A thorough explanation of the charm of 5-digit Rolex!
It's a moon phase.
This time, we will thoroughly explain the charm of 5-digit Rolex!
For those who are interested but do not know because there are too many types,
I can't buy the current item because it's expensive, but I want a Rolex! If you are interested, please read it.
What is a 5-digit Rolex?
First of all, let me explain what a 5-digit Rolex is.
Rolex has a unique model number called the part number (reference number).
Example: 116500LN is Daytona.
Each number has its own meaning, and currently there are 6 digits and some models have alphabets.
A 5-digit Rolex means a Rolex before it became a 6-digit part number, that is, a slightly earlier model.
Specifically, the Submariner is "126610LN" as of 2023, and the number part is 6 digits, but two generations ago it was 5 digits and "16610".
This is the so-called 5-digit Rolex.
What's different about a 5-digit Rolex?
Next, I will explain what the 5-digit Rolex is different from the 6-digit Rolex.
Since there are various differences depending on the model, this time we will only explain the common parts to some extent.
- Different bezel material
- Different ways to make bracelets and buckles
- Luminous paint is different
Different bezel material
There are many models with different bezel materials for 5-digit Rolex and 6-digit Rolex.
For example, the Submariner usually has a ceramic bezel for 6 digits, but an aluminum bezel is used for 5 digits.
The ceramic bezel is harder than aluminum, so it is resistant to small scratches and is permanent.
In the case of Daytona, most models have ceramic bezels for 6 digits, but stainless bezels were used for 5 digits. (In the case of solid gold, the same gold as the case is used.)
Aluminum bezel is used for 5 digits.
There are unique unevenness, and the color of the surface may fade.
This is a ceramic bezel (official name is Cerachrom bezel).
It is resistant to small scratches and has a unique luster.
In addition, black ceramic is resistant to deterioration and is permanent.
When I hear this, I think that there are many people who think that ceramic is better, but the aluminum bezel has a big feature.
There is a feature that it fades right out !
I think there are some people who think, "It's better if the color doesn't fade!" . .
I will show you how the color fades in detail.
Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref.16600
The bezel is originally black, but it has faded and changed to a gray-like color mixed with blue.
Rolex GMT Master Ref.16700
The red of the red-blue bezel has faded strongly and turned pink.
The blue is also a little faded, a little lighter than the original color.
Thus, the color of the bezel may change from black to bluish gray or from red to pink.
Exactly this aging is the part where your unique taste comes out, and you can enjoy the " sense of growing a watch " similar to denim.
The structure of the bracelet and buckle is different
Next is the making of bracelets and buckles.
I think there are many people who don't quite get it right with this alone, but if this is different, the feeling of wearing will be greatly different.
I'll explain exactly what the difference is.
First of all, the bracelet has evolved from an antique winding bracelet with a structure that wraps around a plate, and a " heavy bracelet " that can be adjusted with screws is used.
This bracelet has almost the same appearance and specifications as the current bracelet, but the overwhelming difference is how the inside of the top is.
Here is the winding breath.
The type with a guard on the side is called a rivet bracelet.
By wrapping a metal plate around a metal rod, the pieces are connected to form a bracelet.
Since it is necessary to open the board when adjusting the top, it is not used now because there are always traces of work left and there is a problem with durability.
Machined bracelets have been used for Rolex bracelets since the 5th digit, and they have excellent durability.
While the heavy bracelets of the 5-digit era were hollow inside, the bracelets used in current products are also made of metal inside.
The top made by shaving is buried except for the part where the internal screws go through, and although it has a very sturdy construction, it inevitably comes out heavy.
As a result, it is easy to feel the durability and luxury, but the weight is increasing.
The heavy bracelets of the 5-digit era are hollow, so they are light and have a delicate atmosphere that makes them feel like antiques.
The basic structure is the same as the current product, but the inside of the top is hollowed out.
Therefore, many people feel that it is light and easy to use.
When you put it on your arm, it doesn't look glaring, so it's perfect for casual use.
The feeling of wearing is completely to your liking, but the 5-digit heavy breath can be used more lightly.
The overall buckle is thinner for 5 digits.
5-digit double lock buckle.
It is lighter because it is made thinner than the current double lock buckle described later.
The overall thickness has increased, and it has evolved into a more robust structure.
Depending on the model, various functions such as glide locks and extension links are added, so it is heavy.
The construction itself is as delicate and light as the bracelet, but most of the professional models (sports models) use a double lock.
The double lock was adopted from the middle of the five digits, and before that it was a buckle called a single lock.
Currently, the single lock tends to be more expensive as a market price, but if you are not very particular about it, you should be able to fully enjoy the double lock.
Luminous paint is different
Next, I will introduce the difference between luminous paints.
The current Rolex uses a unique luminous paint called Chromalight.
For that reason, it is characterized by being issued for a long time compared to other companies.
This is Chromalight night light.
At first glance, it is difficult to attach the special Luminova, which will be described later, but it is characterized by its light blue color when issued.
Most luminova are green.
Five-digit Rolex uses two patterns of luminous paint depending on the model year.
The first is Luminova Luminous.
This is the luminous paint used by Rolex before Chromalight was used.
Luminous paints that are still used by other manufacturers have a shorter light-emitting time than Chromalight, but they perform well.
The second is tritium noctilucent.
This is basically not used now.
It is a luminous paint that uses a radioactive substance called tritium, a technology that was used before Luminova.
* Please be assured that even if it is a radioactive substance, it will be at a level that does not affect the human body.
Tritium Luminous has a shorter service life than Luminova and Chromalight and will deteriorate.
When it starts to deteriorate, the time it takes to build a port will become shorter, and eventually it will stop glowing.
In most cases, the luminous paint is white, but over time it will burn and turn creamy or orange.
This is the burnt luminous paint. The unique burn gives it an antique-like texture.
This burning is the point, and you can feel the texture that does not appear in current products.
It takes a long time for the burn to occur, and there are many individuals that are not yet burnt at this time.
This is also tritium luminous, but it burns less.
I don't know if it will burn in the future, so choosing an individual that has been burnt from the beginning would be one of the options.
In addition, the hands, dial, and luminous points may have been replaced with Luminova luminous at the manufacturer's service.
The replaced part will not burn and the color may vary.
For that reason, we only use the notation "all-tritium" on the product page when all the luminous products are tritium luminous products.
summary
What did you think.
The above is the charm of 5-digit Rolex, but of course there are many charms that cannot be written here (minor changes to the dial, typeface, etc.).
All in all, it's a watch that can grow like denim .
Of course, I think it's also good to buy a 5-figure Rolex that has already grown.
It is impossible to predict how burns will occur, so if you buy a watch that has been aged, you will be able to get a Rolex that is close to your ideal.
The 5-digit Rolex that we offer has its own appeal in terms of appearance, price, burntness, etc., and we select one by one that will be beneficial to our customers.
Since each has a different charm, we would appreciate it if you could check the actual product at the store and purchase it.
We are currently running a 3% off campaign for Rolex exclusives .
5-digit Rolex is also eligible, so don't miss this chance!
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*The campaign is current as of May 2023 and is subject to change or end without notice. Please acknowledge it beforehand.