Have A Groovy COMEX Christmas...

Have A Groovy COMEX Christmas

And A Very Happy New Year

Founder Of COMEX, Henri-Germain Delauze [1970]

The COMEX Christmas Card seen below was sent out in 1979. You can learn a great deal about the special relationship between ROLEX and COMEX by clicking here.

Founder Of COMEX, Henri-Germain Delauze [2008]

Sneaker & Pant Wrist Shot Of The Day: Darren's Single Red Submariner & Converse All Stars

Note: One of my favorite things to do is hop in the Rolex Time Machine and go back and examine Rolex stories I posted in the past. I just stumbled into this story that I originally published back in 2011, which is pretty interesting:

Sneaker & Pant Wrist Shot Of The Day

Darren's Single Red Submariner & Converse All Stars

If you are a daily reader of Jake's Rolex World, you are probably familiar with Sneaker and Pant Wrist Shots. To the best of my knowledge, Bernhard (Bullibeer) who lives in the Dutch Netherlands started this trend.

Who is Bernhard and what exactly is a Sneaker and Pant Wrist Shot you ask? Basically, Bernhard (Bullibeer) is not only a collector of vintage Rolex watches, but he is so into them, he will basically conduct a vintage Rolex fashion show, just for himself, and he photographs these shots and posts them on the web in forums and most recently on his "100 Percent-Rolex (The Blog For Rolex Passionado's.)"

I almost forgot to mention, Bernhard (Bullibeer) typically only wears vintage sneakers to match up with his vintage Rolex watches. Of course other collectors all over the world were inspired by Bernhard's Vintage Sneaker and Rolex Wrist Shots, and started posting their own.

The logic with this is remarkably similar to photographing wrist-shots and posting them on the web, but the photographer takes it several steps further by showing how they match their watch with what they are wearing. It is really kind of a fashion-play for men.

The photos in this set are not from Berhnard, but from Darren, who is sporting his Single Red Submariner [Reference 1680] and matching it up with some leather Chuck Taylor, Converse All Stars.

So why would anybody in their right mind pose by themselves and take photos of a Rolex on their wrist and show their clothes, but not their face? I know Bernhard (Bullibeer) likes to make a shot or more of espresso before he takes the photos, so he gets all hyped-up on caffeine and takes these photo, but why?

I can't speak for Bullibeer or Darren, or anybody else for that matter, but there is just something about vintage Rolex watches that is so inspirational and timeless. Something that inspires people to achieve more. Rolex watches not only tell you the time, but they also tell you something about yourself.

Bernhard's 5513 Submariner on a Jubilee Bracelet...

...Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day...

Bernhard's 5513 Submariner on a Jubilee Bracelet

I figured since we recently took a look at the beautiful Single Red Submariner [Reference 1680]recently we should take a look at its dateless brother. Bernhard put a Jubilee bracelet on his vintage Rolex Submariner [Reference 5513] and took this great photo of the setup. It is amazing how cool such a small difference can make!!!

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day Bernhard's Rolex Reference 6263 Chronograph

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day

Bernhard's Rolex Reference 6263 Chronograph

Rolex Wrist Shot of the Day: Bernhard's 5513 Maxi Dial on an Orange NATO...

...Rolex Wrist Shot Of The Day...

Bernhard's Rolex Maxi 
Reference 5512 on a Safety Orange NATO

This is a super-cool look. The safety-orange colored NATO gives this watch an aquatic vibe and the simplicity of the Maxi Marker dial is awesome!!!

The Return Of The Toolwatch Reduced To The Max

The Return Of The Toolwatch

–Reduced To The Max–

Bulibeer Goes Back to the Future

As the editor and publisher of Jake's Rolex World, people often ask me why I have invested so much of my life energy in researching and publishing Rolex history and news and design analysis? I do it because I am so passionate about Timeless Design, and because I have been fascinated with Rolex for the last 30 years!!!

Also, I think the vast majority of books and magazine articles about Rolex history, are boring and lame!!! Seriously!!! If you are a daily reader of Jake's Rolex World, you know that I am also its biggest fan. In other words, often after I have published new stories, I just go cruising around Jake's Rolex World as a reader, and I often get happily lost in magnificent Rolex history jungle.

