The Journal
Notes from the bench.
Stories on diamonds and design, buying guides for pre-owned Rolex, and the small lessons that come from three generations behind the same counter.
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Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex Models - Rolex GMT Master II
A look back at the GMT Master II's evolution, from the Fat Lady to the anniversary edition, and the features that set each model apart.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex Models - Rolex GMT Master
The story behind the GMT Master's dual-time bezel, from its Pan Am origins to the design changes that shaped every generation since.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex Models - Rolex Explorer II
The story behind the Explorer II's orange-to-red hour hand and jump hour feature, built for cave explorers who need precision in total darkness.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex Models - Rolex Explorer
A journey through the Rolex Explorer's storied lineage, from its Everest-conquering origins to the rare, collector-prized models that followed.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex Models - Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
A close look at the Cosmograph Daytona's chronograph function, dial and case options, and the model history behind racing's favorite Rolex.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 3 min read
The Rolex Cellini and Why It Was Discontinued
Rolex retired the Cellini in 2023 after 55 years and replaced it with the Perpetual 1908. Which generation you have decides what it is worth.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex Models - Rolex Bubbleback
The story behind Rolex's groundbreaking Bubbleback, the self-winding Oyster Perpetual whose thick case earned it a nickname and a devoted following of collectors.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex in the Media - Going Underwater
The story of how Rolex conquered the ocean's depths, from the Deep Sea Special to the Marianas Trench, and built its diving-watch legacy.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex in the Media - The Murder Mystery
The true story of how a Rolex Oyster Perpetual's watertight movement helped British police crack a chilling 1996 murder case.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
The $128,000 Rolex
The true story of a POW's smuggled Rolex, the daring escape it helped plan, and why that heritage still lives in every Rolex today.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex for the Sportsmen
A tour through Rolex's decades-long ties to golf, tennis, skiing, equestrian sports, motor racing, and yachting, and the legends who wore it.
October 2021
Rolex San Diego · 2 min read
Rolex in the Media - Mercedes Gleitze
The story of how a Channel swimmer and a waterproof Oyster on a ribbon around her neck launched Rolex's legendary reputation for precision.
October 2021
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New arrivals in the watch case, buying guides, and the occasional story from the counter. No noise — just things worth knowing.
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