Monday, April 21, 2008

Rolex History & Major Milestones

Rolex Founder Hans Wilsdorf (1881-1960)

The Rolex odyssey began in 1905 as Wilsdorf & Davis, a company that started out making pocket watches and folding watches called travel clocks. 

German watchmaker, Hans Wilsdorf founded Wilsdorf & Davis at 24 with his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis. His objective was to make quality timepieces at affordable prices.

Three years after Wilsdorf & Davis was formed, Wilsdorf trademarked the name Rolex, which later became the company's official name. 

When Hans Wilsdorf came up with the brand name Rolex, he wanted a name that was not only memorable, but easy to pronounce and spell. 

Hans Wilsdorf ran and owned Rolex until he died in Geneva on July 6, 1960. His will left Rolex as a not-for-profit foundation.

Wilsdorf wanted Rolex to be a symbol or achievement, not a status symbol.

ROLEX Historical Milestones.

1905 - Hans Wilsdorf established London firm that specialized in watch distribution named Wilsdorf & Davis.

1908 - Wilsdorf created new brand name: Rolex.

1910 - Rolex started to give official chronometer certification in Switzerland.

1914 - The Kew Observatory in Great Britain awarded to Rolex wristwatch a CLASS A precision certificate.

1920 – Montres Rolex S.A. is established in Bienne, Switzerland.

1926 - Rolex developed and patented the Oyster: as the first air, dust and waterproof watch.

1927 - Rolex Oyster crossed English Channel unscathed.

1931 – Year of Birth for Perpetual Rotor: Self-winding mechanism that could be found in every modern automatic watch.

1944 – Upon the death of Hans Wilsdorf's wife, Hans establishes the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation in which he left all of his shares in Rolex.

1945 - Oyster Date model was invented. This was a first watch that automatically displayed the date.

1946 – Tudor subsidiary is established.

1947 – Chuck Yeager is the first man to break the sound barrier and he is wearing his Rolex.

1953 - Rolex created the Submariner which was a watch for specifically dedicated to divers.

1953 – Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first men to stand on the summit on Mt. Everest wearing Rolex Explorers on May, 29 at 11:30 a.m.

1954 - Oyster Perpetual Lady-date Created.

1955 - Oyster GMT Master was developed for Pan American International Airlines to make it possible to easily keep time in two different time zones.

1956 – Rolex introduces first Anti-Magnetic Watch in History [Reference 6543]

1956 - Oyster Day-Date Introduced at Basel.

1960 – Hans Wilsdorf dies in Geneva on July 6, 1960.

1960 - Rolex Bathyscaphe Deep Sea Special was created and plunged 35,787 feet down in the Mariana Trench in Pacific Ocean.

1962 – First James Bond movie "Dr.No" comes to the big screen with Sean Connery wearing a Rolex Submariner.

1967 - Oyster Sea-Dweller was invented which was waterproof to a depth of 610 Meters or 2001 Feet.

1971 - Oyster Explorer II was designed and presented at Basel.

1978 - Oyster Perpetual Date Sea-Dweller was tested for waterproof in depth of 1220 Meters or 4003 Feet.

1988 - First Cosmograph Daytona was fitted with a perpetual rotor.

1992 - Yacht-Master was designed and shown at Basel.

2004 - Submariner model celebrated its 50th Anniversary with special commemorative model wich has green bezel and unique black dial.

2008 – Rolex Sea Dweller Shown off at Basel.

Watch Term Glossary

AM - Anti Meridian, Before noon.

Analogue - A watchdisplay that uses hands rather than a digital readout.

Automatic - A watch containing a mechanism which uses the movement of the wearer to wind the watch and provide power.

Anti Magnetic - A type of watch mechanism shielded against strong magnetic fields to maintain accuracy.

Applique - The fixing of numerals and other features to the face of a watch.

Aperture - An opening in the face of a watch to enable display of information such as date, day and moonphase.

Anti reflection - A treatment often applied, particularly to sapphire crystal watch glass, which reduces reflections and makes the watch easier to read.

Balance - Connected to the mainspring of a movement. It is the oscillation of the balance that provides the energy and rhythm of the watch.

Bar - A small rod used to fix a watch band to the body of the watch.

Battery Reserve Indicator (See also Power Reserve indicator and Reserve de Marche.) -  A method of displaying that the battery in a quartz watch is running low. This will often take the form of less frequent "ticking" e.g. Every 2 seconds.

Bezel - The circular portion of the body of a watch surrounding the crystal or glass. Most often decorative, as well as functional (it usually holds the glass on), the bezel forms major part of what kind of impression the design of a watch conveys.

Bombe - convex French

Bracelet - A metal watchband, available in many types of alloy, from stainless steel to gold.

Butterfly Clasp - See Deployant Clasp. A clip which opens in two directions, expanding to enable easier putting on and removal of a wristwatch.

Calendar - Display on a watch face of day/date sometimes month/day/date, referred to as a triple calendar.

Calibre - Has a number of meanings within horological circles. Can refer to the size of a watch movement. Most often used to referring to the model or series of movement within the catalogue of a particular manufacturer. A Calibre may have meanings such as type of movement, series, period of manufacture etc within the one number.

Case/Caseback - The housing within which the movement of a watch sits. This may form part of the decorative aspect of a wristwatch. A caseback may be clip-on or screw-down, and can in fact be transparent revealing the movement inside.

Chapter Ring–the circular ring on a clock or watch dial on which the minutes (and sometimes the hours) are engraved, attached or painted.

Chronograph - A watch with a stopwatch function that enables the timing period to be controlled.

Chronometer - A standard of classification conferred by the COSC (See below) giving a watch certification as having a high degree of accuracy under a number of operating conditions.

Co-Axial - The configuration of having two hands running on the same axis.

Complication - A watch movement that carries more functions than just telling the time, eg calendar, moonphase. See also Grand Complication.

Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres - The official Swiss Chronometer testing institute that verifies a watch's accuracy.

Côtes de Genève - Machined oscillating pattern on the flat surfaces of a watch movement.

Crown - Most often found at "3 O'clock" the crown is a knob used to wind and set the watch. May have multiple positions for setting date, moon phase etc as well as time. 

Crystal - The "glass"window in the front of a watch. Crystals are made from different materials chosen for their individual properties.

Sapphire Crystals - Most often found on high end watches, all but scratchproof. However Sapphire crystal is subject to shattering under strong localized impacts.

