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Rolex COMEX Submariner
2011
Written by Second Time Round
Probably one of the most rare, and therefore desirable, Rolex watches is the Rolex COMEX Submariner. Designed for the professional diver in the late 1960s following a commission by Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises (COMEX) the first prototypes were released between 1969 and 1971 and given the model number 5513.
The main issues which Rolex had to overcome in the design of the COMEX Submariner were the extreme depth water resistance and explosive decompression caused by helium getting inside the watch. The fix? A helium escape valve. Situated at the nine o’clock position this helium escape valve slowly released the pressure, maintaining a balance with the atmospheric pressure. Whilst this did allow divers to wear the watch at extreme depths the original Rolex 5513s were still just a prototype design and the valve tended to wear out due to oxidation. As a consequence, and once the trial period was complete, an improved Rolex COMEX Submariner with smaller valves made from stainless steel was produced, which fixed the oxidation issue. These versions were given the model number 5514.
All Rolex COMEX models were inscribed with the ‘COMEX’ logo both on the face and on the back of the case. They were fit with the Rolex Oyster bracelet ensuring a smooth and secure fit for the wearer.
The Rolex COMEX Submariner is one of the most sought after luxury watches. We currently have one of these excellent examples in stock at our online catalogue site secondtimeround.biz. All details for this superb timepiece are listed at the link location so head on over and take a look.
If you are not looking for a Rolex 5513 or 5514 but there is another particular Rolex watch model you desire why not complete our watchfinding service form and have us source out that special piece for you.
Rolex Datejust: A Brief History
2011
Written by Second Time Round
Welcome to the latest Second Time Round blog article in which we look at the history and development of the Rolex Datejust. Notable for being the first wristwatch with a date function, the ‘Datejust’ was introduced to market in 1945, shortly after the Second World War. It comprised of a larger version of its Bubbleback and was a self-winding chronograph, using the perpetually powered classic 10-1/2″ Hunter.
The original Rolex Datejust, named the Jubilee Datejust model 4467, was only available in 18k gold and this became the flagship model. It features a fine coin edged bezel, a gold edged date window, alternating red/ black date figures, a tiny bubbleback winder and a deeply domed back. This model was a 3 case part Ovettone model though it was soon replaced by a model with only 2 case parts.
However the biggest, most dramatic change to the Rolex Datejust came in 1954 with the introduction of the Cyclops lens. Allowing for far easier reading of the date, the Cyclops lens became part of the Rolex signature. Following this development was the creation, in 1957, of a new movement calibre 1065 which was much lighter and slimmer allowing for a flatter back and therefore rendering the old domed back obsolete. In the same year Rolex also released stainless steel versions of the Datejusts, where previously they had only been available in yellow gold (and pink gold in South America).
The next change was to change the dial. The old curved edge dial gave way to the new flat dial, which in turn was facilitated by the new Rapid Date Change or quickset feature. The new calibre (3085) movement not only enabled the wearer to change the date much quicker it also meant that there was not as much wear on the hand setting mechanism. Most usefully though it allowed the wearer to change the date from the 28th or 30th to 1st without changing the time.
When the manual ” Oysterdate” was introduced in the 1950′s it came in two sizes, one about the same size as an “Air King” and one a little bigger than a Bubbleback. By the Late 1960′s the smaller one was dropped leaving nothing to fill the void between the current Datejust and the Lady’s model. In 1970 this changed however with the introduction of the 2030 movement. This was a scaled down version of the 1030 movement and was immediately fitted to a series of watches universally known as the “Mid Size”. These watches were perfect 80% replicas of the Oyster Perpetual and the Datejust were available in all the metal and dial variations shared by their big brother. They have proved to be one of Rolex’s greatest successes as they were very popular in the Europe, South America and Asia. Because they were an in between size they also appealed to large women or small men to whom the standard sizes did not appeal.
At the end of the 1980′s the Datejusts were fitted with the sapphire mineral crystal glass. The purpose of this was two fold. Firstly it was more aesthetically pleasing as it slimmed the look of the Datejust and it also rendered the glass virtually scratch proof, which was extremely practical.
The success of the Datejust is phenomenal. From a flagship model when it was first released to one of their entry level models now, it still retains the prowess and exclusiveness that have made it famous.
Rolex Watch
2011
Written by Second Time Round
Second Time Round are Britain’s “largest dealer in Secondhand Rolex’s” according to London’s Evening Standard. Having been established for 25 years in the heart of London we are a family run business offering customers loyalty, satisfaction and the ultimate resource for quality rolex watches.
If you know the model of rolex watch you want and you can’t see it listed on the website then either call us on (020) 7499 7442 or complete the simple enquiry form on our watch finder service page and we’ll do the rest.
