Thursday, March 11, 2021

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.