Sunday, July 26, 2009

Presidential Watch Sunday: An Unprecedented Look At The Presidency



Presidential Watch Sunday
An Unprecedented Look At The Presidency

"Men are like wine–some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age. –Pope John XXIII.

Welcome to the tenth installment of Presidential Watch Sunday. In case you noticed, I missed last week because I was a little overwhelmed with a fascinating project I have been working on.

I would like to thank the White House and Pete Souza (The Official White House Photographer) for giving us unprecedented access to photos of the United States Presidency.

This first photo is of President Obama on Air Force One heading to the All Star Game with baseball legend Willie Mays.

Click on all images for much more detail


In this next photo we see President Obama practicing his pitch before he throws out the first ball at the 2009 All Star Game.


President Obama joins Fox Sports announcers, Joe Buck pictured on the left and Tim McCarver on the right in the broadcast booth at the MLB All-Star Game in St. Loius on July 14, 2009.


President Obama is pictured in the locker room below chatting with Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki at the All-Stare game.


President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are pictured below with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on July 10, 2009.


President Obama is pictured below walking to a signing ceremony and press conference with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in the Kremlin in Russia on July 6, 2009.


Wanna See My Baseball Cards?

In this next photo we see President Obama in Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's office at his dacha outside Moscow, Russia on July 6, 2009. I think Medvedev is showing Obama Jake's Rolex Watch Blog on his computer? Just kidding ;-))))))))))))


In this next photo, President Obama walks with Russian President Dimitry Medvedev at his dacha outside Moscow on July 6, 2009. I looks to me like Medvedev is wearing a Franck Mueller watch.


Saturday, July 25, 2009

I Spy Saturday: Season 1 [Episode 15 : The Tiger]


I Spy Saturday
Season 1 [Episode 15 : The Tiger]
Original Air Date: January 5, 1966

Wow!!! I can't believe we are already on Episode 15 and we just left 1965 and moved into 1966.



Bill Cosby Comedian

Did you ever notice Bill Cosby's name sounds like Bing Crosby. Actually, I think that is one of the reasons Microsoft named their new search engine Bing–is because older people would already have the memory hook.

One of the most amazing things about watching the episodes of I SPY is to know that Bill Cosby would go on to become one of the most successful comedians in history. I think Bill Cosby was one of the first physical comedians since he is so expressive. Remember the Jello commercials? In the two following videos we see Bill performing live on stage in the 1970s. Amazing!!!

Wow!!!!!!!


Friday, July 24, 2009

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day: Ice Mocha GMT Master in Yellow Gold with Presidential Bracelet...


Jeff Is Ready For The Beach

Watch Quote Of The Day: Man & Watches


Watch Quote Of The Day

A watch is one of the very few ways a man can express his personality. –Marcus Margulies

Flipper Friday Season 1 [Episode 15: Misanthrope]


Flipper Friday
Season 1 [Episode 15: Misanthrope]
Original Air Date: December 26th, 1964

This is a pretty trippy episode of Flipper. Flipper was referred to as Lassie of the sea, which seems accurate to me.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Standard Rolex Submariner v. LV...


Standard Rolex Submariner v. LV

Antfer took this great comparison shot of his standard 16610 Submariner next to his LV Submariner. I like the LV much better. You just can't beat the Maxi markers and the fat hands and the green bezel.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Miami Vice Monday: Season 1 [Episode 8: The Great McCarthy]


Miami Vice Monday
Season 1 [Episode 8: The Great McCarthy]
Original Air Date: November 16, 1984

Hey!!! Chill Out Pal!!! O.K., I did it again. I am posting Miami Vice Monday on Tuesday, and in case you didn't notice I missed Presidential Watch Sunday, but it will be back next Sunday. I have been a little overwhelmed lately as you can image. I imagine that is better than being underwhelmed ;-)

The music on Miami vice is amazing!!! Not to mention the cigarette boats!!! That race scene with Born To Be Wild playing was really cool!!! The 1980s were really something else!!!



