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Rolex chronos- my personal history collection
Feb 03, 2011,23:27 PM
Rolex chronographs – my personal history collection
The first Rolex chronographs all used the base Valjoux movement albeit different sizes.
The very early chronographs were beautiful watches with single button or two button chronos. The buttons were often oval or olive shaped. Some cases were square ( note ref 3529 ).
One very interesting and very rare chrono is known as the Zerograph (ref 3462), a single button chronograph with an Oyster crown and a case very similar to an early Oyster case.
This is present in my early ref 4062. Obviously these cases were not waterproof and the movements were found in many chronos of the time including Vacheron, Longines, and Jaeger, . Look at the workmanship of this early case. Beautiful lugs, coined edge case and a stunning dial.
The cases changed over the years to become a single piece case- mono bloco eg. ref 4500 . The models changed from 4500 to become 3525 and 3668 models. These were the precursor to the current Oyster chronos we are familiar with today, beginning with ref 6034 and finally to my 6238.
The bezel was still a regular bezel with no telemetre or tachymetre markings. Tthe next iteration was ref- 6239 – still non screw pushers but having a separate tachymetre bezel.
Finally a screw down pusher was added to the new reference 6263. Theoretically a waterproof chronograph.
The 6265 had a metal bezel but was similar to the ref 6263.
In 1991 Rolex changed their base movement from Valjoux to the now famous Zenith movement ref 4030 which it used until early 2000 when it changed to a fully in house movement.
The Zenith movements were the highlight of the Daytonas history. Stainless steel Daytonas were traded like currency all over the world. Demand outstripped supply and prices rocketed. Marketing 101 taking to the max!
Here is my Zenith with the very rare so called porcelain dial. There were multiple changes to the bezel and dials for these Zenith chronos.
I present my small history of Rolex chronos which represents part of the timeline.
Many thanks to Dowling and Hess- The Best of Time/An unauthorized history This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2011-02-04 02:47:41 This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2011-02-20 06:12:42
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Rolex chronos- my personal history collection
By: watch-guy.com : February 3rd, 2011-23:27
Rolex chronographs – my personal history collection The first Rolex chronographs all used the base Valjoux movement albeit different sizes. The very early chronographs were beautiful watches with single button or two button chronos. The buttons were often...
A very nice journey in time.
By: amanico : February 3rd, 2011-23:36
It is always interesting to see how a model goes through time with all its mechanical and aesthetical evolutions. Now, you make me want to do the Vintage trip... At least, with a Ref 6263 or 6265. For the moment, curiously, I tend to think / feel that the...
Great Collection and post
By: dreamer8 : February 4th, 2011-00:26
You are on a roll julian.This post coming after your great post on your vintage Pateks.Cheers.
that collection just says one thing to me......
By: Miranda : February 4th, 2011-09:05
you are a true connosseur of vintage timepieces... taking these and your PP collection into account, you have a truely magnificent collection of horologial art. Thank you for sharing these delicacies with us. The very best to you Imran
Nice personal history
By: grigo : February 5th, 2011-01:44
Great collection, thanks for making me smarter regarding Rolex Chronos. Best regards, George
We love our vintage Rolex chronos downunder
By: Oztimelord : February 5th, 2011-13:32
Informative post Julian, Between the two of us we have quite a collection. Any plans for more chronos? What about a 116520 with the 4130 mvt or will you wait until it becomes vintage? Regards Rene...
Awesome collection
By: RDSChicago : February 8th, 2011-17:58
and excellent post! Thank you for the excellent education on Rolex chronographs you have given to us! Regards, RDS
I think you would be pleased
By: mell0822 : February 15th, 2011-01:33
to see the vintage Daytonas at Malmaison, a newly opened luxury store in Singapore. I'm equally impressed by the vintage Rolexes on display, as well as your collection. Do drop by to have a look if you're in Singapore.
Fantastic collection, a great inspiration for me ...
By: luc00 : February 16th, 2011-05:42
I do feel the pressure in me to start collecting vintage watches. I have been waiting for the right moment... But sofar i am still a virgin buyer of new watches, certainly because i need the personal contact with a dealer that i trust like the ones i buy ...
does Rolex currently make
By: Sukan : February 25th, 2011-09:25
any Chrono watches apart from "The Daytona"? just like the simple one you have