On April 12, 1961, the first space flight was made aboard the Vostok rocket by fighter pilot and astronaut Yuri Gagarin. On his wrist, a 33 mm Sturmanskie with a leather strap equipped with the Poljot (pilot) caliber 2609. 
This watch is a faithful reissue of this model in every way. There were stocks of the mechanism that allowed the production of this limited edition of 2000 pieces. 
A real pleasure and piece of history to wear and a "real" pilot's watch that is different from the Speedmaster.

The first watch in space

I was looking for a watch, in fact, the watch that I would wear every day, the only one. A versatile, beautiful, automatic, simple, discreet, "small", elegant, uncomplicated watch, which inspires the spirit of adventure, makes you dream. 
This watch is faithful in many ways. 
Indeed, it can stay on the wrist in all circumstances. 
Also faithful to a style that has existed for over 70 years. And that inspires the stability, the "timelessness" of this watch. That's what we like at Rolex. Creating iconic models and modernizing these icons. 
Faithful in its precision, its reliability. 
So in terms of emotion, we are not left out. The only downside is the price. But that's always been the case, they were a little more expensive than average, Tudor was created to be more accessible. 


The watch of a lifetime

The Rolex brand was created in 1905 in London by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. It is today based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is recognized worldwide as one of the leading manufacturers of luxury watches. Rolex, often called the &ldquo;Crown brand&rdquo;, is synonymous with prestige, innovation and unparalleled reliability in the watchmaking world.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Rolex brand</h2>
The year 1926 marked an important turning point for the brand with the launch of the first waterproof watch, the Rolex Oyster. The robustness and reliability of this watch were spectacularly demonstrated in 1927 when Mercedes Gleitze, a British swimmer, crossed the English Channel with a Rolex Oyster on her wrist.
In 1945, Rolex launched the Datejust, the first automatic watch to indicate the date in a window on the dial. In 1953, Rolex introduced the Submariner watch, capable of withstanding depths of 100 meters. The same year, the brand presented the Explorer watch in homage to the first successful ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, equipped with Rolex watches.
Since its beginnings, Rolex is behind more than 400 patents, attesting to a perpetual search for improvement to guarantee its models unrivaled reliability. This DNA has allowed the brand to launch models that have marked watchmaking history and often become true myths such as the Rolex Daytona or the Rolex GMT-Master.
Since its creation and in particular with exceptional 50s in terms of innovations, Rolex has continued to launch new models and in particular:
1926 - Rolex Oyster 1953 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/explorer"> Rolex Explorer </a>1953 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner"> Rolex Submariner </a>1955 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/gmt-master"> Rolex GMT-Master </a>1956 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/milgauss"> Rolex Milgauss </a>1956 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date"> Rolex Day-Date </a>1963 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/daytona"> Rolex Daytona </a>1967 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sea-dweller"> Rolex Sea Dweller </a>1971 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/explorer_ii"> Rolex Explorer II </a>1983 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/gmt-master_ii"> Rolex GMT-Master II </a>1992 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/yacht-master_40"> Rolex Yacht-Master </a>2007 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/yacht-master_ii"> Rolex Yacht-Master II </a>2012 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sky-dweller"> Rolex Sky-Dweller </a>2022 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/deepsea_challenge"> Rolex Deepsea Challenge </a>2023 - Rolex Perpetual 1908
Today, Rolex is known for its commitment to perfection, producing approximately one million watches each year, all certified &ldquo;Certified Chronometer&rdquo; the Rolex certification at -2/+2 seconds per day. Rolex is also a major player in the field of philanthropy, supporting numerous programs in the fields of education, environment, arts and sports.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the iconic models of the Rolex brand?&nbsp;</h2>
Rolex offers a variety of models, each with its own distinctive features. The main and most sought-after models are:
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner">Rolex Submariner</a></h3>
The Rolex Submariner is a professional diver's watch featuring a 41mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 30 ATM, Oyster bracelet with Rolex Glidelock extension system, automatic movement caliber 3230 , a black dial with luminous indexes, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with black Cerachrom disc. The Rolex Submariner often mistakenly called<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner"> Rolex Submariner No Date</a> is a watch that does not have a date unlike the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner_date"> Rolex Submariner Date</a> which features the famous cyclops.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/datejust_36">Rolex Datejust</a></h3>
