Hodinkee Review: The Rolex Submariner Ref. 124060

Hodinkee Review

The Rolex Submariner Ref. 124060
Hodinkee's Danny Milton just published a review of his Rolex Submariner (Reference 124060) in which he offers an excellent overview of this super-classic Rolex. I think there is really something to be said for the simplicity of the Rolex Submariner (No Date) model.

Rolex & Formula 1

This Week-End

Formula 1 Season Begins

I'm excited to announce that the 2021 season of Formula 1 has officially started this weekend in Bahrain. Since 2013, Rolex has been a Global Partner and Official Timepiece of Formula 1. 

Pilots tend to be fascinated by fast moving machines and I'm no exception. I love as much NASCAR as I do Formula 1, and the Grand Prix of Monaco has always been my favorite. Maybe that's why I currently wear a Rolex Daytona in the cockpit.

...Rolex Racing Coolness...

Nico Rosberg

Formula 1 World Champion

"I have always admired Rolex’s prestigious history and involvement in sport. Rolex has long-been synonymous with excellence and has partnered with some of the greatest athletes in the history of sport. My life has revolved around timing and my racing has always come down to those final split seconds.” 

—Nico Rosberg

Nico Rosberg sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock when he announced his retirement almost simultaneously with his 2016 world championship win. Nico is pictured below with Sir Jackie Stewart and Mark Webber.

Proud to follow in the footsteps of many incredible sportsmen in becoming a global @ROLEX ambassador - one of the most special brands in the world 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/jlxfvMD9lR

— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) March 24, 2018

In 2018 Nico Rosberg interviewed Formula One founder Bernie Ecclestone. They had a fascinating conversation which you can watch below:

make sure you don’t miss the race today!!! will be exciting 🏎💨 #britishGP pic.twitter.com/8PasJyvgnU

— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) July 8, 2018

looking for some inspiration @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/rEzRhIVoKQ

— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) June 13, 2018

good morning. it’s almost time for racing here in Montreal!!! 😜 pic.twitter.com/z2RzcIVXJA

— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) June 10, 2018

Nico Rosberg is pictured below with his gorgeous wife who also wears Rolex watches.

Tesla Model 3 v. Porsche GT2 RS
Drag Race On Monaco Pier

Retired Formula 1 racing legend Nico Rosberg put the Porsche GT2 up against a Tesla Model 3 back in March of 2019, and the results may surprise you. Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.

...Men & Their Machines...

Japanese Rolex Daytona 

Racing Leaflet

1972 Reference 6241

Rolex Daytona has always been inspired by and associated with high-performance automobiles as seen below in this Japanese Rolex Cosmograph Daytona leaflet from 1972. Ironically, we see Monaco in the background of this image. It's a small world after all...

A Vanishing Forest Is Reborn

A Vanishing Forest Is Reborn

A Fascinating Rolex GMT Overhaul

A Fascinating Rolex GMT Overhaul

Mark is a reader of Jake's Rolex World and he recently sent in an email and said:

Jake:

I recently watched this YouTube video of a Rolex restoration and found it quite fascinating.  Also the music is nice.  Your current Rolex service story made me think of this.

Take care.

Mark Rackley

1968 Rolex Brochure: What Makes A Rolex A Rolex?

1968 Rolex Brochure

What Makes A Rolex A Rolex?

Examining vintage Rolex brochures is always fascinating and today we take a look at one from Rolex of Canada which features a young man on the cover wearing a yellow gold Day-Date.

Another one of the fascinating details is how low the prices of Rolex were in 1968. A Day-Date bracelet could be purchased for $780 Canadian Dollars, which was the equivalent of around $1000 U.S. Dollars at the time.

The 1968 Rolex Canada slogan of "What makes a Rolex A Rolex?" reminds me of Cary Grant's line to Even Saint James in the 1959 movie, North by Northwest where he says, "Tell me...How does a girls like you get to be a girl like you?"

Exploring Rolex World Service

 
...Perpetual Excellence...

Exploring Rolex World Service

By DANNY CRIVELLO

We are less than a month away from the 2021 collection release. And while we wait for new Rolex models to be announced, and maybe dream about which one to purchase next, let's take a quick look at Rolex after-sale service and what we can do to maintain the watches we have.

One of the things that attracted me to the brand is the idea that my watches can be maintained in "perpetual excellence," a philosophy instilled by founder Hans Wilsdorf. I plan to keep my Rolex as a family heirloom and wanted to make sure my descendants will be able to enjoy the watch, something that is less of a guarantee with newer watch brands whose future is less certain.

Rolex is well known for its network of service centers around the world. But few know that in 2018 the brand also inaugurated the Rolex Training Center in Geneva where watchmakers are trained to Rolex standards and new technologies, a Rolex University of sorts.