The challenge is I have to basically have to roll my own Rolex content to enjoy it, but rarely, and I mean very rarely, I will come across a gem I really enjoy and learn from. Today I am very pleased to share a link with you to another Rolex blog which is published by my pal Bernhard. Bernhard publishes 100PERCENT-Rolex [The blog for Rolex Passionado's]. 

I need to preface sharing this story with you, with another anecdote. I remember when I first began blogging about Rolex almost 5 years ago, there were no other Rolex blogs. I was actually hesitant to start a blog about Rolex because I thought I might run out of things to share...boy was I wrong!!! Anyway, I used to spend a lot of time on different Rolex forums all over the web. I even got banned from RolexForums.com for posting too many pictures of celebrities wearing Rolex watches!?!?!, which explains whey I started Jake's Rolex World.

I remember when I started seriously checking out different Rolex forums, being confused about all the esoteric and often arcane nomenclature. Terms and acronyms like WIS (Watch Idiot Savant), Guilt dials, Maxi Markers, SEL (Solid End Links), Big Crown, Coronet, Tool Watch, Supercase, Pepsi GMT, Coke GMT, Rootbeer GMT...It took me a long time to make heads or tails of the secret language that Rolex aficionados speak, so I have to warn you before I send you to enjoy reading Bernhard's article. Bernhard speaks the most fluent Rolexspeak, which might be a little confusing, and that is not a bad thing. 

Basically Bernhard is a like a third or fourth degree blackbelt in Rolex collecting and knowledge, and yes I know some of the absolute Zen master's of Rolex collecting that are like 100th degree Rolex black belts. I realize I am the worlds leading Rolex historian, but there is rarely a day that goes by, where I don't learn something new about Rolex history and detail, and that of course is what makes it so absolutely interesting.

Bernhard's fascinating article/review discusses whey he is in LOVE or LUST with his new all-stainless steel Rolex Submariner [Reference 114060], which is an all-new Rolex model. Berhnard typically only loves vintage Rolex watches "because vintage watches have so much style, individual looks and character" Bernhard compares and contrasts the all-new Rolex Submariner 114060 with many of the vintage Rolex Submariner's and draws some amazing conclusions. Enjoy!!! I know I did, and if you get a little confused, by his RolexSpeak or parlance, don't worry, in time you will learn all–Grasshopper...

Patek Philippe Moonphase: Charlie Sheen

Patek Philippe Moonphase: Charlie Sheen

Patek Philippe Moonphase [Reference 2438J]

"My motto is enjoy every moment!!!" –Charlie Sheen

Recently, actor Charlie Sheen has been all over the place and he has been on a bit of a rampage. Just this evening he started his own live online TV show named Sheen's Corner. Charlie recently had some challenges with his x-wife and he seems to have decided to go full-regalia into bachelorhood.

Charlie Sheen is pictured below with one his live-in girlfriends named Rachel Oberlin, who he refers to as one of his Goddesses.

Patek Philippe Moonphase

[Reference 2438J : 37 Millimeters]

Charlie is an absolutely fascinating guy, and he is the star of the very popular and funny TV show named two and a half men. Charlie Sheen recently opened his first Twitter account and started posting images on TwitPic, and he shared this photo showing-off his wristwatch and ring. Charlie Sheen placed a caption under the photo that read:

The only watch that keeps Warlock time - Class of 1927 ring "Bambino U"

So what does Charlie's cryptic message really mean? Well, his 1927 world championship ring belonged to and was won and worn by Babe Ruth!!!! That is pretty impressive in-and-of-itself, but for a fellow WIS, it is not as impressive as his Patek Philippe wristwatch!!!!

Charlie is wearing what is probably the most elegant, timeless watch ever made. He is sporting an EXTREMELY RARE Yellow gold Patek Philippe 2438J, Complicated Moonphase that was made in the late 1950s through the mid 1960s.

