Posts filed under Rolex

News: Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Non-Oyster Sotto Sells at Christie's for $479,705. Possibly the Only One in the World.

It happens at times, in the field of watch collecting, that a timepiece previously unknown to the market is discovered and upsets what is until then considered an unmovable tenet by market and scholars alike. It is of course an extremely rare occurrence, but when such a hidden treasure appears on the market it never fails to stir the hearts of collectors and to amaze scholars. For example the history of Patek Philippe minute repeaters was rewritten in 2011 when a previously unknown reference, 2419, was discovered. With this lot, Christie's is proud to rewrite the textbooks about Rolex Daytona as it introduces to the public the only example of reference 6263 with black non-oyster sotto Paul Newman dial.

Until yesterday, it was believed that black Paul Newman dials mounted on reference 6263 were all and necessarily distinguished by the different disposition of the designations: instead of reading, as in all other dials, Rolex/Oyster/Cosmograph, a correct black 6263 Paul Newman should read Rolex/Cosmograph/Oyster.

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Posted on November 11, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Rolex and tagged Rolex Daytona Sotto Rolex Daytona ref. 6263 2014.

Experience: Iberico 'Pata Negra' Ham 5J Cinco Jotas along with a Rolex Submariner ref. 16800. When Two Classics Meet.

It's been a while since we brought you content around food, one of the key components of the good life. The Iberico acorn-fed ham from Spain is as classic and refined as an unpolished Rolex Submariner 16800 with tons of real patina. Faithful to its origins, Cinco Jotas makes one of the finest acorn-fed hams in Spain and the company has maintained the purity of the 'Pata Negra' —black hoof— Iberian pigs they use as well as the proper preservation of their natural ecosystem —in which the pigs develop— flawlessly, just like Rolex has kept its DNA intact over the last 60 years. The 'Pata Negra' acorn-fed ham Cinco Jotas, just like real patina on a Rolex Submariner is easily identified by its color, texture, overall appearance and cannot be faked as those that are true connoisseurs will be able to spot it.

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Posted on August 9, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Rolex and tagged Rolex Submariner ref. 16800 Jabugo Cinco Jotas Top Food 2014.

Insider: Rolex Milgauss Z Blue ref. 116400GV. Pictures Under Natural Light are Worth a Thousand Words.

Earlier this year at Baselworld 2014, Rolex released a new iteration of the legendary Rolex Milgauss that was revived back in 2007. While we didn't feel too excited about the look of this new watch during our time in Baselworld, our feelings for it had changed since then. The new Rolex Milgauss Z Blue ref. 116400GV is definitely better appreciated under natural light and one good picture is worth a thousand words. The Rolex Milgauss was originally launched in 1956 for engineers and technicians who were exposed in their work to magnetic fields which disrupt the performance of their mechanical watches. It was designed to resist strong interference of up to 1,000 gauss, hence its name. Mainly two innovations contribute to its resistance to magnetism.

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Posted on June 27, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex and tagged Rolex Milgauss ref. 116400GV Rolex Milgauss Z Blue Rolex Calibre 3131 Top Brands 2014.

Experience: Water Damaged Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph 'Thunderbird'. Please Keep Those Crowns Properly Secured.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual was in reality the first waterproof self-winding watch ever produced, but not the first self-winding. Harwood produced the first self-winding watch in 1928 and the iconic Rolex Oyster Perpetual was introduced by Rolex in 1931. This interesting timepiece was only produced for a little bit over two decades and then phased out when the first Explorer prototype was launched in 1952. Rolex has always been known for having some of the most resilient timepieces in the market and the most water tight due to its design. In reality there's no other workhorse and more robust timepiece than a Rolex. Tight as a clam or an oyster shell, the water resistance in any Rolex can only be guaranteed if the gaskets are in good shape and if the screw-down crown is properly secured. This time, we are featuring a Rolex Datejust ref. 16264 Turn-o-graph fitted with an 18K white gold 'Thunderbird' bezel and powered calibre 3135 circa 1993 with water damage.

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Posted on June 17, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex and tagged Rolex Datejust ref. 16264 Rolex Calibre 3135 Water Damaged Rolex Most Popular 2014.

