Marilyn Monroe Give President John F. Kennedy A Gold Rolex

In October of 2005, a gold Rolex Day-Date, commonly known as a Rolex President, sold at the Alexander Auction House in Greenwich, Connecticut for $120,000 dollars, breaking the house record. A stunning watch indeed, it was the historical ambiguity of the watch’s origins that drove up the selling price.

Purportedly, the gold Rolex President was given to John F. Kennedy by the iconic Marilyn Monroe on the evening the actress famously serenaded him, singing a sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday to You” on May 19, 1962, at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Inscribed with the words, “Jack, with love as always from Marilyn, May 29th 1962”, the watch was sold with a poem entitled: “A heartfelt plea on your birthday,” typed in black on a paper disc placed at the bottom of the gold case containing the gift. The date on the inscription corresponds with Kennedy’s birthday. However, even after garnering an exorbitant price at auction, many experts still question whether the watch is a real piece of history or an elaborate fake.



According to the story, Marilyn Monroe gave the watch to Kenneth O’Donnell, Kennedy’s aid, on the night of the celebration. Widely accepted to be having an affair, the watch was a gift from Monroe to President Kennedy. When Kenneth O’Donnell passed the watch on to J.F.K., Kennedy told him to “get rid of it,” according to a note that was sold with the watch.

The Rolex was put up for auction in 2005 and was expected to sell for between $40,000 and $60,000, a gross underestimate considering the final selling price of $120,000. Bill Panagopulos, founder of the auction house, explained the huge discrepancy: “It’s the hardest thing I ever had to estimate, historic relics, especially when there is a hint of scandal attached, defy any attempt by an auctioneer to estimate their selling price.”

The biggest question, when considering the watch’s valuation, is whether it is actually authentic. Rather than being sold by the O’Donnell family, Panagopulos said the Rolex President had been brought to him by an English citizen, “who describes his family as being prominent pawnbrokers for the upper classes.” According to Panagopulos, the watch’s serial number and engraving are appropriate for the time, and the history of the watch was confirmed by a family member of Kennedy’s former aide.



An ornate design on the top lid of the round gold case containing the Rolex shows two doves “kissing.” In the bottom of the case, there is a round piece of paper printed with the poem from Marilyn to her alleged lover. Titled “A heartfelt plea on your birthday,” the poem reads, “Let lovers breathe their sighs/And roses bloom and music sound/Let passion burn on lips and eyes/And pleasures merry world go round/Let golden sunshine flood the sky/ and let me love/ or let me die!”

Overall, the Rolex and its accompanying notes represent a dramatic course of events that will always be shrouded in speculation. Marilyn Monroe’s death, by a mysterious drug overdose in August 1962, and President Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, means that the truth may never be known. The aide, Kenneth O’Donnell, who was given the watch in the story, passed away in 1977, and his family refuses to comment on the gold Rolex and its historical validity. It seems that whether or not the tale is true, the anonymous buyer of this Rolex President will never regret the timeless sophistication of this watch and the intrigue of its origins.

Marilyn Monroe Give President John F. Kennedy A Gold Rolex

In October of 2005, a gold Rolex Day-Date, commonly known as a Rolex President, sold at the Alexander Auction House in Greenwich, Connecticut for $120,000 dollars, breaking the house record. A stunning watch indeed, it was the historical ambiguity of the watch’s origins that drove up the selling price.

Purportedly, the gold Rolex President was given to John F. Kennedy by the iconic Marilyn Monroe on the evening the actress famously serenaded him, singing a sultry rendition of “Happy Birthday to You” on May 19, 1962, at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Inscribed with the words, “Jack, with love as always from Marilyn, May 29th 1962”, the watch was sold with a poem entitled: “A heartfelt plea on your birthday,” typed in black on a paper disc placed at the bottom of the gold case containing the gift. The date on the inscription corresponds with Kennedy’s birthday. However, even after garnering an exorbitant price at auction, many experts still question whether the watch is a real piece of history or an elaborate fake.

According to the story, Marilyn Monroe gave the watch to Kenneth O’Donnell, Kennedy’s aid, on the night of the celebration. Widely accepted to be having an affair, the watch was a gift from Monroe to President Kennedy. When Kenneth O’Donnell passed the watch on to J.F.K., Kennedy told him to “get rid of it,” according to a note that was sold with the watch.