Charlie Sheen's Patek Philippe Moonphase photo above actually looks like one of Bernhard's Sneaker and Pant Wrist Shots!!! So just how rare and valuable is Charlie Sheen's Patek Philippe Moonphase? Somewhere between $500,000 and $750,000!!!!

Update: Patrick who is a daily reader of Jake's Rolex World, just pointed out that Charlie's Patek says the date reads, TUE (Tuesday), FEB (February) 29th, but there is no February 29th, 2011, so it is possible Charlie did not set the leap year setting, or now that I think about it, I think on this model, it probably lacked the leap year setting complication. Maybe that is what makes it a "Warlock" watch, in that he gets another day, we don't?

The next three photos below are of a very similar watch to Charlie Sheen's 18kt Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Moonphase which is a reference 2438J which was made in 1959. Its case measures 37mm in diameter and 13mm tall.

One of my favorite features of the moonphase watches from the 1950s is the dauphin hands. Dauphin hands are shaped like an extended pyramid and they are not only timeless, but have a distinct Art-Deco "Populux" design.

Charlie Sheen is obviously wearing this watch on a black strap, but it sure does look great on the honey-rust crocodile strap!!! What a timeless, beautiful, elegant watch!!!

In my personal opinion, Charlie Sheen's Patek Philippe is the most beautiful, well designed watch ever made, and if I could have any watch ever made in history, but I could not ever sell it and I had to wear it at least 3 days a week I would choose Charlie Sheen's Patek Moonphase, but there is one other watch I might choose over Chalie's Patek Moonphase, and put heavy emphasis on the word might, because it would really almost be a tie.

Rolex Black Star Moonphase

[Reference 6062]

The only watch ever made on planet earth that I think might be better than Charlie Sheen's Patek Philippe Mooonphase would be the 1952 Rolex 6062 Moonphase pictured below. Why Rolex does not bring this watch back to life is so far beyond me!?!?!?!?!?! Rolex design, if you are reading this, please, please, please bring back this watch!!!!! Don't change anything just make it 40mm.

So why might I chose this Rolex Moonphase over Charlie's Patek? I like the dark black dial and I love the star markers. I also kind of dig how the date ring runs around the outside of the dial, giving is a more sporty look. Ironically, I think I like the shape of the Rolex lugs and case better, but it is probably a close tie. Basically, Charlie's Patek Moonphase [Reference 2438J] and the Black Star Dial Rolex Moonphase [Reference 6062] are my two Grail watches!!!!!

If you are not familiar with Patek Philippe watches, if Rolex watches are considered to be the Mercedes-Benz of watches, Patek Philippe's are considered to be the Rolls Royce of watches.

So Charlie Sheen is wearing Babe Ruth's 1927 World Series Championship ring, is porting a Patek Moonphase [Reference 2438J] and has his own harem, and one of the top rated comedy TV shows in history. A man could not ask for much more ;-)

Charlie Sheen refers to his girlfriends as his Godesses and he is pictured below with Natlie Kenly on the his right side, and Rachel Oberlin on his left side.

Some people think Charlie may be losing his mind. It looks to me like he is just having a really good time, and if you ask me, any dude who wears a Patek 2438 is alright by me. Of course Charlie Sheen is a complete WIS and he also wears a Rolex Yacht-Master.

Bernhard's Porsche Design Shades

Bernhard's Vintage Rolex Meets Vintage Porsche

Form Meets Function & High Style

Bernhard took this great shot of his vintage Porsche Design shades which he has had since he was 16. Ironically, Porsche discontinued selling them many years ago, but just last week brought them back to market. They stopped making them when Yoko kept wearing them. Just kidding ;-))) Only about the Yoko part. Imagine..... ;-)))

Bernhard is a great Rolex photographer and he paired up his vintage Rolex Submariner 5513 with his vintage Porshe Design shade which make a great combination. You can always find Bernhard on his 100Percent-Rolex Blog by clicking here.

Porsche Hotness

1970 Porsche Tapiro by Guigaro

Since we are on topic of 1970s Porsche design I though I would share this photo with you of an ultra-rare Porsche prototype named the Delorean. Oops!?! Just kidding again!!! Actually, this Porsche design prototype named the Porsche Tapiro was designed by Guigaro. Now if you just had the Porsche Design Shades, The car and the girl, you would be stoked!!!

