Category Archives: Watches

All good things must come to an end! And Rolex is no exception to this rule. Rolex enthusiasts have eagerly awaited to see which models the luxury watch brand would discontinue in 2023. Finally, the wait is over, and we now know which models will no longer be in production. In this blog post, we will discuss which Rolex models will be discontinued in 2023 and what that means for their pricing on the secondary market.  Why Will These Models Be Discontinued in 2023? Rolex discontinues certain models to keep inventory fresh, as well as make room for exciting new models. Since Rolex only manufactures a certain amount of watches annually, discontinuing models is a good way to keep things interesting. Rolex Daytona ‘John Mayer’ Ref. 116508  The Rolex Daytona Ref. 116508, known among collectors as the “John Mayer” model, was a limited edition watch released in 2019. The watch features a green dial, a gold ceramic bezel, and 18k yellow gold. Named after the famous musician John Mayer, an avid collector of watches, the watch was limited to 1,000 pieces. Therefore, it sold out within a few hours of its release! Rolex Daytona with a Bright Blue Dial Ref. 116509  The Rolex Daytona with a Bright Blue Dial Ref. 116509 was a popular model among Rolex enthusiasts. The watch features a blue dial and a white gold case.   Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400GV  The Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400GV is a model designed for scientists and engineers. The watch features a green sapphire crystal, as well as the option between a teal and black dial. According to Rolex, the Milgauss is “designed to meet the demands of the scientific community working around electromagnetic fields.” Therefore, it can withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss. Rolex Cellini Moonphase Ref. 50535  The Rolex Cellini Ref. Moonphase 50535 was a model that was released in 2017. According to Rolex, the watch “features an exclusive display of the phases of the moon,” as well as a brown leather strap.   Rolex Daytona with a Meteorite Dial (116505, 116508, 116509, 116515LN, 116518LN, 116519LN)  The Rolex Daytona with a Meteorite Dial was a popular model among Rolex enthusiasts. The watch features a dial made from a meteorite that fell to Earth millions of years ago.   Rolex Datejust 41 with a Meteorite Dial (126301, 126331, 126334, 126303, 126333, 126334)  The Rolex Datejust 41 with a Meteorite Dial was a model that was released in 2019. The watch features a dial made from a meteorite that fell to Earth millions of years ago.   In conclusion, discontinuing these Rolex models will likely mean big things for the secondary market. The value of these watches is expected to increase due to their rarity, making them even more valuable to collectors and enthusiasts alike. So, if you’re lucky enough to own one of these discontinued Rolex models, kudos! You could see the value of your timepiece rise! 

Rolex is a luxury watch brand known for its quality, precision, and style. The Rolex Air-King is one of the most iconic watches in their collection, known for its aviation-inspired design and durability. This timepiece has a rich history and is a popular choice among watch collectors and enthusiasts. Learn more about its features, history, cultural significance, and why buying a pre-owned Rolex is a great investment. Features of the Rolex Air-King The Rolex Air-King features a sleek and elegant design, a classic round case, and a clear, easy-to-read dial. The watch is made from high-quality materials, including a stainless steel case and bracelet, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and reliable automatic movement. Also, the model is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for everyday wear and outdoor activities. Coated with luminescent material, the hands and hour markers are visible in low-light conditions. Lastly, the watch also has a distinctive green Rolex logo and the words “Air-King” on the dial. History The Rolex Air-King was first introduced in 1945 as a tribute to the brave pilots of the Royal Air Force who fought in World War II. The watch was designed to be durable and reliable, focusing on accuracy and precision. Over the years, the watch has undergone several design changes and upgrades, but it has always maintained its aviation-inspired roots. Some of the most legendary pilots in history, including the famous British aviator Douglas Bader have sported the Air-King. Several airlines have also used the watch as an official timepiece, including British Airways and Pan Am. Pop Culture The Rolex Air-King has become a symbol of luxury and style in popular culture, with several celebrities and influencers wearing the timepiece. Additionally, American actor and producer Mark Wahlberg often wears his stainless steel Air-King with a black dial. Another celebrity spotted wearing a Rolex Air-King is British musician Ed Sheeran, who owns a vintage model from the 1950s. Buying a pre-owned Rolex can be a great investment, as these watches are highly sought-after. A pre-owned Rolex is not only stylish, but also a piece of history with a rich heritage. Finally, with its durable design, precise movement, and aviation-inspired aesthetics, the Rolex Air-King is a timepiece that will stand the test of time.

