Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Vintage Rolex Hotness: 1969 Ladies Rolex Oyster Ad


Vintage Rolex Hotness
1969 Ladies Rolex Oyster Ad
[Groovy Baby, Yeah!!!]

Tuesday, April 27, 2010







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Sunday, April 25, 2010

Presidential Watch Sunday: An Unprecedented Look At The Presidency...



Presidential Watch Sunday
An Unprecedented Look At The Presidency

Today on Presidential Watch Sunday on Jake's Rolex World we are going to take a look at some of the distinguished guests that President Obama has visited with in the Oval Office. The Oval Office is arguably the most elegant office in the United States and the artwork that adorns it is deeply steeped in the finest Americana.

In this first photo we see President Obama meeting with former U.S. President, George H.W. Bush on January 30, 2010 in the Oval Office.


In this next image (below) we see President Obama meeting in the Oval Office with former U.S. Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton on January 16, 2010. "President Obama called on the two former Presidents to help with the situation in Haiti. During their public remarks in the Rose Garden, President Clinton had said about President Bush, 'I've already figured out how I can get him to do some things that he didn't sign on for.' Later, back in the Oval Office, President Bush is jokingly asking President Clinton what were those things he had in mind"

It is argued that in the U.S. we have a two party system, and some would argue we really have one party with two wings.


In this next photo we see President Obama meeting with French President, Nicolas Sarkozy on March 30, 2010.


In this next photo we see President Obama with Chinese Vice Premier Qishan (center) as he hold the autographed basketball that President Obama gave him following their meeting on July 28, 2009. This meeting was setup to discuss the outcome of the first U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.


In this last photo taken on March 9, 2010 we see President Obama meeting in the Oval Office with Greek Prime Minister, George Papandreou.

Problem!?! What Problem!?! I Don't Have Any Problems!!!


Problem!?! What Problem!?!
I Don't Have Any Problems!!!
RISitus In Action

Jeff, also know as Dr. Strong, took this photo of his pal wearing 5 different vintage Rolex watches and a COMEX t-shirt. Nothing better than a GTG with some great friends, great food & drink and great vintage Rolex watches!!!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Rolex Outdoor Shot Of The Day: Joey's Sea Dweller


Rolex Outdoor Shot Of The Day
Joey's Sea Dweller

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Rolex Hotness: Kelly Killoren Bensimon-Super-Leggy-Model & Actress


Rolex Hotness: Kelly Killoren Bensimon
Super-Leggy-Model & Actress
Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date

Kelly Killoren Bensimon is a super-model, author and jewelry designer. She was also the editor of Elle Accessories and she stars on the TV show named, "The Real Housewives Of New York City." In the photo below you can see Kelly sporting her trademark yellow gold Rolex Day-Date on a matching yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Rolex Coolness: Lance Armstrong To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required


Rolex Coolness: Lance Armstrong
To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required
[Stainless Steel Rolex Daytona]

Lance Armstrong is the greatest road bike racer in history and his achievements are nothing short of spectacular. After personally combatting and overcoming testicular cancer, in 1997 Lance Armstrong setup The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) who's mission is "To Inspire And Empower" cancer sufferers and their families."

To date The Armstrong Foundation has successfully raised more than $250 Million to support, inspire and empower people affected by cancer which is an amazing achievement!!!

Lance Armstrong is pictured below with cancer survivor Felishia Abbott at a Lance Armstrong Foundation charity event.


In the photos above and below we see Lance Armstrong wearing his stainless steel Rolex Daytona.


Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Rolex Lume Shot Of The Day: Patachon's Sweet Summer Submariner Sunset


Rolex Lume Shot Of The Day
Patachon's Sweet Summer Submariner Sunset

NASA Photo Of The Day: Ash and Lightning Above an Icelandic Volcano


NASA Photo Of The Day
Ash and Lightning Above an Icelandic Volcano

As many of you know, many parts of Europe have been a no-fly-zone due to a recent Icelandic volcanic explosion.

NASA Explains: Why did the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland create so much ash? Although the large ash plume was not unparalleled in its abundance, its location was particularly noticeable because it drifted across such well populated areas.


The Eyjafjallajökull volcano in southern Iceland began erupting on March 20, with a second eruption starting under the center of small glacier on April 14. Neither eruption was unusually powerful.

