rolex

Naked Rolex! Black Out Concept Skeletonized Daytona Watch

A stripped Rolex, don't you feel naughty gawking at it... While skeletonized dial watches are popular, you don't see too many skeletonized Rolex watches. Actually, this is the first one I have seen where the dial has be cut away to display the movement. Rolex movements aren't super glamorous, even though they are hardy as a tank, and known for quality. Regardless, the brave people at Black Out Concept (known for making black colored or otherwise modified Rolex watches) gave a Rolex Daytona watch the skeletonized treatment.

The dial was cut away as much as possible, leaving only the hour markers, chronograph seconds scale, and subsidiary dials for the seconds and chronograph registers. They then applied peralge polish to the movement plate, and of course being Black Out Concept, gave the entire watch case and bracelet a DLC black hard coating. Cool looking? Depends on who you ask. Certainly not for first time Daytona watch owners. Black Out Concept says that this is the first time anyone has offered a skeletonized Daytona, and I am sure it will appeal to some people. Personally, I like the black Rolex concept, but I will stick with the stock dial, Rolex actually does that pretty well.

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

Tags: black, concept, Daytona, DLC, Rolex, skeletonized

Howard Hughes' Patek Philippe Up for Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

A 1949 Patek Philippe chronograph that belonged to Howard Hughes, the dashing movie mogul portrayed by Leo DiCaprio in The Aviator, is being offered in Christie's' Important Watches Featuring the Leo Collection sale in New York on June 16.

The gold wristwatch, Ref. 1463, with breguet numerals is estimated at $150,000 – $200,000. In the 1960s the increasingly-paranoid Hughes gifted the watch to a private detective who carried out a number of surveillance assignments for him, and it comes accompanied by a note from Hughes to that effect.

Also featured in the sale is Roy Rogers' Rolex, a stainless steel triple calendar chronograph Ref. 6036, manufactured circa 1952 and estimated at $40,000-$60,000, consigned from the estate of the so-called "King of Cowboys"; and a rare and extremely important platinum Patek Philippe Ref. 5016, estimated at $350,000 – $500,000.

Tags: Christies, chronograph, gold, Howard Hughes, Leo DiCaprio, New York, Patek Philippe, Rolex, roy rogers, timepiece, watch, wristwatch

7000 Fake Rolex Watches Crushed By US Law Enforcement

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

If there is anything that watch brands hate more than a bad economy, it is fake watches. Asia pumps out fake watches faster than ever, and Swiss watch brands have been lobbying lawmakers and law enforcement all over the world to help out. First of all, fake watches are illegal. As far as watch brands are concerned, they are as bad as hard drug trafficking. While replica watches (and other luxury goods) don't represent a violent crime, they are very damaging to the luxury goods economy, and are severe infringements of intellectual property rights. For a long time many Asian countries (especially China) have a bad reputation for utterly disregarding intellectual property rights. It is hard enough to enforce such laws in those countries, but when the goods travel here, the US is pissed off.

A major dealer of fake luxury goods including Rolex watches who was arrested last year had his good endure a unique public spectacle. The take down was operated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), who apparently worked closely with Rolex. The arrest last year was after years of investigation and gathering evidence. The culprit was one Binh Cam Tran of Pennsylvania. After importing the parts for the fake watches, the replica timepieces were assembled in his home outside of Philadelphia. Tran is currently serving 6 years in jail and has been ordered to pay over $2 million dollars to Rolex USA.

Tags: 7000, counterfeit, destroyed, fakes, ICE, replicas, Rolex, watch

Continue reading “7000 Fake Rolex Watches Crushed By US Law Enforcement”

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta Set for Sardinia

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Events, Sports

On June 8 – 12 Loro Piana, the Italian luxury clothing company known for the world's finest cashmere, will stage its annual Superyacht Regatta in the billionaire's haunt of Sardinia featuring some of the world's fastest sailing yachts. Hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, sponsors include Perini Navi, builder of the famed Maltese Falcon, in partnership with Rolex and Audi. Last year's winner, Royal Huisman's 105-ft. Gliss, will defend her title against several sailing superyachts looking to pluck the prize from her grasp during five intense days of competition. Among the contenders will be Southern Ocean Marine's 105-ft. Liara; Wally's 100-ft. Y3K.; the Ed Dubois-designed, Fitzroy built 148-ft. Salperton IV; Perini Navi's 125-ft. P2; and more yachts measuring 80 feet and up. Apres-sailing there will be an owner's dinner at the yacht club and a beach party at the opulent Hotel Romazzino, part of the Luxury Collection.

