Rolex Hotness: The Ecclestone Sisters

Rolex Hotness: The Ecclestone Sisters

Petra and Tamera Ecclestone are the daughters of Formula 1 Boss, Bernie Ecclestone. Petra (pictured below) is wearing her yellow gold Rolex Daytona with a white dial & she is a menswear designer.

Zara Phillips the New Face of Rolex

Realizing the unique connection between Rolex and Royalty, Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II of England, has signed a contract to be the new face of Rolex watches. The Rolex watch chosen for Zara Phillips to endorse is the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust. An elite equestrian who attained the title of Eventing World Champion in 2006, Phillips will receive £100,000 pounds and three free watches to appear in advertising for the Swiss watchmakers. The first Rolex advertisement-featuring Phillips appeared in Vanity Fair, which is a further display of the great value placed by Rolex in the acquisition of such a high profile representative in the United Kingdom and beyond. The advertisement shows Zara Phillips with her horse Toytown who carried her to victory in the Eventing World Championships.

In order to illuminate the Rolex watches that Phillips has been chosen to endorse, here is a more in-depth examination. A description of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust is as follows: Stainless steel case and bracelet. White dial. Date displays at 3 o’clock position. 18kt white gold bezel. Synthetic sapphire crystal. Hidden deployment clasp. Case diameter 26mm. 31-jewel chronometer automatic movement. Water resistant at 30 meters (100 feet). A description of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust Pearlmaster is as follows: Stainless steel case. 18kt yellow gold and stainless steel bracelet. Gold dial. Date displays at 3 o’clock position. 18kt yellow gold bezel. Synthetic sapphire crystal. Hidden deployment clasp. 31 jewel chronometer automatic movement.

Rolex has supported excellence in human endeavors for over eighty years, and many of their spokespeople have been champions in their respective sports. Zara Phillips provides a unique combination of Royal blood and athletic excellence to the Rolex stable. Zara was voted 2006 BBC Sports Personality of the Year by the British viewing public. What is truly fascinating in the story line is that Zara’s mother, Princess Anne, was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1971. Clearly, like the lineage of one great Rolex watch design to the next, Zara Phillips follows in her mother’s footsteps of athletic excellence. Zara was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 New Years Honours List for her services to equestrianism. Married to England rugby player Mike Tindall, Phillips has expanded her commercial activity since becoming a professional eventer to help meet the £500,000-a-year cost of maintaining seven horses. She receives no money from the civil list, but her mother, Princess Anne, gives her free accommodation. Imagine how proud the Queen must be to have her Granddaughter chosen to be the new face of Rolex watches.

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Rolex Watch Blog: Rolex Watches

Watches not only tell time, they also send messages. Not the ubiquitous e-mail or text messages, but personal statements about their owners. For example, a Rolex reveals a certain class and style, not to mention an appreciation of quality and precision.Just as astute observers draw different conclusions about people from cars they drive— whether they’re luxury models, hybrids, SUVs, or minivans—so, too, do they discern meanings in someone’s choice of a watch.

Ever since Shakespeare’s time, a watch’s function has been secondary to its form, and today, its form is determined by its intended use: for sports, business, or formal occasions. This is why many people own three or more watches.

The first timepieces dates back to the 16th century, when Peter Henlein, a German locksmith, invented the first pocket watch. This invention was made possible by the development of mainspring and escapement mechanisms, which worked together, along with the balance wheel, to measure time. (“Escapement” refers to the unwinding of the watch, causing the ticking sound.) Henlein’s pocket watch—called the Nuremberg Egg because it was oval and bulky— only measured hours.

In the mid-17th century, the balance spring, or hairspring, was added to the balance wheel, dramatically improving its accuracy. Although Queen Elizabeth inspired the use of wrist watches among women in the late 1500s, men continued to use pocket watches because they were considered more masculine. In 1780, the self-winding pocket watch was developed in France that eliminated the need for manual winding. In 1922, the self-winding, or automatic, wristwatch was patented. Timepieces that use mainsprings and escapements have what is known as mechanical movements, with an analog display—a numbered dial with moving hands. These watches—the more expensive, the better—are the favorites of collectors and watch aficionados because of their fine craftsmanship and intricate design. Of these watches, the Rolex is without question the finest example of quality, craftsmanship, and elegance.

