Rolex Coolness: James Gandolfini Rocking his Rolex Presidential as Tony Soprano...

...Rolex Coolness...

James Gandolfini

1961-2013

Tony Soprano

Ay'der!?! What'r you lookin at!?! hugh!?!

Rolex Presidential

It is hard to believe James Gandolfini is not only no longer with us, but stepped back into infinity ten years ago on June 19, 2013. Young James was only 51 years of age, James Gandolfini when he died. James Gandolfini was best know for his highly ironic role as Tony Soprano on the HBO megahit, Sopranos. James Gandolfini won 3 Emmy awards on a total of six nominations. He passed away in Italy while on vacation and his reported cause of death was a heart attack.

James Gandolfini is arguably one of the best character actors that ever lived, and in his role as Tony Soprano, he may very well have been the greatest character actor. So good, in fact, that he kind of typecast himself in that role as he played it so believably well...so much so, James Gandolfini was Tony Soprano... 

"Even a broken clock is right twice a day." 

–Anthony "Tony" Soprano [1999]

The Sopranos originally aired on HBO, and completely changed TV. The Sopranos was a hyper-immesive show, and probably the greatest TV show that ever was filmed. It certainly was also one of the most financially successful TV franchises as well. It is likely it never would have been nearly as successful if it was not for James Gandolfini doing such a convincing job of Playing Tony Soprano.

In the famous and now iconic Sopranos intro you can see Tony Soprano wearing his trademark Rolex Day-Date. Watching this now sends shivers down my spine, is a DejaVu kind of way...

Despite the fact The Sopranos was an over-the-top violent show, James Gandolfini's character Tony Soprano in many ways symbolized the aggressive alpha-male, almost in a raw, caveman kind of way, which is what made the fact Tony Soprano wore a Rolex President quite fitting. If the Rolex Day-Date is the International Mark Of Success, then it perfectly symbolized Tony Soprano's disposition.

The Sopranos was such a highly addicting show. I remember I used to jones to see the next episode. It has been many years now since I watched an episode of the Sopranos, but in the future I am excited to do a Sopranofest, where I watch all six seasons, back to back to back, and of course, I will document all the different Rolex models worn in the show...

The Sopranos Rolex Watches

The HBO his series, The Sopranos was created by David Chase and is the most financially successful cable series in television history. 

The Sopranos probably featured more Rolex watches per actor than any other TV show or movie in history. Tony is pictured below wearing his trademark yellow gold Day-Date and his wife, Carmella is wearing her trademark ladies two-tone datejust on a Jubilee bracelet.

As I mentioned earlier in this article, James Gandolfini was arguably one of the greatest characters actors in history. I remember after years of enjoying watching the Sopranos, hearing James Gandolfini speak with his real voice and I was shocked!!??!! 

In real life he was completely antithetical to the Tony Soprano character  In real life he was a gentle, soft-spoke giant, kind-of-like Mike Tyson, in the sense that if you just saw Mike Tyson box, the first time you heard him speak, it was shocking because his voice did not match his presence. 

...Rolex Super-Hotness...

Jamie Lynn Sigler

Sopranos Daytona

Jamie Lynn Sigler played Medow Soprano on the HBO Blockbuster hit who was Tony Sopranos' daughter. In her private life she wears several Rolex Daytona watches. In this first photo we see Jamie Lynn Sigler wearing her stainless steel Rolex Daytona.

1977 Rolex TV Commercials

 ROLEX SMART WATCH

DID ROLEX ENVISION A ROLEX SMART WATCH

 BACK IN 1977, PERHAPS WITHOUT REALIZING IT?

Eagle Eyes, Nick Gould recently discovered these four cool Rolex TV commercials that originally aired in 1977, which are all Fantasy Island' out...

These Rolex ads remind me of the scenes in Peter Seller's 1967 James Bond Spoof, Casino Royale, which feature the hyper gorgeous, Ursula Andress being viewed on a Pepsi Rolex GMT-Master Screen, which ironically makes it look like a modern sports watch made today (obviously NOT by Rolex). 

I recently published a super detailed article named "The Complete History of ROLEX OYSTERQUARTZ", which went into specific detail about how in the early 1970s Rolex responded with making early smartwatch models with digital LED readouts. When I think of Rolex design language, I think of purely analog user interfaces, but it's fascinating to think about what a Rolex smart watch with a super high resolution digital screen might look like? The section below named "JAKE'S TIME-MACHINE" is from the above mentioned article.

