Thursday, June 30, 2022

....Rolex Time Machine...1965...The Sydney Morning Herald

 

....Rolex Time Machine...

1965

The Sydney Morning Herald


Jose from Perezcope.com recently discovered this super-fascinating Rolex ad which was originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday, December 7, 1965. The shockingly insight that caught me by surprise is that if you read the text next to the illustration of the GMT-Master it says the GMT is the Official watch of James Bond!?!! 


Be sure to click on image below to significantly enlarge text for easy reading:


I genuinely have no idea what this means as Thunderball was the James Bond movie in 1965 and we see in the movie poster below it shows Sean Connery as James Bond rocking his trademark Submariner—which is clearly NOT a GMT-Master!?!!


I know Rik Van Nutter wore a GMT-Master on the set of Thunderball as seen in the photo below as he played James Bond's handler, Felix Leiter. Nick Gould and I discussed this and believe it is likely Rolex Australia confused the GMT-Master with the Submariner.



Update: Mark Rackley wrote in and and said:


Jake:

Another possibility for the Sydney Morning Herald referring to the GMT as the official watch of James Bond might be more to the movie series and not Bond himself - e.g. the GMT worn by Pussy Galore in Goldfinger in 1964.

Just a thought.

Mark Rackley


I think Mark may have figured out this puzzle as we see with this Rolex Goldfinger movie poster featuring Pussy Galore shows her rocking her GMT-Master. 



Wednesday, June 29, 2022

DAYTONA METEORITE DIAL



DAYTONA METEORITE DIAL

ROLEX Meteorite dials are amazing as each one has a unique pattern. Rolex's beautifully written description waxes ever so poetically:

METEORITE AND BLACK DIAL

FROM ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM: 

Meteorite comes from the heart of an asteroid or possibly even a planet that has exploded, propelling material across the Solar System until chance brings it into our planet’s orbit and gravity pulls it to Earth. During its journey, the centre of the meteorite is gradually transformed, producing highly unusual metallic patterns, resulting from the very slow cooling of molten asteroid cores. The designers at Rolex create from these configurations a unique treasure for some of the most prestigious models, including this Cosmograph Daytona.




Monday, June 27, 2022

Led Zeppelin Rolex John Paul Jones





John Paul Jones

Keeping The Time Of His Life with a Rolex GMT Master

Who is the greatest Rock n' Roll band of all time? Led Zeppelin–of course!!! Or another way to put it, is that NOBODY ever rocked like Led Zeppelin, and I mean NOBODY!!! I would even go so far as to say that Led Zeppelin is in a class all by itself, just like Rolex is like no other watch. I am really excited to share this fascinating story with you, which has three amazing full-length Led Zeppelin concerts included at the end of the story.


John Paul Jones is a founding member of the Led Zeppelin and is considered to be one of the greatest and most innovative musicians alive today. John Paul Jones has always been really low-key, and kind of quiet, but a giant in the world of music. 



John Paul plays many, many different instruments, and in Led Zeppelin he plays bass guitar and keyboards.



If we take a close look at John Paul Jones Two-Tone Rolex GMT Master, we can see it is definitely a vintage Rolex GMT with nipple indices, and a Jubilee bracelet. I saw a photo of him wearing it in 1977, and my best guess is that it was made in the early 1970s. He still wears it today, so we know he is in his fourth decade of wearing it–at least.


Led Zeppelin are one of the best-selling, most innovative, successful rock bands is history. Not only is their music unlike anything else, it is otherworldly. All their songs are unusually long-form, and almost more like a hard Rock n' Roll symphony. It's also interesting to note, that despite being a British band, in many ways they seem a lot more American, which likely makes sense since they were so deeply influenced in their early day by American Rhythm and Blues.


John Paul Jones is pictured below sitting between fellow founding Led Zeppelin band members, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, in a photo taken in 1985 at the Live Aid concert, which represented the first time Led Zeppelin got back together for a reunion after they broke up in 1980, and you can see that John is wearing his two tone Rolex GMT-Master. 


John Paul Jones is pictured below in in 1985 wearing his two-tone Rolex GMT-Master.


John Paul Jones is pictured below, chillin' backstage with Jimmy Page in 1977, and John Paul is wearing his Rolex GMT Master.


