Saddam Hussein’s Rolex To Be Auctioned $150,000
It was the most lucrative day’s work that Haitham Wihaib will ever do. His boss Saddam Hussein had just spent hours in a Baghdad palace with one of his many mistresses. As the Iraqi dictator emerged and headed towards his chauffeur-driven Mercedes, it was Wihaib’s job - as his head of protocol - to check that he had not left anything behind. “To my surprise I saw his £100,000 gold Rolex sitting on a bedside table,” recalled Wihaib. “I ran after Saddam and stopped him just before he got in the car. I said, ‘Your Excellency, your Excellency, you left your gold Rolex behind.’ When he turned to me, I had never seen such a satisfied look on his face. He had clearly had a very pleasurable afternoon. He smiled and told me to keep it.”
The custom-made Rolex has dozens of diamonds laid into the watch face and the bracelet. At the very pinnacle of luxury, the watch represents the incredible quality and precision of the Rolex watchmakers. The Daily Mail confirmed that the watch is genuine and the valuation is accurate. Long before the Iraq war that led to Saddam’s fall, Haitham Wihaib had a bad falling out with his master and was imprisoned. After being released, he managed to smuggle his collection of Saddam’s valuables out of Iraq and defect to Great Britain in 1994. Although he worked for the dictator for over twenty years and was his chief of protocol, Wihaib has never worn the gold Rolex given to him by the Iraqi dictator. In regards to his hiding of the watch, Wihaib said: “All Saddam’s bodyguards were very jealous so I never wore the Rolex in Iraq. They would have chopped my arm off for such a watch.”
In closing, it is fascinating to note that Saddam’s regime often altered expensive Rolex watches with faceplates depicting the leader. Amazing as it sounds, these symbols of Western power and affluence were greatly admired by members of the anti-Western Ba’ath party or so the story goes. Although Saddam Hussein would deface a Rolex watch given to his supporters, the authenticity of his own custom-made Rolex was kept and maintained. It will be intriguing for Rolex enthusiasts to see how high the price goes for Saddam’s jewel-encrusted Rolex watch.
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Rolex Watch Blog: Rolex Gold Watch
A Rolex gold watch is crafted in 18k yellow gold or white gold embedded with precious stones that add to its beauty. Some of the most beautiful gold watches that have been gifted by Rolex to all true watch admirers are the following:
* Champagne Diamond Dial Rolex Day Date Presidential: This model is popular among both men and women. It can be a great choice for those who are looking for a superb gold wrist watches. The case is made from 18k yellow gold with 18k yellow gold crown. Its champagne diamond dials are inlaid with 8 round cut and 2 baguette cut diamonds is also set in 18k yellow gold. Other popular dial colors are silver, blue and mother of pearl. Its beadset diamond bezel with 40 round cut diamonds set in 18k yellow gold is an added attraction.
* Ladies White Gold Pave Dial Rolex Super President: It is a superb ladies gold watch with incomparable style and elegance. It is a great combination of yellow and white gold. On one hand, it features pave diamond dial with 110 round cut diamonds set in 18k white gold while on the other its case is made of 18k yellow gold with 18k yellow gold crown and custom diamond lugs. It has custom .70 ct. beadset diamond bezel with 30 round cut diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. Its maximum charm lies in its Italian-made 18k yellow gold President bracelet fitted with 232 diamonds.
Similarly, many other models of Rolex wristwatches have always been regarded as the ultimate gold watches with maximum panache.
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Rolex Equestrian World Cup Finals In Las Vegas
As one would expect, the sporting events supported by Rolex are in a class by themselves, including the finest equestrian events around the world. The world’s greatest riders have ridden the world’s finest horses to victory with their support.
In a city more associated with bright lights and big money than magnificent horsemanship, the Rolex FEI World Cup finals were held at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. This world class event featured both show jumping and world class dressage, providing horse enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike with plenty of excitement. Competitors came from around the world to see some of the best riders strut their stuff, and it was all made possible by the corporate sponsorship of Rolex.
