Wiz Khalifa Denies Allegation That His Rolex Was Stolen During A Performance in Brazil

.Celebrities.
Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa made headlines in February after a Twitter video surfaced of a fan at his Sao Paolo, Brazil, concert allegedly yanking off his $100,000 Rolex. The story was picked up by several publications, however, Khalifa denied that the Rolex was stolen in an interview with Los Angeles radio station Power 106 on February 3rd, 2016. 

Wiz Khalifa Wearing Rolex in GQ Magazine, April 2016 (photo: GQ)
Khalifa is no stranger to controversy, having feuded with Kanye West earlier this year over the name of West's album. The hip hop star is also known for his unique rap style, his affection for son Sebastian Taylor with model Amber Rose, his penchant for marijuana and his Rolex collection.

He was photographed above for GQ magazine's April 2016 issue wearing a gold President Rolex. Wiz's Instagram account features all of his favorite things, including shots of him sporting several Rolex models while spending time with his son and working on his medical marijuana enterprise.

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A photo posted by Wiz Khalifa (@mistercap) on

Rolex Perpetual Rotor

.Tech.
Anyone who has done research on Rolex models online has probably wondered why the words 'Oyster Perpetual' appear at the beginning of most model names. The company holds many patents on their technologies and while the patent on their Perpetual rotor expired in 1948, it still represents a technological advancement that made history in the watchmaking industry. 

Photo of Rolex Perpetual Rotor
Rolex Perpetual Rotor
The first perpetual rotor with an oscillating weight was created for pocket watches in the late 18th century. It employed slightly different technology than the perpetual rotor patented by Rolex in 1931, just a few years after they patented their hermetically sealed Oyster case.

Rolex's Perpetual rotor, which became the industry standard after their patent expired, works by capturing the energy caused by the 360º movement of the half-moon shaped oscillating weight and transmitting it to the mainspring. There is a clutch system that prevents the rotor from overwinding and conserves the energy in the watch for up to two or three days, depending on the power reserve of the watch.

The Perpetual rotor uses kinetic energy created by wrist motion and gravity to power the movement, a departure from previous technology that required the wearer to wind the crown manually to power the wristwatch.

In the age of the smartphone - and smartwatch - it is easy to understand why a self-winding wristwatch is more desirable than a watch you have to wind yourself. Rolex's Perpetual rotor is an innovation that has provided convenience and ease to the wristwatch wearers for almost 100 years.

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Rolex debuts GMT-Master, Day-Date and Milgauss Models Between 1955 and 1956

.History.
The world changed dramatically in the 1950s, and Rolex changed with it. Many of the models that Rolex in best known for today were introduced in this decade. The Explorer and Submariner models made their debut in 1953, and following them was the GMT-Master. 
First Rolex GMT-Master Model 1955
First Rolex GMT-Master Model, 1955
The first GMT-Master model was released in 1955 to meet the needs of airline pilots who were having difficulty keeping track of time and dealing with jet lag while operating transatlantic flights for airlines like Pan American World Airways. It became the official watch of several airlines, including Pan Am.

The GMT-Master solved the problem of dealing with two timezones at once by adding a 24 hour hand and a rotating 24 hour bezel that would allow the wearer to set the time at home and wherever their adventures would take them.
first rolex day date model 1956
First Rolex Day-Date Model, 1956
In 1956, Rolex released the first Day-Date model, which featured a window on the dial that displayed the day of the week written out, a first in the wristwatch industry. This model was fitted with their patented Cyclops lens that magnified the date display on the crystal and the President bracelet.
First Rolex Milgauss Model 1956
First Rolex Milgauss Model, 1956
Finally, the Milgauss model was debuted in 1956 to meet the needs of scientists working in the atomic age. The Milgauss was developed for nuclear scientists, like those who worked for the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN), who were exposed to magnetism at their job sites. Magnetic energy can affect the precision of a mechanical watch as most of the parts of the movement are made of metal, so Rolex created anti-magnetic technology to protect their movements.

The 1950s saw the birth of Rolex's 'tool watches' which now form part of their professional watch collection. The company released more new models in this decade than in any other, most of which are still available today.