[via JamesList]

Gallery: Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta

Tags: Audi, cashmere, Ed Dubois, Hotel Romazzino, Italian fashion, Italy, Loro Piana, Luxury Collection, Maltese Falcon, Perini Navi, regatta, Rolex, Royal Huisman, sailboat, sailing, sailing yacht, Sardinia, superyacht, Wally, yachting

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Lady 31mm Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

rolex oyster perpetual datejust lady watch

Aside from the new Submariner and Explorer, the other new Rolex at Baselworld was a new lady's Datejust model in a larger 31mm case with some new styles. One of the nicest is this pictured staggered diamond bezel. The lady's version of the Datejust keeps getting more and more feminine - which is likely good. Not all models are "Rolex worthy" in terms of style, but the direction is overall good. Plus, the size better represents the needs or modern women. Much of the style remains the same, with most of the changes coming in on the dial and the bezel. Movements are the Rolex made automatic 2225 calibers, that are COSC Chronometer certified.

The styles are interesting with many combinations. Probably my least favorite is the floral pattern that feels a bit gimmicky. The playful diamonds on the bezel seen here with the highly classic Roman numeral dial on a metallic chocolate toned dial is probably a safer look for the brand. Look for them soon.

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

Gallery: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Lady 31mm

Tags: 2010, Datejust, ladies, ladys, Rolex, watch, womens

Tudor Heritage Chrono Watch - Big Deal?

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Lots of people have been making a big deal out of the new Tudor Heritage Chrono watch. Yes it comes with that cool brown and orange "seat buckle" strap (metal bracelet as well), and looks '70s retro chic, but is it really that big of a deal? I got to check out this piece at Baselworld recently and don't understand all the fuss. For Americans, Tudor is a "baby" Rolex brand that is no longer sold in the US. Tudor pulled out of the US maybe 10 years ago or longer. Why? Not totally sure, but I can guess. Probably because the lower cost brand would either compete with, or lower the image of Rolex. Tudor watches are not made with the same high quality refinement that Americans have come to expect and enjoy from Rolex. Tudor watches are pretty much inferior, less expensive alternatives. So to protect the rock-solid Rolex image, Rolex probably decided to pull the Tudor brand out of the US.

While the Tudor Heritage Chrono looks decent enough, it is nothing special. For what it likely costs there are dozens of better options. The dial on the original is flat and merely printed, with the new version updated with applied hour markers and a removal of the cyclops. Finishing on the case is merely OK, and the hands and dial aren't spectacular in quality. I have a feeling that nostalgia is the best marketing force for timepieces like this. Once the initial "wow" of the design wears off, I don't think a piece like this has too much staying power on one's wrist.

The watch itself is 42mm wide and has an automatic 45 minute chronograph. Not sure what the movement is, but it is likely a modified ETA or alike. Probably an ETA 7734 or similar. There is a black on black or gray on black dial, and an interesting placement of a date magnifier lens at 6 o'clock. The bezel rotates in both direction, and looks a bit too retro if you ask me. Overall, not the worst watch over, but certainly not the "modern classic icon" people make it out to be, from a design and finishing perspective. See images of the new version in the gallery below.

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

Gallery: Tudor Heritage Chrono watch

Tags: 70330 N, chrome, Chrono, heritage, rolex, Tudors

New Rolex Explorer Watch For 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Big news this year here at Basel from Rolex. Most people are impressed by the new Rolex Submariner watches in all steel, but Rolex has also updated its popular Explorer model. The classic adventure watch has been upped to 39mm wide in steel, and features a slightly new dial. The case now comes in a better steel, which is grade 904L steel (most chemical and corrosion resistant). The dial has been ever so slightly updated. Newer hour markers and larger hands are most apparent.

