The dial has not changed since the last model, and why should it? The dial design leaves nothing to be desired, as the Cosmograph Daytona Chronograph is probably the most recognizable chronograph dial available.
Everything remains the same, from the polished steel hour markers with luminescence to the proportions. The easy-to-read Chromalight display uses a long-lasting luminous material that emits a bright blue hue in the dark. As with any Rolex Daytona chronograph, the word DAYTONA is printed in red, surrounding the top of the small running seconds at 6 o’clock.
Aesthetically, when it comes to the silver-rimmed sub-dials on the dial, everything remains the same as the previous model. The bottom central sub-dial is located at 6 o’clock in the small running seconds sub-dial. The sub-dials at 3 and 9 o’clock to the right and left of this sub-dial are used for chronographs.
The chronograph function provides additional functionality to the watch, essentially a stopwatch that allows the driver to time their lap times with up to one-eighth of a second accuracy. the mechanical chronograph complication used in the Cosmograph Daytona is designed to have fewer parts than a standard chronograph, making it a more reliable stopwatch. As a column-wheel chronograph with a vertical clutch mechanism, its start/stop and reset action is smoother than a CAM-driven mechanism.
The chronograph’s large central seconds hand sweeps very smoothly across the dial, the famous Rolex perpetual movement. The sub-dial at 3 o’clock on the right side of the dial is a 30-minute counter, and opposite the dial at 9 o’clock is a 12-hour counter. These three hands are smoothly operated by chronograph pushers located above and below the winding crown on the right side of the case.
Rolex powers their Daytona replica watches with their in-house 4130 self-winding movement, which features an anti-magnetic blue “Parachrom” hairspring and a stop-second for precise time setting.
The Rolex Oyster bracelet is made up of three pieces of oyster steel links. The two outside links have a brushed finish, while the middle link has a beautiful polished finish. The links at each end of the strap are attached to polished lugs on the case, so when you look at it, the finish alternates from polished to brushed and then to a polished finish on the center link.
The Oyster Lock double-lock folding clasp is equipped with Rolex’s patented Easylink 5 mm extension, which allows for a quick 5 mm micro-adjustment of the strap size. This is a very convenient feature that does not require any special tools to adjust. This feature is designed to allow your fake watch to compensate in size for the natural expansion and contraction of your wrist during fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Rolex also has one of the best warranties in the industry. Their 5-year warranty allows you to sleep at night knowing that you will have your Daytona for years to come.
Luxury watch enthusiasts would say that part of the fun of collecting vintage replica Rolex watches is paying more attention to the unusual in their archives. While today’s Rolex collections are very totally differentiated, each with its own special selling points and plenty of marketing material to explain all the ins and outs, it wasn’t so clear-cut more than 50 years ago. The Rolex 5500 series is an example of this. While the Ref. 5500 was technically Rolex’s Air-King, the brand also offered the Ref. 5500 with a Rolex Explorer dial and handset at the same time for about a few years.
This kind of thing wouldn’t happen today, but it’s definitely a fascinating slice of Rolex history and proves that sometimes things don’t always make so much sense when it comes to vintage watches. So today we took a closer look at two versions of the Rolex Model 5500, the Pair Air-King ref. 5500 and the Explorer ref. 5500, to provide some insight into this somewhat mysterious vintage Rolex watch. 
While it receives far less attention than the Submariner, Day-Date, or GMT-Master, the Rolex Air-King is one of Rolex’s oldest watch lines, with an interesting history spanning seven decades of near-continuous production. And the Air-King 5500 is one of the longest-running iterations in the collection. Among these aviation-themed watches, the Air-King made its official debut in 1945 with the model number 4925, and as Rolex replica continued to refine the design, several more models followed; however, in 1957, Rolex released a new version of the Air-King, the so-called 5500 model.
The reference 5500 Air-King watch was made with both the 1520 and 1530 movements – a difference that ultimately came down to the market in which the particular watch was originally sold. While the Air-King has long been considered one of Rolex’s entry-level watch lines, its classic design and top-notch build quality have made it a popular option among celebrities and politicians alike. the Air-King ref. 5500 has all of Rolex’s signature features without any of the extras.
The Air-King’s modest size makes it great for both men and women. Moreover, its minimalist look ensures that it will never really go out of style. It may never be as iconic and instantly recognizable as a Daytona or Submariner, but the fake Rolex Air-King has become the go-to for purists seeking a classic Rolex watch that can easily fly under the radar.
