Raketa Space Launcher
Available in two color combinations, here with a blue adventurer dial, this Raketa offers a rich symbolism on the theme of the cosmos and Russian space exploration.
It is equipped with an automatic Manufacture caliber displaying the time over 24 hours, with a globe acting as a second hand. The 24H indication finds its full legitimacy when humans lose the sensory ability to precisely locate and feel day and night. Here, the theme of a watch linked to the field of space exploration takes on its full meaning with this 24-hour dial. We find the (almost) invariable markers on any contemporary Raketa such as the 0 instead of the 12 (in this case 24 here) and a touch of red on the crown.
The dial is made of synthetic aventurine, glittery and deep midnight blue, reminiscent of the starry vault. On the back, the mechanism is distinguished by a decoration on the theme of the cosmos on a sandblasted base. Another point is the bezel is made of aluminum from a Soyuz MC-17 rocket.
PS not easy to take a picture under the "sun" of Saint Petersburg!

Play and read!

Rolex Explorer II 16570

A Rolex that is still quite affordable, allowing you to benefit from a 24-hour function at a low price, whose rating is also reasonable.
Bought recently, it has never been polished or serviced, so wear it with caution because it was made in 2006.
A versatile tool watch, which brings in more than a livret A, to wear everywhere except in the city on the street. Resistant to the elements, precise, great readability make it a reliable and comfortable travel companion in all circumstances when you don't want to ask yourself too many questions about which watch to wear in the morning more or less well up.
The buckle suffers from its unreassuring feeling about its robustness, especially compared to modern Rolexes.
All that remains is to take the time to service it and a light brightening with it!



A daily slipped neatly under the sleeve

Longines Ernest Francillon 1867
The main and major interest here is its mechanism. Case in 18k yellow gold, water-resistant to 30m, this extra-flat Longines is equipped with a record-breaking extra-flat caliber of the time, a Jean Lassale 1200, 1.2mm thick.
This caliber was then bought by Piaget and then abandoned because it was unreliable.
Although qualified for high complications for several Swiss houses, 20 years of professional experience, I have never been able to make its operation reliable and apparently the problem of untimely stopping is known on this caliber. Between the absence of a dart at the anchor, some wheels mounted on bearings and a very relative thickness of the bridges, there is no shortage of reasons.
Regardless, the result is unique in its kind due to daring technical choices, the industrial challenge that it represented and for me also in the re-dressing. This is perhaps the reason why it only worked for about 6 months, and why I bought it new from stock in 1992.
A Longines with something other than an ETA engine, rare enough to be mentioned!


Longines Ernest Francillon 1867

Parmigiani Toric

Having worked for the brand, it was a very nice work experience and I decided to bring back a souvenir with me.
This white gold Toric measures 38mm, blue sapphire cabochon, dragon enamel dial. Limited series of 10 pieces, this one being the 5th, not the best number, not the worst either.
Enamel dial designed by Michel Parmigiani's daughter, case with just and perfect proportions, respecting the golden ratio.
Lémania mechanism, therefore used mainly at Breguet now.
No silicon, we are at the beginning of the 2000s when this collection appears.
I bought this one in 2008, rarely worn, changed the hands at the factory, originally they were blued, and carefully preserved, this Parmigiani is an exclusive watch, dressy, for evening without excess.
My 15.7 cm wrist is perfect for this kind of dimensions. The location of the Manufacture in Fleurier adds a significant dose of legitimacy when it comes to the link with China, a dial decorated with a Chinese dragon, Fleurier being the bridgehead for the trade of Swiss watches in China in the 19th century. A very rich history superbly described in Chapuis, la Montre Chinoise.

Dragon enamel toric

Designed by Gérald Genta, the Gefica bi-retrograde is, as is often the case with his creations, combining a pioneering spirit, authenticity and a strong personality, but also prestige-class finishes on the casing and movement. Launched in the 2000s, how time flies..., 46mm, tribal look and bronze were just as offbeat as a luxury sports steel watch with an integrated bracelet in the 70s. The mechanism is from Peseux, (the additional plate on the other hand, I don't know where it comes from, GG didn't have the production capacity for its plates from what I remember) 
It is therefore a basic mechanism that is therefore mainly found at Girard Peregaux. So very large crown, be careful with handling which can become too rough for this Manufacture mechanism. 
The color of the rhodium plating could make you think of nickel silver but it is not. Perlage all along the line, a decoration on the bridges considered less noble than the eternal Geneva coasts. Playful display, very readable, the size also helps. Titanium back and buckle, not allergenic. My wrist measures a really very small size, 15.7cm, so not easy to wear for me, but what a legend, a watch designed by Gérald Genta, it's a step closer to his grail watch, the one that is our own inside. Here I chose a model that is raw on the outside but refined to the one who wants to see it. 
This Gérald Genta is a watch for initiated collectors. P.S. The strap is a second-hand one, made of alligator by a former colleague who worked for a long time in a luxury group, the strap is made using the so-called rembordé technique, it comes on the edges and sewn underneath the lining, longer in time than just painted on the side.