The Rolex in-house made calibre 3132 movement is rock-solid and is COSC Chronometer certified. The watch has a sapphire crystal of course and is water resistant to 100 meters. Character of the watch is similar to the Submariner - but it is thinner, opts for a polished bezel instead of a rotating diver's bezel, and has a different style dial. The bracelet is very similar between the two, but the Explorer does not have a glide-lock clasp. For many, the Explorer is a simple, and less expensive Rolex that feels like a fantastic fit on many wrists. Surely fans will be excited as it has been a long time since the Rolex Explorer watch has been updated.

Click on the read more link below for technical specifications of the watch.

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

Gallery: New Rolex Explorer Watch For 2010

Tags: 2010, 214270, 214270 77200, 21427077200, Basel, baselworld 2010, Explorer, new, Rolex, rolex explorer, steel

Continue reading “New Rolex Explorer Watch For 2010”

Rare '60s "Paul Newman" Rolex Daytonas at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

On March 10th and 11th in NYC Antiquorum will present its Important Collectors' Wristwatch sale featuring an amazing collection of valuable timepieces. Our favorites are two beautiful "Paul Newman" Rolex Daytonas (right) from the 1960s.

The first is a ref. 6239 stainless steel Daytona made circa 1963 with round button chronograph, estimated at $30,000 - $50,000. The second is a ref. 6241 stainless steel Daytona produced in 1968 with an anti-reflective black tachometer bezel and round button chronograph, estimated at $50,000 - $70,000.

Also for the Rolex enthusiast is a rare stainless Sea-Dweller diver's watch, Ref. 1665, with a "Double Red" Mark II tropical dial and thin case produced in 1967 with a double red Sea-Dweller logo, estimated at $30,000 - $40,000.

Tags: Antiquorum, New York, NewYork, Paul Newman, PaulNewman, Rolex, Rolex Daytona, RolexDaytona

The World's Ugliest Rolex - Yours for $46,000

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

The world's ugliest Rolex, a custom leopard print diamond and sapphire Cosmograph Daytona, has turned up for sale via global online luxury marketplace JamesList for $46,000. Unsurprisingly, the hideous timepiece has never been worn, and is being offered for sale in glitzy Miami Beach. The special edition watch has an 18k yellow gold case with 36 baguette cognac sapphires, 48 diamonds on the end pieces, and a leopard print dial festooned with another eight diamonds. It comes on a leopard print leather strap with an 18k yellow gold deployable clasp. The aesthetic travesty is all the more unfortunate because the Daytona in classic stainless steel is considered by many to be Rolex's most attractive model. Designed as the ultimate timing tool for endurance races, the Daytona is made to allow the driver to map his course times accurately and determine how he must drive in order to achieve victory. Try even figuring out what time it is on this spotted nightmare.

UPDATE: An astute reader has spotted this monstrosity on the wrist of Vanessa Bryant, wife of L.A. Lakers star Kobe Bryant, at a White House ceremony. Good lord, there's more than one of them.

Tags: diamonds, gold, leopard, leopard print, LeopardPrint, Rolex, Rolex Daytona, RolexDaytona, sapphires

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

Readers' Choice Award Nominees for Best in Accessories

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

Best Jewelry Line
Each of the Readers' Choice nominees for Best Jewelry Line is a leader in the industry. One is not only known for its signature jewelry, but also for the blue box that it comes in. Another is known for its handcrafted pieces, but it is also known for its many innovations. Another nominee is a newer designer on the scene who is inspired by Florentine jewelry-making, but also astronomy, celestial, mythological and astrological influences. Another nominee is synonymous with glamour and fame and has ties to some of the world's most famous jewels. Finally, there's a nominee known for the panache of its founder, as well as its vast collection of the world's finest diamonds.
Graff Diamonds
Harry Winston
Temple St. Clair
Tiffany & Co.
Van Cleef & Arpels