Experience: WatchCollectingLifestyle Hosts Luncheon for Chicago Members of The Rolex Forums.

If watch forums like The Rolex Forums, Timezone, ThePurists or Watchuseek had never existed, it is very likely that the boom of digital watch publications —like ours— would've never taken place and we probably would've not been around at all. Little to no credit is given to some of these most visited watch forums in the world regarding the significant amount of consumer generated content that is hosted by them nor the amazing knowledge and expertise that some of their members possess.

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Posted on May 11, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Events, Rolex & Tudor, Food Wine & Cigars, Rolex and tagged The Rolex Forums 2014.

Experience: Smythson of Bond Street Leather Card Case. Classic and Functional as a Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 Pepsi.

Smythson of Bond Street is one of the leading names in the luxury leather goods industry around the world and an icon in the UK. Smythson of Bond Street was established in 1887 and is the proud holder of three Royal warrants, granted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1964, HRH The Prince of Wales in 1980, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1987 and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 2002. While holding The Queen Mother's Warrant, Smythson was one of only eight companies in the world to hold all four warrants simultaneously. Royal Warrants are a mark of recognition given to companies or individuals that have supplied goods or services for at least five years to the households of the British Royal Family. As users of the most functional and classic pigskin card case, we can attest that their quality, design and craftsmanship is exceptional.

This beautiful black pigskin card case gets its inspiration from an early card case launched by Smythson back in 1925 and described in their catalogue at the time as 'perfectly finished and available in the finest leather'. At that time the card case was fitted with a thin sterling silver mount on the border of the top cover and embossed with gold foil lettering.

Today, the current model of their card case features a simple, functional and durable design that catches the eyes of other watchlifestylers every time we pull it out to hand out one of our business cards. Measuring only 4" tall by 2.75" wide, the card case is light, sturdy but not too bulky at less than 0.5" at its thickest point.

Besides its functionality and design, something else we love about this card case is how discreet the Smythson of Bond Street branding was done. The branding is only visible as you pull the top cover off to take out one of your business cards. This is a nice and elegant touch that gets enhanced even more, if your business cards happen to have silver foiling.

This elegant Smythson of Bond Street card case is as functional as that Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 Pepsi you've been wanting to buy for months. The best part about Smythson leather goods, is how exclusive they are and how only a very few watchlifestylers will be pulling out one of these cases out of their bespoke suit pockets.

If you are walking around New Bond Street in London or 57th Street in New York City, make sure to pay them a visit and look at all their leather goods selection that includes everything from bags, wallets, card holders and cases, leather accessories, books, diaries and even some amazing chess sets and watch boxes.

Sticker Price £115. For more info on Smythson click here.

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Fashion & Style, Rolex and tagged Smythson of Bond Street Smythson Card Case Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 Pepsi 2014.

Baselworld 2014: Introducing the New Rolex Milgauss Z Blue. Live Pictures of an Interesting Combination.

Perhaps the most unexpected release from Rolex this Baselworld 2014, is the new Rolex Milgauss with Green Sapphire crystal and a Z Blue dial as reference 116400GV. This new watch with what we consider to be a strange color combination but that for some reason works well, was a totally unexpected new watch.

The new Milgauss with Z Blue dial is fitted with the Rolex calibre 3131 and a robust stainless steel case measuring 40 mm in diameter.

Frankly, we are quite intrigued about how well or bad this new watch will do. Only time will tell but so far we like it a lot. Very 70s looking in our opinion. Enjoy these pictures for now.

Sticker Price TBC. For more info on Rolex click here.

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Rolex and tagged Rolex Milgauss ref. 116400GV Rolex Milgauss Z Blue Dial 2014.

Time Machine: A Dozen Rolex Oyster Perpetual 'Bubblebacks'. It Took 10 Years To Hunt Them Down.