Back in 2019, Breitling partnered with Ironman to launch a limited edition Superocean watch, the famously grueling triathlon collection that has been nurturing champions and fostering feelings of inadequacy for decades. Yesterday, in Los Angeles, the two companies launched another collaboration, the Endurance Pro Ironman watch from the brand’s professional collection.
We’ve delved into the Endurance Pro on a couple of occasions (see here and here), so I’ll give a brief background here. Part of the Pro Series, the Endurance Pro’s case is made of the brand’s proprietary Breitlight polymer, which is three times lighter than titanium and nearly six times lighter than steel while being stiffer than both. The fact that the case weighs 35 grams and the rubber strap itself weighs 30 grams gives you an idea of just how light it is.
As for the two new Endurance Pro Ironman replica watches, the first is the model with a sort of red gradient dial with black accents and the Ironman logo at 6 o’clock. It comes with a matching red rubber strap that reads “IRONMAN” instead of the usual “BREITLING” text. Red is a pretty bold color choice, although gradient influence is quite popular at the moment.
The second model is called the Endurance Pro Ironman Finisher, which is fitting since it is only available to those who have completed the race. To be honest, the fake Rolex watch looks pretty bad, and its badness is enhanced by its entry requirements. The black dial has gold accents and its stealthy nature complements the magic of the finish line. And of course, the case back has the words “Finisher’s Series” on it. I think in terms of design and grandeur, the Endurance Pro Ironman Finisher is the standout.
Gold bracelet watches are iconic. They’ve gone from understated chic in the mid-century, to tacky glamour in Miami Vice in the ’80s, and now back to chic again. Gold isn’t cheap. But then again, you can get this look for a lot less. Here’s what you get at both ends of the spectrum.
This is a classic Rolex calendar watch for under $500. Is it gold? Not if you mean the gold of precious metals. But it’s definitely gold colored! It also has a clean dial and a highly legible day and date. The simulated jubilee bracelet is not quite presidential, but it is perfectly adequate.
Why is it affordable? The watch is actually stainless steel with a gold coating. The coating will probably wear off at some point, but by then, you can buy another one. And, uh, before you spend money on a fake Rolex, you can buy dozens more. 
The Rolex Calendar has been a classic since its introduction in 1956 It’s the ultimate dress watch, beloved by power brokers including Presidents Johnson and Kennedy, which is how it got its nickname. It features a roller bracelet with a day display at 12 o’clock and a date display at 3 o’clock. There are three ways to overcome this problem, one of which is an excellent lazy way to wait for it to stop and then wait a full month before wearing it so you can pick it back up. Alternatively, set the day and date between ten and two o’clock.
Why it’s expensive: It’s a Rolex replica, yes. And it’s a timeless model that holds its value exceptionally well. Day-Dates are made only of precious metals – white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, or platinum. And make sure your watch isn’t stretched out like an old sock, which is a sad thing.
Well, if you don’t have the money (or the patience to save for one) to buy a calendar watch, then buy a Seiko watch and be happy. Even if you could theoretically afford any watch, there are reasons to go with a Seiko. Sometimes you want a watch you can wear every day without worrying about losing it or hitting the door frame. Or maybe you like the way it looks, but don’t like the way it looks. A Day-Date is by definition a luxury watch, not just because of its price, but also because of its precious metals. So, please think about it. Do you want to buy it as a family heirloom? As the last piece in your famous Swiss collection that will one day be auctioned off by someone wearing white gloves? Then pay up for this Rolex.
I’m very pleased to announce that this week is the 100th installment of this column, and I’ll be rounding up a selection of noteworthy gems from the world of vintage watches. In honor of the occasion, this week’s roundup is sure to raise a few eyebrows, and then some, such as a newly launched Omega Chronomètre, a first production Favre Leuba, and what many consider to be the ultimate stainless steel Paul Newman Daytona. Replica Rolex Submariner watches worn daily by painters, and Breitling watches worn by Italian paratroopers.
Unless you are looking for an item, it is always advisable to choose the best condition your budget will allow. A salvaged item may be a few dollars cheaper and more acceptable, but a well-preserved model is objectively more desirable because it conveys all the original design. That’s my opinion, and I’ll stand by it until I’m old and faded, although special circumstances require another consideration. While it may defy all common vintage watch collecting logic, there’s a lot of magic in this first watch choice. 
