Author: columbiahistory

I’ve always appreciated Rolex and what they stand for, but couldn’t seem to find a style that fit me. We stayed there longer than Ann had planned. By then, we had five girls and had managed to save some money for college – and let me tell you, the cost of living in a city without an international airport is pretty staggering. What’s the point of leaving New York and getting up at 4:30 every morning to work if I can’t indulge myself and buy the things I’ve admired my whole life.
With a purchase like this, how much you spend can directly affect its value in your mind. One of the regrets of my life is that I waited too long to propose to Ann. I had a silly formula in my head that her engagement ring should be some percentage of my annual salary – which was silly because she probably would have accepted a bubblegum cigar ring if I had asked her – but a nice ring symbolizes the importance of sacrifice. A lot of things are valuable. And this replica Rolex was significant.
In 2001, it seemed strange to buy a watch over the Internet. Yes, people were shopping online, but they definitely weren’t spending money online like this. We discussed this in our “computer room”. Does anyone even call it that anymore? It’s a dedicated place for my daughters to play the Sims, we do our banking and occasionally send emails.
Anyway, you can guess how the story ends – we have a long history of Ann shrugging and just following along when I go down a rabbit hole of something I really, really want. For me, hunting is as good as finding. Sometimes even better.
Sure, it has the status of a brand, but then the minimalism of the bezel, Arabic numerals, and black dial …… It looks totally Spartan. Simple, understated, beautifully designed, and proportionally balanced. It was, and still is, a practical watch at heart. It makes you look at it more than at the first glance. You never need to take it off, and I hardly ever need to.
And what do you get when you find your one watch to rule them all? The most precious thing of all. I got that time back. Although if I hadn’t waited until I was 40, would it have been any less awesome? Who knows. This watch is so perfect for me, I’ll take it as soon as my wrist is big enough.

For the most part, the Rolex Yacht Prestige 42 number 226659 is a larger white gold version of the Everose Yacht Prestige 40, also on an Oysterflex strap. However, the number 226659 does have some unique features that make it immediately recognizable and distinguishable from all other Rolex watches.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the replica Rolex Yacht-Masterpiece 42 226659 is its 42 mm case, made of solid 18-carat white gold. This is not only because the 226659 is the only 42mm Yacht-Masterpiece model, but it also features the only white gold construction. Moreover, there is even a 44 mm version of the Yacht Prestige II Sailboat Chronograph made of white gold and platinum bezel, but reference 226659 is the only iteration of the classic Yacht Prestige offered in all 18-carat white gold.
Just as the Rolex Yachtmaster 37mm and 40mm Stellar Gold models are also available with Oysterflex straps, the Yachtmaster 226659 features a bi-directional chronograph bezel with an insert made of Rolex’s proprietary Cerachrom ceramic material. The black ceramic insert is given a matte sandblasted texture and the raised indexes have a high polish to enhance contrast. Although available in different case sizes and in different materials, the matte black ceramic insert on the Yacht-Master 42 immediately links it to the other Oysterflex strap Yacht-Master watches in the Rolex portfolio.
One of the more interesting details about how Rolex replica chose to build its catalog is that the Oysterflex strap is exclusively equipped for the brand’s solid gold models. Whether made on a Daytona, Sky-Dweller, or Yacht-Master watch, all models equipped with Oysterflex are crafted from solid 18k gold. At the time of writing, Oysterflex straps are only found on the Yacht-Master 40 and Yacht-Master 37 watches in 18k Everose gold, and the Yacht-Master 42 in 18k white gold.
The fake Rolex Oysterflex strap is likely the most over-designed rubber strap in the world – however, calling it a “rubber strap” is a bit misleading. Rolex specifically refers to it as a bracelet in its catalog because the flexible strap has a flexible metal core for optimal durability and longevity. In addition, the bottom of the strap has a comfort pad that keeps the strap slightly off the wrist, better distributing the weight of the watch and promoting air circulation.

An interesting and unexpected new watch from Switzerland’s Tissot this year is a re-released classic version of the 1978 Tissot PRX 40 205. For years, I’ve been saying that quartz movement-based watches are poised for a renaissance for watch enthusiasts, and in 2021, we’re one big step closer to that goal. The importance of the 2021 Tissot PRX watch lies not in any particular innovation or feature, but in its well-crafted and capable nature.
As of this writing, Tissot’s first replica watches have sold out, and one can easily see why. First, Tissot knew that steel watches with integrated straps were very popular, again. The real goal was a sporty design that featured a case integrated with a matching bracelet. The visual experience of how light interacts with the many brushed and polished surfaces is what enthusiasts are really looking for.
The steel case is 40 mm wide and the distance between the lugs is approximately 44 mm, which makes it very easy to wear. Tissot has updated the dimensions of the modern PRX from the late 1970s model, and the 100-meter water resistance and sapphire crystal on the dial enhance the durability. I wish there was an AR coating on the sapphire crystal, but that may not be easy to do at this price point.
The PRX has a simple and straightforward dial that focuses on readability and a worldly look. These aren’t what you’d call exciting dials, but they are classic, conservative, and versatile from a style standpoint. The blue, silver, or black dial colors work well, and the applied hour markers help them look their best. Overall, the dials are very well proportioned and my only criticism of the dials is that the hour and minute hands could be a little less shiny.
Where the Tissot PRX really shines is in the finishing of the case and strap. At a glance, this is very reminiscent of a watch that costs several times more. More importantly, the tight tolerances and smoothness of the bracelet links are very well done, which is unusual for a replica Rolex watch in this price range. Tissot is particularly proud of the fact that the case is available in a variety of different polished and brushed finishes, (again) uncommon for a watch in this price range.
The graduated bracelet closes with a butterfly-style folding strap with thin links, which helps the fake watch to be more comfortable to wear and, in my opinion, more stylish. Tissot has also included a tool-free bracelet release system at the lugs that allows you to easily remove the bracelet. The inherent bracelet attachment system doesn’t mean you can replace it with any third-party strap, but it seems Tissot may consider selling optional straps for the PRX line in the near future.