Acrylic - Resistant to small knocks and scratching. Can be polished to restore clarity and appearance.

Mineral Glass -    Glass hardened by a process of heat treatment. Approximately 10 times harder than acrylic, mineral glass is extremely scratch resistant but must be replaced if scratched.

Cyclops -  Rolex term for a small lens in the glass/crystal used to magnify date elements on the face of a watch.

Day/Date - A watch and/or movement that shows both the day and date.

Deployant - A type of buckle attached to the band or bracelet of a watch consisting of several hinged parts that open and expand to more easily put on and take off the watch.

Dial - The portion of a watch face that shows the values of various displays, eg Hours, Minutes, Seconds etc.

Digital - Display using electrical currents to form numbers to display time and other information on a watch.

Display back - An open back watch casing that allows the movement of the watch to be viewed easily.

Dual Time -Zone A watch that is capable, by means including several hour hands on the one face or several dials on the one face, of displaying more than one time zone at once eg The Rolex GMT Master 2 can show one time on its main face and another time can be independently set on the 24 hour hand.

ETA - Swiss manufacturer of mechanical movements. Although held in the highest regard, their movements are available in watches retailing under $1000 up to tens of thousands.

Escapement - The mechanism within a watch movement that converts the stored power in the spring to drive energy in the watch. This is the portion of the movement that "ticks". 

Flinqué - The use of engraving on the surface of a watch, then covered with enamel to form a decorative surface.

Fluted - A surface of a watch, eg dials or face carrying thin parallel grooves.

Full Rotor Automatic - watch movement which allows for the complete revolution of the winding rotor.

GMT - Abbreviation for Greenwich Mean Time. As a feature of watches,    it means that two or more time zones are displayed.

Guilloché - Curved lines interlaced to form a patterned surface.

Hand - Moving part of the face of a watch which indicates on the dial values such as hour, minute, date etc.

Helium escape valve - Divers watches are often fitted with a HEV. Air with a higher helium component is used in diving applications conducted at great depths. Helium, having a smaller molecular size than other air elements, can move in and out of a watch casing regardless of seal. When depressurizing, either in open water or even a pressurized cabin helium can become trapped inside the casing, blow out the glass/crystal and damage components. A helium escape valve allows one way movement of expanding helium to escape the casing.

Horology - The study of time and watches.

Incabloc - A watchmaking technique used for creating shock resistant movements.

Jewels - Watch makers have long used jewels, (often synthetic ruby), to create wear resistant hubs for rotating components of a watch movment, also used for other components subject to constant wear.

Kinetic -  A system whereby the movement of the wearer creates electrical energy which is then stored in a watch. Similar to automatic only electrical rather than mechanical kinetic energy.

Lugs - Protruding sections of a watch casing to which a watch band is attached using spring bars.

Luminescent (Lume) - Emitting light from within. Luminescent hands are often used on watches so that they can be read in the dark. Many types of luminescent materials are used, including the very slightly radioactive Tiridium. Watches using Tiridium must carry a "T" on the face of the watch.

Manual - A mechanical movement that must be wound by hand to store energy in the spring to keep running.

Markers - Indicators on the face of a watch to mark out time, indicate hours etc.

Mechanical - A mechanical watch converts energy stored within a spring to motion within a watch movement to display information on its face.

Minute repeater - See Repeater

Moon phase - A commonly seen element of a Complication movement displaying the current phase of the moon.

Movement - The inner workings of a watch that convert either spring (mechanical)  or battery (quartz) energy into the information displayed on its face.

NIB - New In Box.

New Old Stock - A term referring to a Mint condition/New watch first available for initial sale a long time ago but never used and/or sold.

Perpetual Calendar - A highly complicated movement displaying calendar information that adjusts to different lengthed months and years. Perpetual calendars are often among the most valuable, highly sought after watches.

Power reserve/Reserve De Marche - A display on the face of a watch showing the remaining time left in the spring before requiring further winding.

Provenance- Historical evidence attesting to the authenticity of a watch by proving its history.

Quartz - A mineral with a highly regular molecular vibration rate. Quartz is used in watches as its vibrations can be harnessed to control the output with great accuracy.

Quick set/date - A movement that allows the date to be set directly from the crown of the watch rather than the rotation of the time.

Rattrapante - Split lap time function on a mechanical chronograph. Separate second hands are utilized to show split lap times.

Rehaut–The wall that runs around the inside of the watch above the dial. Sometimes referred to as a "flange." In 2004 Rolex started engraving the word "ROLEX, ROLEX, ROLEX" around the rehaut as well as engraving the serial number of the watch in the 6 o'clock position on some models. It is believed that eventually all Rolex watches will have this design aesthetic. 

Repeater - An auditory way of telling time. When a button is pressed a series of tones is heard signifying hours and minutes. One of the most highly complex types of complications included in a watch movement. Watched that carry a repeater are often extremely valuable/expensive.

Retrograde - Most commonly used to indicate elements of a date, a retrograde hand does not move through a full 360 degrees, instead it will move back to the start of it's "sweep" begin again.

RIS - Rolex Idiot Savant. Somebody who know every little detail about Rolex watches.

Rotor - A counter weighted component of an automatic watch movement, the rotation of which stores energy in the spring.

Ruby - The red jewel used to prevent wear on some moving and contact parts in a mechanical movement. Rubies may be either synthetic or actual stone.

Sapphire - Man made sapphire crystal used for its hardness and scratch resistant qualities in watch making.

Screw Back - Threaded back for a watch casing to ensure a more secure seal and attachment. .

Screw-down crown
 - The crown of a watch that screws on/in to the case to better seal the watch. This ensures more water and dust resistance.

Skeleton watch - Called both the most beautiful and the most ugly form of mechanical movement in watchmaking, the skeleton watch is one constructed so as to enable all moving parts to be viewed. Although many watches feature a crystal back and front, the skeleton movement is constructed and cut so that each moving part of the  movement is visible.

Spring bar - Small sprung bar used to attach bands and bracelets to the case of a wristwatch.

Subdial - Smaller dial on the face of a watch to display information such as seconds, dual timezone, chronograph times etc.

Sweep second hand - Second hand which moves around the face of a watch.