Rolex Wrist Shot of the Day: Rene's White Gold Rolex Daytona


Rene's White Gold Rolex Daytona

Monday, July 20, 2009

Hendri Leong From Indonesia: GMT Master II Ceramic Two-To


Hendri Leong From Indonesia
GMT Master II Ceramic Two-Tone

Hendri Leong from Indonesia sent in these great shots of himself taken at Toba Lake, Indonesia in North Sumatera sporting his favorite Rolex GMT Master II Ceramic Two-tone.

One of my favorite things with Jake's Rolex Watch Blog is knowing that people read it regularly in more than 100 countries internationally–so cool!!!!!


Hendri is the author of The Indo Dragon Arwana Book and DVD video series and you can learn more about him at http://www.indodragon.com or by clicking here. Hedri's books focus on exploring Dragon Fish (Arowana Fish) which is very famous in Asian countries.

Indo Dragon is the first and only Arwoana book from Indonesia and it has the best print and picture quality. The books cover Arowana farms, Arowana hobbyists, and Arowana traders in Asian countries and around the world. Hendri's DVDs are also the best DVDs that feature detailed Arowana video from Indonesia and many countries.

Hendri is extremely passionate about Dragon Fish and writes books and produces DVDs on Arowana not for the money, but for the Passion!!!

Thanks for sending in the great shots Hendri!!!


Saturday, July 18, 2009

I Spy Saturday: Season 1 [Episode 14 : Affair in T'Sien Cha]


I Spy Saturday
Season 1 [Episode 14 : Affair in T'Sien Cha]
Original Air Date: December 29, 1965

Today's episode of I Spy takes place in Hong Kong. This episode has some really amazing views!!!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Wrist Shot Of The Day: Andrews Rolex Chronograph On a NATO Strap


Andrew's Rolex Chronograph On a NATO Strap

That's a pretty tight look: the black dial with the simple bezel on the black NATO with the 1000 Units Tachymeter Scale on the dial along with the pushbutton chrono pushers. Gives the watch a vintage military vibe. Very cool!!!!

Flipper Friday Season 1 [Episode 14: Danger]


Flipper Friday
Season 1 [Episode 14: Danger]
Original Air Date: December 19th, 1964

It is really interesting to see how people used to speak to each other. In many ways it was a whole different world. Hap Gorman is a pretty funny dude, and one of the most interesting things about Flipper is how often Porter Ricks dives into the ocean wearing his uniform with his boots and gun ;-)

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Rolex Hotness: Tara Reid


Rolex Hotness: Tara Reid
Yellow Gold Daytona

Seinfeld Moment: What is the deal with hot blonde chicks wearing their yellow gold Rolex watches upside down!?!

To see some more upside-down yellow-gold hotness with the upside down Rolex click here. I think more than anything this proves that women like to wear men's Rolex watches as bracelets. It's the whole Tool v. Tiara thing...

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Rolex Coolness: Chuck Yeager...


Rolex Coolness: Chuck Yeager

I am working on another huge story that has to do with The Right Stuff, so I thought I would put up this picture of General Chuck Yeager in his Air Force Jet. Really cool stuff and to think Chuck has been wearing a Rolex for 62 years!!!!



This next photo of Chuck Yeager wearing his big crown with no crown guard Rolex Submariner with the orange triangle marker behind the lume pearl on the bezel is one of my favorites!!!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Amanico's Vintage Rolex Espresso GMT...


Amanico's Vintage Rolex Espresso GMT

Rolex Hotness: Victoria Secret Angel...


Rolex Hotness: Victoria Secret Angel
Blowing You A Kiss!!!

Studio Shot of the Day: Classic Rolex Explorer II...


Classic Rolex Explorer II

Monday, July 13, 2009

Miami Vice Monday Season 1 [Episode 7: No Exit]


Miami Vice Monday
Season 1 [Episode 7: No Exit]
Original Air Date: November 9, 1984

Chill Out Pal!!! This episode has Bruce Willis playing the villain and some great Phil Collins music. There is also plenty of neon and pastel colors and you see Don Johnson wearing a yellow gold Day-Date.