>>BACK TO TIMELINE

Five Rolex Bracelet Types

.Tech.
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to identify a Rolex wristwatch is by the bracelet. Rolex offers five different bracelet types on their current models, each with a unique look and functionality. 

the 5 rolex bracelet types available on current models
The Five Rolex Bracelet Types Available 
Oysterflex Bracelet 

 The Oysterflex is the newest bracelet manufactured by Rolex for their 2015 Yacht-Master model. This black elastomer bracelet has a blade made of a titanium-nickel alloy at its core that attaches the case to the clasp. The inside of the bracelet is lined with a longitudinal cushion system that stabilizes the watch on the wrist and it is fitted with an Everose gold Oysterlock clasp.

Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet
Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet

Oyster Bracelet 

 The most universal and identifiable of the Rolex bracelets is the Oyster bracelet. Composed of flat and broad three piece links, this bracelet can be fitted with all of the Rolex clasps currently available. The Oyster was introduced in the late 1930s and is currently fitted on the most popular Rolex models, including the Submariner, Daytona and Sky-Dweller.

Rolex Oysterflex bracelet
Rolex Oyster Bracelet

Jubilee Bracelet

The five piece metal link Jubilee bracelet was introduced in 1945 on the Oyster Perpetual Datejust model. It can be fitted with either an Oysterclasp or a Crownclasp. The photo below shows a two-tone Jubilee with the Crownclasp.

Rolex Jubilee Bracelet
President Bracelet 

 Perhaps one of the most prestigious Rolex bracelets, the iconic President bracelet features a three-piece semicircular link that was introduced in 1956 on the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. It is always fitted with a Crownclasp, as shown in the photograph below and is reserved for the Day-Date model and some Lady's Datejust models.

Rolex President Bracelet 
Pearlmaster Bracelet 

 The Pearlmaster made its debut in 1992 on the model of the same name. It features five rounded links on a sophisticated and smooth bracelet that always comes fitted with a Crownclasp. The rectangular links on this model made it perfect for adding diamonds down the bracelet as we see in the current Pearlmaster model.

Rolex Pearlmaster Bracelet 

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Michael Bublé Presents the 2016 Rolex Air-King

.Celebrities.
Rolex ambassador and Canadian crooner Michael Bublé was one of the first people to be able to check out the new Air-King model prior to Baselworld 2016. The Grammy winning father of two is photographed below wearing the watch. 

Michael Bublé wearing the 2016 Rolex Air-King (Photo: Rolex)
His Instagram feed features this and other Rolex models, including the Daytona with the ice blue dial and chestnut brown bezel. The shot below is a close up of the new Air-King. The classic design of the timepiece goes well with Bublé's musical stylings. Like his music, the watch is as much a classic as it is modern and nuanced.

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A photo posted by Michael Bublé (@michaelbuble) on

2016 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King

.Rolex Models.
The original Rolex Air-King model reflected the style of the golden age of aviation. The watchmaker reintroduced the model at Baselworld 2016 with a larger (40mm) case, but the same Air-King lettering and green and yellow logo that they placed on the dial of the 1950s model.

Rolex Air-King (photo: Rolex)

This Superlative Chronometer is made of 904l stainless steel and carries a 3131 movement manufactured completely by Rolex. The movement is equipped with a blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorber. The clasp on the oyster bracelet features an Easylink rapid extension, which allows one to adjust the size of the bracelet up to 5mm without removing links.

One of the distinguishing features of the Air-King is the minute scale displayed between the arabic hour markers. This clear display makes it very easy to tell the time at a glance. This model also has the Mercedes hour hand that Rolex is known for as well.

The Air-King is a throwback in terms of style, but it is equipped with the latest technology that Rolex has patented over the past decades. This makes it an interesting addition to their model line up, especially for those who find the professional models excessive.