The second eruption, however, melted a large amount of glacial ice which then cooled and fragmented lava into gritty glass particles that were carried up with the rising volcanic plume. Pictured above two days ago, lightning bolts illuminate ash pouring out of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day: Pepsi Rolex GMT Master II and Levi's 501's


Two Red & Blue Classics
Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day
Pepsi Rolex GMT Master II and Levi's 501's

Bill took this photo of his Pepsi Rolex GMT-Master on top of his Levi's 501, bot of which are absolute classics.

Rolex Diplomacy Hillary Clinton and Salam Fayad...



Rolex Diplomacy
Hillary Clinton and Salam Fayad
Palestinian Authority's Prime Minister
[Stainless Steel Rolex Datejust]

In the photo below we see U.S. Secretary Of State, Hillary Clinton meeting with Palestinian Authority, Prime Minister, Salam Fayad. Salam Fayad is wearing his stainless steel Rolex Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet with a fluted white-gold bezel.

U.S. Secretary Of State, Hillary Clinton also wears a ladies Rolex Datejust which is not visible in this photo, but I have some photos of Hillary Clinton wearing her Rolex Datejust on Jake's Rolex World.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Rolex Outdoor Shot Of The Day: Jo Lundbo Goes Fishing with his Rolex Explorer II


Rolex Outdoor Shot Of The Day
Jo Lundbo Goes Fishing with his Rolex Explorer II

Jo Lundbo (Jolu) from Norway sent in this superb outdoor wrist-shot of his Rolex Explorer II that he took while he was fishing. Jo said in his email, "Let me also have a go at the Outdoor Shot Of The Day." You've got it Jo!!! Thanks for sending in the excellent shot!!!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Answering A Reader's Daytona Questions...


Answering A Reader's Gold Daytona Questions

Michael Wehrle from Switzerland wrote in and asked the following question:

Hi Jake,

First of all congratulations for your fantastic web page.

I am sure that you as a Rolex expert can answer my questions.

I really like the yellow Gold Daytona with the gold bracelet, but the engraving on the bezel is different to the yellow gold Model with Leather strap.

And my second question has to do with the fact the full yellow-gold Daytona has different sized shape than the full white gold Daytona. It can be seen best on the smaller crown "savers“.

Sorry for my English. If you know the reason for the differences or if you have some information about changing the shape in the Daytona Model range, please send me an answer.

Thank you so much for your help.

Best regards from Switzerland

Michael Wehrle

Hi Michael,

I believe I know the answer to your questions:

Rolex has made the yellow gold Daytona on an Oyster bracelet for many decades. When they decided to introduce a model that came on a leather strap they wanted to make it look as finished as possible and thus they updated the case design by adding solid yellow gold end-links between the lugs so the watch looks more finished.

In other words, for such an expensive watch, they didn't want to just put a strap on the watch and leave the air-space between the lugs, which would make it look kind of primitive and unfinished. You can see this solid end link look refinement in the photo below. I imagine they changed the bezel design as well to give the strap version its own identity.


In order to make certain the solid end-links are as stable and solid as possible, Rolex design decided to attach the end-links to the case under the bezel insert as seen below.


Rolex has been making the yellow gold Datyona for a long time. They only started making the white gold version in last decade. I believe with the white gold Daytona they wanted to give the watch more presence and they specifically wanted to differentiate it from the stainless steel version, so they significantly updated the case on the white gold version and made it much more like the Yacht-Master case, particularly on the back, which allows the watch to lay flatter on your wrist and give it a more modern, streamlined look.

This also explains why the white gold Daytona has a different bezel design than the Stainless Steel version.

I hope I answered your questions.

Warmest regards,

Jake

James Bond Wears Rolex The Man With The Top-Secret Job Wear A Rolex...


James Bond Wears Rolex
The Man With The Top-Secret Job Wears A Rolex
New Scientist: September 12, 1963

This ad is another fascinating piece in the James Bond puzzle. The very first James Bond movie named Dr. No was released in 1962 and Sean Connery wore a Rolex Submariner. This is the first Rolex ad I know of that appears to play on the appeal of a James Bond persona. It was published in England in 1963 and I just added it to The Complete History Of James Bond Watches story on Jake's Rolex World.