Rolex’s association with the United States Equestrian Federation continues an ongoing tradition of excellence. The United States Equestrian Federation, or USEF, is an organization that is well known to many competitive horseback riders, from local pony clubbers to riders at the highest levels of equestrian sport. The USEF hosts competitions throughout the country and around the world, providing riders of all ages and abilities the chance to show off their mounts and enhance their riding ability. Competitions like the 2007 FEI World Cup finals represent the pinnacle of this highly competitive world, giving riders young and old a worthy goal to shoot for.
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Rolex Continues To Underwrite the Rita Hayworth Gala for the Alzheimer’s Association
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Mark McGrath Has The Rolex Logo Tattooed On His Back
Still, no matter how impressive the Rolex Submariner is to both deep-sea divers and watch enthusiasts, Mark McGrath has taken his love of the Rolex Submariner to the next level. McGrath is very proud of his Irish heritage and displays it by sporting a four-leaf clover tattoo on his right wrist. Keeping with the Irish-green theme on his left wrist, is a Rolex “Kermit” Submariner. As a well-known celebrity tracker wrote about celebrities and luxury watches, “You devote the majority of your life creating some beautiful and mechanically significant piece of art - and then a public figure is photographed wearing your product. It has to make you feel good about your work. In the case of Mark McGrath, the lead signer of Sugar Ray, he is such a Patron of the Rolex brand that not only does he diligently wear his Rolex Kermit everywhere he goes - He had the brand logo tattooed on the side of his body…Talk about great advertising!” When it comes to Rolex watches and the dedication of Rolex enthusiasts, nothing really seems all that surprising.
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Rolex Watches: Ladies Rolex Watches
Rolex is a leading name in the luxury watch industry. For over a century, the brand has been a distinguished symbol of performance and prestige. Nothing compares with wearing a Rolex in terms of creating a sense of class and prominence.With as many as twenty eight affiliates and more than four thousand super skilled watchmakers working from over one hundred countries, Rolex continues to expand its saga of achievement and innovation. These watches provide the ultimate style statement as an accessory. Rolex adds a touch of class to the wearer’s style, and is more than just a watch. Over 200 small and delicate parts put together by hand in more than a year, ensure that Rolex remains the epitome of precision in the watch industry.
And there is an old saying: “Diamonds are women’s best friend”. It is undeniable that women have always been very fond of gold and diamond accessories.That is the reason why women simply adore a ladies diamond watch. It not only helps a woman in keeping her time commitments, but also is a perfect accessory that she would love to cherish all her life.
If you are looking for a perfect gift for the most important lady in your life, be your wife or daughter or mother, there can be nothing better than Ladies Rolex Wrist Watch. It is the ultimate style statement, beautifully crafted in gold and diamonds. This timepiece is a true masterpiece that could cost you a fortune.
Perfection comes for a price and so do Rolex watches. To own a Rolex, you either have to be a celebrity or a millionaire. But hold your breath! Now, authentic pre-owned Rolex watches are available with Melrose Jewelers at wholesale rates, for both men and women. Now you can make her dreams come true without breaking the bank.
It is said that diamonds are women’s best friends…and when they come fitted in their watches; it’s like an icing on the cake. Rolex has a very large variety of ladies watches that you may give to the woman of your dreams… and impress her thoroughly.
Ladies Rolex Jewelry Watches are carefully crafted masterpieces that have been made to accentuate the beauty and sensuousness of a woman’s forearms. Delicately fitted diamonds on pure gold add to the speciality of these watches. The expertise of the watchmaker is evident from the complex designs that have been executed with such perfection.
