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Project X

Fantastic Black: Custom Made Rolex Watches By Project X Designs

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style


What is more exclusive and pleasing than having a world respected and desired Rolex wrist watch? Having a brand new, highest quality made aftermarket custom Rolex wrist watch. Welcome to the world of Rolex watch modification and an easy choice for the leader in the industry. The key here is customizing Rolex watches with "manufacture grade quality." The idea is that the customization is so good, it is on par with the extremely high quality standards you get with a Rolex watch right out of the factory.

Project X Designs isn't related to Rolex. What they do is take brand new Rolex watches and offer you three easy options. 1) you can get a Rolex watch customized personally just how you like it. This involves a personal consultation with Project X to choose the Rolex watch model you want customized, and what you want done to it. 2) You can get a number of Rolex watches customized with a very high quality DLC black coating. Many people want black colored Rolex watches. Rolex themselves won't make one, so companies like Project X come in and do this for you. This option has the Rolex watch exactly like it comes from Rolex, but now in black. 3) Project X offers exclusive limited edition models with various levels of customizations ready made for 24 lucky people with each edition. These all sell out very quickly and are extremely beautiful. Modifications can be extensive from changing colors, to special engravings, and other appealing modifications that retain the look you love from Rolex with a designer touch you can't find anywhere else. These limited edition offerings from Project X are the 'cream of the crop' in terms of limited edition customized Rolex watches.

Before you are images I took while meeting with Project X owner Daniel Bourn. It was my sincere pleasure (and joy) to check out these DLC (diamond like carbon) black coated versions of sexy Rolex watches such a the GMT Master II, DeepSea Sea-Dweller, and Milgauss models. These are the second option I mentioned above, of standard factory new Rolex watches that have been modified with the very scratch resistant black coating (chemically bonded to the steel) by Project X.

Notice how wonderfully the DLC black metal matches the new black ceramic bezels on the watches, as well as the dials. These are an obvious choice for real Rolex watch lovers, and the prices aren't that much more that new Rolex watches would be otherwise. Important is that Project X gives you a special warranty on all the watches, so you go to them for any after sales service that you may need. Stay tuned for updates on interesting new modified Rolex watches from Project X in the near future.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Project X black Rolex watches



Tags: black, custom, customized, DeepSea, DLC, GMT Master, GmtMaster, Milgauss, modified, Project X, ProjectX, Rolex, Sea-Dweller

The Classicist: Celebrating the Best of the Season

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Shoes, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist


As we head inexorably into winter here on the East Coast, it's time for The Classicist to take a look back, raise a glass and celebrate the best of the season. Perhaps you're looking for a last-minute gift for the holidays or just want to treat yourself once the dust settles. Here's our rundown of seasonal favorites, some we've mentioned before and others appearing for the first time. See the gallery for full pix:

1. Barbour Dunelm jacket: A slimmed down version of the classic foul weather parka style jacket in signature waxed cotton with an attached hood, utility pockets and a two way zip under a studded-front storm flap, from the classic British outerwear company. Founded in 1894 and holders of the Royal Warrant, they've opened a new chapter in classic sporting style with updated designs.

2. LINCS by David Chu cardigan: From Chu's new collection of clothing for the "gentleman adventurer", a weighty cashmere cardigan in a heathery loden weave with a leather buckle at the collar and suede trim under the placket. The epitome of Chu's classic and rugged yet elegant ethos.

3. Ralph Lauren tartan duffel: Part of Lauren's luxe new Holiday Collection, rooted in the spirit of 1930's Sun Valley, the famous Idaho ski resort frequented by socialites and celebrities. Tartan plaid wool with saddle leather trim embodies wintry sophistication.

4. Wolverine Gentry Upland boots: From the 125-year-old company's new vintage-inspired 1000 Mile Collection, finished in rough full-grain leather with loden Pendleton wool inserts and lug soles. Equally at home in the field or on the town.

5. Caesar Guerini Apex shotgun: The rich heritage of fine Italian shotgun makers meets British lines and classic style in the Apex field and sporting models, blending beauty - Oiled Turkish Circassian walnut stock and intricate engraving - with performance and lasting value.

