Rolex
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date "Engine-Turned Bezel"
26mm · Automatic · 1996
The reference 69190 is a beautifully distinct lady's model defined by its specialized stainless steel engine-turned bezel, which features a alternating pattern of crisp, vertical engraved ridges and smooth polished blocks at the hour indicators. This architectural framing sets it apart from more common smooth or fluted variants. The silver sunburst dial has aged gracefully to display a warm, soft champagne/cream tint under direct lighting, paired with a matching sporty three-piece Oyster link bracelet.
Specifications
Questions about this piece? Call +1 (917) 828-1306, email watchbyjuls@gmail.com or visit us at 36 West 47th Street, W8-9, New York City.
Box and papers. Where a piece includes them, the listing says so. If they are not mentioned, please assume they are not supplied — ask us and we will confirm exactly what accompanies this watch.
Winding & servicing
- An automatic movement winds itself through the motion of your wrist. Worn daily, it will keep running; left idle it will stop after roughly 40–48 hours and simply needs a gentle shake or 20–30 manual turns of the crown to restart.
- A watch winder is optional. If you use one, choose a low rotation setting — continuous high-speed winding adds needless wear.
- Plan a full service every 5–7 years. A movement that is losing or gaining more than a few seconds a day, or that sounds gritty when wound, should be seen sooner.
Daily wear
- Avoid operating the crown or pushers while the watch is wet, and always ensure the crown is fully pushed in (or screwed down) before contact with water.
- Remove the piece before swimming in chlorinated or salt water, using a sauna or hot tub, and before contact sport or manual work. Sudden temperature change and impact are the two things a fine movement tolerates least.
- Keep it away from strong magnets — laptop speakers, tablet covers, handbag clasps and induction hobs are the usual culprits. Magnetisation shows up as a watch suddenly running fast, and is easily reversed by a watchmaker.
Cleaning
- Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, dry microfibre cloth after each wear to lift skin oils and dust before they build up in the joints.
- For a metal bracelet, occasional cleaning with lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a very soft toothbrush will lift grime from between the links. Rinse, then dry thoroughly — only ever with the crown fully closed.
- Never use ultrasonic cleaners, solvents, or commercial jewellery dips at home on a watch — they can strip lume, degrade gaskets and damage set stones.
Storage
- Store in a dry place at stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight — prolonged UV fades dials and ages strap leather.
- Keep pieces separated in a lined box or soft pouch so cases and stones cannot rub against one another. Diamond is hard enough to scratch virtually anything it shares a drawer with.
- Retain the original box, papers and any accessories supplied. They materially affect the value should you ever sell or trade the piece.
Water resistance
- Water resistance is a seal condition, not a permanent specification. Gaskets harden and shrink with age, so a rating stamped on the case back decades ago tells you little about the watch today.
- Have the case pressure-tested annually, and always after the case back has been opened for any reason.
- Vintage pieces should be treated as not water resistant regardless of their original rating.