The Rolex was put up for auction in 2005 and was expected to sell for between $40,000 and $60,000, a gross underestimate considering the final selling price of $120,000. Bill Panagopulos, founder of the auction house, explained the huge discrepancy: “It’s the hardest thing I ever had to estimate, historic relics, especially when there is a hint of scandal attached, defy any attempt by an auctioneer to estimate their selling price.”

The biggest question, when considering the watch’s valuation, is whether it is actually authentic. Rather than being sold by the O’Donnell family, Panagopulos said the Rolex President had been brought to him by an English citizen, “who describes his family as being prominent pawnbrokers for the upper classes.” According to Panagopulos, the watch’s serial number and engraving are appropriate for the time, and the history of the watch was confirmed by a family member of Kennedy’s former aide.

An ornate design on the top lid of the round gold case containing the Rolex shows two doves “kissing.” In the bottom of the case, there is a round piece of paper printed with the poem from Marilyn to her alleged lover. Titled “A heartfelt plea on your birthday,” the poem reads, “Let lovers breathe their sighs/And roses bloom and music sound/Let passion burn on lips and eyes/And pleasures merry world go round/Let golden sunshine flood the sky/ and let me love/ or let me die!”

Overall, the Rolex and its accompanying notes represent a dramatic course of events that will always be shrouded in speculation. Marilyn Monroe’s death, by a mysterious drug overdose in August 1962, and President Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, means that the truth may never be known. The aide, Kenneth O’Donnell, who was given the watch in the story, passed away in 1977, and his family refuses to comment on the gold Rolex and its historical validity. It seems that whether or not the tale is true, the anonymous buyer of this Rolex President will never regret the timeless sophistication of this watch and the intrigue of its origins.

Daniel Craig Rolex Watch

Daniel Craig chooses to wear a Rolex Submariner 6358, even to interviews for the new Bond film Quantum of Solace. When playing James Bond in the film, however, Daniel Craig wears an Omega. Now what exactly is going on here?

With Quantum of Solace predicted to rake in over $60 million dollars on opening weekend, the producers of the new James Bond may not be worrying about the maverick approach of the new 007, Daniel Craig. Then again, maybe they should be listening to the wisdom of their chosen star and honor a great legacy.

Why is Daniel Craig a maverick? Although James Bond wears an Omega in the new films, Daniel Craig chooses to go against the grain of his producers and wears a classic Rolex Submariner 6358 to his interviews and in his personal life. Since Ian Fleming wrote in the original novels that his character James Bond wears a Rolex and Sean Connery always wore a Rolex Submariner 6358 in the early classic films, Daniel Craig pays tribute to these cultural icons by wearing a Rolex. At a recent GQ photo shoot, the entire wardrobe was styled for Daniel Craig, except for one key element: “Watch by Rolex, Craig’s own.”

In addition, at a recent Current.com interview, the writer described Daniel Craig’s entrance like this: “As 007 walks into the room, his charming smile breaks for a second – his right arm is dangling in two black slings. “My shoulder was at the doctor”, he jokes, offering his left hand (adorned with an old Rolex). “Sorry!” And The Daily Mail in the UK commented on the lifestyle choice of the new James Bond: “Daniel Craig owns a version of the original Rolex Submariner worn by Sean Connery in Dr No.”



Even if Omega named their new watch after James Bond and was willing to pay a bundle for the product placement, maybe the producers should respect the awareness shown by their star of the true legacy and history of their character. Throughout his time as 007, Sean Connery was equipped with the Rolex Submariner, which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, and Ian Fleming clearly chose Rolex as the watch worn by his creation. “Daniel Craig likes to tell a story about his watch. It is a Rolex Submariner 6358, an exact replica of the one he remembers Sean Connery wearing in Goldfinger.” (Empire Magazine). Now is the time for the producers of James Bond to follow the lead of their star and honor the legacy of Ian Fleming and Sean Connery — Give 007 back his Rolex.

