Stefano Mazzariol Cream Colored Explorer II...

Stefano Mazzariol

Cream Colored Explorer II

This excellent photo from Stefano Mazzariol is of a first generation stainless steel Rolex Explorer II with a cream colored dial and white gold applied indices and matching hands. All later generation versions of this watch have a white dial with black applied indices with black hands.

1968 Rolex Submariner Ad...

1968 Rolex Submariner Ad

...The Greatest Guitarist Superstar Of The 1970s... Peter Frampton

...The Greatest Superstar Guitarist Of The 1970s...

Peter Frampton

An Amazing Career with Rolex Keeping His Time

Peter Frampton is arguably the greatest Rock Guitar playing Superstar from the 1970s. He is pictured below in a recent photo wearing his trademark stainless steel and platinum Rolex Yacht-Master. Many people today still consider Peter Frampton to be up there in the pantheon of the greatest guitarist, along with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

Peter Frampton's first blockbuster album was titled, "Frampton Comes Alive", was released in 1976, and we see its album artwork below.

In 1977, Peter Frampton released his second mega-hit album titled: "I'm in you", which we see the album artwork from below. 

In the photos below from the 1970s, when Peter Frampton was at the height of popularity and fame, we see him wearing his two-tone Rolex Datejust.

The music videos below showcase Peter Frampton's greatest hits from the mid to late 1970s.

 

Sgt. Pepper's

Lonely Hears Club Band

1978 was a good year for Peter Frampton, and he stared in with the Bee Gees in the remake of the Beatles Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and as we see in the photos below, Peter was sporting his Rolex Datejust.

In 1978, Peter Frampton also played lead guitar of the title song for the movie Grease, which stared John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. Grease was written by Barry Gibb for the movie. While on vacation in the Bahamas Peter Frampton almost died in a car accident. In the photos below we see Peter Frampton in 1980 rockin' his two two-tone Rolex Datejust.

David Bowie

Never Let Me Down

Peter Frampton was old friends with David Bowie and in 1987  he joined David Bowies band and played lead guitar on Bowies song titled Never Let Me Down.

The MTV News Video below is fascinating as it shows David Bowie and Peter Frampton wandering the streets of Barcelona in Spain looking for a Pub to have a pint of beer.


The full length David Bowie concert below is amazing and features Peter Frampton playing lead guitar while he wears his Rolex Datejust.
 

In the photo below we see Peter Frampton playing with fellow legendary guitar player, B.B. King, who also famously wore a Rolex.

In this next image we see Peter Frampton hanging with fellow British legendary rocker, Ringo Star.

Peter Frampton is pictured below with singer songwriter and fellow rock legend, Billy Joel who appears to be wearing a Rolex Day-Date on his 70th birthday on May 9, 2019.

Reviving Rolex Legacy: The Art of Restoring Vintage Imagery

Reviving Rolex Legacy

The Art of Restoring Vintage Imagery

Blending AI Innovation with Expert

 Handwork to Bring History to Life

Several days ago, I shared a story on Rolex AI, hinting at a series I’ve been developing about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of Rolex. Here at RolexMagazine.com, AI influences us in two profound ways: first, through the restoration of cherished images, and second, by empowering AI agents to tap into Jake’s Rolex World as a rich resource for answering scholarly questions about Rolex watches and their storied history.

If you’ve followed Jake’s Rolex World over the past 17 years, you’ve likely noticed it stands apart from the crowd. Unlike most horological websites—or websites in general—that publish stories and rarely revisit them beyond minor corrections, RolexMagazine.com operates more like a living encyclopedia, a Rolexpedia. 

I’m constantly refining and enhancing previously published content, breathing new life into images and narratives. As part of this process, it’s common for me to replace lower resolution images with higher quality ones when I find them, ensuring every detail is as clear and impactful as possible. 