The Rolex Datejust is an elegant and versatile watch with a 36mm Oystersteel and yellow gold case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, Jubilee bracelet, caliber 3235 automatic movement, champagne dial with diamond indexes, and a date complication with the famous Cyclops magnifying glass.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date_36">Rolex Day-Date</a></h3>
The Rolex Day-Date, also nicknamed "President" due to its association with many heads of state and influential figures, is another iconic watch from the Rolex brand. It is famous for displaying both the date and the day of the week in full, in addition to the time. The day of the week is usually indicated in full, adding a distinctive touch to its dial.
Traditionally, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date_36"> Day-Date</a> is offered in an 18-carat gold case, whether in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum. This characteristic gives it a luxurious and prestigious look. The Day-Date bracelet called President is an iconic bracelet specially designed for this model, composed of three large and robust semi-circular links. The Rolex Day-Date is equipped with an in-house automatic movement, manufactured by Rolex. These movements are certified Superlative Chronometer for their exceptional precision of -2/+2 seconds per day.
The Rolex Day-Date is available with a wide range of dials, including classic dials with stick indexes, Roman numeral dials, as well as more contemporary dials with engraved designs.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/daytona">Rolex Daytona</a></h3>
The Rolex Daytona is a chronograph watch designed for automobile racing. It features a 40mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, an Oyster bracelet, an automatic caliber 4130 movement, a white dial with black subdials, and a bezel with tachymeter scale.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/gmt-master_ii">Rolex GMT-Master II</a></h3>
The Rolex GMT-Master II is a watch designed for intercontinental travelers, with a 40 mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, an Oyster bracelet, an automatic movement caliber 3285, a black dial with luminous indexes, and a bidirectional bezel with two-tone blue and black Cerachrom disc, allowing to display two time zones simultaneously.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/yacht-master_40">Rolex Yacht-Master</a></h3>
The Rolex Yacht-Master is a luxury watch for sailing enthusiasts. It features a 40 mm Everose gold case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, an Oysterflex bracelet with Rolex Glidelock folding clasp, an automatic caliber 3235 movement, a chocolate dial with luminous indexes, and a bidirectional rotating bezel with brown ceramic Cerachrom disc.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sky-dweller">Rolex Sky-Dweller</a></h3>
The Rolex Sky-Dweller is a watch designed for world travelers, with a 42mm Oystersteel and white gold case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, Oyster bracelet, caliber 9001 automatic movement, blue dial with luminous indexes, and date, month and second time zone complications.
The <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sky-dweller">Sky-Dweller</a> with its annual calendar is to date the most complicated watch ever offered by the brand.
<h3 dir="ltr">Rolex Oyster Perpetual</h3>
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is the epitome of the classic Rolex watch, with a 28-41mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM meters, Oyster bracelet, caliber 3230 automatic movement, and an electric blue dial with luminous indexes. The Oyster Perpetual or OP is undoubtedly the little sister of the Rolex Datejust with a more discreet identity and a diversity of dials which have evolved over time into multiple colors and tones. The Oyster Perpetual collection models, not escaping the exceptionally strong demand for Rolex watches, are difficult to find, particularly for the most sought-after colors such as &ldquo;Tiffany&rdquo; blue.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/cellini_dual_time">Rolex Cellini</a></h3>
The Rolex Cellini is distinguished by its 39 mm 18-carat Everose gold case, its water resistance up to 50 meters, its brown alligator leather strap with 18-carat gold buckle, its automatic mechanical movement caliber 3132 , its white lacquered dial with applied indexes and dauphine hands.
The collection Cellini is Rolex's line of dress watches, dedicated to the art of fine watchmaking. It has evolved over time, moving from rectangular or asymmetrical watches to a more classic collection including the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/cellini_moonphase"> Rolex Cellini Moonphase</a>. All models in the Cellini collection pay homage to traditional watchmaking craftsmanship while bringing the technical perfection and contemporary aesthetics of Rolex. The Cellini is ideal for formal occasions and for those who appreciate timeless elegance and refined simplicity.
