Source: Hodinkee

Fifteen years ago, the Bao Dai Rolex Watch sold at auction on November of 2002 for $235,000, at the time making it the most expensive Rolex watch sold at auction. 

Nguyễn was the 13^th and soon to be last emperor of the combined state of Vietnam.  He had ascended the Emperor’s throne in 1925 at the age of 12 and was given the title of Bao Dai – a title that translates as “Protector of Grandeur” or “Keeper of Greatness”.

Bao Dai’s taste was impeccable.  He owned a rare Ferrari 375 MM Spyder, a private yacht, and a superb French villa.

Bao Dai turned down many rare timepieces before Rolex came to the rescue, finally displaying the Rolex reference 6062 in yellow gold with a black dial and diamond indexes.  This fine timepiece took on his name Bao Dai and will always be associated with the Last Emperor of Vietnam.

Because of the diamond numeral at 12 o'clock, the Rolex crown was moved down, consequently forcing the "Rolex Oyster Perpetual"  to be placed below the day and month apertures. The "Officially Certified Chronometer" wording was moved from the center of the dial and placed below the moonphase dial.

This Rolex watch is also in fantastic shape, with no noticible wear marks or imperfections.  The yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet adds to the effect of the watch, while not overly large, it is comfortable to wear. 

Rolex Yacht-Master 40 Reference 116622 (photo: Rolex)

Rolex’s Yacht-Master 40 model combines form and function to offer a stylish configuration that is equally at home on land and sea. With a 950 Platinum bezel and 904l stainless steel case and bracelet, it also combines luxury with utility. The watchmaker has featured this wristwatch model on their official social media accounts recently, with beautiful photos like the one above that show the Yacht-Master in its natural habitat.

The 116622 reference comes with the option of a dark rhodium dial or a blue dial. The rhodium version comes with the model name and seconds hand in light blue, adding to its cool, nautical aesthetic. Its bidirectional, rotatable bezel features a graduated scale to time dives up to 60 minutes. It's functions are powered by a 3135 self-winding mechanical movement. This is the same movement that powers the popular Submariner Date model.

This Yacht-Master model offers a depth rating of 100 meters and a power reserve of 48 hours. Its Oysterlock safety clasp is equipped with an Easylink comfort extension that increases the length of the bracelet by an additional 5mm. This marine watch boasts a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day after casing and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer.

While there are similarities between this configuration and the Submariner Date, the Yacht-Master caters to a more sophisticated watch collector. The color combinations of this stainless steel version evoke an ocean feel. The addition of a platinum bezel lifts it to a higher echelon than a traditional stainless steel dive watch. The suggested retail price for the Yacht-Master 40 (Reference #116622) is $11,550. For more information on this and other Rolex models, visit their official website at rolex.com.

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Rolex Milgauss Worn by Tim Henman

The Rolex Milgauss is the perfect choice for someone that wants a no-frills model. It suits the lifestyle of the physicist and hiker alike. This model was designed to remain undisturbed by intense magnetic fields. Nevertheless, it is the strength of this watch - a product of its tactile purpose - that has made it a favorite amongst collectors.

The Milgauss was the first watch to enclose the movement with a soft-iron container. This made it instantly sturdier than almost all of the watches available on the market at the time. The watch appears sporty while also maintaining the sheer elegance of the Rolex brand. With a seconds hand shaped like a thunderbolt, the Milgauss flips the script on the classical aesthetic of other models.

The watch is powered by a Calibre 3131 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by Rolex. Its state-of-the-art technology is yet another reminder of the brand’s commitment to producing the best professional watched in the world. Aesthetically, the watch stands out with its black dial and orange hour markers surrounded by a subtle hint of lime green. The lime ring allows for eye-catching beauty while also making the watch more legible to its owner for quick time checks. Its Oyster bracelet an case make this outlier model configuration instantly recognizable.

In one of the latest installments of the “Every Rolex Tells a Story” series, Tim Henman introduces the world to his Milgauss. He chose it for its overall wearability and precision but also because the colors are combined in such a way to make telling the time even easier. For Tim, purchasing the watch was the culmination of a life-long dream of making a career out of tennis, Rolex has been a companion of that journey both on and off the court. Visit rolex.com to learn more about the Milgauss and Tim Henman's Rolex story.

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Every Rolex Tells a Story Tim Henman (photo: Rolex)

Tim Henman has lived and breathed the sport of tennis his entire life. His grandfather, grandmother, and great-grandmother all played at Wimbledon. His great-grandmother was the first female player to serve an overarm and his grandmother was the last female player to serve an underarm at Wimbledon. And he has made it to Wimbledon four times and has a four titles under his belt.

His first visit to Centre Court at All England Lawn was in 1981 when he was just six years old. It was here that two things came together: a commitment to pursue tennis as a career and a youthful reverence for Rolex and its role in the sport he would dedicate his life to.

In 1996 Henman was ranked No. 1 in British tennis and he held the title again from the years 1999-2005 when he was replaced by Andy Murray. Murray injured his hip at Wimbledon this past month and lost in the quarter finals to American Sam Querrey.

Henman’s fascination with Rolex was born the same day as his passion for tennis. He connects the watch and brand to the sport that shaped his life. His Milgauss purchase came 32 years after 1981. This model was originally designed for scientists, but the stainless steel configuration is equally equipped for the tennis court. For more information on Tim Henman's Milgauss and his Every Rolex Tells a Story, visit rolex.com.

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Rolex Day-Date 36 worn by Tennis Legend Björn Borg (photo: Rolex)

Rolex is the maker of many iconic watches, but none with the legacy of the Day-Date. It is a model steeped in history, having been worn by many successful men, including US Presidents and legendary athletes like Björn Borg. The Ice Man was featured in Rolex’s latest installment of Every Rolex Tells a Story. His model of choice is the 36mm Day-Date in yellow gold with green dial on black leather shown in the photo.

This is the most traditional size for the model, much smaller than today’s popular 40mm model. The original Day-Date introduced the President bracelet in 1956. However, the leather strap configuration is more tied to wristwatch models of that era. The combination of green and yellow gold is a nod to the watchmaker’s corporate colors. An aperture at 12 o’clock displays the day of the week spelled out completely, a design element that also originated on this iconic model.

2017 Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date 36 (Reference #118138)

The 2017 Rolex Day-Date 36 (Reference #118138) is available in yellow gold with a green dial and either the cognac leather strap shown above or a green leather strap.

2017 Everose Gold Rolex Day-Date 36 (Reference #118135)