The Rolex Submariner is every luxury watch collector’s must-have. From helping divers discover the deep to saving James Bond from precarious perches, its iconic status in the industry is unmatched. Today, the Submariner is the gold standard of dive watches. It reigns as one of the most famous luxury watches created. So, want to learn more about this supremely infamous model? Then read on to learn about its history, features, and why they make an excellent addition to any luxury watch collection. History of the Rolex Submariner Rolex executive and amateur diver Rene-Paul Jeanerret convinced Rolex that investing in a watch specifically made for divers was the way to go. As a result, the Submariner was introduced in 1954 as the first purpose-built commercial diving watch. Additionally, the timing couldn’t have been better — the release coincided with a heightened public interest in the deep sea and a flourishing advent of scuba diving. With a water-resistance rating of 100 meters (330 feet), it was a significant breakthrough in the “technically mastery of waterproofness,” according to Rolex. Today, the Submariner is waterproof to a depth of 300 meters (1,000 feet). Features of the Rolex Submariner Over the years, Rolex has tweaked the design of the Submariner, helping it along its evolution. However, some key features have remained throughout redesigns. Waterproof Case If you want to design a diving watch, you must have a waterproof case. As a result, you’ll find a waterproof case on all Rolex watches in the Oyster Perpetual Submariner collection. The case includes a screw-down case back and a screw-down Triplock winding crown to lock out any moisture. Materials range from steel, yellow Rolesor, yellow gold, and white gold. Luminous Dial Visibility is vital when you’re diving to depths of 330 feet. As a result, Submariners have some of the best luminous dials on the market. Over the years, Rolex has improved the luminosity to improve legibility. In the 1960s, Rolex replaced radium to illuminate the dials with tritium. Then, Rolex used Luminova and SuperLuminova in the 1990s-early 2000s. Finally, Rolex switched to its Chromalight lume in the late 2000s. Rotating Bezel If you’ve ever been scuba diving, you know that it can seem like time moves differently while underwater. Divers need to know how long they’ve been under, so Rolex features a rotating 60-minute timing bezel on their Submariner models. The first model, reference 6204, featured a bi-directional rotating bezel. Marked with 60-minute graduations and an arrow at the 12-position, the aluminum bezel insert allows divers to time their expeditions. Eventually, Rolex improved the design by making the bezel unidirectional. An important update, considering timing is supposed only to move forward, not backward. How Much is a Rolex Submariner? The prices of Submariners range from $8,950 to $40,650. Also, the Submariner collection can appreciate on the secondhand market. Here’s an example of Rolex pricing from Wrist Advisor: Reference 124060 $8,950 Reference 126610LN $10,100 Reference 126610LV $10,600 Reference 126613LB $14,700 Reference 126613LN $14,700 Reference 126618LB $37,950 Reference 126618LN $37,950 Reference 126619LB $40,650 So, ready to shop Submariners? Visit any of our locations and find the perfect model for you. If you’d like to see some of our selections, visit our Instagram and Facebook pages.  