The array of watches that can give your love life the most heady boost include:
* Ladies Rolex Super Presidents
* Ladies Rolex Presidents
* Ladies Rolex Datejusts
* Ladies Two Tone Jubilee Rolex Datejusts
* Ladies Stainless Steel Jubilee Rolex Datejusts
* Ladies Two Tone Oyster Rolex Datejust
With years of experience and worthy craftsmen, Melrose Jewelers presents you with the most exclusive preowned Rolex ladies watches. Their world renowned polishers ensure that each and every watch looks brand new. Next time you decide to give some thing to that one special lady in your life, give her Rolex, so that she feels nothing less than a star while keeping track of the time!
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Eric Clapton’s 1971 “Albino” Rolex Daytona Sells For $505,000
Rolex is the new champion in the auction house, certifying the watch company’s legendary position as the creator of the highest quality wristwatches. On April 23, 2008, an ultra-rare 1971 “Albino” Rolex Daytona, formerly owned by rock n’ roll legend Eric Clapton, sold at Sotheby’s “Important Watches Auction” for $505,000 including buyer’s premium. Although it was expected to fetch $100,000-$150,000 by watch experts, the Rolex Daytona broke all records when it sold for over half a million dollars once the dust had settled.
Created by Rolex in 1971, the watch is nicknamed the “Albino” Daytona because the background and subsidiary dials are a monochrome silver color, in stark contrast to the normally contrasting dials of more common Rolex Daytonas. . It was a design that was not too popular, as the contrasting outlined sub-dials make for better visibility. If you look at the Rolex Daytona models today, they have no “Albino’s”. Basically, the watch was an unpopular variant of a popular model. Before the auction, the Rolex Daytona was not even expected to be in the top three of most expensive watches sold on that day. At this auction, the 6th most expensive watch sold was a “James Bond” Rolex Submariner from 1959, which brought in $211,000. The 2nd through 5th most expensive watches sold at this auction belonged to Pate Philippe and ranged from $217,000 to $445,000. At the Antiquorum’s recent $8.5 million Rolex auction, the top-priced timepiece sold for $248,000.
For years, Eric Clapton has been recognized as a major Rolex watch collector. The guitar legend’s personal collection is quite extensive, and Clapton even named his record collection of greatest hits, Timepieces. Still, nothing in Clapton’s collection compares in price to the 1971 Rolex “Albino” Daytona, which will now go down in history as the Rolex that shocked the refined world of high-priced auctions.
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Danica Patrick Needs A Rolex Watch
If Danica Patrick could be given a lead on a Rolex watch to acquire, which Rolex ladies watch should she get to aid her in her cause? Although many of the professional men’s Rolex watches like the GMT Master II or the Daytona would do just fine, Danica needs a watch that reflects her style and class both on the raceway and on the red carpet. Melrose Jewelers happens to have a watch in stock that would meet Danica’s needs. The Ladies 2T Rolex Datejust is a spectacular watch showcasing the stunning Submariner Blue Diamond Dial. Its Oyster bracelet offers a modern appearance and is quite eye-catching with the combination of glossy Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold, reflecting Danica’s balance between professional sports and fashion. Lastly, the .7ct Beadset Diamond Bezel set in 18k White Gold surrounds the magnificent dial and adds to the already glamorous appearance of this masterpiece. Such an incredible watch matches the blue colors of racing while offering the professional perfection of a Rolex. With the added diamond, it provides the glamour that a star like Danica Patrick not only needs, but also demands.
Danica competed in the Rolex 24 in 2006, but the team finished 50th after a mechanical breakdown. “I had such a good time,” said Patrick of her 2006 Rolex 24 start. “So many drivers come together for this event. Of course everyone wants to win and do well. But there’s such camaraderie at this. I’m just really grateful to come back to this team again. To be with a group of drivers like this, we have a great chance at winning this race.” Danica Patrick, who races with Andretti-Green Racing in the IndyCar Series, will spend this weekend’s test getting familiar with the Daytona Prototype again. She has plenty of memories from her lone 2006 start.