Brad Pitt And Rolex Watches

There is no question that superstar actor Brad Pitt loves Rolex watches. He wears them in his movies, like the Ocean Trilogy and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and he wears Rolex watches in his private life. Brad Pitt, however, has a sexy secret, and it has nothing to do with Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston. For several years, Brad Pitt appeared in Rolex Advertisements in Japan for the luxury goods company, Evance. These print and video spots, splashed across billboards and constantly running on television in the Japanese market, are nothing like his American and European fans have ever seen before. Showing Brad Pitt lying in bed half-naked, gazing at his Rolex Explorer like a satisfied lover, the Rolex advertisements quite simply would blow his adoring female fans away. In the print ads, Pitt looks like a rugged playboy as he lies in bed, wearing only his Rolex Daytona. With the opening of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button on Christmas day and his nomination for several top acting awards (still waiting on the Oscar nods in January), Pitt wants nothing more than to be taken seriously as an actor. And Brad Pitt is a serious actor, but his advertising work for Rolex reveals the inherent sex symbol lingering within.

Brad Pitt and Rolex watches intimately have been connected with each other for many years. The actor particularly has been known to be close, on both a professional and private level, with the Rolex Daytona. Commenting on the rarity of these ultra-popular Rolex watches, a South African newspaper pointed out: “Annual production of Rolexes is limited to an estimated 750,000 watches. The waiting list for the stainless steel Daytona runs up to five years. Demand for the prestigious Swiss timepieces - with the crown imprimatur - always exceeded the supply. Rolex cachet is such that during World War II, a German mountaineer pursued by British soldiers in India partially financed his escape by selling his watch to a remote Himalayan villager. That story is told in the Sony Pictures movie “Seven Years in Tibet,” starring Brad Pitt.”



Beyond this professional connection, Brad Pitt has been seen wearing a Rolex Daytona in his private life and recently he sold one of his Daytona’s online. On a major online auction site, the following posting ran with an embedded link in the article that revealed a picture of Brad Pitt: “The steel Daytona needs no introduction, if you are viewing this piece you know what you are looking for. This 2004-2005 piece is in pristine condition, featuring the white dial. We purchased this timepiece from a large Hollywood dealer who supplies watches to the top movie stars. While confidential in nature, it does come with the Rolex paperwork indicating the identity of such owner. These stars trade their watches in often for brand new models (why put it in your closet when you can just get a new one, right?)”

Brad Pitt is a huge movie star and a talented actor with a private life plagued by the paparazzi, particularly given his marriage to fellow superstar Angelina Jolie. Nothing is bigger in the Western popular culture bubble than Brangelina. Beyond this given reality, Brad Pitt is not only a major Rolex watch owner, but he sold the watches as a pitchman in Japan. And those advertisements reveal a truly sexy secret: the dashing and rugged Brad Pitt that every woman in this country has been longing to see.

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.

Agent Ari Emanuel Give Orlando Bloom His Rolex Datejust

Flying across Hollywood that Endeavor’s Ari Emanuel played against the grain of his tough-as-nails reputation in a moment of extreme generosity and gave his $10,000 Rolex watch to rising star Orlando Bloom after the actor admired it. Was Ari Emanuel trying to steal Bloom away from agent Kevin Huvane at CAA? Did this classic moment between an agent and an actor actually happen or is it just more Hollywood hot air?

To place everything in context, Ari Emanuel is the brother of President-Elect Barack Obama’s new Chief-of-Staff Rahm Emanuel, and a founding partner of the Endeavor Talent Agency. Emanuel is loyal to his Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Turn-O-Graph Datejust with the Blue Dial. Mark Wahlberg is one of Emanuel’s biggest clients and the producer of HBO’s Entourage, which is based on his experiences as a star. Wahlberg based the character of superagent Ari Gold, played by Jeremy Piven, on Emanuel.

Like his agent, Wahlberg is a huge Rolex enthusiast, and he wears a Rolex YG-GMT-II with the famous Green Dial. Premiere clearly illuminated Mark Wahlberg’s history with his Rolex: “Wahlberg has barely touched his corned beef hash. He checks his watch, a gold, anniversary edition Rolex with a green face that he picked up in Vegas. “I bought one for Rhea too,” he says, only half joking when he adds, “I told her, ‘I got you something so you’ll let me play golf for a month without any kind of argument.’”

In the past, Orlando Bloom has worn classic Rolex watches in his photo shoots for magazines. In Bloom’s GQ shoot, the credit is as follows: Vintage watch (without band): Rolex. After seeing all the other Hollywood stars like Mark Wahlberg wearing Rolexes, did Bloom want one as well? It is clear that when Orlando Bloom bumped into Ari Emanuel at a gourmet restaurant, the actor admired Emanuel’s Rolex Datejust. Explaining the agent’s normal demeanor, his fan site states, “Emanuel commonly is referred to in Hollywood circles as being competitive, aggressive and, at times, obnoxious.”



