Results for Rolex

Introducing: The Rolex Perpetual Padellone [Hands-On, Live Pics, Technical Brief, Competition, & Personal Thoughts]

It's a watch that has been long-awaited: Rolex has just announced the new Perpetual Padellone—a very classic and technically impressive instantaneous annual calendar with moonphase. The new release comes three years after the launch of the 1908, which replaced the discontinued Cellini collection and introduced the Perpetual line. Now, that new collection goes in a more complicated direction. James Stacey is in Milan for the launch—and even got to see the watch in advance—so read on for a section later in this article featuring his hands-on impressions. The new 2026 Rolex Perpetual Padellone.  Let's start with a piece of fun trivia. This is the first Rolex model—to my knowledge—to take its *actual* name from a nickname given by collectors to its historical predecessor. The ref. 8171—which Rolex explicitly cites as the inspiration for the new watch—was nicknamed the Padellone, Italian for "large frying pan," for its wide 38mm flat case and slightly domed dial. So it's appropriate that Rolex would return to Milan—arguably the birthplace of vintage watch collecting—to launch a watch that will likely make a lot of vintage lovers happy. A vintage Rolex ref. 8171 "Padellone." Even if you don't know the history of vintage Rolex or the 8171—which we'll cover in a minute—a new watch from Rolex (especially one launched off-cycle, so to speak, outside Watches & Wonders) is always a big deal. The only recent similar release was the surprise launch of the white go...

The Rolex Perpetual Padellone Is Back, and It's the Complicated Rolex We've Waited Years For

A legendary name, a brand-new movement, and a very Rolex take on the annual calendar with moonphase

Recommended Reading: "Bubble Backs" By Masahiro Endo Is An Education On The Original Rolex Collectors' Watch

If you've never collected Rolex Bubblebacks before, you should probably forget nearly everything you know about vintage watches. At least, that's what it feels like you should do when you start wading into the space. Things like reference numbers are much less valuable to remember than movements, case designs, printing details, and a general ability to just remember everything you've seen to get a sense of feel for what is right and what isn't. And trust me, a lot isn't. You could spend decades looking at these watches, but "Bubble Back" by Masahiro Endo, the owner of vintage retailer Private Eyes in Tokyo, is a great reference to jump-start your understanding of an iconic (and currently underappreciated) model. I mentioned this in last week's review of John Nagayama's "96," but the only watch I'd be more afraid to deep-dive into than the Patek ref. 96 is the Rolex "Bubbleback." It's not even an official model, but a nickname for Rolex watches made from 1933 to the mid-1950s with a domed, "bubble-like" caseback. So when you open Endo-san's book, you'll probably immediately be struck by the fact that none of the examples (except the later ref. 6062 and ref. 8171) have reference numbers. According to collectors, that's not the most useful thing for understanding the Bubbleback. Basically, every other detail matters more. We've previously published a story about the bubbleback with a lot of thoughts and tips for understanding these models, courtesy of Ken Jacobs and Justin Gr...

SJX Podcast: Geneva Watch Days Recap

Geneva Watch Days (GWD) just concluded, and by most measures it was the biggest ever. Brands exhibiting topped 70 while visitors were at a record high. In addition, the event attracted “an even larger contingent of content creators” according to GWD’s organisers, underscoring the growing fashionability of watches on social media. Some 400 watches were debuted at the event — but were they any good? Overall, the event reflected the current state of the industry; demands of buyers were perfectly echoed by the watches released. But as SJX notes during the episode, “just because something looks like a Ferrari doesn’t mean it’s a Ferrari”. Notably, some of the biggest announcements and best watches were launched outside of GWD, but during the same week — the most prominent of all being the Rolex Daytona “Four Seasons” charity auction. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.  

The Curious Case Of The Boring Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060

When it comes to watches, the little things often make the biggest difference. A power reserve indicator on the dial, the shape of a hand, or the location of a date are small but crucial factors in whether enthusiasts can fall in love with a watch. As a design fan and someone who worked in […] Visit The Curious Case Of The Boring Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060 to read the full article.

