A woman's favourite gemstone: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Pearlmaster 39 orange timepiece review

  At Baselworld 2015, Rolex introduced three new Datejust Pearlmaster timepieces featuring a redesigned case enlarged to 39 mm,Rolexpowered by the calibre 3235 mechanical movement with a patented paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. Today we review one of these Datejust Pearlmaster models.

        There are 3 iterations of the new Datejust Pearlmaster. Two are in yellow gold, with bezels set with blue-green sapphires and yellow-orange sapphires respectively. The third is in white gold, with a bezel set with blue-purple sapphires.

39 mm yellow gold case

        This piece is one of the yellow gold models of the new Datejust Pearlmaster 39 (Reference: 86348SAJOR), boasting a cognac dial and a bezel set with 48 baguette-cut natural sapphires in a gradient from orange to red. It is fitted with a solid yellow gold 5-piece curved-link bracelet exclusive to the Pearlmaster, exuding noble elegance.

Fluted case back

        The Rolex Oyster case guarantees water resistance to 100 metres (330 feet). Robust and crafted in yellow gold from Rolex's own foundry, it radiates mature luxury. The screw-down winding crown features a Twinlock double waterproofness system and, along with the fluted case back, is securely screwed down against the case.

Five-piece rounded links

        The five-piece rounded links differ from the standard Jubilee bracelet, offering softer, more feminine curves. The concealed attachment system beneath the bezel ensures a seamless visual transition between the bracelet and case.

Bezel set with gradient gemstones

        The side profile features smooth and comfortable lines; both the flanks and the lugs are polished, gleaming with the soft, distinctive lustre of yellow gold. The bezel is exquisitely set with gemstones arranged in a delicate colour gradient, transitioning seamlessly from yellow to orange and through to red. Setting these compositions of natural gemstones to achieve a flawless dégradé effect is an intricate and demanding process, rendering the gem-set bezel of each timepiece truly extraordinary.

Concealed Crownclasp in yellow gold

        The concealed Crownclasp in yellow gold is opened via the hinged Rolex crown emblem.

Cognac dial

        The cognac dial features a sunray finish, with a date display aperture at 3 o'clock, an applied large coronet at 12 o'clock, classic trapezoidal hands, and the timeless “ Cyclops lens ” on the crystal. Large Arabic numerals set with delicate small diamonds mark 6 and 9 o'clock, whilst the remaining hour markers are each set with a brilliant larger diamond.

Cal.3235 movement

      The new calibre 3235, fitted in the 3255 Datejust. It is equipped with Rolex's patented Chronergy escapement, providing superior energy efficiency. Made from nickel-phosphorus, the escapement is insensitive to magnetic fields. The balance wheel is fitted with an optimised blue Parachrom hairspring, offering up to ten times greater precision than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. A redesigned barrel architecture combined with the high efficiency of the escapement extends the movement's power reserve to three days.

       Conclusion:This timepiece is impeccable from the outside in, with a charm virtually no woman could resist. Boasting an exquisite arrangement of dégradé gemstones, delicate diamond hour markers, rich yellow gold, and a precise, robust, and functional movement, it naturally commands a significant price tag at CHF 71,200.