There are other rolex watch examples and luxury watch brands available to buy on our secure site over at www.secondtimeround.biz. Please feel free to browse through our current stock and choose your perfect mens or womens rolex watch today.
Jaeger Le Coultre
2011
Written by Second Time Round
Welcome to the latest Second Time Round blog article. Today we are looking at luxury watch manufacturer Jaeger Le Coultre. The story began in 1833 when Antoine LeCoultre founded his workshop in Le Sentier, from which he manufactured watch gearing with his brother Ulysse. Specialising in metallurgy and gear-mechanisms Antoione created the Millionometer in 1844 which was the first instrument capable of measuring components to one millionth of a metre. 3 years later in 1847 LeCoultre created a revolutionary ‘push-piece mechanism’ for rewinding and setting the time on watches, a process which had previously relied on keys to perform this task.
Following on from his father’s work Elie LeCoultre recognised the need to control all aspects of the manufacturing and assembly so he expanded his workshop into a watchmaking factory (a ‘manufacture’). The next 30 years saw LeCoultre’s Manufacture create in excess of 350 different calibers and establish itself as a brand associated with quality and luxury.
In 1903 Edmond Jaeger challenged Jacques-David LeCoultre (Antione’s grandson) to produce ultra thin calibers of his own design. Following this challenge a friendship was formed between the two men which would eventually result in the creation of the brand Jaeger Le Coultre.
At Second Time Round we have a wide range of luxury watches from all the prestigious brands, including Jaeger-LeCoultre. Currently we have the Jaeger Le Coultre Grande Sport watch available with the following features:
* Stainless steel polished case and winding crown
* Rotatable protective centre
* Highly polished dial surround
* White dial
* Sapphire crystal glass
* Stainless steel bracelet
* Quality Swiss automatic movement
* World famous Second Time Round one year guarantee
Breitling Watch
2011
Written by Second Time Round
As long-standing, experienced and successful watch sellers in the heart of London we are experts in all brands and our knowledge of watches stems from our passion for them. We specialise in finding and selling luxury brands and rare timepieces. One of those brands we have not touched upon within this blog section is the Breitling watch.
Having been aware that a Breitling watch is considered to be a high-end item you probably won’t be surprised to learn that it is a Swiss brand, or that it has its roots in the aviation world. Nowadays it retains many aviation-related functions, however they are more status symbols than anything used in a practical sense.
A typical Breitling watch has a large face to allow for the extra elements and dials to be displayed and to provide good visibility for the wearer. One interesting aspect of many watches in the Breitling range is that they feature a wholly mechanical automatic winding mechanism.
We have a rolling stock of watches in all brands but usually have a few items we normally carry. To have a look at the Breitling watches we usually have available click on the watch catalogue button on the menu to the left. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries or if there is a particular model you would like us to find for you. Call us on 020 7499 7442.
Omega Watches
2011
Written by Second Time Round
For today’s blog article I thought I’d take a look at Omega watches. Synonymous with this country’s most famous secret agent, James Bond, Omega is one of the most prestigious and well known brands in the watch world despite it’s humble beginnings. The story begins in Switzerland during 1848 and a young man called Louis Brandt. Taking parts from local craftsmen Brandt put together key wound pocket watches and sold them throughout Italy, Switzerland and England.
Louis died in 1879 after which his two sons took over the business, immediately deciding to take control of production in house after problems with the previous assembly workshop. Shortly afterwards they moved the Omega watches business into a Biel factory, before moving again in 1882 to a larger factory in Gurzelen; which remains the headquarters for omega watches to this day.
In 1903 the Brandt brothers died, by which time their business was one of Switzerland’s largest watch companies. The eldest of four people who inherited this growing empire, Paul-Emile Brandt, is credited with being the creator and builder of Omega watches as we know them today. His efforts throughout the First World War and the years following to unite Omega and Tissot were successful before also merging the two brands within the SSIH group. This group continued to absorb other organisations and give birth to others eventually growing to contain fifty plus companies. Although the 1970s saw the SSIH group as Switzerland’s largest watch producer financial complications would plague the group by the turn of the decade and various business transactions and overhauls took place until 1985 when stability was finally reinstated. In 1998 the company was re-branded the Swatch Group and Omega watches continue to be sought after throughout the world.
Omega watches introduced the world to co-axial escapement in 1999 after it’s invention by George Daniels, an English watchmaker. This design ensures reduced friction with the movement and thereby increases the length of time necessary in between each service and ultimately the lifespan of the watch itself.
