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Based on the historical references on their current website and vintage ads, it would seem that Rolex has always associated their brand with world record breakers.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)
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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.

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

Rolex Introduces Updates to 9 of Their Wristwatch Models at Baselworld 2016

.Rolex Models.
Every year at Baselworld, watchmakers introduce their latest innovations and product updates to the world. This year, Rolex will be presenting upgrades to 9 of their wristwatch models. Some have received a complete makeover, while others more subtle adjustments. 

For those who are unable to make it to Basel, Switzerland this weekend, I have compiled my favorite configurations of the new 2016 model lineup that is now available to browse on Rolex's official site. Check out my picks below. 


Rolex Cellini Date

2016 Rolex Cellini Date
The Cellini is perhaps the most distinctive amongst Rolex Models, with a more elegant aesthetic that harkens back to the early 20th century. This year, Rolex has released a version of the Cellini Date with a blue guilloche dial, blue leather strap and 18 karat white gold case. The color combination brings the model into the 21st century, while retaining the sophistication of the Cellini.

Rolex Air-King
2016 Rolex Air-King
I have come across many vintage Air-King models while browsing online shops and have come to appreciate their simple yet sporty look. I really like that the minute scale is displayed between the large 3,6 and 9 numerals on the dial. In their homage to aviation, Rolex kept the same 'Air-King' lettering used in vintage models. The stainless steel and black dial make it look similar to the Explorer, but this model features a colored Rolex logo and a green second hand.

Rolex Explorer
2016 Rolex Explorer
This update would fall under the 'more subtle' category I mentioned earlier. I spent a few minutes going back and forth on the Rolex website trying to figure out the difference between this one and the previous model. To my understanding, this model has improved luminescence, making it easier to read in the dark. While largely unchanged, I love the Explorer model because it is so simple and clean. The combination of black and stainless steel is chic, but still substantial. It is also probably the least ostentatious of all the models, which is something I appreciate.

Rolex Pearlmaster 39

2016 Rolex Pearlmaster 39

In contrast, the Pearlmaster 39 is one of the flashiest of the new models. It boasts a dial paved with diamonds, a diamond bezel and diamonds going down the bracelet. This is the Rolex for anyone who loves ice. The dial on this version is quite stunning. It looks like a diamond mosaic and the combination of the brilliant diamonds with the Everose gold on the case and strap is very pleasing to the eye.

 Rolex Ladyjust 28
2016 Rolex Ladyjust 28

The Ladyjust 28 also combines brilliant diamonds with Everose gold. This model comes with a two-tone jubilee bracelet, combining Everose gold with 904L stainless steel. Rolex refers to this mix of metals as 'Rolesor.' Another aspect of this model I found interesting was the dial. The hour markers are diamonds and the dial has what appears to be clouds in the background.

Rolex Datejust 41

2016 Rolex Datejust 41

With a 41mm case, this larger version of the classic Datejust is perfect for anyone who feels that size matters. This model also features a 'Rolesor' combination of gold and stainless steel, pictured here in yellow gold. Equipped with a 3235 movement manufactured completely by the watchmaker, this model is available with either a fluted or smooth bezel. It also comes in Everose combinations.

Rolex Day-Date 40
2016 Rolex Day-Date 40

2016 marks the 60th anniversary of the Day-Date model and Rolex made a few adjustments to last year's Day-Date 40 to mark the occasion. This version features an olive green dial (Rolex's hallmark color), fluted bezel and president bracelet. It is available in white gold as pictured above and also in yellow gold with a diamond and ruby dial. It also comes in a smaller (36mm) size with a jade green/jade lavender carousel dial with diamonds. 

Rolex Yacht-Master

2016 Rolex Yacht-Master
I really like the 2016 color combinations for the Yacht-Master. Last year it was available in Everose gold with a black rubber strap and this year they ushered in several new color combinations with metal bracelets. The version in the photo is a mix of platinum and steel with a blue dial - a very nautical take on the timepiece. It is also available in 37mm with a dark rhodium dial. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 

Perhaps the most stylish of the 2016 model lineup is the Cosmograph Daytona with a white dial and black ceramic bezel. Paying tribute to the 1965 version of the Daytona, this wristwatch honors the legacy of Rolex while standing on its own as a fashionable timepiece for today's horology enthusiast. The color combination is both classic and contemporary, proving that great design transcends time.