From time to time we receive emails from watchlifestylers that want to share their watch collections with us. While we only feature these collections sporadically as we get dozens of emails every month, we are always very careful on featuring only those collections or timepieces that spark our interest and those which we believe would be appealing to our readers. Last week, we received an email with an interesting subject line: "Dozen Bubblebacks, All Rare and in Working Condition". As soon as we opened the email and read the kind words from this collector, we knew we had to schedule a private meeting to peruse these timepieces and feature them here. The collector who prefers to remain anonymous, is a fine gentleman that currently lives in Chicago and that spent 10 years hunting down these fascinating 'Bubblebacks'. In his own words: "once I bought my first 'Bubbleback' —pictured below—, I knew I had to get rid of all the other watches that I had been collecting for years and focus my attention on this beautiful Rolex icon".

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Posted on March 19, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex and tagged Rolex Oyster Perpetual Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bubbleback Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 3458 Rolex Tropical Bubbleback 2014.

Rare Bird: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 1630. The Datejust that Looks Like an Oysterquartz but it's an Automatic.

Last week while we were visiting our friend Howard Frum and taking some pictures for the story we published last Friday, we were amazed to find not one but two Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 1630s at his store. An amazing find of a true 'rare bird'.

The 'rare bird' Rolex ref. 1630 was introduced a few years earlier than the Oysterquartz as its predecessor —at least from a case and bracelet standpoint. While the stainless steel version of this watch was named Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1530, the two-tone version bears the name Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 1630. Interestingly enough, the case diameter on both watches is 36mm and not 34mm and 36mm respectively as it typically happens between a Date and a Datejust.

The ref. 1530 was fitted with an integrated 'Oyster' bracelet while ref. 1630 came with an integrated 'Jubilee' bracelet. A timeless and very 'Gerald Genta' looking design that would later be adopted by the Rolex Oysterquartz. As you can imagine, very few 1530s and 1630s were made in the 1970s.

For this particular timepiece, the reference number marking is located on the back of the case right behind where the 1 and 2 o'clock markers would be located on the dial. The serial number marking is typically located on the opposite side from where the reference number is engraved. The serial numbers for this model fall within the 5.1 and 5.4 million range.

This Rolex ref. 1630 came fitted with an integrated 'Jubilee' bracelet code 96673 in 14K yellow gold and stainless steel. The main difference between the two-tone bracelet in the Oysterquartz ref. 17013 and this one, is that the bracelet on the Oysterquartz comes with two gold center links while the bracelet on the ref. 1630 has three gold center links. It is very common to have unscrupulous sellers replace the bracelet of the ref. 1630 with the one on the ref. 17013 so be very careful. The clasp is identical to other Rolex clasps and the clasp code shows the letter B —circa 1977 and correct to the time period of this watch— and the number 14 indicating the type of yellow gold in this bracelet is 14K.

Another difference —besides the obvious difference in movement and dial imprint that doesn't say Oysterquartz— between ref. 1630 and the Oysterquartz, is the presence of a flange with a minute and half minute track. Something worth mentioning, is that ref. 1530 came with a minute track flange with the same layout as the one one on the second picture. As far as we know, all original flanges on ref. 1630 show the minutes and half minutes, while service replacement flanges only show markers for the minutes.

Without a doubt, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 1630 is one of the most iconic watches of all time and a clear example of an era influenced by flat top cases and Royal Oak inspired designs. Long live the Rolex ref. 1630. 

If you find one of these rare references, make sure you have done your homework and always, always buy the buyer.

Pre-owned Sticker Price $3,800-5,000 USD depending on the condition. For more info on Rolex click here.  

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex and tagged Rolex ref. 1630 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 1630 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1530 Rolex Oysterquartz Rolex Bracelet 96673 Oysterquartz ref. 17013 Rolex Automatic Oysterquartz Case 2013.

Insider: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520. Celebrating 50 Years of an Iconic Reference.

Launched in 1963, this is a Rolex reference that needs no introduction or long lines to describe it. Fifty years ago, one of the most iconic watches of all time was born. All watchlifestylers know this watch very well, as there's a wealth of knowledge and amazing content —in cyberspace and in books— regarding the history of this amazing reference that has already been published; therefore, we will focus on sharing some nice images of this wonderful iconic watch and give you some basic reference information.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is definitely one of our all-time favorite chronographs; however, the lack of a date aperture is a deal breaker for us. They are elegant, refined and iconic.

