I was interested in the history of Formex and I was charmed by it.
The Formex Essence Leggera is a light and elegant watch. Its carbon fiber case is topped with a ceramic bezel, a material that is also found on the signed crown. The green dial sports a "teak" pattern with the most beautiful effect. It knows how to remain discreet as well as play with the light to the point of having a syntillant emerald green.
I chose the green leather which suits it perfectly. It comes with two strands to cover the points from 16 to 20 cm and a carbon buckle with the possibility of quick adjustment.
It is a comfortable watch to wear every day.
The movement is a Sellita SW200-1 chronometer-certified (with the dated COSC booklet with the measurements of the movement of your watch).

If you are looking for a sporty, elegant and light watch, the Formex Essence Leggera is an excellent choice.

Sporty and elegant

The Seamaster Diver 300M is a watch that embodies elegance, robustness and precision. Its iconic design made famous by the James Bond license features a wavy ceramic dial reminiscent of ocean waves. The factory ceramic of this Seamaster constantly plays with light. It is a real pleasure to look at it. Its co-axial movement is of formidable precision. This Seamaster is elegant, precise and reliable. Its design with the unscrewable Helium valve at 10 o'clock will not please everyone and yet that is what makes it unique. I am happy to have acquired it 20 years after having had views on the first models of this watch.

Elegant in all circumstances!

Jacques Bianchi became a watchmaker in the 1950s. He learned his trade with watchmakers in the PACA region before settling in Marseille.
His workshop grew in importance and brands such as Rolex and Omega entrusted him with repair contracts.
Jacques Bianchi also rubbed shoulders with renowned divers such as Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Captain Albert Falco and members of COMEX. In the early 1980s, he created the JB200 (Jacques Bianchi) with the same case as the reissue offered on Kickstarter in 2021. The one from the 80s had a date and a mechanical movement.
It was above all this fabulous story that pushed me to order a watch that I can't try on!
You may know this, but I prefer to try on the watches I buy.
I love the very crazy shape of the case with its crown on the left, the polished flange allows you to see the indexes reflected in it. The manufacturing quality had amazed me when I received the bindle which had two pearls, a Jacques Bianchi badge to sew, and a carrying pouch.
For 560 euros, I had a beautiful case with an incredible lume worthy of the ZRC. The movement is a NH35 from Seiko with the disadvantages of the Seiko in terms of precision even if this jb200 is quite well adjusted.
It is a watch that I wear whenever I have to do water activities and it is very pleasant to wear.
A reissue faithful to the Jacques Bianchi workshops. I invite you to follow the Jacques Bianchi workshop on Instagram (instagram account @atelier-bianchi)



A brilliant diver

This is my first analog watch! I bought it in my last year of engineering school and it accompanied me to my first job. It was my daily for about ten years until I bought an Orient Bambino and my partner gave me my Longines Presence in 2010. This Swatch Irony Chrono reference CADMOS YCS409 is robust, elegant with its openwork hands that remind me of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, the chronograph hand has a look that reminds me of the Speedmaster.... The worm is in the apple. I like its matte black dial and the whole thing is working 100% for over 23 years. My son has already spotted it in my collection and he plans to get it soon. By the way, this watch is indestructible but who said a Swatch is disposable?

My Swatch Irony Chrono is indestructible!

I dreamed of having a Breitling Navitimer. I chose a new model because I wanted to have this 70-hour power reserve. I had the opportunity thanks to Godechot Pauliet to acquire this model. My choice was oriented towards the Breitling Navitimer B01 in 43 mm. It is equipped with a high-quality mechanical movement with automatic winding, the Breitling Caliber 01, which is entirely developed and manufactured by Breitling. This column chronograph movement is a guarantee of precision and reliability. This reliability is confirmed by a watchmaker that I follow on Instagram. The indexes, the hands with the luminova, the micro grooves in the sub-dials and the meticulousness of the calculation rules are all elements that give this watch a luxurious appearance. I love the B at the end of the red second hand on the chronograph and I am crazy about the black dial which sometimes has electric blue reflections. Note that it does not like water (3 atm) and on the other hand it is precise +1 to +2s per day. This design is more than 70 years old and this watch was a tool used for airline pilots. Beyond that, this watch is the favorite of my loved ones. A masterpiece !!!

