ROLEX | BASELWORLD 2015: Baselworld Breaking News | ROLEX

ROLEX

A Message from Rolex, Switzerland's Foremost Watchmaker

Development of the New Generation Caliber 3255 (1)

Rolex has developed the new generation Caliber 3255 and unveiled the "Day-Date 40" equipped with this new caliber at Baselworld. The Day-Date is a popular model in Japan, known for its practical watch with day and date displays. The movement of this popular model has been completely renewed. What kind of model is this new creation, featuring a movement with technological innovations in various aspects?

Text by KAWADA Akinori

Achieving Precision Beyond Swiss Official Standards

The most significant news is the birth of a 40mm model in the Oyster Perpetual series, the pinnacle of Rolex's collection, now equipped with a newly developed movement.

The capabilities of this new movement are truly exceptional. It incorporates 14 patented technologies, with 90% of its parts being entirely new.

Notably, the escapement has seen a 15% improvement in operational efficiency through the introduction of the "Chronergy escapement," made from new materials and featuring a novel design. Furthermore, its accuracy achieves -4 to +6 seconds per day, surpassing even the standards of Swiss Official Chronometer certification.

While the existing 36mm Day-Date model had a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, the new movement boasts a power reserve of about 70 hours, effortlessly keeping pace with recent trends in the watchmaking world. This significant extension of the power reserve was achieved by increasing the size of the mainspring barrel, which houses the power source, among other enhancements.

The New Caliber 3255

The Day-Date 40 announced on this occasion features a movement with 90% new parts and has undergone substantial improvements. Crafted from gold or platinum, it presents itself as a model symbolizing the highest grade. The Caliber 3255 is poised to become Rolex's new standard caliber.

ROLEX

A Message from Rolex, Switzerland's Foremost Watchmaker

Development of the New Generation Caliber 3255 (2)

The Yacht-Master: A Professional Model Showcasing Exterior Craftsmanship

The "Yacht-Master," introduced in 2015, offers a reassuring size that re-emphasizes its user-friendliness. The case is crafted from Rolex's proprietary alloy, 18 ct Everose gold. The rotatable Cerachrom bezel features a black ceramic insert, with polished numerals and markers set against a matte-finished base.

The new Oysterflex bracelet consists of metal blades over-molded with black elastomer (a type of synthetic rubber). Elastomer is resistant to sweat and less likely to cause allergies. This model showcases not only its refined proportions but also cutting-edge exterior technology.

ROLEX

A Message from Rolex, Switzerland's Foremost Watchmaker

Development of the New Generation Caliber 3255 (3)

The 39mm Oyster Perpetual Model

The largest case size for the "Oyster Perpetual," which features Rolex's pioneering "Oyster" waterproof case and the world's first perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, was previously 36mm. In 2015, Rolex released the "Oyster Perpetual" in a 39mm size.

The "Oyster" case, a Rolex tradition, ensures 100m water resistance. Practical features remain unchanged, utilizing 904L stainless steel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.