Any watchlifestyler can spot one from a block away and the watch spotting always turns into a nice conversation as this is still a 'grail' watch for many collectors. We should say that there's almost a 'cult following' fueled by Italian collectors and by the many intricacies and variations that this watch has had over half a century.

For those that wear this amazing reference, thank you for paying tribute to one of the most beautiful watches ever made in the history of watchmaking. 

This reference, originally launched as ref. 6239 in 1963, has undergone several changes to its bezel, pushers, dial configurations, movements and reference numbers. A true evolution of a classic watch. For instance, the original ref. 6239 featured a stainless steel bezel graduated to 300 units per hour —years later the bezel was changed to 200 units per hour— and the dial didn't make any allusion to 'Daytona', the home of car racing in the U.S.

In 1965, when ref. 6240 was presented, the dial configuration had changed from 'Cosmograph' to 'Oyster Cosmograph', the pushers were changed from pump to screw-down, its water resistance was improved and the bezel changed from solid stainless steel to a bezel with a stainless steel ring and a black acrylic graduated insert with numbers in white. 

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Since then, there had been numerous references and changes made to this watch including changes to the case size —from 37 mm to 40 mm— and the movement. The watch was originally fitted with the manual-winding Valjoux calibre 72 and from there, it went to the automatic self-winding Zenith 400 on ref. 16520 —known as Rolex calibre 4030. Today, the Daytona is fitted with a newer and improved Rolex in-house movement calibre 4130. With all of its variations, the Daytona is a watch with perhaps the most fascinating and difficult to master history in the horological world. Every time we think we've read it all, there's a new article being published with another interesting set of facts regarding this timepiece.

By the way, a great source for information on rare, unusual Rolex watches including extremely rare Daytonas is Stefano Mazzariol's blog. 

Today, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is still as timeless and classic as it was 50 years ago. Its coveted white dial makes watchlifestylers travel around the world for one, pay special premiums over the retail price and even put their names on prepaid waiting lists for one. In reality, if you are in the know and you are a watchlifestyler with a good network of collectors, finding one is way easier than what most people think.

Now, if you want to get a rare vintage piece like a Rolex Cosmograph Yacht Master ref. 6242 or a ref. 6263 'Albino', then you really need to dig underneath the stones or you can call one of your close friends in Firenze, Roma, Napoli or Livorno.  

Photo: Stefano Mazzariol Blog

Photo: Stefano Mazzariol Blog

For now, the images on this fantastic Rolex Daytona ref. 116520 should be good enough to put a big smile on your face.

Sticker Price $12,000 USD. For more info on Rolex click here.  

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex and tagged Rolex Daytona White Dial Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520 Rolex ref. 6239 Rolex ref. 6240 Stefano Mazzariol Rolex Calibre 4030 Rolex Calibre 4130 Rolex ref. 16520 Valjoux Calibre 72 Rolex Cosmograph Yacht Master ref. 6263 Rolex Cosmograph Albino ref. 6263 2013.

Insider: Rolex Explorer ref. 214270. Commemorating 60 Years of the Conquest of Mount Everest.

May 29th, 2013 marks the 60th Anniversary of the conquest of Mount Everest. Mount Everest is the tallest peak on earth at 8,850 m —29,035 ft— located in the heart of the Himalayas between the borders of China and Nepal.

Before Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay successfully reached the summit, two other expeditions got quite close. In 1924, George Leigh Mallory and Andrew 'Sandy' Irvine were last seen at the Second Step at about 28,140-28,300 ft of altitude. Many people still wonder if they might have been the first ones to make it to the top; however, since neither one made it back, we'll never know for sure.  

After seven weeks of climbing, the first two climbers to ever reach the summit of Mount Everest were the New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and the Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay —both members of a British expedition led by Colonel John Hunt. At 11:30am on May 29, 1953, these two man reached the summit in company of a few timepieces.