The Rolex program – the official Rolex Watchmaking Training – lasts no fewer than 18 months. Once this is complete the watchmaker is able to carry out full servicing on Oyster movements.

During a service each component is carefully examined to determine whether it still meets Rolex requirements – if this is not the case, it is replaced with a new part from the manufacture in Bienne, where Rolex movements are produced. 

The brand said it continues to manufacture parts for at least 35 years following the discontinuation of a reference. At the end of this period, if parts are no longer available, they can be recreated by the Restoration Atelier by master watchmakers in Geneva who are specially trained in collectors’ timepieces. I feel like those who work at the Restoration Atelier are the Navy SEALS equivalent of Rolex watchmaking.

Below, snapshot of a chronometric machine at work. Each watch is tested over a cycle of 24 hours in conditions simulating those of our wrists.

I asked Rolex for more details about the Restoration Atelier. They kindly responded that a client will be advised at the autorized dealer (or from the Rolex Service Center) if the client's timepiece needs to be referred to a master watchmaker at the Atelier. Usually these are historical and exceptional timepieces whose references have played a part in the brand's history, Rolex told me. Rolex said their master watchmakers can recreate older components using techniques of the period. This is pretty amazing.

If you're eager to get a new Rolex but your old one needs a service, give the Rolex Service Center a try. When the watch is returned to you, it will feel like you've received a new watch.

The Cowboy Archetype: John Wayne

...Rolex Super Coolness...

The Cowboy Archetype

John Wayne
1907-1979

Rolex Datejust & King Midas

John Wayne was affectionately know by his nickname of "Duke" and was the Archetype for the Cowboy. He remained the top box office draw in Hollywood for three decades. 

I first learned that John Wayne wore Rolex watches, from non other than former Rolex U.S.A. executive, T. Walker Lloyd. Michael Sorchantte recently sent in this photo of John Wayne which ironically is the best one to date to make a positive ID on his Rolex. As seen in all the photos below of John Wayne, it is challenging to see his Rolex watch as he typically wore it backwards with the watch on the back of his wrist.

In the four photos below we see John Wayne in Acapulco, Mexico wearing his Rolex Datejust. I must admit, that from a fashion perspective today, it is unusual to see men wearing espadrilles, but in the 1950s, is was common in places like Acapulco, Mexico.

John Wayne, like his good pal, U.S. President Ronald Reagan, wore his date just with the dial on the palm side of his wrist so in these first photos, all we really see is his Rolex Datejust bracelet.

John Wayne owned a resort in Acapulco, Mexico, where he would hang out with his friends, many of which were famous Hollywood stars, like him. In the photos above and below, we see him walking with Gary Cooper. Gary Cooper was also one of Hollywood's leading men, and was also a huge cowboy archetype. Gary Cooper's most famous role as a cowboy was in the Hollywood blockbuster film, 'High Noon'.

In the photo below we see John Wayne in Acapulco, Mexico wearing his Rolex Datejust.

King Midas

28MM Reference 9630: Number 557 of 1000

John Wayne also wore an original 1967 Rolex King Midas, which is pictured below. It was auctioned by Heritage Auction house in 2011.

A Man's Man

A Masculine Actor

John Wayne was loved by women and men. In many ways, John Wayne was the epitome of a A Masculine Actor, and he was friends with all of Hollywood's leading men. In the photo below we see, Rolex wearer Bob Hope, John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra.

John Wayne was good pals with fellow actor, Steve McQueen. This is kind of profound as Steve McQueen did not look up to many people, but John Wayne was his idol. In the photo below we see Steve McQueen hugging John Wayne, and notice Steve McQueen is wearing his trademark Rolex Submariner.

John Wayne is pictured with the gorgeous Hollywood actress, Jayne Mansfield.

Brad Norman: Stars of The Deep

Brad Norman
Stars of The Deep

Eddie Murphy Rolex Day-Date...

Eddie Murphy

 

COMING 2 AMERICA

Eddie Murphy is returning in one of his most highly anticipated, iconic and beloved roles in Coming 2 America which will debut tomorrow on Amazon Prime Video. The original blockbuster film, Coming to America originally debuted in theaters on June 29, 1988 in which Eddie Murphy plays a Akeem Joffer, the crown prince of the fictional nation in Africa named Zamundu, and covers his traveling escapades to the United States of America to find an woman to marry. Coming to America had a worldwide gross of over $350 Million!!! The sequel, Coming 2 America brings back many of the original actors from Coming to America including Arsenio Hall and James Earl Jones (Think: Voice of Darth Vader).

I could not help but notice when watching the movie preview that Tracy Morgan is rocking a two-tone Rolex Datejust on a Rolex Jubilee bracelet in Coming 2 America as seen below.