“There wasn’t a ton of running so it was hard to get a real feel of how the rhythm of the race goes and how it goes through the night and into the next day,” Danica said of her 2006 Rolex 24 experience, which cut short due to mechanical failures. “I’ll definitely be asking questions as we go along about that. I remember what it feels in the car and how it was around here and I think that will be able to carry over but also the car has improved too.” Hopefully, both the racing car and Danica’s team have improved because she deserves the opportunity to win the Rolex 24 and receive a Rolex watch as the prize for such a victory. Danica Patrick is a class act, and she would look perfect with a Rolex on her wrist.
A Personalized Gold Rolex Watch: Have A Look
A windsurfing pioneer nominated twice in the past, Alessandra Sensini has won three Olympic gold medals. When asked if she was surprised, Sensini put her hand to her heart as she held her new Rolex gold watch and said, “I was surprised. To win the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award is an incredible feeling.” With a gold medal at the World Championships and a silver medal at the Beijing Olympic Games, Sensini’s achievements in her sport this year, despite being 38 years old, are nothing less than astonishing. Like the Rolex watch she won, Alessandra Sensini is a true classic who continues to break new ground. As she said, “I can never say never! I feel like I can still grow, stay motivated inside and compete at a high level.
In the men’s division, Ben Ainslie, Britain’s most successful Olympic sailor with three gold medals, now has a gold personalized Rolex wristwatch to add to his collection. Beaming with pride, Ainslie said, “The ISAF Rolex Sailor of the Year Award is a massive honor. For any sailor, it’s huge.” After Ainslie won a third straight gold medal in the Finn class at Beijing, IOC President Jacques Rogge described his accomplishment as the equal of the eight gold medals of American swimmer Michael Phelps and the world record of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt when he clearly said, “Whatever they do is fantastic, but whatever Ainslie does is equally fantastic.” With such a solid endorsement, it makes perfect sense that Ben Ainslie now wears a personalized gold Rolex wristwatch as the 2008 Rolex World Sailor of the Year.
Overall, it was nothing less than an incredible night where the world’s sailing elite celebrated the very best of their sport. The feeling of the 2008 Rolex World Sailor of the Year awards was summed up by HM King Constantine, ISAF President of Honor, when he declared: “This is the one night of the year that we the world governing body of sailing and you our guests marvel, celebrate and award those who are the heroes of our sport.” And what greater award could be given to Alessandra Sensini and Ben Ainslie than the personalized gold Rolex wristwatches, which they received. The circular silver ISAF trophy will stay in the trophy case, but the personalized gold Rolex proudly can be worn and displayed year round.
Rolex Offers Support to Alzheimer's Research
Rolex Offers Support to Alzheimer's Research
Rolex has once again acted as the underwriter of the annually organized Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala. The event was held on October, 10th to pay tribute to American screen legend Rita Hayworth. The actress, who was especially famous in the 1940-s, became the sex symbol of the era. She was stricken with the Alzheimer disease in her 40s.
The event took place at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The organizers managed to raise more than 2 million dollars for the Alzheimer's Association.
The event was hosted by Louise Kornfeld, gala chair, and Allen Brill, underwriting chair, Rolex president and CEO. Among those who joined the event there were New York socialites, famous actors and media representatives, including Muffy Potter Aston, Bryant and Hillary Gumbel, Donna Dixon Aykroyd and Dan Aykroyd, John McEnroe, Anne Hearst, Regis Philbin Ron Perelman, and Ivana Trump.
Rolex Watch USA has acted as the underwriter of Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala for the fifth year in the row. Mr. Allen Brill has announced that the prestigious watch brand will continue to act in this role through 2012, the year to mark the company's 10-year anniversary as the gala's underwriter.
