Light Blue Rolex Milgauss Modification Idea

The first thing to take into account when deciding whether to modify your Rolex is that the watchmaker will not accept one of their timepieces for service if it has been modified. So, if you would like to change the color of the dial, for example, you will have to put the original Rolex dial back on before sending it in to the service center. If you make more permanent modifications, like adding a coating through a company like Titan Black, they will not work on the watch at all. This means that you will have to rely on someone else to service or repair your watch in the future.

If being blacklisted by Rolex Service Centers doesn't bother you and you plan on keeping your watch forever, you can feel free to modify your watch without being concerned about anything other than the dirty looks you will get from brand loyalists. There are many ways to modify a watch, from something as simple as swapping out the hour markers to more drastic modifications like blacking out or engraving. The good thing about a Rolex is that you don't have to modify them too much to make them stand out since there is such uniformity in their wristwatch model design. The photo above shows a Milgauss (Reference # 116400GV) that I altered in Photoshop.

The Milgauss is a charming model that is often overlooked. I love the lightning bolt second hand and its scientific legacy. But when it comes to the aesthetic, I have a hard time with the black dial combined with its orange and green design details. The Z-Blue dial version does a better job of offering a fresh and bold configuration, but the black dial isn't as sexy. I took to Photoshop to tweak the hour markers and other design details to make them pop against the black background and stainless steel case. I chose a light blue color that looks just as fresh as the Z-blue dial, but a little more low key.

While modifications are looked down upon by the watchmaker and purists, it is up to the owner of the watch to decide what to do with it. As long as you are okay with the restrictions that come with modifying your Rolex, I say go for it. If I've learned anything about watches in the past few years, it's that the most important part of owning a watch is that you love the way it looks on your wrist.

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Rolex Testimonee Yuja Wang (photo: Rolex/Hugo Glendinning)

Wang's musical education began at Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music. In 1999 she moved to Canada to participate in the Morningside Music summer program at Calgary’s Mount Royal College. After that she enrolled as the youngest ever student at Mount Royal Conservatory. In 2001 she was appointed as a Steinway Artist and the following year when she was offered a place at Philadelphia’s prestigious Curtis Institute of Music where she studied with Gary Graffman. She graduated from there in May of 2008 after already achieving success after her debut a few years earlier with the National Arts Center Orchestra in Ottawa. 

2016 Rolex Explorer (photo: Rolex/Alain Costa)

The Explorer is Rolex's most understated professional model. In stainless steel with a simple and legible display, it is wonderfully symmetrical and easy to read. Its characteristic arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock have been filled with luminescent material in this latest version, making its Chromalight display look perfectly clear in the dark, as the photo below shows. In addition to the change in lume, this model also features an elongated minute hand for better legibility as compared to the shorter hand in the previous model, known as 'T-Rex', because the minute hand fell short of reaching the hour markers. Opinions differ as to which version better represents the Explorer, but when you look at the lume photo it is hard to deny that the luminescent numerals improve the display.

Chromalight Display of 2016 Rolex Explorer (photo: Rolex/Alain Costa)

The Explorer is powered by a 3132 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured by Rolex in-house. The Oyster case of this stainless steel sports watch measures 39 millimeters in diameter and features a smooth bezel and Twinlock winding crown. Waterproof up to 100 meters, it comes on an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock clasp that includes an Easylink 5 millimeter comfort extension link. The dial is black with a satin finish and the hour markers and numerals are made from 18 carat white gold and filled with long-lasting luminescence. The suggested retail price for the Explorer is 6,200 Swiss Francs or approximately $6,503 US. For more information on this and all of their models, including where to buy one, visit rolex.com. I've embedded the video below from their YouTube channel for additional information and beautiful shots of this classic Rolex.

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Rich Kids of London on Instagram

Amassing a following of over 150k followers in less than a year, Rich Kids of London is an Instagram account that posts photos of young British kids flaunting their parents' wealth. While many who are born to privilege prefer a lower public profile, these young Brits post photos of private planes and sports cars with cheeky captions about what their daddies' money can buy them. With the success of many troll accounts on the social media platform over the past few years, it was only a matter of time before one of them focused on the absurdities of youth and privilege.

When they're not pouring bottles of champagne into a jacuzzi or eating cereal over their iMac screens, they spend time placing their Rolex watches at the bottom of the toilet for a photo op, as you can see on their feed. Most of the photos feature cars, planes, bottles and watches with similar comments. While these photos may be insulting to people who have to work hard to afford such luxuries, it is clear that those posting them are looking for passionate reactions, as the definition of internet trolling suggests.

While controversial accounts like this will always be a part of the internet landscape as long as there is an element of anonymity involved, the notion of gaining popularity by mocking inherited wealth with frivolous photographs is certainly telling of the times. Technically speaking, posing next to a fancy car or pouring champagne on a luxury watch doesn't mean you're wealthy. It just means you're a special kind of person. This personality type has gone by many names over the years but most of those names are too vulgar to publish here so, for now, we can just call them Rich Kids of London.

Frederik the Great (photo: cphs.coth.com)

Founded by Mark Bellisimo, CEO of International Equestrian Group, the Rolex Central Park Horse Show was launched in 2014 to present the best jumpers and dressage riders in the world. With five days of multi-discilpine equestrian sport and performances, the outdoor event runs through Sunday, September 25th. One of the most anticipated equestrian events of the year taking place in Wollman Rink, it also features free events for families, kids and the general public including pony rides, demonstrations and presentations.
For more information on the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, visit their official website at www.centralparkhorseshow.com. To watch Frederik the Great in action, visit his YouTube channel. I have embedded a video below with captivating shots of the Fresian stallion.