Talking about watches and inspiration can spawn some pretty interesting debates, and for good reason – especially in the dive watch category. Of course, early dive watches weren’t “inspired by” anything; dive watches were tools created with a very distinct purpose. That said, as the years went on and the dive watch category moved away from practical utility towards desirable daily-wearers, design inspiration soon came into play. Today we’re looking at luxury watches inspired by the ocean, and digging into the stories behind the creation of each piece and how they relate to the big blue beyond.As mentioned above, there is no reason to go into a Rolex Submariner history lesson here; however, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea with D-Blue dial (a variant of the original Deepsea that was first unveiled in 2008) has a very distinct connection to our world’s deepest waters.The origins of this piece come from Rolex’s involvement in (read: sponsorship of) James Cameron’s deep dive into the Mariana Trench. Though not limited in production, the piece is commemorative of the 2012 dive, and features a gradient blue to black dial that mimics the loss of light as one descends into the ocean’s depths. Additionally, the green chosen for the DEEPSEA text on its dial is matched to the color of Cameron’s Deepsea Challenger Submarine that took a prototype Rolex watch all the way down into the trench affixed to one of its robotic arms.The legacy of Jacques-Yves Cousteau is unparalleled in the world of underwater exploration, and many years ago (back in 2004 to be precise), IWC decided to become a partner of the Cousteau Society – a non-profit organization looking to continue the initiatives set out by Jacques-Yves several decades prior. From the onset of the partnership, IWC has included special limited-edition Aquatimer models in their collections, with a portion of the proceeds of each watch headed towards the organization.Of their bigger undertakings, Cousteau’s famed research vessel (named ‘Calypso’) was raised from the sea floor after sinking on account of an incident in Singapore in 1996. Progress on Calypso has been slow-going, and a fire on the ship while docked in Turkey two years ago has slowed things further. Naturally, there are rumors swirling that a redesign of the IWC Aquatimer line across the board will appear in conjunction with the vessel’s unveiling.
Looks-wise, the watch that comes the closest to an all-steel model is now the ref. 116509, which is cast in solid 18k white gold and has the price tag to prove it.That means a delve into the archives is the only avenue still open should you want one, and it is the previous generation that is proving the most affordable. The ‘Zenith’ Daytona ref. 16520, powered by the fabled El Primero, is still the gateway into steel Cosmograph Daytona ownership.Of course, the word ‘affordable’ is all relative. Prices start at around the $20,000 mark, which is a hefty slice of anyone’s money. Yet beyond being one of the most handsome and capable models ever made, any Rolex Daytona represents perhaps the surest investments watch collecting has to offer.It’s a tough call, but the starkly austere Explorer might well be the watch that has changed the least (visually) over its 70-year run. That is even for a manufacture that updates aesthetics at the glacial pace that Rolex does. Every reference, from the prototype Pre-Explorer ref. 6150 from 1952 up to the last of the ref. 114270s in 2010, have been simple three handers, with the beautifully legible white on black 3/6/9 dials, housed in a 36mm case.Then along came the ref. 214270, identical in the detailing but the first example to grow beyond the dimensions in 58-years, measuring 39mm. It increased in size for the same reason as the Datejust – fashions demanded it – but unlike that watch, it became the only option available.That is no bad thing. The Explorer is perhaps the last of the true tool watches in the Rolex catalog. There is nothing about any iteration of the watch that is designed to look flashy or draw attention to itself, and a few extra millimeters doesn’t change that. The new Explorer is basically the old Explorer, and whichever you choose will come down to whether your wrist size suits one or the other.Its strength has always been in its simplicity, and it remains one of the best value for money prospects on the pre-owned Rolex market. $5,000-$6,000 is the buy-in point for a well set up example of the ref. 114270 or, if you fancy going the real vintage route, the celebrated ref. 1016 (personal timepiece of James Bond author Ian Fleming) starts at a little over twice that. Tough, elegant and perfectly built, the Explorer has always stayed true to Rolex’s roots.
The Rolex Crown Logo positioned at 12 under the triangle marker is three-dimensional, all hour markers and hands have yellow golden edge, which echoes with the yellow golden bezel markers. White luminous material applied on markers and hands will offer green light in the dark.By the way, the watch is equipped with a Super Asian 3135 movement, it is modified from a Miyota 9015 automatic movement, and it is better than the clone 3135 movement that is modified with a Chinese automatic, as we all know, automatic movement coming from Japan is always more stable and accurate.Whether in genuine or replica watch field, 114060 has a high popularity like black Submariner 116610 LN. The only difference is that 114060 does not have date function, while this will not stop it become a hot watch, because someone likes the cyclob and some people don’t. The replica Rolex Submariner 114060 here is made by J12 factory, not only it has a superior case finish, but it is also equipped with a super clone 3130 movement.The case is well brushed, it has a great hand touch and case profile is the same as genuine, because the usage of high quality watch material, the whole replica Rolex has a similar weight to original watch. Case and bracelet are made of solid 316L stainless steel, you will feel its weight on hand. The bezel uses real black ceramic, deeply engraved bezel has a silver cream pearl, which is domed not flat.Like Super 3135, the clone 3130 is also a great movement which J12 factory researched and developed. This movement now is only used by Rolex Submariner No Date replica, which is a dream watch for people who do not like a magnifier on the crystal. The movement only offers hours, minutes and seconds for the replica. The factory has modified the rotor and movement plates, so it will be closer to genuine 3130 calibre, besides, the clone 3130 also features a big red wheel.Although sold at a high price, but Rolex 114060 will not be a regret choice, it has 100% same quality as Noob Submariner 116610 LN.16610LV is an old Submariner model Rolex published to celebrate its 50th anniversary. I think it is the first Submariner to use a green ceramic bezel, in next a few years, Rolex released another Submariner with green bezel and dial, it is 116610LV, but I still love the old 16610LV model, I like its green bezel and black dial, because this gives me a good visual impact.The replica Rolex Submariner 16610LV below is made by BP factory, it is the so-called Swiss Made Replica Watch we usually discuss. Every thing on case finishing, dial details and accuracy is perfect. It gives a good wearing comfort and high end touch feeling.The biggest two selling points of the replica lie in its Swiss lume material and Super Clone 3135 movement.
Now what you see is an IWC replica watch with classic black style. It with gold size 41mm. When we see it more carefully, we will find that its design elements are so special. Such as its ring. It uses two half circle to covered the ring, which is liked the shape of sailing ship, so that it has a good connection with the topic of sailing. In addition, its ring splicing blue and white color skillfully. It is really control so well to distribute colors in dial. This unique design can make us enjoy the experience of watch wearing, which is liked experiencing an exciting sailing match happily, and it is easy to read at the same time. It can show the side of mature for men to use gray and black color in dial. The red second hand is the one of attraction, it helps us to have a good view when combined with various colors. Red is so bright that can be nice decoration in black dial. It can get rid of the trouble that we become tired with same color in the whole dial. From the surface which is decorated by sapphire crystal, we can see its beauty clearly. Its case is made of 316 stainless steel, which is one kind of classic material. Undoubtedly, It may be good guarantee in hardness.
Through the transparent case back ,we can see its movement clearly. It equipped with Asian Unitas 6498 Manual Hand wound Movement. It has anther small hand in case back which was used for adjustment so that it can be more accurate in travel time and without mistake. This powerful movement can be precise and shock resistant.Anyway, this replica IWC was general as a whole, it with low-key temperament but was luxurious as well. It was so cool when owning such wrist watch with retro and simple style due to it was hand wound watch. So how about you? It was worth of your affection.
