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Rolex - Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
A bezel in all the colours of the rainbow
Along with its 18 ct yellow gold case and bracelet, this COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA dons a bezel entirely set with an array of sapphires in rainbow colours. All the nuances of the celestial arc are visible, a delicate palette of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, mauves and pinks. The subtle grace of these fascinating stones meticulously selected, assembled and set by Rolex is magical, endowing the watch with a stunning radiance.
Also gem-set, the case lugs, crown guard as well as the hour markers on the dial participate in the exquisite allure of this variation on the DAYTONA theme.
Exclusive GOLD CRYSTALS counters
Contrasting with the black lacquer of the dial, the reflections of the GOLD CRYSTALS counters blend with the radiance of the precious stones. Crafted from an 18 ct gold alloy perfected by Rolex in its own foundry, these exclusive counters highlight the crystal structure of the gold in a seductive play of reflections and colours. Each counter is a natural work of art, different from every other.
The OYSTER case, symbol of waterproofness
The COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA's 40 mm OYSTER case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of proportion and elegance. The characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct gold. The fluted case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool exclusive to Rolex watchmakers. The winding crown, fitted with the patented TRIPLOCK triple waterproofness system, as well as the chronograph pushers screw down securely against the case. It is protected by a crown guard that is an integral part of the middle case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof synthetic sapphire. The waterproof OYSTER case ensures optimal protection for the COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA's high-precision movement.
Calibre 4130, a superlative chronograph chronometer
The COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA is equipped with calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Like all PERPETUAL movements, the 4130 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests. Its architecture, like that of all OYSTER watch movements, makes it singularly precise and reliable. The oscillator, the true heart of the watch, has a blue PARACHROM hairspring, patented and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the PARACHROM hairspring offers great stability when exposed to temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks.
The OYSTERLOCK clasp, functional and secure
This COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA is fitted with an OYSTER bracelet in 18 ct yellow gold with the latestgeneration OYSTERLOCK safety clasp to prevent accidental opening. Developed and patented by Rolex, this elegant solid-link bracelet also features the ingenious EASYLINK rapid extension system that allows the wearer to easily increase the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm, for additional comfort in any circumstance.
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Veloptuous Times - Glorious Cows and Firs
WORLDTEMPUS - 22 June 2011
Veloptuous Times demanded the best that its protagonists could produce: endurance, resistance to cold and rain, the ability to focus attention after strenuous physical activity for interviews, and stopping as frequently as necessary to take a good photo. There was continuous mental and physical activity at the same time. Between bursts of pedaling, sun and wind, we also needed to find the time to care for our electronic equipment in order to write and publish. This is the reason why this last trip summary is only being published today, three working days after Veloptuous Times officially ended with a successful cocktail party in Neuchâtel.
PHOTO GALLERY
From La Chaux-de-Fonds, during the first hours of Monday, Veloptuous Times soared through the Franches-Montagnes region, along the Jurassic mountain chain. The rock relief practically anticipated our arrival, and our wheels spun quickly across the long country routes. The region has a number of interesting technical elements to offer and we pass many windmills and the central electricity production from the solar panels of Mont-Soleil. Our surroundings are nothing but prairie, forest zone, and fir trees reigning supreme against the backdrop of the permanent music of cowbells.
The wind increased, and we had to fight to arrive in one piece at Georges Cattin's workshop in Le Noirmont. A case manufacturer, organist for 30 years, and collector of electric motors, his workshop is populated solely by mechanical machines, with the most recent dating from 1980. While numerically controlled tools have become the norm among suppliers, Cattin perpetuates a vintage and artisanal way of manufacturing. Son and grandson of a case maker, he is specialized in manufacturing cases decorated - among other things - with fluting and perlage. His services are particularly useful for brands specialized in small series and other operations where CNC is not the best choice or plain incapable.