The photo below is a screen capture from the 1962 James Bond movie, Dr. NO and we see Sean Connery testing his Rolex Submariner with a geiger counter. If you look closely the geiger counter looks similar the machine in the British Rolex Top-Secret ad above.


I just update The Complete History Of James Bond Watches story on Jake's Rolex World with the Top-Secret ad.




Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day: Thomas' White Gold Rolex Daytona


Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day
Thomas' White Gold Rolex Daytona

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Neil Armstrong and 25 NASA Legends Blast President Obama's Space Plan On Open Letter to U.S. President Obama...


Scott Carpenter & Neil Armstrong

Along With 25 NASA Legends

Blast President Obama's Space Plan


Scott Carpenter and Neil Armstrong are known for being outspoken and straightforward, and today, along with 25 other NASA legends, sent President Obama an open letter with a fascinating message. I must admit that when I first heard that the Obama administration was planning to cancel the Constellation program, I was shocked as well!!!

It is great to see all these NASA legends and Astronauts, some of whom are former test pilots taking a stand for such an important issue. You can add my name to the list!!!

Apollo 11 Team meets with President Obama on July 20, 2009 on 40th Anniversary of Lunar Landing

From Left To Right: Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong, President Obama



Apollo 11 Team in 1969. From Left To Right: Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin



On Open Letter to U.S. President Obama


The United States entered into the challenge of space exploration under President Eisenhower's first term, however, it was the Soviet Union who excelled in those early years.


Under the bold vision of Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, and with the overwhelming approval of the American people, we rapidly closed the gap in the final third; of the 20th century, and became the world leader in space exploration.


America's space accomplishments earned the respect and admiration of the world. Science probes were unlocking the secrets of the cosmos; space technology was providing instantaneous worldwide communication; orbital sentinels were helping man understand the vagaries of nature.


Above all else, the people around the world were inspired by the human exploration of space and the expanding of man's frontier. It suggested that what had been thought to be impossible was now within reach. Students were inspired to prepare themselves to be a part of this new age.


World leadership in space was not achieved easily. In the first half-century of the space age, our country made a significant financial investment, thousands of Americans dedicated themselves to the effort, and some gave their lives to achieve the dream of a nation.


In the latter part of the first half century of the space age, Americans and their international partners focused primarily on exploiting the near frontiers of space with the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station.


As a result of the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003, it was concluded that our space policy required a new strategic vision. Extensive studies and analysis led to this new mandate: meet our existing commitments, return to our exploration roots, return to the moon, and prepare to venture further outward to the asteroids and to Mars.


The program was named Constellation In the ensuing years, this plan was endorsed by two Presidents of different parties and approved by both Democratic and Republican congresses.


The Columbia Accident Board had given Nasa a number of recommendations fundamental to the Constellation architecture which were duly incorporated. The Ares rocket family was patterned after the Von Braun Modular concept so essential to the success of the Saturn 1B and the Saturn 5.


A number of components in the Ares 1 rocket would become the foundation of the very large heavy lift Ares V, thus reducing the total development costs substantially. After the Ares 1 becomes operational, the only major new components necessary for the Ares V would be the larger propellant tanks to support the heavy lift requirements.


The design and the production of the flight components and infrastructure to implement this vision was well underway. Detailed planning of all the major sectors of the program had begun. Enthusiasm within Nasa and throughout the country was very high.


When President Obama recently released his budget for Nasa, he proposed a slight increase in total funding, substantial research and technology development, an extension of the International Space Station operation until 2020, long range planning for a new but undefined heavy lift rocket and significant funding for the development of commercial access to low earth orbit


Although some of these proposals have merit, the accompanying decision to cancel the Constellation program, its Ares 1 and Ares V rockets, and the Orion spacecraft, is devastating.


America's only path to low Earth orbit and the International Space Station will now be subject to an agreement with Russia to purchase space on their Soyuz – at a price of over 50 million dollars per seat with significant increases expected in the near future – until we have the capacity to provide transportation for ourselves.


The availability of a commercial transport to orbit as envisioned in the President's proposal cannot be predicted with any certainty, but is likely to take substantially longer and be more expensive than we would hope.


