Rolex Perpetual Planet Living Laboratory

Rolex Perpetual Planet

Living Laboratory

Mr. Wonderful-Kevin O'Leary

A Rolex Shark

Mr. Wonderful

Kevin O'Leary

I originally published this story on Kevin O'Leary back on November 18, 2018, but Mr. Wonderfull just published an AMAZING video as part of a seriew named "Mr. Wonderful On Watches" which can be seen below this photo! In this episode Mr. Wonderful goes into great detail on The Best Investment Watches You Can Buy!! (Special shout out to Nick Gould for pointing out this video)

Rolex Dayonta on a Red RubberB

The aforementioned ABS-CBN story pointed out, according to a 2015 Forbes.com story that O'Leary owns a huge collection of more than 30 watches. The ABS-CBN article quotes Shark Tank superstar, Kevin O'Leary as making the profound point to his audience at ANC's Leadership Forum last Monday: 

"This asset class (high-quality collectable watches) outperformed everything in the last 5 years, growing at least 400 percent."

During the ANC Leadership Forum Kevin O'Leary was wearing his stainless steel Rolex Daytona on his Red Rubber B Strap paired with his skull cufflinks as seen in the photo above and below, which appear courtesy of ABS-CBN. Kevin O'Leary was the headliner for ANC's Leadership Series for the fourth year in a row.

The ABS-CBN article quotes Kevin O'Leary as saying: 

"Now, everybody's into collecting watches because the appreciation is phenomenal! It's just one of those crazy asset classes and you get to wear them. That's also good."

"I like competing. I like kicking ass. I like being successful. The monetary rewards are interesting and I buy all the watches, that makes it more interesting."

"Every time I close a deal, I buy a watch and I remember that deal with that watch. It's always great to remember the deal with the watch".

THE SHARKER

Several days ago I published a story about Robert Herjavec who is one of the six members on Shark Tank, so I thought it was fitting to share this story on one of his fellow sharks, Kevin O'Leary. Kevin O'Leary is commonly referred to by his nickname of Mr. Wonderful as he typically very skeptical and cynical in the way he hazes participants on Shark Tank. Kevin O'Leary is pictured below wearing his two-tone Rolex Submariner.

A few days ago Nick Gould from Quill & Pad pointed me to this Instagram post from Kevin O'Leary that features his new stainless steel Rolex Daytona on a red RubberB strap as seen below. 

View this post on Instagram

When you a a fashionista like me you are always trying to accessorize to a higher level. Tomorrow we are back in the studio shooting @sharktankabc season 10 and as usual the other sharks will be wearing beer caps for cuffs. I'll be featuring this combo with my classic black suit. They will learn all about fashion from the master!

A post shared by Kevin O'Leary (@kevinolearytv) on Sep 11, 2018 at 3:51pm PDT

Kevin O'Leary is known for wearing watches on red straps, which is kind of his trademark. I wrote an article a couple years ago on Jake's Panerai World about Kevin's Panerai PAM000219 which is seen below.

SHARK TANK

Kevin O'Leary is one of six sharks on Shark Tank, as we see below from top left to bottom right: Daymond John, Mark Cuban, Roger Herjavec, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, & Lori Greiner.

So it looks like Kevin O'Leary is back to Rolex, which he put on his trademark red strap and it looks great. Below is another photo of Kevin wearing his two-tone Submariner.

Kevin O'Leary is pictured below with his friend and fellow Shark Tank member, Daymond John as they enjoy some O'Leary wine.

I could not help but notice in the video above on Good Morning America, that Michael Strahan was wearing the exact same stainless steel Rolex Daytona that Mr. Wonderful showed on his Instagram post.

Story Update: I originally published this story on September 15, 2018, and usually I would not update a story so quickly but I came across a superb article on Kevin O'Leary that was published on November 15th, 2018 by ABS-CBN that offers significant insight into Kevin O'Leary's love of watches.