The other best-known type of timepiece has an electronic movement. Electronic movements have few, if any, moving parts and rely on batteries. They use tiny quartz crystals that oscillate at very stable frequencies to ensure considerably more accuracy than mechanical movements. These watches, frequently called quartz watches, also have analog displays. Quartz watches were first produced commercially by a Japanese watchmaker 1969; at the time they reportedly cost as much as a car.

Most consumers are familiar with digital watches; they were first produced in the ‘70s and are inexpensive because they can be mass-produced. Digital watches have electronic movements; what sets them apart is their liquid crystal displays, or LCDs, which present the time as blocks of numerals. Digital watches are appropriate for children and teenagers, and for people whose occupations make it impractical to wear a more costly timepiece.

Chronograph watches, first patented in the early 19th century, are preferred by athletes because of their stopwatch capabilities. In addition to the main dial that displays the time, chronograph watches can have one or more smaller dials, each with its own function: for example, to display day and date, register a specified quantity of hours, register a quantity of minutes, or show lunar phases. An example of the chronograph is the Rolex Daytona. Chronographic watches can have mechanical or electronic movements.

The choice of a particular watch is most often based on one’s lifestyle, place in the pecking order, discretionary income and personal preference. One can find a watch in the drugstore that tells time just as accurately as a fine Swiss watch with a six-figure price tag. The real difference? Each carries a different message. One’s decision of which watch to wear will tell more than just the time.

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Rolex Enthusiast Jennifer Garner Names Her New Baby Girl Seraphina

Actress & Rolex enthusiast Jennifer Garner along with husband, actor Ben Affleck, welcomed a beautiful little girl named Seraphina Rose into the world at the beginning of the New Year. Joining big sister Violet, age 3, in the Garner-Affleck household; Seraphina was named after an order of angels in the Hebrew Bible known as the seraph or seraphim. Perceived in later Jewish imagery as a class of celestial beings with human form, the seraph evolved into the highest rank of Christian angels.

The parents did not reveal their personal reasons for selecting Seraphina, but the name has come into style in recent years. “It kind of follows from Angelina, which has gotten super popular because of Angelina Jolie, as a spiritual, heavenly name,” says Pamela Redmond Satran, who runs nameberry.com, “Ben and Jen really put Violet on the map,” Satran says. “They transformed it from what people saw as a dowdy, old lady name to a really cute, modern choice.” Serafina (alternate spelling) is also a Marvel Comics villain who first appeared in an X-Men story line in 2006. Although, it is unlikely that mom and dad considered the Marvel villain as inspiration; Garner and Affleck have played Elektra and Daredevil respectively, two Marvel Comics characters, on the big screen.

For years, Jennifer Garner has been known as a true Rolex enthusiast, seen publicly wearing a multitude of Rolex styles. Garner has favored the versatility of the two-toned Ladies Datejust with a blue dial and a fluted bezel, and the classic opulence of the Ladies Rolex President in yellow gold. With the arrival of their second child, will Ben Affleck treat his beautiful wife to the quintessential indulgence of a new Rolex? In the past, while dating Jennifer Lopez, “Affleck dropped $50,000 on a Rolex for his beloved and another for her mother” according to People Magazine. Today, as a husband and father, it seems that Affleck’s taste has moved from trendy flash to long term commitment and more refined luxury. Even the names of his children reflect a profound respect for history and sophistication.

The perfect gift for Jennifer Garner is one that complements her elegant taste and pledges continued happiness with Affleck and their children. Nothing but the most enduring timepiece would be suitable for Garner and so the Ladies Rolex Super President in lustrous 18k yellow gold with custom diamond lugs is the ideal choice. Such a beautiful watch is nothing less than remarkable, and perfectly reflects qualities that are embodied in the names of Garner and Affleck’s daughters. Ideally suited for an angel in human form, only Rolex could produce a watch that is so classic and so symbolic of Jennifer Garner and the values that are conveyed in every aspect of her life.