Luxury Watch Guide: The Rolex Daytona The Cosmograph Daytona, known by Rolex as the “ultimate tool watch for those with a passion for driving and speed,” was designed to meet the demands of professional racing drivers. To go along with the neck-breaking speeds this watch has clocked, this legendary model even broke the record for the most expensive Rolex ever sold! Read on to learn more about this iconic racing chronograph. About the Rolex Daytona The Daytona is a “professional” watch that serves a specific purpose and community. Rolex has a pattern of making watches for niche groups — see the Submariner for divers and the Yacht-Master for yacht-racers. In the case of the Daytona, the group is racecar drivers, and the purpose is to time laps. Thanks to the chronograph feature, racers can time their laps with precision.  History of the Daytona The Daytona gets its name from the Daytona 500, the NASCAR race that takes place yearly in Florida. Back in 1935, a British driver named Malcolm Campbell broke 300 MPH speed barrier at Utah Salt Flats while wearing a Rolex Oyster. At this point, the Daytona model is a twinkle in Rolex’s eye, so to speak. In 1962, Rolex became the official timekeeper of the Daytona International Speedway. A year later, Rolex introduced the Daytona model. The Daytona in Pop Culture Remember how we said this broke the record for the most expensive Rolex ever sold? Would you have guessed this Rolex model commanded an impressive $1.5 million at auction at Sotheby’s? What a purchase! The Daytona has been linked to famous celebs over its rich history, including John Mayer and Jay-Z.

The date displays on luxury watches seems as classic as the time displays. However, it wasn’t until Rolex rolled out the Datejust that this feature became commonplace. The Datejust is the best-selling Rolex of all time, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Keep reading to learn more about the Datejust and why it remains “the classic watch of reference.” About the Rolex Datejust The Datejust is a great choice for a beginner luxury watch owner or collector. As the best-selling Rolex, there are many variations of the model. Everything from the bracelet to the dial is customizable, so you’re sure to find the perfect model for you. It’s arguably the most recognizable luxury watch, and its design has remained largely unchanged since its release. While trends come and go, the Datejust stays a classic. History of the Datejust Released in 1945, the Datejust was the first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window right on the dial. It set the standard in the luxury watch industry, as the mechanics of the automatic date switch at midnight was revolutionary. The release commemorated Rolex’s 40th anniversary. Along with the Datejust’s debut came the Jubilee bracelet, which remains a popular choice for other Rolex models to this day. While the Rolex Oyster bracelet is great for watch-wearers who use their Rolex during sailing or diving, the Jubilee bracelet is the dressier option for everyday wear or even a night out. The Datejust in Pop Culture Since its release, the Datejust has been sported by many popular figures. Winston Churchill was gifted one of the first Datejusts during WWII by Rolex’s founder, Hans Wildorf. Another prominent political figure to don a Datejust is President Joe Biden. In fact, he wore his Datejust during his inauguration earlier this year. Other famous Datejust fans include Roger Federer, Michael Jordan, Jennifer Aniston, and David Beckham.

Want to feel like you own a yacht, but skip the hefty price tag? The Rolex Yacht-Master is the watch for you! While that new yacht smell might not be included, this luxury watch adds a touch of elegance to the open seas. Read on to learn more about this timepiece crafted for smooth sailing. About the Rolex Yacht-Masters Dubbed “The Watch of the Opens Seas” by Rolex, The Yacht-Master collection draws inspiration from the world of sailing. Its’ waterproof and durable features make it the perfect watch for the rugged open-sea lifestyle. The second model, The Yacht-Master II, is a regatta timer built for competitive sailing — whether you’re timing a yacht race or your kid’s laps for track, this is the watch you want on your wrist! History of the Yacht-Master Since Rolex was a pioneer in the world of water-proof watches, it only makes sense that they’d align with the New York Yacht Club in 1958. Rolex has presented many races for the NYYC since their alliances’ inception, including the Invitational Cup of 2009. Adding to this rich history is Francis Chichester — a British navigator, businessman and pioneering aviator. He was the first and fastest to sail around the globe single-handedly in his yacht, Gipsy Moth IV. He circumnavigated the globe with a Rolex on his wrist — it was able to withstand the harsh conditions along the nine month voyage. Rolex debuted the first of the Yacht-Master collection in 1992 as an “ultra-luxury” watch built for the open seas. While able to withstand harsh conditions, it was more for show. That’s why Rolex debuted the Yacht-Master II in 2007 as a timepiece designed to time professional regattas. Key Features of the Yacht-Master Rolex makes both versions in a variety