On The Cover Of The Rolling Stone

Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas are pictured below on the cover or Rolling Stone Magazine in the second year of the show in 1985. Notice Don Johnson has switched to wearing a two-tone Rolex Datejust. Miami Vice was pretty prolific: It ran for four years and they completed 111 episodes.

Rolex Studio Shots of the Day: Leo's King Midas Rolex


Leo's King Midas Rolex

If you are not familiar with the Rolex King Midas Limited Edition and want to learn more about the Rolex King Midas start by clicking here.


Sunday, July 12, 2009

Presidential Watch Sunday: An Unprecedented Look At The Presidency



Presidential Watch Sunday
An Unprecedented Look At The Presidency

"It would be naive to think that the problems plaguing mankind today can be solved with means and methods which were applied or seemed to work in the past. –Mikhail Gorbachev.

Welcome to the ninth installment of Presidential Watch Sunday. I would like to thank the White House and Pete Souza (The Official White House Photographer) for giving us unprecedented access to photos of the United States Presidency.

This first two photos are of President Obama meeting with former leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbechev in Gostinny Dvor, Russia on July 7, 2009.

Click on all images for much more detail



In this next photo President Obama is in the Oval Office with former White House Communications director Ellen Morgan with her family on June 24, 2009. The are having an apple break. The White House is filled with bowls of fresh apples for a healthy snack. United States founding father and politician Benjamin Franklin said, "An apple a day helps keep the doctor away."


Football Fun

President Oboma is not only a huge fan of watching football, but loves throwing around the football. He seems to be attached to his Super Bowl football since he is always playing with it. In the photo below, President Obama is photographed with assistant Eugene Kang in the Oval Office on June 24, 2009.


It seems the President is always holding on to his football and in the photo below taken on June 24, 2009 he leans on his Super Bowl football while talking on the telephone.


It almost seems like the football is like Linus' (from the Peanut's) security blanket for President Obama. I think it is very cool!!!


In this next photo we see President Obama playing catch with the football with Trip Director Marvin Nicholson in the outer Oval Office on June 26, 2009. President Obama's Personal Secratary Katie Johnson watches them tossing the ball from her desk. It looks like President Obama has a lot of fun in the White House, which is really the whole point of life if you think about it.


In the next few photos President Obama steps out into the White House Rose Garden to take a break and throw the football on June 24, 2009 with his assistant.



Saturday, July 11, 2009

I Spy Saturday Season 1 [Episode 13 : Tigers Of Heaven]


I Spy Saturday
Season 1 [Episode 13 : Tigers Of Heaven]
Original Air Date: December 15, 1965

Today's episode of I Spy takes place in Tokyo Japan and there are some great shots of Tokyo. Kelly is also really cool looking with the Lacoste Shirt, Pepsi Rolex GMT Master and Ray Ban Wayfarers.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Sir Edmund Hillary's Rolex Discovered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sir Edmund Hillary's Everest Expedition Rolex Discovered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Missing Piece Of The Puzzle Has Been Found
This is one of the most exciting moments of my life with Jake's Rolex Watch Blog!!!!!!!!!!

I wrote a super detailed article about Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's conquest of Mount Everest which you can read by clicking here. The challenge is that I was able to put together all the pieces of the puzzle except one? and that was whether Sir Edmund Hillary was wearing a Rolex on his wrist when he conquered Everest and if he did where was the actual watch today?

After many months and many international emails and phone calls I can report with confidence that Sir Edmunds Hillary's Rolex has been found and properly documented. The watch is in possession of the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum in Zürich, Switzerland. I have been working with folks at the Beyer Clock And Watch Museum on this story and they just confirmed with me that Rolex in Geneva confirmed the watch indeed belonged to Sir Edmund Hillary and was given to the Hunt Expedition.
This first photo is of the the actual watch Sir Edmund Hillary wore when he conquered Everest. 

The watch is an Officially Certified Chronometer Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a white dial and it is pictured below on top of a Rolex magazine ad which I believe is from between 1953 and late 1958. The irony, of course is Edmund Hillary's Rolex watch was NOT a (as widely believed and reported) a Rolex Explorer model, but a Rolex Oyster Perpetual COSC.