As I mentioned earlier, John Paul Jones was the quiet giant of Led Zeppelin, and that is easy to understand when he was on stage with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, who rocked like nobody else ever has, or likely ever will. Led Zeppelin was together going full-speed ahead from 1968, to 1980, when they disbanded after their drummer, John Bonham died. 


Nobody Ever Rocked Like Led Zeppelin!!!

In many ways Led Zeppelin music definded a generation, and in the photo below we see Robert Plant and Jimmy Page rocking out on the Madison Square Garden stage in 1977.




Stairway To Heaven

Founding Led Zeppelin members, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page are pictured below with U.S. President Obama, at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2012, where they were presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. 



In the video below, we see President Obama celebrate Led Zeppelin at the White House.


You can watch Led Zeppelin at the Kennedy Center Honors in the video below which is superb.




Next we see a performance from their seminal Robert Plant and Jimmy Page reunion in 1995, as they rock-out to Kashmir.





Sunday, June 26, 2022

1958 Rolex Submariner



1958 Rolex Submariner

Big Crown "James Bond" Submariner Explained

Cameron from Craft and Tailored published this awesome historical overview of the Rolex "Big Crown' Submariner, which is awesome!!!


In the photo below we see Sean Connery wearing his 'Big Crown' Rolex Submariner as he plays with Ursula Andress on the set of Dr. No.



I pointed out to Cameron that the photo below shows Chuck Yeager back in 1958 rocking his "Big Crown' Submariner, which predates Sean Connery rocking the same watch four years later. We might want to change the nickname of the Big Crown to 'The Chuck Yeager." Speaking of Chuck Yeager, in several days I will be posting a deeply profound game-changing historical discovery regarding Chuck Yeager, so stay tuned... 

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Allen Goes For A Swim in South Carolina


...Rolex Outdoor Shot Of The Day...

Allen Goes For A Jamacian Sunset Swim
Pepsi Rolex GMT Master

Friday, June 24, 2022

Rolex Color Change Dial 2005 White Gold Daytona Cosmograph


...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day..

Rolex Color Change Dial
White Gold Daytona Cosmograph
2005 Reference 116509

This is a really unusual white gold Rolex Daytona that was auctioned by Antiquorum few years ago. The thing that makes it unusual is over time the dye from the red hands have migrated onto the subdials, which give it a fascinating patina look.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Yacht-Master 42: A Rolex Fan's Favorite?




Yacht-Master 42


Why the Yacht-Master

Is My Favorite Watch




 By DANNY CRIVELLO

           
The reason I believe the Yacht-Master has always been one of the most underrated models in Rolex's collection is because of its name. While "Submariner," "Sea-Dweller," "Explorer," and "GMT-Master" conjure up thoughts of adventures in the deep sea, in the mountains or across the globe, the name "Yacht-Master" makes us feel the watch is for the elite few who, well, own a yacht.

I was fortunate enough to be invited for Rolex's first appointment on the first day of Baselworld. I was essentially the first one to try the new Yacht-Master 42. And I reported it live on Twitter and Instagram. After a few weeks and more time to think about it, I wanted to share my reaction.



When I was given the watch by the Rolex representative to try on, I didn't expect my hand to shake, but it did. The combination of perfect lighting in the Rolex press room, the brilliance and sparkle of the white gold from the case, and the piece's slightly increased size gave it a subtle aura. But enough that it made my hand shake as I held it. That was unexpected but a pleasant surprise.



Is the Yacht-Master designed with yacht owners in mind? If it's 1966 and you decide to be the first person to truly circumnavigate the world completely on your own—West to East via the great capes, in a journey that would take you 226 days, yachting is an adventure. The Yacht-Master is the Explorer of the sea, the Submariner of the surface, and the GMT-Master that crosses the globe not with jet engines, but sails. 



Above, Sir Francis Chichester, whose daring spirit marked the history of yachting for future generations, autographed the picture by writing: "Gipsy Moth IV needs repairs after capsizing in the Tasman Sea, but the Rolex ticks on happily. Francis Chichester."



It's 1966 and there's no GPS. Your navigational instruments include a sextant, the stars and a Rolex watch. 