A watch from a legend of contemporary watchmaking.

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)
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We only see that, the freshness of the white dial of the Explorer 2, nicknamed Polar, which is aptly named because whatever the light of day or night (Chromalight), it keeps its grace. Although I love the original bracelet, I ventured to Rubber B for a white-orange rubber bracelet that obviously recalls the GMT hand.

Explorizon

You should never say Fontaine je ne boirai pas de ton eau… I am not a speleologist but rather claustrophobic, rather 40mm than 42 at Rolex and yet… it made me fall in love with its bright white dial and its black-circled indexes, hyper contrasted and hyper readable. And this orange 24-hour hand, I love it, a nod to the 1655 Steve McQueen that he never wore. Freccione for the Italians. As eyesight declines with the forties, it arrives at just the right time. Launched in 2011 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II, it is powered by the 3187 caliber. With its 31 jewels, its Parachrom hairspring and its Paraflex shock absorbers, it is a modern variation of the 3186 caliber, which was used in the GMT Master II models. A surprisingly fresh watch!

Rolex Explorer II Polar 216570

Bought new (AD Rolex) in July 2023, I immediately preferred this model with a black dial to the one with a white dial, because at 42 mm in diameter, the black dial makes it visually smaller than with the "Polar" dial (white).
I hesitated with the GMT-Master II Pepsi (€900 difference at the time) and tried both models at my AD. No hesitation about wearing it on the wrist: the 42 mm is visually much prettier than the 40 mm. I have a wrist of almost 19 cm and the 42 mm is more appropriate and fits better.
In addition, with its grayer dial and larger hands, I read the time better ... presbyopia requires it!
I will add that it supports fabric or rubber bracelets extremely well (and very nicely): for the summer, I find it much more pleasant than the steel Oyster, certainly comfortable but which leaves slight black marks on the wrist which sweats.

If there was only one left... the 226570

My first Rolex and I must admit that I am not disappointed, I hesitated with the Polar dial, but the hesitation was short when I was in the presence of this magnificent Explorer 2, this fixed bezel is a marvel, what can I say about the GMT function or rather a day/night marker, I do not know what it conquered but it certainly conquered me, I am crazy about it, I alternate quite often with my other trinkets, as soon as I open my pelicase, my heart beats wildly and this exploII winks at me "me, me, me, me" the 42mm diameter may seem large but it is not, a real daily pleasure. Little known and perhaps unloved, for my part I love it

Towards infinity, pure and simple

This is one of my watch grails from the historic Rolex range. The first Rolex Explorer II was launched in 1971 and was designed specifically for speleologists and explorers who spend long periods of time in extreme environments where natural light is limited. The watch was therefore equipped with an additional 24-hour hand, which makes it easy to distinguish day from night. But it is as a real GMT that I have been using it daily since 2021, the date of this Explorer II which reached 70 hours of RDM for the 50th anniversary of the model. Its brushed bezel, its oyster case, its orange GMT hand and the mention Explorer II energize this wonderful white dial. It is both elegant and robust without forgetting magnificent precision. It is certainly my favorite GMT.

The perfect GMT

In 1971, the Rolex Explorer II ref 1655 appeared: a professional watch designed for caving, with a 24-hour hand allowing explorers spending several days in the dark to differentiate between AM and PM. In 1984, Rolex replaced its model with the reference 16550, the 3085 movement that equipped it allowing independent adjustment of the 24-hour hand. The speleologists' watch now made it possible to track a second time zone and became a traveler's watch. I see a connection with Plato's Allegory of the Cave: with its GMT complication, the Explorer II is an invitation to come out of your cave and discover a dazzling world; as dazzling as the new light dial with which it is adorned. I decided to acquire the following reference, the 16570 called "Polar" in its latest iteration with the engraved flange and the 3186 movement. I was seduced by the alliance between its design very close to the historic 16550 and the overall comfort of a modern watch. Professional but unconventional Rolex, light and discreet but sporty and radical; its paradoxes make it a special piece, perfectly superfluous and therefore absolutely necessary in my collection.

