New releases - Dominique Renaud Pulse60

 

The name of the first model launched by the brand from Tolochenaz evokes 60 beats or oscillations per minute and an innovative approach to low frequency, aimed at reducing the shocks in the escapement. The large 20 mm balance wheel with high inertia, revealed through the opening on the dial side, features an amplitude greater than 360° and improves static rate stability. Prices : CHF 49,000 + taxes in Titanium and CHF 59,000 + taxes in pink gold and titanium.

 

Vintage Rolex Library - Part 1: Fifty years of the Oyster (1976)

ENGLISH (il testo italiano è in fondo alla pagina)

First of all, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many watch enthusiasts who purchased Rolex 1961-2025 and were kind enough to write to this website about how much they liked the book.

The only regret I have about my latest publishing effort is that there was simply not enough space to include all the information I gathered. That is why I am starting a mini-series of three posts meant to complete the section Documents of Chapters 2 and 3. The first one features the brochure published in 1976 to celebrate fifty years of the Rolex Oyster. Which looks like an appropriate choice, as 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the brand’s most iconic timepiece. Enjoy!

Marco Strazzi

 

“In 1926, a man called Hans Wilsdorf introduced the Rolex Oyster Case”. So begins the text of “Fifty years of the Rolex Oyster”, the 16-page brochure tracing the history of the model that paved the way to the brand’s worldwide fame.

 

 

 

 

The booklet focuses on six memorable events, all of which are mentioned in detail by Rolex 1905-1960 and Rolex 1961-2025: the model’s birth and launch (1926), Mercedes Gleitze’s swim across the English channel (1927, see also this video clip from the 10e10.ch by Marco Strazzi YouTube channel), Malcom Campbell’s land speed record (1935), the successful Everest expedition led by Edmund Hillary (1953), Bathyscaph Trieste’s record dive (1960), Tom Sheppard’s Sahara expedition (1973), the world record depth reached by Comex divers (1975).

 

Titled after the anniversary year, the final pages feature “the Rolex Hall of Fame”, that is the “unique and private corridor” located outside the office of Rolex’s Managing Director, which is “lined with signed portraits of many of the most important Heads of State, decision-makers, scientists and artists the world has seen in the last 50 years. Whatever their nationality or ideology, thay have one thing in common: a Rolex Oyster Chronometer”.

 

ITALIANO 

Prima di tutto, tengo a ringraziare di cuore i molti appassionati che hanno acquistato Rolex 1961-2025 e hanno avuto la cortesia di scrivere a questo sito per testimoniare il loro apprezzamento per il libro.

A proposito di quest'ultima fatica editoriale, il mio unico rimpianto è non avere avuto abbastanza spazio a disposizione per tutte le informazioni raccolte. Ho quindi deciso di pubblicare una mini-serie di tre post destinata a completare la sezione Documents dei Capitoli 2 e 3. Il primo è dedicato alla brochure pubblicata nel 1976 per celebrare i 50 anni dell'Oyster. Una scelta che trovo appropriata, visto che in questo 2026 si festeggia il 100esimo anniversario dell'icona Rolex per eccellenza. Buona lettura!

Marco Strazzi

 

"Nel 1926, un uomo di nome Hans Wilsdorf presentò la cassa Rolex Oyster". Comincia così il testo di "Cinquant'anni del Rolex Oyster", la pubblicazione di 16 pagine che ripercorre la storia dell'orologio che ha gettato le basi per la fama mondiale della marca.

Il libretto si concentra su sei eventi memorabili, tutti riportati in dettaglio da Rolex 1905 e Rolex 1961-2025: la nascita e il lancio del modello (2026), l'attraversamento della Manica a nuoto da parte di Mercedes Gleitze (1927, vedi anche questo video tratto dal canale YouTube 10e10.ch by Marco Strazzi), il record di velocità terrestre stabilito da Malcom Campbell (1935), la vittoriosa spedizione sull'Everest guidata da Edmund Hillary (1953), l'immersione record del Batiscafo Trieste, 1960), la spedizione sahariana di Tom Sheppard (1973), l'immersione da record dei subacquei Comex (1975).

Le pagine conclusive sono dedicata alla “Hall of Fame” Rolex, vale a dire il "corridoio unico e privato" che si trova accanto all'ufficio del Direttore Operativo, sui muri del quale sono appesi i "ritratti autografati di molti tra i più importanti Capi di Stato, decisori, scienziati e artisti che il mondo ha visto negli ultimi 50 anni. Qualunque sia la loro nazionalità o ideologia, hanno tutti qualcosa in comune: un Cronometro Rolex Oyster".

 

New releases - Gérald Genta Geneva Collection

The new time-only pieces feature rose or white gold 38 mm cushion cases crafted in-house at La Fabrique des Boîtiers. A two-segment minute track characterizes the brass dials: the outer one follows the case’s shape, while the inner one is perfectly circular. The Zenith Elite GG-005P automatic movement has a revisited in-house oscillating mass for enhanced aesthetics, offering a 50-hour power reserve and a 4Hz frequency. 

 

Geneva Watch Week

The Geneva Watch Week will once again host the main events of the watchmaking world. 

Watches and Wonders (Palexpo and venues throughout the city, 14-20 April) promises an immersion into the innovation and craftsmanship of leading watch brands. 

 

Time to Watches (14-19 April)) returns for its fifth edition at Villa Sarasin, a one-minute walk from Palexpo. Beyond the Villa, the experience unfolds across a network of living spaces - Lodge, Annex, Cellar,Garden and Brand Pavilions. The event welcomes mainly international trade visitors, but also the general public. This edition brings together over 85 brands. 

 

Chronopolis (Les Halles de l’Île, 14-18April) is a brand new fair offering free access to all, a time window for media and retailers (8 to 10AM), and daily happy hours (5 to 7PM) for visitors, brands and partners. 20 independent brands will showcase their products.

 

Classic watches - Rado DiaStar

In 1962, the company from Lengnau launched the ‘world’s first and only scratchproof watch’, protected by an extra-hard tungsten carbide cap and also revolutionary in design - it was history's first oversized wristwatch.

Enjoy the brand-new mini documentary from the 10e10.ch by Marco Strazzi You Tube channel ... and do not forget to subscribe!

Orologi vintage - Rado DiaStar

Nel 1962 la Casa di Lengnau presentò il “primo e unico orologio inscalfibile del mondo”, protetto da una calotta extra-dura in carburo di tungsteno e rivoluzionario anche nel design: fu il primo orologio da polso sovradimensionato della storia.

Il nuovo mini-documentario è disponibile nel Canale YouTube 10e10.ch by Marco Strazzi.

Buona visione ... e non dimenticare di iscriverti!

New releases – Arnold & Son Constant Force Tourbillon 11, Platinum Edition

This series of 11 pieces pays tribute to the friendship between John Arnold and Abraham-Louis Breguet. Its sapphire case back reveals the A&S5219 calibre, whose architecture is inspired by the first regulator with tourbillon created by Abraham-Louis Breguet. Visible on the dial, between the main gear train and the tourbillon, the patented constant force mechanism regulates the energy from the barrels, eliminating any variations in torque that could disturb the balance’s oscillation. The solid gold dial is ornamented with a hand-guilloché surface in the “tremblé” style, evoking the fern-covered moors around Tintagel in Cornwall – the birthplace of John Arnold. The tourbillon cage can be seen under an 18-carat gold bridge and rotates in exact, one-second increments. The platinum case measures 41.5 mm in diameter.