Sir Francis Chichester departed Plymouth and sailed solo around the world in his yawl, Gipsy Moth IV. The journey took 226 days and handed him the honor of being the first person to truly circumnavigate the world completely on his own. He was 65.




So owning a Yacht-Master is not just for yacht owners; it could be for those who long for adventures on the high seas. Please see Jake's Complete History of the Rolex Yacht-Master

Below: "To Rolex, many thanks for the splendid G.M.T.-Master. Francis Chichester. 19.8.66."




Please indulge me as I add, below, a non-related Rolex picture. My grandpa, who was a submariner during World War II and later became a Navy officer, is seen here with his teenage son, my dad. My dad would earn all his sailing certifications and endorsements. 



I write about my grandpa here, and the Rolex Submariner I own. Now I want to own a Yacht-Master in honor of my dad. 

Four facts about the new Yacht-Master 42:

First time a Yacht-Master is released in 42mm.
First time a Yacht-Master (I) is released in white gold.
First time a Glidelock clasp is on an Oysterflex bracelet.
First and only Professional model offered in three sizes.



What I like most about the Yacht-Master 42: 

The size: While I owned many 40mm-diameter watches and I have a 7-inch wrist, the 42mm size is more modern without being over the top. Many Omega and Grand Seiko divers are at 44 and more. 42, I believe, is the new 40. It is the new perfect size in line with modern fashion. 

The case design: I've owned a couple Maxi case Rolexes, like the BLNR (GMT "Batman") and the LV (Submariner "Hulk"). But I love a thinner lug design like the one of my Air-King and Daytona. The Yacht-Master has a winner lug shape and profile design—all that with a Maxi dial maximizing legibility both by day and night. It reminds me a bit of the uber-popular Submariner "Kermit."

The metal: The 18-karat white gold adds a reflection and luster that can't be matched by steel. And it brings the watch into a luxury range without being too flashy. It is quieter than yellow gold and lighter than platinum. Some say white gold is a secret between you and yourself.

The bezel: I use the bezel function all the time—to time events or just to mark time in the future, like a scheduled departure time. I love bi-directional bezels because they're so quick and easy to operate. While the Yacht-Master is not a dive watch, its specs go beyond the kinds of depth I will ever reach. It's waterproof to 100m. 


A word about the strap and clasp: The Yacht-Master 42 is the first Rolex to be equipped with a Glidelock system on Oysterflex, allowing the wearer to extend the strap length by increments of 2.5 mm up to 15 mm. On the flip size—literally!—it makes the clasp a little bit longer than its 40-mm Everose, non-Glidelock Yacht-Master cousin, which, by the way, will also be equipped with a Glidelock extension and a new movement in 2019. 


But on the wrist the Oysterflex is amazingly comfortable and adds a touch of sportiness. You don’t need to compromise on robustness, waterproofness or reliability though. Resistance and durability are comparable to that of a metal bracelet, according to Rolex, making it the perfect companion for an adventure on the high seas.

Sir Francis Chichester would have approved! 


Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Hank Williams Jr. Rolex Day-Date Keeping The Time Of His Life



The Kings of Country Music Wearing Rolex Series


Hank Williams Jr.



Rolex Keeping The Time Of His Life






Hank Williams Jr. is the son of the greatest Country singer, Hank Williams Sr. Hank Williams Jr., is pictured below in the 1960s wearing his yellow gold Rolex Day-Date.


Hank Williams Sr. is pictured below with his son, Hank Williams Jr., Hank Williams died when he only 29 years old in 1953. 










Hank Williams Sr.

As I mentioned earlier, Hank Williams Sr., is considered to be one of the greatest country singers in history and in this next video, we have the pleasure of watching June Carter, who later married Johnny Cash introduce Hank Williams..


Sunday, June 19, 2022

1956 Italian Rolex Brochure Cover



1956 

Italian Rolex Brochure Cover



Saturday, June 18, 2022

The French Connection: French Rolex Presidents...



French Rolex Presidents

When I think of the term, the Rolex President, I typically think about American Presidents wearing Rolex, but in this case we are going to take a look at French Presidents wearing Rolex. The 1964 Rolex ad below showcases Rolex's worldview at the time.








Valéry Giscard d'Estaing

French President 1974-1981


First we see Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, wearing a two tone Rolex Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet. Jacques Chirac was the Prime Minister of France under Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.