Talking Watches: With Pusha T -  On Rolex, Rap, And The Luxury Of Time

In a Pusha T verse, every detail is chosen with purpose. Watches have long been a constant in his lyrics–they are part status symbol, part cultural shorthand, and always a reflection of how closely he pays attention. This kind of specificity is central to his writing, and it is also the clearest way into a watch collection that is not only bold in appearance, but governed by a set of standards. He describes himself as a student of culture, and over the years, that knowledge shaped a specific set of rules. Pusha buys through authorized channels, favors factory-set stones, and rejects aftermarket work. His lyrics about ruined Pateks and Cartier bust-downs are not simply jokes; he sees them as a kind of tutorial on what to do and what to avoid. Many of his watches are unapologetically gem-set, but the distinction is not between understated and extravagant. It is between an original idea and an imitation of one. Pusha's collection of Rolexes he brought that day. Then there is the waiting. Pusha named Daytona for what the watch represented to him: the luxury of taking the time required to get something right. The same principle now defines how he collects. Some watches arrived when they could still be bought from a display case. Others took years of patience. The watches on the table connect those two eras, revealing a collector whose access may have changed, but whose standards have not. This is Talking Watches with Pusha T. Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 16618LN With Black Dial...

Rolex Unveils Four Unique Cosmograph Daytona Watches For Charity Auction

While the watch world was focusing on the events of Geneva Watch Days 2026, Rolex decided to drop a bit of news on us. The brand officially announced that it is preparing four unique Cosmograph Daytona watches for a charity auction in London on September 28th. Each watch takes inspiration from one of the four […] Visit Rolex Unveils Four Unique Cosmograph Daytona Watches For Charity Auction to read the full article.

Rolex To Auction Four Piece-Unique Daytonas

In partnership with Phillips auction house, Roger Federer,  and Leonardo DiCaprio to benefit the Federer Foundation and Re:wildMore

Rolex's One-of-a-Kind Daytona Four Seasons Set Is Heading to Auction for Charity

Four gem-set Daytonas, one per season, each truly unique - and every penny goes to the Federer Foundation and Re:wild

Breaking News: Rolex Unique Daytona Set “Four Seasons” to be Sold for Charity

Rolex continues to surprise with the announcement of the Daytona “Four Seasons” charity auction that will take place soon in London. This marks the public debut of the fantastical, gem-set – and unique – Cosmograph Daytona watches that were discreetly revealed earlier this year. Conducted by Phillips, the auction will benefit Federer Foundation and Re:wil, the charities founded by Roger Federer and Leonardo DiCaprio respectively. All proceeds from the sale will be split evenly between the charities. Details on the event are still scarce, but well placed sources have given us some exclusive information. The venue will be a beautifully restored colonial building that is now a lavish hotel. Several hundred guests will be in attendance at a gala dinner where the auction will take place. More importantly, the watches will be sold individually, rather than as a set. In other words, the auction will be made up of four lots. This is the first public announcement of these four watches, which were quietly debuted during Watches & Wonders 2026. Like the Rolex inclined plane clock, the Daytona quartet was on show on an upper floor of the Rolex booth, but no photos were allowed. Though no one will comment officially on the expected result, I can imagine there’s only one number on the minds of everyone responsible for this sale, and that is CHF31 million. That record was set in a different time, different place, by different people, but who knows? For more, visit Rolex.com.  

$1k vs. $10k Dive Watch: Hands-On With the Mido Ocean Star 200 & Rolex Submariner

See how the Mido Ocean Star 200 stacks up against the Rolex Submariner after hands-on testing, and whether the Rolex is really worth $9K more.

Breaking News: Rolex To Sell Four Unique Daytonas At Auction Later This Month To Benefit The Federer Foundation And Re:wild

There was a whisper going around Watches & Wonders this year that Rolex had created a set of Daytonas inspired by each of the four seasons – precious metal, gem-set, and, what none of us could really believe, just one of each in the world. In other words, Rolex had made a unique set of watches. And as most of you likely know, Rolex is not in the business of creating one of anything, really. But they'd done it here, and the story goes that they'd asked each of their retailers to submit names and profiles of those who might be a worthy owner of this box set of "Four Seasons" Daytonas. The price? Roughly CHF 4million. Platinum and lapis! Yellow gold and mookaite and chrysoprase! And despite the few details shared, interest in the set was simply overwhelming. Rumor had it that over 1,000 names were submitted for the multi-million-dollar set before the show ended. The names included some of the most famous people in the world. And yet, Rolex, by their own admission, wasn't quite sure how they would decide who would get it. They'd never expected such interest.  Well as of this morning, now we know. For the first time that I can remember, Rolex will hold a charity auction and sell off these four unique Daytonas to the highest bidder. It will take place on September 28 of this year in London, in conjunction with Phillips auction house. All proceeds will go to two charities helmed by arguably Rolex's most famous and influential testimonies, Roger Federer's Federer Foundation and...

