Monday, November 30, 2009
Rolex Studio Shot of the Day: Doctor Strong Big Crowns...
Doctor Strong Big Crowns
Putting Things In Vintage Perspective
Jeff, known in some circles as Dr. Strong took this great Rolex Studio shot of vintage big crown Rolex Submariner watches with no crown guards and superdome crystals.
Wrist Shot of the Day: G.J. and Son Going For A Ride...
Father With Son Wristshot
G.J. Takes His Son For A Ride
G.J. is well known to the online Rolex community and he is a really cool guy. He shared this photo of him with his son in this wrist shot.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Rolex Coolness: Rob Lowe–Stainless Rolex Daytona
Rolex Coolness: Rob Lowe
Checking Out The New Dodge Charger
Stainless Rolex Daytona
Actor Rob Low is timeless and pretty much looks the same today as he did 25 years ago. In this set of photos we see Robe Lowe checking out the new retro Dodge Charger. Rob is wearing his trademark stainless steel Rolex Daytona with the black dial.
Introducing The Magrette Taniwha
Introducing
The Magrette Taniwha
Hand-Engraved Limited-Edition Gold-Inlay Masterpiece
What else can I say!?! Dion from Magrette has surprised, if not shocked us again with another hand-engraved, magnificent masterpiece–this time, named the Magrette Taniwha!!!
Back in September I completed a detailed review named The Magrette Story, which I highly recommend checking out if you missed it.
In the watch world today, I do not see much new design that impresses me, but Magrette blows my mind!!! Dion's Magrette designs are so unusual in the best way possible. His watches are extremely well designed and instant classics.
Magrette recently introduced another extremely limited Limited Edition of hand-engreaved watch named The Taniwha. Taniwha is not only hand-engraved, but also has Gold inlayed into the Steel.
This all-new limited-edition beauty is only $5985 which is extremely reasonable if you think about it. If you purchase one of these stunning hand-engraved masterpieces you will be one of only 5 people on planet-earth who wears this watch.
Magrette says of the process of inlaying Gold into Steel:
"Inlaying precious metal like gold into a harder host metal is a process that has not changed for centuries. The techniques that the old masters used are exactly the same today and even the style of tools hasn’t changed. What has changed is the host metals have got a lot harder so the tools are also made of stronger materials.
Not to be confused with gold plating which is a micro-thin layer of gold plated onto the surface of the metal, gold inlay is actually set and bonded into the host metal and is quite thick. For the Taniwha watch 0.5mm 24 Karat gold wire was used."
To learn much more about this magnificent Magrette masterpiece please click here.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Rolex Hotness: Naomi Campbell Super-Leggy Model
Rolex Hotness: Naomi Campbell
Super-Leggy Model
Naomi Campbell was one of the first Supermodels and she was born in Streatham, London, England in 1970. Naomi's career got underway when she was only 16 years old when she was discovered by the Ford Modeling Agency in 1986.
Naomi is pictured below sporting a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date with a diamond bezel and she is sitting next to fellow Ralph Lauren model Tyson Beckford.
We see Naomi Campbell pictured below on the cover of Russian Vouge Magazine
In the photo below of supermodel, Naomi Campbell we see her sporting a two-tone Rolex Daytona.
Rolex Macro Shot of the Day Pepsi GMT Master II by Chris B
Rolex Macro Shot of the Day
Pepsi GMT Master II by Chris B
Friday, November 27, 2009
Rolex Coolness: Jack Klugman Two Absolute Classics
Rolex Coolness: Jack Klugman
From
The Twilight Zone
to
The Odd Couple
to
Quincy M.E.
Jack Klugman was born Jacob Joachim "Jack" Klugman on April 27, 1922 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He is an American film, stage and television actor with amazing career achievements and as we see below, his trademark Rolex GMT Master is as classic as he is.
Jack Klugman began his acting career during World War II in the United States Army and was roommates with in New York City with Charles Bronson prior to either actor becoming famous.
Jack Klugman began his film career in 1957 in 12 Angry Men and in 1962 he starred in Days Of Wine And Roses. Jack is perhaps best know for his TV career. He and Burgess Meredith are tied for the most appearances on the Twilight Zone with 4 appearances each. The Twilight zone was a Science Fiction Mystery-thriller that is still considered to this day to be a work of art.
"There is a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone." –Rod Serling.