JAKE'S TIME-MACHINE

I dream of a future where Rolex embraces truly smart models—watches that match their mechanical siblings in style and durability but add cutting-edge functionality. There’s no reason they couldn’t look the part while packing that tech. 

On April 12, 2025 I wrote an article titled "Jake's Rolex Time-Machine Concept", in which I showcased the following graphic that showed my idea of what a "Smart Rolex" watch would look like. In the center we see the new Land-Dweller model Rolex introduced in 2025, flanked by what might appear to be two different models I conceptualized the design for, yet they are the same watch. 

The watch on the far left which is my concept, has a feature where if you single press on the winding crown, pushing it inward, will flip out of the way the model designation of "TIME-MACHINE" to expose my triple date complication which is pictured on the right.

JAKE'S DIGITAL TIME-MACHINE

I created the image below back in December of 2014, just after Rolex invited me to be part of the first group of journalists to tour all four Rolex facilities in Switzerland. The image depicted at the time what I thought a Smart Rolex might look like.

I realize this subject is considered to be sacrosanct by many, but it is something I have long contemplated. As a matter of fact, not so long after the Apple Watch came out, I created the image below which might show what a smart Rolex would look like if its UI ran on a rectangular screen. If you think these all digital watch designs seem far-fetched, you might want to reconsider the subject. 

Why? Rolex is likely to still be around in 50 years, and will likely still make watches, but do you seriously think they will be purely analog mechanical watches, or do you think they will eventually be forced into the digital domain? I would argue it's inevitable that at some point in the future, Rolex watches will become hybridized, as we live in a world where everything than can be digital will be digital.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

The image above is from the 1967 Casino Royale movie, and the image below is a screenshot from the 1977 Rolex Commercial seen above and shows a Lier Jet flying on the dial as if it's a screen.

The image above morphs into the image below in the 1977 Rolex TV commercial.

Rolex Studio Shot Of The Day Roberto's Yellow Gold Daytona

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

Roberto's Vintage Yellow Gold Daytona

This is a seriously good looking watch and an equally stunning photo that Roberto–from Italy–took!!! Just Stunning!!!!!

ROLEX FASTN 2025ET RACE

2025 Preview
ROLEX FASTNET RACE 
The World's Largest Offshore Race

The Rolex Fastnet Race celebrates a momentous milestone in 2025 with the hosting of its centenary edition. The world’s largest offshore race, first held in 1925, will welcome a record number of entrants with over 450 yachts from over 30 countries set to take their place on the start line on Saturday 26 July. Both the race and its organizer, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), have been supported by Rolex since 2001. 

The only-ever Title Sponsor of this legendary contest, the Swiss watchmaker regards the quarter-century partnership as a significant element within its wider relationship with yachting which began almost 70 years ago. The 695 nautical mile / 1,287 kilometre race course takes in three countries - starting in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, and finishing in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France. En route the fleet round the majestic Fastnet rock and its iconic lighthouse located off the southern tip of Ireland. The prize for success at the Rolex Fastnet Race is the Fastnet Challenge Cup awarded to the overall race winner on handicap. It is one of sailing’s most coveted trophies, a fitting reward for outstanding human achievement.

The Archetype

The Archetype

2017 Rolex Magazine Datejust Ad

Norman Rockwell's What Makes It Tick (The Watchmaker) Coming To Auction @ Christie's

Norman Rockwell's

What Makes It Tick (The Watchmaker)

Auctioned @ Christie's for $7,287,500

I was just looking thought the RolexMagazine.com archives and I rediscovered this story about how Hodinkee published a superb story about how Norman Rockwell's AMAZING painting, titled, "What makes it Tick? (The Watchmaker)", was coming to auction as part of Christie's November 2017 American Art Auction. It sold for over $7 Million included the buyers premium.

Norman Rockwell's "What Makes It Tick (The Watchmaker)" Painted in 1948

Hodinkee's Nicholas Manousos, wrote:

    "In 1948 the Swiss Federation of Watchmakers, now known as the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH), began work on an advertising campaign to raise the profile of Swiss watchmakers globally. The campaign needed an image that would make an immediate impact, communicating relatable aspects of watchmaking to a worldwide audience. They chose American illustrator Norman Rockwell for the job, and the result was an incredible painting of a boy, mesmerized by a watchmaker at the bench."

I definitely recommend heading over to Hodinkee to check out the rest of this great story! I am a huge fan of Norman Rockwell. He was just amazing!!! This painting was originally estimated to sell for between $4-6 Million...