Gallery: The Classicist: Best of Fall / Winter '09

Barbour DunelmRalph Lauren Tartan DuffelCeasar Guerini ApexThe English Country HouseLaphroaig 18



Tags: Barbour, Caesar Guerini, CaesarGuerini, David Chu, DavidChu, Land Rover, LandRover, laphroaig, LINCS, Project X, ProjectX, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Range Rover, RangeRover, Rolex, Scotch, shotgun, sporting, The Classicist, The Equinox, TheClassicist, TheEquinox, Wolverine

Continue reading “The Classicist: Celebrating the Best of the Season”

Cigar Review: Graycliff "Project X"

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

The latest cigar from Graycliff is so new it doesn't even have a name. For now, it's called "Project X," though a name is in the works. When this cigar comes to market, it will be nothing short of mind-blowing.

Several sizes and shapes are available, but I was drawn immediately to the largest available (I tend to prefer bigger cigars), which is rolled with a shag foot. Sure, I was attracted to the unusual appearance, though I was skeptical about how it would burn – the shag just didn't seem likely to lead to an even burn. Needless to say, I was absolutely wrong. In fact, few cigars have burned as evenly as the Project X. The frayed ends all turned to ash at the same pace, and by the time the shag was exhausted the rest of the cigar moved upward almost in a perfect circle.

The Project X is medium-bodied and incredibly smooth throughout, though the flavor does lose a little momentum in the middle (they are more pronounced up front). The cigar regains the strength of flavor toward the end – without becoming harsh or acidic.

Doubtless, the Graycliff is an upscale cigar brand, and I don't expect the Project X to be inexpensive. The impressive construction is upstaged only by the style points this cigar wins. If you're looking for a conversation piece, burn some shag.

[Photo via @brianhewitt]

Disclosure: Graycliff provided me with the cigars for this review.



Tags: cigar, cigars, graycliffhotel, project x, ProjectX

The Classicist: Daniel Craig's Custom Rolex by Project X Designs

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Celebrity Shopping, The Classicist


Project X Designs, a new London-based Rolex customizer, has already won some high-profile fans including James Bond himself - Daniel Craig. Project X, which also produces its own Limited Edition Rolex designs in small runs, began with a custom Submariner and Daytona a few months ago which have nearly all sold out. Two new Daytona models have just been released. Founder Daniel Bourn, 37, also launched the London Watch Company in 2003 which specializes in building collections of vintage "investment grade" Rolexes for private clients. Bourn is actually a former investment banker who developed an "obsessive compulsion" for collecting rare, modern and vintage luxury watches and decided to change careers.

Bourn launched Project X Designs (PXD), which has offices in Hanover Square, London W1, out of a desire to "provide a service to clients who appreciate the history and allure of original manufacturers' brand name – guaranteeing maximum performance with minimal maintenance – but who seek the individuality that contemporary high volume production does not offer." It's an aesthetic that appeals to celebs like Kanye West - The Classicist reported on his blacked-out Rolex earlier this year - and Craig, a diehard Rolex enthusiast as we noted last year, who owns PXD's custom Submariner.

PXD offers two distinct services via its website: the first, a bespoke service which, like a bespoke suit, tailors a new luxury wristwatch with unique features to the clients' own personal specification. For example, a leading Formula One Racing Team have commissioned a special Daytona - carrying the company logo on the reverse together with the details of the race victory - for each of its Grand Prix winning drivers. Ex Bond actor Roger Moore also has a bespoke watch in development from PXD. The second element of PXD is the introduction of collectible limited edition (runs of 24) customized Rolex watches inspired by the retro styling of the classic Rolex models from the past.

Gallery: Rolex by Project X



The bespoke customization service offered by Project X Designs is the 'backbone' of the site whereby watches can be tailored to suit the clients' demands. At present there are 18 Rolex models to choose from and 19 options ranging from different straps to DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) blacked-out watch cases at £1,650. Clients may choose as many of the bespoke options as they wish - more options are in development and will be added to the site in the future. The super-cool DLC Daytona pictured above from the new series is priced at £10,750 or about $17,500.


Tags: Daniel Craig, DanielCraig, James Bond, JamesBond, Kanye West, KanyeWest, Project X, Project X Designs, ProjectX, ProjectXDesigns, Rolex, Rolex Daytona, Rolex Submariner, RolexDaytona, RolexSubmariner

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