Tachometer - instrument for measuring speed over a measured distance.  Also called a Tachymeter. Time an event that takes less than 1 minute. The scale on the Tachometer will tell you how many of those events will occur in 1 hour. 
e.g.  A racing car covers 1 mile in 30 seconds. The sweep seconds hand, when stopped at the end of the mile, would point to 120 on the tachometer. The average speed of the car is 120 m.p.h.

Tachymeter - see Tachometer.

Tourbillon - A watch mechanism where the entire escapement assembly rotates to counter the effects of gravity. Often incorrectly referred to as a watch with a window in the face that shows the balance rotating.

Tricompax - A chronograph with 3 subdials, traditionally at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, most often displaying seconds, minutes and hours elapsed.
                      
Triple Calendar - a dial that displays the day, date and month.

Tritium - a slightly radio-active substance that collects light and is used to allow the hands or hour markers to glow in the dark. The radiation is so low that there is no health risk.  Watches bearing tritium must be marked as such, with the letter T on the dial near 6 o'clock.

Two tone - Most often 18K gold and steel pr white gold, two tone refers to a multicoloured watch design.

Uni-directional rotating bezel - A bezel that indicates elapsed time, often found on divers watches.  It moves only in a counter-clockwise direction.  If a diver is timing his remaining air supply and knocks the bezel by mistake it can only move in one direction so that the error can only be on the side of safety.  

Water Resistant - Ability to withstand water pressure. Made to prevent water from entering a watch.  The watch case joints are made to prevent moisture from entering. Regular servicing is necessary and recommended to maintain full integrity of the seals  Water resistance is measured in meters and refers to the depth that the watch will keep out water:

                                  50 meters    surface swimming
                                100 meters    snorkelling
                                200 meters    scuba diving (to 40 meters)
                             1,000 meters    deep sea diving. 

Winding - The process of tightening the mainspring of a watch movement, this can be manual or automatic via the movement of the wearer.

WIS - Watch Idiot Savant. Somebody who seems to know everything about everything about collectable mechanical watches.

WISitus - Somebody who suffers from an addiction to watches or is fanatical about their love of watches.

Yacht - A number of watches have as a function the start timing markers of a yacht race. This appears as 5 circles most often at the top of the face.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions about Rolex...

This is the section where we will post all the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Rolex.

If you have a question or answer please post it to the comments for this post and it will be entered in.

Q: Where are Rolex watches made?
A: Switzerland 

Q: What historically is the most iconic Rolex watch?
A: The Stainless Rolex Submariner and Rolex Datejust are probably the most iconic.


Thursday, April 17, 2008

Accolades for Jake's Rolex Watch Blog


Compliments for
Jake's Rolex World

• Thank you Jake for investing this tremendous time and effort!!! I already added Jake's Rolex Watch Blog to my favorites and am looking forward to perusing and contributing! Well done, congrats, or as my Aussie mates would phrase it: "unreal." –Marc [R-L-X.de, German Rolex Forum, May 26, 2008]

• A Breath of Fresh Air: I have been spending a bit of my time reading through all of Jake's entries, going back to the very inception of his blog–and there is a wealth of information put across in an extremely interesting manner...I found it extremely enjoyable and can't wait for more! Dare I say it, but this would be "watch entertainment" at its finest. I also find the continued coverage of James Bond, the U.S. Presidents and celebrities with respect to Rolex rewarding...leaving you wanting more! –Mike [BSOD Mike Blog, June 6, 2008]

• Crazy Blog!!!!!!! Good Luck, All The Best!!! –Bullibeer [R-L-X.de, German Rolex Forum, June 6, 2008]

• The History Of The Rolex President, Part 1 "Genesis" is one of the best historical articles on Rolex I've ever read–fantastic work. It will no doubt be heralded as an invaluable contribution to the Rolex collecting community. –John B. Holbrook II [Owner and Administrator of the WatchTalkForums.com, July 9, 2008]

• Great history you are digging up from the Eisenhower Presidential Library. Your research is truly a contribution to the Rolex community. –Sheldon Smith [Minus 4 Plus 6, July 15, 2008]

• Jake's Rolex Watch Blog is currently featuring a fantastic series covering the history of the Rolex President. This series is a definite must read for any Rolex enthusiast! – Mike [BSOD Mike Blog, July 17, 2008]

• Loved the latest podcast on NASA Astronaut Leroy Chaio...The discussion on Rolex in zero gravity, pressure suits, the history between Rolex and Omega was definitely cool. The watch balance working better in zero gravity seems like an entire area for watch research that has not been explored. A great podcast on many levels! (watches, Rolex, space travel, role of Omega, etc.) What is also cool is reading about your podcasts and the history you are digging up from other forum readers. In higher education, there is great emphasis on "peer review" research. I think by the fact that you have others plugging your work certainly attests to the contribution you are making to the watch community; it's higher education's equivalent to "peer review." –Sheldon Smith [Minus 4 Plus 6, August 2, 2008]

• I listened to the latest podcast on the Best of Time. Great Podcast! Your Podcasts are a great treat. Great stuff!! –Sheldon Smith [Minus 4 Plus 6, August 27, 2008]

• Congratulations on your blog. It hardly gets better than this! –Micherlo67 [French Rolex Forum, September 15, 2008]

• This blog is amazing! Thank you Jake and well done! –Cedipro [French Rolex Forum, September 15, 2008]

• I continue to be extremely impressed with your blog site–well done. –John B. Holbrook II [Owner and Administrator of the WatchTalkForums.com, September 16, 2008]

• I have been following your blog for several months and I commend you for you encyclopedic knowledge of Rolex History! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge! –Kyle [Jake's Rolex Watch Blog, September 16, 2008]

• Bravissimo, you did a great job!!! –John Goldberger [Author of 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, September 16, 2008]

• With so many inane Blogs and Bloggers clamoring for attention on the net, Jake's Rolex Watch Blog is certainly refreshing and a joy to read!!! –Illuminatus (David) [Watch Talk Forum Veteran, September 18, 2008]

• My Goodness, what a magnificent site Jake built. Loads and loads of stunning information and fact–not to mention those fantastic pictures. Two Thumbs way up. –G.J. [Watch Talk Forum Veteran, September 18, 2008]

• Jake has filled his blog with incredibly in-depth content. Quite honestly, Jake has done amazingly in-depth research into previously untapped areas of Rolex history and lore, and published his findings for free on his blog. My hat is off to Jake and his contributions to the Rolex community. Additionally, Jake has published podcasts of incredibly fascinating interviews. –John B. Holbrook II [Owner and Administrator of the WatchTalkForums.com, September 18, 2008]

