Rylee Kahan - Leo Hamel

What Makes Colored Diamond Jewelry So Unique?

2023-10-172024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Diamonds come in as many hues and intensities as nature can possibly create. The most common diamond is the white, or colorless, diamond. However, this “white” color ranges from completely colorless to actually showing a light tint throughout the body of the diamond. The light coloring is most commonly shades or yellow, and sometimes shades of brown.

These color distinctions are very subtle and are often indistinguishable to the untrained eye, but they can make a big difference in diamond quality and price. Diamond color is graded on a scale from D to Z, from absolutely no hint of color to a visible tint of color throughout the body of the stone. Diamonds graded from D to F are considered colorless; G to J is considered near colorless; K to M is faint color; N to R is very light color; and S to Z is light color. The less color in the diamond, the whiter the diamond appears.

The further down the scale (from N to Z), the more yellow or brown the diamond appears. Diamonds actually occur in all shades of the rainbow, not just white. Naturally colored diamonds include brown, red, pink, gray, blue, green, violet, purple, orange, yellow, and black. When yellow and brown diamonds are an intensely saturated color, they are referred to as “fancy” colored diamonds and are most valuable.

Colored diamonds are created in the same fashion as colorless diamonds, but more chemistry is involved. When foreign materials other than carbon are present during a diamond’s crystallization process, it alters the chemical development, thus changing the color of the diamond. The result is a beautiful, naturally colored diamond.

How Do Diamonds Get Their Natural Color?

When different trace minerals and elements are trapped during the crystallization process the result is the creation of different hues.

Brown, Red, and Pink Diamonds

While still buried deep within the Earth’s core, intense pressure and heat causes distortions in the crystal lattice during the diamond’s voyage to the surface. This change in the electron structure absorbs green light, which reflects a pinkish hue and produces brown, red, and pink diamonds.

Gray and Blue Diamonds

When boron is present during the chemical process it bonds to the carbon in the crystal structure. This bonding causes the absorption of red, yellow, and green areas of the color spectrum and reflects a bluish/grayish color.

Green Diamonds

Right before a diamond is about to burst through the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust, it absorbs naturally occurring radiation. This radiation absorbs red and yellow light, which creates a green reflection.

Violet and Purple Diamonds

There are a few different theories about how these diamonds get their color. The cause of color is due to a type of crystal distortion; however, it is also believed the presence of hydrogen is a key factor.

Orange and Yellow Diamonds

Orange and yellow hues are attributed to one specific element – nitrogen. Nitrogen atoms will bond in such a way that blue light is absorbed, producing a yellow reflection. The absorption of both blue and yellow spectrums results in an orange reflection.

Black Diamonds

Contrary to all the above colors, a black diamond’s color is not related to trace elements. Small inclusions of graphite and iron clusters create this color, making the diamond appear opaque.

Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we have a vast array of loose and mounted diamonds to choose from. Whether you’re looking for the traditional “white” diamond or a unique, natural color, stop by our jewelry store on San Diego Avenue to find your favorite diamond. Our expert salespeople will guide you to make the very best decision for your needs.

Features of a Rolex Datejust

2023-10-132024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Always the innovator, Rolex gained notoriety for their fashionable aesthetics and cutting-edge technology for wristwatches for both men and women. Considered the modern archetype of the classic watch, the Rolex Datejust masterfully combines visual appeal and high-end quality. Introduced the same year as their 40^th anniversary (1945), the Rolex Datejust is the essence of the renowned brand.

The Datejust has spanned eras with numerous models. All of these include the unique features that make this specific Rolex so important to the company’s history. The Datejust was the first self-winding wristwatch to dsplay the date on the dial of the watch. The automatic calendar feature advances to the next date right at midnight – the moniker, “Datejust.”

The date is visible in a small window located at 3 o’clock on the dial. Originally, the Datejust had the venerable domed plastic watch crystal. In 1954, the versatile and high-quality watch was enhanced to include a magnifying cyclops eye on the watch crystal. This new element magnified the lens by 2.5 times to allow clearer visibility of the date. Eventually, a sapphire crystal replaced the entire plastic crystal, but that didn’t happen until 1988.

Rolex Datejust Bracelets

Another quality feature of this official chronometer is the waterproof Oyster case. The invention of the oyster case in 1926 was a major milestone for Rolex. Before this innovation, waterproofing watch cases involved an outer case being snapped over the watch itself. Since Rolex watches were made with wandering adventurers in mind, the Oyster case made exploring all parts of the world that much more convenient. The Oyster case gets its name from natural oysters, implying that the case closes as tight as an oyster’s shell. This ensures the watch’s safety during expeditions.

To honor the new model and the company’s 40^th anniversary, Rolex created a new bracelet called the Jubilee. Initially, the Jubilee bracelet was only available with the 36mm Datejust, but due to its booming popularity, the bracelet was eventually made compatible with other Rolex models as well. Today, men and women watch enthusiasts can choose to equip their Datejust watches with the Jubilee bracelet, the Oyster bracelet, or a leather strap. All three options are suitable for every occasion and can be showcased with a variety of ensembles.