JANNIK SINNER Captures First Wimbledon Crown in Thrilling Comeback

 

Wimbledon 2025

Men's Singles Champion
JANNIK SINNER 
Captures First Wimbledon Crown in Thrilling Comeback

In a riveting showdown at the All England Club, Jannik Sinner claimed his inaugural Wimbledon men's singles title on July 13, 2025, defeating two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The world No. 1 from Italy overcame an early setback, losing the first set before dominating the next three in a match that lasted just over three hours on Centre Court.

Sinner, the top seed, showcased his powerful serve and baseline prowess throughout the tournament, dropping only two sets en route to the final. This victory marks his second Grand Slam title of 2025, following his Australian Open triumph earlier in the year, and makes him the first Italian man to win Wimbledon singles. At 23, Sinner's resilience was on full display as he turned the tide against the formidable Alcaraz, avenging previous losses and solidifying their budding rivalry.

As Rolex, the official timekeeper of Wimbledon since 1978, continues to celebrate precision in tennis, Sinner's triumph adds another chapter to the tournament's storied history. With this win, the young star cements his place among the elite, poised for even greater achievements in the seasons ahead.

Iga Świątek Wins Wimbledon 2025 Singles Championship

Wimbledon 2025

Women's Singles Champion
Iga Świątek 
Claims First Wimbledon Title in Dominant Fashion

In a stunning display of dominance, Iga Świątek captured her maiden Wimbledon women's singles championship on July 13, 2025, at the All England Club. The world No. 1 from Poland dismantled American Amanda Anisimova in straight sets, winning 6-0, 6-0 in just 57 minutes. This victory marks Świątek's sixth Grand Slam title overall and her first on grass, completing a remarkable run at the prestigious tournament.

Świątek, who entered Wimbledon as the top seed, showcased her exceptional all-court game throughout the fortnight. She dropped only one set en route to the final, overcoming tough opponents with her signature powerful groundstrokes and mental resilience. The 24-year-old has now won all six of her major finals, defeating a different opponent each time. Her triumph also makes her the fifth player in history to win the women's singles after previously claiming the girls' title at Wimbledon, joining legends like Martina Hingis and Ashleigh Barty.

This win solidifies Świątek's status as one of tennis's brightest stars, adding Wimbledon to her haul of four French Open titles and one US Open crown. As the tennis world looks ahead, Świątek's blend of precision and power promises even more success on the horizon.

Brad Pitt Rocking a Custom Rolex

...Rolex Super Coolness...

Brad Pitt

Rocking a Custom Vintage Early 1970s Rolex

This is a most interesting story about Brad Pitt, who has long worn Rolex watches, but this one seems to be unique, and it's totally RAD...Eagle Eyes, Nick Gould discovered Brad rocking this most unusual vintage Rolex.

Brad Pitt is wearing a customized Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Reference 1530, that has had its date complication removed, and its dial repainted. At first glance, you would think this is a Rolex OysterQuartz, which I just published a huge story on named "The Complete History of ROLEX OYSTERQUARTZ".

Just to be clear, this watch is NOT an OysterQuartz model. IT is an Oyster Perpetual model with a mechanical Caliber 1575 movement, and man this is one cool looking watch. It looks so much better without the date, which arguably disrupted its balance and symmetry. This perfect balance brings to mind the standard Submariner model v. the Submariner Date. Just as Brad Pitt is super cool, so is this custom vintage Rolex. I also could not help but notice the customizer removed the "T SWISS T", which typically appeared on the bottom of these watch dials, which contributes to the simplicity of this watch, and also seems like it may have been by design...

The story of the Rolex 1530 is really interesting. My understanding is that Rolex developed this new case and bracelet design language for the OysterQuartz model in 1974, but decided to delay the introduction of the OysterQuartz until 1977. But Rolex wanted to test their sharp and ultra-modern new design language, so they made somewhere around 1,500 Reference 1530 models.

Brad purchased this watch from the Cloister Watch Company, which has a slogan of "Vintage timepieces reimagined with exceptional design and craftsmanship". does all the customs for Brad, which are done by Charlie Grey, who specializes in customizing vintage Rolex watches. My understanding is that Brat Pitt has a large collection of customized vintage Rolex watches. 

You can see a bunch of video footage of Brad Pitt rocking this custom Rolex in a FORMULA 1 video entitled "Brad Pitt Drives an F1 Car For The First Time | Full Day With McLaren". 

So Brad Pitt has a new mega hit movie that just came out named F1, and a new custom vintage Rolex...Some guys have all the luck...and skill...and great looks...and fame...and money...and everything...

Rolex Macro Shot Of The Day: Mr. K's Rolex President Bracelet Up Close

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

Mr. K's Rolex President Bracelet Up Close