Despite a great diversity of models since its beginnings in the 1960s, the Cellini collection has struggled to find its place alongside the iconic Rolex models, and was discontinued in March 2023 to be replaced by the Rolex 1908.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sea-dweller">Rolex Sea-Dweller</a></h3>
The Rolex Sea-Dweller is a professional diving watch, with a 43 mm Oystersteel case, water resistance up to 4,000 feet, an Oyster bracelet with Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock extension system, an automatic movement caliber 3235, a black dial with luminous indexes, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with black Cerachrom disc.
Since its launch in 1967, the Sea-Dweller or "SD" incorporates a helium valve very useful for professional saturation divers who sometimes have to spend several days in a decompression airlock. The helium molecules being so small - they have made their way inside the casing - must exit through this valve instead of decompressing inside the casing and thus damaging it by making it lose its watertightness. .
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/deepsea">Rolex Deepsea</a></h3>
Finally, the Rolex Deepsea is the ultimate diver's watch, with a 44mm Oystersteel case, impressive water resistance up to 12,800 feet, an Oyster bracelet with Rolex Glidelock and Fliplock extension system, an automatic caliber 3235 movement, a D-blue dial gradient from blue to black, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with black Cerachrom disc.
The Rolex Deepsea is inseparable from director James Cameron known worldwide for numerous films including &ldquo;Titanic&rdquo;. Out of passion for the abyss and to prepare the film &ldquo;Abyss&rdquo;, he co-financed with Rolex an expedition to the Mariana Trench (the deepest place in the earth's crust at -10,908 meters). The prototype<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/deepsea_challenge/126067"> Rolex Deepsea Challenge</a> having been attached to the submarine used by Cameron. Rolex will use the patents tested during this expedition to launch the Rolex Deepsea.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/perpetual-1908">Rolex Perpetual 1908</a></h3>
The Rolex Perpetual 1908 is an elegant and contemporary watch, part of the Rolex Perpetual collection. Here are its main characteristics. The watch sports a slim 18-carat (750/000) yellow or white gold case, measuring 39mm in diameter, with graceful lines and a subtly fluted bezel. The dial is available in intense white or intense black, featuring Arabic numerals 3, 9 and 12 as well as faceted indexes.
The Perpetual 1908 is equipped with caliber 7140, an automatic movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It incorporates technological innovations such as the Chronergy escapement and the Syloxi silicon hairspring for high precision and shock resistance. Like all Rolex models, the 1908 benefits from the Rolex &ldquo;Certified Chronometer&rdquo; certification which guarantees performance in terms of precision of -2/2 seconds per day.
The Rolex Perpetual 1908 combines tradition and modernity in a timeless design, embodying the brand's watchmaking excellence and celebrating its aesthetic heritage.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Rolex watch cost?&nbsp;</h2>
Prices for new Rolex watches change every year, but most Rolex models cost between $ 6,000 and $ 40,000. A<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/oyster_perpetual"> Rolex Oyster Perpetual</a> costs around $ 5,000, while a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date_40">Rolex Day-Date 40</a> in yellow gold costs almost $ 40,000. Rolex also offers models made from precious materials and set with diamonds at much higher prices.
<h2 dir="ltr">Rolex: The brand of all superlatives!</h2>
Rolex is more than a watch brand, it is an institution in the world of watchmaking. Renowned for the exceptional quality and reliability of its watches, the brand has carved out a unique place for itself in the world of luxury. Rolex is a preferred choice for those looking for a watch that combines traditional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology and timeless design. To own a Rolex is to own a piece of watchmaking history, a symbol of success and distinction.
To find out more about the brand and its models, I invite you to consult the official Rolex website. Finally, remember that each Rolex is often considered a work of art, an investment that is passed down from generation to generation. Unsurprisingly, Rolex is part of the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the most popular Swiss watch brands</a> and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_luxury_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best luxury watch brands</a>.
To choose the Rolex model that best suits you, Dialicious owners&rsquo; reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience. Other customers might prefer it<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/tudor"> Tudor</a>, but that's another story...&nbsp;
(Updated November 2024)
&nbsp;