Note: You will see much more detail with the images in this story if you look at them on a laptop or desktop, much more so that on a phone screen. Please keep in mind the two restored images in this story are works in progress, and should NOT be considered to be complete:

Today, I’m thrilled to present a captivating example of this process. The “before” image (pictured above on top ) features Tom Selleck as the iconic Magnum P.I., seated in his Ferrari 308 GT, exuding 1980s cool with his aviator sunglasses and Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master. The problem? The original photo was riddled with pixelation, obscuring the details that make this scene so memorable. 

For years, I’ve stared at it, daydreaming: “What if I could uncover a high-definition version? It’d be stunning!” That dream has now come to life—not through a lucky find, but through a meticulous restoration blending cutting-edge AI and painstaking manual craftsmanship. The breathtaking result is pictured above on the bottom.

The Restoration Journey

Where AI Meets Artistry

In a perfect world, AI photo restoration would be a one-click wonder, instantly transforming any blurry image into a masterpiece. But today’s technology, while impressive, isn’t quite there—especially for intricate details like a vintage Rolex watch. For this project, AI took the lead on enhancing broader elements: Tom Selleck’s face, his shirt, his arms, and the sleek contours of the Ferrari. Yet, when it came to the star of the show—the Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master—I had to roll up my sleeves and dive into extensive manual work.

Restoring the watch was no small feat. I essentially built a digital model from scratch, positioning it precisely on Selleck’s wrist and fine-tuning the lighting and shadows to seamlessly match the scene. Hours of airbrushing and reconstructive handwork brought the iconic red-and-blue bezel, black dial, and polished bracelet into sharp focus. All told, this restoration took about four hours, lifting the image from a murky 20% quality to an estimated 90%+ in my view as an advanced graphic artist. It’s not flawless, but it’s a quantum leap forward.

The Balancing Act

Making It Pop Without Losing Realism

My mission with every image on Jake’s Rolex World is simple yet challenging: make it pop while keeping it authentic. This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Underdo it, and the image feels flat and uninspired. Overdo it, and you risk cartoonish distortions—think skin tones veering into Oompa Loompa territory. For this photo, I aimed to restore it as close as possible to how it must have looked when first captured, a snapshot of the Magnum P.I. era in all its glory, as if we were able to hop in the Rolex Time Machine and travel back to the 1980s. This required educated guesswork, but I stayed fiercely committed to historical fidelity.

The Restoration Process

Ever wondered how a faded, low-resolution image can be brought back to life? Let’s dive into the captivating workflow of restoring this iconic shot of Tom Selleck from Magnum P.I.—like a magician peeling back the curtain to reveal the secrets of their craft. This image has always been a treasure to me, radiating coolness with its bold vibes and timeless appeal. Yet, its painfully low resolution and the completely blown-out Pepsi GMT-Master on Selleck’s wrist presented a real challenge to preserving its magic.

I set out on a quest to find the ultimate AI tool for this restoration adventure. I experimented with a slew of options—many of which were downright dismal, enhancing only Selleck’s face while leaving the rest of the image in a pixelated purgatory. After relentless trial and error, I struck gold with a tool that breathed new life into the finer details. But there was a catch: it had no clue what to do with the Rolex. The Pepsi GMT-Master remained a stubborn, untouched relic amidst an otherwise revitalized scene. So, while the AI gave me a significantly enhanced image overall, that iconic watch sat there, mocking me with its lack of definition. What now?

The restored scene you see below is a triumph of technology and tenacity. Picture Tom Selleck in his vibrant red Ferrari 308 GT, top down, embodying the effortless charm of Magnum P.I. His crisp white short-sleeved shirt practically glows, his aviator sunglasses catch the light with a gleam, and—most crucially—the Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master on his wrist commands attention with a bezel and bracelet now vivid and lifelike. The Ferrari’s sleek curves shine like never before, and the lush Hawaiian backdrop bursts with color. 

This masterpiece owes its existence to a seamless blend of AI precision and human artistry. Since the watch was so blow-out in the original, I had to channel my inner craftsman, meticulously rebuilding a new Pepsi GMT from scratch to align perfectly with Selleck’s wrist. The result? I’m thrilled with it!!! It’s leaps and bounds beyond the ultra-pixelated original and the AI-enhanced version above, proving that a little elbow grease coupled with Yankee ingenuity can elevate even the best tech to new heights.