A sophisticated navitimer

This ZRC was born from Stéphane Clouzeau's wish to celebrate these 50 years with a collaboration with ZRC of which he is one of the ADs. This watch announced in July 2021 on the ZRC group's Facebook page was reserved by 48 people based on a photo of what it could be. In the end, it is a magnificent Grands Fonds 300 water-resistant to 1000m with a 4mm sapphire crystal and a chimney shape. This watch is unique with its dial featuring a beautiful light blue to abyssal blue gradient, unique red magnum hands on the edges, a second hand with a red tip, its 40.5mm case is microblasted, the unique blue bezel like the flange... it's killer! I am a fan of this watch with a beautiful precision of +3 seconds from the ETA 2824-2 movement developed presnet inside. It is an exceptional Grands Fonds.

ZRC BY STEF

This speedmaster is a dream come true 7 years ago. This chronograph is elegant and sporty at the same time. My omega is equipped with a hesalite glass and the manual mechanical caliber omega 1861. The power reserve is 46 to 48 hours and an accuracy of +3 seconds per day. My pleasure lies in winding the watch. I love to contemplate the dial, the design of the case and the dome of the hesalite glass. The history of the speedmaster and its selection by NASA shows how robust this watch is. It will be passed on to my son.

STRATOSPHERIC!

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

I was on vacation in Spain and I had the opportunity to try it at an AD. I was immediately impressed by the comfort of wearing this watch and the thickness so criticized was not the steak I expected. I love the concept of a chrono resistant to 20 bars. This makes it a solid watch that fears (almost) nothing. I like this bezel and the two sub-counters inspired by the first chronos of the 70s. The symmetry of the dial is remarkable and the opaline color fascinates me. The precision of the movement is surprising and my watch is particularly very well adjusted. This chrono for the 50th anniversary of the Tudor chrono is a success.

She's clinical!

The ZRC Grands Fonds 300 North adventure was designed for Alban Michon's polar exploration. ZRC carried out a kickstarter in 2017 to appeal for funds and a little over 320 privileged people contributed to this adventure. It was designed and tested by Zrc and Alban in real conditions. I like to go on trips or on vacation with only this watch because it is unique in terms of design and look. It is a very resistant watch with a unique look. It is a technical concentrate in terms of materials because Zrc has a strong experience in material resistance studies. The watch is water-resistant to 300m but validated at 1000m without any worries with its 4 mm sapphire. I love the shape of the case, the crown at 6 o'clock and the impossibility of leaving it open, the noise of the bezel, the exceptional lume, the elaborate ETA 2824-2 caliber (write to zrc to ask for the chosen mechanism on its serial number), the steel bracelet with its ability to be placed on the arm, its comfort when worn, the steel bracelet closing mechanism, the possibility of putting the rubber or the ZRC nato, the beauty of the watch. A unique beauty. Distinguishing feature: a technical diver in the service of the French Navy for many years. Distinctive features: hexagonal case (go France), brand with a crown 👑 


The ZRC North Adventure is unique!