Opposed to what most people think, the watch worn by Sir Edmund Hillary during the ascent was not a Rolex but a Smiths watch. Today, it's still unclear whether the Rolex Explorer prototype he was given was a ref. 6098 or a ref. 6084—like the one pictured below. What we know for sure, is that the Rolex watch was kept in his pocket during the ascent and taken out until the summit was reached. On the other hand, Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was indeed wearing a Rolex watch at the time he reached the summit —a gold bubble-back ref. 6305 given to him by Swiss climber Raymond Lambert.

Rolex ref. 6084. Image from Christie's.​

Rolex ref. 6084. Image from Christie's.​

Rolex ref. 6305. Image from Christie's.​

Rolex ref. 6305. Image from Christie's.​

Regardless of which watch made it to the top first, we will always correlate the Rolex Explorer to that memorable event in mankind. After the expedition, Rolex Bosecks Calcutta gave Sir Edmund Hillary an engraved Rolex Explorer prototype just like the one that was issued for the expedition and Rolex Watch Company presented Tenzing Norgay an engraved gold Datejust ref. 6305 as a memento of the Swiss Expedition to Mount Everest.

Later during the year 1953, the first Explorer to have the recognizable dial with Arabic numerals at 9, 6 and 3 was launched under ref. 6298. Since then, the Explorer has seen different dial configurations and case changes including: the first dial to include the word 'Explorer' ref. 6350, a dial with red depth rating known as ref. 6610, an Explorer fitted with a white seconds hand ref. 6610, an Explorer with white seconds hand and the words 'Explorer' and 'Super Precision' in white lettering ref. 5504, a rail dial on ref. 5500, the Space-Dweller launched in 1963 ref. 1016 and lastly the latest version —pictured below and presented in 2010— with a larger case measuring 39mm and font changes ref. 214270.

Without a doubt, the Rolex Explorer is a robust watch well suited for climbers and for any watchlifestyler in pursue of discovering the remote confines of planet earth.

This watch is not only a classic, but a discreet timepiece that will take on daily abuse just like any other Rolex. Fitted with a sleek black dial, a reliable automatic movement —calibre 3132 with a power reserve of 42 hours— and a very comfortable 39 mm case with an oyster bracelet, the Rolex Explorer is the perfect companion for watchlifestylers seeking adventure. Sticker price $6,550.

For more info click here.  

Images used on the background courtesy of ©Andy Bardon, ©Kristoffer Erickson, ©Royal Geographical Society and ©National Geographic Magazine. National Geographic Society The Call of Everest: The History, Science and Future of the World's Tallest Peak by Conrad Anker, 2013.

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex and tagged Rolex Explorer Rolex Explorer ref. 6298 Rolex ref. 6084 Rolex ref. 6305 Rolex Explorer ref. 1016 Sir Edmund Hillary Sherpa Tenzing Norgay Mount Everest John Hunt Rolex Explorer ref. 214270 2013.

Baselworld 2013: Rolex Platinum Daytona. A Touch of Chocolate Cerachrom.

As expected by everyone, Rolex presented additional innovation on the Cosmograph Daytona line. This time, a beautiful platinum piece with striking contrasting light blue dial, chocolate registers and a chocolate cerachrom tachymeter scale bezel. We actually love the combo. Classy, refined, modern and an absolute stunner. 

Now, what do you think? 

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Rolex and tagged Platinum Daytona Rolex Chocolate Bezel Cerachrom Bezel New Daytona Baselworld 2013 2013.

Baselworld 2013: The New Rolex GMT Master II Blue and Black. Hate it or Love it.

Finally Rolex was able to pull off the bi-color cerachrom bezel on the GMT Master II, but, why not go with the classic Pepsi or the more modern Coke color combo?

Just like everyone else, we are still trying to figure this one out.

Regardless, this is definitely an amazing looking piece that proves one more time, that Rolex continues to excel at product innovation.  

Love it or hate it, that's up to you?

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Rolex and tagged Rolex GMT Master Black and Blue New GMT Master Baselworld 2013 Baselworld GMT Master New Black and Blue Rolex GMT Master Day-Night Blue Black Bezel Rolex New Models Baselworld 2013 2013.