If you look at photos of Hideki Matsuyama at past events, you can see the same two-tone Submariner in many different images. not only is this a pretty good indicator that it is actually his own personal watch (and not one that was loaned to him by a brand representative to be seen wearing at a specific event), but since some of the photos are pre-September 2020, it also confirms that Matsuyama’s Submariner is the old ref. 116613LB and not the current production version, as the new generation of Submariner watches, did not exist at the time some of the photos were taken.
While some Rolex replica ambassadors can wear a number of different watches, Hideki Matsuyama seems to wear only his two-tone Submariner and you will be hard-pressed to find photos of him wearing any other watch. Similarly, Tiger Woods wears his personal Deepsea Sea-Dweller the vast majority of the time, and while both Rolex ambassadors may wear whatever model they want, both Woods and Matsuyama seem to choose their own personal watches when they hoist the trophy.
Hideki Matsuyama may have been wearing his two-tone Rolex Submariner when he won the Masters on Sunday, but those watching the tournament may have also spotted another Rolex watch on the wrist of Matsuyama’s caddie, Shota Hayafuji. Unlike Matsuyama, who only wore his Rolex Submariner during the awards ceremony (most golfers don’t actually wear watches when they play), Hayafuji wore his replica Rolex all weekend, and many different spots could be seen on his wrist throughout the tournament.
Those with a keen eye may have noticed that Shota Hayafuji was wearing a 40mm Rolex Yacht-Master with a slate-colored dial. The platinum bezel, slate dial, and bright turquoise seconds hand are all features of the Yacht-Master, and Yasuji Hayao’s watch was seen several times when he extended his hand to congratulate Matsuyama after a good shot.

Root beer reminds us of simpler times – the days of pouring drinks over ice cream instead of ice cubes. But we had to grow up somehow, and luckily for us, we got something just as sweet with the Rolex GMT Root Beer bezel.
Rolex first introduced the GMT-Master in 1954 in response to the aviation world’s need for a timepiece to help pilots and crew keep track of time while traveling across multiple time zones. The result is a sports watch that includes a 24-hour bezel that corresponds to the GMT hand on the dial to track two different time zones simultaneously. Since its release, the Rolex GMT-Master has grown into an impressive collection of watches worn by everyone from professional athletes and celebrities to pilots and military personnel.
Now, it may not be as satisfying as your childhood drink, but the Rolex Root Beer GMT is certainly a fun way to indulge in a luxury watch. With that in mind, it probably goes without saying that not everyone agrees. Some Rolex GMT-Master enthusiasts find it hard to accept the idea of a brown color going further than a leather strap. However, for those who prefer root Rolex beer bezels, these replica watches are a real treat.
It’s fitting that we were first introduced to the Root Beer Bezel in the 1970s – it just feels vintage and oozes funk, doesn’t it? While it’s a cool choice, it’s also surprising. Rolex isn’t known for putting itself out there, so the Root Beer Bezel is really one of those rare instances when the brand decides to lean into the times and release something a little offbeat and different from the rest of the model portfolio.
The Rolex GMT-Master – the popular pilot’s watch since the 1950s – has been essentially a handsome but practical timepiece for the past 20 years. Around 1970, Rolex released the Ref. 16753 as the first GMT-Master. The 16753, the first replica Rolex GMT-Master, offered the Rolesor model, which is the brand’s signature stainless steel and gold combination. The watch was available in two variants, the first with a black dial and matching black bezel, and the second with a brown dial with brown and gold bezel – the first Rolesor Beer GMT-Master.

In modern watchmaking, a perpetual calendar displays the date and automatically corrects for months of less than 31 days and for leap years. Unless the movement takes into account non-leap century years, watches equipped with a perpetual calendar require manual adjustment at 2100, 2200, and 2300, but not at 2400. Usually, perpetual calendars incorporate additional complications.
Patek Philippe’s cushion-shaped perpetual calendar watch, the Ref. 5940 is now also available with a perpetual calendar function. The 5940 is also now available in a pink gold case. It houses Patek Philippe’s ultra-thin Caliber 240 Q micro-automatic movement.
In January 2017, Hermès unveiled a new model of the Slim d’Hermès Quantième Perpétuel with a platinum case and blue dial. The replica watch is powered by in-house Caliber H1950, a super-thin mechanical movement with a micro-rotor.
During SIHH 2017, Audemars Piguet unveiled the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar with a black ceramic case and bracelet. The 41-mm-large case houses the self-winding Caliber 5134. However, a few years ago, Frederique Constant unveiled to the world the Manufacture Perpetual Calendar with a full, in-house-developed perpetual calendar, priced under $10,000.
The hand-wound Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar in platinum “Pour le Mérite” is A. Lange & Söhne’s most complicated fake watch with the attributes of a “Pour le Mérite”. The in-house movement combines five grand complications: perpetual calendar, chronograph, ratchet function, fusible chain drive, and tourbillon. The large 43mm Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon is limited to 50 pieces and is competitively priced.