Smokey Robinson Two-Tone Rolex Datejust

...Rolex Super Coolness...

Iconic Motown Music Legend

Smokey Robinson

Keeping Time with Rolex Datejust

Smokey Robinson is an international treasure. There, I said it. Smokey's Rhythm and Blues Motown music defined a generation, and as we seen in the photos below, Smokey wears two different Rolex Datejust models.

In the photo above and below, we see Smokey Robinson hanging out in 2013 with world renowned music producer, Jimmy Lovine, on the set of American Idol. Smokey Robinson was a guest judge for an episode of American Idol, and I noticed he was wearing a two-tone Rolex Datejust.

Smokey Robinson is considered to be one of the greatest R&B singer/songwriters to ever live, and despite the fact he performed many of his instantly recognizable hits, he wrote many other famous songs that were sung by other famous Motown recording artists. 

Smoke Robinson was the founder of the legendary Motown band, named The Miracles. Smokey Robinson wrote and performed many top hits like, Shop Around, The Tracks Of My Tears, Ooo Baby, Baby, Cruisin', and Being With You. Smokey Robinson's music, just like his Rolex, is completely timeless!!! The following videos offer an excellent overview of Smokey Robinson's incredible music career, which has spanned over 60 years!!!

Mystery Solved: Fidel Castro Submariner

Mystery Solved

Fidel Castro

1959 Rolex Submariner

Exclusive Photo Proves

First Rolex Sport Watch Was A Submariner

If you are a regular reader of Jake's Rolex World, you are likely aware Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro wore multiple Rolex watch models. This first photo below—which is exclusive to Jake's Rolex World—of Fidel Castro was taken when he was 32 years old. It was taken in Houston, Texas in April of 1959 and it's deeply profound as is the first photo that proves, as a matter of fact (with 100% Positive ID) Fidel's first Rolex sports watch was a Submariner and NOT a GMT-Master. 

In the photo above we see Fidel Castro signing a letter of intent with Texas Oil Millionaire, Frank B. Waters for the film rights to his life as the leader of Cuba. Marlon Brando was chosen to play Castro, but the movie was never made.

The photo below is a tight close up of Castro's Rolex Submariner and it reveals some interesting details. In particular, his winding crown is NOT screwed down? Castro's Rolex Submariner is an early Reference 6536, and is probably a 1956 model.

Castro Took Cuba Wearing His Submariner

Fidel Castro wore a sport Rolex Submariner when he overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista during the Cuban Revolution in late 1958. In this image from the LIFE Magazine archives we see Fidel Castro standing on the balcony of the Hilton Hotel with friends after his triumphant entry into the Havana, Cuba wearing his Rolex Submariner.

I originally published the image seen above and below more than 10 years ago, and in the images we can clearly see Castro wearing his Rolex and at the time I assumed it was a Submariner, but realized it could be a GMT, but it was not as the first image in this story now proves unequivocally. 

The Habana Hilton Hotel-Casino is pictured above in 1958 just after it opened. After taking over Cuba in late 1958 Fidel Castro made the Habana Hilton his headquarters. The photo below was taken in January of 1959 and shows the Habana Hilton Foyer filled with armed Cuban revolutionary soldiers.

In this next photo seen below of Castro, also taken in 1958 in Cienfuegos, Cuba you see Castro being cheered by crowds on his victorious march to Havana after successfully ousting Batista. 

Fidelito Castro 

Fidel Castro's First Son

Fidel Castro's oldest son is named Fidelito Castro, and he is pictured below with his father Fidel Castro in 1959 at the Havana Hilton Hotel in Cuba.  In the photo below Fidelito is inspecting his father's Rolex what was previously assumed to be a Rolex Day-Date with an early Rolex 'President' bracelet, but Nick Gould from Quill & Pad recently figured out it was a Datejust on a Rolex President bracelet. We also see Fidel wearing his Rolex Submariner on his left wrist along with another watch that is flipped-around out of view. 