<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Rolex</strong> brand was created in <strong>1905</strong> 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, <strong>often called the &ldquo;Crown brand&rdquo;</strong>, is synonymous with prestige, innovation and unparalleled reliability in the watchmaking world.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Rolex brand</h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In 1945, <strong>Rolex launched the Datejust</strong>, 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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Since its creation and in particular with <strong>exceptional 50s in terms of innovations</strong>, Rolex has continued to launch new models and in particular:</p>
<p dir="ltr">1926 - Rolex Oyster<br>1953 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/explorer"> Rolex Explorer<br></a>1953 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner"> Rolex Submariner<br></a>1955 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/gmt-master"> Rolex GMT-Master<br></a>1956 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/milgauss"> Rolex Milgauss<br></a>1956 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date"> Rolex Day-Date<br></a>1963 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/daytona"> Rolex Daytona<br></a>1967 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sea-dweller"> Rolex Sea Dweller<br></a>1971 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/explorer_ii"> Rolex Explorer II<br></a>1983 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/gmt-master_ii"> Rolex GMT-Master II<br></a>1992 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/yacht-master_40"> Rolex Yacht-Master<br></a>2007 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/yacht-master_ii"> Rolex Yacht-Master II<br></a>2012 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sky-dweller"> Rolex Sky-Dweller<br></a>2022 -<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/deepsea_challenge"> Rolex Deepsea Challenge<br></a>2023 - Rolex Perpetual 1908</p>
<p dir="ltr">Today, Rolex is known for its commitment to perfection, producing approximately one million watches each year, <strong>all certified &ldquo;Certified Chronometer&rdquo;</strong> 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.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the iconic models of the Rolex brand?&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Rolex offers a variety of models, each with its own distinctive features. The main and most sought-after models are:</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/submariner">Rolex Submariner</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Rolex Submariner is a professional diver's watch</strong> 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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/datejust_36">Rolex Datejust</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Rolex Datejust is an elegant and versatile watch</strong> 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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/day-date_36">Rolex Day-Date</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Day-Date, also <strong>nicknamed "President"</strong> 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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/daytona">Rolex Daytona</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/gmt-master_ii">Rolex GMT-Master II</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex GMT-Master II is a watch <strong>designed for intercontinental travelers</strong>, 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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/yacht-master_40">Rolex Yacht-Master</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Yacht-Master is a <strong>luxury watch for sailing enthusiasts</strong>. 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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sky-dweller">Rolex Sky-Dweller</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Sky-Dweller is a watch <strong>designed for world travelers</strong>, 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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Rolex Oyster Perpetual</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is the <strong>epitome of the classic Rolex watch</strong>, 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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/cellini_dual_time">Rolex Cellini</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The collection <strong>Cellini is Rolex's line of dress watches</strong>, 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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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 <strong>replaced by the Rolex 1908</strong>.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/sea-dweller">Rolex Sea-Dweller</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Rolex Sea-Dweller is a professional diving watch</strong>, 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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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. .</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/deepsea">Rolex Deepsea</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">Finally, the <strong>Rolex Deepsea is the ultimate diver's watch</strong>, 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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/rolex/perpetual-1908">Rolex Perpetual 1908</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Perpetual 1908 is <strong>an elegant and contemporary watch</strong>, 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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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 <strong>&ldquo;Certified Chronometer&rdquo;</strong> certification which guarantees performance in terms of precision of -2/2 seconds per day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Rolex Perpetual 1908 combines tradition and modernity in a timeless design, embodying the brand's watchmaking excellence and celebrating its aesthetic heritage.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Rolex watch cost?&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Prices for <strong>new Rolex watches change every year, but most Rolex models cost between $ 6,000 and $ 40,000.</strong> 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.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Rolex: The brand of all superlatives!</h2>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
<p dir="ltr">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>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To choose the Rolex model that best suits you, <strong>Dialicious owners&rsquo; reviews</strong> 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;</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2024)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

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

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

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

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!

