1966 Rolex Submariner
Seahorse Brochure Cover
Seahorse Brochure Cover
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Rolex Rocker: Ozzy Osbourne The Godfather Of Heavy Metal...
...Rolex Rocker...
Ozzy Osbourne
The Prince of Darkness
Belongs To The Ages
1948-2025
The Ozzman Goeth
This is the first time I recall writing back-to-back obituaries, one day after another, which is a bummer, but at the same time a celebration of amazing career achievements. I am sad to report, Heavy Metal pioneer and musician, Ozzy Osbourne has stepped back into eternity.
Ozzy was a big Rolex fan and had an amazing collection of Rolex models, including his Rolex President as we see pictured above on his wrist, and he poses with fellow rocker, Vince Neil back in 1984, as well as his custom Explorer II model seen below on his wrist that features a black PVD coating with a Purple dial.
Ozzy is pictured below with his pal, Sir Jackie Stewart, who is the longest running Rolex Ambassador.
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and a solo artist who redefined heavy metal, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.
His family announced his death in a heartfelt statement:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
The news comes just weeks after Osbourne’s triumphant final performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert in his hometown of Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025, where he reunited with Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for a historic farewell.
Born on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Osbourne grew up in a working-class family, the fourth of six children. His early life was marked by hardship—undiagnosed dyslexia, ADHD, and a stint in prison for burglary shaped a rebellious spirit that would later fuel his music. Inspired by The Beatles in 1963, Osbourne pursued a career in music, placing an ad that read “Ozzy Zig Needs Gig,” which led to the formation of Black Sabbath in 1968 with Iommi, Butler, and Ward.
Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut in 1970, followed by Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971), laid the foundation for heavy metal. Osbourne’s urgent, high-pitched vocals, paired with Iommi’s detuned riffs and Butler’s occult-inspired lyrics, created a sound that was raw, heavy, and revolutionary. Hits like “Iron Man,” “War Pigs,” and “Paranoid” became anthems, with Paranoid topping the UK charts and cementing the band’s influence.
The Prince of Darkness
Rocking Rolex
The title "Prince of Darkness" is a bit of a misleading misnomer, as Ozzy was really more the "Prince of Light. "Decades ago, Ozzy Osbourne was captured in a striking photo, boldly sporting his iconic Rolex President, its gold gleam catching the light as he embodied his signature menacing aura—a look that defined his stage persona. With his wild shaved head, intense gaze, and dark, theatrical vibe, he was the quintessential Prince of Darkness, radiating a chilling intensity that thrilled fans. Yet, beneath this gruff, intimidating exterior, Ozzy was a surprising contrast: a warm, affectionate soul, more akin to a cuddly, super-friendly pussycat.
His sharp wit, playful humor and ultra-charismatic personality often shone through, as if he were stumbling through life in a chaotic, laugh-out-loud Benny Hill skit, charming everyone around him with his unexpected warmth and irreverent presence.
Personally, I find it to be fascinating that Ozzy tried to look fierce and scary, but at the same time chose to rock his yellow gold Rolex President as status symbol to communicate his success.
Osbourne’s stage presence—wild, unpredictable, and often controversial—earned him the moniker “Prince of Darkness.” A notorious 1982 incident in Des Moines, where he bit the head off a real bat (mistaking it for a prop), became rock legend.
Fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, Osbourne reinvented himself as a solo artist under the guidance of Sharon Arden, whom he married in 1982. His debut album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featuring guitarist Randy Rhoads, went quadruple-platinum, driven by the iconic “Crazy Train.” Follow-up albums like Diary of a Madman (1981) and No More Tears (1991) solidified his solo legacy, with 13 studio albums and over 100 million records sold across his career.
In the 1990s, Osbourne and Sharon launched Ozzfest, a traveling festival that became a cultural juggernaut, showcasing bands like Slipknot, Tool, and Linkin Park. In 2002, Osbourne reached a new audience through The Osbournes, an MTV reality show that revealed a comedic, chaotic family life with Sharon, Kelly, and Jack. The Emmy-winning series became a blueprint for celebrity-driven reality TV. I was a huge fan of The Osbournes and felt like I really got to know Ozzy and Sharon, Jack and Kelly, and they felt like family, and their show was soooo, soooo funny, fun and heartwarming.
Despite health challenges, including a 2003 ATV accident and a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2019, Osbourne remained a force. His final concert at Villa Park, performed seated on a bat-adorned throne due to mobility issues, was a star-studded tribute featuring Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and more. “I am Iron Man: go fucking crazy!” he told the 42,000 fans, a moment that captured his enduring spirit.
