About

What it is

The Gentleman's Reference explains fine things one reference number at a time. It starts with Rolex: 15 references so far, from the Cosmograph Daytona, Datejust, Explorer II, GMT-Master II and Submariner. Each page covers what the reference is, how it differs from its neighbours, how to tell a genuine one, what it costs and where our sources disagree. They are all under Watches.

The opinions live in a column of their own, Dubious Decisions. They are kept well away from the numbers.

Why

Much of what is written about watches comes from people who have one to sell. We would rather tell you what the sources say, show you where they disagree, and let you decide.

How it is made

Every fact on a reference page carries a numbered footnote to its source. A fact needs two independent sources before we state it as settled, and every page goes through a separate fact review before it is published. How we verify has the rules.

The pictures

Every picture on the site is a painting made for it: watercolours on the reference pages, oils on the front page and in the column. Some were painted after photographs on Wikimedia Commons, and those photographers are credited under credits.

Independent

The Gentleman's Reference is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Rolex SA or any other brand. Model names are used to describe the watches.

Who publishes it

The Gentleman's Reference is published by Bullitt Ventures ApS (CVR 46248902), Copenhagen, Denmark. Corrections and questions: contact.