Rolex in San Diego

For over 50 years, the Datejust has remained one of the most recognizable and desirable Rolex models. The Rolex Datejust is available with an amazing variety of dials, bezels, bracelets, and sizes including both men’s and women’s styles. All Rolex watches in our showroom are pre-owned and can be anywhere from a few months to a few decades in age. All have been fully and expertly restored to their original, timeless splendor using only original Rolex parts, and come with a 2-year warranty. Don’t waste any time – visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue today to discover a dapper Datejust to fit your style.

How to Care for Your Antique Pearls

2023-10-102024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Having antique and vintage jewelry is like owning a piece of history. Holding and wearing pieces that are decades upon decades old can really make you think about their exquisiteness. Naturally, you want to preserve it for the future so that it gives you many years of enjoyment (and to your heir, should you pass it on). Whether it is an antique pearl ring that you cherish, a diamond necklace, or a gorgeous Tiffany bracelet, proper care and storage is the key to keeping its luster and glory.

Before Cleaning

Before you clean your jewelry, it’s advisable that you inspect it with a magnifying glass or loupe. This way you might notice loose gemstones before they fall out and are potentially lost. Loose stones are also more sensitive when it comes to cleaning – they could come off completely. While inspecting a piece, you can find any lodged debris and accumulated dust. To remove these, you can use a soft toothbrush or make up brush to dust the piece off. Note that you should use the softest brush you can find, because some jewelry will scratch from too much brushing. If you find any especially stubborn particles, use a cotton swab dipped in cleaner.

Cleaning with Care

Above all else, there are two pieces of advice you should take notice of. The first – never use abrasive products or cloths to clean jewelry. And the second – it’s best to ask your jeweler how to clean your precious jewelry, namely, how to hold the pieces during cleaning, what products to use and what techniques to use and avoid. Choose an appropriate product. There are many jewelry cleaning products available. Check what types of cleaner are safe for which types of jewelry and ask your jeweler if in doubt. Every alternative to dedicated jewelry cleaners should be carefully considered, including an ultrasonic cleaner (absolutely not intended for pearl jewelry).

For example, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, which are top precious gemstones, can take stronger cleaners because of their natural hardness. Diluted ammonia is a safe cleaner for these stones. However, ammonia would ruin most other jewelry, particularly organic (pearls, coral, turquoise) and soft materials. A few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl of warm water and a soft cloth will do, but remember to rinse well, pat dry, and polish the jewelry afterwards to avoid dulling its shine.

When it comes to pearls, a drop of olive oil on a soft lint-free cloth should do the job. Or you can use a cloth moistened with warm water as well. Interesting point: although pearls are sensitive to perfumes, make up and most oils, plain body oil which they acquire while you wear them will actually keep their luster.

Immersing and Storing Your Jewelry

Think well before you immerse the jewelry. In many cases, soaking jewelry in water is not recommended when it comes to antique and vintage jewelry. Some antique jewelry has gemstones with a foil backing, which should NEVER be immersed. Pearls also shouldn’t be immersed. If you have an antique pearl ring, the water could weaken the adhesive and compromise the mounting, and it’s a pearl strand, the string could stretch, kink, and weaken. Clean as often as necessary. There are no particular guidelines about the frequency. Adjust the frequency of cleaning with how often you wear the piece.

If you clean and store the piece properly, there’s no need to clean it too often. In other words, some antique and vintage jewelry requires caution and occasional wear, so no need to clean such jewelry on a schedule. Always dry the jewelry before you put it away. Moisture is the number one enemy of jewelry. Pat dry the pieces and leave them to air dry completely before storing them. If it’s a piece with intricate design and setting, you may leave it to dry upside down so that any water trapped in the setting would drain.

Proper Storage

There is no point in cleaning your jewelry if you don’t store it properly. Improper storage damages jewelry easily. Never let jewelry come in contact with other jewelry. Set necklaces and bracelets down carefully so that no parts are in contact with other parts. Gold is soft and easily scratched, and gemstones can scratch other gemstones. And let’s reiterate again, because it cannot be stressed enough – make sure your jewelry is dry before you put it away.

One moist piece in a jewelry box could also ruin many other pieces. You can use original boxes or pouches to store the pieces separately from each other. If you don’t like the fact that these aren’t see-through you can make small labels with photographs. You can also wrap your jewelry items in pieces of cloth. If you want to be able to see your collection instantly, you can use Ziploc bags or you can make glass boxes from top-loading floating frames, with some cotton batting and decorative fabric inside.

Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is the go-to place to buy jewelry and watches for residents of San Diego and surrounding areas. Visit our website for a preview of what’s available in our luxurious showroom on San Diego Avenue. Sign up for our eblasts to get first dibs on special sales and discounts! And come visit us whenever you need new and like-new jewelry of the finest quality and white an enduring statement.

Celebrate October Birthdays with Opal!

2023-10-062024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

There is arguably no gemstone more enchanting and alluring than opal. Teeming with color and mystery, opal is the perfect birthstone for October. Unlike other gemstones, opal reflects light so that it displays many vibrant colors at once. This light play creates a kaleidoscopic, rainbow effect that is simply mesmerizing. To kick off October, we’re delving into the mystery of opal birthstones with some fascinating facts.

Opal's Name Origin

Evidence of the first opal artifacts dates back to 4000 B.C. However, the origin of the name opal causes much debate. The ancient Greek word for opal is opallios, meaning to see a change of color. The Roman word is opalus, meaning precious stone. Many modern references suggest the word opal is adapted from the Sanskrit work upala, meaning jewel. Although it is not known for certain, the term we use today for this iridescent birthstone seems to be a combination foal l three languages.

