From SwissWatchExpo… Spotlight on: the Rolex Serti. A closer look
at Rolex’s gem-set dial watches.
Over the years, Rolex fans and collectors have developed their own jargon – with terms
often given by the watch community itself. ‘Rolexicon’, so to speak, has evolved
into many terms that are specific to the brand.
These run the gamut from nicknames of watches, patented names for materials, and even pop-culture
references.
Among words like Cerachrom, their proprietary ceramic alloy. Everose, their patented rose
gold alloy. And Rolesor, their term for combination gold and steel models, is the Serti.
What is a Serti dial, and how is it used in Rolex jargon? Which Rolex models have Serti
dials? Stay tuned to find out.
Rolex took the word serti from the French word “sertir”, meaning “to set”, specifically
in the context of gem-setting.
The term serti is used by Rolex to refer to watches whose dials are set with precious
gems — specifically diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
Inside Rolex, the term is used across all watches with gems on the dials, including
Day-Date, Datejust and Pearlmaster watches.
In watch circles however, Serti is used to refer to Rolex sport watches: models of
the Submariner, GMT-Master and Yacht-Master with gem-set dials.
Let’s explore the different Serti dials of the Submariner, GMT-Master and Yacht-Master.
We begin with the Rolex Submariner Serti dials. Vintage Rolex Submariner Serti dials are very
popular in the pre-owned market.
They are most often found in Rolesor or two-tone steel and gold models, but there are also
vintage yellow gold Submariner Serti watches.
Rolex Submariner Serti dials are paired with blue or black bezels, and champagne or slate dials.
Listed here are references of Rolex Submariner Serti dials.
For all three watch families, diamonds are used for eight hour markers, while sapphires
or rubies are used for the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock hour markers. Meanwhile, the 3 o’clock marker
is left for the date window.
Rolex GMT-Master Serti watches follow the same arrangement for the gems as the Submariner,
the only difference is that the GMT-Master is fitted with rubies only instead of sapphires.
They are also available in both gold and rolesor steel and gold models. Moreover, GMT-Master
Serti dials are paired with either black bezels or bronze ‘Rootbeer’ bezels and slate
or champagne dials.
Listed here are the references of the Rolex GMT-Master Serti dials.
For the Yacht-Master, the Serti dials are typically fitted with mother of pearl dials
too, making them more opulent.
Like the Submariner and GMT-Master, the Yacht-Master also mixes diamonds and sapphires on their
dial. What’s interesting is that the Yacht-Master has a Serti dial that features all rubies
for the hour markers.
Since the Yacht-Master has many sizes, it’s important to note that you’ll only find
the Serti on the men’s 40mm Yacht-Master and the ladies’ 29mm Yacht-Master.
Rolex watches are definitely luxurious on their own, but the Serti dial ups the ante.
They’re definitely great options for those who want to add even more charm and luster
to their Rolex.
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