The Rolex stand at Baselworld 2014 was undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated locations at this prestigious event, and was one to be frequented by all true horological connoisseurs. However, few could have credited the sheer variety that was present in Rolex’s Baselworld collection, and it was certainly the case that almost every rumoured development – no matter how wistful it might have been – proved to have been given substance. I was fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time at the Rolex stand myself, along with the manager of Banks Lyon, Bob Breden, and so rather than trying to bring you a comprehensive overview of Rolex’s extraordinary assemblage (an impossible task in such a short space), I thought it preferable to offer you a selection of our favourites timepieces instead.
The GMT Master II
The GMT Master II watch is a thoroughly established timepiece of exceptional merit, and few desires have proven to be as persistent as the call for the return of the iconic ‘Pepsi-bezel’ model from 1955. However, the difficulty of creating a ceramic bezel with a defined delineation between two colours – and red in particular – has eluded the expertise of any known watchmaker. Until now that is. The original red and blue bezel was formed from Plexiglas, but the realisation of this apparently uncomplicated theme on a new Cerachrom ceramic bezel has proved to be a genuinely painstaking feat. As you can see from the picture shown below (taken on my own wrist), the aesthetic effect has been well worth the wait. Rolex has even managed to instil the ceramic with a sheen that enhances the twin hues to the same degree as the beloved Plexiglas version of yesteryear, and surely only Rolex would have thought to coat the engraved numerals with Platinum.
The Cosmograph Daytona
The Rolex Daytona arguably stole the show at Baselworld 2013 by virtue of the then-new platinum timepiece, and it appears that lightning can indeed strike twice in this respect. The all new Cosmograph Daytona retains a middle case that is created from an unblemished form of 950 platinum, and the rare ice blue colouration – so popular on last year’s Daytona and exclusively reserved for the platinum models – has also been utilised on the trio of chronograph dials. However, Rolex have now paved the dial in a frankly astonishing swathe of diamonds, and have set a further 36 baguette-cut diamonds into the bezel. The resulting timepiece is a breathtaking spectacle that glitters from every conceivable angle, and don’t be fooled into thinking that the interior of the watch is any less notable, as the calibre 4130 chronograph movement is as impressive as anything that Rolex has previously unveiled.
The Milgauss
The area of anti-magnetic watches is a fiercely competitive arena to enter, but the Rolex Milgauss will always remain one of the foremost archetypes in this respect. The Milgauss is a proudly avant-garde chronometer in many different respects, and now its visual appeal has been given as much weight as its famous internal mechanisms. The green sapphire crystal used upon the established Milgauss was a pioneering development when it was originally released in 2007, but now a stunning electric blue dial has been added to augment this already iconic colour scheme. As an unashamedly technical watch, the Milgauss has always sported a distinctive orange ‘lightning bolt’ shaped hand, and this new blue dial is therefore a fitting complement to such an adornment. I’m sure you’ll agree that the finished dial looks marvellous, and the colour contrasts have been judged to utter perfection.
I hope that the three timepieces that we’ve highlighted above have given you some idea of the Rolex collection at Baselworld. Certainly, the attention to detail that Rolex has displayed this year has been nothing short of peerless. We’ve by no means covered every Rolex timepiece at Baselworld 2014 in this initial post – neglecting to mention the revival of the Cellini range, and the new Pearlmaster, Sea-Dweller and Sky-Dweller, to name but a few examples – so do take the time to have a look at their complete array of models yourself.
We are pleased to help with any enquiry that you might have, no matter what it might be, so don’t hesitate to call us on 01524 38 48 58 if you have any questions.
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