• Your site is a gold mine. –Michel [French Rolex Forum, September 19, 2008]

• I believe Jake has started a new genre on watch books by having an accompanying podcast. Having the book and the podcast adds so much depth to the book that no other technology can bring. Having Rolex's mythical characters come to life with either Jake's historical pictures/research or podcasts adds an entirely new dimension to watch collecting and watch lore. I think Jake has kick-started what it means to manage a watch enthusiast's site and has raised the bar in managing a watch blog. I just hope that Jake can keep his initiative and energy going because it is obvious that his research and podcasting takes a lot of effort. Cheers to Jake! –Sheldon Smith [Minus 4 Plus 6, September 20, 2008]

• Dear Jake, I'm a Rolex fan from Argentina, and I discovered your GREAT Blog just a few days ago. It's amazing the quantity and quality of info you've got here!! Congrats for a Great job, made with real Love and knowledge. Please keep your Great Work with your Blog. Best cordial regards, –Able Domenech [Sent in via email, September 26, 2008]

• Awesome, thanks. I just wanted to say that cruising through your blog entries was great fun, and kinda reminded me of going through our old friend Chuck Maddox's web site, lots of great information presented in an easy to read manner: nice. –David Woo [WatchUSeek.com, October 4, 2008]

• Jake, your blog is awesome! –Boris [Boris' Watch & Art Blog, October 10, 2008]

• A very big thank you and a whole-hearted admiration for your superb website. It seems to me like the Holy "Watch" Grail finally has been found–and I've already invested a significant amount of time dwelling and browsing through many of your fantastic articles. Again–thanks for sharing your huge knowledge and research work. –Peter Gross [Denmark. October 20, 2008.]

• I want you to know I really appreciate all the work you put into your site. Excellent job, please continue. I enjoy it so much. Please keep up the good work Jake!! Kind regards –Gerard [Dutch Netherlands, October 20, 2008.]

• Jake...You're the MAN! Thanks for taking the time to do this. As a big James Bond and Rolex fan I praise you. –Peter [From the land down under. November 4, 2008. TimeKeeperForum.com]

• Great job, as usual!!! It's always a pleasure to visit your Rolex blog which is, by far, the most exhaustive and updated. –Vulcain from Paris, France [French Rolex Forum] November 4, 2008]

• Your blog is awesome man. –Sheetmetal [Boris' Arts & Watch Blog, November 7, 2008]

• Very interesting article. The more I read Jake's watch blog–the more impressed I am!–Harry III [Watch Talk Forums Moderator, November 7, 2008]

Comments on the Jacques Piccard Story

• Jake... I was just looking at the blog.... waaaauuuuuuw what great information!!! and biggest compliments and respect for putting all of this together!!! Must cost so much time... a real tribute to passion!!!!!!!!!!! –Bullibeer [German Rolex forum at R-L-X.de, November 12, 2008]

• Very detailed article Jake, I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for all the hard work. –Nelson [Timezone.com Rolex forum, November 12, 2008]

• Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Great work! It's worthy of a re-read :) –Greg Prim [Timezone.com Rolex forum, November 12, 2008]

• What a great story. Jake has real passion!! –Bernhard [Dutch Rolex Forum, November 12, 2008]

• Jake, thanks for sharing. The blog is amazing! –Le Saint [French Rolex Forum, November 12, 2008]

• Thanks for the great article Jake. Also the DAYTONA piece with the video is "fast paced fun too" and on that note the following videos of the Pagani Super Car were excellent. Thanks again for the broad scope of material you bring in our e mag! Thanks–Randy [Watchuseek.com Rolex Forum, November 12, 2008]

• Thank you! Excellent word, Jake.....As usual thumbs up!!! –Milos (WatchFan1) [Watchtalkforums.info, November 12, 2008]

• Well done, Jake. Thanks. –OysterPerp [Watchtalkforums.info, November 12, 2008]

• Nice article, easy to read and very informative. –Shogan [Watchuseek.com Rolex Fourm, November 12, 2008]

• Fascinating read Jake. I admire and appreciate your work. I love how you tie in all these things together with Rolex. It is simply amazing how much life and history is intertwined with the Brand. Any idea when we will hear another podcast? I absolutely loved listening to all of them. Thanks again for all your hard work and research. –Brushpup [WatchTalkForums.info, November 14, 2008]



• "Thanks Jake!! I visit your blog every day, a great source of info!! Well written and amazing pictures. Keep up the good work Jake!!" –GJ [WatchTalkForums.info, November 23, 2008]

• Thanks again Jake...your blog is so nice!!!! All those images and facts....history....that's what the passion for Rolex is all about. The heritage in your posts is the basis for which we collect those killer watches!!! The story about Scott Carpenter....just waaaauuuuwwww.... –Bullibeer (Bernhard) [R-L-X.de, German Rolex Forum, November 23, 2008.]

• A lot of passion & effort on your excellent Rolex blog!! Compliments!! Also thanks for placing my prototype red Submariner and of course for your kind words. Regards, –Phillip [R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, November 23, 2008]

• Jake, your Rolex page is by far THE BEST I have ever seen–one can feel your LOVE for these wonderful watches in every article. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS!!!!!! –Smile (Newman)[R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, November 24, 2008]

• Hi Jake, Let me take the opportunity to also thank you for your excellent blog. I really enjoyed reading most of the articles and some of them are nearly "scientific." Best regards,
Matthias (Prof. Rolex) [R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, November 25, 2008]

• Hi Jake, I enjoy it every time again when I read your blog, so many interesting topics, keep up the good work. A very pleasant vacation. –Rik (Ridley) [Dutch Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Very good blog with excellent pictures! –Zarathustra [R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Wow! Absolutely great pictures!!! Thank you loads!!! –Martin (retsyo) [R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Delicious! –Paul (ildikos) [R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Great site! Had a quiet evening, very much enjoyed reading some of the great stories. Keep up the good work! –Bolle [Dutch Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Jake as always...just amazing!!!!!! So many fantastic stories and knowledge..... again.... what you show... is what Rolex is all about to me!!!! Thanks so much! Bernhard (Bulllibeer) [R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Jake, ...what a great blog! Thanks!! –Remco [Dutch Rolex Forum, December 1, 2008]