"High resolution photos are high-bandwidth to the brain."

—ELON MUSK

Why It Matters

More Than Just a Pretty Picture

This restored image isn’t just a visual upgrade—it’s a window into history, revived. For Rolex aficionados and fans of vintage pop culture alike, it reveals the intricate beauty of the Pepsi GMT-Master and the timeless swagger of Selleck’s Magnum P.I., details once lost to pixelation. It also highlights AI’s growing role in preserving horological heritage, though it’s clear that human expertise remains the secret sauce behind truly exceptional results.

Looking ahead, as AI continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more jaw-dropping restorations. For now, it’s this synergy of technology and hands-on skill that lets us rediscover iconic moments like this one, ensuring they endure for generations to come.

Restoring vintage imagery like this is a delicate dance of science and passion. It’s more than just sharpening a faded photo—it’s about breathing life into the legacy of Rolex and the cultural icons who wore these timepieces with effortless style. Each meticulous enhancement pulls us closer to experiencing history as it was meant to be seen, solidifying RolexMagazine.com as a vibrant, living tribute to the enduring allure of Rolex.

The Restoration Process

Elevating the Past

It’s worth noting the “before” images you see here aren’t raw originals—they were already restored by me when first published, crafted with care to shine as brightly as possible at the time. Yet, revisiting them for re-restoration is about pushing the boundaries further, elevating clarity, detail, and historical authenticity to new heights. This iterative process reflects an unwavering dedication to preserving these timeless moments, ensuring they captivate and inspire for generations to come.

A Labor of Love

I was so excited after getting such great results with the image above, it made me want to try and enhance this next superb photo of Magnum PI.  I poured my heart into restoring the image below, of Tom Selleck as the unforgettable Magnum P.I. The original shot, while undeniably cool, was plagued by pixelation that dulled its charm and obscured the details that make it iconic.

For frame of reference, and so you can understand the workflow better, the image below is how the original image looked (pictured above) after it was significantly restored and up-ressed by AI.

The “After” Image

Progress with Purpose

Below is the restored version of the image above—a marked improvement, yet still a work in progress. While the scene now radiates with sharper lines and richer tones, I’m not fully satisfied with how Tom Selleck’s Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master sits on his wrist. To achieve authenticity, I grafted the watch from another photo of Selleck’s actual GMT-Master, captured around the same time as this shot—a meticulous choice that demanded precision. 

One lingering challenge? In the original “before” image, Selleck’s winding crown is pulled out (pictured above), a subtle nod to preserving the moment in time. That detail hasn’t yet made it into this version, and it’s something I’m determined to address as I continue refining the image. I can't figure out which image I look better, so it's good to be able to see both.

Overall, I’m thrilled with how AI tackled the broader elements—the Ferrari’s sleek curves, the lush Hawaiian backdrop, and the crispness of Selleck’s iconic look. But the watch remains my obsession, a focal point I’ll keep perfecting until it dazzles as it should. 

A Commitment to Excellence

This restoration is a labor of love in every sense, blending cutting-edge technology with an artist’s eye for detail. Grafting the Pepsi GMT-Master from a period-accurate photo required digging through archives, aligning historical context, and ensuring every nuance of the watch’s design rang true. The pulled-out winding crown, though a small feature, carries weight—it’s a glimpse into Selleck’s intent, a frozen second from the Magnum P.I. era. Recreating that faithfully has proven tricky, underscoring the tightrope walk between enhancement and authenticity.

Still, I’m not done. This image deserves to shine at its absolute best, and I’ll keep tweaking it until it does. It’s a journey fueled by passion, a quest to honor Rolex’s legacy and the larger-than-life figures who made its watches legendary.