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2016 rolex air-king at baselworld 2016
2016 Air-King Model Display at Baselworld 2016

Rolex's Patented Chronergy Escapement

.Tech.
Over the past 15 years, Rolex has developed and patented the Chronergy escapement in their manufacturing plant, Manufacture des Montres Rolex in Bienne, Switzerland. This escapement is currently used in the 3255 and 3235 movements. 

rolex patented chronergy mechanical watch escapement
Rolex's Patented Chronergy Escapement (Photo: Rolex)
The escapement, shown in the photo above, receives energy from the mainspring and transmits it to the oscillator, which is the part of the movement that helps regulate the flow of energy and keep the time. This part of the movement is also responsible for the ticking noise that mechanical watches make. Without it, the mainspring and oscillator will stop working after a few moments.

There are four parts of the escapement: the escapement wheel, pallet fork, pallet bridge and the roller. These tiny parts are required to be extremely precise, making it one of the most difficult parts of the watch to manufacture. Synthetic rubies and patented lubricants are used to minimize friction in the metal parts of the escapement so that it can last long without deteriorating.

Rolex developed a new component of the escapement called Chronergy. Their new version of the Swiss lever escapement uses geometry and innovation to improve efficiency by 15%. The pallet fork and escapement wheel are made of nickel-phosphorus to protect them from magnetic interference. The escapement is also cut out to reduce its weight and reduce the effects of inertia, also adding to its efficiency.

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Nick Jonas Releases First Video Off New Album Featuring Tove Lo

.Celebrities.
Nick Jonas featured his collaboration with Swedish vocalist Tove Lo entitled 'Close' in the music video he released last week ahead of his third studio album coming in June of 2016. The video is a dark and sultry, featuring the singers being pulled apart and brought back together by powerful forces outside themselves. The singers' voices compliment each other and their chemistry in the video is palpable. 



Jonas will appear on the 2016 Honda Civic Tour this year with Demi Lovato, whom he has collaborated with before during their days as young Disney stars. Jonas and Lovato also teamed up to perform at the 2016 Victoria's Secret Swim Special filmed in St. Barth's earlier this year. The telecast of the Swim Special aired on March 9th and Nick sported a yellow gold Rolex on his wrist during his performances.

Nick Jonas wearing a Rolex During Victoria's Secret Swim Special Performance 2016 (photo: CBS)
There are also plenty of paparazzi photos of Jonas wearing various Rolex models. The stylish celebrity is signed with Wilhelmina Models and has appeared in several editorials, most notably paying homage to Mark Wahlberg in Calvin Klein Underwear for Flaunt magazine.

>>BACK TO CELEBRITIES

Rolex Explorer and Submariner Models Released in 1953

.History.
Rolex released many of the professional models that would go on to become their most popular in the 1950s. The world became intrigued by exploration, experimentation, aviation and diving in this decade. Hans Wilsdorf remained tapped into the zeitgeists of the time and made sure that Rolex wristwatches went along for the ride. 
picture of the first rolex explorer model 1953
First Rolex Explorer Model, 1953 (photo: Rolex)
The Explorer was the first of the professional models to be released in 1953. The watchmaker equipped Tenzing Norgay with an experimental Oyster Perpetual model when he reached the summit of Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. The information collected on that and many other prior expeditions would bring the Explorer model to life.

That same year, Rene-Paul Jeanneret, one of the directors of Rolex and an avid diver, suggested that they create a dive watch that was as elegant as it was useful underwater. Years prior, Rolex had worked on dive watches with Panerai, but had not come up with anything resembling the Submariner pictured below.

picture of the first rolex submariner from 1953
First Rolex Submariner Model, 1953 (photo: Rolex)
The first Submariner had straight, pencil shaped hour and minute hands that would later be replaced by the iconic Mercedes hands that are still used on today's model. This was the first diver's watch that was water resistant up to 100 meters. 

The Submariner made its documentary film debut on Jacques Cousteau's wrist in The Silent World in 1956. It also took a plunge into the depths strapped onto the hull of Swiss physicist and explorer Auguste Piccard's Bathyscaphe Trieste submersible in 1953. The watch was still ticking upon its return to the surface, giving Hans Wilsdorf and Rolex reason to move forward in their horological exploration of land, air and sea.