How is Opal Formed?

There is some dispute about how exactly opal is formed, but many believe it is the result of rain. This theory is referred to as the weathering model, and specifically refers to desert regions with heavy rainfall with heavy rainfall and silica rich sediment. According to this model, rain carrying silica seeps down into the crevasses of rocks. Once the dry season arrives, the water evaporates, and the silica that is left behind dries out and hardens into precious opal.

This process is a slow one of course and is believed to take millions of years. Opal is amorphous, meaning it has no defined crystal system or structure. Instead, opal is comprised of many tiny silica spheres of varying sizes. This makes opal gems the most unpredictable, able to take on many shapes and display several colors at once. Boulder opal, for example, has been known to reveal the entire rainbow in just one stone.

Precious vs. Common

There are two distinct variations of opal – precious opal and common opal. Precious opals are more popular and display the phenomenon known as “play of color” or “opalescence.” Most precious opal flash a mixture of vivid colors. Although still beautiful, common opals do not exhibit “opalescence,” and are typically one solid, opaque color.

Where is Opal Found?

Common opal can be found pretty easily in many regions of the world. Precious opal, on the other hand, is primarily mine in Australia where the gemstone is particularly abundant. Australian mines, like Coober Pedy, Lightning Ridge, and Mintabie, produce about 90% of the world’s precious opal. Other countries where opal can be found include Brazil, Mexico, and Ethiopia.

Meaning & Symbolism

In addition to being the birthstone of October, opal is also the gemstone given to celebrate 14^th wedding anniversaries. This exquisite gem is considered a symbol of hope, innocence, and purity. Opal also has strong implications of happiness, faithfulness, loyalty, and confidence. Unfortunately, opals have quite an arduous history. This is widely due to Sir Walter Scott’s 1829 novel, Anne of Geierstein, which emphasized opal’s relationship to bad luck and death. Within a year of the book’s publication, opal sales dropped by 50%. Despite this period of negative superstitions, opals have generally been symbols of goo luck. They are believed to possess the virtues of each gemstone whose colors are represented in their wide color spectrum.

Opal Durability

Opal scores a 5.5 to 6.5 on Mohs Scale of Hardness, meaning these beautiful gemstones are relatively fragile. Though opal can be used for jewelry, proper care is necessary to ensure lifelong durability. Be sure to avoid chemical cleaners and wearing opal jewelry in harsh environments. If your opal jewelry requires cleaning, warm, soapy water is best. Additionally, high heat or sudden changes in temperature can fracture an opal. Unlike most jewelry, opals should not be stored in a dry place, as insufficient moisture can be damaging.

The Queen of Gemstones

Due to their natural beauty and brilliance, opals have been deemed the “Queen of Gemstones.” They were a favorite of Queen Victoria, who gifted each of her daughters an opal on their wedding day. In fact, opals have been cherished by royalty for centuries. Queen Elizabeth II owned a whopping 203-carat opal that was given to her by the Australian government. Opals are also one of the rare gemstones to have extraterrestrial origins. In July of 2015, NASA reported the discovery of opals on Mars. Not only does this give opal a more magical and mysterious aura, but this also suggests a greater potential for life on Mars since opal consists of water.

Shop October's Birthstone in San Diego

If you’re looking to add more brilliance and exquisite color to your jewelry collection, then you must visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers in San Diego! Explore our assortment of new, vintage, and antique opal jewelry. Whether shopping for yourself, or someone celebrating an October birthday, we have the perfect opal gifts for you. Stop by our jewelry store on San Diego Avenue and experience the captivating visual effect of this stunning October birthstone for yourself!

History of the Omega Speedmaster

2023-10-032024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Anyone interested in history, space flight, or watch making will want to hear the story of the Omega Speedmaster. A little-known specialty watch in the 1950’s rose to fame as the watch of the astronauts. The Speedmaster sparked a top-secret development program with NASA. It is a symbol of the space race era that has endured and remains in use today. The watch has outlasted even the iconic Apollo rockets and space shuttles. This is a brief history of how it all began.

The Moon Watch

During the space program in the 1960’s, NASA sought a chronograph watch that could withstand space flight. It would have to be very accurate even when exposed to different extreme environments that don’t exist on Earth’s surface. NASA didn’t have its own development program for watches so it turned to the commercial sector to find a suitable piece.

The Omega Speedmaster seemed destined for fame. The first Speedmaster went into space on the arm of astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962. It was his personal model, and he wore it without any endorsement from NASA, as it was still several years before NASA had its own spaceflight certified watch. Between 1963 and 1964, NASA wanted to certify a watch for the Apollo missions and was open to many options. NASA directly reached out to several watch manufacturers to submit chronograph watches candidates for testing. Rolex, Hamilton, Lngines-Wittenauer and Omega submitted multiple models.