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Paris Hilton Chooses Rolex Over Her Personal Line Of Watches

Instead of promoting her own line of expensive wristwatches, Paris Hilton chooses to wear a Rolex wristwatch from her extensive Rolex collection. Together with watchmaker Pascal Savoy, Paris Hilton introduced a jeweled watch line at the Baselwood 2007 fair. Although she took initial photos wearing her watches, Paris refuses to wear the wristwatches out on the town. Whether the town is Hollywood or New York, Paris announced that she prefers wearing a classic timepiece like a Rolex. She would never abandon her Ladies’ Rolex.

To avoid being tacky, Paris Hilton chooses to wear a Rolex and not her own line of wristwatches and diamond jewelry. After all, Paris understands that Rolex and class practically are synonymous in High Society. As the Kern Valley Sun recently wrote: “Who are these “Rolex Cowboys”? According to the Animal Welfare Institute, among them are Paris Hilton . . . and other Forbes 400 trillionaires” (November 23, 2008). For a century, Rolex wristwatches have represented the height of quality and precision. As a socialite, Paris Hilton does her best to maintain a certain image. While she was dating Good Charlotte lead guitarist Benji Madden, Paris often was photographed with a Rolex Daydate on her wrist. She clearly was influenced by Benji’s passion for Rolex. In picture after picture, Benji could be seen wearing a Rolex wristwatch, including a Rolex Datejust and a Rolex Day Date Presidential.

Called a “marketing genius” by Hayden Panettiere (the star of Heroes), Paris has always understood the key role in fashion of diamond jewelery and expensive watches, and she knows Rolex is the height of fashion. Even in a tough economy, Paris refuses to let down her Rolex standards. In the Paris Hilton Biography on TV.com, the writer describes her laissez-faire attitude at the Baselwood Fair: “Paris was in town to promote her new line of watches. As well as forgetting where she was, she also admitted she snubs her own line of watches in favor of watches by Rolex”. Paris Hilton is a marketing and fashion force only to a certain point: No matter what is at stake, she rolls with her Rolex.

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Lily Allen Rolls With Rolex and Records With Wiley

British pop sensation Lily Allen does not need British rap star Riley to ask her who has been wearing her Rolex because she is recording with him. The Sunday Mirror reported that Lily Allen wears multiple deluxe versions of the luxury watch, including a $95,000 dollar (Euro 75,000) Rolex Submariner that was given to her by New Look in 2007. Thanks to the success of the clothing line she designed for them, New Look presented Lily Allen with the super duper bling Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner in 18k gold and studded with diamonds. Single-handedly Lily Allen brought British pop music to its knees in 2007 with such catchy songs as “Smile” and “Alfie”. Her style and her songs are as spunky as Lily, who is noted for getting kicked out of 13 schools in her short 21 years of life. Accused of cultivating a gangster image, Allen seems to live her life by her own rules. Keeping with her gangster image, Lily also sports a gold Rolex Presidential watch.



Even more exciting, Lily Allen has collaborated with Wiley on the ‘Wearing My Rolex‘ man’s new album. “I always wanted to work with Lily since I heard ‘Alright, Still’,” Wiley told the paper. “It was weird ‘cos when I listened to it I used to sit there giggling thinking ‘this girl’s cool’. But then I realized she wasn’t just cool, she’d sold a million records. I respected her even more after that. The track we’ve done is a scorcher. This is the way I want to go. I want to push boundaries but I want to stay in the charts by making tunes that connect with people. It’s pop all the way from here.” Lily Allen has blamed her record company, EMI, for the delay of the release of her forthcoming second album, which is tentatively titled ‘Stuck On The Naughty Step’ which is now scheduled for a February release. The British like to think of her as Cindy Lauper 2.0, but in truth, she is a creation all her own, as precise and original as the Rolex watches she chooses to wear. Not only can the girl sing, but she has taste as well.