Osbourne’s influence transcended music. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice—once with Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024. Tributes poured in from peers like Metallica, Aerosmith, and Gene Simmons, who called him a “universally beloved” singularity. Black Sabbath’s simple tribute on X read: “Ozzy Forever.”
Osbourne’s connection to Rolex Magazine reflects his larger-than-life persona. Known for his love of bold, luxurious style, he often sported a Rolex Submariner Date, as well as many Rolex President and Daytona models, their rugged elegance mirroring his gritty yet iconic presence. The watches, like Osbourne, were a symbol of durability and timeless rebellion, a fitting companion for a man who lived life on his own terms.
Ozzy Osbourne leaves behind Sharon, their children Kelly, Jack, and Aimee, and three children from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. His legacy as a pioneer of heavy metal, a reality TV trailblazer, and a cultural icon endures. As he once told Rolling Stone, his obituary would likely begin, “Ozzy Osbourne, the man who bit the head off a bat, died.” Yet, it’s his heart, grit, and music that will echo forever. Rest in peace, Ozzy—you belong to the ages.
Like Father, Unlike Son
Ozzy's youngest son Jack, is interviewed with his father on the Howard Stern show, as seen below when he was a little boy.
In this next video we see Jack interviewing his father, Ozzy, which is extremely interesting.
Live Performances
And so, as you hear these words
Telling you now of my state
I tell you to enjoy life
I wish I could, but it's too late
Ozzy had an amazing stage presence and was just as charismatic on stage as off. This first version of Black Sabbath performing Paranoid was shot in Belgium in 1970, and really captures Ozzy's talent and essence.
The ONLY other band I can think of that rocket this hard, from this same era is Led Zeppelin. Now that I think about it, the parallels between Black Sabbath are pretty strong in that they both were from the UK, and formed around the same time in 1968, and both rocked pretty hard. Both bands, had 4 members, with one lead singer, one guitarist, one bass player and one drummer, and they looked similar.
It's fascinating to notice when Ozzy Osbourne speaks on camera, his thick Birmingham accent shines through, but when he sings, like so many British vocalists, he sounds distinctly American!?!! This intriguing quirk of vocal performance occurs as singing stretches out vowels and focuses on melody, smoothing out regional accents into something much more similar to American English. Drawing from American-rooted genres like rock and blues, singers like Ozzy, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and even Led Zeppelin naturally adopt these vocal styles, making their music feel much more universal and accessible to fans worldwide.
I've included this second version of Ozzy Osbourne performing his Black Sabbath classic, Paranoid, recorded 15 years later, showcasing how his singing style and vocal delivery have evolved. It's striking how it almost feels like a different singer and a reimagined song, and notice he is performing with his original Black Sabbath band member at Live Aid in 1985.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Malcom-Jamal Warner Belongs To The Ages
...Macro Shot of the Day...
Malcom-Jamal Warner
Belongs To The Ages
1970-2025
Writing obituaries are always a sad thing, but they hit particularly hard when it's somebody who was younger than yourself, and was totally healthy, which was the case with the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Malcolm was best known for his role as Theodore "Theo" Huxtable on the Cosby Show. Bill Cosby, who famously played Theo's father is renowned for a career where he wore many different Rolex watches, beginning back on the 1960s TV show, I Spy. Malcolm-Jamal, also famously wore a stainless steel Rolex Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet on The Cosby Show, with a fluted white gold bracelet as pictured below.
The world mourns the untimely passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, a beloved actor, musician, poet, and cultural icon, who left us on July 20, 2025, at the age of 54. Known to millions as Theodore "Theo" Huxtable on the groundbreaking NBC sitcom The Cosby Show, Warner’s life was a testament to artistry, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting Black culture. His tragic death in an accidental drowning while vacationing in Costa Rica has left a void in the hearts of fans, friends, and colleagues, but his legacy, much like the timeless craftsmanship of a Rolex, endures with grace and precision.
Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was named after civil rights leader Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, a nod to the cultural and artistic influences that would shape his remarkable career. Raised by his mother, Pamela, who also served as his manager, Warner discovered his passion for performing at a young age. By nine, he was already honing his craft, eventually enrolling in The Professional Children’s School in New York City, a distinguished institution that counted him among its notable alumni.
Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby began his career as a comedian and started wearing Rolex watches back in the 1960s, and his first Rolex was a Pepsi GMT-Master, which was considered to be avant guard at the time. We see his comedy record album pictured below which was released in August of 1965, which featured live stand up comedy routines that had been recorded at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 1965 Bill Cosby landed a role that would change his life, where he costarred on the TV series named I SPY, and as we see in the image below, Robert Culp was his partner on the show, and ironically, but American Spies wore Pepsi Rolex GMT-Master model watches.