NASA Tests Omega, Rolex, & Hamilton Watches

Between October 1964 and March 1965 NASA subjected the candidate watches to these incredible tests:

High Temperature: 48 hours at 160°F followed by 30 minutes at 200°F
Low Temperature: 4 hours at 0°F
Temperature-Pressure: 15 cycles of heating to 160°F for 45 minutes, followed by cooling to 0°F for 45 minutes at 10-6 atmosphere
Relative Humidity: 240 hours at temperatures varying between 68°F and 160°F in a relative humidity of at least 95%
Oxygen Atmosphere: 48 hours in an atmosphere of 100% oxygen at a pressure of 0.35 atmosphere
Shock: Six shocks of 40 G, each 11 milliseconds in duration, in six different directions.
Acceleration: From 1 G to 7.25 G within 333 seconds, along an axis parallel to the longitudinal spacecraft axis
Decompression: 90 minutes in a vacuum of 10-6 atmosphere at a temperature of 160°F and 30 minutes at 200°F
High Pressure: 1.6 atmosphere for a minimum period of one hour
Vibration: Three cycles of 30 minutes of vibration varying from 5 to 2000 Hz
Acoustic Noise: 130 DB over a frequency range of 40 to 10,000 Hz, duration 30 minutes

Omega Speedmaster's Moon Landing

In the end, only one watch passed the tests: Omega Speedmaster. With that, the Speedmaster became NASA’s official watch for space exploration. Each astronaut was equipped with one from that point on. Now here’s a curious piece of history: the Omega company in Switzerland was unaware that their watch had been selected! This was because NASA procured the watches from the Omega USA subsidiary, which did not inform Omega headquarters of the project.

Omega headquarters only found out by seeing a news photograph of the Speedmaster on the arm of astronaut Ed White, during America’s first space walk in June 1965 – almost a year after testing had begun! It was four years later that the Speedmaster cemented its fame. On July 20^th, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin both wore an Omega Speedmaster as they walked on the moon. This was an unprecedented achievement for an off-the-shelf watch that had not at all been designed with space flight in mind. It remains part of the official gear issues to Nasa astronauts to this day, making it one of the longest continuous-use equipment items in the space program.

The Alaska Project

A few years after adopting the Speedmaster for space missions, NASA and Omega partnered to jointly develop a new version of the Speedmaster, designed from the ground up for space exploration. The project was undertaken in strict secrecy and code named The Alaska Project. The goal of the project was to make the perfect “space watch,” one resistant to extreme temperatures and solar radiation. Function dictated every design decision, leading to first-time innovations in watch making, as well as interesting aesthetic results. The Alaska Project Speedmaster result looked very different from the original. It was distinguished by the oversized, red, anodized, aluminum casing (removable).

The low thermal conductivity of aluminum protexted the watch against extreme temperature fluctuations, high and low, whilethe red color protected against some wavelengths of solar radiation. The watch case itself was made from titanium – a first-time innovation in watch making. The dial color was changed from black to white, because the white golod reflected the maximum amount of solar radiation awar from the watch. Omega produced five Alaska Project prototypes by 1969, but by that time, priorities were changing in the space program. NASA decided the original Speedmaster was fulfilling its role as mission watch sufficiently well, so no Alaska Project Speedmasters were ever ordered into production.

Omega Speedmaster's Unique History

No other watch on Earth has such a unique history, nor had any watch endured such rigorous, independent testing of quality as the Speedmaster. The irony of the Omega Speedmaster is the original, Earth-designed Speedmaster was adapted for the most important space exploration missions in history, and it still NASA’s official space flight watch, while the space-designed Speedmaster never left the ground.

Collector’s today can find many versions of the Omega Speedmaster, from modern models to the vintage “pre-moon” version of the 1950’s-1960’s, including a limited collector’s edition of the Alaska Project. Visit us today if you’re in search of an out-of-this-world luxury watch!

What Affects the Resale Value of Your Watch?

2023-08-292024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Highly collectible and stylish, mechanical watches are fine pieces of engineering, often made in small or limited editions. And buying one can be a good investment. Keep in mind, though, that the price of pre-owned watches fluctuates with fashion, trends, and market demand. If you’re interested in how to sell pre-owned watches, you should know that the resell price is almost always lower than the current retail price for a new watch.

Brand & Model

The finest luxury watches hold greater value than watches from non-luxury brands. The pre-owned watch market is dominated by Rolex and other fine brands such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Panerai. It’s the prestige as well as the high level of quality and workmanship that add value to a high-end timepiece.

Certain models are in more demand than others, regardless of the original retail price. And it’s sometimes the case that the more complications a pre-owned watch has, the better. A complication is any function that a watch has in addition to telling the time, such as date, moon phase, or 2^nd time zone.

Age and materials used affect the price, as well. It doesn’t necessarily hold that the older your watch, the higher the value. Regular maintenance of any watch will help to preserve resale value as much as possible.

High-quality materials can add significantly to the value of a watch. Most fine Swiss and German watches are made of stainless steel, gold, platinum, titanium, or a combination of those metals.

Box & Papers

A high-end watch bought new always comes with a box and papers that confirm its authenticity. Anyone who collects watches should not throw the original packaging away because buyers appreciate having the original box and papers, although plenty of pre-owned watches are purchased without them.

If a watch is a true antique (over 100 years old), then the original papers and box in good condition could add significantly more value to the watch. In modern watches, the added value is much less but still there.

Serial Number

These numbers are one of the first things that an expert looks at when determining the price. Every timepiece has a unique serial number and it can reveal the age of the timepiece. There is also a reference or model number which applies to all watches of that specific model, while the serial number is exclusive to your watch only.