Jack Klugman was an early TV pioneer and began his TV career in 1950 on The Actor's Studio.
In 1961, Jack Klugman stared in an episode of the Twilight Zone titled "A Game Of Pool" and Jonathan Winters co-stared with him.
In the Game Of Pool episode of Twilight Zone, Jack Klugman plays Jesse Cardiff, a pool shark in Chicago. Johnathan Winters plays Fats Brown as seen above and below. In the Opening narration it to this episode it says "Jesse Cardiff, pool shark on Randolf Street, will soon learn that trying to be the best at anything carries its own special risks, in or out of the Twilight Zone.
The closing Narration says "Mr. Jesse Cardiff, who became a legend by beating one, but who has found out after his funeral that being the best of anything carries with it a special obligation to keep proving it. Mr. Fats Brown, on the other hand having relinquished the champion's mantle, has gone fishing. These are the ground rules, in the Twilight Zone."
In Praise Of Pip
Twilight Zone Episode
[Original Air Date, September 27, 1963]
In Praise Of Pip is considered to be one of the best episodes of the Twilight Zone and you can watch the episode below. It is interesting to note that JFK was the President of The United States when this originally aired, and less than 2 months later, JFK belonged to the ages.
The Odd Couple
[Originally Aired from September 24, 1970 to July 4, 1975]
Jack Klugman is perhaps best known for his Role as Oscar Madison in the classic TV series The Odd Couple which was written by Neil Simon and based upon the play by the same title. When I was a kid growing up, I remember this show was really popular and I have fond memories of watching it with family members.
The Odd Couple was about the super-neat, Felix Unger character played by Tony Randall and his super sloppy roommate Oscar Madison played flawlessly by Jack Klugman.
Watching the opening scene above and listening to the soundtrack is the ultimate Deja Vu mindblower if you are familiar with the show. Here is a sample episode of The Odd Couple:
On the show, Felix and Oscar are both divorced bachelors living with each other. The TV show was actually based on the 1968 film version of the stage play of The Odd Couple that starred Walter Matthau as Oscar Madison and Jack Lemmon as Felix Unger.
The Odd Couple was a great TV show that originally bounced back and forth over its 6 year run between Thursday and Friday evenings. Both Jack Klugman and Tony Randall were nominated for Emmy Awards each year the show aired. Jack Klugman won two Emmy Awards for his role on the Odd Couple in 1971 and 1973. He also won two Golden Globe awards–one in 1972 and again in 1974.
The Odd Couple was an amazing show because of the superb chemistry between Jack Klugman and Tony Randall. Of course the supreme irony is that Jack Klugman's character, Oscar Madison was a complete slog and Tony Randall's character of Felix Unger was a neat freak, but in reality they were the opposite.
Quincy, M.E.
The First CSI Show...
[Originally Aired from October 3, 1976 to September 4, 1983]
After Jack Klugman's success with the Odd Couple, he went on to play Dr. R. Quincy who is a very principled Medical Examiner (forensic coroner) in Los Angeles County who specializes in trying to solve mysterious and suspicious deaths.
Quincy, M.E. was another huge success and it ran for a total of 8 seasons. It also stared Robert Ito who was Quincy's right hand man in solving mysteries deaths.
Here is the opening theme to Quincy, M.E. Once again, if you are familiar with the music it is a Deja Vu trip!!!
Canon Copier Spokesman
After Jack Klugman completed the Quincy, M.E., show he had become one of America's most trusted figures, perhaps similarly to Walter Cronkite. Canon hired Jack to become the trusted face of their Canon Personal Copier line and in many of the Canon ads, Jack Klugman wore his trademark Rolex GMT.
The image above of Jack Klugman wearing his trusted trademark Rolex GMT Master would be used over and over again in Canon TV commercials to show how their copiers could print and scale photos. The screen shot below is from a 1980s Canon TV commercial.
Over the years that followed The Odd Couple, Jack Klugman and Tony Randall remained close pals, until Tony Randall unfortunately passed away.
Jack Klugman was also good pals with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and is pictured below with them.
Jack Klugman was a heavy smoker and in 1974 he was diagnosed with throat cancer and in 1989 he lost a vocal cord to cancer. Fortunately he survived the cancer and continued to act on TV and on stage. Since he lost a vocal cord, today he speaks with a scratchy voice.