The photo below is the same as the one above, just zoomed-in on Castro and we see he is wearing his Submariner with the crown in the unscrewed winding position.

In the photo below, we see Castro in 1964 wearing an early Coke Rolex GMT-Master with no crown guards [Reference 6542].

Communism for the masses. 

Capitalism for the Bosses. 

Fidel Castro also wore a Pepsi Rolex GMT-Master [Reference 1675] with crown guards as pictured below on the cover of TIME Magazine. 

Castro's Legacy

Castro remains a highly polarizing figure in the world today. Some people see him as a hero, or David who stood up to Goliath (Batista and the Imperialist Americans). Others see Castro as being a stone cold killer and hypocrite. I received an email which include the photo seen below in response to this story from a reader who shared his insightful perspective:

Hi, Jake

I have been a fan of Rolex watches for many years and a fan of your website and therefore your post.  However, I hate to see guys like Fidel Castro and Che Guevara wearing Rolex watches and given credit for wearing them despite their atrocities and crimes against humanity.  These two guys, were criminals just like Hitler and lately Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela.  They killed thousand of peoples and destroyed thousands of families, some of them my friends families, just to please themselves and their relatives with money. 

To me they are all cowards hiding behind a political ideology to become billionaires. The Castro family is well worth over 10 billion dollars at the expense of the Cuban people which still live in misery.  The same is with Maduro in Venezuela. Well, Guevara didn’t get that lucky, he got what he deserved. I guess the guys who captured him were better Rolex ambassadors, perhaps and I hope they had the chance to wear Guavara’s GMT.

Jose

History is filled with all kinds of atrocities, and hopefully as mankind moves forward we can all learn from these mistakes so they are not repeated. In the Chess game of life, Che Guevara was hunted down like a dog in Bolivia and brutally executed.

Phillips Spring Auction Results...

Phillips Auction Results

1950 Rolex Moonphase

38MM Reference 8171

Sells for $973,975

If you are a regular reader of Jake's Rolex World you know I am a huge fan of the vintage Rolex Moonphase models. Over this last weekend in Geneva, Switzerland Phillips held its Spring auction which was dubbed "The Geneva Watch Auction: Nine". Phillips successfully auctioned this magnificently beautiful Rolex Moonphase for 980,000 Swiss Francs.

Catalogue Essay

Reference 8171 is lovingly dubbed "Padellone", which translates to "large frying pan" in Italian. Boasting a generous 38 mm case, it is slightly larger than its waterproof Oyster sibling, reference 6062. Both references 8171 and 6062 were the only two vintage Rolex models with moonphases, giving them a mythical reputation and cult-like following. Produced for a very short period of time in the early 1950s, reference 8171 and 6062 were available in yellow gold, pink gold, and stainless steel. 

Quite likely one of the greatest and best preserved yellow gold reference 8171s to surface on the market in recent years, this timepiece is an absolutely exceptional specimen. Displaying completely original lines, curves, and finishes, it best demonstrates the genesis and factory specifications of the mythical reference. The bezel is overwhelmingly crisp and displays a bevel at the base that would have instantly disappeared with polishing. Of particular note is that sharp Rolex coronet and case number that is visible and immediately legible on the caseback, attesting to the untouched nature of this timepiece. Furthermore, a deep and sharp hallmark is visible on the bottom of the lug. 

As with all "Padellone" watches, the beauty lies in the dial. Those in original condition, such as this one, are few and far between and appear infrequently on the market. This particular example is best characterized as extraordinary. The dial is undeniably original. The sharp track where the moonphase aperture meets the rim of the subsidiary dial is incredibly precise and correct. One would expect to see significant spotting to the dial considering that this watch is not waterproof and has a snap on caseback. Yet, it remains clear of blemishes. Furthermore, the two-tone design is unmistakable and the "Officially Certified Chronometer" script is visible and crisp. 