Rolex Explorer II ref 16570 "Polar"

Here’s my Rolex Explorer II Polar, in pristine condition. Yeah, I’m pretty picky when it comes to my watches, but this one gets plenty of wrist time—whatever the occasion. It’s not my only Rolex, but it’s easily my favorite. Its unconventional look—cyclops lens aside—makes it one of those underappreciated Rolex models, almost like a hidden gem for brand insiders and adventure lovers alike.

One of my little joys? Hitting the trails at San Jacinto Park, not far from home. Sure, a Garmin or Suunto would get the job done, but let’s be real—it’s just not the same vibe! Next time I’m up there, I promise to snap some killer shots with the desert backdrop from the Spitler Peak Trail. But today? Just grinding at work in my green hoodie.

There’s something special about a beautiful watch, and this one? Absolutely stunning.

My Favorite, the Underdog

already the owner of several Rolexes, I started looking for a model (Rolex) that met the following specifications: pro + discreet + original. It was natural that I came across the 226570 black dial. Its brushed steel bezel makes it much more discreet than models with a ceramic bezel. The same goes for the fully brushed bracelet (unlike my GMT whose central link is polished). The originality lies in the orange GMT hand with the orange reminder of the "Explorer II" on the dial. I chose the black dial which I find much more discreet and elegant than the white one. It is one of the first Rolex models with anti-reflective treatment on the inner side of the sapphire and it makes a huge difference! Rolex was smart enough not to put this treatment on the outer side because this type of treatment is fragile and does not resist impacts/scratches over time. Its thin and elegant design despite a diameter of 42mm makes it completely compatible with a small wrist (17cm for me)

Explorer II black dial ref 226570

I am the happy owner of this Rolex Explorer 2 black dial. I bought it decades ago and it is my only Rolex. Even then I was interested in the brand's products, looking for a watch with punch but not known or identifiable anymore.

I chose this little-known Rolex, little used in the brand's communication. Bought new in a Rolex boutique in the Paris region, it has many qualities, robustness, readability of the dial and a non-flashy style than the current Rolexes which shine a little too much for my taste.

I would like to treat myself - if I could afford it - to a Rolex Daytona, but the mirror-polished Oyster bracelet very different from that of my Explorer makes it prohibitive. And then, the evolution of the market, the success of Rolex, the impossibility of buying a new one, made me turn away from the brand in favor of more discreet or unknown brands... all in all the continuation of what made me come to this Explorer 2

Thanks for reading me 👍

Accomplice

I was lucky enough to buy it from a Rolex AD in March 2020, before the frenzy. This watch is very sporty but can also be worn for slightly more formal occasions. I took its white dial for its readability and its unrivaled reading of the time with its black hands.

Versatile watch

In my opinion, the ideal everyday watch: goes everywhere thanks to its finesse and its 100% steel finish (case + bezel). A real sports watch without frills. A very good power reserve of 3 days, perfect visibility, water-resistant to 100m. Obviously the GMT function, super practical for me living abroad, allowing me to see the French time at a glance before calling my loved ones. On the downside: the price of course. Even bought in AD Rolex, it's very expensive for a steel watch.

The ultimate daily watch

Owner of the previous 216570 ("ghost" hands), resold in 2021, I realized that I missed this model a lot! I turned at the beginning of this year to its descendant, the aesthetically similar 226570. Always sober (brushing of the bezel, part of the case and the bracelet), its readability (42mm, wide hands, a date under cyclops, a second time on a 24H basis and its water resistance to 100M make this watch truly versatile. Comfortable to wear, equipped with the easylink allowing you to gain 5mm on the length of the bracelet in the blink of an eye, precise with an average of plus or minus 1 second / day, a 3-day autonomy which has become an automatic standard today and a weight of 158gr, this Explorer 2 is in tune with the times and all the outings, very happy not to see it equipped with a ceramic bezel. I would prefer it in 40mm to make it even more sober but it still fits well on my 17.5cm wrist. A safe bet still little known.

Versatile!

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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.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)

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