“American Express Debuts Twitter Tool” (MediaPost) 

Expanding its social media services, American Express OPEN forum has launched a new tool allowing small businesses owners to share Twitter posts through the site. The new feature, dubbed Pulse, will display tweets from OPEN forum members through an applications programming interface (API) and help them promote themselves and connect with other small businesses.

“Fashion 2.0 | Social Media Reality Check” (Business of Fashion)

Ever since the dynamic and erudite young fashion blogger Tavi appeared at the runway shows in New York this past September, the fashion industry has partaken in a veritable social media orgy. Article after article rightfully declared the 13 year-old blogger and her talented fashion blogger brothers and sisters — BryanBoy, Susie Bubble and others — the new fashion stars.

“Will Pent-up Demand Drives Sales?” (WWD)

The positive effects of perceived pent-up consumer demand could be lost in the Great Tradedown. Analysts and economists agree shoppers are getting tired of reining in spending. But even with their self-control weakening, a budget-breaking spree seems unlikely. Consumers are more likely to shop the off-price channel, snatch up discounted goods or treat themselves to a special gift. 

“At Rolex, a Year of Challenges” (NY Times)

Heading into the end of a difficult year, in which it has confronted a sudden change of leadership and declining sales worldwide, Rolex, perhaps the most immediately recognized name in Swiss watchmaking, remains bullish about the future.

“Tweeting Celebs Hawk Products for Profit” (MarketingVOX)

A growing number of marketers are using a burgeoning group of celebrities, bloggers and popular internet users to send ad messages to their personal followings on Twitter. Services such as Ad.ly, Izea, and Peer2 are paying popular and well-known users to send short messages of advertising text via their social networking profiles.

As we told you last week, the small selection of the Porsche watch collection that Bonham’s exhibited at SalonQP was enough to entice Straight-Six and The Prodigal Fool to clear the decks on 2 December. We pretty much decided in the taxi on the way back from the event that we had to be at the auction. A week or so later, a day’s holiday from our day jobs was booked and a lunch reservation at Scott’s was secured.

Yes, that’s right, we’re off to our first proper watch auction and we’re doing it in style.

Truth be told, we’re not expecting to come away with anything other than a better understanding of how auctions work and a long list of losing bids. There will, we suspect, be watch fans in the room with deeper pockets than ours.

But that’s no reason not to be serious about it. So, in Prodigal style, we’re pleased to share with you our carefully considered shopping list:

Lot #10: IWC Fliegeruhr Doppelchronograph (2006)

We’ve had something of a penchant for IWC’s pilot’s chromos for a long time. The rattrapante mechanism and ceramic case of this one add to its already considerable appeal.

Lot #59: Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox (1940s)

We’ve already recommended this as a potential bargain. The Memovox is a true classic. The lineage with today’s models and the interest of the alarm mechanism guarantee this watch a place on our list.

Lot #148: Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris (1960)

This is our favourite thing in the sale. We’d absolutely love to be taking this puppy home. We loved last year’s Tribute to Polaris but here’s an opportunity to own the real thing and with the added bonus of an association with the Porsche collection. The £5,000 – £7,000 estimate that Bonham’s have put on it strikes us as too low. We’ll see what it goes for on the day.

Lot #223: Rolex Explorer (1958)

We already own a couple of classic Rolex sports watches but the Explorer has so far escaped us. And if you’re going to have an Explorer, you really owe it to yourself to have a vintage one. Rolex at its simplest, most rugged best. A class act.

Lot #280: Rolex Explorer (1966)

Ahem, see previous entry. The additional interest here is the condition of this particular watch. It looks flawless and comes with original box and full papers.

We’re not suggesting for a second that this list represents the best of the auction. They just happen to be the pieces that caught our eye given our tastes and the existing pieces in our collection.

If you’re a watch fan, regardless of whether you’re taking part in the auction or not, we thoroughly recommend devoting half an hour or so to browsing the online catalogue. It’s a joy.