If these details and attributes have not already surpassed any collector's wildest expectations, this timepiece is furthermore accompanied by its original numbered hang tag and presentation box, adding yet another layer of collectibility. Interestingly, while the present watch has a snap-on caseback, the hangtag says "Rolex Oyster", showing how the retailers used whatever supplies and accessories they had in stock, at the time. Even the Rolex strap is the original to the timepiece, which is a marvelous feat in itself. 

To acquire a reference 8171 is a dream for many collectors today. Yet, to discover one fresh to the auction market and preserved in unpolished condition with an immaculate dial, is positively unheard of. It is unimaginable when a white whale of watch collecting comes to the market, and it is with great certainty that another will not appear soon

1952 Rolex Moonphase

36MM Reference 6062

Sells for $544,987

Phillips also successfully auctioned this beautiful "Little Star" Rolex moonphase which has a Super-Oyster Case. This is also one of my favorite Rolex models of all time.

Catalogue Essay

Launched at the Basel fair in 1950, reference 6062 was the first automatic wristwatch with date and moonphases to be housed in a waterproof case. Cased in stainless steel, yellow gold and pink gold, the model was fitted with a number of dial variants. One of the most iconic versions is without a doubt, one fitted with eight faceted stars in lieu of hour numerals, such as the present watch. Such is the desirability, and popularity of the watch, that collectors have dubbed it "Stelline", meaning "starlet" in Italian. Reference 6062 is one of two Rolex models to feature a triple calendar complication with a moon phase complication. While reference 6062 features a screw down Oyster caseback, reference 8171 features a snap-on caseback.

Few watches cause fervor and excitement among collectors like reference 6062 and 8171 can. While Rolex is particularly known for its sports models, such as the Submariner or Daytona, the manufacture has created some of the most sublime triple calendar wristwatches in the world. Over the years, these two models have garnered a cult-following, with condition being prized above all. 

The present "Stelline" is preserved in impressive condition. Most examples are spotted throughout, due to aging and exposure to environmental elements. Yet, this dial barely has any imperfections. The numerals on the outer track are inky blue, and the day and date apertures are sharp and angular, demonstrating the originality of the dial. The luminous dots have aged evenly with the numerals, both having aged with warm patina. The yellow gold case, preserved in excellent and sharp condition, displays a sharp hallmark to the bottom of the lug.

Of particular note is that caseback engraving bearing "S.W Levitan Wash. D.C." Research shows that Simon W. Levitan was an accountant for more than 50 years and the former president of the D.C. Board of Accountancy. On top of his many achievements, he was even a special agent during his lifetime.

Fresh to the auction market, the present watch has resided in a private collection for many years. Rarely does this model come at auction, no less in such desirable and impressive condition.

1958 Rolex Submariner

37MM Reference 5508

Sells for $497,032

One of the stars of Phillips auction was this 'Crispy' Submariner from 1958. I noticed collectors, especially on Instagram where tripping on how pristine this case was.

Catalogue Essay

The Submariner is one of Rolex's most iconic models. Still in production today, it has gone through multiple incarnations throughout its 65 years history. While early generation examples notably had either a "small" or "big" crown, Rolex gradually introduced crown guards in the mid-1960s to make the model more robust and durable. 

Reference 5508 was manufactured between 1958 and 1962. This Submariner model, nicknamed “small crown” is the last one to carry a 100m depth rating and no crown guards. The present example is presented in an impressively preserved condition. It seems that the watch has spent its life securely stored away from the ocean and worn less than occasionally. 

The case is as crisp as it was when it left the factory and the fragile bevels that run along the lugs are crisp and sharp. Fitted with a black glossy dial with gilt printings, the watch also displays a perfectly preserved bezel with red triangle and original pearl. It further impresses with a wonderfully firm and tight expandable riveted Oyster bracelet stamped 1.58. 