Bill Cosby went on create a famous kids show named Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, hay, hay, hay, hay!!!
The Cosby Show
Bill Cosby's series, was one of the most beloved and watches shows in American history. Bill Cosby had been wearing Rolex for a long time, and had an amazing collection of Rolex "Presidential" models from the DAY-DATE family. Pictured below, we see Bill Cosby wearing his platinum DAY-DATE, back in the mid 1980s when he was on top of the world. Even though Bill Cosby also wore multiple yellow gold Rolex Day-Date models while filming his Cosby Show, he seemed to gravitate mostly to his platinum watch, which was remarkably low key and elegant.
It featured a porcelain white dial with raised white gold Roman numerals as pictured below, and his son, Theo's Rolex was designed to be like a Day-Date Jr, as it was stainless steel with a white gold bezel. This watch was arguably peak 1980s Rolex, in the era that would in many ways grow to personify and establish Rolex as the International Mark of Success.
Warner’s breakout role came in 1984 when, at just 13, he was handpicked by Bill Cosby to portray Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. The ultra popular sitcom, which ran from 1984 to 1992, redefined television by presenting a successful, loving Black family—the Huxtables—in a way that resonated with audiences worldwide.
On the show, Bill Cosby's wife, also wore a Rolex, and so does his youngest daughter, from the show, in real life, Keshia Knight Pulliam.
As Theo, the charming yet sometimes mischievous son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, Warner brought humor, vulnerability, and authenticity to the role, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986. The show’s cultural impact was profound, with Warner himself noting in a 2023 interview, “There’s a generation of us who went to college, sought out higher education, and had loving relationships because of that show.”
Beyond The Cosby Show, Warner’s career was a masterclass in versatility, much like the intricate movements of a Rolex timepiece. He starred alongside Eddie Griffin in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie (1996–2000), voiced The Producer in the beloved PBS series The Magic School Bus (1994–1997), and portrayed Dr. AJ Austin in Fox’s medical drama The Resident (2018–2023). His guest appearances spanned iconic shows such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Suits, American Horror Story, and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, where he played Al Cowlings. Warner also directed episodes of The Cosby Show, Kenan & Kel, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, showcasing his multifaceted talent behind the camera.
A true Renaissance man, Warner’s artistic contributions extended beyond acting. A gifted musician and poet, he won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his spoken-word contribution to “Jesus Children” by the Robert Glasper Experiment featuring Lalah Hathaway. In 2023, he earned a Grammy nomination for his spoken-word poetry album Hiding in Plain View. His podcast, Not All Hood, co-hosted with Candace Kelley, explored the diverse experiences of Black Americans, offering a platform for nuanced discussions on identity and culture. In a 2023 interview with People, Warner described the podcast as a space where he could be “the most vulnerable,” reflecting his deep commitment to authenticity.
Warner’s personal life was marked by the same quiet strength and dignity that defined his public persona. Notoriously private, he was a devoted husband and father to a daughter born in 2017, whose names he kept out of the public eye to protect their privacy. His warmth and generosity touched those around him, as evidenced by tributes from colleagues like Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred with him in Reed Between the Lines, and Angela Bassett, who worked with him on 9-1-1. Ross wrote on Instagram, “You were my first TV husband… warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place.”
The circumstances of Warner’s passing are as heartbreaking as they are unexpected. On July 20, 2025, while swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón, Costa Rica, Warner was swept away by a strong ocean current. Despite efforts by bystanders and the Costa Rican Red Cross, he could not be revived. The official cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning, a tragic accident that has left the entertainment world reeling.
Warner’s life was a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire and unite. Like a Rolex, meticulously crafted to stand the test of time, his contributions to television, music, and culture remain timeless. In a 2013 interview with the Archive of American Television, he spoke of his pride in his “post-Cosby life,” saying, “I’ve had such an awesome life… I have peace of mind, and for me, you can’t put a price on that.” As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we celebrate a man whose talent, compassion, and authenticity will forever belong to the ages.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner is survived by his wife, daughter, and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Rest in Peace, Theo. You inspired many people with your amazing personality...
Monday, July 21, 2025
YACHT-MASTER
...Macro Shot of the Day...
YACHT-MASTER
This beauty includes a Platinum bezel with a Sky Blue dial designation and second hand, along with a magnificent sunburst dial.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
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.
Friday, July 18, 2025
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...
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.
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.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
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!!!!!
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Wednesday, July 16, 2025
ROLEX FASTN 2025ET 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.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Monday, July 14, 2025
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...
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