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Rolex Developed and Patented Their Cerachrom Bezel in 2005

.Tech.
One of the exciting parts about the release of the 2016 Daytona at Baselworld 2016 was the addition of the black Cerachrom bezel to the iconic Rolex model. The 2015 model featured a 904l stainless steel bezel with a tachymetric scale engraved into it. 

Cerachrom vs. ceramic bezel rolex
Rolex's Patented Cerachrom Bezel
Rolex developed and patented their Cerachrom ceramic bezel in 2005. It was first available on their GMT-Master II model and later on the Submariner, Sea-Dweller and Yacht-Master models.

The process for creating the Cerachrom bezel takes over 40 hours. It begins with mixing zirconium oxide or aluminum oxide powder with pigment and a binding agent. This mixture is then heated up to 1500º after which numerals are carved into it. Then the bezel is sputtered with gold or platinum atoms and diamond polished until only the numerals are coated with gold or platinum for visibility.

This process made it particularly difficult for the watchmaker to achieve the classic red and blue pigment for the GMT-Master II Pepsi model released in 2014, which could be the reason they only made it available in white gold.

Rolex's Cerachrom bezel is highly durable and resistant to scratching and oxidation. It also retains its color after extended exposure to UV rays and salt water, making it ideal for the professional models.

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Model Sam Webb Wears Rolex in 2012 Vogue Hommes International Editorial

.Celebrities.
British model Sam Webb posed for photographer Maciek Kobielski in a 2012 editorial for Vogue Hommes International entitled 'Les Sept Capitaux' based on the seven deadly sins. Styled by Darcy Backlar, Webb is photographed below wearing a yellow gold Rolex with a black dial. 

sam webb wearing a rolex in 2012 vogue hommes international editorial
Sam Webb in 2012 Vogue Hommes International Editorial Wearing a Rolex (photo: thefashionisto.com)
A couple years earlier, Webb posed with fashion icon and model Carmen Dell'Orefice in a steamy editorial called 'La Vie en Rose' for the October 2010 issue of Geil Magazine. Photographer Brian Jankic captured the models in various sensual positions during the shoot, which was styled by Kim Johnson.

carmen dell'orefice and sam webb geil magazine october 2010 photograph by brian jankic
Carmen Dell'Orefice and Sam Webb in Geil Magazine (photo: anneofcarversville.com)
The editorial, featuring a significant age gap between the models, is sexy and subversive. The images could easily have been taken fifty years earlier based on their mid-twentieth century style, including several black and white photos in the magazine spread. Dell'Orefice evokes old Hollywood glamour, playing the cougar to Webb's young male ingenue. The twenty-first century commentary on age, gender and beauty comes through loud and clear. Visit anneofcarversville.com to check out the rest of the photos.

>>BACK TO MODELS

Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II

.Rolex Models.
Rolex released the first GMT-Master in 1955 at the height of the jet age. In collaboration with Pan Am, the watchmaker added a 4th hand, the 24 hour hand, and a 24 hour bezel so that international travelers could keep track of the time in two geographical locations on one watch. 

Rolex GMT-Master II 116710LN (photo: Rolex)
The GMT in the name refers to Greenwich Mean Time. Greenwich, England, is located at 0º longitude (also known as the Prime Meridian) and time zones have been set using GMT since the late 19th century. For every 15º you move from the Prime Meridian, you add (or subtract, depending on what direction you're traveling) 1 hour to the time. If you move 15º from the Prime Meridian 24 times, you will be right back where you started after traveling 360º around the globe.

In the 1980s, Rolex released the GMT-Master II with several improvements over the original. One of the improvements allowed one to easily adjust the hour hand without interrupting the minute or second hands.

The current GMT-Master II (photographed below at Baselworld 2016) is equipped with a 3186 movement, a 24 hour rotatable Cerachrom bezel and Rolex's patented Easylock extension system. Easylock allows the wearer to lengthen the bracelet up to 5mm at times when inflammation or physical activity may make the bracelet tighter than usual.

rolex GMT-MAster 2 display at baselworld 2016 cerachrom bezel, 904l stainless steel
GMT-Master II Models Displayed at Baselworld 2016
The GMT-Master II is one of the more popular professional models, alongside the Daytona and the Submariner. This timepiece is masculine and utilitarian, making it a hit with international travelers with style.