If you have the accompanying documentation of your watch, finding the numbers will be easy. If, however, you no longer have it, a professional can look for the serial number on the watch. Serial numbers can often be found on the side of the watch case underneath where the bracelet/strap attaches.

Condition

Not every watch is worn daily, and some owners are more careful than others. Nevertheless, a watch that is worn will get some tiny and maybe even a few deep scratches over time. The condition and working order of a watch can be a factor in resale value for the end user. Every buyer would like a luxurious timepiece that looks and works as new.

However, it is not necessary to restore a pre-owned watch in order to sell it to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. In fact, you may not recoup the money that you paid for the service, so it’s best to just sell your watch as-is. Our expert watchmaker will restore the watch before we offer it to a new owner. However, if you are not quite ready to sell, and want to restore your watch to its original condition, it’s imperative to take it to a professional watchmaker. This ensures that any worn parts will be replaced with genuine parts appropriate for the brand.

Beware that polishing a watch in the wrong way can devalue it. Only let a professional restoration and repair service restore the original factory finish on your watch. Otherwise, your watch might return from a restoration with a worse finish than when it started.

Service

A regular service and proper maintenance record is important proof that you have taken good care of your timepiece. This particularly matters if you’re looking to sell an older watch. If you’ve had it serviced by a trusted watchmaker every 3-5 years and have proper documentation to back this up, you may get a higher price.

Market Value

There is always a market for those who want to sell and buy pre-owned watches. There are collectors who just love the nostalgia of a vintage watch and its history, and collectible watches are highly appreciated among them. Therefore, if you’re selling a watch that is a rare or limited edition, you can expect to get a much higher price. However, the top brands will always be valued even if not particularly rare. Pre-owned watches from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Omega are consistently popular and have remained desirable for years.

Safety and Security

You may have had the notion to try and sell your watch on your own. There are some serious issues to consider before embarking on that journey. Trying to sell in an online marketplace leaves you competing with thousands of other sellers and paying sales fees out of your profit. But selling locally is fraught with danger.

Let’s face it, there are a lot of criminals out there today, just waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting citizen who has an item of value for sale. There are horror stories of people responding to “for sale” ads turning out to be less than honest. A seller can face fake cashier’s checks, counterfeit money, and in worst case scenarios, actual robbery. Even meeting someone in a bank is no guarantee of your safety after you leave the bank. The only truly safe way to sell your valuable watch is to bring it to a reputable jewelry and watch store and let them sell it for you.

If you’re considering selling your pre-owned watch, bring it to one of our jewelry and watch buying locations, including our flagship buying office on San Diego Avenue. At Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers, we’ve been buying and selling pre-owned watches for over 44 years and are able to offer you top dollar for your treasured timepiece. Our Swiss factory trained watchmaker and polite and experienced buying experts have the skills and knowledge to accurately price your watch. You can even trade in your watch for a new purchase.

We know that selling your valuables can be an emotional experience and we ensure that all our buying offices are safe, secure, and private. Find your nearest Leo Hamel Jewelry & Gold Buyers and visit us today! No appointment is necessary.

Rolex Submariner vs. Explorer II

2023-08-252024-05-31 by Rylee Kahan

Rugged, long-lasting, reliable, and accurate – all these adjectives describe the two most coveted Rolex sport watches. We’re talking about the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Explorer II. When it comes to deciding which Rolex to purchase, you have some thinking to do. Both are signature Rolex watches but display different Rolex trademarked features.

Read on for a breakdown of differences between the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Explorer II. After reading this, we hope you will be able to make an informed choice about your next Rolex purchase.

Basic Differences

To begin with, the names of the two watches show us the first and most important difference. The Submariner is primarily a dive watch and used for underwater activities in general. By contrast, the Explorer II is used for outdoor activities that don’t involve water, such as climbing. This difference determined the choice of features for one watch compared to the other.

Although both are used for outdoor activities, the Submariner is seen by some as more rugged. This model is typically worn with more casual outfits, whereas the Explorer II has a more classic look. The Submariner doesn’t sit as comfortably under a shirt cuff as the Explorer II does, so the Explorer II is more comfortable when worn with a suit.

The Explorer II is made of 904L steel, which is an extremely durable superalloy. Rolex is one of the few watchmakers who use it for their watches. The Submariner is crafted from a variety of metals, including 904L steel, a combination of steel & yellow gold, solid yellow gold, and solid white gold.

Case

Case size is one reason why some people find that the Rolex Submariner appears more rugged than the Explorer II. The Submariner has a super case of 40mm diameter compared to the Explorer II case with a 39mm diameter.

However, the 1mm difference in diameter alone cannot possibly account for the perceived difference in size. It may be the larger bracelet lugs on the Submariner that make it appear much bigger. Larger lugs create the illusion of greater size without affecting the diameter of the watchcase.

Bezel

Another reason the Submariner appears even larger than it is compared to the Explorer II is its more pronounced bezel. The Submariner’s bezel is one of the key features of this watch. Its one-directional rotating bezel with graduations enables divers to time their dives. It only turns one way so that a mistake can’t be made to accidentally shorten the decompression time. The newest model has an insert made of Cerachrom ceramic, which is virtually un-scratchable. What’s more – the bezel doesn’t change color from exposure to UV-rays.