ROLEX LADY DATEJUST DAMEN-ARMBAND-UHR STAHL-GOLD TOPUHR, Rolex, Lady, Datejust, Damen, Armband, Uhr, Stahl, Gold, Juwelier, Ankauf, Verkauf, Uhr, Uhren, Armbanduhr, Armbanduhren, Sammler, Automatik, Handaufzug, Quartz, Quarz, Chronograph, Chronometer, Kaliber, Sekunde, Minute, Stunde, Datum, Armband, Schließe, Edelstahl, Stahlgold, Stahl, Gold, Gelbgold, Weißgold, Platin, Handel, Shop, Ankauf Uhren, Uhren Ankauf, Uhrenankauf, Uhrankauf, Uncategorized, Blogroll,

unser Preis: 3210 Euro

(ev. alte Preise bzw verkaufter Artikel)

Luxus-Armbanduhr:
mit Wert-Gutachten / Echtheits-Zertifikat

Original Rolex :

Größe:  Damen-Armbanduhr
Uhr-Typ:  Rolex Lady Datejust
    Oyster Perpetual Date
    Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Swiss Made
Typnummer / Referenz-Nummer:  69173
Seriennummer:  E798782
Gehäuse:  Edelstahl / Gelbgold 18 Karat / 750
Band / Schließe:  Jubilé / Jubilee Sport-Armband
    mit Faltschließe
    in der Klappe fein längenverstellbar
    Edelstahl / Gelbgold 18 Karat / 750
Uhr-Werk:  Automatik
Chronometer,  Chronometer-Gangschein-Zertifikat liegt bei
    um die begehrte Bezeichnung Chronometer zu erhalten, müssen die
    strengen Prüfungen des Schweizer Prüfinstitutes COSC / C.O.S.C.
    (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) bestanden werden.
    Diese Offizielle Schweizerische Chronometerkontrolle prüft z.B. die
    Ganggenauigkeit in 5 Positionen bei Temperaturen von 8, 23 und
     38 Grad Celsius während 15 Tagen und Nächten
Anzeige von Stunde, Minute, zentraler Sekunde, Sekundenstopp
Datums-Anzeige mit Schnell-Datumseinstellung
Krone:  verschraubt, Triplock, geriffelte Einstellkrone / Aufzugskrone
Safirglas / Saphirglas / Mineralglas
    mit aufgesetzter Datums-Lupe
Gehäuse:  hochglanzpoliert und teils mattiert / satiniert / geschliffen
Zifferblatt:  gold
    mit aufgesetzten Gold-Indexen
    Leuchtpunkte / Leucht-Indexe
    sehr schöner feiner strahlenförmiger Sonnenschliff
Zeiger:  Gold, Leucht-Zeiger (Zeiger mit Leuchtmasse)
Lünette:  gerippt, hochglanzpoliert
Gehäuse-Breite (mit Krone):  28,8 mm
Gehäuse-Breite (ohne Krone):  26,0 mm
Ansatz-Breite:  13 mm
für Armumfang bis zu 17,0 cm
für Längenänderung sind 5 geschraubte Glieder im Band
Kaufdatum:  26.08.1992 
Original Rolex Zertifikat / Garantiekarte vorhanden
    mit Chronometer-Zertifikat vorhanden
Original Rolex Bedienungsanleitung vorhanden
Original Rolex Uhrenbox / Verpackung vorhanden
Original Rolex Überkarton vorhanden
Alle Funktionen intakt
Wasserdicht
Erhaltung:  fast Neuzustand
    keinerlei Kratzer oder ähnliches
    sieht praktisch aus wie neu gekauft

Echtheit und Wert:

Neues Echtheits-Zertifikat / Wert-Gutachten ist vorhanden
    und wird mitgeliefert (als ausführlicher Laborbericht,
    gerichtsverwertbar und von Versicherungen anerkannt).

unverbindliche Preisempfehlung laut Gutachten:

