Ceramic Bezel Archives - The Watch-Collector Leeds

Rolex Submariner 16610 vs Rolex Submariner 116610LN

Posted on March 17, 2018 The W-C

The Rolex Submariner 16610 vs Rolex Submariner 116610LN Ceramic this a comparision of the old vs the new. Rolex updated the Rolex 16610 around 2010 to the refined 116610LN Ceramic, initially I was not a big fan of the new Submariner Ceramic always loved the standard Sub. Over time it grew on me then once I purchased realized was a great watch better than the older model in every way.

The two models side by side both 40mm in case size but the shoulders are bigger on Sub C so makes the watch feel and look bigger ascetically on the wrist. The most distinct change is the move from steel bezel insert to Ceramic bezel insert as Ceramic is a lot tougher material too scratch. The other little change was luminova on the hour plots to blue from Green.

The Sub C has the same 3135 movement as the older which can see a new model hitting Basel in the near future as they upgraded most other models Datejust 41mm, Sea dweller 4000, Daydate 40mm with the Calibre 3235 so only matter of time ……. The 3235 movement has 70 hours power reserve with cosc rating of -2/+2 which is New Rolex superlative chronometer rating that Rolex introduced around 2015.

The bracelet they have revamped its the new Oyster glide lock system its so easy to adjust the strap to go over your divers suit or if you needed to micro adjust for the wrist. Overall the Sub C is so much robust than the older Submariner it is near perfect I do Loves Submariners in generally but the choice now would be the Sub C.

I have had plenty of the Older Submariners in the past and prefer the Sub C but in the Rolex Submariner LV versions its the kermit that be my choice to have, very collectible and sought after now. Rolex Submariners have been going for over 60 years so we can safely say tried and tested model from Rolex.

The unfortunate news is that Rolex is cutting production on steel models so all steel Rolex become hard to obtain from authorized Rolex Dealers in the UK which makes it hard for all the Rolex lovers.

Hands On Omega Seamaster Professional 212.30.41.20.03.001

Posted on March 12, 2018 The W-C

Hands On With the Omega Seamaster Professional 212.30.41.20.03.001, this in my opinion is one of the best value Omega watches out there for plenty reasons. This Omega is great all rounder for the buck with Ceramic bezel and blue glossy dial with date aperture at 3 o clock and 41mm case which is perfect. The bracelet is much more robust than older versions and feels very high quality, the Seamaster is a true divers piece with 100 years of heritage just like Rolex has but the main difference is over half the price less to purchase, if you are a good internet shopper and haggler you can get a great discount on thes Omega’s. They do this in black as well which is even nicer but both great watches.

The Seamaster has a co axial movement which time keeping is fer-nominal on these movements. I have posted about previous versions like the Bond Watch and the co-axial version that came before this one which was a favorite. The Omega is so refined now and for £2920 for such a great every day piece which is so versatile dress, casual, smart, work, cannot see how they could make this one better than it already is.

Omega do 100s of great watches and limited editions pieces like no other company too many limited editions! But this one great overall timepiece that all watch enthusiasts should try one.

Hands On With Rolex Daytona 116515LN

Posted on June 11, 2017 The W-C

Hands On With Rolex Daytona 116515LN Rose Gold, this in my opinion is the nicest looking Gold Daytona Rolex produce not too ostentatious on a Rubber B Strap as they can look over the top with full gold oyster bracelet. The watch original comes on a black or brown croc leather with the rose gold deployment clasp. This model Daytona was probably the first of the Daytona’s to come with a ceramic bezel as I did always think why not put the ceramic bezel on the steel models? in 2016 at Basel they launched the steel Daytona with updated dial and bezel Rolex Daytona 116500LN and was an instant hit waiting lists endless…. The white dial version Panda Dial always a hit white dial with black sub dials.

The Rose gold Daytona comes in 18K everose gold with a stunning chocolate dial with dark brown numbers not batons, black ceramic bezel with gold writing 400 kilometres or miles per hour. The movement is the Cal 4130 by Rolex fantastic chronograph movement features a parachrom hair spring which is Cosc rated to within 2 seconds which is another good selling point for Rolex!
If you eyes ares not that good the chocolate dial Daytona is terrible to see the time at night but at worst I can check the time on my phone.