Best Watch Line
The Readers' Choice for the Best Watch Line nominees include a perennially favored brand among the watch-loving elite that is known for making the most complex wrist watch in the world. Another nominee is known for its functionally-themed luxury sport watches. The third nominee, while an historic brand with almost 200 years of heritage, is known for being a forward focused luxury watch maker of the future. A fourth nominee is perhaps the best-known luxury watch brand in the world, with a stellar reputation to match. Lastly, there's a watchmaker that epitomizes Swiss haute horology with its modern classics and technical innovation.
Audemars Piguet
IWC
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Patek Philippe
Rolex

Best Leathergoods Line
The Readers' Choice for the Best Leathergoods Line for a Luxist Award include award-winning brands from France, Italy and London. One started out making equestrian equipment in 1837, and still makes its goods by hand; some of its handbags are so coveted, there's a two-year long wait list to buy one. Another was started in London by a former fashion editor who partnered with a couture shoe maker to create a company now synonymous with the "red carpet". The third nominee is known for its clean lines and simple classic color palettes while the fourth is a global force of tradition and innovation. And finally, the last nominee epitomizes luxury with its delectable designer bags and vaunted luggage--some of which command five figure prices.
Bottega Veneta
Gucci
Hermes
Jimmy Choo
Louis Vuitton

Best Department Store/Boutique
Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best Department Store/Boutique include one based in London that has no fewer than 330 different departments, a staff of 5,000 from 50 different countries and is visited by as many as 300,000 people on a single day. Another, with roots in Texas, is known for its superior customer service, in addition to its luxury merchandise, including some of the world's most extravagant items. One New York-based store has a shoe department that is so large, it was given its own zip code. Another Manhattan-based store specializes in hard-to-find international designers, many of which it will help launch into fame. Lastly, there's an upstart from London that is so cutting-edge and up-to-date, it launches 300 new styles on a weekly basis.
Barneys New York
Harrods
Neiman Marcus
Saks Fifth Avenue
Top Shop

Best Clothing Designer
Readers' Choice nominees for Best Clothing Designer are award-winning fashion designers from Italy, England, France and the United States. One was started by a wunderkind who was named chief designer of one of the most respected fashion houses when he was still in his 20's. Another has been one of the leading names in fashion for nearly 100 years. A third nominee, known for its timeless style, has outfitted First Ladies on both sides of the aisle for decades while the fourth is famed for its understated elegance. The final nominee is synonymous with high fashion though its roots are in luggage and leather goods.
Alexander McQueen
Chanel
Gucci
Oscar de la Renta
Prada

Tags: accessories-award, alexander mcqueen, AlexanderMcqueen, audemars piguet, AudemarsPiguet, awards-main, barneys, barneys new york, BarneysNewYork, bottega veneta, BottegaVeneta, chanel, graff diamonds, GraffDiamonds, gucci, harrods, harry winston, HarryWinston, hermes, iwc, jaeger lecoultre, jaegerlecoultre, jimmy choo, JimmyChoo, louis vuitton, LouisVuitton, luxist-awards, neiman marcus, NeimanMarcus, oscar de la renta, OscarDeLaRenta, patek philippe, PatekPhilippe, prada, rolex, saks fifth avenue, SaksFifthAvenue, temple st. clair, TempleSt.Clair, tiffany Co., TiffanyCo., top shop, TopShop, van cleef and arpels, van cleef arpels, VanCleefAndArpels, VanCleefArpels, winners-accessories

Customized Rolex Watches With Black DLC

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The used Rolex watch market is robust and maybe even a bit crowded. Why? Because pre-owned Rolex watches are big business given the fact that Rolex watches have such an incredible ability to retain value. Still, it is sometimes hard to justify buying an older model when new models exist. One good way to breathe life into older, good condition Rolex watches is to modify or customize them. That way you aren't one of legions of people who have the exact same Rolex watch.

Rolex modification is a growing segment in the watch market with retailers offering everything from brand new Rolex watches that have been modified, to performing such modifications on used models. Many of these modifications have been around for years. Often involving the addition of extra gold or precious jewels such as diamonds to the watch. Recently such modifications have taken a less "blingy" route to offering modified Rolex models that have altered colors and materials. Opinions vary as to the desirability of modified Rolex watches - the same way people argue against the modification of luxury cars. Keep the Mercedes Benz stock, or take it to Brabus for a hot horsepower injection?

