Rolex Arts Testimonee Sonya Yoncheva

.Arts.
Another Rolex Arts Testimonee that has passed through Plácido Domingo's Operalia singing competition, young Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva's star burns bright in the opera world. One of the biggest talents of her generation, she has already graced the stages of the world's leading opera houses. Her performances of iconic roles have garnered critical acclaim for her work in operas from the Baroque era as well as on the concert stage. 

Sonya Yoncheva Wearing a Rolex Lady Datejust (photo: Rolex/Hugo Glendinning)
Yoncheva received rave reviews for her role as Violetta in Verdi's 'La Traviata' in 2015. "She is the finest Violetta since Maria Callas. The Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva is possibly the best Traviata in the world at present,” said Die Welt of the performance. In 2014, she stepped in as Mimi in 'La Boheme' at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, after having played Gilda in 'Rigoletto' there. She has also graced the most important stages of Europe, as Musetta in La Bohéme at the Royal Opera House in London and Lucia de Lammermoor at the Opéra National de Paris in 2013. 

A student of music since her childhood in Bulgaria, Yoncheva received degrees in piano and voice in her home country, studying under Nelly Koitcheva. She later obtained a mater's in voice at the Conservatory of Geneva under the tutelage of Danielle Borst. After receiving her formal training, the opera singer applied her vocal talent to singing competitions. Most notably, she won top prize and the special CultureArte prize at Operalia in 2010. The video embedded below shows the singer performing "E strano...Sempre Libera..." from 'La Traviata' in a concert in 2012.
Rolex Lady Datejust (photo: Rolex)
The soprano became a Rolex Arts Testimonee in 2011 and is photographed above wearing a yellow gold Lady Datejust. With diamonds set on the bezel and hour markers and finished with a Jubilee bracelet, this watch exudes elegance and represents Yoncheva's star quality very well. For more information on the opera star, visit her official website at sonyayoncheva.com. For more information on the watch, visit rolex.com.

2016 Rolex GMT-Master II Configurations

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
The GMT-Master II has become one of the most sought after models in Rolex's professional line. While there are several notable configurations that have appeared since the GMT-Master was introduced in 1955, the watchmaker only produces certain versions each year. If you are currently on the market for a 2016 GMT-Master II, you can choose from the configurations below in stainless steel, two tone, white and yellow gold.  

Stainless Steel Rolex GMT-Master II Configurations (photo: Rolex/ Erez Attias)
In stainless steel, Rolex offers the GMT with a black dial and either a black bezel (Reference # 116710LN), shown above on the left, or a black and blue bezel (Reference # 116710BLNR), on the right. Known as the 'Batman' the BLNR is a bit harder to get your hands on than the LN. The colors on the bezel help the wearer differentiate between daylight and night time hours when using the bidirectional rotatable 24-hour bezel. All configurations feature an Oyster bracelet with polished center links and an Oysterlock clasp with their Easylink comfort extension.
Two Tone Rolex GMT-Master II and White Gold BLRO GMT-Master II (photo: Rolex)
If you like the look of yellow gold but the practicality of stainless steel, take a look at the two tone stainless steel and yellow gold configuration (Reference # 116713LN) shown above on the left. The bezel is made of yellow gold with a black Cerachrom insert. The green 24-hour hand offers a nice accent color against the black dial and the date aperture is magnified by Rolex's Cyclops lens, standard on all GMT models. To the right is the white gold version (116719BLRO) with a blue and red bezel, commonly referred to as the 'Pepsi' due to its resemblance to the company's logo. You can find a preowned GMT Pepsi in stainless steel online, but at present the white gold version is the only one available direct from the manufacturer.

Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master II Configurations (photo: Rolex)
If you're not afraid of a little flash, Rolex offers two yellow gold GMT configurations that truly shine. Available with either a green or black dial, this watch (Reference # 116718LN) combines practical functionality and a classical aesthetic that represents the watchmaker superbly. Like all of the GMT-Master II models shown here, its 40 millimeter case is fitted with a 3186 movement that is manufactured in house by Rolex. This simple yet sophisticated configuration is the perfect option for someone who likes the look of a Submariner but prefers a 24-hour bezel over a 60-minute graduated bezel.

The GMT was designed with travelers in mind, but you don't have to jump timezones to appreciate its simple yet useful complication. Do you work with clients overseas? Does your spouse travel for work? If so, you can keep track of their time alongside your own with this stylish timepiece. If you love the watch but prefer a different bezel, like the 'Coke' or 'Rootbeer', you may want to search the gray market for a pre-owned or vintage version. To find an Authorized Dealer that carries the 2016 models shown above, visit rolex.com.

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Do You Need a Reason to Buy a Rolex?

.FAQ.
When it comes to making a luxury timepiece purchase, many feel that a special occasion is necessary to justify the expense, while others feel free to purchase their favorite wristwatches on a whim. There are several factors that determine when and why one would consider a big ticket item, but the question remains: do you need a reason to buy a Rolex?

Rolex Daytona 116500LN (photo: Rolex/Stephan Cooper)
In my Rolex Shopping Guide, I usually break down Rolex watches based on pricing, as most people need to budget and plan ahead of making a luxury watch purchase. I find that it's best to avoid the pitfall of falling in love with a precious metal configuration when you only have the budget for a stainless steel sports model. And even if you have all the money in the world, it still makes sense to compare models of equal value when evaluating a purchase. However, for most people being able to come up with the money isn't reason enough to pull the trigger on a Rolex.