The suggested retail price for the GMT-Master II 116710 LN (left) is 8,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $8,391 US) and the 116710 BLNR, or 'Batman' model to the right in the photo above goes for 8,500 Swiss Francs or $8,915 US.

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Rolex Ambassador Lindsey Vonn Painted for 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

.Celebrities.
Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit issue dates back to 1964 and has brought worldwide exposure to models and athletes like Kathy Ireland, Christie Brinkley and Serena Williams. This year, Lindsey Vonn joined cover girl Ronda Rousey in wearing a swimsuit painted on by Joanne Gair.

picture of lindsey vonn in sports illustrated SI swimsuit issue petit st. vincent
Lindsey Vonn in Body Paint from 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (photo: Sports Illustrated)
Photographer Frederic Pinet shot Vonn in blue, black and green Missoni-inspired body paint on the sands of Petit St. Vincent, Grenadine Islands, for the 'Athletes in Body Paint' feature. In behind the scenes videos posted on si.com, the American Gold Medalist said 'It's gonna be interesting' just before spending 15 hours getting painted for the shoot.

Lindsey posted her own behind the scenes video to her Instagram account. She was filmed doing pull ups with her body paint on between shots. 'I never stop training,' she writes in the caption.


More recently, she posted a photo with the new Rolex Pearlmaster on her wrist and the hashtag #goals during Baselworld 2016. This year has proven to be very fruitful for the athlete, so hopefully she will be able to add the diamond-clad Pearlmaster to her collection soon enough.

>>BACK TO ATHLETES

A photo posted by Lindsey Vonn (@lindseyvonn) on

Rolex Tops Reputation Institute's 2016 Global RepTrak 100 List

.History.
Founded in 1997 by Dr. Charles Fombrun and Dr. Cees van Riel, the Reputation Institute measures the reputations of the top companies around the world. The 2016 Global RepTrak 100 List is the largest global reputation study that ranks companies based on several metrics and across all geographic locations.  

Reputation Institute's 2016 Global RepTrak 100 List (source: reputationinstitute.com)
Rolex tops the 2016 global list, receiving excellent scores in Australia, Russia, the UK and the US. The company edged out titans like The Walt Disney Company and Google due to their high ratings for products and services, a key driver in the ranking. Rolex also received a high score in the areas of performance and leadership.

It comes as no surprise that those surveyed indicated that the quality of products and reliability of service offered by Rolex is top tier. The lowest rating attributed to the watchmaker is in citizenship, referring to the perception of the company contributing to charity and protecting the environment. Fortunately for Rolex, the products and services category carries the most weight in the ranking.

It has been speculated that the rise of the smartwatch will have a negative effect on the mechanical watch industry. Baselworld 2016 featured several smartwatch innovations that received  media attention. I think it's interesting to note that Apple was ranked 10th in the 2016 Global RepTrak 100 List, making it difficult to conceive that their Apple watch sales would have a significant effect on Rolex's bottom line.

>>BACK TO TIMELINE

First Rolex Datejust Model Released in 1945

.History.
The year 1945 marked the 40th anniversary of Rolex and to commemorate the occasion, the watchmaker released the first wristwatch to display the date through an aperture at the 3 o'clock position of the dial. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust would go on to become the quintessential Rolex model for years to come.

First Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Model, 1945 (photo:  Rolex)
The end of World War II brought new life to the watchmaking industry and by 1947 Rolex submitted their 100,000th wristwatch for certification. In keeping with his tradition of tying the Rolex brand to excellence in leadership, Hans Wilsdorf decided that the 100,000th certified chronometer would go to 'an illustrious gentleman' who was worthy of the honor.

Rolex's brochure for the current Datejust model makes mention of the 100,000th certified chronometer in 1947
In the brochure for the current Datejust model, Rolex does not identify the gentleman, however, Jake's Rolex Blog offers documentation about the gifting of a rose gold Datejust to Sir Winston Churchill, including scans of letters to and from Churchill mentioning the timepiece.

