Hands-On: Rolex 1908 “Ice Blue” Platinum 52506 and the Case of a Rolex Dress replica watches on sale
Whatever the reason, the new platinum-cased Rolex Perpetual Calendar 1908 watch that debuted at the 2024 Geneva Watches & Wonders show is so eye-catching. We also included the Rolex 1908 Platinum version in our list of the top ten watches released at the 2024 Geneva Watches & Wonders show. Now, let me talk about my own experience wearing this novel dress watch, which deserves attention not only because of the design and balance, but also because of its value proposition. The Rolex 1908 watch series was launched in 2023 as a replacement for the Rolex Cellini. The 18k gold model was the beginning of the 1908 series (there is no steel version and there may not be one later), and now Rolex has added a version with a platinum dial of the reference 52506 to more fully enrich the 1908 series.
Rolex almost always gives its platinum watches the company’s “Ice Blue” dial color. Most people are familiar with the platinum Daytona and Day-Date “President” models, which both feature this beautiful hue. The innovation of the 1908 lies not in the color, but in the guilloché engraving technique. The vast majority of Rolex replica luxury watches do not feature any type of guilloché engraving, but the company does have the ability, as it has been used on a few other Rolex dress watches in the relatively recent past. However, perhaps no watch has created as much of a stir as the 1908 platinum watch. The combination of the color and the guilloché decoration technique is not only beautiful, but it also makes a Rolex feel distinct, especially in the brand’s current catalog. This is interesting because Rolex has been accused of having too many watches that look the same, which is entirely true. Lately, the company has put more effort into creating watches (or dials) that are completely different from the rest of this historic Swiss luxury watch brand’s offerings.
Platinum is a very expensive case material, and Rolex probably produces more platinum watches than any other luxury watch brand. As with gold watches, Rolex offers some of the best gold and the best value in gold compared to its competitors. The same is true for platinum, and in many ways this 52506 watch (while by no means cheap), feels like a very good value for the money. Obviously, this isn’t a full platinum watch with a matching bracelet (although the brown alligator strap and matching platinum folding bracelet are nice), but it still feels reasonably priced. In fact, there may be some less expensive platinum watches on the market right now, but I’m curious if the watch enthusiast community also thinks Rolex offers a good value proposition here (all things considered, of course). replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Much of the interest in Rolex has revolved around the sports watches in its Oyster Perpetual line. Rolex’s dress watches – at least for the past 30 years – have been very niche. This is partly a reflection of changing attitudes toward dress watches and style preferences. In other words, as people dress up less, dress watches become less applicable unless you know how to pair a dress watch with a more casual outfit, which was traditionally difficult to do with the ultra-simple, monochromatic “tuxedo watch,” but today’s dress watches are very different. Other brands (including most of the Japanese) helped popularize the concept of fun, colorful dress watches that you can enjoy in a more casual way. Every color and texture you can think of has been tried (or will be used) on timepieces like these, and Rolex has certainly taken notice. While the 1908 watch is still fairly conservative in nature, this platinum version with a guilloché blue dial is in a sense Rolex’s response to this emerging trend. The question now is whether Rolex will continue this philosophy and add more vibrant colors to the 18k gold 1908 watch collection beyond off-white and black. replica U-BOAT watches
The 1908 case is water-resistant to 50 meters, while the Rolex Oyster Perpetual case is water-resistant to 100 meters or more, so it’s less sporty, but there are advantages. First, the 39mm wide 1908 case is only 9.5mm thick. This makes it slimmer than most Rolex watches. Secondly, the Perpetual 1908 series is the only men’s watch line that Rolex currently uses the high-performance 7140 automatic movement. These movements use Rolex’s Syloxi silicon balance spring technology, which outperforms Rolex’s other top chronometer movements that are accurate to two seconds per day. The 4Hz, 66-hour power reserve automatic 7140 movement is also very beautiful. Most Rolex watches do not have a sapphire crystal caseback, but this is another reason why the 1908 watch is unique among the big brands’ collections. While the 7140 itself is not hand-finished, we see probably the best industrial finishing technology I have ever seen on any timepiece (although Grand Seiko is another strong leader in this category). The 7140 is a great movement that is stunning from a cosmetic standpoint alone, and from an operational standpoint, it only provides a time display with a subsidiary seconds dial. replica Jacob & Co. epic x chrono
The biggest complaint I have heard from the community about the Rolex 1908 Platinum is about the “SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER” text on the dial. I haven’t heard complaints about other Rolexes with the same text, but I guess that means there’s little to complain about with this watch. Would the dial look a little cleaner without it? Perhaps, but the text is also important to the Rolex brand, part of the brand’s heritage and a reminder that its watch movements are pretty good. I don’t think the text will convince anyone away from this satisfying horological aesthetic.
The story and impressive qualities of this Rolex 1908 Platinum watch mean you can easily wear it in a more casual way. It might be a little forced to pair it with sweatpants, but I think for many people this watch is a comfortable choice for near-daily wear. It has an understated high-end feel to it, as it doesn’t immediately scream “Rolex” to many newbies, and it has a timeless beauty and style that only a very few people will dislike (although you can’t please everyone). Breitling Chronomat replica Watches