As I mentioned before Omega watches have also been the watch of choice for James Bond since 1995. In particular Pierce Brosnan’s Bond wore the Omega Seamaster from the Goldeneye film of that year. The most recent incarnation of Bond, played by Daniel Craig, also wears the Seamaster in Casino Royale. One final piece of interesting trivia regarding Omega watches is that it is the first brand of watch to land on the moon! Although his original model is now lost Buzz Aldrin wore the Omega Seamaster on his lunar landing mission.
There have been several limited edition Omega watches released, often with tie-ins to the Bond franchise or the moon landing, and as such these pieces are difficult to get your hands on. If you should require one of these or any other model of Omega watch then please don’t hesitate to contact us with your requests. We have a watch finding service and our 25 years of experience gives us the contacts to ensure a thorough and competent search for your watch choice.
Cartier Santos Watches
2011
Written by Second Time Round
Cartier Santos watches have enjoyed a reputation as globally renowned time pieces since 1904 when Louis Cartier first designed them for his friend, and aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont. Prior to the creation of the Santos pocket watches were the mainstay for the majority of the population. Indeed Cartier Santos watches are often credited with being the first wrist watch specially designed for men.
Although it was first produced as a commissioned piece in 1904 Cartier Santos watches didn’t go on sale to the general public until 1911.
At Second Time Round we have several great examples of Cartier Santos watches. The nature of our business dictates that our stock is continually changing, however as the Santos is such a classic and desirable watch, we always have a range available. Currently we have the following models of Cartier Santos watch listed and available for purchase (for more Cartier watches, including other examples of the Santos wristwatch visit our Cartier section):
Cartier Santos W20060D6
* Stainless steel brushed case
* Cartier’s signature button with sapphire cabochon
* Stainless steel polished bezel
* White dial with black Roman numerals
* Synthetic sapphire crystal glass
* Stainless steel curved bracelet with signature screws
* Precision Swiss quartz movement with date
* Water resistant to 30 m/ 100 feet
* World famous Second Time Round one year guarantee
Cartier Santos W20055D6
* Stainless steel brushed case
* Cartier’s signature button with sapphire cabochon
* Stainless steel polished bezel
* White guilloche dial with black Roman numerals
* Synthetic sapphire crystal glass
* Stainless steel curved bracelet with signature screws
* Precision Swiss automatic movement with date
* Water resistant to 30 m/ 100 feet
* World famous Second Time Round one year guarantee
Omega Watch UK
2011
Written by Second Time Round
As specialists in second hand watches Second Time Round stock the most prestigious watch brands and only the best examples of each model. We are often quoted as being the ‘largest British dealer in second hand Rolex’s’ but don’t let that fool you into believing we only stock Rolex. We have a continuously updated range which includes Omega watches, Cartier watches, TAG heuer and IWC. Are we the biggest dealer in Omega watches in the UK? Well we don’t have an Evening Standard quote to back that claim up, but we certainly have a fantastic number of quality timepieces in this exciting and luxurious brand.
For a full list of the Omega watches currently available, with delivery anywhere in the UK, click on the picture of the Omega watch above.
Of course throughout the UK Omega watches are synonymous with secret agent, James Bond. Indeed global affection for the British superspy makes Omega watches, in particular The Seamaster, an extremely popular choice among men of all ages. There have been several models released in conjunction with the latest Bond film release and because of the limited nature of such things they can often be difficult to get your hands on these days. However should you require it, or any other Omega watch sourcing out, we operate a watch finding service which allows you to specify exactly which timepiece you are searching for, allowing us to put out the feelers, using our 35 years of experience and contacts within the industry to come up with the goods.
IWC Watch
2011
Written by Second Time Round
As stockists of new and second hand quality prestige watch brands Second Time Round source many ranges of watch such as the IWC watch. The acronym by which the brand is now known is derived from a simple, yet elegant and powerful name: the International Watch Company. As with several other brands the IWC watch started out life in Switzerland. However it was an American watchmaker, Florentine Ariosto Jones, who actually founded the company during the year of 1868. Using experience he’d gained whilst working as the director of America’s leading watchmakers, E. Howard and Co., it was Jones’ vision to create a company that combined the quality Swiss craftmanship with the more contemporary engineering techniques and technology coming out of America at the time.
The IWC watch began life in the Swiss town of Schaffhausen, in a factory rented by Jones in 1869. Five years later and production was at such a level that Jones commissioned local architect, G. Meyer, to design and build a factory specifically for the IWC to further expand their business. By 1875 the new factory was complete and housed 196 workers, each one putting together the IWC watch.
If you are looking for an IWC watch Second Time Round can source it out for you. We are always updating our stock lists with new and used prestige watches. There are a couple of IWC watches which we normally carry, which you can view details of by clicking the link. We also provide an online stock checker, a currency converter and a watch finding service if the particular model you want is not listed.