Red Adair: Oil Well Firefighter Extraordinaire...

Red Adair

Oil Well Firefighter Extraordinaire

I have been meaning to write this Red Adair Rolex story since I originally posted a story back in 2008 on a vintage Rolex ad that featured him. Red Adair is legendary oil well firefighter and he appeared in Rolex ads beginning in the late 1960s that featured Day-Date models. Red Adair also wore other Rolex models during his amazing career.

The two photos below of Red Adair were originally published in a 1980 story on Red Adair by the Stars and Stripes, and featured these two photos of him wearing a black dialed Rolex Day-Date with a custom dial made by Rolex that shows an oil well fire.

The image below shows Red Adiar's watch with the special oil well fire graphic.

The Red Adair Rolex Day-Date ad seen below is from 1969.

Red Adair Rolex Day-Date ads ran from the late 1960s through the 1980s, and the one below is similar to the one at the top of this story.

John Wayne played Red Adair in the 1969 movie named "Hellfighters" as we seen from the lobby card below.

Red Adair is pictured below in Kuwait in 1991 during the Gulf War where his company put out all the fires that Saddam Huissen started when they withdrew from Kuwait after their invasion was thwarted by the United States.

...Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day... Elmar's Rolex Submariner Hour Hand

...Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day...

Elmar's Rolex Submariner Hour Hand

King Harald of Norway A Lifetime wearing a Rolex GMT-Master

King Harald 

of Norway

Belongs to the Ages

1937-2026

A Lifetime wearing a Rolex GMT-Master

King Harald of Norway passed away yesterday. He is seen in the photo below with Queen Sonja taken back in 1968, and he was sporting his Pepsi GMT-Master. King Harald seems to fit into the category, much like legendary Golfer, Jack Nicklaus, who had been a one wife/one Rolex man for more than 50 years. 

Meaning he has exclusively depended on and wore the same Rolex for more than a half-century, while being married only once to the same wife. That makes him a "One Watch Man" literally and figuratively. 

Update on September 9, 2026: 

King Harald confirmed in an interview with D2magasin in 2019 that he received his Pepsi GMT-Master in 1962, and has worn it everyday since, and said "Rolex was amazed that the watch was still in use. I sent it to service some years ago." The watch was worn at King Olav´s funeral, the wedding of Haakon and Mette-Marit. King Harald: "This is a watch you can wear and forget about. 

It's waterproof, shock resistant, and everything. In a boat that is very valueable." After 65 years on the wrist the characteristic blue and read color of the bezel almost worn off. King Harald: "I received it as a gift. Interviewer: "From King Olav?" King Harald: "No. It was one of my godparents that gave the watch to me." Only two of King Haralds godparents was still alive in 1962. King Leopold III of Belgia and Queen Ingrid of Denmark. King Harald: It has become a collectors item now." The two images at the top of this article appear courtesy of D2magasin.

--------end of update------------

So essentially King Harald wore his Pepsi GMT-Master for 64 or 65 years, which must be a record.

In the photo below we see Prince Harald and Princess Sonja, a half-century ago, attending the 1968 Olympics. Notice Prince Harald's wearing his Pepsi GMT-Master, which would go on to become his lifelong companion.

King Harald experienced a very unusual childhood as he moved to the United States as a small child to escape the German occupation of Norway. He dated his future wife for 8 years before marrying her. The challenge is that she was a commoner, and thus he was not allowed to marry her. Finally, he gave his father an ultimatum and said that if he could not marry her he would not get married, thus leaving Norway without an heir apparent to the Norwegian throne.

King Harald Married Sonja Haraldsen in 1968, and later then had two children, Mätha and Haakon.

Pepsi GMT-Master as a Constant Companion

King Harald is pictured below with his two children back in 1977. It is interesting to not that in every photo I have seen of him taken since 1968, if his watch is visible, he always and only wears his Pepsi GMT-Master.

Harald succeeded his father as king in 1991 with his son Haakon becoming his heir apparent. King Harald of Norway and Queen Sonja are pictured below in a recent photo.

King Harald was an Olympic sailor who competed in three summer Olympic games including Tokyo (1964), Mexico (1968), and Munich (1972). 

King Harald's father, King Olav won a gold medal for sailing in the 1928 Olympics. King Harald opened the Lillehammer, Norway Olympic games in 1994 when they were hosted in his country.

1968 Acapulco Summer Olympic Games 

Stainless Steel Reference 5513

Since King Harald competed in the 1968 Summer Olympic games in Acapulco, Mexico I thought I would include this Rolex ad. This first one is from the 1968 Summer Olympic Games which were held in Mexico City, Mexico. The boating events of the XIX Olympiad were held in Acapulco, Mexico, which is featured in the Rolex ad below.

So what initially attracted Crown Prince Harald to his Pepsi GMT-Master? I can't help but wonder if it has to do with the fact that the red and blue Pepsi GMT-Master bezel insert matched the classic Nordic Cross Danish Flag colors, of red, bright sliver (reads like white) and blue? Also, the dial markers and date wheel on the Pepsi GMT-Master are also white, so it really does match the color way on the Norwegian flag. I took the image pictured above and superimposed the Norwegian flag behind him just to show how similar his Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master matches the vibe of the Norwegian flag.

