In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.įive years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.īut the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation.

When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.īut Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable. While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. The case and dial of the watch are sculptured in 18K. The wild cat is depicted in seven shades grey, black, opal-white, mauve, opaque white, and brown- and green-yellows. The engraving and assembly work required more than 60 hours, while champleve grand feu enamelling required 25 hours. The craftsman also performed another delicate operation to accentuate the volume of the whiskers he chiselled the sides with help of a point graver and then polished them with a rubber. It was achieved by the craftsman with help of a flat graver, and, then, he pricked them with a slender point-graver. The jaguar gives an impression of fur and staring eyes. New Cartier Tortue XL Watch with Unique Jaguar Decor To create such a thin watch the usual approach of a movement set in a case has been discarded, rather the back of the case becomes the main plate onto which the drive train is set.T. There are many large and chunky watches on offer today and a smaller number who claim to make an 'ultra-thin' watch but none quite like Piaget.Regardless of these other claims, over the last few years Piaget and its Altiplano line has consistently shown what is really possible.A New Solution The Piaget Altiplano 38mm 900P is the world's thinnest mechanical watch with a total width of 3.65mm of which the movement is just 2.0mm. Piaget Altiplano 900P – The Devil Is In The Detail I am a bit fascinated by the design as it is highly unusual compared to what people in the US think of when they consider Omega watches.Familiar with the 'California dial' that mixes Roman numerals on one side of the dial and Arabic ones on another? Well this watch plays with that concept. Seen here in steel, it also comes in in gold as well. This model is the Omega De Ville X2 Big Date. This piece is only a few years old and comes in a few versions - I think it is still sold in retail stores. In fact, I am not even sure how widely watches like this square cased De Ville X2 are sold in America.

This sure isn't an Omega watch you see every day. Omega De Ville X2 Big Date Watch Available On James List

Rolex oyster perpetual datejust 18k 750