It appears that we will have wasted our current $10-plus billion investment in Constellation and, equally importantly, we will have lost the many years required to recreate the equivalent of what we will have discarded.


For The United States, the leading space faring nation for nearly half a century, to be without carriage to low Earth orbit and with no human exploration capability to go beyond Earth orbit for an indeterminate time into the future, destines our nation to become one of second or even third rate stature.


While the President's plan envisages humans traveling away from Earth and perhaps toward Mars at some time in the future, the lack of developed rockets and spacecraft will assure that ability will not be available for many years.


Without the skill and experience that actual spacecraft operation provides, the USA is far too likely to be on a long downhill slide to mediocrity. America must decide if it wishes to remain a leader in space. If it does, we should institute a program which will give us the very best chance of achieving that goal.


Scott Carpenter

Mercury Astronaut


Neil Armstrong

Commander, Apollo 11


James Lovell

Commander, Apollo 13


Eugene Cernan

Commander, Apollo 17


Chris Kraft

Johnson Space Center Past Director


Jack Lousma

Skylab 3, STS 3


Vance Brand

Apollo-Soyuz, STS-5, STS-41B, STS-35


Bob Crippen

STS-1, STS-7, STS-41C, STS-41G, Kennedy Space Center Past Director


Michael D. Griffin

Past NASA Administrator


Ed Gibson

Skylab 4


Jim Kennedy

Kennedy Space Center Past Director


Alan Bean

Apollo 12, Skylab 3


Alfred M. Worden

Apollo 15


Glynn Lunney

Gemini-Apollo Flight Director


Jim McDivitt Gemini 4

Apollo 9 Apollo Spacecraft Program Manager


Gene Kranz

Gemini-Apollo Flight Director, NASA Mission Ops. Past Director


Joe Kerwin

Skylab 2


Fred Haise

Apollo 13, Shuttle Landing Tests


Gerald Carr

Skylab 4


Jake Garn

STS-51D, U.S. Senator


Charlie Duke

Apollo 16


Bruce McCandless

STS-41B, STS-31


Frank Borman

Gemini 7, Apollo 8


Paul Weitz

Skylab 2, STS-6


George Mueller

Past Associate Administrator For Manned Space Flight


Harrison Schmitt

Apollo 17, U.S. Senator


Dick Gordon

Gemini 11, Apollo 12



Rolex Coolness: Michael Collins
First Known Photo Of a NASA Astronaut Wearing Rolex
Gemini 10 [1966]

I thought I would include this photo of Michael Collins who was part of the Apollo 11 Mission Team that was the first to land on the moon. Michael Collins is pictured in the two photos at the top of this story and he is pictured in the center in the photo of the Apollo team in 1969 (pictured above).

To the best of my knowledge, this is the first photo of a NASA astronaut wearing a Rolex watch at NASA, and Collins is wearing a Rolex Turn-O-Graph. This photos was taken in 1966 when Collins was part of the Gemini 10 Mission Team.


At first glance, it appears as if Michael Collins is wearing a Rolex Submariner, but when we zoom-in really close we see the tell-tale sings that it is a Rolex Turn-O-Graph, which it has been argued, the Submariner was based upon. The distinguishing characteristic that proves it is a Rolex Turn-O-Graph is the bezel insert has individual minute markers on the black bezel insert as seen below.



Counterpoint

Jake's Rolex World reader, Daryl Dayian sent in a link to the following video that offers another perspective on the issue:



Also, I found this video of Buzz Aldrin defending Obama's plan


Rolex Hotness: Elizabeth Hurley Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date


Rolex Hotness: Elizabeth Hurley
Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date with Oyster Bracelet

September 1970 Ebony Magazine Ad ...


Rolex Alchemy
September 1970: Ebony Magazine Ad
"Each Rolex earns the recognition it enjoys. You know the feeling." –Rolex

This vintage 1970 Rolex ad is truly amazing if you think about it!!! In medieval days, alchemists, who were the forerunners of modern chemists, used to spend life-times trying to figure out how to turn base metals into gold–to no avail.

From a design and mechanical engineering perspective, the mere fact that Rolex figured out how to take a solid block of gold and turn it into a Rolex Day-Date is really miraculous, in-and-of itself!!! Not to mention, how amazing the design and engineering of the mechanical masterpiece movement in the Day-Date was–both as a piece of engineering innovation and practical, universal design.