5.460 Euro  (Preisliste März 2008)

Bei älteren Preislisten oder bei älterem Preis-Stand ist zu
berücksichtigen, dass der Artikel inzwischen einen höheren Wert hat
durch die üblichen laufenden Preiserhöhungen der Hersteller.

unser Preis: 3210 Euro

(ev. alte Preise bzw verkaufter Artikel)

hier klicken zur Original-Seite :
ROLEX LADY DATEJUST DAMEN-ARMBAND-UHR STAHL-GOLD TOPUHR

derzeit lieferbarer Schmuck, Diamanten und
Armband-Uhren bitte HIER KLICKEN

Gewerbegruppe Gunar Mayer Fahrner GmbH

www.juwelenmarkt.de:  Informationen und Gelegenheiten
Schmuck und Diamanten und Luxus-Armband-Uhren
Gesellschaftssitz Brunnthal    Geschäftsführer: Gunar Mayer
Lärchenstr.14    85649 Brunnthal
Telefon: 08104-88899-25    Fax: -24    1@ggm1.de
Handelsregister B Amtsgericht München HRB 159434
Steuernr.: 143/140/80026    UID-Nr.: DE814570759

Rolex, Lady, Datejust, Damen, Armband, Uhr, Stahl, Gold, Juwelier, Ankauf http://www.diamant-versteigerung.de http://www.zuchtperlenketten.eu Ankauf Uhren Uhrenankauf Rolex Breitling Cartier Chopard Patek Moral Juwelier & Ankauf – Gewerbegruppe Gunar Mayer Fahrner GmbH – Facebook http://www.gunar.eu http://www.schmuck-markt.eu http://www.topjuwelen.de http://www.diamantensonderangebote.de http://www.uhr-ankauf.de Armband-Uhren Rolex Cartier Patek Breitling Chopard Ebel ROLEX LADY DATEJUST DAMEN-ARMBAND-UHR STAHL-GOLD TOPUHR

Une excellente parodie de la chanson “Félicie aussi”. Bon week-end à tous !

What is the origin of Rolex’s huge popularity amongst the hip hop industry? Who started this trend?

Rolex first came to prominence in the hip hop world during the beginning of the “bling” era in the mid 1990’s. Hip hop was always known to be about marketing a persona as much as the lyrics and musical capabilities of the artist. In order to achieve a persona that was larger than life and successful many hip hop artists started sporting very expensive and boastful jewelry in the mid 1980’s. Around the same time rolex watches become extremely popular among the newly wealthy “yuppie” crowd in New York City. This young nouveu rich community set a trend that was copied around the country and the world that made Rolex watches the new status symbol.
It took a few years for this connection to be made among the hip hop community and the trend started by the “yuppies” but it was popularized and threaded into the fabric of hip hop culture with the huge hit by the Notorious B.I.G., “mo’ money mo’ problems”

In this iconic song the line “throw your rollies in the sky, and wave them side to side” cemented the rolex as a staple in hip hop culture. Now every rapper that wanted to show that he has “made it” and is successful must own at least one rolex.
The only problem with this is that many rappers simply did not have the sufficient cash flow to keep up with this quite expensive trend. This has lead to many aspiring and up and coming hip hop stars to sport the latest replica watches and replica jewelry. Again, in hip hop, building a persona and image is a big part of the game. If they can’t afford the real thing then the next best option is a high quality replica.

It’s no secret that the last 18 months have posed some challenging questions to the luxury market and responses from the major brands have varied.  However there are 2 brands – Hermes and Rolex – both extremely influential bench marks, who are refusing to pander to the economic forces of the markets.  Both CEOs have come forward in the last few days stating their intention to avoid ‘masstige’ – selling more at the expense of brand positioning or succumbing to downwards pricing pressure.

This is the kind of statement you’d expect from from both brands, but it raises an interesting question about the way in which such brands deploy social media.  Neither Hermes or Rolex have been particularly active on this front and they are wise to consider their entrances carefully to maintain their anti-masstige stance.