The oyster clasp looks stunning in everose gold with the rubber and this year at Basel World Rolex launched a new range to go a long side with Rolex 116515LN in a range of other precious metals 18k white gold and 18k Yellow gold on the oyster flex. The oyster flex is Rolex’s own rubber strap which is very nice indeed although not compatible with my model as the clasp fitment is different, Thanks Rolex was hoping to buy a oyster flex strap. See picture below still think rose gold chocolate dial is the best looking one all thou the white gold version would be my second choice. I actual think would be nice to own all 3 versions and the steel white version but how many Daytona’s does a man need!!

The one thing I would say is great about this model on the rubber strap is the watch can be worn every day without looking really flash and wears well in casual wear as well as smart. The Daytona will always be a watch to have always has been, the gold versions are not as popular due to the price tag. The Steel Daytona in the shops excluding Rolex Authorized Dealers are fetching some where £14000 – £15000 so the precious models are not a great deal more also can be discounted so might worth a look at an used gold Daytona on leather strap if your thinking of the steel version.

Hands on with Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV

Posted on May 16, 2017 The W-C

Hands on with Rolex Submariner Hulk 116610LV, this watch is the newer version to the 50th Anniversary Rolex Submariner 16610LV that was launched 2003 a truly classic piece which is in a previous post you can click on link above. This version is the totally been transformed to the previous model and is loved now in my opinion, took me a while to get with the changes to ceramic bezel, green dial and bezel, new glide lock bracelet etc…

The “Hulk” its nick name for obvious reasons the green dial green bezel is stunning and the dial contrasts in different angles from dark green to light green as picture below.

The green ceramic bezel works well hard wearing very difficult to scratch of mark, the case size is still 40mm but the shoulders have got wider and longer which gives the watch slightly bigger appearance on the wrist. The one mod I liked by Rolex was if you look at the dial face on it appears black like the older Lv. The watch is Cosc rated to depth of 300 metres as it should for professional divers piece with long standing history.

The bracelet glide lock system has been totally re-designed a lot more robust and easy to move the strap to fit you wrist as the old one was a little fiddly.

The watch retains the big hour plot markers and big hour hand overall a great piece by Rolex lovers all over the world. Gets my vote!

The wrist shot!

5 Hublot that are outstanding Basel 2017

Posted on March 28, 2017 The W-C

Here is a short video on the 5 Hublot watches at Basel 2017 that took a little bit of the lime light in design. They never disappoint in outrageous style and class more than likely very very expensive!!

Hands On With Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116500LN Panda Dial

Posted on February 4, 2017March 17, 2018 The W-C

As the title says Rolex Daytona Cosmograph 116500LN White Panda dial probably the watch of 2016 from Rolex very much loved and anticipated by every collector worldwide. The frenzy started after the basel show 2016 where Rolex showed the piece off since then the waiting list become impossible to get on everywhere in the world with the original RRp of £8250 pre price increase. To add to that never you will never see one in a Rolex Authorized dealer anywhere.

The watch is very similar to the older pre ceramic version which had stainless steel bezel with white dial and silver sub dials, the Rolex 500 (short for this model) has Cerachrom bezel in ceramic is the biggest change that is deeply loved and having a white dial with black subdials is a true Panda dial. Panda dial these days in any watch brand everyone wants!!!

The bezel I totally get after having the older model it is very easy the scratch, the ceramic bezel a lot tougher to mark when you are very OCD about your watches as most collectors are. The Rolex Cosmograph was loved by various stars Paul Newman was a great fan and true ambassador to the cosmograph brand dating back to the 1970’s which probably gave the watch its collector status today. Paul Newman Daytonas are fetching over £100k these days not bad for a £300 £400 watch in the 70’s. But to be honest vintage market gone through the roof last few years anything matt dial of gilt is the way forward.