Jack Klugman is pictured below in a recent photo and is 87 years young today. Jack Klugman's acting career has spanned 6 decades and in my personal opinion, he is one of the best actors in modern history and a man of amazing achievment, and all I can say is Bravo!!!!!! Bravo!!!!!! Bravo!!!!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The Real Meaning Of Thanksgiving: Fernando's Story...
For everything we miss we gain something else, and for everything we gain we miss something else. –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Fernando's Liberty
The Real Meaning Of Thanksgiving
Putting Things In Perspective
I have an extremely touching, moving story to share with you about a very brave man I recently met named Fernando who has been a great source of inspiration for me–and for many other people–and I believe once you learn his story, he will inspire you as well.
Recently, I received an email from Joshua Bonifas whose family owns Fortané Jewelers which is an amazing store that sells new and vintage Rolex watches.
I have become close with Josh and his younger brother Kris since we held the first Carmel GTG and Vintage Rolex Concours Exhibition in August. Kris and Josh and I share a deep appreciation for Rolex history to say the least!!!
Josh originally shared Fernando's story with me and then Kris shared more details with me and introduced me to Fernando.
Fernando, whose nickname is Sandy, was working on a project to build a new bridge at the San Jose Airport when a 40,000 pound-pile driver mistakenly fell from above him and in a micro-second severed his arms from his body.
Fernando's co-workers instantly rushed him and his severed hands (placed on ice) to Stanford University Medical Center where he was rushed into an emergency operating room where he was operated on by Dr. Matt Miller who saved Fernando's life and tried desperately to save as much of Fernando's arms as possible.
Despite his best effort, Dr. Miller was not able to re-attach Fernando's hands because the nerves in his arms were pulverized by the 40,000 pound pile driver.
Kris Bonifas & Fernando Limon at Fourtané checking out Rolex watches
Fernando was so stunned. He said "I spent my 41st birthday at Stanford starring at my missing arms."
Dr. Matt Miller who saved Fernando's life was Joshua Bonifas' best-friend growing up. When Fernando became conscious and started speaking with Dr. Miller he asked if they found his watch and Dr. Miller regrettably said no.
Noticing Fernando was a little dismayed, Dr. Miller said "Don't worry about your watch that is gone. I am going to write you a prescription for any Rolex you want."
Much to Fernando's surprise, Dr. Miller who was wears a stainless steel Rolex Yachtmaster, pulled out his prescription pad and literally wrote a prescription for "Any Rolex of Fernando's choice" and for the pharmacy to pick-it-up he filled in Fourtané Jewelers in Carmel, California.
Then Dr. Miller handed the prescription to Fernando and said, "My best friend growing up has a store in Carmel named Fourtané Jewelers that has the most amazing selection of vintage Rolex watches. When you are able to travel with your wife Donna, I want you to go down and pick-out any Rolex watch you want and consider it a gift from me."
Fernando said he was a surprised and the extremely kind gesture made him giggle. Fernando mentioned he was amazed by the compassion Dr. Miller showed.
Dr. Miller was extremely inspired by Fernando's spirit and they two of them became close friends, spending much time together.
Fernando told me when he first went home he felt completely devastated. At first he went into a very deep depression and became despondent. He also said he was afraid to go out into public because he said "I didn't want to be a freak."
As time went by Fernando had an epiphany one day were he said he realized he was getting nowhere by feeling sorry for himself. He realized his attitude was taking a toll on his wife Donna and family and he decided to change his attitude and appreciate all he had to be thankful for.
Fernando realized he had a beautiful, loving family and in reality he could do more than 99+% percent of the things he was able to do before the accident, including driving a car and many other things.
When Fernando got better, he and Donna took a trip to Carmel and they stopped into Fourtané Jewelers where they were greeted by Rosa who is in sales at Fourtané. Fernando told Rosa about how Dr. Miller had prescribed a new or vintage Rolex watch for him. Rosa was extremely moved by Fernando's story and invited Kris Bonifas over and introduced them.
Kris and Fernando had an amazing conversation (as seen in the photo above that Fernando's wife Donna took with her iPhone :-) and Kris started showing Fernando vintage Rolex stories while sharing Rolex's amazing history with Fernando. Fernando said "The Rolex watches were so beautiful!!! "Kris showed me many beautiful watches and explained what Rolex was all about.""