1957 Frogman Rolex Submariner Ad

1957 Frogman Rolex Submariner

A Vintage Icon

The 1957 Rolex Submariner advertisement is a love letter to simplicity, spotlighting the original "Frogman" model in all its unadorned glory. Stripped down to its essence, this watch didn’t even feature a date complication—yet its bold, functional design captured the imagination of adventurers and watch enthusiasts alike.

What makes this ad truly stand out is its historical snapshot of Rolex’s branding. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, the company embraced a vibrant orange background, a far cry from the sleek green we know today. This pop of color not only anchors the ad in its era but also underscores how Rolex has evolved while retaining its core identity.

With its clean lines and retro flair, this advertisement radiates an unmistakable vintage vibe. It’s a portal to a time when the Submariner wasn’t just a timepiece—it was a rugged "tool watch" companion for the fearless, from divers to explorers, embodying a spirit of timeless daring.

Rolex Perpetual Planet: Shaping the future of our planet

 

Rolex Perpetual Planet

 Shaping the future of our planet

They take action to find solutions to today’s most pressing environmental challenges. As part of our Perpetual Planet Initiative, we stand alongside the explorers, scientists and entrepreneurs striving to understand and protect vital ecosystems. Through their commitment to preserving the natural world, they inspire following generations to secure the future of our planet. REACH FOR THE CROWN

Yellow Gold Rolex GMT Master II 50th Anniversary Celebration Model with Green Dial

...Rolex Discontinued Beauty...

Yellow Gold Rolex GMT Master II

50th Anniversary Celebration Model with Green Dial

Reference 116718LN

It's hard to believe this watch is now considered vintage as Rolex discontinued one of my favorite models back in April of 2019 which is the yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master II with green dial as seen bellow.

Rolex introduced this stunning beauty nineteen years ago in 2005, on the 50th anniversary of the GMT model, and they gave it an unusual forest green dial. Over the years I have seen this watch in person and it is a truly magnificent looking Rolex watch. The watch is just striking in person, and the forest green dial for some reason kind of reminds me of a pool table. 

Examining the up-close macro dial shot of this beauty really allows you appreciate how elegant, precise, iconic and timeless Rolex design language is...just stunning!!! When Rolex discontinues models, often times we see them go up in value and I think this model will likely follow that trend.

Sheila Scott's GMT-MASTER Coming to Auction

Sheila Scott 

GMT-MASTER Coming to Auction

Years ago, I stumbled across a vintage Rolex advertisement featuring the remarkable Sheila Scott, a discovery that sent me down a thrilling rabbit hole. The 1960s ad showcased a Rolex GMT-Master, a watch that perfectly complemented Scott’s trailblazing spirit as a pioneering aviator. What struck me was how rare it was to see a sports watch like the GMT-Master marketed to women at the time. Scott herself called it “a marvelous watch,” and I couldn’t agree more. 

The ad, however, didn’t show the watch on her wrist, which sparked a personal mission to find a photograph of Sheila actually wearing her GMT-Master. After some obsessive searching, I found the image below—a super cool shot of Sheila, sporting her Pepsi GMT-Master on the same alligator strap that graces the watch today.

Now, that very same Rolex GMT-Master, Reference 1675, is making headlines as it heads to auction at Spink Auction House in London on April 24, 2025, with an estimated value of £20,000–30,000. This isn’t just any watch—it’s a piece of history, worn by Sheila Scott during her record-setting solo flight around the world in 1966 and possibly during her groundbreaking flight over the North Pole. 

The photo below likely shows Sheila rocking her Rolex GMT-Master on the same alligator strap that is pictured above, which is currently on the watch.

Let’s dive into Sheila Scott’s extraordinary career and why this watch is such a significant artifact.

Sheila Scott 

A Trailblazer in the Skies

Sheila Christine Scott OBE (née Hopkins, 1922–1988) was an English aviator whose name is synonymous with courage, determination, and record-breaking achievements. Born in Worcester, Worcestershire, Scott overcame a challenging childhood and a brief stint as an actress before finding her true calling in aviation. 