To be honest I really loved the watch but at the cost of well over RRp I was very underwhelmed with the watch to be honest once I got one, this may be down to all the hype and build up to getting the watch and wanting one so bad!! But as waiting lists are totally non existent on this model for the next 15 years you after pay the premium to own one unfortunately as being Daytona fan had to try one. The pictures do speak volumes.

vintage watch buyer

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chrono 600m

Posted on January 20, 2017 The W-C

As I previously posted about the Omega Planet Ocean non chronograph version 42mm, thought it made sense to follow with reference to the “big Brother” 45mm Chronograph 600m with orange bezel. The Omega seamaster planet ocean chrono model number 232.30.46.51.01.002 is a nice big lump compared to the 42mm non chronograph, made in stainless steel brushed with subtle polished shoulders and pushers and rotating bezel. It houses the calibre 9300 co axial movement Omega’s bullet proof in-house chrono movement they use on a lot of their chrono watches. One of the big changes from the old chrono’s is 2 slit seconds sub dials instead of 3.

The watch is water resistant to 600m as the old one was but this wears very big on the wrist as is very thick indeed, date window at 6 o clock, a great combination with the orange bits on the pushers and little chrono hand plus number 12 on the dial. This model has see through caseback as well always nice to see the movement in my opinion although folk thinks it pointless on the wrist. I do like the chrono version probably one of my favourite planet oceans all round, far better than the older versions also added bonus of a true diver’s tool like Rolex Submariners but big and beautiful.

sell my Omega

Rolex Gmt Master 2 Ref 116710BLNR Aka Batman

Posted on September 8, 2016 The W-C

As the title says Rolex Gmt Master II Ref 116710BLNR AKA “Batman” long awaited for me. This piece is basically A standard Gmt Master II with Ceramic black and blue Bezel and a blue Gmt hand and recently become the watch to have! In the past the secondhand market was not that great with this model, as I felt people could not bare the thought of paying the extra £1000 for the different Colour bezel. I after admit I was one of them people 🙁

Now things have changed dramatically in the last 6 months folk are fighting for them in dealers with lists on new ones up to a 2 year waiting wow ouch! and secondhand prices soaring to get hold of one. I got to say do love the blue and black Ceramic bezel “Batman” with polished centre links on a oyster bracelet like Daytona, Yachtmaster, Milgauss, and a Maxi dial to boot which really set the watch. Most sports models adopt satin finish on the oyster bracelet.

I do think Rolex did get all the newer models right since launch around 2006 with big hour hand and big hour marker plots. This concept I think came from the Yachtmaster from memory definitely influenced from the stunning Rolex Submariner LV in 2003 when it was launched. A great looking watch overall if you can find one!

Breitling Colt A17380 Automatic

Posted on September 5, 2016 The W-C

Here is a Breitling Colt Automatic Ref A17380, the case is 41mm in stainless steel and is water resistant to 500m with stunning slate grey dial with baton style markers one of the best colours in my opinion, rotating bezel with minute markers for diving. The Breitling as most have sapphire crystal glass with anti glare coating both sides for no sun reflection when in your jet fighter!!

I have owned one of these a fair few years back good size and good weight on a Breitling Pro II bracelet. The colt has grown over the years in size which has probably had at least four overhauls in the past to present and got better and better. This particular model Colt are a entry level Breitling for an Automatic movement, as quartz always cheaper to buy new and used but secondhand prices are good value for money I feel.

Omega Speedmaster Apollo-Soyuz Meteorite 311.30.42.30.99.001

Posted on August 30, 2016August 1, 2017 The W-C

Here is little beauty Omega Speedmaster Apollo-Soyuz Meteorite Ref: 311.30.42.30.99.001, this particular piece is the standard speedmaster Moonwatch with a meteorite dial. The dial is unique and mesmerizing in colour and this model was to commemorate Apollo-Soyuz Test Project which was to superpowers working together on landing station in orbit. The watch has sapphire crystal with cal 1861 Manual wind chrono movement, Omega speedmaster have done 100’s of editions from Limited to special editions etc…. lost count over the years I think they probably done the most out of all the Swiss brands. But this a great piece for the collection!