The GMT-Master’s mechanics permit wearers to read two time zones simultaneously (or three time zones on the GMT-Master II) while its design is oh-so classically cool. A particularly gorgeous version for women is the new Rolex GMT-Master II dressed entirely in solid 18k Everose gold (the brand’s proprietary rose gold alloy) and accented with a two-tone black and brown colored Cerachrom (the brand’s proprietary ceramic alloy) bezel.The watch sports a 40mm case, which at just a hair over 12mm thick, looks great on ladies’ wrist as an oversized and luxurious sports watch. For a tighter fit, removing a link or two from the solid gold Oyster bracelet is a simple process. Plus, Rolex’s Easylink clasp system lets you micro-adjust the bracelet length by 5mm while on the go should cabin pressure cause some wrist swelling. Adjusting local time when you touch down is a breeze thanks to a local hour hand that can advance in one-hour “jumps” while the arrow-tipped GMT hand pointing to the 24-hour bezel lets you know what time it is at home.Packing light is the hallmark of frequent and savvy travelers and when you need an effortless watch to wear on throughout your trip, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is here for you. A time-only watch means that you don’t have to worry about changing the date and a sturdy and water-resistant (to 100 meters) stainless steel case can keep up with whatever adventure awaits you. The best part of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line is that it offers a wide range of sizes (26mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 39mm) to fit virtually any wrist, and dial styles come in a generous assortment of colors (black, white, purple, blue, pink, and green to name a few) and index styles (Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, and batons).If your travel destination involves packing some swimwear and heading to warmer climates, then the Rolex Yacht-Master is an ideal companion. As its name suggests, the robust Yacht-Master was built for a life at sea yet channels that cruise-collection chic vibe suitable for lounging on the deck.
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.
However, rather than being fitted with the same style of bracelet that is found on other Date watches of the same circa, the reference 15238 Date is fitted with a rivet-link Oyster bracelet in 18k gold. The watch itself is fairly modern, both inside and out; however, this style of bracelet was most commonly seen throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and was phased out long before the reference 15238 ever made its first appearance. The unique combination of modern and vintage aesthetics provided by the unusual presence of the rivet-link bracelet, helps to set the reference 15238 apart and make it unique; however it also makes the watch an excellent option for those in the market for a slightly smaller alternative to the Day-Date that is also still crafted entirely from solid 18k gold.