We parted ways in the afternoon. Anders went toward Saignelegier to meet with a brewer of Franches-Montagnes beers and a cheese producer specialized in tête de moine, which is typical of the region. For my part, I capped my visit to the Bien region with a long, slow descent that gifted me with plenty of different altitudes before hitting the plateau of the countryside boasting three lakes. Arriving in Biel, however, was not so pleasant thanks to the region's heavy traffic, which is concentrated on one thruway connected by a series of tunnels. Side by side with trucks and cars at full speed, the bike - even this super bike - does not carry much weight. Arriving in the city, underneath a sunny sky, was like a release.
Without stopping in the city, which seems to have been built by the Swatch Group, but which is home to many other famous names as well — like Rolex — I headed toward Granges to visit BMC's bike factory. Flat and monotone, this particular stretch was not the most spirited as the savage nature of the Jura had given way to a universe that was agricultural and industrial at the same time.
BMC is specialized in the creation of bike frames and mainly has the other components produced by suppliers - with the exception of the Impec, a bike model presented in 2010 and realized entirely in carbon fiber and reinforced plastic. It is the first full in-house production by the brand. An obvious analogy with horology exists when one discovers the care and high degree of technology necessary to produce these frames.
I now needed to return to Biel to meet up with Anders. We were to establish our camp on a hill overlooking the city and affording a view of the Jura cliffs. This was the last evening spent with Veloptuous Times, and Anders cooked up some scallops and a vegetable curry over the camp fire. Dessert was mousse au chocolat and a celebratory bottle of champagne. Nature made a luxurious backdrop to this final party.
Tuesday began with a visit to Perrelet in Biel to meet up with Fausto Salvi, its CEO, and Karine Marie, in charge of communication. Veloptuous Times then left for the final stage of the ride to Neuchâtel. Along the way, a baker we met during a visit to a wine cellar offered us bread for the evening's cocktail. Having reached the lakes of Biel and Neuchâtel, we managed to enter the heart of the city, ready to prepare the event scheduled at the end of the day. The partners of Worldtempus and Plaza Watch had convened at the Interlope restaurant, which also has an old brewery, to partake in local wines, cheeses, and an excellent mood of all involved - happy to celebrate not only an end, but also a beginning: the beginning of summer.
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Collecting - Personal Holy Grails, Part 2
WORLDTEMPUS - 25 June 2010
Despite the final statement of my last Chronicle, these connoisseur collectors all end up owning a Rolex again at some point. So if you are in the ascending stage of your collecting career and are tempted to branch out from your Rolexes and Omegas, hang onto at least one of your Rolexes…you'll want it back someday—I guarantee it. And it will probably be that Submariner that you once thought was uncool because everybody has one. It's with good reason everyone has one: it might just be THE watch to have if you can only have one watch.
The first watch that I loved, but never owned, was the Revue Thommen Airspeed chronograph outfitted with the Lemania 5100 movement. I did pick up the Cricket with the copper-colored dial from Revue Thommen, which is an excellent and affordable alarm watch, but I have never owned the original Airspeed chronograph. Revue Thommen has been a manufacturer of industrial and airplane instrument gauges for more than 150 years. In the early to mid-1900s, the company discovered that its skill in making gauges transferred nicely to making military and pilot's watches, both of which required the same legibility and technical excellence that the company prided itself on in its airplane instruments. In fact, the crystal on the Airspeed chronographs is so clear that the watch looks like it has no crystal at all. The Airspeed chronograph is still offered, now outfitted with a Valjoux 7750 movement, and it looks much the same as the original model, which—not coincidentally—looks just like the clocks in many airplane cockpits.
The Glycine Airman is a dual-time (actually displaying three time zones), 24-hour dial watch that became well known after many U.S. Air Force pilots returned home from Vietnam wearing one. I don't believe the watch was ever issued as a military watch, but the Airman offered a simple, intuitive dial and time interface that made tracking local, UTC, and a third time zone easy. Glycine has extended the Airman lineup considerably over the years, and, in fact, Glycine has evolved into having a most interesting and diverse model lineup—all while offering economic pricing and great quality. The Glycine Airman is a gap that I closed, having owned several of these historical watches over the years.
[Rating: 5 / 5 stars]
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