• Jake, I always appreciate it when you post a notice over here about your watch blog. I always end up spending 30 minutes or more reading about the history. Some really great Rolex stuff over there, thanks for putting in the time!! –Jason (jclevoy) [WatchUSeek.com Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Hi Jake! Another BRILLIANT article! I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed your podcast and book review of the Rolex history book, The Best of Times–Rolex Wristwatches with Jeff Hess. A superb review of a superb book. Keep up the excellent work! All the best. –Harry (Harry_III_UK) [WatchTalkForums Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Thanks for a fantastic blog Jake!! Didn't know Rolex had produced moonphase watches in the past, the one you showed looks beautiful. Wish they made them today. Kevin [WatchTalkForums Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Interesting indeed Jake! Thanks again for all the work you put into your wonderful blog. –GJ [WatchUSeek.com Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Very interesting. Thanks Jake. –BenL [WatchUSeek.com Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Jake, I am always amazed how you assemble such fantastic information! –Boris (redsubmariner) [R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Wow!!! –I Like To Watch [WatchTalkForums Rolex Forum, November 30, 2008]

• Love the great stories on your blog Jake!! Looking forward to more of them. –Skippy [Dutch Rolex Forum, December 1, 2008]

• Amazing stuff, as usual, Jake!–Space-Dweller [TimeKeeperForum, December 10, 2008]

• Jake, I 've just finished listening to Part 1 of the T. Walker Lloyd podcast–GREAT stuff!! The significance of this completely candid interview with someone so well placed in the Rolex organization cannot be understated. It's Unprecedented. –John Hollbrook [Owner of WatchTalkFourms, December 10, 200]

• I will definitely check this out. Can't find this kind of stuff anywhere else. Thanks, Jake. –Cmaster03 [TimeKeeperForum, December 10, 2008]

• I love and thoroughly enjoy your watch blog site. With your podcasts it is truly on the cutting edge. –Beaumont [WatchTalkForums Rolex Forum, December 16, 2008]

• I enjoy your work Jake.....these days many Rolex books out there are copies of copies of summaries of 'some work' by a few people. I like your approach....A LOT OF NEW things never heard of before and you are doing it the hard-old-fashioned way–by digging it up yourself! I wish you much success....and I will be the first in-line when you decide to publish your 'golden nuggests' from your blog into a publication some day. I am sure it will be a big hit. –WatchFan1 (Milos) [Moderator, WatchTalkForums Rolex Forum, December 16, 2008]

• Jake, Your blog is simply fascinating. Cheers! –Nicholas

• A GREAT Rolex site. Amazing quantity of information and pictures about our favorite watches. Also very interesting Rolex related themes, famous Rolex owners, etc. Well worth visiting and supporting. Great Job Jake!! Very cordially, –Abel from Argentina [RolexForums.com, December 18, 2008]

• There are a lot of people here on TRF who will immensely enjoy the work Jake is doing. –Patrick [RolexForums.com, December 18, 2008]

• Jake, I just came across your site the other day and all I can say is WOW. It's a veritable treasure trove of Rolex info, pics, podcasts....a must-have bookmark for any Rolex afficionado or sports/tool watch enthusiast. –Jabberjaw [Watchuseek Rolex Forum, December 19, 2008]

• Hi Jake, Your blog is the best with lots of nice new photos...Bravo! –1000 ft [ForumMontres, French Rolex Forum. December 21, 2008]

Man, I've been checking out your excellent Rolex blog for over an hour now. It's just a fantastic piece of work. Thanks Jake! –Rick [WatchTalkForums, December 24, 2008]

• Great read, Jake. Always love your blog. –Tom [WatchTalkForums, December 25, 2008]

• I am looking forward to reading the rest of your blog, but I really do have a life to get back to! Jake, reading what little I did all last night of your blog has me jonesing to add to the Rolex collection next year. More than any other articles I've checked out so far your blog will be to blame for my reckless spending habits in the coming months I hope. Thanks again. –Rick [WatchTalkForums, December 25, 2008]

• Thanks Jake, great job! Your blog is a gold mine, I could spend my entire Christmas on it! Cheers, and Merry Christmas Jake. –Jaeger [ForumMontres, December 25, 2008]

• Jake, Your blog is brilliant. I am sure everybody loves the efforts you go to. –OzTimeLord [RolexForums.com, December 26, 2008]

• That was fantastic! Thank you for sharing! –Kspeed [WatchUSeek, December 26, 2008]

• The coolest blog I've seen. Nice Work! –Collektor77 [WatchUSeek, December 26, 2008]

• Two Thumbs up mate...–Kiwidj [WatchUSeek, December 26, 2008]


Comments on the Mount Everest Story

• Jake, I can only say verneigen verneigen verneigen verneigen . –Bernhard (Bulllibeer) [R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Jake, Thanks for your time. Very Interesting. Extremely Good! –Steffen [R-L-X.de German Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Jake, I am so glad there is someone out there who puts together a blog site like this. TRULY AMAZING. Thank you for all your hard work. Two Thumbs Way Up!!–Jason (Doxa Forum Moderator) [WatchUSeek forum, January 1, 2009]

• The history and all the great information is staggering. THANK YOU!!! –GregB [WatchUSeek forum, January 1, 2009]

• Thanks Jake. I look forward as always to reading your take on Rolex history. Keep up the great work! –Pete [TimeKeeperForum, January 1, 2009]

• Your articles are out of this world, Jake Thanks for sharing!–Bo (Super Moderator) [TimeKeeperForum, January 1, 2009]

• Great read as always Jake. –Xelor [TimeKeeperForum, January 1, 2009]

• Thanks so much for your great Blog which I read with enthusiasm and passion. –Gé [French ForumMontres, January 1, 2009]

• Waowwwwwwwwww !!! –Tony [French ForumMontres, January 1, 2009]

• I wanted to tell you that it's the best and most thoroughly documented story of the 1953 Everest Climb I've ever read!! Many thanks for you work.Chinois–Quentin [French ForumMontres, January 1, 2009]

• That article of Everest and Rolex is tops, Jake Forgive the pun...always enjoy the blog. –Cmaster [TimeKeeperForum, January 1, 2009]

• Outstanding! Thanks! –Otto [WatchTalkForum, January 1, 2009]

