrusted cases and bracelets, with rainbow-colored sapphire-set bezels, and diamond-paved dials.At its core, the Pearlmaster is essentially an ultra-premium, luxury-oriented Datejust. Like other Datejust watches, the Rolex Pearlmaster is fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a Cyclops magnification lens and a Twinlock winding crown that uses a system of gaskets to create two sealed zones to protect against moisture intrusion. Consequently, despite its solid 18k gold construction and lavish application of various gemstones, the Rolex Pearlmaster still has a water-resistance rating of 100 meters and is just as functional for everyday use as any other Rolex watch.While it may have identical functionality to the standard Datejust collection, the Pearlmaster is about as far a departure from Rolex’s tool-watch history and aesthetics as you are likely to find in their contemporary catalog. However, as Rolex continues to assume a more luxury-oriented position within the high-end timepiece market, the use of precious metals and gemstones in their watches is becoming an increasingly common practice. The Rolex Pearlmaster has as much to offer in terms of gold-work and gem-setting as it does in the precision timekeeping department, making it the perfect timepiece for those that want a watch that sits at the crossroads of jewelry and horology.
Although the Rolex Submariner began its life in 1953 as a sturdy no-frills stainless steel dive watch, today, this famed diver is considered to be one of the world’s greatest luxury watches – while still very capable of plunging into the deep to accompany aquanauts. The Sub’s graduation from utilitarian to upscale no doubt began when Rolex introduced the very first Submariner in solid yellow gold. Nothing says fancy like armor made of shiny precious metal. Let’s find out which reference was the first Rolex Submariner gold watch and lay out the details. When your life depends on a limited tank of oxygen strapped to your back, you are naturally more concerned about the passing minutes rather than what day it is. Which explains why early dive models from the 1950s (Fifty Fathoms, Submariner, Seamaster 300, Breitling Superocean, etc.) didn’t worry about putting a date window on the already limited real estate of the dial. The First Yellow Gold Rolex Submariner Not only did Rolex make the Submariner ref. 1680 in stainless steel, but the company also manufactured a solid yellow gold Submariner 1680. It’s important to note that the first yellow Sub is sometimes simply called the yellow gold Submariner 1680 or the Submariner 1680/8; however, it is not the Submariner 16808 – that’s an entirely different generation. Back to the yellow gold Submariner Date 1680. Rolex’s first gold diver made its debut in 1969, flaunting an 18k yellow gold 40mm Oyster case fitted with a matching 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet. Early examples of the Submariner ref. 1680/8 featured a rotating bezel with a black aluminum insert and a matching black dial.