Baselworld 2013: New Rolex and Tudor Pieces. Very Exciting Models.

We arrived at the Basel train station somewhere around 3:00 pm and headed immediately inside the exhibitors pavilion to check the novelties. Rolex and Tudor surprised us as the typically do during this time of the year. The two biggest innovations by Rolex included the unveiling of a new bi-color GMT Master II in stainless steel and a platinum Daytona with chocolate brown cerachrom bezel. With regards to Tudor it was really all about the Black Shield and the Heritage Chrono in Blue.

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Posted on April 24, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Rolex, Tudor and tagged Baselworld 2013 New GMT Master Baselworld 2013 New Tudor Baselworld 2013 New Daytona Baselworld 2013 Rolex New Models Baselworld 2013 2013.

Experience: Elie Bleu Che Humidor. The Best Humidors in the World.

Elie Bleu of Paris has long been renowned as the maker of the world's best humidors and also of some of the most fascinating watch cases and cabinets. Founded in 1976 in the heart of the Parisian artistic woodwork area in Fabourg Saint-Antoine, Elie Bleu humidors are a work of art and individually handcrafted. In 2000, the company launched its first line of watch cases and in 2005 during BaselWorld, they presented watch storing cabinets fitted with up to a hundred automatic winders. In 2009, Elie Bleu was granted the 'Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant'—Living Heritage Companies—recognition.

Each Elie Bleu humidor is individually handcrafted in France from precious fruitwood and finished with up to eight fine coats of clear varnish to provide a striking lacquered sycamore finish. All their wood is open air cured for a minimum of ten years to eliminate the possibility of sapping, cracking or warping. To be honest, no other humidor can match Elie Bleu's quality, durability, beauty, heirloom potential and reliability for generations of use.

All Elie Blue humidors are fitted with a gorgeous and very accurate analog hygrometer, separator and their patented humidifying unit that is guaranteed to last between two to three years. The hinges and front lock are delicately finished to guarantee hermetic cigar keeping and smooth opening and closing of the humidor.

The 'Che' Guevara humidor line is one of our favorites and for sure meant to become a future rarity and a collector's item. The 'Che' humidor line includes some of the most fascinating and colorful designs, all of them utilizing Alberto Korda's iconic portrait of 'Che' Guevara or the color palette of the Cuban flag. This particular humidor fits up to 75 cigars and provides a beautiful cedar-wood smell that will captivate your senses. Sticker price for this Elie Bleu humidor: $2785.

The 'Che' limited edition humidor is almost as rare as the Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 'Che' used to wear.

For more info on this beautiful humidors and to buy one like this click here.

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Rolex, Sybarite Guide and tagged Elie Bleu Humidor Che Elie Bleu GMT Master 1675 2013.

Experience: NATO Straps or Rob Montana. Your Choice.

Change is always good. Fitting your watches with NATO or vintage leather straps adds versatility and creates a completely different look to coordinate with your attire. This time, we fitted different NATO straps to several 1675s and the result was very interesting.

The NATO strap adds some character but it also turns the strap into integral part of the color scheme of your attire. Additionally, NATO straps reinforce the overall vintage look of a vintage Rolex timepiece. When it comes to leather straps, one of our favorites due to its rugged appearance is Rob Montana. This rugged leather strap gives the watch a unique and outdoorsy look.   

Now, which do you prefer? Are you a NATO type of guy or more of an urban woodsman?

Vintage leather or NATO is up to you and the personality of your vintage watch. 

For more info on Rob Montana straps click here.  

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Fashion & Style, Rolex and tagged Rob Montana Straps Rolex Vintage NATO Straps 2013.

Insider: GMT Master ref. 1675 circa 1978. A Stunner.

The story behind this beautiful example of a GMT Master ref. 1675 is just one of a kind. This watch was incorporated to a watch lifestyler's collection as part of a trade + cash type of deal. The watch is fitted with a nicely faded fat font Pepsi bezel inset. The hunt for the right insert took months, but the end result was worth the wait in our opinion.

