Rolex, a name synonymous with timeless elegance and precision, occasionally ventures into the realm of opulence, where its iconic designs take on an extraordinary allure. These captivating creations are known as “iced out” Rolex watches, adorned with a mesmerizing array of diamonds and other precious stones that elevate the brand’s already illustrious reputation to even greater heights of extravagance.
An iced out watch refers to a timepiece that is meticulously embellished with diamonds or other precious stones, creating a dazzling and luxurious appearance that captures the essence of true indulgence. Getting an iced out Rolex usually means choosing between two options: those featuring Rolex factory diamonds and those with aftermarket iced out modifications.
In this ultimate guide to iced out Rolex watches, we will delve into the world of horological extravagance, exploring the brand’s history of gem-setting and its unwavering commitment to using only the finest gems and diamonds. Additionally, we will showcase some of the most popular factory-set iced out Rolex watches, where the fusion of artistry and luxury creates timepieces that are truly breathtaking. Join us on this captivating journey as we unravel the allure of iced out Rolex watches and discover the pinnacle of opulence in horology.
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What are Rolex Iced Out Watches?
An iced out watch refers to a timepiece embellished with diamonds or other precious stones, creating a dazzling and luxurious appearance. There are two primary categories of iced out Rolex watches: those featuring Rolex factory diamonds and those with aftermarket iced out modifications.
1. Rolex Factory Diamonds:
Rolex offers a select range of watches with factory-set diamonds. These diamonds are meticulously chosen for their exceptional quality, and the setting is done with the utmost precision by Rolex’s skilled artisans. These watches are part of Rolex’s official collection and meet the brand’s rigorous standards, ensuring both exceptional aesthetics and reliable timekeeping.
2. Aftermarket Iced Out Watches:
Aftermarket iced out Rolex watches are timepieces that have been customized with diamonds or gems after leaving the Rolex factory. These modifications are carried out by third-party specialists and vary widely in terms of quality and craftsmanship. While aftermarket modifications offer more extensive customization options, they might not always meet the same level of precision and quality as Rolex factory diamonds. Despite how it sounds, many aftermarket jobs instantly devalue the watch.
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Rolex and Gem-Setting
Rolex has a long-standing tradition of gem-setting that dates back to the 1950s when the brand first began incorporating diamonds into their timepieces. Over the years, Rolex has perfected its gem-setting techniques, setting the industry standard for excellence and precision in the world of luxury watchmaking.
Selection of Gems:
Rolex maintains a strict selection process for diamonds and precious stones used in their watches. Every gemstone is carefully examined for its exceptional clarity, color, and brilliance. Only the most exquisite and flawless stones make their way into Rolex timepieces, ensuring that each watch shines with unparalleled radiance. Each diamond must show no inclusions at 10x magnification and class between D and G on the GIA color scale.
The light refraction is also important as it determines the brilliance of the gem. For their watches, Rolex only uses brilliant cut, baguette or trapeze cut, or 8/8 stones.
Masterful Craftsmanship:
At Rolex, gem-setting is a specialized skill that demands years of experience and expertise. The brand’s skilled artisans, who undergo rigorous training, are entrusted with the delicate task of setting the gems onto the timepieces. Their precision and attention to detail result in immaculate settings that secure the stones firmly in place while enhancing the overall aesthetics of the watch.
Artistic Precision:
Master gem-setters are skilled in every form of gem-setting like bead setting, bezel setting, prong or claw setting, and channel setting. Beyond the stones themselves, Rolex makes sure that each stone is not only set securely, but pay attention to the height of the gems, the orientation and positioning, how robust they are and the aesthetics of the setting and if it maintains the lines of the rest of the gemstones.
Rolex’s gem-setting standards are a testament to the brand’s unwavering pursuit of perfection. The meticulous selection of precious stones, coupled with the skilled craftsmanship of Rolex artisans, results in iced out watches that are unrivaled in their brilliance and allure. With each gem meticulously set in place, by hand, a Rolex timepiece becomes a true work of art, combining horological precision with the unparalleled beauty of diamonds and gemstones.
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Popular Rolex Iced Out Factory Watches
Rolex Yachtmaster Everose Pavé Diamond Dial 116655
The Rolex Yachtmaster is a luxurious take on the nautical watch. First introduced in 1992, some of its models have featured Serti dials or those set with diamonds and sapphires or rubies on the cardinal markers. For the reference 116655 which launched in 2018, Rolex revisits the original Yachtmaster Everose with a matte ceramic bezel and Oysterflex strap, by adding a pavé diamond dial as its focal point.
The extra dose of luxury does not at all diminish the Yachtmaster’s functional features. The matte Ceramic bezel with raised, polished numerals allow for calculations of sailing time, the Chromalight lume on the dial allows for legible reading of time, while the patented Oysterflex bracelet with a Glidelock extension system offers a comfortable, all-day wear.