King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway were in their early eighties when he passed away, and King Harald remained a sailing fanatic and wore his Pepsi Rolex GMT-Master up until he passed away as seen in the photos below. It's also interesting to notice King Harald switched wearing his watch when he was younger on his left wrist to his right wrist when he got older.

As I mentioned earlier in this story, King Harald has not only been wearing his Pepsi Rolex GMT-Master for a more than a half-century, but it is his constant companion—as I have not been able to find a photo of him wearing any other watch. In the photo below, taken on April 28, 2011, Prince Harald is attending a pre-wedding ceremony dinner in London being held for Prince William and Princess Kate of Britain, and King Harald is wearing a black tie-tuxedo while wearing his Pepsi GMT. I have also seen photos of King Harald wearing his Pepsi GMT-Master with a white tie and tails.

In the photo below we see that the Pepsi bezel insert on King Harald's Rolex GMT-Master has completely faded and turned into a 'Ghost' dial. In other words, it almost looks like he is wearing a stainless steel Rolex Yacht-Master with a platinum bezel, but indeed it is the original Pepsi bezel that has faded over the past half-century or regular wear. 

With the new Pespsi Rolex GMT-Master that Rolex just introduced at Basel World 2018, if King Harald began with one of them, the Pepsi bezel would obviously never have faded. Some people like the fact the annodized aluminum bezels fade over time to five a more patinad look, while others, including Rolex today, with the shift to cermamic bezel inserts, prefer a bezel that will not be affected by UV light or change in appearance over the decades of wear.

For the record, the photo below shows what King Harald's Pepsi bezel would have look liked when he first started wearing it.

You can learn much more about the Rolex GMT-Master by checking out my story titled, "The Complete History Of The Rolex GMT-Master: The Birth Of A True Icon."

Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen

Rolex Submariner

Nick Gould recently discovered this image of Steve McQueen rocking his Rolex Submariner which I have never seen before.

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.

Goodbye Dolly

...9 Time Grammy Winner...

Goodbye Dolly

Dolly Parton Belongs to the Ages

1946-2026

It rarely happens that I publish a story about a person who I am not aware of having worn a Rolex, but today's story is an exception to that rule. When I woke up today, I saw in the news that Dolly Parton had passed away, which made me really sad, as she was one of the most beautiful souls that has ever lived. Thus I decided to put together this tribute as a way to day Goodbye Dolly.

If you grew up on America, you are probably aware of Dolly Parton, and her amazing career as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, actress, and entrepreneur. Dolly Parton was the most successful country recording star of all time, as she has sold more than 160 Million records, which helped her build her entrepreneurial "Dolly Incorporated" empire, which among other things included her famous them park, Dollywood.

If you are not familiar with Dolly Parton, I high recommend learning more about her amazing career achievements. Dolly was one of the most positive human beings I have ever encountered, and always such a great source of inspiration.

Despite the fact that I never found a photo of Dolly rocking a Rolex, not that I have given up on doing so, but she co-starred around some pretty famous men who did, and as the Rolex slogan goes, "A Rolex doesn't just tell time, it tells history." 

Let's start with her relationship with fellow recording superstar, Kenny Rogers, who she famously sang, "We Got Tonight" with. We Got Tonight was originally record by Bob Seger on his 1978 album, Stranger in Town, but Kenny Rogers liked it so much, he also sang it as a duet with both Sheen Easton, and Dolly Parton.

In 1983, Dolly and Kenny Rogers recorded the mega hit duet "Islands in the Steam", which was a platinum-selling #1 hit written by The Bee Gees.

9 to 5
Dolly costarred in the famous 1980 movie, 9 to 5 with Jane Fonda, Lillian Tomlin, and Dabney Coleman.

INXS Lead Singer Michael Hutchence

We could live for a thousand years...

...but if I hurt you, I'd make wine from your tears..

INXS

Michael Hutchence

Lead Singer

1960-1997

When I nostalgically think back to the 1980s and 1990s there are few bands that epitomize that time more than INXS which was an Australian band. INXS's often upbeat fleeting rock ballads remain haunting and ephemeral to this day in the strangest of ways...

Michael Hutchence was the lead singer of who reminded me of Jim Morrison from THE DOORS, not only because of their common long wavy hair, or amazing singing style, or great looks, but because they both died young. Michael Hutchence is pictured below on a train posting for the camera and notice he is wearing a Rolex Submariner.

Michael Hutchence is pictured below with Jimmy Barnes who was a songwriter for INXS and notice Barnes is wearing his Rolex Day-Date.

Below we see one of INXS' last live concerts before Michael Hutchence passed away.