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UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor Wears a Rolex Sky-Dweller

.Celebrities.
Irishman Conor McGregor is one of the most popular UFC fighters because of his sense of humor and his memorable takedowns, including his history-making 13 second knock out of Jose Aldo last year. 

UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor Wearing a Rolex Skydweller (photo: Second Hand Time Shop)

The featherweight champ is also known for his dapper style at press conferences and talk show appearances. He is photographed above wearing a yellow gold Rolex Sky-Dweller paired nicely with a navy vest and purple pocket square.

Unselfish with the millions he has raked in for his fights, McGregor gifted girlfriend Dee Devlin a Rolex Datejust with a diamond bezel last Christmas.

TMZ caught up with Mixed Martial Artist leaving a Rolex store in March of 2016, just after his loss to welterweight Nate Diaz in Las Vegas on March 5, 2016. Unfortunately, the cameraman seemed more interested in talking to him about Justin Bieber than asking what he may have purchased at Rolex. Watch the video below.

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Rolex 3255 Movement

.Tech.
One of the most talked about innovations revealed by Rolex at Baselworld 2015 was the Calibre 3255. The self-winding mechanical movement powers the Day-Date 40, a clean, modern take on their classic Day-Date model with a 40mm case. 

rolex calibre 3255
Rolex 3255 Movement (Photo: Rolex)

The watchmaker had to develop their own test protocol to evaluate the movement's performance. Protected by 14 patents, it is twice as precise as an officially certified chronometer and has a 70 hour power reserve. It also has their blue Parachrom hairspring fitted into the oscillator.

Another new feature is the Rolex Chronergy escapement, which accounts for a 15% increase in energy efficiency. Improvements were also made to the oscillating weight and the setting mechanism, which allows you to more easily feel each position when setting the watch.

Perpétuelle's blog offers a illustrated guide to this movement, for those who are interested in an organized, in-depth look at the new features and their functions.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date 116610 LN

.Rolex Models.
One of the most iconic sports watches of all time, Rolex released the first Submariner model in 1953. It was the first water resistant watch submergible up to 100 meters and quickly became the benchmark for diving watches.

Rolex Submariner Date Reference 116610 LN (photo: Rolex)
The current Submariner Date model is water resistant up to 300 meters, featuring a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a Cerachrom insert, luminescent capsule on the zero mark and a knurled edge to make it easy to rotate while wearing diving gloves. The bezel and the dial are black and the oyster bracelet and 40mm case are made of Rolex's 904L stainless steel. Another design element is the Mercedes handset that this model is known for.

A certified Swiss chronometer, the Date version of this model in the photo above contains a 3135 movement that is entirely developed by the watchmaker. It contains their Blue Parachrom Hairspring and a Triplock winding crown.

The design aesthetic of the Submariner places this model at the intersection of classic elegance and sports utility. It is known to retain its value over time and continues to be a favorite among celebrities and professional athletes, making it one of the most recognizable Rolex models.

The suggested retail price for the 116610 LN configuration shown above is 8,100 Swiss Francs, or $8,425 US.

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Balmain Creative Director Oliver Rousteing Wears a Rolex Submariner

.Celebrities.
Olivier Rousteing, creative director of Balmain, presented his Fall/Winter 2016 Womenswear collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 3, 2016. The young French designer has amassed a substantial following on social media (something new for a creative director of a luxury brand) and in celebrity social circles.

Olivier Rousteing 2016
Olivier Rousteing flanked by runway models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner (photo: Balmain)

Photographed with friends and brand ambassadors Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner after his Fashion Week presentation, Rousteing paired a Rolex Submariner with his signature black blazer and white deep v-neck.

In an interview with The Telegraph UK last year, Rousteing listed the timepiece among his favorite accessories. 'I also love my Rolex Submariner in black and gold for the same reasons – I can wear it swimming at the beach, partying at night and to meetings with the president of the company,' Rousteing said.

The wristwatch has also made several appearances on his popular Instagram feed, which currently boasts over 2.6 Million followers and shots of his celebrity friends, including the Kardashians, Kanye West, Beyonce, Rihanna, Naomi Campbell and many more.

Rousteing has used social media and celebrity to catapult Balmain into the mainstream, a move that the company's CEO originally voiced concern over. However, as The New Yorker reported in their 2015 profile of the designer, the exposure has ultimately paid off for the luxury brand.

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