Monday, July 28, 2008

The Flagship Model of Rolex: Rolex Day Date President

The new Day-Date model (6511) was released at the Basel fair in 1956. In this model, the 12 position had a window that spelled out the day of the week, and the 3 position displayed the day of the month. Due to many intricacies in the watch's movement, the early models were very launched as a niche model, though it gained popularity soon enough which it thoroughly deserved. It came to be known as the “President” and Rolex's new flagship model, after the launch of the concealed clasp. When Rolex gave a Day-Date's to President Eisenhower to celebrate his re-election, this model featured a new “President” bracelet and the name “President” remained with it.


Rolex Day Date President Watch

Replaced by 6611, the first model (6511) lasted over a year. The new model was the first to be labeled "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified", and it displayed the new and improved caliber 1055 movement with its free sprung Micro-Stella balance. With this label of, "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified", the watch was guaranteed to remain within 3 seconds per day. The Day-Date did not have too many design changes and it is to be noted that the addition of the “hack” feature was the first change to the Day-Date model. The “hack” feature allowed time to be synchronized with an accurate source, by permitting the second hand to come to a halt while the winding stem was pulled out completely. The Day-Date was found in 18kg gold or platinum.


With the origin of the Quick-set feature in the Rolex Datejust model, the Day-Date model saw a few other changes. In addition to giving it a slimmer and a much better appearance, the sapphire crystal added to the reliability of the watch. It also made it scratch resistant. In comparison to the current model which is safe under water depths of up to 100 meters, the early Day-Date models were safe under water depths of approximately 50 meters (165 feet). With the onset of the “Double Quick-Set” feature, another improvement to the Day-Date came about in 1990. Through the winding system, one could quickly set the date and day in the 18238 model. At the same time, Rolex majorly augmented their prized, “Crown Collection” to include a cast of precious stones, although these were available right from the beginning with diamond bezels.


The bracelet was named the “President” but nowhere on the Day-Date dial is the word “President” found. However “Lady-President” is the name given to the Lady Datejust that features a “President” bracelet. The Day-Date model was launched in 2000 by Rolex with an option of an Oyster bracelet, model 11820. This model is available with a concealed clasp, in 18k yellow gold, white gold, and pink gold which is also known as “rose” gold. Also it is about 30% heavier than any other Day-Date model and is considered the heaviest mode amongst all Day-Date models.


Melrose Jewelers is Canada’s largest online retailer of genuine Preowned Rolex and Used Rolex watches with over 400 Mens & Lady Rolex President and Datejust watches in stock. Melrose Jewelers also supplies its used Rolex watches to over 200 retail jewelry stores worldwide through its Wholesale Rolex division. Jewelers interested in buying and reselling our wristwatches can contact us at salesteam@melrosejewelers.ca or call us at 1-416-800-1055.

How Do I Distinguish Between a “Genuine” and “Replica” Rolex?

Today many people are using the internet as a means to buy and sell their Rolex watches and other luxury products. Around 650,000 to 800,000 watches are produced by Rolex in a year. Unfortunately about ten times more fake watches are produced each year. Such forgery business once carried out and limited to the street vendors has grown into a multi-million dollar industry. With fake products looking so similar to the original ones, it's quite difficult to tell the difference between an original and a fake, unlike before. This is mainly due to the fake products having almost similar markings as the originals that make it difficult to differentiate between the two. In fact you'll be surprised to know that the counterfeiters have gone so far as to include a replicated authenticity paper making it seem almost original.


Fake products are improving each day and most of the time only an experienced watchmaker can distinguish the difference. We have made this conclusion since the fakes watches are very similar to the “genuine” watches. Unfortunately, many people may have seen or purchased fake Rolex's because they were not well-educated about the watches. Although a true connoisseur may quickly point out which is an original $5,000 Rolex from a $50 fake one, the countless number of fake Rolexes in the market can affect the demand. So Rolex allocates time and money every year to regulate fake watches. And thus the purity of the brand is long-lasting unlike other companies.


In the midst of countless counterfeits and crooked jewelers, we at Melrose continue to promote honesty and integrity. Every Rolex that we sell here at Melrose Jewelers is GUARANTEED to be a “genuine” product. We cannot emphasize this enough. While we personalize our watches by adding some features such as aftermarket diamond dials and bezels along with replacing stretched out links or bands on certain models, rest assured that every watch that we sell is 100% “genuine” Rolex.


In order to ensure that you purchase a “genuine” Rolex, there are many procedures that you can follow. A “genuine” Rolex is perfect in every aspect such as detailing, quality and craftsmanship. We strongly advise you to visit your local Rolex Dealer and inspect the different types of Rolex watches. Feel the quality of the watch and you should be able to tell an authentic Rolex strap from a fake one. To increase your knowledge and awareness of the Rolex watches, question your sales representative on various features of a genuine Rolex watch. Learn more about its uniqueness, functionalities etc.


Research other ways that will help you understand and distinguish a fake from a “genuine” watch. The Rolex Report, An Unauthorized Reference Book for the Rolex Enthusiast, 4th Edition by John E. Brozek, is strongly recommended. First time buyers as well as frequent buyers recommend this informative book. Over 300 pages of relevant material which saves research time when one is considering purchasing a genuine Rolex, especially if it is a pre-owned watch.


Professionals use four main verification methods to tell a fake from a “genuine” Rolex. These methods include checking the serial number, model number, case back ID, and Movement Signature. In essence, look between its bottom lugs (part where the band connects to case), top lugs and opening the case back. This is the most efficient way to distinguish between a “genuine” and fake Rolex.


Clear Case backs – Notice that Rolex does not make watches with clear case backs. So if you find one that has a clear case back it is definitely not a “genuine” Rolex watch.


Engraved Case backs – No logos or slogans are engraved on a Rolex case back. You won't even find any engravings on it. The only exception to this case is the Ladies model (circa 1990’s) and the “Sea-Dweller” model.


Hologram Stickers – A simple way to distinguish between a fake and a “genuine” is to check the case back. A “genuine” Rolex watch comes with a 3-D hologram-encoded sticker on the case back. Moreover you can clearly identify the Rolex “crown” trademark which is place right above the case reference number. In most cases, the 3-D effect is not even identifiable in a fake hologram sticker.


Date Magnification – Common errors made by replicas include the cyclops being much smaller and not aligned properly, a large font date is another feature to fool a customer. With the case of genuine watches, all of the genuine ones feature the cyclops that magnifies the date by 2.5x, the only exception being the “Sea-Dweller”.


Triplock Crown Seal – The three Rolex models, namely the Sea-Dweller, Submariner and Daytona feature the “Triplock crown”. While a replica does not have a seal, a genuine Rolex uses the extra seal by the rubber o-ring on the winding tube. This is worth a mention as many original Rolex parts and accessories can also be replaced by fake ones, and so in the cases of pre-owned Rolex this should be kept in mind.


Micro-etched Crystal – The Rolex “coronet” or “crown” just under the 6 o'clock marker was micro-etched on all Rolexes from the year 2002. If you use a jeweler's loupe, you will notice that in comparison to a replica, the “genuine” crown is much more evident and robust. In addition, fake ones have a poor overall design.




Melrose Jewelers is Canada’s largest online retailer of genuine Preowned Rolex and Used Rolex watches with over 400 Mens & Lady Rolex President and Datejust watches in stock. Melrose Jewelers also supplies its used Rolex watches to over 200 retail jewelry stores worldwide through its Wholesale Rolex division. Jewelers interested in buying and reselling our wristwatches can contact us at salesteam@melrosejewelers.ca or call us at 1-416-800-1055.