The Cyclops lens, which magnifies the date on many Oyster models, is a Rolex invention dating back to the early 1950s. This innovation makes for appreciably easier reading of the date and has become a signature feature of the brand.
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When did Rolex start using the Cyclops?
1953
In 1953, Rolex introduced an enhancement to the date window, called the Cyclops. Named after the one-eyed giant of Greek mythology, the Cyclops lens is placed outside of the watch crystal, on top of the date aperture, in order to magnify the date.
How is Cyclops attached Rolex?
On older Rolex watches with acrylic crystals, the Cyclops lens is molded and integral to the crystal as one piece. With newer sapphire crystals, the Cyclops is actually a separate piece of sapphire glued to the crystal.
Do all Rolex have Cyclops?
Not just a magnifier but a hallmark of (almost) all Rolex watches with date, meet the Cyclops lens. Some love it, others hate it. Whether you like it or not, the Cyclops is a signature Rolex feature.
What did Rolex invent?
To cement its status, Rolex invented: the first waterproof case, the first self-winding watch, the first watch with a date, and (arguably) one of the first driving chronographs. Before watches became the luxury item they are known as today, they were tools, Clymer says.
Is Rolex Cyclops patented?
The Cyclops lens, which takes its name from the one-eyed giants of Greek mythology, was patented by Rolex in the early 1950s. It was introduced for the first time in 1953 on a Datejust model.
Do all Rolex have magnifying glass?
On Rolex watches with a date (Datejust, Submariner, etc…) the date has to be very small to work properly and so Rolex adds a magnification lens (known as a Cyclops) to the crystal, to allow the wearer to see the date more easily. On all Rolex models the magnification is 2.5X so the date really jumps out at you.
What magnification is a Rolex Cyclops?
2.5x
This is a Rolex cyclops magnifying lens found on the crystal of various sport models. The watch shown is an X series Submariner date model 16610. Magnification level is 2.5x. The magnifier material is sapphire.
What size is a Rolex Cyclops?
7mm X 5.4mm
CYCLOP FOR MEN ROLEX DATEJUST DATE SAPPHIRE WINDOW WATCH CRYSTAL 7mm X 5.4mm T.Q.
Can you get Rolex without Cyclops?
The only current production Rolex with a date complication without a cyclops is the Deepsea Sea-Dweller, a fact that makes that behemoth of a watch a very desirable model for those with larger wrists.
Can you hear the tick of a Rolex?
If you hear loud ticking from your watch, this Rolex is a definite fake. Rolex watches do not make the ticking noises common with other watches. Counterfeiters can’t often perfect the gears, so a ticking noise is made, and this can help you spot fakes quite easily.
How tell if a Rolex is real?
Real Rolex watches have an artful engraving on the winder’s top, while fakes opt for generic winders or poorly crafted engravings on the winder. For example, a genuine Rolex and a fake one may both have the crown logo and three dots engraved onto the winder’s top.
Why is Rolex called Rolex?
Wilsdorf wanted the brand name to be easily pronounceable in any language, and short enough to fit on the face of a watch. He also thought that the name “Rolex” was onomatopoeic, sounding like a watch being wound. In November 1915, the company changed its name to Rolex Watch Co. Ltd.
What does Rolex stand for?
So, basically it doesn’t really mean anything. (Some have suggested that it’s short for “horological excellence,” but there’s no proof that Wilsdorf ever claimed that.) It also hides the brand’s English roots, as the brand began in London in 1908 and moved to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.
What is the cheapest Rolex you can buy?
36mm Oyster Perpetual
What Is The Cheapest Rolex. The cheapest Rolex is the 36mm Oyster Perpetual which costs $5,800 MSRP. The Oyster Perpetual is a no date stainless steel sports model that is considered the most affordable or entry level men’s Rolex.
What is a Cyclops on a watch?
Cyclops refers to an inset magnifying lens found on the crystal of some watches, notably Rolex. Rolex pioneered the date window in watches and introduced an inset magnification lens to the crystal of the Rolex Datejust in 1953.
What is Cyclops lens?
Description. The Cyclops lens, which magnifies the date display on many Oyster models, is a Rolex invention dating back to the early 1950s. This innovation makes for appreciably easier reading of the date and has become a signature feature of the brand.
When did Rolex start using anti-reflective coating?
Rolex first started to use anti-reflective coating (AR coating) on the cyclops of its watches in around 2005.
Does a Rolex tick or sweep?
Rolex has made quartz watches during its years, and this means that there is no rule of thumb you can use that Rolex never ticks like a quartz watch (one tick per second), but the vast majority of Rolex watches are mechanical, and thus sweeps. And today, Rolex only makes automatic, mechanical watches.
How many times does a Rolex tick per second?
What you are seeing is the beats per second. Most Rolex wristwatches utilize the 3135 or 3186 (or derivative) movement which is designed to run at 28,800 beats per hour, or 8 beats per second.
How do you clean a Rolex Cyclops?
One of the main areas which really picks up dirt and dust is around the Rolex cyclops which magnifies the date, take the Q-tip and try to get right into the edges of the cyclops all around it. Use another Q-tip to go all around the surface of the face in a gentle circular motion and the same with the bezel.