When Orlando Bloom gushed over his Rolex Datejust, did Emanuel experience a moment of true generosity and give the actor his watch? On the other hand, was the superagent just trying like Ari Gold in Entourage to win over another major client to his agency? We may never know whether the Rolex giveaway happened, and, if it did, what was the story behind it? In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we will hope it was a moment of true generosity when Ari Emanuel gave Orlando Bloom his Rolex Datejust with the Blue Dial.

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?

Antiquorum's Thematic Sale to Mark Rolex 100th Anniversary

Antiquorum's Thematic Sale to Mark Rolex 100th Anniversary

In 2008 Rolex celebrates its 100th anniversary of its watches. Antiquorum Auctioneers, the leading auction house for timepieces in the world, will mark the centenary of the brand through holding the one-of-a-kind sale 'Revolution: The Evolution of the Rolex Sport Watch'. The event will take place on April 17th at Antiquorum's US headquarters located at 595 Madison Avenue, New York City.

The Rolex brand is famous worldwide as it revolutionized the concept of the sports wristwatch, having developed the Rolex 'Oyster' that was destined to become the first water-proof and air-tight wristwatch to have withstood Mercedes Gleitze's swim across the English Channel. Having accompanied the courageous swimmer during his amazing swim that lasted 15 hours, the timepiece still provided perfect functionality. This remarkable feat marked the birth of the true sports watch.

The invention of the groundbreaking Rolex Oyster was followed by the development of a whole army of other remarkable timepieces, with the Explorer, the Submariner, the Turn-o-Graph, the Milgauss, the Cosmograph, the Sea-Dweller, and the Explorer II highlighted on the list. The above-mentioned Rolex watches were found among the first timekeepers to be developed for specific professions or recreational pursuits.

100-year-history of the Rolex brand vividly demonstrates its continuous evolution and product development. The sports watches worn by present-day customers have been created as a result of the brand's dedication to progress.

The upcoming sale to be held on April 17th at Antiquorum will be dedicated to the remarkable evolution of the Rolex sports watch. It will also feature the impact the revolutionary Rolex 'Oyster' case has had on the entire watchmaking industry. The Antiquorum sale will be highlighted by the best available Rolex watch models representing the historical development of these remarkable timepieces, Rolex 'SBS' Submariner Ref. 5517, Rolex Comex Ref. 168000, Rolex 'Turn-O-Graph' Ref. 6202 and many others.

Marilyn Monroe Rolex Watch

Marilyn Monroe Rolex Watch

Wow! I couldn't even suppose the Rolex watch could bring so much money...I have some friends who admire Rolex. They sent me interesting news about it. It concerns one of the greatest and legendary women Marilyn Monroe.

I'm eager to tell you the details. So, she presented Kennedy with two gifts: the first gift was seen by everybody. I mean the world-known song she performed: "Happy Birthday, mr. President". I am 100 per cent sure you know what I'm talking about...But till the present moment almost nobody knew about her second gift.

It turns out that the great actress presented him a Rolex watch with the inscription "Jack, with love as always from Marilyn May 29th 1962."

The watch was packed in a golden watchcase with the following poem: "Let lovers breathe their sighs/ And roses bloom and music sound/ Let passion burn on lips and eyes/ And pleasures merry world go round/ Let golden sunshine flood the sky/ And let me love/ Or let me die!"

But because of a small nuance that Kennedy was married, he ordered to save him from that gift.

It's funny but the person empowered kept the watch that's why it was recently sold by auction.

Have you already managed to imagine the price? Approximately at least? So, it is $ 120, 000! Not bad, how do you think?

From the beginning auctioneers valued it at $ 40-60 000. But the estimation was wrong, as we can see.

It's also known that an American and a European collector were the main opponents. Finally a person from the USA won.

I guess the collector who purchased this watch was really more in love with the fabulous actress than with the watch itself! Maybe, I should gift my own Rolex to a celebrity to become a celebrity some time as well? Must think about it!

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.

