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The Manual Wind: Rolex Yachtmaster Everose Gold

the manual wind rolex yachtmaster everose gold
Rolex Yacht-Master Everose 116655 Oysterflex rubber 1To the disappointment of many, this years Basel Fair 2015 seemed lackluster.  Brands made their annual releases and upgrades, but very few pieces created any real buzz.  Rolex, always greatly anticipated, had their fans feeling let down.  The previous year, there were multiple releases that turned Rolex enthusiasts on their heads.  There was the Pepsi GMT Master in white gold, the Milgauss blue dial, and the Deep Sea Sea Dweller James Cameron piece.  This year, just one piece really gave Rolex fans something to pause on, The Yachtmaster Everose Gold.

Rolex Yacht-Master Everose 116655 Oysterflex rubber 2The Yachtmaster has been around for plenty of years with not much change.  The most recent update came when a blue dial was added to their steel with platinum bezel piece.  This years update is way more drastic.  For the first time, Rolex is offering a stock rubber strap on a piece.  This black rubber strap attached to the classic 40mm now rose gold case is a big change for Rolex; a brand mainly known for metal bracelets.  To accompany this black rubber strap, the sporty bezel bearing raised numerals has now been produced in matte ceramic.  Paired with a black dial and rose hands and markers, this piece does not lack style points.

Rolex Yacht-Master Everose 116655 Oysterflex rubber 7Rolex is not reinventing the wheel here.  There have been an influx of rose gold pieces with black bezels over the last ten years.  Starting with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad and continuing in brands like Ulysses Nardin with the Maxi Marine Diver and Hublot with the Big Bang, black on gold is a proven combination.  Rolex may be late to the party but that does not discredit this piece.  Introducing their loyal consumer to a new segment with this rubber strap, coined “OysterFlex”,  is clearly paving the way for future models to offer the same sporty band option.  Where RubberB had the market cornered, Rolex has taken it upon itself to keep its loyalists in house and offer what so many have been waiting for.  Considering Rolex did not make many waves at Basel this year, the new Yachtmaster will surely ride high once released.  Having just landed in the U.S> with an MSRP of $24,950, these are already flying out of Rolex cases.  Comfortable and new to the lineup, Rolex has reshaped this classic line.

Editors' Recommendations

The Manual Wind: Bulgari Octo Ultranero Finissimo Tourbillon
the manual wind bulgari octo ultranero finissimo tourbillon 16bulgultra2

Its disappointing to see amazing design not make it to the main stream.  The Bulgari Octo is just not there yet.  The Gerald Genta design, previously under the Gerald Genta name, now bears a big name on its dial and yet has still not made it.  Bulgari purchased this line years ago and the only thing they have done right with it is not change the classic Octo design.  I have been saying for years that this design is the next big thing.  Classic, modern, angular, and unique; the Octo has a chance to be an icon.  Although Bulgari has not had a breakout design in with this line, they are certainly trying.  Good movements and simple combinations make for nice pieces.  Its latest is another piece i would like on my wrist; The Bulgari Octo Ultranero Finissimo Tourbillon.

This ultra-thin Tourbillon holds within its black DLC titanium case a world record thin movement.  At just 1.95mm thick, this Tourbllion with a 52 hour power reserve, is the thinnest non bridge Tourbillon.  The movement is as elegant as the design; black DLC coating with rose accents.  Another piece in the Octo line that is classic yet modern.  Attached with an integrated crocodile strap and folding buckle, this sleek look is complete.

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The Manual Wind: IWC Big Pilot Heritage Limited Edition
the manual wind iwc big pilot heritage limited edition iwcbp1

The new year brings new watches.  As soon as the clock ticks 12:01, the rumors and pre-releases start to swirl in the watch world.  The brands are just as excited to exhibit as the watch-a-holiics to see.  IWC always has their new releases in the chamber ready to be fired.  This year is no different.  IWC has reloaded their iconic Big Pilot for their new Big Pilot Heritage.

Offered in two sizes, 48mm and 55mm, the larger version is the largest IWC introduction since 1940.  Taken from the original 1940 design, the Heritage brings back that classic look, but with a twist.  The case is now in titanium.  A monster like this comes in weighing a mere 150 grams (over 30 grams less than the steel version).  Blue steel hands and the now extremely popular faux patina add contrast to this classic dial layout.  Attached with a brown calf strap and deployment completes this tribute pilot piece.  An IWC 8-day power reserve moment powers this classic beast.  There is even a newly added window on the caseback to view the power reserve truly making this a modern classic.

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The Manual Wind: Jacquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Mosaic Elephant
the manual wind jacquet droz petite heure minute mosaic elephant jaquet

Watches are an art form.  When art and watchmaking are mentioned in the same phrase, it typically refers to watch movements.  The art of watchmaking can certainly refer to the amazing engineering and technological prowess necessary to produce extraordinary movements.  Art in watchmaking can extend to more than just a watch movement as Jacquet Droz has proven once again.  Mosaic dials have been used over the years but not like in their new Petite Heure Minute Mosaic Elephant.

The ancient art of eggshell mosaic is brought to watchmaking for the first time in a handcrafted scene of elephant migration.  Quail eggshells are hand picked and placed to put together this mosaic scene to create an amazing dial for this 43mm rose gold timepiece.  2,000 pieces are hand sorted and then hand placed taking 200 hours to complete.  This truly artisan timepiece will only be recreated to complete a limited edition series of eight pieces.  The time on this piece is told with rose gold hands on a small black onyx dial.  This work of art is attached to your wrist with a black crocodile strap and rose gold tang buckle.  Turn the watch over and the rotor of this in-house automatic movement shows you the elephant marching on.

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