We all know you’re already familiar with a little old watch called the replica Rolex Submariner, so let’s skip over what makes this watch so incredibly fascinating. Before you say a brief three-letter swear word, consider where it comes from. The watch was owned by a painter who wore it every day, which explains the flecks of paint on its case, crystal, bezel, and bracelet. The case back is further personalized with an engraving that reads “I LOVE YOU MR BOND, SHARON”. For many people, combining these two elements with a worn and restored dial amounts to a huge red flag, but I like to think that this watch has a unique appeal.
I like the idea of a famous watch that has been worn like it was stolen for most of its life without much thought for resale or heirloom value. Pieces like these are obviously not the prettiest and usually not the easiest to sell, but they have a humanity to them that a mint-fresh watch can’t match. Unlike replica watches that have been sitting in a safe for decades, the scars on these watches can translate into stories and an unbreakable connection to the people who wore them before them. While I still recommend choosing the best, I think this is the best of the different brands.
The Panerai Submersible is the most rugged watch Panerai currently makes, a highly water-resistant dive watch with a large luminous scale and unidirectional bezel. Until recently, the Submersible has been part of the larger Luminor collection, but since 2019 it has been broken out as its own proper tool fake watch collection. Today, we’re looking at a limited edition stainless steel Submersible Azzurro, which is Italian for “light blue.” Its design is a blend of the two core stainless steel Submersibles released early last year. 
The movement is the same, with the same 72-hour power reserve and 28,800 Vph rate, but it’s now called the P.900.You may recall that last year’s main Subs used a movement known as the OP XXXIV, which Panerai renamed the P.900.In all three models, the movement is tucked behind a screw-down stainless steel case back. The price is also in line with the unlimited versions mentioned above.
Two of Panerai’s recent releases, my favorites being the PAM00959 and the PAM00683, are this generation’s mainline Submersibles. the former, with its blue bezel and sharkskin-colored textured dial, brings a fresh and summery touch to the Submersible, which I found quite irresistible when I first saw it, and which I still consider being The Submersible is the best Submersible design to date. The latter takes on a more classic style with a black dial and black ceramic bezel. When I first saw the new Submersible Azzuro, it immediately struck me as a beautiful combination of the aesthetics of these replica watches. The black rubber strap provides a pop of color on the bezel as a nice accent without distracting from the classic Submersible look.
I really like Panerai’s decision to make the Submersible collection stand alone. You’ll notice that these models are no longer Luminor Submersibles; first, the Submersible has enough variations, complications, and limited editions to justify its existence as a separate pillar of Panerai’s collection; and second, it’s a legitimate tool watch, whereas some of Panerai’s other recent offerings are not – such as the 30m The Luminor Due model. Aside from the fact that the Luminor and Radiomir are, in my opinion, a legitimate design object, there is no mistaking that the Submersible is a rugged tool watch for divers, and with the new taxonomy, there is no mistaking that.
The Panerai Submersible Azzurro 42MM Limited Edition of 500 pieces will be available exclusively through Panerai’s own e-commerce platform starting in September, but if you’re interested in getting your hands on one sooner, the brand says it’s taking reservations now.
The moment a brand new watch is bought and leaves the store, it technically becomes pre-owned. It may still have the tag on it and never left the box, but since it has been sold through the original retailer, it is technically a used watch and will be labeled as such. 
Furthermore, “vintage” cannot be used to describe any watch that has been around for years. At least in the minds of most collectors, there are very few mass-produced vintage digital models or cheap quartz-powered models that can truly be called “vintage”. When enthusiasts use the term “vintage,” they are talking about a replica watch that has a place in the history of its respective brand and is often an example of superior craftsmanship and engineering prowess.
Reasons to Buy a Vintage Watch
The next question that is often asked by those who are new to watches is: Why buy an vintage watch? Why not buy a brand new model, one that is still shiny and unmarked, with all the latest technology and material developments?
It is a fair question. Even in an industry as steeped in tradition as mechanical watchmaking, the rate of progress and imprgoodovement is still constant. A piece with the very latest advancements may well retain the coloring on its dial and bezel longer, be more resistant to scratches and scrapes, and keep proper time than one produced 30 or 40 years ago – but that is rather missing the point.
Wearing a vintage watch is an expression of special feature. The fact that not just anyone can go into a store and pick one up gives them an inherent individuality – each, by the very nature of its aging, scratches, and scrapes, is somewhat unique. Its discoloration is a symbol of it having lived a life, of it having its own story – something that a new model lacks. It shows a respect for heritage and an understanding of the artistry that goes into each one, from a time when quality and reliability were paramount.