• What a wonderful story! Thanks –Remco [Dutch Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Amazing piece of work! Congratulations –Hans [Dutch Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Great work on the Everest story. –RJ of FratelloWatches [Dutch Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Thanks Jake. This is by far the most interesting website. –Maxime [Dutch Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Amazing stuff Jake, as usual...–GJ [Dutch Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Jake just one big . You keep the spirit of vintage Rolex alive,... so cool to read and see the history!!!!! Keep up the great work in 2009! Best to you and thanks again for all the energy you put into your passion!!!–Bernhard [Dutch Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Hi Jake! Awesome post and most interesting! Sometimes I wonder where you get all that information and pictures from! –Karel [Dutch Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Excellent piece of work Jake. I've read it with the greatest pleasure, the more because a few years back I was at Mount Everest base camp, and man could I smell history there. Great work, keep it up! –Michael [Dutch Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Again great story and research Jake on my favorite Rolex model. –Skippy [Dutch Rolex Forum, January 1, 2009]

• Amazing pictures. Well done mate. –Pembers (West London) [WatchTalkForum, January 1, 2009]

• Jake, Fantastic read. You are amazing with your research. We are all very lucky to have you as a Rolex friend. –Tom [WatchTalkForum, January 1, 2009]

• Very fascinating to read! I do read a lot of your stories and appreciate your discovery. Have you ever thought about writing a Rolex history book? I would certainly buy a such a book if you published one. –Mephist (from Norway) [WatchTalkForum, January 1, 2009]

• That was fantastic. The pics and the writing were great. Kudos!! –DarkHeart (from Nanning, Guangxi, China) [WatchTalkForum, January 1, 2009]

• Hi Jake, Thanks for the great story that is well written. It was a pleasure to read! –Hans (from the Netherlands) [Site Administrator, WorldWideRolexForum, January 1, 2009]

• Hi Jake. Excellent read...Thank you. Keep up the good work. All The best. –David (Illuminatus) [WatchTalkForum, January 1, 2009]

• Excellent stuff Jake.. –GJ [WorldWideRolexForum, January 1, 2009]

• Both stories about Rolex and Mercedes Gleitze and the Rolex-Everest connection are amazing. They also show a Great investigation and writing effort from Jake. A great and enjoyable Rolex related web site that is very commendable. It's really unbelievable to see the volume and quality of information which Jake has researched for his site. Congrats Jake! Please keep up your great work! Kind regards, Abel (from Argentina) [RolexForums.com, January 2, 2009]

• I just stumbled across your Rolex blog and have found it to be absolutely fascinating–especially the stories about Rolex in space. Cheers! –Shayne [January 6, 2009, via email]

• Frankly Jake, your hard word is simply astonishing. I'm always excited when you post something new on your fabulous blog! Thank you for sharing your research with us and keep up the good workthumright. –Michelro67 [February 9, 2009, ForumAMontres, French Rolex forum.]

• Thanks a lot for your great blog Jake. I really appreciate it. There is a lot of information and it is fun to read. I'll definitely by checking it on a regular basis. Thanks again! –Youssef [February 14, 2009]



• The more I look around Jake's Rolex Watch Blog the more I think it has some of the best information around–the pictures–stories and information are very detailed. –Watchblog.dk [February 14, 2009]

• Pure watch pornography: Jake's Rolex Watch Blog. If you like Rolex watches (and we do) and if you have a penchant for vintage (and we do) then this photo of a 1964 Submariner (Reference 5513) will make your day. It was originally published on Jake's Rolex Watch Blog, an excellent site for all things Rolex. Jake's Rolex Watch Blog is really well worth the visit. It has some incredibly detailed and well researched stories about Rolex, its watches, its customers and its myth. The stand-out for us was a fascinating–and also scarily detailed–look at Daniel Craig, the current James Bond's obsession with vintage Rolex timepieces. Very much recommended. –TheProdigalGuide.com [February 18, 2009]

• We've said it before–if you like beautiful and fun Rolex photography, there's no better site on the web than Jake's Rolex Watch Blog. An this proves true once again this Easter Weekend as Jake publishes this shot from John Goldberger. Goldberger wrote 100 Superlative Rolex Watches and took the photos of his Exotic Dial Paul Newman (Reference 6263) to wish everyone a happy Easter. –TheProdigalGuide.com [April 12, 2009]

• Hi Jake, My name is Claude Flammang, I am 37 years old and I live in Luxembourg (west europe). I have been collecting Rolex for many years and I do love your site very much–it is simply the best on the whole web!! You are doing such a fabulous and great job, congratulations and my deepest respect!! With kindest regards, –Claude Flammang [April 25, 2009].

• Jake, I just love your blog, and have spent many happy hours pouring over your photos and writing. God Bless. –Liz [Watchuseek Forum, May 2, 2009]

• Hi Jake, I thoroughly enjoy reading Jake's Rolex Watch Blog and recommend your site to my Rolex admirers. I find your blog to be very informative and the most authoritative of all the sites on Rolex. –Jack Diamond [June 8, 2009, via Email]

• Hi Jake, First off I wanna say I am a new fan of your Rolex blog. I visit everyday. I've downloaded all your podcast episodes & am currently listening to the second one. I've gained so much knowledge & found alot of fun from it. I believe there are many of us who feel the same way. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We really treasure your work! –Alfred L. [June 11, 2009, via Eamil].

• Dear Jake, Have to say that I am an avid fan of your blog. Not only the personality and professionalism, but the incredible knowledge that lies within. Many thanks and keep up the great work! –Eric Drosin [October 15, 2009, Via Email from Brussels, Belgium]

• Looks great Jake. Your website is easy to get stuck on for hours and hours. Thanks. –Phillip [RolexForums.com, October 18, 2009, From Oneonta, New York]

• I can personally say that I've very much enjoyed the content of your blog. Looking forward to your next great entry! –Andrew (USCpaneristi) [RolexForums.com, October 18, 2009, From Oneonta, New York]

• Thank you for a great blog! As a Rolex buff, I often stop by, and I always find something new and interesting. Keep up the good work. All the best. –Kristian Holm (From Denmark, via email, October 19, 2009].