Wiley may still be wondering who is wearing his Rolex, but Lily Allen certainly knows her collection of Rolex watches is safe, and she might just let Wiley wear one for a while. Then again, Wiley certainly has his own problems lately. On November 2 2008, a fake BBC News Report was created and spread around the net claiming that Wiley had died. This rumor turned out to be false as on November 3 2008, Wiley’s My Space display name was ‘I AM NOT DEAD’. Luckily, Wiley is still kicking it and hanging with Lily Allen because they both make great music and they both love the bling of their luxury Rolex watches.

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Guy Ritchie Gives Madonna a $100,000 Rolex

Before their divorce in October, Guy Ritchie celebrated the 50th birthday of his wife Madonna by giving her a $100,00 vintage Rolex Masterpiece watch. At the huge party Guy Ritchie threw for Madonna in August, nobody knew the couple was on the verge of separating. In fact, they might not even have known that their marriage rapidly was coming to a close. As Central Park Gossip reported: “Superstar Madonna’s hubby Guy Ritchie has made sure his wife is on time for all her birthday appointments, he’s bought her a $100,000 Rolex watch to celebrate the day. The movie maker has reportedly bought the Material Girl an 18-karat gold and diamond-studded Rolex Masterpiece as a 50th birthday gift. A pal tells In Touch magazine, ‘She (Madonna) wanted it for a while, but she couldn’t bring herself to spend that much money on a watch.’ “

At the celebration, Guy Ritchie gushed about his wife in front of nearly a hundred well-wishers: “She looks better now that she ever had done. I’m so proud. I love her so much.” The party included cases of champagne and mounds of caviar with illusionist David Blaine performing card tricks for the guests. In Touch magazine had a different take on the party at the time, believing, “Guy picked up a $100,000 diamond-covered Rolex for Madonna, because nothing says “I love you” quite like marking a major age milestone with a device that measures the passage of time.”



Although the Rolex Masterpiece given to Madonna was not caught on camera, a similar piece pictured above recently was put up for sale at a major estate auction and described as follows: “The centerpiece item in the estate jewelry group is an original factory Rolex Masterpiece 18k white gold ladies’ watch, brand new in the box with papers, with factory diamond bracelet, factory diamond bezel and factory mother of pearl and diamond dial. It is the finest ladies’ watch Rolex makes. Very few are produced, and anyone lucky enough to find one would probably pay around $100,000.”

Madonna reportedly was thrilled by her beautiful Rolex Masterpiece, but the high of the party quickly sank into the depths of divorce. By the end of October 2008, the marriage of these two high profile celebrities was over and officially ended at a short proceeding in a London courtroom. Although Ritchie spent lavishly on his wife for her 50th birthday, including the $100,000 Rolex Masterpiece and a half million-dollar Bulgari necklace, he walked away from the marriage with a hefty seventy million dollar settlement. The remaining question is whether Madonna will wear her beautiful Rolex Masterpiece, or will she place it in a safe deposit box in order not to be reminded of her lost love?

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Ana Ivanovic Signs Contract With Rolex

Joining tennis icons Roger Federer and Andy Roddick, beautiful French Open Champion Ana Ivanovic signs a worldwide endorsement contract with Rolex, the leading Swiss watchmaker. As the only female tennis player chosen by the Geneva-based watchmaker, Rolex will employ Ana in their advertising and as an ambassador of their philanthropic and sporting ventures. Ranked No. 1 in the world by the WTA for nine consecutive weeks in 2008, Ana Ivanovic displayed her mettle as a top tennis player in 2008. Beyond tennis, Rolex respected Ana Ivanovic’s appointment by the United Nations as the Unicef National Ambassador for Serbia in September of 2007. Ivanovic visited a primary school in Serbia during her inauguration and said: “I’m also looking forward to going into the classroom and meeting many kids.”