Even on a practical level, there is plenty to recommend going vintage. A watch that has been well looked after will still be greatly sturdy enough for everyday wear and use, as well as having a hugely impressive timekeeping ability. They can’t be hard to find. There are fearsome waiting lists at retailers for many of the latest stainless steel replica rolex watches such as the Ceramic Daytona and GMT-Master II Pepsi, along with waitlists for many other non-Rolex models too, such as the Patek Nautilus 5711. However, vintage watches are sitting waiting for you, rather than the other way round.
And while we don’t recommend it as a financial strategy, there’s no question that certain vintages do particularly well when given the time. A new watch (in most cases), like any luxury item, can depreciate once purchased. The value of antique models is likely to increase over time.
Richard Mille has long won a place among companies bringing new and avant-garde materials to the replica watches industry, such as ceramics, forged carbon and quartz TPT. With its new, exclusive grey Cermet material in the newly released RM 11-05 Automatic fly back chronograph GMT, this automotive and aerospace influenced brand further strengthens its reputation as a materials innovator.
As is often the case with Richard Mille’s ultra-complex timepieces, the RM 11-05 packs many functions inside its 50-mm x 42.7-mm tonneau-shaped case, all driven by its skeletonized, self-winding movement: a flyback chronograph with counters at 6 and 9 o’clock; a GMT display with a luminous hand, easily adjustable by a pusher; and an annual calendar with a semi-instantaneous large date display at 12 o’clock and months indicated by Arabic numerals on a scale between 4 and 5 o’clock. The chronograph, operated by sleekly designed pushers between 1 and 2 o’clock and between 4 and 5 o’clock, also consists of a countdown mode, which uses a 60-minute-marked skeletonized disk in place of a hand so the user can read minutes elapsed and remaining minutes.
The warm gray color of the Cermet case comes from its mixture of metallic zirconium with high-performance ceramic inserts, heated and pressed together into a homogenous whole and notably excluding elements such as nickel and cobalt — normally used in this family of hard materials but deemed “undesirable binders” by Richard Mille’s partners, the micro-technology firm IMI Group, in its mandate to adhere to Europe’s REACH standards of chemical security. 
Grey Cermet, whose density is less than that of titanium and whose hardness is 2,360 Vickers — nearly equal to that of diamond, at 2,400 Vickers — is the result of a process called “flash sintering,” which adds a series of powerful electric pulses to the classic hot stamping process. The substance, used in ballistics, aerospace fuselage components, and brakes for competition vehicles, is here applied to the replica watch’s bezel, which is added to a caseband made of carbon TPT and a back made of grade 5 titanium.
Richard Mille’s Caliber RMAC3, visible behind the caseback’s barrel-shaped sapphire window, is decked out with all the technological advancements for which the brand has become known, which include a skeletonized baseplate and bridges made of grade 5 titanium; the variable geometry of the rotor allows the main spring to be winded horizontally according to the user’s activity;50 hours of power storage in twin barrels for longer term performance; Titanium spline screws (also used for housing assembly) for greater torque control.
It’s just past the stroke of nine, I was bundled into the Silver Queen, a sleek black gondola, and flown up Aspen Mountain into the “white room”. Inside are a half-dozen other hopefuls, all keenly anticipating making the first tracks in last night’s freshly fallen snow,which casts a dreamy contrast against the sharp blue skies of another bright Colorado morning. Skiers call this beautiful type of day “bluebird”,and it’s probably best, except for chest deep with an early spring blower.
It has been more than a year since Hublot became the official timekeeper at Aspen Snowmass. Aspen Snowfield is one of the longest-running and most prestigious ski destinations in North America. But this year, Hublot has gone one step further with the historic mountain, which traces its mid-century roots to the Army’s legendary 10th Mountain Division, opening its first seasonal monobrand boutique in the resort’s town center. This move is a unique, consider these types of retail space is usually urban centers in the United States on the coast, but Aspen is a truly international ski destination, unlike Courchevel 1850 in the French Alps or Zermatt in Switzerland (both constant treasure house a mountainside Hublot boutique), and some of the Swiss replica watch brand operation in the crisp high alpine air feels right. Emphasizing this opening, Hublot also introduced a 25-piece limited Spirit of Big Bang watch to see the help of Olympic gold medalist and world champion ski racer Bode Miller, who kept his home on these steep slopes as brand friends for most of the last decade. 