Fernando and Kris spoke for hours and Fernando said he really enjoyed his conversation with Kris. Kris mentioned when he would try to hand the watches to Fernando, he was afraid to hold them with his claw arm because he was afraid of scratching them. Kris figured out a way to wrap the bracelets with a dust cloth so Fernando was able to pick them up and examine them close up.
In the meantime, all the other employees in Fourtané got extremely emotional and were really moved. Fernando ended up having a conversation with a man in the store who was thinking about buying a watch and since Fernando got his diving certification in 1982 he said he thought the all-new Rolex DEEP-SEA was the best watch and the customer agreed and purchased it.
When Kris first shared the story with me, I asked him if Fernando ended up getting a Rolex watch and he said no. When I asked Fernando why he didn't take Dr. Miller up on his offer, he very humbly said, "I couldn't allow him to buy me a watch. He already saved my life and has been so compassionate with me."
I asked Fernando if he could get prosthetic arms so he could eventually wear a Rolex? Fernando responded by telling me that he had a prosthetic right arm but he has not been wearing it since it was so too heavy and made him uncomfortable. He mentioned he was going to try and figure out a way to eventually get arms that would work and be comfortable.
Fernando went on to tell me his dream is to one day be able to go SCUBA diving with prosthetic arms, while wearing a Submariner or DEEP-SEA.
Fernando and I had a really deep conversation and he said:
"Ever since this happened, I see the good in people. As bad as this world can be, there are still great people."
Fernando has chosen to rise above the loss of his hands, which he said he took for granted before his accident. He reflected that despite the loss of his hands, he has so much to look forward to.
If you would like to drop Fernando an email, even to just say hello and wish him a a happy Thanksgiving, you may email him at:
LimonF824@yahoo.com
On a side note, Fernando's story reminds me of something my Aunt Dora Jane used to always tell me. Dora Jane would say:
"It's not what you have that counts. It's what you do with what you have that counts."
In my mind, and it is easy for me to say, but that is the real takeaway point in Fernando's story for everybody, including Fernando. Fernando chose proactively not be a victim of his circumstances, but to take ownership of his life, and that is the greatest thing any man or woman can achieve.
Have a happy and Safe Thanksgiving everybody!!!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Ferrari Videos...
Rolex Macro Shot of the Day: Porcelain White Dial
Rolex Macro Shot of the Day:
Porcelain White Dial Daytona
Franz took this amazing close-up macro shot of his stainless steel Rolex Daytona with the rare white porcelain dial.
Fascinating National Geographic Story...
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Rolex Coolness: Roger Federer...
Rolex Coolness: Roger Federer
The Greatest Tennis Player In History
Boy was Rolex ever right with the copy in this 2007 Rolex Ad!!! Roger has gone on to achieve amazing highs since this ad came out 2 years ago.
Rolex Studio Shot of the Day: Ismat's Project X Design PXS SS1 on a Corvus James Bond Strap...
Ismat's Project X Design Submariner
On A Corvus Real James Bond Strap
Ismat is a fan of Jake's Rolex Watch Blog and he sent in this photo of his Project X Designs PXD SS1 Limited Edition Customized Rolex Submariner which is 1 of 24. This is the same watch That Daniel Craig, who plays James Bond wears in his real life.
The Project X Design PXD SS1 is based upon an LV 50th Anniversary Submariner, but it has a black bezel insert and the entire body of the watch has a satin finish and the crown-guard has been precisely filed down, so the watch looks like a vintage Rolex Submariner, but it enjoys all the build quality and reliability of a modern watch.
When Ismat first wrote in to tell me on October 26, 2009 about his new Project X Designs he said:
"Hi Jake, Hope you are well. I keep reading your fantastic blog each day and as usual the pictures are absolutely beautiful and the writing is 1st class. I read with interest the piece on Project X Design Submariner PXD SS1, because I purchased one of these beauties a few days ago and it was a nice coincidence that you wrote a piece today. I saw a small piece about the watch about a month ago and I immediately contacted Daniel Bourn and asked if there were any left as it was a Limited Edition.
"I wanted to see one in the flesh before splurging. I myself am a vintage man and love the old design of Rolexes–apart from the LV that is–which I think is a great looking watch, as it pays respect to the 5513 maxi dials of the past, which is what also appealed to me about the Project X Submariner.
"It is paying homage to the Rolex Reference 6538 big crown, no shoulders and with bars for you to slip your military strap on. I have used my Corvus strap on it and it looks absolutely great. When I have time I will try and take some pictures and send them to you. By the way, are there any new podcasts coming out? Keep up the good work and keep on ticking!!!"