Rolex: A Great Watch Brand

New Audemars Piguet Chronograph for Alinghi Team

Audemars Piguet has recently introduced a new watch to join its Alinghi series. The timepiece pays tribute to Team Alinghi, the Swiss yachting team that won the America's Cup in 2003. Team Alinghi will be defending the America's Cup at the races in Valencia, Spain, starting June 23. The company has sponsored the team since 2002.

The novel Audemars Piguet creation is called the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph. Following the steps of the brand's Polaris launched in 2005, the new chronograph is equipped with a flyback chronograph and countdown regatta timer.

The watch's peculiarity is the fact that it is partially produced from forged carbon. The forged carbon represents a carbon fiber that has been put inside a mold, compressed at a high temperature under pressures over 300 kilos per cubic centimeter. The first watch variation features the forged carbon case and bezel. The other two variations have forged carbon bezels and cases produced from platinum or rose gold.

The Audemars Piguet watchmakers have opted for forged carbon as it is shock-resistant and characterized by chemical stability, including corrosion-resistance. The material's one more advantage is its light weight - the forged-carbon-case model weighs as little as 100 grams. The brand's specialists developed their own method of forged carbon production entirely in-house at the manufacture facility in Le Brassus, Valee de Joux. The eight-sided shape of the case with sharp angles and smooth finishing made their task really complicated.

The first glance at the Team Chronograph will make one notice a few nautical or Alinghi inspired details. The shape of the hands on the chronograph counters reminds the prow of a ship. The watch's dial sports a combination of red accents matching the red color of the Alinghi logo - a red swirl placed at 3 o'clock.

The titanium case back reveals an original relief depicting the Alinghi team during the race. The bezel of the model, the same way as the bezel on every Royal Oak model, is octogonal-shaped and features tiny screws, thus associated with a porthole of a ship. The timepiece goes on a black rubber strap.

In the heart of the Team Chronograph there beats the self-winding AP caliber 2326/2846 operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The countdown timer allows the team members to keep track of the all-important 10 minutes prior the sounds of the starting gun. It is found on the right part of the dial.

As for the flyback function, it gives the watch's wearer a chance to stop the chronograph, return it to zero and start it again at once just with one push of the push-piece featured at 4 o'clock. The push of the same button also starts the countdown timer.

All variations of the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph are developed in limited editions - 1,300 models with forged-carbon cases, 600 models in rose gold and 107 in platinum.

Rolex GMT Master II

Rolex GMT Master II – Newly Improved 2007 Version

The year 2006 marked the 50th anniversary of the Rolex GMT Master II. To celebrate the occasion, Rolex launched the anniversary edition of the timepiece. The brand's watchmakers have significantly improved the older version of the GMT Master II. They developed the model with two-tone case - 18k gold and stainless steel. In 2007, at BaselWorld 2007 Watch and Jewelry show, Rolex presented a stainless steel model of the watch.

The Rolex GMT Master II is highly appreciated by Rolex fans as the most practical watch. The timepiece wins numerous hearts due to its elegant design and durability - a perfect timekeeping device for frequent travelers. It displays the time in its owner's home time zone as well as a second time zone. There is also a date window for the home time zone. With the GMT Master II it is really easy to change time for different time zones and switch the date.

What major improvements are featured by the Rolex GMT Master II? First of all, Rolex watchmakers updated the movement. The timepiece is powered by the new caliber 3186. If compared to caliber 3185, it makes the hour hand move much smoother. It has also become possible to set the hour hand more precisely. The watchmakers replaced the main spring with a more temperature resistant one. The case of the timepiece has been made a little taller to provide enough space for the new movement.

The dial design of the Rolex watch has also been changed - now it features the so-called 'maxi-dial', implying larger hour markers and wider Minute and Hour hands. The 24-hour hand of the stainless steel GMT Master II is distinctively green. The case of the timepiece is equipped with a ceramic bezel. Ceramic makes the bezel more durable and resistant to abrasions and color-fading. The inner part of the bezel reveals the word 'ROLEX' engravings all around its length.

For the GMT Master II, Rolex watchmakers applied the Triplock crown system that has already been used for other Rolex watches, including the Sea-Dweller, Submariner and Yacht-Master. The watch's crown is larger and heavier that means it is more comfortable to grasp. As for the timepiece's Oyster bracelet, it catches the eye due to nicely polished links in the center.