She learned to fly in 1958 at the age of 36 and quickly rose to prominence, shattering gender barriers and setting over 100 aviation records. Her fearless spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence made her a legend in the aviation world.

Landmark Achievements

1966 Solo Flight Around the World: Scott became the first British woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft, covering 31,000 miles (49,890 km) in 189 flying hours over 34 days. She set a new world record for the longest solo flight, landing at Heathrow to widespread acclaim. 

Her Rolex GMT-Master, with its dual-time functionality, was her trusted companion, helping her navigate multiple time zones during this grueling journey as witnessed on her wrist in the video below as she hops in her Piper Comanche 260 to set another world record.

First Solo Flight Over the North Pole (1971)

In a daring feat, Scott became the first person to fly over the North Pole in a small aircraft, a 34,000-mile (55,000 km) “world and a half” journey. This cemented her status as a pioneer, as she was also the first European woman to complete a solo circumnavigation of the globe.

Prolific Record Setter

In 1967 alone, Scott set 23 world records, earning the Harmon International Aviation Trophy for her light-aircraft speed record of 28,633 miles in 33 days and 3 minutes. She also received the Brabazon of Tara Award (1965, 1967, 1968), the Britannia Trophy (1968), and the Royal Aero Club Gold Medal (1971) for her outstanding contributions to aviation.

Officer of the Order of 

The British Empire (OBE)

In 1968, Scott was honored with an OBE for her services to aviation, recognizing her as a national treasure and a role model for women in STEM fields.

A Cultural Icon

Sheila Scott’s influence transcended aviation, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. A tantalizing theory suggests she may have inspired the character Pussy Galore, the fearless female pilot portrayed by Honor Blackman in Ian Flemming's Goldfinger (1964). I must confess, I may have inadvertently fueled this potentially apocryphal tale years ago when I linked Scott to a Rolex Magazine advertisement I believed was originally published in 1960. 

Embarrassingly, I can’t recall the exact source for that date, and it’s possible the ad appeared later, potentially casting doubt on the direct connection to Goldfinger. Regardless, the parallels between Scott and Pussy Galore are striking and worth celebrating.

When I first discovered the poster below I wrote a long article about it.

Both women exude a bold, independent spirit, with a shared penchant for aviation and a commanding presence. Visually, the similarities are uncanny: Scott’s sleek, voluminous hairstyle mirrors Blackman’s iconic look as Pussy Galore, and their wardrobes—tailored, practical, yet effortlessly stylish—reflect a shared sensibility suited for the cockpit and beyond. 

In Goldfinger, Pussy Galore even sports a Rolex GMT-Master, a detail that feels like a nod to Scott’s own trusty timepiece. Whether or not Ian Fleming drew direct inspiration from Scott, the resemblance adds a layer of cinematic glamour to her legacy, blending real-world heroism with 007’s world of intrigue.

Honor Blackman’s portrayal of Pussy Galore remains one of the most memorable in the James Bond franchise, and images of her in aviator gear, exuding confidence and charm, are nothing short of iconic. The idea that Scott’s pioneering career might have shaped such a character—however speculative—only enhances her cultural significance, making her a figure who soared in both the skies and the imagination.

There are so many similarities between Pussy Galore, and Sheila Scott, particularly with their hairstyle, and even the way they dress.

Despite her achievements, Scott’s later years were marked by financial struggles and a battle with lung cancer, which claimed her life in 1988 at the age of 66. Yet her legacy endures, celebrated by aviation enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.

The Rolex GMT-Master

A Timepiece with a Story

The Rolex GMT-Master Reference 1675, known as the “Pepsi” for its red-and-blue bezel, was designed for pilots to track two time zones simultaneously—a perfect match for Scott’s globe-spanning adventures. Worn during her 1966 world flight and possibly her 1971 North Pole journey, this watch is more than a timekeeper; it’s a relic of human endurance. Its appearance in the 1960s Rolex advertisement further elevated its status, showcasing Scott’s pioneering role in a male-dominated field.

