Rolex Datejust 116234

Clocks and watches were used, are used and always will be used to display the never-ending movement of time. But say you're an avid fan at the 1821 races and you need to know precisely how long it is between the horses leaving the start line and crossing the finish line, what then? Oh, and you're Louis XVIII, King of France, too. I'll tell you what you do. You commission the invention of the chronograph.

It doesn't require a huge knowledge of watches to know that vintage Submariners are a popular place to put money. The hardy little dive watch has served Rolex well since its inauguration in the early 1950s, building a loyal following that has almost become something of a cult. Collectors argue over the merest details: fonts, logos, and even manufacturing defects being among the points of contention that drive arguments - and prices - sky high.

The top news stories from all the best watchmakers in the world, including Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille and Breitling, plus we announce the winner of our Rolex Explorer competition prize.

When Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay finally reached the frozen peak of the indomitable Mount Everest in 1953, they won international renown with their pioneering spirit. Their sensational ascent was a story of endurance and survival in the most extreme environment, and it captured the imagination of a world caught up in breaking boundaries on land, sky - and soon - space.