I think this is, perhaps, one of the best written and most effective Rolex ads I have ever witnessed. I say this for several reasons:

1. As I mentioned, if you think about what it takes to forge a Rolex Oyster case out of a solid block of gold, platinum or steel, it is still amazing. Even the way the twinlock winding crown protects the movement–as Rolex points out–like a submarine hatch. When you really analyze it, the visual of the Swiss gold bar that somehow magically gets converted into the Day-Date is very powerful.

2. I don't know who wrote the copy on this amazing piece, but it is profound how they managed to tell the complete story of the magical design and engineering of the Day-Date as well as sharing the stunning history Rolex, from Jacques Piccard's record breaking dive, to the people who wear them.

3. The marketing slogan that says "Each Rolex earns the recognition it enjoys. You know the feeling." That is simply brilliant!!!

The primary reason I have invested so much of my life energy in researching and writing about Rolex history for the last 3 years, is because it is so impressive, inspirational and breathtaking!!! If you really break it down, Rolex, is almost like a country–in the sense that their watches are really an international currency, and their history is second to none!!!

Dana's Blueberry GMT Master On a NATO...


Dana's Blueberry GMT Master

Recently we saw another Blueberry GMT. The thing that makes it a blueberry versus a Pepsi, Coke or Espresso GMT is the very rare and unusual blue bezel insert which is very, very cool. I really love this look and think Rolex should bring it back...

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

iPad Review Coming...


iPad Review Coming

I have been working on my detailed iPad review for Jake's Rolex World and it is going well. I have also been experimenting with optimizing Jake's Rolex World for viewing on the iPad which is a huge challenge =(

I posted this first video of the 2 year-year-old girl's first experience with the iPad earlier this week, and I decided to ad it to this story to contrast just how intuitive it is for a 2 year old girl and 66 year old man. I also included this second video of Charlie Rose discussing the iPad because I realize there are many people who don't understand exactly what the iPad is and what it does.


Inspirational iPad Videos of A 2 Year Old, A 66 Year Old & A Cat
All Jamming With The iPad!!!

I think this first video is very compelling because it illustrates how engaging the iPad is. I think most people are visual learners and the iPad makes learning fun and intuitive...



Charlie Rose Takes A Look At iPad
with Walt Mossberg

Charlie Rose is 66 years old and he seems to be as smitten with the all-new iPad as the 2 year old girl in the above video!!! I think this huge age delta just goes to show how universal the iPad's appeal is!!!



Sorry, but I had to add this video of a cat jamming on the iPad!!! It is like the iPad is Catnip!!!

Summer Is On Its Way...


Rolex Outdoor Shot Of The Day
Summer Is On Its Way

Last summer I was at my uncle's house and I noticed the Heineken beer he was drinking matched my LV so I took this shot with my iPhone.

Rolex Coolness: NCIS Actors...


Rolex Coolness: NCIS Actors

Both of the main actors on NCIS wear Rolex Sport watches, and as we see in the second image, Mark Harmon wears a white dial Explorer II.


Mark Harmon Wearing His Rolex Explorer II

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Rolex Coolness: Phil Mickelson Wins 3rd Masters Golf Tournament


Rolex Coolness: Phil Mickelson
Wins 3rd Masters Golf Tournament!!!

Today in Augusta, Georgia, Phil Mickelson won his third Green Masters Jacket!!! In the photo below, Angel Cabera of Argentina (2009 Masters Winner) congratulates Phil Mickelson as he helps him on with his Green Master's Jacket after Phil won his third Masters Tournament at Augusta, Georgia.


Notice Angel Cabrera is sporting a vintage stainless steel Rolex Submariner or GMT, and you can tell it has a plexiglass crystal because of the height. Very Cool!!! Actually, it could also be a vintage Daytona or Explorer II?



Stefano Mazzariol Pre-Submariner, Submariner


Stefano Mazzariol
Special Military Edition
[Reference 6538/A]

This is a Model 6538 A from 1957. The 6538 A is very rare and was likely a special version of the 6538 that was intended for Military use. It lacks the Submariner designation as well as a depth rating.