Don't buy this watch.

Why?
If you buy it, you will realize that this watch has no flaws. It is so boring that not only will you lose interest in other watches in your collection, but also in new ones, because you have the ultimate watch par excellence.

The most boring watch in the world

The watch quickly integrated into the beginnings of my collection, in order to save me for years of time spent waiting for the question ROLEX / NOT ROLEX? 2018, when we could still negotiate... Essential watch, the boss of the box, professional synthesis watch under the appearance of a chic dress watch. Everything has been said about this classic, the entire heritage of ROLEX in one watch, the best of both worlds for those who accept the art of compromise. 114270, Ø36, between lugs 20, only on Oyster bracelet for me. Sometimes a little shunned in the watch box, in favor of models arousing my curiosity of the moment, but it is ultimately one of the watches that I wear the most, the one that imposes itself when I do not know what to wear.

The One Ring

Professional watch from Rolex, relatively less present than the other professionals of the brand, making it terribly desirable in my opinion. Not because it is a rare watch or that we do not come across regularly, but above all it is discreet, goes everywhere, and does not attract attention like other watches of the brand with the crown. A perfect daily Watch

A Discreet Legend

This watch is part of the references of the professional range of Rolex, quite high in the family tree finally since it restores the quintessence of what makes this range. This is the 39mm mark II model, with the hands adapted to the size of the dial. I appreciate this model (which, for the record, I exchanged for a Speedmaster) for its "less is more" logic: three hands, excellent visibility, solid reliability, reasonably sized case, what more could you ask for? The universal watch, which can be worn in all circumstances and for all indoor and outdoor activities of daily life, which always gives the right time when you need it. The icing on the cake, my model has a precision worthy of a quartz watch. Once again, what more could you ask for?

Rolex Explorer 214270 mark II

The Explorer, you either love it or you don't pay any attention to it, it's up to you...
For my part, this Explorer is a watch that has spoken to me for years. Here, it is the reference 124270, a version that combines heritage and modernity. Indeed, we find the classic deep black dial, the Mercedes hand and the famous 3-6-9-triangle. This Rolex has managed to keep "vintage" proportions with a historic diameter of 36mm and a visually very successful brushed oyster bracelet thanks to an "old-fashioned taper" from 19 to 14 mm. The fine links and an extension allowing you to easily gain a few millimeters in case of extreme heat make this bracelet very comfortable. Without a chamfer, the case with slightly curved sides is topped with a beveled bezel that slightly overflows onto the bracelet, which gives the whole thing a beautiful presence.
The daytime readability is excellent whatever the reading angle, thanks in particular to the faceted indexes and hands; the luminova makes the pleasure last all night long.
Light, thin and waterproof, this watch is easy to wear in all situations.
Celebrating a significant moment in my life, its name resonates with me and reminds me every day how urgent it is to explore the rest of one's life.

Explore: To the summits and beyond!

La marque Ollech &amp; Wajs a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 1956 par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.
La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.
Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions. Comptez CHF 1,456 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de CHF 2,300 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.
Ollech &amp; Wajs est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)

The brand Ollech &amp; Wajs was created in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.
The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.
After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104"> Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000"> Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay CHF 1,456 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to CHF 2,300 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.
Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Consult the<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated October 2024)

Rolex Explorer Owner Review : Indispensable, reliable and sober

The watch of a lifetime

Other reviews published by Max1992

Sturmanskie

Other Rolex Explorer owners' reviews

Rolex
Explorer

Rolex
Explorer

Rolex
Explorer

Rolex
Explorer

Rolex
Explorer

Rolex Explorer Owner Review : Indispensable, reliable and sober

The watch of a lifetime

Other reviews published by Max1992

Sturmanskie

Other Rolex Explorer owners' reviews

RolexExplorer

RolexExplorer

RolexExplorer

RolexExplorer

RolexExplorer

Rolex
Explorer

Rolex
Explorer

Rolex
Explorer

Rolex
Explorer

Rolex
Explorer