When Did the First Rolex Submariner Come Out?

The advent of the Rolex Submariner has truly altered the landscape for wrist watches. In this case, the Submariner is more than just a label because it has deeply rooted itself in the minds and imaginations of people all throughout the decades. This watch is what people think of when water resistant watches are being talked about. It is also thanks to some divers and diving companies that the name has been recognised by many people worldwide.

The world first met the Submariner at the Swiss Watch Fair in 1954. There were two watches produced with reference numbers 6204 and 6205, although it has been established which one came out first since both watches look exactly like the other. At that tiime, the first Submariner models lacked the Mercedes hand, which was first exhibited in Submariners in the ref. 6200 Submariner that was also produced in 1954. In the next decades, the Submariner would become warmly accepted in the community particularly because of its resistance to extreme conditions. It is this capability that other brands have come up with their own water-resistant models although they could not possibly copy the capability of the Rolex Submariner.

Its involvement as a main equipment in several deep sea diving expeditions have paved the way for establishing the model's reputation for resilience. For instance, the French diving company COMEX issued Rolex Submariner watches for their divers. Models of the Rolex Submariner were also used by members of the Moana Expedition, in which it demonstrated that can withstand more than a thousand dives to deep sea depths. And, did you know that the Submariner had managed to make it through very harsh conditions and temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius in Antartica? Finally, the Rolex Submariner has found a really good niche in the Royal Navy's frogmen. This is a special model that was commissioned only for the Royal Navy, with reference number 5513. Unfortunately, it would be difficult for collectors except perhaps the most inquisitive ones to find these watches unless they join the Royal Navy frogmen.

While its function remains the same, the Submariner has gone through an evolution in designs at different points for the past 40 years. The 2012 Submariner, which bears model number 114060, has a frame that is remarkably larger in size than the previous models. It does not display the date that other Submariner models have, and the hour markers are Chromalight. The 2012 114060 Submariner's bracelet is also a first, a feature that Rolex has dubbed the Glidelock extension system that could be expected to be present in other models of the Submariner that will follow.

It has been around 50 years since the Rolex Submariner first appeared in the market. In 50 years, numerous models or variants of the Submariner have been phased out, but newer models have also made an appearance in the market. However, some authentic specimens of the earlier Rolex Submariner models are still in existence and highly available today. Though they are not antiques, they could not be considered as modern as well because of their age. If you are fond of collecting discontinued models of luxury watches like the Submariner, you will be delighted because it is still possible to find surviving Rolex Submariners in antique shops that collectors like you could visit. Thanks to the help of the Internet, it is even easier for collectors to locate working articles of Rolex Submariners.

Artistic Innovations During the Victorian Era

The Victorian era is lovingly remembered. Because of the many changes and innovations made possible during this period, it would appear like Britain had its own Renaissance while under rule of Queen Victoria. Brought about by the beloved Queen, the United Kingdom experienced a time of social and cultural development. Morality was at a high, and the Kingdom was at peace for the entire length of the Queen's long reign. Because of the long period of peace, historians consider the Victorian era as a time of Pax Britannica. There were, of course, other significant developments in Britain brought about during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Art, for instance, experienced a surge in style. For instance, there was a rise in Gothic architecture during the era, effectively restoring the style. Because it clashed with the established Classical design and style, the re-emergence of Gothic architecture paved the way for the Battle of the Styles. Of course, people did not go to war with people who favoured a different architectural style, but instead the "battle" was played out using debates and criticisms from one camp to the other. There were, after all, big distinctions between the Gothic and the Classical styles. Critics of the Classical camp considered the style as too standard, and even too mechanic that it is almost devoid of life. Meanwhile, Gothic was thought of as an expression of moral sensibilities that were prevalent during the Era: a direct opposite of the Classical style as viewed by critics of that time. Vernacular architecture would later on emerge, and add to the already populate palette of styles available to artists. Though the artists bickered amongst each other during those days, what remains true is that, during this period, people had a diverse choice of styles that they could mull over for their structures.

Another evolution that arose during the Victorian period is photography, which was pioneered in France by Joseph Nicephone Niepce. Photography first came to the shores of Britain in 1851, when it held the Great Exhibition in 1851 to display inventions and developments from all over the world. Queen Victoria herself had the distinction of being the first monarch to have her photo taken. A new style of art emerged as well, where paintings and portraits are inspired by photographs making the result a lot more detailed and realistic. One such artist is John Everett Millais, whose artwork based on people bore close likeness to photographs.

The Victorian era is remembered not only for its art but also for its fine jewellery. In this case, Queen Victoria had great affection for jewellery. For instance, she is known to be quite opulent with her rings, adorning each finger with one. Aside from that, the Victorian-era pieces of jewellery featured one quality that were impossible during the Georgian era. Gems that were not available in the kingdom were now available from other sources like India and Australia, and this was made possible by the relative peace enjoyed during Queen Victoria's time on the throne. Victorian-era jewellery were also affected by the creation of gas light, as Georgian gemstones that were designed to project a glow under candle light became overwhelmed by the new kind of light.