In the French Open shot, Ana Ivanovic is wearing a men’s Rolex Daytona, which is somewhat surprising. At this time, her endorsement deal barely was off the ground, and Rolex had not chosen her signature brand. What is remarkable is how well she wears the Paul Newman Rolex, and how the watch becomes both powerful and captivating. Later, Rolex decided Ana Ivanovic needed a watch to match her style and chose the gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust as her signature model. In interviews, Ivanovic expressed her delighted surprise that such a reputable brand as Rolex would pick her for their team: “I’m very happy to be partnering with Rolex,” said Ana. “It’s one of the most prestigious companies in the world and it feels good that they have shown confidence in me by offering me this contract. I will enjoy wearing Rolex watches on and off the court.”

The official watch sponsor of the Australian Open and Wimbledon, Rolex was thrilled by Ana Ivanovic’s tremendous comeback in 2008’s Australian Open semifinal. Against Daniela Hantuchova, Ivanovic trailed 6-0, 2-0 in a match that quite simply appeared to be over. Appearances can be deceiving, and Ivanovic stormed back to win the match, 0-6, 6-3, 6-4. Even though she lost in the finals, her semifinal comeback was a career defining moment. Such a moment created the momentum that led to her exciting victory in the French Open final and her first grand slam title. Afterwards, she vaulted to the No. 1 ranking and remained at the top for nine consecutive weeks.



Here is an image from Ana’s visit to the Rolex display suite at the China Open in Beijing. During the visit, Ana met the regional director of Rolex in China and signed autographs for a throng of Chinese supporters. It is no wonder that Rolex would pick such a stylish and popular champion to join its team of champions. The leading name in luxury watches, Rolex has been the pre-eminent symbol of performance and prestige for over a century, and Rolex men’s and ladies’ watches combine elegance with precision.

A Stolen Rolex Brought 160000 to Its Owner

A Stolen Rolex Brought 160000 to Its Owner

Guys, a famous saying "blessing in disguise" is really wise. An amazing story happened in London where police maintained an operation to check up some jewelry stores activity. They have found a great number of stolen things there. Basically watches. And an interesting thing happened. In order to return everything found police placed pictures of the stolen things on a special site. Interesting, isn't it?

Soon after it first "victims" appeared. Have you already guessed that this is the end of the story? It turned out that those thieves passed their loot to light-fingered jewelers and those jewelers incrusted watches with the precious stones. Yes, they killed two birds with one stone: they made watches more expensive and at the same time watches lost their similarity with their description.



Oh, of course it's a great idea...but Great Britain police works great as well. They gradually returned stolen things to their owners; moreover a very pleasant surprise was waiting for them.

For instance, a woman that bought a watch for 10000 pounds got the same watch but its present price with precious stones was 32 000 pounds.

But the greatest bonus got a golden Rolex owner. From the very beginning his watch wasn't cheap 40000 pounds, but after theft its price became 200000. Wonderful, isn't it?

When the Rolex watch owner saw his renewed watch for the first time he was shocked. And we can easily understand his reaction - just imagine: his watch was beautiful till the theft took place, but this beauty was later adorned with precious stones. Oh, guys, who want to steal my watch, decorate it with precious stones and then give it back to me? Nobody? Why?

Ok, it was a joke but let's be serious. So, I don't know your opinion but as for me, it's a great compensation for all the bypast troubles, agree?

New Rolex Jeweled Timepieces

New Rolex Jeweled Timepieces

The new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Special Edition and the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II successfully combines daring compositions and well-maintained traditional craftsmanship. The cases of the both timepieces are crafted in 18k white gold.

The Datejust Special Edition features an eye-catching bezel paved with black sapphires or diamond baguettes. The originally designed watch's dial reveals 'straps' composed of white diamonds that distinctively contrast with the black background. The white diamonds have replaced the hour-markers. There is a big date window at 3 o'clock. As for the watch's strap, it sports the combination of stingray leather and rubber. The strap is embellished with sparkling diamonds and equipped with a folding clasp.

The Rolex GMT-Master II features a 24-hour rotatable bezel set with jewels. The watch's case lugs and protective shoulders are paved with brilliants. The solid Oyster bracelet is provided with the new Oysterlock security clasp with Easylink comfort extension link. White mother-of-pearl hour markers provide great readability on the black dial. The GMT function is featured by the additional central hand with a triangular tip. the timepiece also provides the date function with a window placed at 3 o'clock.