Although the letter does not indicate that said timepiece was in fact the 100,000th certified chronometer produced by Rolex, the theory certainly fits into the timeline. It seems unlikely that the watchmaker would reveal the mystery man after so much time has passed, especially considering their preference for discretion when it comes to public relations. So for now, the mystery man will remain unconfirmed.

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David Beckham Wears a Rolex on April Cover of GQ Magazine

.Celebrities.
Footballer and fashionista David Beckham appears on the April 2016 cover of GQ magazine wearing a Rolex from his personal collection. Paired with a black leather jacket, white shirt and black open weave neck tie by Tom Ford, this version of the cover features casual luxury styling choices. His Rolex adds a distinguished, yet sporty element to the look.

David Beckham wearing Tom Ford and Rolex on GQ April Cover  (Photo: GQ)
Beckham and his wife, fashion designer and Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, have both been photographed wearing Rolex wristwatches at fashion shows, basketball games and at the airport. Victoria has worn a rose gold Daytona and a yellow gold Datejust in the past. Aside from the timepieces he wore for the April GQ shoot, David has also been seen sporting a DeepSea and other Rolex models.

On the cover below, Beckham pairs a vintage Rolex with a black leather strap, yellow gold case and black dial with a Dolce and Gabbana suit and tie. Inside the April issue, he is photographed in denim outside of his favorite local dive in Little Milton, Oxford, called The Lamb Inn. The shoot features very casual, everyday settings, including a bedroom with a rotary phone and a Fish and Chips restaurant.

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David Beckham on GQ's April cover wearing D&G and Rolex (photo: GQ)

Rolex at Baselworld 2016

.Lifestyle.
photo of the entrance to baselworld 2016 basel switzerland
Entrance to Baselworld 2016
For watch collectors, horology enthusiasts and jewelry lovers, Baselworld 2016 offers a first look at the curated creations that watchmakers and jewelers will be rolling out over the next year. This year, Rolex presents several new configurations of their most popular models, including the buzzed about 2016 Daytona with the black and white dial (photo below).

Picture of show card for 2016 baselworld in basel switzerland
Show Card Baselworld 2016
The annual event takes place in Basel, Switzerland, and allows attendees to get up close and personal with unique and coveted timepieces before they are available for purchase. It isn't necessary to be on the market for a new luxury timepiece to enjoy Baselworld, however. One could spend hours appreciating the achievements of these world renowned luxury brands.

Rolex at Baselworld 2016
Rolex has received a lot of attention for bringing back the classic white dial that catapulted their Cosmograph Daytona model into the spotlight in the 1960s. Made famous by actor and race car driver Paul Newman, this is one of the company's most talked about models. The 2016 Daytona is also available with a black or blue dial in white gold and there is also a yellow gold version with a green dial. 

2016 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona white dial black bezel paul newman
2016 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with White Dial at Baselworld 2016
photo of Rolex display at Baselworld 2016 with Cosmograph daytona black dial
2016 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with black dial  at Baselworld 2016

Baselworld 2016 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona display yellow gold green dial white gold blue dial
2016 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in White and Yellow Gold at Baselworld 2016
I find the yellow gold Yacht-Master II on the right hand side of the photo below particularly beautiful. The combination of yellow gold with the blue bezel and white dial is timeless and 
complimentary to the grandeur of this wristwatch.

Baselworld 2016 rolex display yacht-master II rose gold white gold yellow gold
Rolex Yacht-Master II Display at Baselworld 2016





The GMT-Master II is displayed in gold with either a black or green dial. This is another instance where Rolex has chosen excellent color combinations to represent their professional wristwatches. The oyster bracelet and black ceramic bezel give the GMT-Master II a sporty (and utilitarian) quality. This yellow gold configuration is sophisticated and can easily transition from days to night in terms of styling.