Against all the odds, we made it back from our little jaunt to Geneva in time to attend SalonQP earlier this month. And the first people we stumbled across upon entering One Marylebone were the good folks at Bonham’s. Their stand was the first one we visited, the one we were still loitering on when security finally threw us out at the end of the night, and the one we came back to most often in between.

Here’s why.

It’s something of an understatement to say that Straight-Six had been fretting somewhat since last month when he spent the kind of money that most people lavish on a new car on just two very old looking timepieces. His vintage Rolex Submariner was the one he was most concerned about. Was the bezel original? Had the luminescent pearl been reapplied? Had the dial been tampered with? Did the hands match the dial? These are the sorts of – very understandable – concerns that plague the amateur who dips his unsuspecting toe into the deep and rather murky waters of vintage Rolex collecting. So, it definitely got SalonQP off to a great start when Paul Maudsley, the head of Bonham’s Watches and Wristwatches Department, inspected it thoroughly then looked up decisively from his magnifying glass to confirm its authenticity and value it at more than Straight-Six had paid for it. The relief was palpable.

The second reason we spent so much time with Bonham’s can be summed up in just two words: Arno Haslinger. We didn’t know Arno before that night, hadn’t even heard his name. And, at first meeting him, there was no hint of the depths of his fanaticism – both watch-related and, as it later turned out, automotive.

Arno was working the Bonham stand. He helpfully showed us the various pieces that they had on display, providing insightful commentary on each. As he concluded his tour of their stand, we lingered on the TAG Heuer display. They were showing a couple of classic models (the original Monaco and other chronographs) and a huge coffee table book on the history of the brand. We asked Arno about the book (Heuer Chronographs, Editions Callwey). He told us that “this guy” had devoted 10 years to researching and collecting one example of every single classic Heuer chronograph model – 114 in total. “This guy” then photographed them and documented them in his book but was putting the watches themselves up for auction.

As Arno began flicking through the pages and talking us through some of the amazing anecdotes behind various models in – rather suspicious and almost excruciating – detail, we couldn’t help asking “how do you accumulate so much knowledge about the watches you auction?” Shyly, he confessed “I wrote the book.” We don’t think he would have mentioned it had we not pushed him.

It turns out he’s selling his collection because, having found and documented every watch, he feels it’s time to move on to something else. “What will you turn your attention to now?” we asked, almost afraid of the answer. “I’m thinking about vintage TransAms” he replied deadpan. We searched his face for some tiny sign that he might be joking. We couldn’t find any. The world needs more eccentric, self-effacing and fanatical people like Arno. It was a pleasure chatting to him.

The third reason we fell for the Bonham’s stand is their 2 December sale. They’re auctioning off some fantastic pieces that belong to the Porsche family and were previewing some of them at SalonQP. All the proceeds are going to charity. The standout in our view was the original Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris. We simply adore this watch. It has originality and character in spades and is also so obviously the father of every JLC sports model in production today. A true classic.

Tune in next week when we’ll be bringing you our full shopping list for Wednesday’s sale.

ROLEX EXPLORER 2 OYSTER-LOCK DATE CHRONOMETER ST TOPUHR, Rolex, Explorer, Oyster, Lock, Date, Chronometer, St, Juwelier, Ankauf, Verkauf, Uhr, Uhren, Armbanduhr, Armbanduhren, Sammler, Automatik, Handaufzug, Quartz, Quarz, Chronograph, Chronometer, Kaliber, Sekunde, Minute, Stunde, Datum, Armband, Schließe, Edelstahl, Stahlgold, Stahl, Gold, Gelbgold, Weißgold, Platin, Handel, Shop, Ankauf Uhren, Uhren Ankauf, Uhrenankauf, Uhrankauf, Uncategorized, Blogroll,

unser Preis: 2921 Euro

(ev. alte Preise bzw verkaufter Artikel)

Luxus-Armbanduhr:
mit Wert-Gutachten / Echtheits-Zertifikat

Original Rolex :