Rolex Blog: 100PERCENT-ROLEX!!!

Introducing

My Buddy Bernhard's Blog!!!

I have a fascinating story to share with you about my pal Bernhard's new Rolex Blog from the Dutch, Netherlands!!! Bernhard has an amazing collection of vintage Rolex watches and his blog is named 100percent-rolex.blogspot.com and you can check it out by clicking here.

Some of you may know Berhnard by his online handle of Bullibeer. I first came across Bullibeer in the German R-L-X.de forum a few years ago. He had a distinct trademark with his photos whereby he typically would take unusual wrist-shots of his super-cool vintage Rolex watches, and he would typically include his pant legs and vintage athletic shoes in the photo.

The Sneaker & Pant Wrist-Shot Style

by

Bernhard [Bullibeer]

I think it is very interesting that Bernhard created his own unique style of wrist-shot by shooting photos that include his pants and shoes. In many ways, Bernhard took the wrist-shot to a new level. Of course, anybody can shoot this style, but to the best of my knowledge Bernhard invented it. Very interesting, very cool and very unusual...

I remember when I first started seeing Bernhard's unusual wrist shots thinking Bernhard must be as crazy about Rolex design as I was, but in a different way.!!!

Jameslist.com recently wrote a story about the recent story I wrote about how I discovered a 7th Rolex on Daniel Craig, who plays James Bond. This recent Jameslist story is named Daniel Craig Tale Of Treachery Continues.

Jameslist.com began the story:

"The fantastic Mr. Ehrlich over at Jake's Rolex Blog (a must for any Rolex nutter) recently unveiled the next step in Daniel Craig's masterplan to annoy the hell out of Omega."

I've heard RolexAholic, Rolex Junkie, Rolex Fanatic, RISistus, but I must admit I had never heard "Rolex Nutter." Several days later, Love Blomquist from Jameslist.com emailed me to tell me about a follow-up article Jameslist.com published.

Love Blomquest, who is a writer from Jameslist.com and lives in Stockholm Sweden proceeded to tell me he was a "long-time fan" of Jake's Rolex Watch Blog and he thought The Daniel Craig who plays James Bond who prefers wearing Rolex in his personal life article was a "great article" then he asked me when the podcasts are coming back?

The reason I brought up the Jameslist.com story is because Berhnhard (Bullibeer) and I are indeed Rolex Nutter's!!!! Also, there will be many, many great podcasts coming up on Jake's Rolex Watch Blog for everybody that is interested. I only mention this because so many people ask me.

So back to Bernhard's new Rolex Blog named 100PERCENT-ROLEX [THE BLOG FOR ROLEX PASSIONADO's]. "Rolex Passionado's" is also a new term for me ;-)

Bernhard has an amazing Rolex collection and his blog is great which you can check it out by clicking here.

Bernhard and I have become pals over the years and please join me in wishing him nothing but the best with his new blog!!!

It is really amazing how in many ways the online Rolex community is really like an extended family. First you casually observe members of the community from your catbird seat (computer screen), all of a sudden you end up meeting them at a GTG or in a forum or through email and you become pals!!!

By the way, Berhard has a thing for retro athletic shoes also which he is cover on his blog. I remember when I first saw the photo below thinking "What a trippy dude!?!" I mean "trippy" in a good way!!!

Bernhard's Final Holy Grail

Paul Newman Exotic Dial Rolex Daytona

As I mentioned earlier, Berhnard (Bullibeer) has an amazing collection of vintage Rolex watches, many of which I have published stories on over the years. I think one of the reasons Bernhard started his blog is so he could have a centralized place to share all his photos.

The two photos above and below are from a story I did back in June of 2009 about how Bernhard finally found his last grail Rolex which was a beautiful Paul Newman Daytona [Exotic Dial] which you can check out in more by clicking here.