To summarize, the Victorian era was a time of positive changes for art, technology and culture. If you want to study the impact of the Victorian era in culture and art, you should get your hands on some authentic Victorian-era antiques. Their splendour make Victorian-era jewelleries popular amongst jewellery collectors, especially those interested in antiques. There is also great sentimental value for each piece of Victorian antique jewellery because of their age, which makes them a must-have for any antique enthusiast.

Travel Time - Style Tips

Well-timed tips that should go a long way. Kick-up your style IQ a level higher with sophisticated luggage and funky shoes.

Packing it

I'm planning a trip to India and I need a bag that is easy to cart around. Should I opt for flexibility with one of those big rucksacks or stick with a conventional luggage? Anything on wheels is usually easier to take around. Though a backpack is the luggage preferred by travellers toughing it, it can actually eventually cause a strain on your backside and slow down your progress. A case that has tires attached nevertheless will make hauling it around easier, and no matter how weighty the bag is, you'll hardly feel the weight since it won't be on your back. To get the best of both worlds, pick a case that's both equally a duffel and roller. It's stream-lined, much less obtrusive, plus you can carry it on your shoulder or decide to use the stroller.

Footloose

How can I make a plain shift dress less plainer? Huge accessories and jewel-toned bags can dress-up any plain shift. But to make it more polished, pick just one stand-out accessory. It may be your shoes. I say you may be as wacky as your character permits. If you want it less inferior, a shiny, slick patent or jewel-toned shoes will still liven your outfit. Colour blocking is a common exercise now, like hot pink shoes to go with a grey shift dress. You can be more adventurous and have fun with textures and embellishments. Suede peep-toes with designs and buckle detailing will stand-out completely with a minimal shift dress.

Take Cover

I've a wedding ceremony to go to and I want a cover-up that's not a shawl. If a short-sleeved cardigan is worn over a formal gown, will it work? Yes, it can actually! Celebrities in the '50s, like Grace Kelly, made it to the Oscars in this wardrobe. It is an simple and easy way of mixing the old and the new, without looking too done. A knitted cardigan will look great with your silk or jersey gown. It's a nifty way to play with textures without breaking into a sweat. Onyx art deco rings wraps up the Grace Kelly look.

Watch Out

It's almost Christmas and I'm thinking of getting my husband something special, an heirloom preferably. What's a smart buy? If money is not a question, then maybe you can spring for a timepiece that speaks volumes. Don't just buy any watch. Go for a time piece that is known for its excellent craftsmanship and inimitable reputation as one as one of the best functional watches in the world. You don't only buy a time piece, you also buy a piece of history. Preferably, get a watch that's made of white gold, with an inner case made of iron. If navigation features are important, look for one that's similarly used by both civilian and military pilots alike. If he's a big James Bond fan, he will definitely love one of the vintage omega watches. Although very masculine, you'd still be able to pull-off sporting it had you been looking for a striking accessory to match your outfit.

World Shopper - Indulging in Some Internet Retail Therapy

Lots of people, particularly ladies, love to go shopping when touring. Some like to shop on more accustomed territory or shop from the comforts of their very own home, online.

I got my desire for shopping while abroad through my granny. As they grew older, my grandparents loved to travel. Even before intercontinental flights came to be, they plan their shopping sprees around their stop-overs. Even just in death, you could still see proof of places they have visited in their home. A living room shelf holds their doll collection in colourful costumes. Among them are a hand-painted matryoshka from Russia, as well as a svelte, brown-skinned doll in an orange loin cloth that seems a lot like the Jungle Book's Mowgli. A doll that my grandma may have purchased around Australia.

Shopping for souvenirs is pretty well-known. Take my sister Trish, as an example, she's magnets from every country she has visited stuck on her refrigerator door. A collection of demitasses from countless flea markets in Europe is a collection of a previous employer. I, too, have a collection from my travels, although not of one single thing.

There was a time, when the internet was not hugely well-known yet, when it was such a buzz to tour Europe and discover up close the difference between the Swiss and Venetian lace. And to imagine that the best part of that trip to Venice was neither the Doge's Palace nor the Piazza San Marco or even a photo op on a gondola by the Bridge of Sighs. It had been more of the discovery of little artisan shops selling Murano's famous glass wares, mid-century furniture, vintage designer wear, and yes, gorgeous old-fashioned jewellery like vintage art deco rings (some of them heirloom even, I was told!) That trip will forever be remembered through gold-tinged Murano bead necklaces, an artist-signed glass sculpture of a fish-eating pelican, and a cobalt blue vase that would become a vessel for long-stemmed roses in my mother's house.

The latest visit to Shanghai was aggravating, to put it mildly, because in spite of the fact that I shopped for three entire days, I only came away with a pair of distressed-gold shoes purchased at the very last minute just because I did not want to leave that trip not having bought something.

Travelling for the cultural scene makes one feel chic and worldly. Looking at it now, I never made it to the cultural scene as I was always too tired from my shopping sprees. People who have the desire to shop during vacation have the tendency to be binge shoppers. We stretch the baggage restriction set by airline companies after going on a major shopping spree. What is it about going abroad that gives us permission to waste money? I think it's the thrill you get to purchase something you cannot at home. But as shopping online becomes feasible to us, we don't need to go abroad to obtain your Patek Philippe watches Australia. Satisfying your buying urges can now be as simple as going online. Then I can get to be real traveller when travelling international rather than just being a shopper.