Drop a look at the picture of the watch to make sure the new Rolex GMT Master II is not only technically advanced but also a really beautiful timepiece.

Rolex GMT Master II

Rolex GMT Master II – Newly Improved 2007 Version

The year 2006 marked the 50th anniversary of the Rolex GMT Master II. To celebrate the occasion, Rolex launched the anniversary edition of the timepiece. The brand's watchmakers have significantly improved the older version of the GMT Master II. They developed the model with two-tone case - 18k gold and stainless steel. In 2007, at BaselWorld 2007 Watch and Jewelry show, Rolex presented a stainless steel model of the watch.

The Rolex GMT Master II is highly appreciated by Rolex fans as the most practical watch. The timepiece wins numerous hearts due to its elegant design and durability - a perfect timekeeping device for frequent travelers. It displays the time in its owner's home time zone as well as a second time zone. There is also a date window for the home time zone. With the GMT Master II it is really easy to change time for different time zones and switch the date.

What major improvements are featured by the Rolex GMT Master II? First of all, Rolex watchmakers updated the movement. The timepiece is powered by the new caliber 3186. If compared to caliber 3185, it makes the hour hand move much smoother. It has also become possible to set the hour hand more precisely. The watchmakers replaced the main spring with a more temperature resistant one. The case of the timepiece has been made a little taller to provide enough space for the new movement.

The dial design of the Rolex watch has also been changed - now it features the so-called 'maxi-dial', implying larger hour markers and wider Minute and Hour hands. The 24-hour hand of the stainless steel GMT Master II is distinctively green. The case of the timepiece is equipped with a ceramic bezel. Ceramic makes the bezel more durable and resistant to abrasions and color-fading. The inner part of the bezel reveals the word 'ROLEX' engravings all around its length.

For the GMT Master II, Rolex watchmakers applied the Triplock crown system that has already been used for other Rolex watches, including the Sea-Dweller, Submariner and Yacht-Master. The watch's crown is larger and heavier that means it is more comfortable to grasp. As for the timepiece's Oyster bracelet, it catches the eye due to nicely polished links in the center.

Drop a look at the picture of the watch to make sure the new Rolex GMT Master II is not only technically advanced but also a really beautiful timepiece.

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.

Meteorite Rolex Does Exist

Meteorite Rolex Does Exist!
I consider myself to be a rather down-to-earth person. But when I heard the information I'm going to share with you I've immediately understood that miracles exist. How else is it possible to explain a watch made of meteorite? Unbelievable, isn't it? Though it's true.

Ok, I'll explain you from the very beginning. So, Rolex Watch Company was extremely popular.

It was a cherished dream of everybody to have a Rolex on the wrist.

But at sunset of the XX century it became evident that a consumer satiated with technological novelties. Of course the Company wanted to sell its watches as hot-dogs for hungry people that's why they felt a necessity to invent a new advertising trick. And Rolex has been successful in it.

And to tell you the truth their idea was amazing! Just imagine: in 1988 Rolex launched the first and unique watch made of ... meteorite! Unbelievable, isn't it?

The case and watch crystal represent a finished piece of a small cosmic traveler. What other kinds of miracles can skilled craftsmen perform? There are no limits for human inventiveness and genius, agree?

Of course Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is not a watch to be worn on your wrist. A museum or a reliable lock box of a passionate collector is a right place for it.

But you know what? Rolex has managed to produce the necessary effect by this unusual watch.

Rolex Watch Model: Vintage Rolex Watches

Vintage Rolex watches

If you are an aficionado or a collector of vintage Rolex watches, you know how prized and rare those models are. Let's have a quick overview of some (but by no means all) of these coveted relics of the past.

Rolex watches of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s

Straight away, we have the Cushion and Cushion Steel in Rolex's Oyster Line. Both were introduced in the 1920s, so they were among the early models Rolex produced. The "cushion" refers to the outer shape of the case, a slightly rounded square, which bears some similarity to the present-day Danaos in the Cellini line.

Then there's Viceroy Watch, launched in the 1930s. Its art-deco design has a round dial encrusted into a square case.