By contrast, the Explorer II has 24-hour graduations carved into the bezel and a 24-hour hand. Because of this, human explorers can differentiate between night and day in extreme conditions. Although stainless steel isn’t as scratch-resistant as ceramic, it’s malleable, so it would bend rather than crack under pressure.

Bracelet and Clasp

The Submariner and Explorer II have the same 20mm wide Oyster bracelet. The Oyster has a satin finish on the outside links and high polish on the inside links. The Submariner has a Rolex Glidelock clasp, which allows for up to 20mm of extension. This feature comes in very handy when divers can quickly adjust the bracelet to fit their watches over their wetsuits.

The Explorer II has an Easylink comfort extension link that allows for 5mm of extra room for gloves, etc. Both models feature the Rolex Oysterlock folding safety clasp, which prevents the clasp from being pulled open accidentally, potentially resulting in loss of the watch in the ocean or down a mountainside.

Movement

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, both watches are extremely precise, owing to their superlative chronometer movements. The official superlative chronometer certification means that the watches have passed hours of stringent tests to prove they live up to Rolex standards of accuracy and dependability.

On both watches, a solid non-see-through case back (typical of Rolex watches) houses the watch mechanism. The Submariner uses a 3135 movement for the Date model and 3130 for the Non-Date. However, the Explorer II has a 3187 movement.

Other Features

As expected, the Rolex Submariner is water-resistant. Owing to the triple-seal Triplock winding crown, it has water-resistance up to 1,000 feet. With the Rolex Explorer II, however, shock-resistance is more important than water-resistance. Because of this, the Rolex Explorer II has newly improved shock-resistant features consisting of a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers.

As for the dial, the Submariner features luminous hour markers and hands crafted from 18k white gold that glow in the dark. A compound called Chromalight has been used on Rolex dials since 2008, and glows blue.

Prior to 2008, a compound called Super Luminova that glowed green was used on Rolex dials. With glowing markers, hour hand and second hand, the wearer can tell time clearly at night or in low-light capacity, such as underwater while diving. The markers can stay lit for as long as 8 hours! The Explorer II also features luminous hour markers and numerals, hour hand, second hand, and 24-hour hand.

Leo Hamel’s has been buying and selling pre-owned Rolex watches for 43 years! We know them inside and out and can easily spot fakes versus genuine Rolex. We seek out the best pre-owned Rolex watches and thoroughly recondition them to look and run like new and add a 2-year warranty.

You can save hundreds to thousands of dollars by purchasing a certified reconditioned pre-owned Rolex as compared to a new one. No one but you will know that you didn’t buy it new and pay full price. Our stunning collection of pre-owned Rolex watches changes daily! You simply must come to our store to see the current selection and snap up the very best deals. Come see us and choose your next pre-owned Rolex Submariner or Explorer II!

Watches with Historic Ties

2023-08-222024-05-31 by Rylee Kahan

The vintage look is having a moment in the watch world. Many luxury watch brands boast models that were inspired by retro and vintage styles. If you’d like to spruce up your watch collection, there are plenty of models to choose from.

Here are some outstanding examples of retro style timepieces, some of which may still be located. These watches come from powerhouse watch designers like Omega, Patek Philippe, Breitling, and Longines. But there are many more that are readily available from new brands and from pre-owned brands.

Omega Globemaster

The Omega Globemaster is the world’s first Master Chronometer which was certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. The watch set new standards of watchmaking, while boasting the design inspired by the past. Well known for beautiful “Pie Pan” dials, Omega embellishes their watch with this famous dial that echoes the 1952 Constellation.

The fluted bezel of the Globemaster is like the bezel of the Constellation model from 1968. The 39mm case with a brushed finish is available in stainless steel, two-town steel and gold combination, yellow gold, and in Sedna gold, an alloy that Omega introduced in 2013.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524

This impressive timepiece stands out among the traditional watches of the world’s possibly most conservative watch brand. Few Patek Philippe aficionados expected the unconventional 42mm-wide model. Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524 takes on various design characteristics of pilot watches of the past 100 years, traced back to the 1920s and 1930s.

Rather than being based on any specific pilot watch, the aesthetic is vintage-inspired and adjusted to the brand’s unique style. The design of the hands, dial and numerals have the look of the pilot watches of the early 20^th century. The navy-blue dial is inspired by the body paint of the U.S. fighter aircraft. The brown leather strap with the contrast topstitching evokes the leather belts worn by pilots in the 1930s.

Oris Divers 65

With several subtle modifications, the Oris Divers 65 pays homage to the brand’s timepiece released in 1965. Half a century later, Oris gives it a makeover, achieving a classic and attractive design. While the Oris Divers 65 has a larger 40-mm case made of stainless steel, the case is only 12.8mm thick. Though the narrow PVD bezel makes it appear larger than it is, the slim profile of the case contributes to the overall simple design.

The case back is engraved with the same Oris emblem found on the 1965 watch. On the other hand, the Oris Divers 65 has a unidirectional bezel. This is safer for diving than the bidirectional rotating bezel of the 1965 model. The dial of the Oris Divers 65 is what makes this timepiece unique and funky without looking overly designed. Oris made some visible changes like moving the date window from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock on the dial. They also put it on a black wheel instead of the original white.

Today’s dive watches have varying degrees of water-resistance from none to 30 meters, to 300 meters or more. With a water resistance of 100 meters, the Oris Divers 65 honors the heritage of its predecessor.