2016 Baselworld Rolex display GMT Master 2 yellow gold with green dial and black dial
Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master II display at Baselworld 2016
Rolex refers to the combination of 904L stainless steel and platinum as 'Rolesium' and this combination is available on the new 2016 Yacht-Master. The display below shows the 37mm version next to the 40mm of the model with a dark rhodium dial. The cool tones of the Rolesium and dark rhodium compliment the turquoise second hand of this icy watch. 

photo of rolex display baselworld 2016rolesium yacht-master dark rhodium dial stainless steal platinum
2016 Rolex Yacht-Master at Baselworld 2016
A 2016 version of Rolex's Explorer model was released with an entirely luminescent display. Perhaps the most simple of the professional models, the Explorer's blue luminescence makes it one of the easiest watches to read in the light and in the dark. Its straightforward design makes it the ideal choice for someone who wants to wear a Rolex but does not want to make a big fuss about it.

photo of Rolex Explorer Display at Baselworld 2016
2016 Rolex Explorer Model at Baselworld 2016
Baselworld 2016 will come to an end on March 24th, but the timepieces and jewelry that were launched at the event will be talked about (and blogged about) for the next year. For more information about Rolex's new models, visit their official website and check out my favorite configurations blog entry.

>>BACK TO LIFESTYLE

Basel SBB Train Station in Basel, Switzerland

Sir Malcolm Campbell Breaks World Land-Speed Record in 1935

.History.
Sir Malcolm Campbell was a British pilot during World War I who later went on to break 9 world land-speed records before taking to the sea to break several water-speed records. One of his most notable world records was breaking 300 miles per hour in his Bluebird in 1935 at the Boneville Salt Flats of Utah. 

Sir Malcolm Campbell (photo: Rolex)
His preference for Rolex wristwatches made him a fixture in Rolex advertisements of the 1930's, though he never accepted payment for an endorsement of the company.

"Rolex watch worn during record attempt and still going splendidly notwithstanding rough usage received," Campbell was quoted as saying in the Rolex ad below. This ad bears resemblance to the ad taken out by the company after Mercedes Gleitze's crossing of the English Channel in 1927.

Based on the historical references on their current website and vintage ads, it would seem that Rolex has always associated their brand with world record breakers. This makes logical sense, as the company has itself broken records with their innovations in wristwatch manufacturing.

Vintage Rolex Ad featuring Sir Malcolm Campbell (photo: rolexencyclopedie.nl)
>>BACK TO TIMELINE

Rolex Z-Blue Milgauss

.Rolex Models.
Capable of withstanding a magnetic field of up to 1,000 Gauss, the Rolex Milgauss (mille is the French word for 1,000, Gauss a unit of measurement of a magnetic field) was introduced in 1956 to meet the needs of professionals in the scientific and medical fields who are exposed to magnetism at their work sites. 

Rolex Z-Blue Milgauss
Monochrome offers a history of the Milgauss model on their blog, noting that the electric blue dial of the current model is coated with Zirconium, giving it an iridescent aqua-blue look. The contrast between the electric blue dial and the orange lightning bolt shaped second hand gives this version a vibrant look. 

The current Rolex Milgauss model features a 40mm case, a 3131 movement with patented anti-magnetic technology, blue parachrom hairspring, 904L stainless steal case and Oyster bracelet. This Superlative Chronometer also features a Chromalight display. The suggested retail price for the 116400 GV configuration shown above is 7800 Swiss Francs, or $8,181 US. 

In the photo below model Sean O'Pry shows off the Z-Blue Milgauss in an ad for Americana Manhasset, a high end shopping center in New York. It doesn't look like he has to be too concerned about magnetic fields affecting the timepiece at the beach, but the ad does provide a youthful take on the scientific instrument.

>>BACK TO ROLEX SHOPPING GUIDE

Model Sean O'Pry wearing Rolex Milgauss in Americana Manhasset Ad (photo: covermenmag.com)

2016 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

.Rolex Models.
There has been much fanfare about the 2016 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona model unveiled at Baselworld 2016. The new dial is a throwback to the Paul Newman Daytona made popular in the early seventies after the actor and race car driver received one as a gift from wife Joanne Woodward.
2016 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (photo: Rolex)
An authentic Paul Newman Daytona goes for more than triple what another Daytona with the same model number would go for. Hodinkee offers an in-depth look at the Paul Newman Daytona and what differentiates it from other Daytona models of that era.