When it comes to luxury watches, there are many great companies that compete for the attention of watch collectors and enthusiasts. Most offer great wristwatches with competitive pricing, but not every luxury watch is created equal. When it comes to retaining their value, Rolex watches are hard to beat. That's not to say they are an investment - unless you are knowledgeable and connected in the watch world, the chances that you will find a watch that's going to earn you a return above the price you paid for it are slim. Many fail to understand the difference between an item increasing in value and retaining its value when discussing watches. That's not to say they aren't a valuable asset, though.

Aside from value retention, there are other reasons to consider a Rolex purchase. Their timepieces are well made and built to last a lifetime, even more with proper care. This makes them wonderful heirlooms for your children. The company's continued focus on excellence also makes their watches symbols of success and achievement, making a Rolex purchase a great way to mark an accomplishment. The style factor should not be overlooked, either, as a luxury wristwatch elevates one's aesthetic effortlessly.

Everyone has their own individual reasons for buying a Rolex, but do you need a reason at all? As much as I like to carefully plan all of my purchases, I have to say that the best reason to buy a Rolex is no reason at all. There is a pleasure in purchasing a beautiful watch that supersedes any logical reasoning attached to the transaction. Luxury purchases will always seem illogical to some, so my recommendation is to spend less time trying to rationalize your luxury watch purchase and more time enjoying the experience of wearing the watch on your wrist.

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Shopping for a Rolex Dress Watch

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
The watches in Rolex's professional line get most of the attention these days, but the the company was started during a time when all wristwatches were dress watches. Even though times have changed in terms of fashion and style, a gentleman will always require a dress watch for formal occasions. While some find it appropriate to pair a dive watch like the Submariner with a suit and tie, opting for an elegant dress watch is the way to go if you are looking to capture the swagger of times past. 

Rolex Cellini Date (photo: Rolex)
Of all the classic watch styles Rolex offers, the pieces from their Cellini line are the most representative of traditional men's dress watch. The Cellini Date shown above features a blue alligator leather strap, a beautiful blue dial and low profile case. Cellini watches are unique in that they don't come with the Oyster case that we come to expect when we see a Rolex. Their clean lines and simple elegance allow them to slip under the cuff of your suit, only visible when you would like to check the time. It may be trendy to show off a sporty watch with a large case on your wrist, but when dressed in a well tailored suit, a low profile dress watch completes the look without competing with the suit or other accessories. 

Close Up of Rolex Datejust (photo: Rolex)
If you want a watch that looks like a Rolex, but can still work in formalwear, I would suggest either a Datejust or Day-Date. The Datejust comes in a variety of sizes and configurations, like the yellow gold and stainless steel DJ shown above. This classic Rolex model has changed little over the years, with a smooth or fluted bezel and iconic Cyclops magnifying lens over a simple dial. The Datejust 41 shown above is available with the champagne dial in the photo and the option of diamond hour markers. This model is also available with a 36 millimeter case for those who find a 41 millimeter case excessive. Most come with a combination of stainless steel and white, yellow or pink gold on either an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.

Platinum Rolex Day-Date (photo: Rolex)
Known as the President's watch, the Day-Date, shown above in platinum with an ice blue dial, walks the line between a classic dress watch and a modern masterpiece. The aperture at 12 o'clock for the day is instantly recognizable and very legible and the motif on the dial adds an artistic touch to an otherwise simple and elegant watch. After decades on the market, it is still the watch of choice for many of the most influential people in the world. If you are on the market for a precious metal configuration from Rolex and prefer a clean aesthetic, this is the watch for you. The platinum and rose gold versions have a fresh and modern look, while the yellow gold still harkens back to the golden age of Rolex watches.

If your career or your social life calls for formal attire, it is always a good idea to have a dress watch to go with your suit. The Datejust and Day-Date models also come in leather strap configurations, giving you even more formal options. Check out my previous post about the best Rolex to wear with a suit here for more information on dress watches. And as always, you can visit rolex.com to check out their entire line of wristwatches and authorized dealers.

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Rolex Arts Testimonee Yo-Yo Ma

.Arts.
Chinese-American cellist Yo-Yo Ma is one of the most accomplished classical musicians of our time, releasing over 100 albums and winning 18 Grammy Awards. He was born in Paris, raised in New York, studied at Juilliard and graduated from Harvard all by 1976. Ma, also a UN Messenger for Peace, was most recently named Artistic Advisor at Large to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

Rolex Arts Testimonee Yo-Yo Ma (photo: Rolex/Marco Grob)
Ma became a Rolex Arts Testimonee in 1998, the same year that he began Silkroad, a non-profit organization with the goal of facilitating the intersection of the arts, business and education by developing  new music, education programs, cultural partnerships and other contributions to the world through music. Rolex is exclusive partner of Silkroad and the organization works with Harvard University to assist in music education training for arts educators.

The Silkroad Ensemble, formed by Yo-Yo Ma in 2000, is a critically acclaimed ensemble of musicians from all over the world. The group has recorded six albums together, creative innovative sounds that cross cultural boundaries and bridge ancient rhythms with modern instrumentation. Their latest recording, Sing Me Home, was released earlier this year as the companion album for The Music of Strangers, a documentary film directed by Oscar winner Morgan Neville. The film puts together performance footage, interviews and archival films to tell the story of the ensemble. Following the performers around the world, it provides a glimpse at the personal journeys of the ensemble's musicians. I have embedded the trailer for the documentary below.

In the photo above, Ma is wearing a classic yellow gold Rolex Day-Date, a perfect match for the accomplished musical artist and philanthropist. The cellist has performed for 8 US Presidents, giving the President't Watch a new interpretation. For more information on the Rolex Day-Date, check out my post on the singular model here. Visit Yo-Yo Ma's official website for a schedule of performances, multimedia and music. Check out silkroadproject.org for more information on the organization.

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