Update on March 6, 2021: I just watched Coming 2 America and I was not very impressed, nor would I recommend watching it. Why? It was beyond predictable and was NOT really a comedy!?!! The only thing that really made me laugh were the scenes in the old barbershop. I don't mean to belittle Eddie Murphy who is an international comic treasure, but the movie was NOT very funny. In other words, I don't think there is a comedian in history that has made me laugh like Eddie Murphy in the past, but in this new movie he barely made me laugh :-(

Since we are looking at Coming 2 America I thought it would be a good time to look back at Arsenio Hall and Eddie Murphy wearing Rolex President models over the past 4 decades. Let's start with this photo of Arsenio Hall rocking his yellow gold Day Date with NBA Basketball legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar back in 2014.

Wesley Snipes is also in Coming 2 America and he famously wore a yellow gold Rolex Datejust in the 1991 hip-hop movie, New Jack City as seen on his wrist in the photo below.

Next up let's take a look at Eddie Murphy, who is arguably the greatest comedian in history rocking many different Rolex Day-Date models.

I recently published a fascinating story about legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld wearing his vintage Rolex Daytona. I originally published my first Eddie Murphy story back in 2008 and I just brought it back to the top with a major update as we have a very special treat. 

Eddie Murphy was just on Jerry Seinfeld's COMEDIANS IN CARS GETTING COFFEE on Netflix (see Preview Above) which was AMAZING, and if you have not seen it, I highly recommend watching it. 

The new video above from is an interview from Netflix which features Eddie Murphy and Jerry Seinfeld, and if you think about it there are many parallels between the two. Seeing the two most successful comedians alive today interact together with such severance for one another is incredible! Also, Eddie Murphy is still wearing his Rolex Day-Date as we see in the image below that shows his iconic Rolex President Bracelet:

Eddie Murphy

The Funniest Comedian In History

More than 36 years wearing a Rolex Day-Date

Eddie Murphy image appears courtesy of Timothy White

Eddie Murphy is probably the funniest comedian that every lived and he has worn a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date with a diamond bezel for more than a thirty six years.

Eddie first became a comedy superstar on Saturday Night Live and we see him pictured below on the set of SNL in 1983 sporting his trademark yellow gold Rolex President with a diamond bezel and matching bracelet.

This next photo was taken in 1987 when Eddie Murphy was putting his footprint in the sidewalk during the ceremony at Grauman's Chinese Theater in 1987.

Eddie is pictured below with his mother and father.

On the cover of People magazine (pictured below) we see Eddie with one of his previous wifes who is wearing a female version of his yellow gold Rolex.

The first photo below is from a video interview of Eddie Murphy in 2009 on the Tonight Show with Conan O'brien, and we see Eddie sporting his trademark yellow gold Rolex Day-Date. The second image of Eddie also recent, shows Eddie wearing his Rolex Day-Date. Not that I think about it, I don't recall ever seeing a photo of Eddie wearing any other Rolex model beside a Rolex Day-Date!?!!

In the photo below we see a photo of Charlie Murphy who was Eddie Murphy's older brother and notice he is wearing a Rolex Day-Date. Unfortunately Charlie passed away in 2017 from leukemia in 2017 at age 57. Charlie and Eddie looked very similar except Eddie has his trademark split in between his two front teeth and Charlie did not. Charlie was also a comedian, and was a regular on Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show.

Eddie Murphy is pictured below with former spice girl, Mel B who he dated and had a child with. 

In the recent family photo below we see Eddie Murphy with all ten of his children, as well as his mom and current partner, Paige Butcher.

The Return of The King of Comedy

Eddie Murphy

Yellow Gold Day-Date

Eddie Murphy was recently (October 28, 2019) on the Late show with Steven Colbert talking about how he plans to return to startup comedy as well as coming back to host Saturday Night Live for the first time in 35 years, and notice he is wearing his Masterpiece Rolex Day-Date.

Return to 

Saturday Night Live 

In his opening monologue on December 21, 2019 of SNL Eddie Murphy was rocking his bejeweled Rolex Day-Date Masterpiece  and as we see below Chris Rock came out to greet him on-stage.

Dave Chappelle also came out onstage and he was sporting a stainless steel Rolex Daytona with a ceramic bezel. 

Returns to Saturday Night Live Tonight

After 35 Years 

Later this evening, Eddie Murphy will be returning to host Saturday Night Live after having first joined SNL 40 years ago. In these 3 videos snippets of Eddie Murphy on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon we hear from Eddie about all the exiting projects he is working on including his upcoming sequel to "Coming To America" with Arsenio Hall, as well as his current movie which is in theaters now. Also, notice Eddie is rocking his blinged-out Rolex Day-Date Masterpiece...