Rolex watches are renowned worldwide for their construction and reliability. In fact, each Rolex watch undergoes extreme testing before it is allowed to go on sale. The unique oyster case design dates from 1926 and is an instantly recognizable feature of each Rolex watch. The case gets its name because it clamps shut just like an oyster shell. The case survives underwater because of its design which includes a screw-down back and bezel and a waterproof winding crown. In 1927, a young swimmer named Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel wearing a Rolex Oyster watch. The swimmer’s watch was functioning well following more than ten hours in cold water. The Rolex Explorer is a worthy descendent of this design and is one of Rolex’s most iconic watches.

The Rolex Explorer’s Fascinating History

1953 is the year when Sir Edmund Hillary and his team famously reached the summit of Mt. Everest. At 29,029 ft. (8,848 meters), Mt. Everest is the highest mountain in the world. On the ascent, the climbers endured extreme weather conditions. Legend has it that each climber wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch which functioned properly and kept accurate time. To commemorate this feat and honor the watches worn, Rolex introduced the Rolex Explorer in the same year.

Why the Rolex Explorer is Unique

The Rolex Explorer was specifically designed to withstand extreme elements found in all kinds of explorations. The watch is made from extremely hard, anti-corrosive 904L steel and is highly waterproof to 330 feet (100 meters). Its self-winding movement utilizes a special lubrication, enabling it to function at extreme temperatures.

The Updated Design of the Rolex Explorer

The original design of the Rolex Explorer was quite minimalist. Since its inception in 1953, the watch has been redesigned for a sleek and sophisticated look. The modern Rolex Explorer, introduced in 2010, is built with a stylish stainless steel case and bracelet. The bracelet has a double-locking mechanism and a half-link adjustment. Today’s Rolex weighs in at 2.1 lbs. and measures 39mm, only a little larger than the 36mm original.

Easy to Read Dial

The Rolex Explorer is available with an easy-to-read sapphire dial window in either white or matte black. Sapphire is a very durable crystal, about three times harder than mineral crystals and twenty times harder than acrylic crystals. Its glow-in-the-dark Chromalight hands and hour markers glow twice as long those of other watches using only standard luminescent materials.

The Rolex Explorer II

In 1971, the Rolex Explorer II became available. It is specifically designed to be worn by cave divers. The watch features an orange-colored, 24-hour hand. The orange color is extremely useful where adventurers can’t distinguish between day or night because they can’t see the sun. This capability also makes the watch useful for explorations in polar regions. Early Explorer II models came with a large orange arrow at the end of the orange 24-hour hand. Later models feature a white arrow at the end of a slimmer orange 24-hour hand. Other features of the Explorer II are a date window and a bezel with 24-hour graduations. The Explorer II has a stainless steel case and bracelet and is available with either a white or black dial.

Conclusion

The Rolex Explorer and Rolex Explorer II are the perfect watches to wear on any adventurous exploration. They are especially ideal where extreme conditions are likely to be encountered. Whether the experience is above the earth or below it, the Rolex Explorer is the perfect time-keeping companion. To quote Rolex:

“Look in all the dictionaries, there is no word for what we do. It’s not ‘tradition’, though our craft is timeless. ‘Limitless’ is too limiting. ‘Enduring’ is not enduring enough. ‘Innovation’ can only begin to describe it. We sculpt, paint and explore. But explorers, sculptors and painters we are not. This is the only thing we make. The only thing we will ever make. There is no word for what we do. There’s only a way. The Rolex Way.”

 

You’ve chosen the perfect wedding dress, and now you have to give some thought on how to dress your bridesmaids. Deciding on gowns for your bridesmaids can be somewhat overwhelming because your bridesmaids have different looks, personalities, and tastes. Here are some bridesmaid dress shopping tips to make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Set a Budget

Whatever your budget for bridesmaid dresses, it’s possible to find appealing options ranging from gowns off the rack all the way to custom designs at high-end salons. One thing to bear in mind is to factor in costs for alterations.

Do Some Research

A wide range of bridesmaid dresses can be viewed online making it easier to settle on the style you want before you begin making appointments at salons. Bear in mind that you want a style that matches the vibe of your wedding gown. A current trend is to have bridesmaid dresses in slightly different styles, colors, and fabrics. Mixing up the gowns in this way makes the overall bridal party effect more interesting and is a way to highlight each woman’s individuality and to give her a dress that she will love wearing. Many brands offer similar dresses with different necklines, for example. Here is an interesting article from Brides magazine that gives some style rules for mixing up your bridesmaid dresses while still maintaining a coherent overall look.

Make the Right Color Choice

All colors don’t suit all skin tones or hair colors, so you want a color to flatter each bridesmaid. To solve this problem, you can opt to work with a two-color palette (think sky blue and a darker blue).

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Give yourself plenty of time – seven to eight months – before the wedding day. You want to shop in a relaxed manner and allow plenty of time for fittings, alterations, and delivery. Keep in mind that many designers have their dresses cut overseas which makes it difficult for a boutique to expedite your order.

Your Bridesmaids Need to be Professionally Measured

If your bridesmaid dresses are being made to order, you may think that you will receive custom gowns. However, bridesmaids are measured and then fitted into the closest preexisting size. Also, because each designer has a different method of sizing, correct measurements are necessary. Even if a boutique uses their sales staff to measure bridesmaids, these individuals are not seamstresses, so an appointment with a professional seamstress is recommended.

Make Multiple Trips to Your Boutique

Don’t arrive at your salon for your first appointment with your entire bridal party in tow. Rather take your mother and your maid of honor and maybe one bridesmaid and have this small group narrow down your initial choices. Once you’ve picked out a few favorites, then you can introduce them to the entire bridal party.

You Might Need Extra Length Dresses

If you have tall bridesmaids, their dresses might need to be made longer. Also, if they will be wearing high heels, bring the shoes along when you place your order.

Finally, Remember, It’s Your Day

it’s probably not possible to make everyone equally happy, so don’t stress out by trying too hard to accomplish this. Your bridesmaids are there to contribute to making your big day as wonderful as possible so they should be encouraged to work with your vision.

For a wedding reception in Hawaii on the island of Oahu, ………………………………………. can provide you with a memorable experience in an unforgettable location.

 

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, featuring more black tie events than at any other time of year. Women can show off their finest gowns in a variety of fabrics and colors, and now men can begin to rival them in the range of choices available for men’s holiday formalwear.

Let’s Liven Up the Tuxedo!

Traditionally, it was difficult for a man to get too excited about his dinner jacket – he could choose the cut and the lapel width, and that was about the extent of it. This year, though, the holiday season will be more colorful as many designers have become more daring with the styles, fabrics and colors of dinner jackets.

Midnight Blue is the New Black!

No More Boring Black! Color is in – for example, choose white, burgundy or midnight blue. Don’t be afraid to be even more adventurous and go for printed fabrics, textured silks, or brocades.

Famous designers have gone all out to make you gentlemen feel more festive this holiday season. Louis Vuitton has designed an evening jacket in a rich blue silk. Etro has a collection of gorgeous velvet dinner jackets in rich jewel tones and finished with fun piping. Gucci has embellished a black dinner jacket with a floral print. And, check out Ascot Chang’s plaid dinner jacket with velvet lapels.

So, gentlemen, adopt a less conservative attitude and have some fun when buying a new dinner suit or tuxedo. Pick one that represents your personality and ask the woman in your life to help you. Women love to dress up, and she will enjoy helping you to do the same. 

Contact us to discuss how we can help you keep up to date with more festive holiday formalwear.