Another Rolex relic of that era is the Prince line of rectangular-shaped watches. Rolex advertising promoted the Prince as "the watch for men of distinction." The seconds subdial positioned below the hours-minutes dial amounted to separate faces, or a "dual" dial. Actually the Prince had nothing to do with royalty per se; it became known as a "Doctor's or Nurse's" watch because the relatively large subsidiary seconds dial was easily readable and useful for functions like pulse readings. As is the case with many vintage watches, it is not known when the Prince was discontinued; it was probably sometime in the 1940s, when this watch lost its sense of grace as tastes changed and Rolex continued to experiment with new designs. However, Rolex re-launched this model in 2005.

The 1950s bring more

In the early 1950's, along with other lines such as the Day-Date, Submariner, Explorer and GMT Master, Rolex also introduced the more forgettable 'Tru-beat' and 'Milgauss.' The Tru-beat functioned as a standard watch, but the second hand jumped from marker to marker instead of sweeping around the dial. Its mechanical movement, by the way, was designed to "tick" only once per second. This deadbeat (no pun intended, naturally) seconds feature wasn't very popular and the watch was discontinued shortly after it was introduced, in 1954. The Milgauss, as the name implies, was built to handle strong magnetic fields in certain industries such as power plants and research labs, but it too lost, erm, power (I know, I'm awful) after a while, and fizzled.
Also, in the mid-1950s, Rolex introduced the Thunderbird model of the Datejust. The only real difference between the Datejust of that era and the Thunderbird was in the bezel. The Thunderbird model contained the Rolex Turn-O-Graph bezel, but the name Thunderbird stuck when the Air Force started to award pilots of the Thunderbirds with this particular watch.

Where you can buy them now

The only viable option for the serious vintage Rolex collector is to buy from reputable dealers. Many of these are, surprisingly, found online, incredible online auction spaces such as eBay (which goes through great lengths to protect its own image by offering insurance and dispute resolution). Naturally, one must insist on getting an official certificate to ensure that one isn't throwing away money into the dustbin.

Rolex Watch Review: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust

Rolex Datejust Features:

It is difficult to say which Rolex model is the best, because individual tastes can't be defined with as much accuracy and precision as these Swiss watches.

From a purely personal point of view, I think the DateJust collection offers the most versatility, at least as far as the combination of classic elegance and functionality is concerned. Historically, too, the DateJust was a milestone setter for Rolex, as it was the first watch to feature the date display through a clearly visible magnifying Cyclops lens.

A brief lesson in Rolex nomenclature:

Launched in 1945, the DateJust was the culmination of all Rolex's virtues: chronometer-certified, water-resistant (up to 330 feet / 100 metres), with an automatic winding. And, of course, the most important feature in a watch - punctuality. The "just" in the name stands for "just in time" because the date display advances to show the next day's date at precisely midnight.

While the DateJust's basic design did not dramatically change since its inception, some aesthetic touches have been added over the years, such as Rolesor, for example.

For those who don't know, Rolesor is Rolex's term for the combination of stainless steel with the yellow, white or pink 18-carat gold, a look that jazzes up either all-steel or all-gold models. It derives from the terms Rolex (naturally), and Or, the French word for gold.

DateJust features:

Many of the DateJust Rolesor models also boast refined details, such as smooth and domed bezels in addition to the traditional fluted ones, as well as better visibility thanks to larger dials and hands. Also, the gold central link of the Oyster bracelet is offset by narrower links of solid steel for a snugger fit.

The ideal wearer:

If you like functional, sturdy and no-frill watches that will withstand a lot of wear and tear, a sports model like the Explorer might be a better choice than the DateJust.

But for those who like dressy elegance and the two-tone combination of Rolesor, this DateJust model is, wrists down, a great choice.

Rejuvenation of the style:

DateJust has been a timeless classic since its introduction, and celebrities took to immediately. Still favoured in recent decades, Kurt Russell was seen wearing one in "Tequila Sunrise," (1988, if you didn't remember) and Matt Dillon even resorts to stealing a Rolesor watch in "One Night at McCool's" (although the real prize he was after was the DVD player...)

Recently, Rolex caused a bit of a stir with some flashy adverts of DateJust models in Rolesor, adorning the wrists of attractive, fun-loving younger people "out on the town". Although an instantly recognisable brand the world over, Rolex's long history demands that the brand's image take an occasional dip in the Fountain of Youth.

Some adverts from the Far East don't reach us in the West, although they'd certainly have an audience here as well. Below, Brad Pitt (an American) models Rolex watches (Swiss) for an advertising campaign in Japan.