Warmest regards,
Ismat Osman
Just yesterday Ismat sent in this photo of his super-cool Project X Designs PXD SS1 Limited Edition Submariner:
When Ismat sent in the photo above he yesterday he said:
Hi Jake, As promised, here are the pics of my Project X Sub on a Corvus strap. I love this watch and I took it swimming with my kids this weekend and I could not stop admiring it all day. I wish I took some under-water shots.
Your blog and website is without a shadow of a doubt the best Rolex blog around. What I appreciated about you is your appreciation of good design and whatever pleases you, be it watches, cars or computers–you let us know about it. Also thank you for introducing me to the other wonderful people out there with an interest in watches such as Bernhard's 100PercentRolex blog and the gorgeous pictures of Stefano Mazzariol.
Thank you sharing your extremely kind compliments Ismat along with your super-cool Project X Designs PXD SS1 on a Corvus James Bond Strap!!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Rolex Studio Shot of the Day: Diver Dick's Transitional 16808 Submariner...
Diver Dick's Transitional 16808 Submariner
I met Dick at the Carmel GTG in August and he was a really cool guy. Dick loves yellow-gold Rolex Submariner watches with Nipple indices and he took this great shot of his transitional Reference 16808 which is a timeless classic.
Rolex Hotness: Victoria Secret Model
Rolex Hotness: Iazbel Goulart
Victoria Secret Model
Blowing You A Kiss
Rolex Explorer
Rolex Studio Shot of the Day: Percy's MIlgauss...
Modern Milgauss
Percy, the co-owner of the German R-L-X.de forum took this photo of his modern 50th Anniversary Rolex GV Milgauss with the green crystal and orange Shazam second hand.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Rolex Coolness: Roger Moore
Rolex Coolness: Roger Moore
Would You Like Some Coffee!?!
Roger Moore is most famous for playing James Bond and in this candid kitchen shot we see him at home pouring some morning coffee. I guess he is not the only actor to play James Bond who wears Rolex off screen.
Everybody always talks about how Sean Connery was the best Bond, but as time goes by, the more I appreciated Roger Moore. In many ways Roger Moore was the exact opposite of Sean Connery in the sense Sean would just take the ladies, and with Roger, the ladies wanted to take him.
Roger Moore is pictured below from the James Bond Movie The Spy Who Loved Me. Of course you can always learn much more about James Bond and Rolex by viewing The Complete History Of James Bond Watches.
Rolex Studio Shot of the Day: A Big Crown From Italy
Roberto's Big Crown Submariner From Italy
Roberto's vintage big-crown Submariner has a beautiful olive/copper patina on the dial and he coupled it with this unusually colored NATO strap which gives it a really cool, fresh vibe!!!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Rolex Hotness: Sharon Stone..
Rolex Hotness: Sharon Stone
The First Modern Actress To Wear Men's Rolex Watches?
Sounds kind of like Jerry Seinfeld saying "What is the deal with skydivers wearing helmets? Do they really think the helmet is going to do anything?" ;-))))))
Sharon Stone is one beautiful woman and she surely loves wearing Rolex watches as seen in this vintage 1980s shot!!! Sharon is wearing what appears to be a two-tone Submariner with a black dial and bezel; a two-tone 36mm Datejust with a blue dial and I can't make out the third Rolex sandwiched in the middle. I just think I can make out an Oyster bracelet.
I wonder if it was Sharon Stone or Elle Macpherson who started the trend of women wearing men's Rolex watches? Actually the first woman I have ever been able to document wearing a man's Rolex actress, Honor Blackman when she played Pussy Galore in Goldfinger in 1964.
Then, just two years later in 1966, we see Vanessa Redgrave in the movie Blow Up sporting a stainless steel Rolex Submariner on a black strap. I always thought it was Elle Macpherson, but now I am wondering if it was Sharon? Just to conclude, it seem to have been a trend in movies in the mid 1960s, and then came back in the late 1980s.
Today we sell the vast majority (98%+) of women who wear Rolex watches wearing men's 36mm and 40mm watches. It is kind of interesting when you study the symbolism in this photo of Sharon Stone, wearing a man's tailored shirt and necktie, with men's boxer shorts on.
Veeeeery interesting Klink!?!
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