• Hi Jake, I've been reading Jake's Rolex Watch Blog for a couple of months now and I am amazed at the amount of detail that goes into your articles. You have hands-down, the highest quality, best-researched content for Rolex enthusiasts on the web. Cheers! –Jeff Chan [sent in via email, October 23, 2009]

• Dear Jake, Your blog is, well, sublime, and a joy to read. I'm a fan. Thanks again. –Dick Ryan [sent in via email, October 25, 2009]

• Hi Jake. I keep reading your fantastic blog each day and as usual the pictures you post are absolutely beautiful and the writing is 1st class. Keep up the good work and keep on ticking! –Ismat Osman [sent in via email, October 26, 2009]

• Love your Rolex Blog. I spend hours reading it. –James Schaeffer [sent in via email, November 9, 2009]

• Hey Jake! I've gotta tell you–this blog is amazing. I'm really enjoying reading through the articles you've obviously put so much time and effort into. I'm quite new to this hobby and I'm loving the history behind the Rolex name, and the watches. Thanks for this great wealth of knowledge Jake! I am really enjoying it. –Steve [sent in via email, November 13, 2009]

• Your blog and website is without a shadow of a doubt the best Rolex blog around. What I appreciate about you is your appreciation of good design and what ever pleases you, be it watches, cars, or computers–you let us know about it. Also thank you for introducing me to the other wonderful people out there with an interest in watches as 100PercentRolex and the gorgeous pictures of Stefano Mazzariol. –Ismat Osman [sent in via email, November 24, 2009]

• Dear Jake, Searching through the internet for information, I found your blog. I am more than impressed by your extensive research and knowledge and will be spending a lot of time going through your blog. –K F Ng from Singapore [sent in via email, November 29, 2009]

• Hi Jake, I love your site. Glad I found it. I've worn a Rolex for years, since about 2006, been seduced by Panerai. I admire the way you effortlessly acknowledge the relationship between the two brands. –David Worland from Australia [sent in via email, December 2, 2009]

• Your material is irreplaceable! :) Thank you for keeping Rolex, that much more interesting! –Calbibre89 [sent in via comment on December 12, 2009]

• Hi Jake, Greetings from Australia. Firstly let me say how much I enjoy your blog–I particularly like the integration of historical and (most) entertainment and sport figures with their watches. I'm a big Bond fan so the bits on that are great. –David Stanley [sent in via email on December 14, 2009]

• Dear Sir, I have been a regular reader of your Rolex blog for some time now and I have to commend you for doing such an excellent job...I led the last expedition to the Titanic, and I have been a participant in several other expeditions, including the 2003 Titanic expedition with Dr. George Bass and a 2001 expedition with Don Walsh. –David Concannon [send in via email on December 19, 2009]

• Hi Jake, Let me congratulate you for running the best watch blog ever. Not only do you share lots of great amusing information, but you do so in a very enjoyable way. –Ian Cao from Brazil [Sent in via email on January 7, 2010].

• Dear Jake, I am a huge fan of your site! Keep up the great work. It is a real treasure. I was particularly touched by your article about Ike's Rolex. What an awesome story! I was thinking how great it was that Rolex did not try to capitalize on Ike's wearing a Rolex. It was very honorable. Keep up the awesome watch blog! I am a recent graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, DC and am saving up to by my first Rolex! With gratitude, Eric Wind [Sent in via email on January 8, 2010].

• Thank you Jake, Happy New Year and thanks again for your stunning blog. Always a pleasure to read your pages. –Eric [Forumamontres, French Rolex Forum. January 9, 2010].

• Cool articles. You really run a great blog. I go there a few times a month. –Mike [Watchuseek Forum. January 9, 2010].

• Wow Jake! You've stolen my whole Friday evening with the reading pleasure of your "The Complete History Of The Rolex Submariner & SEA-DWELLER" series. I can't wait to read Part 8 and onwards. All the best from Frederik, Denmark (SEA-DWELLER DEEPSEA). [Comment left on Jake's Rolex Watch Blog, January 29 2010].

• Hi Jake, How about telling us about the Rolex Award of Enterprise Laureates from the past. Should be a very interesting project. I must commend you on the excellent investigative corpus you have developed about various personalities associated with Rolex. I am thoroughly impressed! Sincerely, Dr. Bhupinder Singh (Sent in via email, February 10, 2010).

• Dear Jake, I've been reading your blog daily for two years and I must say, it's amazing!!! The photos, the background information, the articles, SUPER!!! The love for Rolex (a thing we share) is a pleasure to read and the speed in which the site is updated is unbelievable. I have the unpleasant feeling that in the past 20 years, Rolex has been adopted by big-shot drug criminals and B movie-stars with a taste for big gold watches. Thanks to your blog people will appreciated the history and perspective of this fine brand and it will be seen as more than a "bling-bling" symbol. Again, thanks and please continue!!! Regards, Thijs Hendriks, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Sent it via email February 15, 2010).

• Greetings, First let me say that I have been enjoying your blog for years and just recently acquired my first Rolex and I have grown to find your blog even more compelling. –Arlington Greene, Daytona Beach, Florida (Sent in via email, February 16, 2010).

• Hi Jake, I discovered Jake's Rolex World Magazine a few days ago, and it's like the perfect Rolex encyclopedia I've always dreamt of. It reminds me of "The Book Of Sand," which is a short story by J.L. Borges, about a book that never ends and keeps offering more and more interesting information... Once again, Jake, I want to congratulate you for your blog and for the amazing pictures you've collected. My kindest regards, Guido Hernan Krolovetzky, Beunos Aires Argentina (Sent in via email on February 16, 2010.

• Thank you so much for Jake's Rolex World. It is very interesting and informative. –Tomasz Pendleton (Sent in via email on February 24, 2010).

• I greatly enjoy reading and watching Jake's Blog. It surely is like viewing a book growing every day, and getting an awesome surprise every day, especially when you realize you thought that everything was already said about Rolex and its BIG World. –Abel Domenech (Sent in via email February, 24, 2010).

• Nothing beats Jake's Rolex World!!! 1st thing I check every day, best website I have ever been to. –Greg Carrara (Sent in via email Feb 27, 2010).

• Jake, I follow your Rolex blog. What a thoughtful and well put together Blog. I really appreciated the work you put into it. THANKS! Steve Grant, MD. (Sent in via email April 2, 2010).

• Hey Jake, Based largely on your review of the 27" iMac, I purchased one this week (I used the Amazon link at the end of the review so hopefully yo get a cut of it). Just wanted to let you know I really enjoy the blog and can't wait for more podcasts. Keep up the stellar work! –Ivan Wolanski (Sent in via email April 3, 2010).