Breitling Transocean Chronograph 1915

To celebrate a hundred years from creating the first independent chronograph push piece, Breitling introduced the Transocean Chronograph 1915 in a limited edition of 1,915 pieces. In the early 20^th century, chronographs were monopushers, meaning that the controls for starting, stopping, and returning the timer to zero were all placed in the crown. Then the timepiece with a major design innovation was created. The separate pusher placed on the side of the case at 2 o’clock would soon become standard.

Though Transocean waters are usually automatic, the Transocean Chronograph 1915 has a hand-wound movement which runs 33 jewels and has a 70-hour power reserve. The vintage-inspired dial, numerals, and the hands give the watch an antique and refined look. There’s also an engraving “100e anniversaire 1915-2015” displayed on the back of a 43mm stainless steel case.

Longines Pulsometer Chronograph

The brand found its inspiration in the 1920s Longines watch used by medical personnel to calculate a patient’s heart rate. The Longines Pulsometer Chronograph 2015 is indeed an incredible vintage revival. It is a functional tool that is smart and simple, with retro elements like the Breguet-style hour and minute hands.

The eye-catching white dial is surrounded by a red pulsometer scale, the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock markers have been removed and the sapphire crystal has the anti-reflective coating, so the watch is legible and easy to use. The self-winding movement is contained in a 40mm steel case with a column-wheel monopusher chronograph mechanism and holds a 54-hour power reserve.

Grand Seiko Historical Collection 62GS

Released in 1960, the Grand Seiko has become an iconic watch known for its accuracy and precision. All the timepieces of the Seiko Historical Collection honor the heritage of this Japanese brand. To mark the 55^th anniversary of Grand Seiko, the brand introduced a series inspired by the very first Grand Seiko watch with automatic movement.

There are eight models in the collection, and all are limited editions. Four are faithful remakes, while the other four are modern reinterpretations featuring the Grand Seiko’s most advanced movements. The traditional-looking models look like the original but are a bit larger in size. They are available in stainless steel, white gold, and rose gold.

The 62GS released in 1967 had the crown positioned at 4 o’clock, emphasizing the fact that hand winding was no longer required. Though not all models of the Grand Seiko collection for 2015 have the off-centered crown, they do share some design elements with the original 62GS.

Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is the largest full-service jewelry and watch store in San Diego. Visit our deluxe showroom on San Diego Avenue and browse through the always-changing selection of luxury pre-owned watches, as well as new watches from Hamilton and Tissot.

Whether you’re looking for a new watch or a pre-owned watch in mint condition, our helpful and knowledgeable staff will help you find your ideal match. And our guarantee and warranty keeps you covered. If there’s a particular pre-owned timepiece you admire and we don’t have it on hand, we’ll do our best to find it for you from our global network! With Leo Hamel’s, time is on your side!

3 Vintage Designer Handbags You Have to Have

2023-08-182024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Every woman knows the difference a quality handbag can make. From the normal wear and tear of daily use, to treating handbags like our own portable junk drawer. Our bags definitely take quite the beating. Often, handbags are chosen based on their appearance – and that’s totally fine! We all need at least one bag we truly love that easily fits with any outfit or occasion. But have you ever considered the long-term benefits of purchasing designer handbags?

Now you might be thinking that a price of upwards of thousands of dollars is a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a purse. Trust me, it’s not an uncommon point of view, however, we’re here to change your mind and help you realize why investing in a luxury handbag is worth your hard-earned money.

As we just mentioned, it’s important to purchase a style of handbag that you truly adore. But you should also consider the quality of the material used, the size of the bag, and the resale value in case you ever find yourself looking to sell or upgrade.

Considered the “holy trinity” of luxury handbags, Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton are the top three brands to purchase for investment purposes.

Chanel Classic Flap Bag

If you’re a fan of luxury handbags then you’ve probably heard of the Chanel 2.55 bag, the brand’s most successful and iconic handbag. Well, if you adore the 2.55, you’re sure to love its more contemporary sister, the Chanel Classic Flap Bag. The Classic Flap is very similar to the 2.55 with just a few modern upgrades. The clasp features interlocking C’s, and the strap includes interwoven chain and leather. The bag is available in four different sizes – small, medium-large, jumbo, and maxi – to allow you to decide what best meets your needs. It’s also available in a variety of different colors, allowing you to choose a subtle black or a pop of color for your arm candy.

Another popular investment-worthy Chanel handbag is the Chanel Boy Bag. Introduced in 2011, the Boy Bag has already become as popular and valuable as the Classic Flaps. The resale value of both bags retains or increases depending on leather, hardware, and demand. These babies have consistently remained in high demand, so you should expect to recoup more than 50% of the retail price.

Hermes Kelly Bag

Investing in a Hermes handbag is a very smart decision because of their rareness. Hermes only produces limited quantities of each handbag, creating an exceptional level of scarcity and exclusivity. So what does this mean for you? Whether you purchase the renowned Birkin bag or the refined Kelly bag, you should expect to see more than 90% of the retail value as resale prices only continue to increase.

Now, let’s talk style. Both the Birkin and the Kelly bag have a very chic look about them. Hermes only uses the best of the best when it comes to leather and hardware – you’ll be able to see and feel the quality of your bag even after you’ve owned it for a few years. They are also the ultimate status symbol. If you’re looking for a bag that shows the world you know fashion and you know it well, Hermes will always come in clutch!