Using the standard titanium Spirit of Big Bang as a blueprints, the Rockies edition is set in a bright white ceramic case contrasting blue sub-dials and a blue integrated rubber watchband, giving it a winter feel despite being a cheerful one — a clear bluebird day on the mountains, a sharp contrast between snow and sky. Usually, white ceramic watches feel too smooth or glossy, with a “flat” aesthetic, which does not make it a high-end luxury. But this one is different — if you’re not familiar with the tonneau shaped Spirit of Big Bang, it’s one of Hublot’s signature collections; Unquestionably bold and erect with interesting lines, facets, and contrasting blasted and polished finishes. Thankfully, all of these texture changes break up the surface of the watch, lending it an extremely dynamic and, ahem, “cool” presence on the wrist.
Even better, the new Rockies version is only 42mm across, making it perfectly wearable for all sizes of wrist, although it’s obviously not for everyone (though that’s hardly the point). On the Bode Miller’s giant ski racer wrist, the flared strap is completely on the wrist with the clasp fixed at its maximum extension. But on the wrist of my skinny 6.5-inch bike racer, with shoulder patches sticking out and tiny gaps left in the skin on both sides, the box was where it was supposed to be. I think it will make Hublot’s leather strap more comfortable. Like most other Spirit of Big Bang replica watches, the whole package is highly technical, yet sporty and playful, even a bit defiant, feeling a counter-cultural expression, a friendly jab at traditional skiing establishment and an about-face on what a Swiss watch “should be.”
It is this spirit also defines Miller in career of ski racing legend, an obsession with process, details, and precision timing – he thinks that his early interest in fake watch a Casio calculator use time running downhill mountain, and the only way to express a strong understanding of the hearing, and eventually become the best in their field, for training and competition to define his peers and competitors. Interestingly, Miller’s introduction to Hublot also happened by chance, as early as the early 1900s, his main ski event sponsor, Kjus(pronounced “shoos”), was also a Swiss-based clothing brand. He quickly hit it off with Hublot’s then-CEO Jean-Claude Biver, who liked a similar disregard for tradition, and the rest is more or less history.
Like the rest of the Spirit of Big Bang chronographs, this reference is equipped with HUB4700 caliber, a high frequency (5Hz) automatic timing movement produced by Hublot that is the brand’s main product and used in more of its first products. Notably, although Miller did not play a role in the aspen design version, he has had his own signature model: a black ceramic Big Bang design collaboration back in 2011, a portion of the revenue benefit from the Miller’s Turtle Ridge Foundation, a nonprofit that supports adaptive and youth sports programs.
Miller is one of the most decorated skiers (33 world cups, six Olympic medals, four World Championship gold medals, and six World Cup globes, but who counting?). So he palmarés district in keeping with Hublot’s deep pool ambassadors, often using thought leaders in sports, culture, art and fashion to create a very interesting and diverse list. They include soccer legend Pelé, sprinter Usain Bolt, artists Shepard Fairley and SAN Bleu, and the late Kobe Bryant.
Patek Philippe’s very special watch in 2020 — the exclusive stainless steel Patek Philippe premium replica watch — has just broken, effectively erasing, the record for the most expensive watch ever sold at auction.
But it wasn’t just the Patek that stretched into the seven-figure stratosphere at the charitable auction last night, as two other pièce particular replica watches garnered tremendous amounts of attention and, more importantly, bids. Don’t forget it, if like us at times, you feel despair at the runaway nature of high-end auctions, that this is for the good of the world.
Let’s just let that number sink in for a moment for a steel wristwatch. Ever heard of the saying, “I have no idea whether to laugh or cry”? That said, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime ref. 6300A is, of course, a true, inimitable work of art. 
This result probably shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise, given that the F.P. Journe Astronomic Blue featured a completely bespoke, prototype movement, Calibre 1619. Moreover, apart from its obvious exclusivity, the solid 18k rose gold movement also happens to be festooned with some of the most impressive complications available on a wristwatch today, including a minute repeater, tourbillon, second time zone, power reserve indicator, annual calendar, equation of time, moon phases and a day-night indicator. The 44mm tantalum case and shimmering dark blue dial also make the Astronomic Blue a very amazing timepiece indeed. In addition, the price achieved by the one-off Journe also makes it one of the most expensive the watchmaker has ever manufactured.
It is totally understandable if the aforementioned sales results didn’t conjure up feelings of profound disbelief, but of course, I’m not the only one who’s been left a little perplexed by the price achieved by Audemars Piguet’s entry into Only Watch 2020 – the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch Edition. But surely, the openworked tourbillion movement on display is at once both a work of art and a feat of mechanical ingenuity, as is the unique 18k rose and white gold case.