<p>Cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 2017 par le designer Nicolas Ducoudert, <strong>Beaubleu apporte une dimension nouvelle &agrave; l&rsquo;horlogerie</strong> en cr&eacute;ant des montres &agrave; la fois esth&eacute;tiques, &eacute;tonnantes et profond&eacute;ment symboliques. Les aiguilles rondes, signature de la Maison, sont le reflet d&rsquo;une singularit&eacute; et d&rsquo;une simplicit&eacute; sophistiqu&eacute;e. Chaque mod&egrave;le arbore un design d&eacute;licieusement contemporain, o&ugrave; chaque d&eacute;tail, chaque surface, interagissent avec la lumi&egrave;re.</p>
<p>Cassant les codes de l'horlogerie traditionnelle en apportant une vision nouvelle du temps, les montres Beaubleu sortent des sentiers battus en arborant des aiguilles rondes et &eacute;vid&eacute;es, inspir&eacute;es des travaux de Galil&eacute;e dans sa compr&eacute;hension du syst&egrave;me solaire. Ces aiguilles affichent de mani&egrave;re po&eacute;tique les heures, qui ne pointent pas un index ni une graduation, mais qui indiquent une position, un instant depuis le centre du cadran.</p>
<h2>Quels sont les principaux mod&egrave;les de la marque Beaubleu ?</h2>
<p>Beaubleu vient d&rsquo;annoncer le 5 juin 2024, le lancement d&rsquo;une nouvelle collection en s&eacute;rie limit&eacute;e nomm&eacute;e <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/seconde_francaise">Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise</a>. Une belle innovation esth&eacute;tique et po&eacute;tique comme en a le secret la marque., avec une aiguille volante des secondes et un calibre fran&ccedil;ais de France &Eacute;bauches. <strong>La Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise fait partie des nomin&eacute;s au Grand Prix d''Horlogerie de Gen&egrave;ve 2024</strong>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>La collection <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/ecce">Beaubleu Ecce</a> reste la collection permanente de la marque lanc&eacute;e en octobre 2023. Malgr&eacute; sa jeune histoire, Beaubleu a d&eacute;j&agrave; commercialis&eacute; 3 collections en s&eacute;ries limit&eacute;es :</p>
<p><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/b01">Beaubleu B01</a><br><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/union">Beaubleu Union</a><br><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/vitruve_date">Beaubleu Vitruve Date</a> et <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/vitruve_gmt">Beaubleu Vitruve GMT</a></p>
<h2>Quel est le prix d'une montre Beaubleu ?</h2>
<p>Le prix des montres Beaubleu &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent <strong>entre 800 &euro; et 1,600 &euro;</strong> selon les r&eacute;f&eacute;rences. A titre d'exemple, une <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/ecce/vesperal">Beaubleu Ecce Vesperal</a> est propos&eacute;e &agrave; 890 &euro; sur le bracelet cuir et la nouvelle collection <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/seconde_francaise">Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise</a> est vendue &agrave; partir de 1,490 &euro; sur bracelet cuir &eacute;galement. <a href="bit.ly/4abJPrn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tous les prix Beaubleu sur le site de la marque</a>.</p>
<p>La marque Beaubleu est ind&eacute;pendante et vend plusieurs milliers de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir le mod&egrave;le Beaubleu qui vous correspond le mieux, les <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/beaubleu/seconde_francaise/20.24_gris_perle/review/66607be37f15bc103d620fe3">avis clients Dialicious sur Beaubleu</a> sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer les diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients de la marque.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Consultez le<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_francaises"><span class="s2"> Classement des meilleures marques de montres fran&ccedil;aises</span></a> dont Beaubleu fait partie.</span></p>
<p>(Mise &agrave; jour Novembre 2024)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Created in 2017 by designer Nicolas Ducoudert, Beaubleu brings a new dimension to watchmaking by creating watches that are aesthetic, astonishing and deeply symbolic. The round hands, signature of the House, reflect singularity and sophisticated simplicity. Each model features a deliciously contemporary design, where every detail, every surface, interacts with light.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Breaking the codes of traditional watchmaking by providing a new vision of time, Beaubleu watches go off the beaten track by featuring round, hollowed-out hands, inspired by the work of Galileo in his understanding of the solar system. These hands poetically display the hours, which do not point to an index or a graduation, but which indicate a position, an instant from the center of the dial.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the main models of the Beaubleu brand?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Beaubleu has just announced on June 5, 2024, the launch of a new limited series collection called<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/seconde_francaise"> Beaubleu Seconde Francaise</a>. A beautiful aesthetic and poetic innovation as the brand has the secret, with a flying seconds hand and a French caliber from France &Eacute;bauches. The Beaubleu Seconde Fran&ccedil;aise is one of the nominees for the 2024 GPHG (Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Gen&egrave;ve).&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The collection<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/ecce"> Beaubleu Ecce</a> remains the permanent collection of the brand launched in October 2023. Despite its young history, Beaubleu has already marketed 3 collections in limited series:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/b01">Beaubleu B01<br></a><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/union">Beaubleu Union<br></a><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/vitruve_date">Beaubleu Vitruvius Date</a> And<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/vitruve_gmt"> Beaubleu Vitruve GMT</a></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Beaubleu watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The prices of Beaubleu watches change and differ depending on the model. <strong>Most cost between &euro; 800 and &euro; 1,600 according to the references</strong>. As an example, a<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/ecce/vesperal"> Beaubleu Ecce Vesperal</a> is offered at &euro; 890 on the leather strap and the new collection<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/seconde_francaise"> Beaubleu Seconde Francaise</a> is sold from &euro; 1,490 on a leather strap as well. All Beaubleu prices on the brand's website.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Beaubleu brand is independent and sells several thousand watches per year, all models combined. To choose the Beaubleu model that best suits you, <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/beaubleu/seconde_francaise/20.24_gris_perle/review/66607be37f15bc103d620fe3">Dialicious owners' reviews on Beaubleu</a> are a valuable resource for evaluating the different models through the real experience of the brand's customers.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Check out the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_french_watch_brands"><span class="s2"> Ranking of the best French watch brands</span></a>, including Beaubleu.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2024)</p>

Rolex Explorer II Owner Review : Timeless, elegant and robust

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