François Mitterrand

French President 1981-1995


I am fairly certain François Mitterrand wore a Rolex, but I have not been able to find a photo of him wearing one. That being said, in the photo below taken by Marc Riboud in 1974 we see François Mitterrand looking at Michel Rocard's Rolex at an event in Paris. Michel Rocard served as François Mitterrand's Prime Minister from 1988 to 1991.






Jacques Chirac


1932-2019

In the photos below, taken several decades apart we see Jacques Chirac wearing his stainless steel Rolex Datejust.










Jacques Chirac

French President 1995-2007

Next we see Jacques Chirac, sporting his stainless steel Rolex Datejust on a matching jubilee bracelet. Jacques Chirac served as the President Of France from 1995 to 2007.








The photo below shows Jacques Chirac in 2014 at age 81, still wearing his stainless steel Rolex Datejust.







Nicolas Sarkozy 

French President 2007-2012


In the 1981 photo below, taken long before either was elected president of France, we see Jacques Chirac with his young protege, Nicolas Sarkozy, who went on to become a future President of France from 2007 to 2012.




I remember when Nicolas Sarkozy was elected President of France, and I noticed he wore a black dial and a white dial Rolex Daytona as seen below. I though he was really cool. I also noticed that Nicolas Sarkozy wore a white gold Patek Philippe [Reference 3940], which I wrote a story about on Jake's Patek Phillips World. I simply thought the Sarkozy had great taste in watches.



Nicolas Sarkozy's taste in watches caused a huge controversy in France, when one of his close friends named, Jacques Seguela was quoted as saying: "If you don't have a Rolex by the time you reach 50, then you have clearly failed in your life.." 

I am NOT an expert this subject, but I think it is worth exploring. Basically, in February 2009, while Sarkozy was the President of France, apparently some of Sarkozy's advisers told him to tone down his 'bling' image by refraining from wearing Rolex watches and Ray-Ban sunglasses in public. this was just after the huge worldwide economic downturn that had a strong effect on France. 

Somebody created a FAKE Rolex advertisement that featured Sarkozy wearing a yellow gold GMT-Master on his wrist, along with matching gold Ray-Ban Sunglasses.





This FAKE Ad is interesting as Sarkozy has never been seen wearing a yellow gold watch. He only wears stainless steel or white gold watches. 

This false internet meme caused a lot of commotion. Nicolas Sarkozy's friend, Jacques Seguela was asked what he thought about Sarkozy taste in wearing expensive jewelry, and Seguela responded, "So what if he owns a Rolex, we can't blame him for that. Everyone has a Rolex. If you don't have a Rolex by the time you reach 50, then you have clearly failed in your life."




After Jacques Seguela made this statement, all hell broke loose in France. The President of Sarkozy's own UMP party responded by saying "It's ridiculous to say owning a Rolex is a mark of success in life." A French newspaper named 'France-Soir' responded by saying, "There is a global financial crisis and people are struggling to make ends meet. Most workers will find this highly offensive."  A French news website responded by saying, "This remark is obscene. We would like to shove Seguela's own Rolex down his throat." This statement was kind of ironic in the fact that Seguela does not own or wear Rolex watches. 

It is a fact that Jacques Seguela played matchmaker by introducing Nicolas Sarkozy to his gorgeous wife, Carla Bruni, who is a famous singer.



In retrospect it is clear to see the big deal that was made at the time about Nicolas Sarkozy's excellent taste in watches, was, as Shakespeare put it, "Much ado about nothing." At the time, the worldwide economic downturn was very real and I don't mean to discredit the way many people felt at the time. My point is that I think Sarkozy is handsome and looks cool with his Ray-Bay Aviators. To me he typically looks like he just stepped out of a GQ photo shoot.



As far as Rolex being the International Mark Of Success, I think it is all relative. Speaking of successful men who wear Rolex, Warren Buffett's notion that "Success is getting what you want, while happiness in about wanting what you get."





In the photo below, we see Nicolas Sarkozy wearing a non-chronograph Rolex with a black dial, which appears to be either a vintage Milgauus, or a Datejust.



In the next photo we see Nicolas Sarkozy wearing a stainless steel Rolex Datejust which appears identical to the one Jacques Chirac wears.