In the online Rolex community there are three dudes that I know of that are real Paul Newman Rolex Daytona "Nutters." First is Berhnard (Bulliebeer), second is Jeff (Dr. Strong) and third is myself.

All three of us seem to think Paul Newman was one of the coolest guys on earth and if you want to learn more and see many great photos of Paul Newman wearing his trademark Paul Newman Daytona please click here.

I remember when I first saw this next photo Bernhard took years ago of his Paul Newman Exotic Dial Daytona on a FATSTRAP–I thought it was so cool and powerful!!! This great Rolex image of Bernhard's will alway remain highly iconic and inspirational for me:

You know, it is amazing, now that I think about it, how many vintage Rolex memories I have from Jake's Rolex Watch Blog that have to do with Bernhard!!! I remember one weekend, a long time ago, I published a story about how I had done a podcast with the highly decorated NASA Astronaut and International Space Station Commander Dr. Leroy Chiao.

The STAR TREK Rolex

GMT Master at NASA

Dr. Chiao mentioned that when he was a kid, he remembered watching an episode of Star Trek that had a character named Gary 7 who somehow took Captain Kirk and Spock back to Cape Canaveral during the Apollo days, and this Gary 7 figure was wearing a Pepsi GMT. You can check out that original story by clicking here.

To make a long story short, I remember Bernhard getting very excited about the Star Trek story and about another story I did that same week featuring screen-grabs from I Spy.

I Spy a Rolex GMT Pepsi

Here are a few screen grabs from the first episode I analyzed of I Spy that show Kelly and Scotty that Bernhard got excited about last November. It's a Deja Vu kind-of-thang ;-))))

If you have been a reader of Jake's Rolex Watch Blog for a while and you are wondering what happened to I Spy Saturday and Flipper Friday and Miami Vice Monday, I plan to bring them all back as soon as I complete the current series I am working on about the history of the Submariner.

I think young Bill Cosby sporting his Pepsi GMT Master on I Spy is so cool!!!

Bernhard's Vintage Sea-Dweller [Reference 1655]...

Bernhard's Vintage Sea-Dweller

[Reference 1655]

Bernhard's Big Red Panda Rolex Daytona...

Bernhard's Big Red Panda

Bernhard has amazing taste and an amazing vintage Rolex collection. He sent in these amazing photos of his latest addition which he refers to as his "Big Red Panda." The 6263 is unusual because the red "Daytona" designation is larger than usual and sits up higher above the bottom subdial.

The Reference 6263 is the same model that Daniel Craig has been wearing lately. I would like to thank Bernhard for sending in these great shots!!!!

The Bulibeer Rolex Milsub...

Bernhard Wears It Well

Bernhard is a vintage Rolex collector of the highest order. A true purist.

Bernhard goes by Bulibeer on the forums. Yesterday Bernhard mentioned to me that his 7 year old son spent a half hour on the James Bond section of Jake's Rolex Watch Blog yesterday just looking at all the Bondwatches.

I must admit that I was flattered to learn this fact, and I must also mention that I have learned much from Bernhard about some fantastic watches he owns. Today we are going to examine Bernhard's Rolex Milsub [Reference 5517] with the rare W10 engraving.

Milsub stands for Military Submariner. The Milsub as it is popularly dubbed has some unique design characteristics including sword hands, and 60 minute indices on the bezel. The Milsub also has a Tritium "T" in a circle designation on the dial just above the 600ft designation.

Bernhard bought his Milsub from the original owner who was a commando. Bernhard points out "The Milsub's were issued to the SBS and some other Special forces units close to them like, Mine divers and Intel units."

In both photos, Bernhard is wearing his Milsub on a NATO spec band. Bernhard is a really cool guy and I want to thank him for sharing these stunningly cool images of his very rare Milsub.

Paul Newman Daytona

Photo Credit: Bulibeer

Wrist Shot of the Month: Military Submariner (Milsub)...

Very rare Milsub on a NATO strap. This is the Real Deal...

Photo Credit: Bulibeer

Rolex Macro Shot of the Day: Vintage Stainless Daytona Subdial...

Photo Credit: Bulibeer

Night & Daytona...