of metals/materials. In fact, it’s the only collection that features Rolex’s signature Rolesium (a combination of Oystersteel and platinum). As far as dials go, the Yacht-Master has a typical Rolex design: illuminated hour-markers, Mercedes hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock. According to Rolex, the bezel is a functional bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel made of precious materials. When it comes to function, the two models differ greatly. The Yacht-Master is a time and date watch while the Yacht-Master II is a regatta chronograph. The Yacht-Master in Pop Culture As with every Rolex model, many celebrities dawn the Yacht-Master proudly. Among some of the famous names are Mark Wahlberg, Roger Federer, David Beckham, and Conor McGregor. How to Spot a Fake Yacht-Master As with every Rolex model, legitimate Yacht-Masters have clear, concise dial-printing. If any of those details look off (such as varying text, leaking ink) chances are it’s a fake. Additionally, the adjustable countdown timer on the Yacht-Master II is so detailed and well-designed that it’s difficult to replicate. Chances are a counterfeiter won’t be perfectly duplicating that mechanism. While there are tell-tale signs of fake Rolexes, counterfeiters are getting better at fooling the naked eye. Sometimes, the best way to make sure a Rolex is authentic is to have an expert inspect it. Our luxury watch experts at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange have decades of experience and can spot the Rolex from the “Faux-lex” in a sweeping second. If you’ve purchased a Rolex and think it’s counterfeit, we’ll check it for you free of charge!

The Rolex Explorer is built to survive the toughest conditions with the most adventurous of pioneers. While the Explorer can withstand perilous expeditions, it makes a stylish watch for the city-slicker, too! History of the Rolex Explorer By the 1950s, Rolex already had a reputation for making watches that were reliable, waterproof, and tough. Therefore, it was no surprise that the watch company wanted to create a model that could survive conditions on the highest mountains, in the deepest caves, and harshest climates. The Rolex Explorer was launched to celebrate the monumental climb of Mt. Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. Since the Explorer is connected to such a turning point in history, it’s one of the most sought after pre-owned Rolex watches in the world. For the next 20 years, Rolex would continue equipping explorers with waterproof watches. Key Features of the Rolex Explorer There are two models of the Rolex Explorer, each with their own unique history and features: the Explorer and the Explorer II. The Explorer is a time-only watch while the Explorer II is a dual-time watch (on the majority of models). Every Explorer is made with stainless steel to face the elements without rusting. Also, there has never been a two-tone or solid gold version of the Rolex Explorer, unlike other Rolex models. The price point is another notable feature of the Rolex Explorer. Pre-owned models start as low as $4,500, so it’s one of the most accessible Rolex models for purchase. The Rolex Explorer in Pop Culture While the Explorer got its start on the wrists of mountain-climbers and spelunkers, it’s also on the wrists of celebrities walking the red carpet. Here are some notable Explorer owners: Prince Harry The British heartthrob prince served several terms in Afghanistan as a Captain in the British Army. His Rolex Explorer II was perfect for extreme weather and harsh conditions. John Mayer Mayer is a notable luxury watch fan and self-proclaimed expert. He believes that you don’t need to be mega-rich to own an awesome Rolex watch. Back in 2012, he wrote an article for Hodinkee on his favorite vintage Rolexes under $8,000. Included on his list is the Rolex Explorer II Reference 16550 (Black Dial). In fact, the Explorer II is the watch with the lowest price point on his list, ranging from $4,500 to $5,500. Tom Hanks This beloved actor and producer sports a Rolex Explorer I with a black dial. Hanks is a big Rolex fan; his collection includes a Seadweller and a GV Milgauss. How to Spot a Fake Explorer A trained eye can spot the difference between a real and a fake Rolex quickly. A tell-tale sign of a fake Rolex is a second hand that ticks rather than sweeps. If you see the second hand counting seconds with a ticking motion rather than a smooth motion, it’s an easy sign of counterfeit. Another sign that might be less obvious is uneven or inconsistent font. For example, the text that reads “OYSTER PERPETUAL” on a real Rolex dial will be sharply printed, evenly-spaced with consistent thickness. If the font looks funky, it’s a fake. While there are tell-tale signs of fake Rolexes, counterfeiters are getting better at fooling the naked eye. Sometimes, the best way to make sure a Rolex is authentic is to have an expert open it up and inspect it. Our luxury watch experts at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange have decades of experience and can spot the Rolex from the “Faux-lex” in a sweeping second. If you’ve purchased a Rolex and think it’s counterfeit, we’ll check it for you free of charge!