Directly coming from the family of the original owner, this 60 year plus Submariner is a preserved gem that could possibly be ready for some action.

1996 Rolex Day-Date

36MM Reference 18208

Sells for $22,380

I am including this very unusual looking Rolex Day-Date which features a white marble dial which I like in a strange way. This watch reminds me of Forest Gump saying 'Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get next." That is the interesting point about Rolex, is they always surprise me with how many different variants they have experimented with over time.

Catalogue Essay

The present timepiece is an extremely attractive example of how the Day-Date is used to express all of the unbridled creativity of the Rolex design department. The quintessential “luxury” Rolex timepiece, the Day-Date (and earlier, its sibling the Datejust) were conceived in the mid twentieth century as the most luxurious offering in the Rolex lineup. In fact, the President and Jubilee bracelets were originally created specifically for these two models and were intended to emphasize the luxury connotation of the watches.

Over the years, Rolex created an astoundingly varied series of dials for these pieces, such as dials in malachite, wood, coral, fossil, lacquer, and so on. One of the most unusual, rare and attractive iteration is indeed the one exemplified here: a dial realized with a very thin slab of marble, a material hardly ever used as a dial medium.

Fresh to the market and in superlative condition - unpolished and still retaining its original green Rolex sticker to the back - the present piece is a remarkable testament to Rolex’s creativity and design boldness, and one of the most collectible Day-Date iterations known. It is furthermore accompanied by its original guarantee and presentation box.

Jim Fowler Belongs To The Ages 1932-2019

...Mutual Of Omaha's Wild Kingdom...


Jim Fowler

Belongs To The Ages

1932-2019

One of my lifetime heroes now belongs to the ages.  Jim Fowler was a highly iconic zoologist, naturalist, wildlife expert & conservationist that hosted the 'Wild Kingdom' TV series passed away today peacefully at age 89 at his home in Norwalk, Connecticut, surrounded by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren. I first wrote a story about Jim Fowler 11 years ago, back in 2008, so it is with great sadness I am writing this to announce his passing. Jim was also the Director of The Explorer's Club.

Mutual Of Omaha's

Wild Kingdom

I am in my early 50s, and when I was a small child, I remember on Sunday evenings the whole family would sit around the TV on Sunday night and watch Mutual Of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, The Lawrence Welk Show, The Underwater World of Jacques Cousteau, and 60 Minutes. Jim Fowler was Marlin Perkins right hand man on Wild Kingdom, and in the photo below we seem them together. These men were my heroes when I was child and they still are today!

I remember as a child tripping on how genteel yet masculine Marlin Perkins was. I mean, here was this old man with white hair who would wrestle with huge snakes and do all kinds of other crazy stuff! 

Marlin Perkins kind of reminds me of Jacques Cousteau, Colonel Sanders and Walt Disney mixed into one dude. If you used to watch Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom when it was original on TV, watch this video and it will totally Deja Vu you out!!! I still love watching vintage episodes of Wild Kingdom which I find to be otherworldly.

Wild Kingdom was the result of a 1962 chance meeting between zoologist, Marlin Perkins and V. J. Skutt, who was the CEO of Mutual Of Omaha Insurance, which had been a sponsor of the earlier animal show named Zoo Parade.

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom first aired in 1963, with Marlin Perkins as the host, with Jim Fowler as the co-host. In 1985 Jim Fowler took over as the host, and to date there have been 25 Seasons of the show! Jim Fowler first met Marlin Perkins on the Today Show in 1961 and became his sidekick. Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom ran uninterrupted from 1963 to 1991, and then in 2002 Animal Planet brought it back to life.

Big Jim Fowler was an athlete in college and rejected offers from the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies in order to pursue his dream career in wildlife.

TV Personality 

Jim Fowler was a regular on many different TV talk shows over the decades.

Jim Fowler regularly appeared on all kinds of TV shows to show off animals.