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 biggest selling point of the Rolex YachtMaster II below is its thick 18K yellow gold coating, let’s see the details first.JF Rolex YachtMaster Replica Movement: Swiss Valjoux 7750 Chronograph, 28800VPH, Fully Functional ChronographCase: 44mm*14mm, 316L Stainless Steel with 5-mils 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Blue Ceramic, Rotatable Dial: White Band: 18K Yellow Gold with New Style Rolesor Deployant Clasp Water Resistant: 100m Rolex YachtMaster II 116688 Replica The Rolex YachtMaster II replica watch is made by J12, which is a factory that accumulated its popularity for making high end Audemars Piguet Royal Oak replicas in the beginning. Now J12 factory starts to manufacture Rolex replicas, which include Submariner and YachtMaster. In my opinion, in casing work, no factories can compare with J12 because it makes their greatest effort in polishing outstanding case. This gold YachtMaster replica uses 18K yellow gold on stainless steel case, the yellow gold coating is very thick, almost on the bracelet, a lot of Rolex fans asked me whether the gold coating will fade or not, I must say the yellow gold coating will never be worn, the factory uses more advanced technology on gold plating. Rolex YachtMaster II Gold Watch Look at the white dial, its classic YachtMaster style, there are red, blue, yellow gold and green colors on white background. All square hour markers feature yellow gold frame while its centre is filled with white luminescence. Small second hand is in green color, it works smoothly. Central hour and minute hands are in light blue, the color is a little lighter than the blue ceramic bezel.
Let us see the dial first. It is in black white white markers and printings. Hands are completely different other IWC Mark series’. Have you noticed the hour hand, it is reverse. Hour markers use Arabic numbers except a big triangle mark at 12 o’clock. Date window is set at 3 o’clock, on the left side of the 3:00 hour marker. The dial also has other subtle difference if you compare Mark XI and Mark XVII or XVIII. Green nylon band is also one highlight. Nylon strap is a great match for the watch, it is perfectly in line with the military theme of the watch. One pair of distressed leather band could also create such effect, but a modern alligator leather strap will not.