Is the Rolex Submariner the most iconic watch ever?

Seventy-two years, one silhouette, and the single most recognised watch on earth. The Submariner survived James Bond, Steve McQueen, the quartz crisis, the wait-list era, and its own ubiquity. Time to answer the question everyone tiptoes around: is it actually the most iconic watch ever?

The Case For Keeping Your Rolex On The Bracelet

A few weeks ago, I wrote a piece arguing for taking your steel sports Rolex off its bracelet, and I meant every word. Straps and NATOs genuinely change what these watches feel like to wear, and I still stand behind that. But a good argument deserves a good counterpoint. After all, modern Rolex bracelets are […] Visit The Case For Keeping Your Rolex On The Bracelet to read the full article.

Does the Rolex Submariner Still Deserve to Be the Dive Watch Standard?

Does the Rolex Submariner still set the dive watch standard? Test its design, tool-watch credentials, and value against Tudor, Omega, Sinn, Doxa, and others.

Why I Bought The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710

This summer, I finally realized a lifelong dream — owning a Rolex GMT-Master II. More specifically, I always wanted Rolex’s famous pilot and traveler’s watch with a red-and-blue bezel. As fate would have it, I bought mine the same year Rolex discontinued that configuration from the current catalog. That decision didn’t influence my purchase, though. […] Visit Why I Bought The Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710 to read the full article.

Sunday thoughts: is Omega a Rolex rival, or is it really Tudor that Omega should be compared to?

Every enthusiast has this debate on a Sunday morning. Omega and Rolex have shared a shelf for 60 years, but the market has moved. Is the fair comparison still Rolex, or is Tudor the one that actually shops in the same €4k to €10k drawer? Five reasons for each side.

Which Understated Rolex Is Better? Reviewing The Air-King vs. Explorer 14270

We’ve worn both the Rolex Air-King 14000 and Explorer 14270. Here’s which understated Rolex we’d actually choose for everyday wear.

Drake’s ‘Ice Gradient’ Daytona isn’t the only Rolex Piece Unique Out There

Win a $100K Daytona, Drake freezes the world, and microbrands close the case

Win a $100K Rolex Daytona for charity, discover Drake’s one-of-one Ice Gradient Daytona, and enter Mr Jones Watches’ design competition.

The ABCs of Time - The History of Metal Bracelets for Wristwatches

With few exceptions, metal bracelets are a 20th-century phenomenon, really surfacing in the 1920s as wristwatches became a cultural and fashion phenomenon. Three names are generally recognised as part of the rise of contemporary bracelets – Rolex, Gérald Genta and Gay Frères – although there’s much more to the story, and the latter arguably plays the […]

The Top 5 Rolex Models From The 1990s

Friday is here, which means it’s time for another list! This week, we follow up on a discussion we had on Fratello Talks two weeks ago. In that episode, Robert-Jan, Nacho, and I discussed the ultimate decade for watches. RJ and I chose the nineties as our favorite decade for watches because new technology significantly […] Visit The Top 5 Rolex Models From The 1990s to read the full article.

Dressing Down Your Rolex: Why Taking It Off The Bracelet Can Be A Good Idea

There’s a particular kind of tunnel vision that sets in around steel sports Rolexes. You picture a Submariner, and the mental image arrives fully assembled: black bezel, black dial, and, welded to it, as if it were cast in one piece, an Oyster bracelet. It’s the same with a GMT-Master, Datejust, Sea-Dweller… In fact, it’s […] Visit Dressing Down Your Rolex: Why Taking It Off The Bracelet Can Be A Good Idea to read the full article.

Five Rolex References That Identify You As An Enthusiast

Anyone can point at a modern Submariner and know it’s a Rolex. Recognizing that the watch takes no real knowledge of the brand, Rolex has spent decades making sure of that. But there’s a different, quieter tier of Rolex ownership that has nothing to do with what’s easiest to identify from across the room. It’s […] Visit Five Rolex References That Identify You As An Enthusiast to read the full article.

The New Timex Deepwater Meridian Is an Affordable Automatic GMT With Rolex Style

The new Deepwater Meridian 200 Automatic GMT brings sapphire, a ceramic bezel, and 200m of water resistance to a $549 Timex. A closer look.