While the dial is a MK IV example correct to the time period of the watch in the 5.5 million serial range, the bezel is an earlier example no longer found on watches of this time period. This watch comes with the correct calendar disc with open sixes and nines and the matte dial is just perfect, clean and with a beautiful egg shell to cream patina.

The hands show very little corrosion and match the dial perfectly with the same type of patina. The case has not been over polished like on most watches of this time period and still maintains thick lugs and nice chamfers. This watch is fitted with a hollow link Oyster bracelet still in decent shape. The movement is clean and keeping time spot on. +1 second per day.

To be honest, this is one of the most beautiful examples of a Rolex ref. 1675 that we have ever reviewed and experienced. If you come across a 1675 in this good of a condition, don't think twice, even if you need to move another watch and add some hard earned cash to the deal. We know that you won't regret it.

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex and tagged Rolex GMT Master Vintage GMT Master 1675 2013.

Watch Goodies: The Wooden Rolex Clock. Hard to Find.

The real story behind the very hard to find wooden Rolex clocks has always been a mystery. Among different groups of avid Rolex watch collectors we've heard dozens of versions but until now we didn't have what we feel is a definitive answer.  

Some people mention that the clock was given to select authorized dealers during the 1970s, another version assures that these clocks were given to employees after 'x' number of years of service at the Rolex Service Centers but you are about to hear the real story behind these iconic wall clocks.  

The owner of this clock is a former Rolex Service Center watchmaker that has finally provided a trustworthy answer for us. In the early 80s, this wall clocks were given by Rolex USA to authorized dealers with very high volume of sales. This particular watch was purchased by our friend from one of these dealers back in 1988 for $125. Ironic enough, the infamous Rolex wooden clock is fitted with a battery operated quartz movement made in Japan.

Going price for one of this clocks today is around $1500.

Is it really worth it with a Japanese quartz movement as its beating heart?

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex, Watch Goodies and tagged Rolex Wooden Rolex Clock 2013.

Insider: The Rolex Oysterquartz ref. 17000. A Forgotten Icon.

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The Rolex Oysterquartz has now been discontinued for almost 10 years. For almost 26 years this iconic reference was produced in stainless steel, stainless steel and white gold, stainless steel and yellow gold and 18K yellow gold. It has been estimated that in all close to 25,000 Oysterquartz watches were ever produced by Rolex. The Oysterquartz was officially launched in 1977 and discontinued in 2003.

The Oysterquartz was launched during an era where quartz movements were increasingly becoming more important and in order to meet the demands of consumers, Rolex decided to venture into the quartz world with one of the most beautiful watch designs ever created.

The beating heart of this fantastic reference is one of those things that you can't hardly miss. If you've owned an Oysterquartz, you know what we are talking about. The ticking sound of this movement is so loud that you can hear it whenever you are in a quite area. Most Oysterquartz owners will make reference to this particular characteristic of this watch.

Evoking the looks of the Vacheron Constantin 222, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the IWC Ingenieur SL, with its flat top case, the Rolex Oyterquartz could not pass the test of time and maintain a spot in the current Rolex line-up.

This beautiful reference now forgotten by most watch collectors, was not only one of the first Rolex models to be fitted with a sapphire crystal at the time but also the only Rolex model to be supplied with a solid link integrated bracelet with no end links nor link removable screws.

Long live the Rolex Oysterquartz ref. 17000. 

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex and tagged Rolex Oysterquartz Oysterquartz 17000 Rolex 17000 Oysterquartz rolex 2013.

Watch Goodies: The Rolex Wimbledon Tie. For Attendees Only.

This rare green Rolex tie was released as a gift to the attendees of the 125th edition of the Wimbledon championship back in 2011. This green tie comes with a beautiful gold silk thread embroidered Rolex crown on the front around the center of the tie. The small end of the tie has a Rolex logo with crown embroidered with the same gold silk thread.

The back of the tie features a purple label with the Rolex brand and the writing commemorating the 125th edition of the Wimbledon championship dated 2011. This tie looks superb with a Navy Blazer with gold buttons, a light blue shirt and a full-Windsor knot as the tie is quite thick. 

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex, Watch Goodies and tagged Rolex Rolex Wimbledon Tie 2013.