Of the most popular trends in Rolex watch modding is the "all black look." Never has there been a factory black Rolex watch (to my knowledge). Thus, the market has met (assumed) demand and offering everything from high priced new Rolex watches with all sorts of black colored modifications, to doing the same to pre-owned Rolex watches. The latter being a better value than the highly limited new modified Rolex watches that are tough to get by all (except a host of celebrities who are gobbling up customized Rolex watches fast enough to make you think Rolex is suddenly shifting to making wallpaper). Producers of new stock Rolex watches can charge double or more than retail for the timepieces.

Modified Rolex watches (new or used) are only as good as the work put into them. The process is harder than it seems. So look carefully, and know what you are looking for. The most popular forms of black color treatment are either PVD or DLC coatings (the latter being more modern, but not as well refined in all instances as the much more common PVD treatment) Time and Gems, an outfit located in Los Angeles offers a host of modified or otherwise custom altered Rolex watches. Time and Gems is not an authorized Rolex dealer, but instead specializes in the sale of used Rolex timepieces. They have recently got into the modded Rolex game and offer up a growing selection of DLC (and PVD) black Rolex Submariners, Sea-Dwellers, GMT Masters, Explorers, Milgausses, and more. The image above is of a Time and Gems DLC black Rolex Submariner watch (priced at $6,500). While modified pre-owned Rolex watches cost more than unmodified Rolex watches, they are arguably more interesting, and clearly involve a good deal of work. You can see black DLC Rolex watches from Time and Gems here.

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

Tags: black, custom, DLC, modified, pvd, Rolex, submariner, time and gems, TimeAndGems, watch

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

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”

Rolex: Classics for Generations

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

No list of luxury watch brands would be complete without Rolex, which is nominated for a Luxist Award. After all, it is the most well-known luxury watch brand in the world. With a reputation more solid than platinum, Rolex watches have been said to be "as good as money" not only in looks, but in retaining value. The Rolex secret is in continuous refinement of models that are each classics unto themselves. Rolex rarely releases a totally new model, but rather keeps tweaking watches that are demanded time and time again, generation after generation.

Rolex watches such as the Submariner, GMT Master II, Daytona, and Datejust all have something in common. In addition to superior levels of construction and reliability, they have the unique ability to look good on most any wrist. The universal luxury brand also has universally looks good. With Rolex, being conservative is one of their key assets.
Being fanatical about quality has helped Rolex garner their reputation as a producer of extremely well made mechanical movements, all made and developed in-house. While their most complex movement currently made is only a chronograph, the movements are considered highly reliable. Outside, Rolex uses the finest metals and alloys to produce their world famous looks.

While Rolex timepieces aren't the most expensive luxury watches, they hands down have a name that is worth the most. No well-rounded watch collection is complete without one, and wearing a Rolex affords you respect no matter who you are with.

Cast your vote for the Readers' Choice Awards at http://www.luxist.com/awards-vote/accessories-awards.

Tags: accessories-award, awards-main, luxist-awards, Rolex, rolex daytona, rolex submariner, RolexDaytona, RolexSubmariner, watches

Renowned Diver's Rolex Collection Up for Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions, Sports

Antiquorum's auction on On December 9th in New York will include an exceptional collection of Rolex watches formerly owned by world renowned record holding diver Patrice Chemin. Chemin joined Comex in the early 1970's and was selected to participate in several hyperbaric experimental dives including Physalie V, a world record dive at 530 m (1706 ft) in 1970, and Physalie VI at 610m (2001 ft) in 1972 – a world record that he held for 11 years. His collection includes a Rolex 'Comex' Ref. 5514, a Rolex 'Double Red' Sea-Dweller and a Rolex 'Comex' Ref. 168000. The Rolex Comex Ref. 5514 (above) is a very rare stainless steel diver's wristwatch with first generation helium escapement valve and a 'maxi' dial. It is being offered along with Mr. Chemin's diving helmet with an estimate of $40,000 - $ 60,000. The 'Double Red' SeaDweller from 1972 is estimated at $25,000 - $45,000.

Tags: Antiquorum, Comex, diving, Patrice Chemin, PatriceChemin, Rolex

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