This next Rolex magazine advertisement is from 1953 and it appears to show the exact Rolex Oyster Perpetual that Sir Edmund Hillary wore. It does not show a Rolex Explorer, but the actual model as seen above but on an early Rolex Oyster bracelet. To the best of my recollection this model is very similar to the one Chuck Yeager wore when he broke the speed of sound barrier in 1947.

Also, notice that next to the photo of the watch in the ad below it says:
"The ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL that accompanied the victorious British Everest Expedition. Waterproof, self-winding, and a miracle of accuracy, this watch is the 'highest achievement' of the watchmaking industry."

It is interesting to note the use of language in the ad below as well–where Rolex uses the term "Highest Achievement." This is interesting to me because in my mind that is what Rolex has always been about. I think there is something about wearing a Rolex on your wrist that makes people strive higher to achieve. Perhaps, I and Rolex are romanticizing things, but it makes perfect sense to me.

Please Click Image To Make Larger
The ad has a letter from Sir Edmund Hillary to Rolex written upon his return from the 1952 British Himalayan Expedition and it reads:

"I received the watch (Rolex) on March 29th an Jaynagar on the Nepalese border, and throughout the whole of the British Cho Oyu Expedition, until we finally reached India again some 14 weeks later, I wore the watch (Rolex) continuously, night and day, and on no occasion did it stop or require winding. In the course of the expedition it experienced considerable extremes of temperature, from the great heat of India to the cold temperature at over 22,000 feet, and seemed unaffected by the knocks it received on rock climbs or the continual jarring on long spells of stop cutting in ice."

"To me an accurate watch is a novelty. I am one of those unfortunate people whose watches, for some some strange reason, always seem to go slow. No adjustment seems to counteract. However this Rolex has been different a different matter altogether. Its accuracy is all one could desire and it has run continuously without winding ever since I put it on some nine months ago...I count your watch amongst my most treasured possessions."

These next two photos are of Sir Edmund Hillary's actual Rolex Watch he was wearing when he conquered Mount Everest. This first photo which gets us up close was taken by Andrew and it shows all the detail on the dial. When I was doing research for the original story, I watched a tremendous amount of film footage and I kept looking for a Rolex Explorer on an Oyster band with a black dial, but I saw nothing that even resembled one. Instead, I kept seeing members of the Everest expedition including Hillary wearing watches on leather straps with white dial and this confused me terribly.

Welcome Home Baby!!!
The obvious reason I did not see any Rolex Explorer models is because the members of the Hunt expedition were not wearing them. In the photo below of Sir Edmund Hillary's watch we see that it has an extra long leather strap which enabled it to be worn over clothing or gloves.


Update on July 4, 2021: When I first saw the image below I thought it was Sir Edmund Hillary on the far right wearing two watches but it turns out it was Charles Wylie...


This next photo of Hillary (pictured on the left) shows him in the foothills with just one watch on a black leather strap.

Same with this next photo. One watch on his left wrist.

Flipper Friday Season 1 [Episode 11 & 12]


Flipper Friday
Season 1 [Episode 11 & 12: Lady And The Dolphin, Part 1 &2]
Original Air Date: December 5th & 12th, 1964

Today on Flipper Friday we get a double feature. Kind of funny episodes and it sure looks to me like Sandy is wearing a no-crown-guard Submariner on a tropical strap.




Thursday, July 09, 2009

Rolex Coolness: John Mayer


Rolex Coolness: John Mayer
On The Cover Of The Rolling Stone
[Yellow Gold Paul Newman Daytona]

Wrist Shot of the Day: The Great Wall Of China GMT Ceramic...


The Great Wall Of China

Hendri from Indonesia sent in these amazing wrist shots of his two-tone GMT Ceramic in front of the Great Wall Of China. What great shots and a very cool watch!!! Thanks for sharing Hendri!!!


Rolex Macro Shot of the Day: The Rolex Pearl by Jocke...


The Rolex Pearl by Jocke