The 2016 Cosmograph Daytona features a white dial with contrasting black sub-dials reminiscent of the Paul Newman. It is equipped with Rolex's 4130 movement and a black monobloc Cerachrom bezel with a tachymetric scale engraved into it.

This stainless steal wristwatch has already become a sensation at Baselworld and on the Internet. The new Daytona combines Rolex's updated and constantly evolving manufacturing standards with a sense of nostalgia that puts this model on everybody's radar.

When creating a logo for this blog, I was inspired to incorporate the dial of the 2016 Daytona in my design. The black and white geometric elements create a wonderful backdrop for the gold blog title. I don't normally feel inclined to produce fan art, but I think it's fitting in this instance considering that this is a blog about Rolex.


Rob's Rolex Chronicle Logo

Roger Federer Named in Indian Wells CEO Raymond Moore's Comments About Pro Female Tennis Athletes

.Celebrities.
Rolex brand ambassador Roger Federer has made headlines ahead of the Miami Open, which kicks off on March 23rd, 2016 in South Florida. He intimated via an emoji-laden tweet that he will be competing in the tournament after suffering a knee injury earlier this year, but that is not the only reason Federer's name has become a trending topic on social media. 

Roger Federer at Shanghai Rolex Masters in 2012 (photo: zimbio.com)
“If I was a lady player, I’d go down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were born because they have carried this sport. They really have,” remarked Indian Wells Tennis Garden CEO Raymond Moore on March 20th, 2016 as reported by The Guardian. His comments have ignited a firestorm for their sexist implications. 

Federer has not issued a response, but Serena Williams, who was defeated by Victoria Azarenka later that day at the BNP Paribas Open, fired back at Moore noting that the Women's Final at last year's US Open sold out before the Men's Final for the first time in history.

“I’m sorry, did Roger play in that final?” Williams asked. “Or Rafa, or any man, play in that final that was sold out before the men’s final? I think not.”

Federer is photographed below wearing the 2016 Rolex Daytona model that was unveiled at Baselworld 2016 in the tennis champion's home country of Switzerland.

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Roger Federer wearing the new 2016 Rolex Daytona model (photo: Rolex)

Rolex Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Day-Date Model

.Rolex Models.
Rolex presented their updated version of the iconic Day-Date model at Baselworld 2016 in Basel, Switzerland this week. Now available in 18 karat white, Everose or yellow gold, the 60th Anniversary Edition features a yellow gold version with a dial paved with 721 diamonds. 
Yellow Gold 2016 Rolex Day-Date 40 with diamond and ruby hour markers (photo: Rolex) 
The yellow gold 40mm version of the 2016 Day-Date also has 48 brilliant cut diamonds on the bezel as well as hour markers made of baguette diamonds and rubies. Paired with their iconic president bracelet, this Rolex reflects the appetite for diamonds that is often seen in custom Rolexes featured in fashion editorials and red carpets.

This superlative chronometer is equipped with Rolex's 3255 movement. It has a power reserve of 70 hours and is water resistant up to 100 meters. Known as the 'President's Watch,' this Day-Date is one of the most extravagant of the 2016 model configurations.

Click here to check out the yellow gold Rolex Day-Date 40.

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Noah Mills Wears a Rolex in Man of the World Editorial

.Celebrities.
In issue No. 15 of Man of the World magazine, Noah Mills is photographed by fashion photographer Guy Aroch wearing a platinum Rolex Datejust. The model is styled by Allan Kennedy in his photographic interpretation of the life of a gigolo. 

Model Noah Mills Wearing a Rolex Datejust in Man of the World Magazine (photo: covermenmag.com)
In the photo above from the editorial entitled 'Love Me Tender' Mills wears a jean shirt under a gray suit with the sleeves rolled up just enough to let the Rolex peek out. The lighting and exposed brick outside the window combined with the rolled up sleeves give this photograph a late seventies, early eighties look.

Man of the World is a quarterly publication started in 2012 by Alan Maleh. The men's magazine features content ranging from style and travel to art and culture. Their online store features a nice selection of timepieces, including several Rolexes for those who enjoy vintage watch shopping.

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