Rolex

Here is my mini-review of the 925 Silver BB.

It is quite a beautiful colour, especially the taupe dial and bezel. The sheen of silver is very unique, an aseptic clean look to it. The sapphire crystal is domed like the other BB, and in some viewing angles, it pulls the dial visually outwards.

The bezel function is firm and reassuring. It is even tighter than my steel BB58 and standard 41mm BB. In terms of bezel rotating action, I think Tudor has the tightest action, followed by Blancpain. My Omega seamasters and Tag Heuer aquaracer have somewhat looser rotating action.

I have changed the NATO strap to a tropic strap, finding it more balanced on the wrist with this configuration. The NATO strap has it’s hardware in silver as well, with hallmarks under the buckle. It is a brownish tone, which matches the grey tones of the watch head. Unlike most other NATO straps, this strap fixes the watch in one place, with fabric running under. It is a re-assuring and secure design.

One has to be very very very cautious about changing straps on this. The springbar is quite long, and when it pops out, it can scratch the case easily. I already had an accident when this happened. For the steel version, this would mean a hairline scratch, but for the silver version, it’ll be a ding. Silver is half the MOH’s hardness compared to steel.

Would I take it for a dip? Likely not in a swimming pool, but perhaps the sea will be less harsh.

I’ve read silver is reactive to chlorine. Based on the possible chemical reactions, pool water is likely to erode the silver. Seawater will not be as bad, as there are no free-radical configurations of chlorine compounds or super-oxides. It will be wise to give this a thorough rinse after aquatic activities and a hairdryer to dry it (cool setting), to prevent water to be lodged in the tiny hidden areas such as under the bezel, the springbar area and the crown.

I like the sapphire caseback which shows a modestly finished movement. 

Thoroughly enjoying this piece. Patina has started to set in, though not easily visible on pictures. Some areas show a light yellow-green layer but this was removed by soap. 

=D now waiting for a canvas strap to be delivered for this. i will likely wear it permanently on a good canvas strap (a’la Fifty Fathoms style) with a rubber backing.

It costed me just shy of $6k AUD for this brand new. Which is almost in a no-date submariner price range (a decade ago). Interestingly, I think the closest in aesthetic to this piece is the Oris Sixty-Five range, esp the Carl Brashear version (in Bronze), which is beautiful, but only with a 100m depth rating but with a 5 day power reserve. That costs $1.8k less depending on the discounts you can get on it. 

I believe a lot of people buying this Silver BB will eventually start talking about the patina. I’m actually looking forward to the patina, reminding me of a Sikh silver bangle (a momento from India) I used to wear daily, which oxidised to a beautiful multicoloured piece.

Hope you enjoyed the review. Have a great week ahead everyone. Life is a struggle, but there are often glimmers or shimmers of bright light. I was admittedly quite blue yesterday from an encounter with a nasty Hungarian woman, but a senior doctor cured me of my blues, with just 1 kind word - “this happened to me before”. One kind word, can change a person’s life or mind like a shimmer of light schintillating a glimmer of hope.

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