The new Rolex jeweled watches are the reflection of the company's exclusive art of watchmaking and gem encrusting.

New Generation of Rolex for Yachtsmen

New Generation of Rolex for Yachtsmen

The Rolex Yacht-Master II, a new sports watch for fans of yacht racing, was initially presented at BaselWorld 2007.

Connoisseurs of Rolex watches are aware that every newly renovated model of the brand is characterized by supreme functionality. As the proof of this fact, the company's watchmakers have essentially modified the GMT Master movement if to compare the first GMT Master and the GMT Master II. The GMT Master II makes possible to set the hour hand and the 24-hour hand independently. In comparison to the original Explorer, the Explorer II also features dramatic changes. The timepiece is equipped with the same movement as the GMT Master II, having employed a 24-hour hand and date. As for the Rolex Yacht-Master II, it has become a worthy successor of the original model.

Experienced watch experts consider the first model of the Yacht-Master to be quite a standard watch for diving. The watch displays the bi-directional rotating bezel necessary for tracking the start sequence of a yacht race. Its Triplock crown leaves the case perfectly protected from any water drops.

The new version of the Rolex Yacht Master houses an innovative movement of a really complicated nature. It offers a countdown timer. It is possible to set the timer to start between one and ten minutes for regattas with different start sequences. The countdown timer remembers the value, and when it is reset, the countdown hand goes back to the last set value. Connoisseurs of mechanical timepiece, will surely appreciate such an impressive advantage.

Some of the watch's wearers may consider as a slight drawback the necessity to unscrew the crown for setting the countdown timer. This way the timepiece becomes not really protected from moisture, especially if it is used while sailing. One more thing you will notice about the watch a big "YACHT-MASTER II" inscription on the bezel – the new generation of Rolex watches is distinctively branded.

The Yacht-Master II is a quite complicated piece to operate. It is aimed at real watch aficionados. The timepiece will become a great choice for those who are passionate about yachting and value the watch's aesthetic appeal.

Rolex Yacht-Master II, as the majority of the brand's timepieces, is destined to become a trend-setter in the world of watchmaking. It will be available on the watch market in the beginning of summer. There will be produced the watch's models in yellow or white gold. Their retail price will reach about $ 30,000.

Rolex Watch Model: Rolex Datejust 16013

SPECIFICATIONS:

Model: Datejust
Reference: 16013
Series: 890xxxx (pre-letter serial number circa 1984)
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3035
Water Resistance: 330 ft./100 m.
Case: Two-tone, 904L grade Stainless steel with solid 18k gold bezel, and 18k gold crown
Crystal: Acrylic (plastic)
Notes: Datejust is part of Rolex's Oyster Precision line of watches, and makes an ideal dress watch, yet is every bit as robust as many of the models in the sportier Oyster Professional line. Most experts agree that the Datejust is Rolex's best selling watch line, and there is no shortage of supply of these models in the secondary market. Prices for vintage models, especially pre-sapphire crystal models represent an incredible value.

Rolex Watch Model: Explorer II 16570

SPECIFICATIONS:

Model: Explorer II
Reference: 16570
Series: Y
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3185
Water Resistance: 330 ft./100 m.
Case: 903L grade Stainless steel
Crystal: Synthetic sapphire
Notes: The Explorer II is one of Rolex's newer models, having been introduced in 1971 as a supplement to the original Rolex Explorer, and with the current model 16570 having been introduced in 1989. The Explorer II was designed for cave exploration, or any other sort of extended expeditions where the wearer would need a reliable way to determine day from night. The red "GMT" hand used in conjunction with the 24 hr. markings on the bezel serve this purpose.