Größe:  Herren-Armbanduhr
Uhr-Typ:  Rolex Explorer 2
    Oyster Perpetual Date
    Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Swiss Made
Typnummer / Referenz-Nummer:  16570
Seriennummer:  A322424
Gehäuse:  Edelstahl
Band / Schließe:  Oysterlock Sport-Armband
    mit Faltschließe
    mit Sicherheits-Überwurfbügel
    in der Klappe fein längenverstellbar
    Edelstahl
Uhr-Werk:  Automatik
Chronometer,  Chronometer-Zertifikat liegt bei
    um die begehrte Bezeichnung Chronometer zu erhalten, müssen die
    strengen Prüfungen des Schweizer Prüfinstitutes COSC / C.O.S.C.
    (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) bestanden werden.
    Diese Offizielle Schweizerische Chronometerkontrolle prüft z.B. die
    Ganggenauigkeit in 5 Positionen bei Temperaturen von 8, 23 und
     38 Grad Celsius während 15 Tagen und Nächten
Anzeige von Stunde, Minute, zentraler Sekunde, Sekundenstopp
Datums-Anzeige mit Schnell-Datumseinstellung
    über die Schnell-Stunden-Einstellung
Besonderheiten:  Lünette mit gravierter schwarzer 24 Stunden-Einteilung
    separat einstellbarer 12-Stunden-Zeiger
        ohne Unterbrechung der genauen Zeitanzeige
    nach dem Aufdrehen der Krone ist in der Zwischenstellung der
         Stundenzeiger in beiden Richtungen in Stundenabschnitten
         zu bewegen – damit auch Datumseinstellung möglich
    der rote 24-Stunden-Zeiger wird auf der Lünette abgelesen
Krone:  verschraubt, Triplock, geriffelte Einstellkrone / Aufzugskrone
Safirglas / Saphirglas / Mineralglas
    mit aufgesetzter Datums-Lupe
Gehäuse:  hochglanzpoliert und teils mattiert / satiniert / geschliffen
Zifferblatt:  schwarz
    mit aufgesetzten Indexen mit Leuchtmasse
Zeiger:  Stahl, Leucht-Zeiger (Zeiger mit Leuchtmasse)
Nocken zum Schutz der Aufzugskrone
Gehäuse-Breite (mit Krone):  42,0 mm
Ansatz-Breite:  20 mm
für Armumfang bis zu 19,7 cm
für Längenänderung sind 5 geschraubte Glieder im Band
Kaufdatum:  23.07.1999 
Original Rolex Zertifikat / Garantiekarte vorhanden
    mit Chronometer-Zertifikat vorhanden
Original Rolex Bedienungsanleitung vorhanden
Original Wempe Garantiekarte vorhanden
Original Wempe Übersicht  vorhanden
Original Rolex Uhrenbox / Verpackung vorhanden
Original Rolex Überkarton vorhanden
Alle Funktionen intakt
Wasserdicht laut Hersteller:
    bis 100 Meter / 333 feet / 10 Bar (ATM, Atmosphäre)
Erhaltung:  Neuzustand
    keinerlei Kratzer oder ähnliches
    lag anscheinend als Geldanlage fast nur im Tresor
    sieht praktisch aus wie neu gekauft
    das Band ist ganz straff und überhaupt nicht ausgeleiert

Echtheit und Wert:

Neues Echtheits-Zertifikat / Wert-Gutachten ist vorhanden
    und wird mitgeliefert (als ausführlicher Laborbericht,
    gerichtsverwertbar und von Versicherungen anerkannt).

unverbindliche Preisempfehlung laut Gutachten:

4.520 Euro  (Preisliste März 2008)

Bei älteren Preislisten oder bei älterem Preis-Stand ist zu
berücksichtigen, dass der Artikel inzwischen einen höheren Wert hat
durch die üblichen laufenden Preiserhöhungen der Hersteller.