• Hi Jake, I am also a Rolex lover, and adventurer at heart. I just retired from the Police Department here in Miami Florida. I enjoy reading your site. Everyday I eagerly go to my computer to see what you posted. Jake's Rolex World not only teaches about Rolexes, but also human triumph! Keep up the good work. I will be making a small contribution to this incredible site. Your friend, Jerry Llanes (Sent in via email April 9, 2010).

• Hi Jake, I love your blog. Keep up the excellent work! Your site is an indispensable source for all Rolex watch enthusiasts. Best regards, Tamas Miklos (from Hungary) (Sent in via email April 11, 2010).

• Keep up the great work. Jake's Rolex World is the first thing I check in the morning, and the last thing every night! –Greg Carrara (Sent in via email April 26, 2010)

• Pretty cool, thanks for the job. Jake's Rolex World is a wonderful world indeed!!! –Olh (from the French Rolex Forum, May 10, 2010).

• This is a great job well done and very complete, bravo! –Olh (from the French Rolex Forum, May 10, 2010).

• Hi Jake! I'm an avid reader of Jake's Rolex Blog and have been so for 2 years. I always look forward to opening your site and taking a glance at what's new. Whether it be Shot of the Day, Rolex Hotness (YES!), and specially your thorough stories on great characters and personalities of our world. I wish you the best. –Jose Ulloa (Sent in via email on October 19, 2010).

• Hi Jake. I have to say, Jake's Rolex World is the best thing on the web. At night when I am hanging out late, I stay up much later than my wife, I love going through Jake's Rolex World...no matter how many times I go through your site, I always find something new or something I missed...it is like Seinfeld for me, I can never get enough... –Greg Carrara (Sent in via email December 24, 2010).

• Thank you Jake for your tremendous work. You really bring alive Rolex history, and it is appreciated. The pictures and narrative in your blog are first rate. Truly. –Rod Monnette from Ottawa Canada (Sent in via email Dec 25, 2010)

• Hi Jake. I have been a fan of your blog for some time now. I enjoy reading the new posts as well as browsing back through older topics as well. Jake's Rolex World is very informative and well done with enough content to keep even the biggest Rolex fan busy for a while. –James Enloe, Publisher of WatchesInMovies.info (Sent in via email Dec 28, 2010)

• Jake, Dude, that (William Knight) article gave me chills. Absolutely awesome!! Thanks for the great work!! –Medtech (WatchUSeek, Rolex Forum, March 1, 2011)

• Hi Jake. You have the brilliance of ferreting out remarkable pieces of information that nearly every time it baffles the mind! Your blog about the complete history of the Rolex GMT & William Knight are truly amazing. I read your blog ever day when I reach home. It's become part of my relaxation regimen! I have learned so much about Rolex over the years reading your wonderful blog. I have gone again & again through the archives as one would ruminate through ones cherished collection!! I wait every day for a new update & it's very relaxing to read through your blog. Well, let's put it this way...your blog is the number one hit when one googles the words "Rolex blog" ☺ –B. Sign (Sent in via email, March 4, 2011).

• Hi Jake. My name is Tommy and I'm from Italy. I read Jake's Rolex World every day, and for me it's like a drug. I enjoy your very interesting stories about Rolex watches and history...I consider Jake's Rolex World my Holy Bible...I must say that my knowledge of Rolex watches increased significantly since I started reading Jake's Rolex World, and it has also improved my English. Thanks a lot and good luck for your blog. (Sent in via email on May 20, 2011).

• As a fan of James Bond I commend you on the immense amount of information you've compiled and presented on your blog. The page on Cary Grant being the preferred actor for Bond is mind-blowing. I can definitely see it. I also have to admit as someone who is not partial to watches, you may have planted a seed which might cause me to buy a watch. LOL. Thanks and keep up the good work. –FHP (July 13, 2011)

• Hi Jake, Great site! Just discovered it and yet I have been a Rolex fanatic for years. Very much enjoying Jake's Rolex World and still reading through so much of the content. Thank you for your efforts. Jake's Rolex World is one of my favorite sites for sure. Best regards, Cedric (Sent in via email, August 4, 2011).

• Hi Jake, Love Jake's Rolex World. It's a daily read for me, kind of like my Rolex Newspaper..LOL!!! –Michael Morgan (Sent in via email, September 26, 2011)

• Hello Jake, I just want to tell you what a great website you have. I'll start looking at one page on Jake's Rolex World, and before I know it, 45 minutes have gone by. Good job. Cheers. –Wayne Silva (Sent in via email, October 12, 2011)

• Many Thanks Jake, Your Peter Frampton Rolex story blew me away! Since I found your website, I bookmarked it and Jake's Rolex World–by far–is the unabashedly best Rolex site in the world. Cheers! –Anthony Leong (Sent in via email, October 26, 2011)

• I love your Rolex blog - I came across it because I am agonizing about which Rolex to buy (a Datejust 36mm, steel and yellow gold with a white dial, stick figures instead of numbers and domed bezel, OR a blue and black concentric dial with Arabic numbers and a fluted bezel). I suppose they are both pretty standard and classic, so I won't go wrong with either. Anyway, your blog is so fun, I love the vintage adds and the countless politicians and celebrities wearing Rolex. I love when ever so often you come across a blog with such dedicated, passionate and single minded focus. –XX Diane Seerden (Sent in via email, November 13, 2011)

• "I came across Jake's Rolex Blog yesterday, and it's one of the most entertaining ones I have ever seen. Partly because it is all about Rolex - and there is no watch company I love more. But the best part of the blog are the photographs of the enormous variety of prominent Rolex wearers around the world - truly stunning - to name a few: Gerald Ford, Che Guevara, Warren Buffett, Cher, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, Lyndon Johnson, Jennifer Aniston, my fellow Dutch girl Sylvie van der Vaart, cancer survivor and majorly gorgeous Dutchie. There are not many companies in the world which can claim both Warren Buffett and Kim Kardashian to be loyal fans. Maybe Coca-Cola is the only company that comes close. Anyway, it is an absolute must check-out, www.rolexblog.blogspot.com. " –Diane Seerden (Published on the I LOVE FASHION Blog, November 14, 2011)

• Jake, I really enjoy your articles on Jake's Rolex World which really show the strength of your understanding of Rolex. Thanks. –Gaurav Rao from India (Sent in via email, November 15, 2011)

• Hello Jake! I visit Jake's Rolex World everyday and I like it very much. I hope you continue to update it forever because I enjoy it so much. Thank you very much. Best regards, Fernando Aldonate (Sent in via email on November 28, 2011).