The watch, still fitted with its original alligator strap, comes to auction alongside Scott’s personal items and archives, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of aviation history. Its provenance is impeccable, having been sold once before at Phillips in 1989, and its story is enriched by Scott’s own words of praise for its reliability.

Why This Auction Matters

The upcoming Spink auction is a chance to celebrate Sheila Scott’s indomitable spirit and her contributions to aviation. For watch enthusiasts, it’s an opportunity to acquire a GMT-Master with unmatched provenance—a watch that soared through the skies with a true pioneer. As our Captain Danny shared in a recent article in Coronet, this auction is a testament to Scott’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of the Rolex GMT-Master.

Whether you’re an aviation buff, a Rolex collector, or simply inspired by stories of human triumph, Sheila Scott’s Pepsi GMT-Master is a reminder of what’s possible when courage meets precision. Don’t miss the chance to witness this piece of history at Spink Auction House in London on April 24, 2025.

ROLEX AI

 

  Weekend Watching

ROLEX AI 

 

Envisioning a Future Where Innovation Meets Legacy 

Welcome to this week’s WEEKEND WATCHING on RolexMagazine.com, where we explore stories that celebrate Rolex’s enduring legacy. Today, we’re looking ahead to how artificial intelligence (AI) might shape Rolex’s future, inspired by a recent 60 Minutes segment featuring Scott Pelley wearing his Rolex Daytona while discussing Google DeepMind’s pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

AI is completely changing the world we live in and it's having a profound effect on everyday life. I've been working on a number of stories on how AI effects Rolex today, and most interestingly how it will effect Rolex in the future, which will be fascinating!

Watch Advisor Detailed Review of LAND-DWELLER

Watch Advisor
Detailed Review of LAND-DWELLER

Alexander from Watch Advisor, just dropped this AMAZING review of Rolex's new model, known as The Land-Dweller, and he does the most amazing job. He mentioned the only criticism of the Land-Dweller is he is aware of is that the cells on the Honeycomb dial are too large. For the record, I LOVE the current size of the cells...

René Beyer Belongs to the ages...

René Beyer

Belongs to the ages

1963-2025

I am deeply saddened to report that René Beyer, owner of the magnificent Beyer Jewelry store  in Zurich, Switzerland passed away. René, was an early fan and supporter of Jake's Rolex World, and I worked with him to celebrate Beyer's 250 anniversary back in 2010, when RolexMagazine.com was still in its infancy. René Beyer is pictured below back in 2010 while celebrating the 250th anniversary of Beyer. The Beyer store is pictured below in 1910.

Rolex Founder 

Hans Wilsdorf with The Beyer Family

Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in London, England in 1908 and moved its headquarters to Geneva in 1928. Hans developed a relationship with Theodor Beyer and Beyer started selling Rolex watches in 1932. The letter below is from Hans Wilsdorf to Theodor Beyer and was written on August 19, 1933.

The photo below is from 1954 and shows Hans Wilsforf, with Emile Beyer and her son Theodor Beyer who went on to run Beyer. Theodor Beyer went to work at Beyer in 1946 and he is the father of, Rene Beyer who just passed away. 

Beyer began selling Rolex watches in 1932, and has had an amazingly successful relationship ever since. Over the years Rolex made many special models that featured the Beyer dial designation as pictured below.

Rolex CEO Andre Heiniger 

The Beyer family was close with Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, and when Rene Beyer was a young man Rolex CEO Andre Heiniger gave him the stainless steel Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust in the picture below. This is kind of profound since we just saw Rolex launch the Rolex Land-Dweller which is based upon the integrated bracelet design language of this watch.

René Beyer is pictured below with his mother, Annette Beyer back in 2010. René was an amazing man and will be very much missed by the horological world. René was only 61 years old and died unexpectedly.

Hodinkee Interview

Fortunately, back in June of 2018, Hodinkee's Stephen Pulvirent interviewed René Beyer who was the CEO of Beyer watches which is located in Zurich. Stephen Pulvirent is a superb interviewer and René Beyer is an equally excellent interviewee, so enjoy!!!