Rolex Model: Rolex Submariner 50th Anniversary Edition

SPECIFICATIONS:

Model: Submariner - 50th Anniversary Edition
Reference: 16610 LV (Lunette Verde)
Series: D
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3135
Water Resistance: 1000 ft./300 m.
Case: 904L grade Stainless steel.
Crystal: Synthetic sapphire
Notes: The Submariner 16610 LV, or "Lunette Verde" was issued in 2004 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Submariner, arguably the greatest diver watch ever created, and certainly the most famous. While initially thought to be a limited edition model, the LV Submariner has remained in production since its introduction. There are only cosmetic differences between the LV Submariner, and the regular black bezel counterpart - the bezel color, markers, and hands are the only difference. The LV Submariner uses the Rolex "Maxi Dial" large size hands and markers, first introduced on the Yacht-Master.

Rolex: Innovations

Among the company's innovations are the first waterproof watch case; the first wristwatch with a date on the dial; the first watch to show two time zones at once; and the first watchmakers to earn chronometer certification for a wristwatch. To date, Rolex still holds the record for the most certified chronometer movements in the category of wristwatches.

Rolex participated in the development of the original quartz watch movements. Although Rolex has made very few quartz models for its Oyster line, the company's engineers were instrumental in design and implementation of the technology during the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1968, Rolex collaborated with a consortium of 16 Swiss watch manufacturers to develop the Beta 21 quartz movement used in their Rolex Quartz Date 5100. Within about five years of research, design, and development, Rolex created the "clean-slate" 5035/5055 movement that would eventually power the Rolex Oysterquartz. The first self-winding Rolex watch was offered to the public in 1931, preceded to the market by Harwood which patented the design in 1923 and produced the first self-winding watch in 1928, powered by an internal mechanism that used the movement of the wearer's arm. This not only made watch-winding unnecessary, but eliminated the problem of over-winding a watch and harming its mechanism. Rolex was also the first watch company to create the first water resistant watch to 330 feet. Wilsdorf even had a specially made Rolex watch attached to the side of the Trieste bathyscaphe, which went to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The watch survived and tested as having kept perfect time during its descent and ascent. This was confirmed by a telegram sent to Rolex the following day saying "Am happy to confirm that even at 11,000 metres your watch is as precise as on the surface. Best regards, Jacques Piccard".

Rolex has also made a reputation in watches suitable for the extremes of deep-sea diving, aviation and mountain climbing. Early sports models included the Rolex submariner and the Oyster Perpetual Sea Dweller 2000 (in 1971). This watch had a helium release valve, co-invented with Swiss watchmaker Doxa, to release helium gas build-up during decompression. Another sports model is the Rolex GMT Master II, originally developed at the request of Pan Am Airways to assist pilots in transcontinental flights. The Explorer and Explorer II were developed specifically for explorers who would navigate rough terrain—such as the world famous Everest Expeditions. At the moment Rolex possesses sole rights stores in many urban centres of the world, such as: Toronto, Paris, London, New York, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Tokyo, Dubai, and Wellington, among others.

Chuck Yeager in 1953: Rolex Watch Review

Since we were on the subject of Captian Chesley Sullenberger who began his career in the Air Force flying F-4 Phantom II fighter planes, I thought I would share this photo of Chuck Yeager that was taken at Edwards Air Force Base Test Flight Center in 1953–and of course Chuck is wearing his trusted Rolex.

This photo was taken 56 years ago and Chuck Yeager still wears a Rolex to this day. When he broke the sound barrier in 1947 he was also wearing his Rolex Oyster which was 62 years ago.

Gary Player Rolex Watch Review

"Rolex is the quintessential quality timepiece and I am extremely proud of my long time association with them." –Gary Player, Golf Legend (2004).

Gary Player Rolex Watch Review

"Rolex is the quintessential quality timepiece and I am extremely proud of my long time association with them." –Gary Player, Golf Legend (2004).

Arthur Ashe Rolex Watch Review

"I only wear Rolex." –Arthur Ashe, Three Time Grand Slam Tennis Winner (1975).



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Scott Carpenter Rolex Watch Review

The Rolex Submariner & Sea Dweller have a cachet that is unmatched by any other watch. The Rolex brand is the most highly respected in my book" –U.S. Navy Test Pilot, NASA Mercury Aurora 7 Astronaut & Sealab Aquanaut, Scott Carpenter (August 18, 2008).

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