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of Rita Hayworth, was the one who established the Rita Hayworth Gala more than 20 years ago. More than 48 million dollars have been raised to support Alzheimer's Association care and research.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss
At present day a lot of people work in environments that are subject to intense magnetic fields. Aerospace industry, research labs, telecommunications and medical imaging are just a few examples of fields that are found under the considerable magnetic influence. Scientists, technicians, engineers and other specialists all need a reliable timepiece that would be well protected from magnetic influences and provide accurate timekeeping. Rolex developed its Oyster Perpetual Milgauss with these people in mind.
The Oyster Perpetual Milgauss bears a French name that implies that the timepiece with an inner 'Faraday cage' case will resist a magnetic flux density of one thousand gauss. The year 2007 marked a new step in evolution of the model. The first model of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss appeared back in the 1950s, having brought technological progress to focus. The movement of the watch reliably protected by the magnetic shied has been developed to provide exceptional performance even when found under the influence of strong magnetic fields.
In 2007 the Rolex vintage Milgauss celebrated its 50th anniversary. As one could have expected, prices for the extremely rare vintage models available through auction sales are amazingly high. Taking these facts into account, no wonder Rolex has decided to update its legendary Oyster model offering an advantage of anti-magnetic protection. Rolex fans will surely be pleased by the updated model's perfect execution and reasonable price - that is £3,210.
The distinctively orange sweep-seconds hand is designed to remind a lightning-bolt. The black dial features white and orange applied hour markers. The Arabic minute numerals are also in orange. The dial is covered by a green-tinted sapphire crystal that adds a slight trace of stylishness to the dial. The watch goes on a rigorous stainless steel Oyster bracelet.
A Sensational Rolex Watch Theft
A Sensational Rolex Watch Theft
How an expensive watch like Rolex can be stolen? Really, I don't understand it. In any high-class store the latest security system is set. But it turns out that it's not as secure as we might think.
A jewelry store in Florida, USA "lost" a 1000 Rolex because of one chevalier of fortune. And now, police continues searching for a thief who, according to their words, tried to look fitted in with other customers and then took off with a watch that cost as a good car.
A surveillance camera at the jewelry store shows a well-dressed man looking at very expensive watches. Usually, in such stores and in such cases while I am looking at something more or less expensive, at least one shop assistant is next to me...Quite a weird situation, isn't it?
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, until the man took off with a ,000 watch in his hand. The thief looked like an average customer, he was well-dressed and calm. But after tape examining, police said the store guard could guess what he had kept in his head. I think, nobody has to be Einstein to understand it from the first sight but life shows a different view.
"His purpose was to steal a Rolex. He came in with his hands in his pockets. He never touched the glass case. There wasn't anything that he was leaving behind", police said. Well, does anybody wonder now about his purpose? What about banal intuition? As for me, I'd fire immediately all the stuff!
It seems the watch was an original, and if that's the case, the crook might have a hard time getting rid of it. However, it is not very difficult to do. Having some dollars in the pocket allows this "well-dressed customer" going at least to Mexico, a well-known place for such dirty business.
Hey, folks, has anyone of you seen that guy in any place? If yes, shake his hand on my behalf!
Rolex Watch Model: Rolex Submariner
Rolex Submariner
Whoever said there is no eye-pleasing way to combine ruggedness with sophistication has surely not seen the Rolex Submariner gracing the wrist of the legendary Agent 007 in several early James Bond movies. And even long before Sean Connery sported the Submariner, the watch was mentioned in Ian Fleming's original novel. Talk about a true classic!
Design changes through the years
In 1953 Rolex had the Submariner prototype tested in deep waters and on a rough terrain by various explorers. More than 1,000 dives later the watch kept ticking, having survived sub-zero temperatures, as well as the wear and tear of expeditions. In subsequent years, as the popularity of scuba diving and other aquatic exploits grew, the Submariner underwent numerous facelifts and design improvements, such as a bigger, easier-to-read 40 mm dial, and a flat sapphire crystal, which replaced its slightly domed Plexiglas predecessor. Early all-steel watches were complemented over the years by gold and Rolesor models.