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Tote

Louis Vuitton is one the most popular designer brand names out there. And with the quality of their product, there is no reason to wonder why. They fully test all their handbags for durability before putting them on the market, so you know the Neverfull will last you a lifetime. It’s also one of their most successful handbags, which increases its already-high demand.

The name of this bag truly says it all. With all the room you have to pack in your necessities, it’s almost like it never ends. This is the perfect bag for day-to-day use, and it can easily transition into an overnight bag since there is so much space. Another bonus? This gorgeous tote typically retains 85% of its resale value. And if it’s a limited-edition bag, the resale value can double! The initial expense might make you hesitant, but the payoff in the future is worth the investment.

If you’re in the market for a designer purse, head over to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. Not only will you find some of the most popular vintage handbags from Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton, but there are so many other options to choose from! All handbags in our showroom are vintage, meaning shopping is more affordable for you and sustainable for the environment. Find authentic brand name vintage handbags for less than full retail price…it’s luxury handbag heaven!

And don’t forget – we’re always looking for new inventory to fill our store. If you’re looking to make some extra cash, consign your designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories to Leo’s and you’ll receive cash or store credit the minute it sells!

Cartier’s Longlasting LOVE Line is Here to Stay

2023-08-152023-12-09 by Rylee Kahan

The Cartier LOVE bracelet has been as symbol of “inseparable love” for many jewelry-loving romantics ever since it was designed in 1969. This romantic concept is embodied in the bracelet held together by two screws and “locked” onto the wearer’s wrist. Each bracelet comes with a special screwdriver used to fasten the bangle. The whole point is to have your partner fasten the bracelet to your wrist, an act which symbolizes your commitment to one another.

Recently, the famous Cartier LOVE bracelet has become a must-have status symbol among millennials. More and more fashion-forward consumers covet the bracelet not only for its design and symbolism but also for its worldwide reputation. An exquisite item of high-end jewelry, the Cartier LOVE bracelet is the go-to choice for millennials who wish to invest in jewelry of proven quality and captivating symbolism.

Multifaceted Appeal

This much-coveted bracelet can easily be worn by almost anyone, owing to its simplistic design. The locking mechanism is simple, yet belies a powerful romantic concept, the combination of which lends itself to many different applications. What’s more, both men and women can style themselves with a Cartier LOVE bracelet for almost any occasion.

The bracelets are made in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, as well as platinum, and their signature screws can even be replaced with diamonds. It’s the diamond-adorned bracelet that is the preferred choice of the well-off, celebrities, and fashion icons. By contrast, without diamonds or other precious stones, its minimalist design is perfect for adding the distinctive edge to a casual outfit.

Early Days of LOVE

When the Cartier LOVE bracelet was first introduced, it was meant to be bought and worn by couples who agreed to give their screwdrivers to one another. In that way, Cartier seemed to have been selling more than just a jewelry item – the bracelet purchased stood as the tangible testimony of the lovers’ commitment. The “lovers only” agenda was pushed so vigorously that some New York hospitals were reported to have kept a LOVE bracelet screwdriver on the premises in case a patient needed to have the bracelet removed.

Celebrities were hooked and soon famous couples such as Nancy and Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, all displayed their mutual devotion with matching LOVE bracelets.

LOVE in the Age of Consumerism

With the LOVE bracelet, Cartier has promoted the idea of everlasting love, fidelity, and devotion. In the world where the once rare commodities are rapidly being converted into mass-manufactured goods that rarely survive the season, the idea of having a symbol of something long-lasting is very enticing and creates a sense of exclusivity.

And this is exactly why so many millennials are choosing to celebrate their commitment to their partner with a LOVE bracelet – not only does it embody the concept perfectly, it’s also a luxury jewelry item that isn’t a bargain for all budgets. Therefore, the investment in a pricey item of jewelry such as the Cartier LOVE bracelet symbolizes the investment into a long-term romantic relationship.

Inspired by celebrity royalty from the golden age of Hollywood, many contemporary actors, pop stars, and other celebrities have embraced the concept by proudly showing off their trademark bracelets with their partners. The list of celebrities stretches long, with Pippa Middleton, Angelina Jolie, Selma Hayek, Kanye West, Scarlet Johansson, Mila Kunis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, and many more!

Beware Fake Bracelets

With the almost unprecedented popularity of the LOVE bracelet, counterfeits were almost bound to appear. As expected, the knockoffs are passed as new bargain-priced originals, which should be a clear sign of warning. Cartier LOVE bracelets shouldn’t be a bargain purchase readily available to anyone – after all, everlasting love is rare and difficult to attain, so its symbolic representation must embody those qualities as well.

However, here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we seek out genuine vintage Cartier jewelry, including the LOVE bracelet, and carefully restore it to like-new condition. What isn’t like new is the price! You can save a substantial amount by purchasing a vintage LOVE bracelet rather than a new one. And it’ll look so new that only you will know you didn’t buy it new and pay the full price! And of course, we guarantee its authenticity for your peace of mind!

With Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you can trust the reputation we have been building for the past 44 years. You can be sure you will only find genuine high-end brands in our showroom, whether vintage or new, and if we don’t happen to have a particular piece, we’ll work to find it for you. Visit us on San Diego Avenue to find your LOVE!