Rolex Day-Date 36 Diamond-set Green Bezel and Dial

The Rolex Day-Date 36A Masterpiece in Green and Diamonds
This has got to be one of the most elegant and timeless watches ever made. Imagine the moment: a velvet-lined box opens to reveal a Rolex Day-Date 36, its diamond-set green dial catching the light with a brilliance that stops time itself. Since its introduction in 1956, the Day-Date has been more than a watch—it’s been a symbol of achievement, a companion to some of history’s most influential figures, and a canvas for Rolex’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Known affectionately as the "President" watch, this iconic timepiece has now been reimagined in stunning yellow gold with a green dial that radiates both boldness and serenity. This is not just a watch—it’s a statement of artistry, innovation, and timeless elegance.

A Dial That Captivates
Green as a Statement of Bold Elegance
The star of this Day-Date 36 is its mesmerizing green dial, a hue that feels both timeless and strikingly contemporary. Picture the depth of an emerald forest or the polished surface of a rare jade stone—this green doesn’t merely sit on the dial; it draws you in, shifting subtly with the light to reveal its complexity. Adorning this vibrant backdrop are diamond hour markers, each one a tiny prism of perfection. Hand-set by Rolex’s master gemologists, these diamonds sparkle with a fire that elevates the watch from beautiful to breathtaking, creating a dance of light with every twist and turn of the wrist.
At 12 o’clock, the day window proudly spells out the day of the week in full—a signature feature that nods to the Day-Date’s global legacy, available in languages from English to Arabic. At 3 o’clock, the magnified date window, framed by the Cyclops lens, ensures clarity and practicality. Together, these elements blend form and function in a way that only Rolex can achieve, making this watch as useful as it is alluring.
Craftsmanship Beyond Compare
The Art of Diamond Setting
Rolex’s mastery of gem-setting transforms this Day-Date into a wearable jewel. The diamonds aren’t just embellishments—they’re a testament to a craft honed over decades. Each stone is chosen for its exceptional clarity and cut, then meticulously placed by artisans whose precision rivals that of the watchmakers themselves. The result? A dial that doesn’t just tell time—it tells a story of dedication and excellence, where every facet reflects Rolex’s uncompromising standards.
Encasing this masterpiece is a 36mm yellow gold case, its warm tones amplifying the dial’s vibrancy. The fluted bezel, a hallmark of the Day-Date line, catches the light with its sculpted edges, adding texture and tradition to the design. Paired with the President bracelet—its semi-circular links as comfortable as they are iconic—this watch drapes the wrist with a luxurious embrace, a reminder of Rolex’s ability to marry beauty with wearability.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Heart of the Day-Date
Beneath its elegant exterior beats the Caliber 3255, a movement that embodies Rolex’s engineering genius. Developed entirely in-house, this self-winding marvel holds 14 patents and delivers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours—enough to keep ticking through a long weekend undisturbed. Its precision, rated at -2/+2 seconds per day, exceeds the strictest chronometer standards, thanks to innovations like the blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. Whether you’re navigating a bustling day or savoring a quiet evening, this movement ensures the Day-Date 36 performs with unflagging reliability.
The Day-Date’s story began in 1956, when Rolex unveiled the first watch to display both the day and date in full—a breakthrough that cemented its status as a pioneer. Worn by presidents, CEOs, and visionaries, it quickly became a symbol of power and prestige. Today’s green-dialed iteration builds on that legacy, proving that innovation can honor tradition while pushing boundaries.
A Timeless Icon Reimagined
The Rolex Day-Date 36 with its diamond-set green dial is a triumph of design and craftsmanship. 

It’s a watch that bridges past and present, blending the heritage of the "President" with a modern palette that feels fresh yet eternal. For collectors, it’s a treasure; for wearers, it’s a companion that marks life’s greatest moments. As Rolex continues to redefine luxury, this timepiece stands as a testament to the brand’s artistry—a fusion of precision, passion, and the pursuit of the extraordinary.
Harmony of the elements. With a bezel set with 60 trapeze-cut diamonds and a vibrant green dial with 10 baguette-cut diamond hour markers, this Day-Date 36 in 18ct yellow gold exemplifies Rolex’s gem-setting expertise and exceptional design. Gold, green, and sparkle. The ultimate Rolex prestige. Rolex's MSRP on this Reference 128398TBR is $99,500.

Every Rolex Tells A Story: Alain Hubert

Every Rolex Tells A Story
Alain Hubert A True Rolex Explorer
Alain Hubert is the real deal. He is a Belgian explorer, who is certified polar and mountain guide. He is also the President of the Board and one of the founders of The International Polar Foundation. 

Alain is responsible for obtaining the financing and as well as fro the construction of the 'Princess Elisabeth' scientific research station in Antartica, which is first 'zero emission' station. This station was designed and built under the spirit of the Madrid Protocol, which was established in 1992 to the strictest environmental rules.

Alain was the first Belgian to reach the North Pole, which he achieved in 1994 with Didier Goetghebuer. In 1998 the team set a world record crossing in the entire continent of Antartica all by themselves. It took them 99 days and they covered 3924 miles.

During Alain Hubert's expeditions he became shocked with the scope and pace of climate change, and has dedicated his life energy to overcoming this challenge. The very cool 2004 Rolex ads below features Alain Hubert along with his trusted BFFL Rolex Explorer II, which he still wears.

If you want to learn more about Alain Hubert's International Polar Foundation check out their amazing video collection.

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.