In 2003, in time for Submariner's 50th birthday, Rolex launched the commemorative model featuring a black dial with a rotatable green bezel, and a stainless steel, oyster flip lock bracelet.
Why own a Submariner?
I like this watch because it conjures up an aura of adventure and fun. The good news is that you do not have to be a secret agent, a thrill seeker, or a daredevil for that matter, to appreciate the Submariner's blend of sturdiness and classic elegance. If you are a diver, however, or any other kind of an underwater enthusiast, this watch is, hands down, a dream come true. Water resistant and impermeable, Submariner can reliably and accurately show the time at any depth up to 1,000 feet. And, because it is a Rolex, it is meticulously refined and crafted with a superb attention to detail that has, for many years, set the industry standard for top-of-the-line luxury watches.
Think of the Submariner as the perfect watch to take a dive in - and still come up a winner!
Rolex Watch Model: Mens Rolex President
The Men's, like the Ladies is also available in all 18 Karat Yellow Gold, 18 Karat White Gold and Platinum. This means that the entire watch is made in that specific metal right from the watch bracelet, the watch case to the watch crown. The fundamental of customizing your Rolex watch still exists with the Men's President. Infact with the president you can add diamonds to the watch lugs just like the lady's president. The diamonds on the lugs give it a very sharp and different look. Once again you have the choice to change the bezel. There are a variety of bezels available like the high polish bezel, the fluted bezel, diamond bezel, etc. Unfortunately right now I do no have the pictures to provide you with the images of the different dials and the different bezels. I will come up with some soon.
I like the one featured on the left, the most. Here are the technical details about it. I will try to keep it simple. It is the Men's Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. "Perpetual" in watch language means that the mechanism is aware which month has 29, 30 or 31 days. It is an automatic winding mechanical Rolex. All of the Mechanical Rolexes are Officially Certified (C.O.S.C.). It has a Platinum Three Piece Case, size 36 mm. The sapphire crystal has the "Cyclope" magnifying glass over the date, making it easier for an individual with poor eyesight to see the date clearer. The Bezel is a high Polish Bombé bezel, with a white gold screw down crown and a double gasket. The Dial is ice blue with white gold Roman numerals, printed railway minute track and white gold bâton hands. It has a Superpresident Platinum bracelet with high and brushed finish.
Rolex Watch Model: Cosmograph Daytona 116520
SPECIFICATIONS:
Reference: 116520
Series: F
Movement: Rolex Caliber 4130
Water Resistance: 330 ft./100 m.
Case: Stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Notes: The Cosmograph Daytona is the trophy piece of my collection, as it is the rarest and most sought after watch in the world. Each authorized Rolex dealer is allocated only one, or perhaps two of the coveted stainless steel models each year. Most Rolex dealers maintain waiting lists of people who want to buy the Daytona.
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Rolex Watch Model: Submariner 16610
SPECIFICATIONS:
Reference: 16610
Series: A
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3135
Water Resistance: 1000 ft./300 m.
Case: 904L grade Stainless steel
Crystal: Synthetic sapphire
Notes: This particular 16610 is not from my personal collection, but rather it is part of the collection of a close personal friend. I've never owned a 16610 Submariner, but thought it was important to include a reference page on this iconic classic. I'm often asked, "which Rolex should I buy?" If you plan on buying one and only one Rolex, this is the one to buy. It is without question the most popular of the sport models, and about the most versatile model Rolex sells.
Rolex Model: Rolex Submariner
SPECIFICATIONS:
Reference: 1680 - rare variant model with the word "Submariner" written in red.
Series: Late 2 million serial from 1970
Movement: Rolex Caliber 1570
Water Resistance: 660ft./200 m.
Case: Stainless steel.
Crystal: Plexiglas (acrylic plastic)
Notes: The Model 1680 model was launched in 1966 - the first Submariner to receive the date complication from Rolex. Apparently Rolex made the dial variation with red writing for only a short time - until roughly 1974 when the dial printing was changed to white.