The Rolex Sea-Dweller is a classic diving watch that can survive incredible depths with the bravest divers – but don’t worry, it works just as well for a land-dweller, too!  Want to learn more about this coveted watch? Keep reading for the history, key features, and tips on how to spot a fake. History of the Rolex Sea-Dweller During the 1960s, the needs of professional divers led to the innovation of water-resistant tools to conduct safe diving operations. After all, it’s a dangerous job working at 1,000+ feet depths! The Submariner was already known as the premier diving watch of the time, but divers were experiencing an issue at record-breaking depths: the plexiglass crystals on these watches would pop off due to the pressure. That’s why Rolex pushed the boundaries of diving watches by creating a Sea-Dweller capable of diving 4,000 feet. Key Features of the Sea-Dweller The most notable feature of the Sea-Dweller, and an easy way to differentiate it from a Submariner, is its Helium Escape Valve. Why does the Sea-Dweller need a Helium Escape Valve? Due to the saturation and pressure thousands of feet below sea level, tiny molecules of helium get pushed past a typical waterproof watches’ seal. A helium escape valve allows those molecules to escape while leaving the seal intact. Another quick way to identify a Sea-Dweller from its Rolex brethren is the lack of the date-magnifying cyclops. The Sea-Dweller in Pop Culture The Rolex Sea-Dweller 116660B, otherwise known as the “James Cameron,” commemorates the notable director’s solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Why was this dive in need of commemoration? The Mariana Trench goes about 36,000 feet deep! It features a dial with a blue-to-black gradient, unique to other Rolex-brand dials to represent the descent from the vibrant open water to the dark, alien depths. Which celebrities rock the Sea-Dweller? Here are just a few: David Beckham is quite the Rolex collector and has been seen with the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller on his wrist more than a few times. Charlize Theron also rocks a Sea-Dweller. Who says it’s strictly a men’s watch? How to Spot a Fake Sea-Dweller A trained eye can spot the difference between a real and a fake Rolex quickly. A tell-tale sign of a fake Rolex is a second hand that ticks rather than sweeps. If you see the second hand counting seconds with a ticking motion rather than a smooth motion, it’s an easy sign of counterfeit. Another sign that might be less obvious is uneven or inconsistent font. For example, the text that reads “OYSTER PERPETUAL” on a real Rolex dial will be sharply printed, evenly-spaced with consistent thickness. If the font looks funky, it’s a fake. The inside of the clasp is another good way to tell if a Rolex is fake or not. A real Rolex Sea-Dweller has a clasp with a frosty finish with and a clearly-etched logo. A “Faux-lex” Sea-Dweller clasp often has a smooth, brushed finish with printed letters that will likely wear off over time. While there are tell-tale signs of fake Rolexes, counterfeiters are getting better and better at fooling the naked eye. Sometimes, the best way to make sure a Rolex is authentic is to have an expert open it up and inspect it. Our luxury watch experts at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange have decades of experience with luxury watches and can spot the Rolex from the “Faux-lex” in a sweeping second. If you’ve purchased a Rolex and think it’s counterfeit, we’ll check it for you free of charge!