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Rolex Rainbow Daytona 116599 / 598 / 595
The Rolex Rainbow Daytona collection boasts an exquisite fusion of vibrant colors and opulent gem-setting with nearly 100 gemstones. The bezel and dial are embellished with a captivating array of sapphires, rubies, and diamonds, meticulously set to create a mesmerizing rainbow spectrum.
Rolex’s skilled artisans employ the pavé setting technique to secure these precious gems, ensuring a seamless and captivating display of colors. The lugs and crown guard also feature an impressive diamond setting, adding to the watch’s luxurious allure. The black dial easily showcases the gold and crystal subdials with the rainbow theme continuing on the spectrum of gemstone indices.
Setting off the sparkling gemstones is a case crafted from 18k Everose gold, white gold, or yellow gold. The Rainbow Daytona houses a high-performance self-winding chronograph movement, ensuring precise timekeeping and impeccable performance. The Rainbow Daytona is a true masterpiece that stands as a testament to Rolex’s gem-setting expertise and commitment to creating extraordinary timepieces.
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Rolex GMT-Master II 116759SANR and 116759SARU
These GMT-Master II models, crafted in 18k white gold, feature factory-set bezels adorned with striking diamonds and sapphires. The 116759SANR boasts a bezel embellished with black sapphires and diamonds, while the 116759SARU features a blue and pink sapphire and diamond-set bezel.
The striking contrast of colors adds a touch of sophistication to these timepieces, perfectly complementing their dual time zone functionality. The gems are meticulously set using the pave setting technique, creating a seamless and elegant display. The 116759SARU features a textured and elegant pave set dial with simple indices, while the 116759SANR maintains the typical Rolex elegance in simplicity with a black dial and white indices.
Both models house Rolex’s highly reliable self-winding movement, ensuring precise timekeeping and unparalleled performance. The GMT-Master II 116759SANR and 116759SARU exemplify Rolex’s commitment to creating exceptional timepieces that seamlessly blend technical prowess with artistic brilliance.
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Rolex Submariner Sapphire 116659SABR
The Submariner Sapphire 116659SABR is an exceptional timepiece that redefines luxury with its fully diamond and sapphire paved bezel. Crafted from 18k white gold, the watch exudes elegance and sophistication.
The brilliant diamonds create an unrivaled sparkle that catches the light from every angle along the lugs, the bezel, and the center line of the white gold bracelet. The case and crown are set with 92 brilliant cut diamonds. The highly functional bezel showcases 27 dark blue baguette cut sapphires and 11 baguette cut diamonds marking the needed graduations for decompression times.
The dial shines along with the rest of the watch with a pave diamond elegance and 8 blue sapphire index hour markers. The four cardinal hour markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 are applied luminescent lines complemented by white gold Mercedes hands.
The watch’s blue sapphire dial adds a touch of refinement to the design, further accentuating its allure. As a true diver’s watch, the Submariner Sapphire is equipped with a unidirectional rotatable bezel and a waterproof Oyster case up to 300m, offering exceptional durability and reliability.
Powered by the Calibre 3135 self-winding movement, the watch ensures accurate timekeeping and precision under any conditions with a 48-hour power reserve. The Submariner Sapphire 116659SABR exemplifies the perfect harmony between Rolex’s gem-setting prowess and its legendary dive watch heritage.
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Rolex Datejust Zebra Pave Diamond 116185
The Rolex Datejust Zebra Pave Diamond 116185 is an enchanting timepiece that captivates with its distinctive zebra pattern dial under a subdued 36mm case. The dial is embellished with a striking combination of black and white diamonds, creating a visually captivating pavé display. The unique strap was designed by Rolex specifically for this model and it also sports 10 inset diamonds. The rubber strap with stingray inset is closed with a gold clasp.
The bezel, adorned with 60-baguette cut diamonds, further enhances the watch’s luxurious appeal. Meticulously set using the pave setting technique, these diamonds ensure a seamless and dazzling appearance. A further 120 round cut diamonds are set into the sides of the case. The 18k Everose gold case or 18k white gold and Oyster bracelet add a touch of opulence to the watch’s design.
Equipped with a date function and powered by the Calibre 3135 self-winding movement, the Datejust Zebra Pavé Diamond delivers impeccable timekeeping performance. This remarkable timepiece is a testament to Rolex’s gem-setting mastery and its commitment to creating watches that effortlessly blend elegance, artistry, and functionality.
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Iced Out Rolex Watches – Final Thoughts
Iced out Rolex watches are the epitome of opulence, combining the timeless elegance of Rolex with the brilliance of diamonds and precious stones. When adorned with Rolex factory-set gems, these timepieces are true expressions of refinement and excellent craftsmanship.
For those interested in owning these exceptional timepieces, SwissWatchExpo is an excellent destination, offering a wide selection of pre-owned luxury watches, including coveted iced out Rolex models. Explore our vast selection of authentic, pre-owned luxury timepieces from Rolex and nearly 40 of the world’s best brands at SwissWatchExpo.com.
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