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!