unser Preis: 2921 Euro

(ev. alte Preise bzw verkaufter Artikel)

hier klicken zur Original-Seite :
ROLEX EXPLORER 2 OYSTER-LOCK DATE CHRONOMETER ST TOPUHR

derzeit lieferbarer Schmuck, Diamanten und
Armband-Uhren bitte HIER KLICKEN

Gewerbegruppe Gunar Mayer Fahrner GmbH

www.juwelenmarkt.de:  Informationen und Gelegenheiten
Schmuck und Diamanten und Luxus-Armband-Uhren
Gesellschaftssitz Brunnthal    Geschäftsführer: Gunar Mayer
Lärchenstr.14    85649 Brunnthal
Telefon: 08104-88899-25    Fax: -24    1@ggm1.de
Handelsregister B Amtsgericht München HRB 159434
Steuernr.: 143/140/80026    UID-Nr.: DE814570759

Rolex, Explorer, Oyster, Lock, Date, Chronometer, St, Juwelier, Ankauf, Verkauf http://www.ankauf-gold-schmuck.de http://www.diamant-spannringe.de Ankauf Uhren Uhrenankauf Rolex Breitling Cartier Chopard Patek Moral JUWELENMARKT Bookmarks Delicious – Juwelier Ankauf – Diamanten Schmuck Uhren http://www.tahitiperlen.eu http://www.fassungen.eu http://www.topjuwelen.de http://www.diamanten-discount.de http://www.diamantverkauf.eu Armband-Uhren Rolex Cartier Patek Breitling Chopard Ebel ROLEX EXPLORER 2 OYSTER-LOCK DATE CHRONOMETER ST TOPUHR

The Crew looks to be on the next up, and we know Triwa is on the move to be just that.

Triwa is a contemporary watch label that combines modern materials and  bold colors with classic silhouettes and unique designs. They remix Rolex styles, made in color and lightweight plastics. The Holiday 2009 collection includes three colors in the Grand Dandy – an Air King style silhouette with a dropped date counter – alongside two colors in a chronograph style watch.  Peep a few pics below.

via High Snobiety.

ROLEX YACHTMASTER 40mm DATE GELBGOLD NEUZUSTAND GEPRÜFT, Rolex, Yachtmaster, Date, Gelbgold, Juwelier, Ankauf, Verkauf, Uhr, Uhren, Armbanduhr, Armbanduhren, Sammler, Automatik, Handaufzug, Quartz, Quarz, Chronograph, Chronometer, Kaliber, Sekunde, Minute, Stunde, Datum, Armband, Schließe, Edelstahl, Stahlgold, Stahl, Gold, Gelbgold, Weißgold, Platin, Handel, Shop, Ankauf Uhren, Uhren Ankauf, Uhrenankauf, Uhrankauf, Uncategorized, Blogroll,

unser Preis: 12110 Euro

(ev. alte Preise bzw verkaufter Artikel)

Luxus-Armbanduhr:
mit Wert-Gutachten / Echtheits-Zertifikat

Original Rolex :

Größe:  Herren-Armbanduhr
Uhr-Typ:  Rolex Yachtmaster / Yacht-Master / Yacht Master 40mm
    Oyster Perpetual Date
    Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, Swiss Made
Typnummer / Referenz-Nummer:  16628
Seriennummer:  T207321
Gehäuse:  Gelbgold 18 Karat / 750
Band / Schließe:  Oyster Sport-Uhrarmband
    mit Oysterlock-Verschluss / Oysterclasp-Schließe
    mit Falt-Schließe
    mit Sicherheits-Überwurfbügel
    in der Klappe in der Länge fein verstellbar
    Gelb-Gold 18 Karat / 750
Uhr-Werk:  Automatik
Chronometer,  Chronometer-Zertifikat liegt bei
    um die begehrte Bezeichnung Chronometer zu erhalten, müssen die
    strengen Prüfungen des Schweizer Prüfinstitutes COSC / C.O.S.C.
    (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) bestanden werden.
    Diese Offizielle Schweizerische Chronometerkontrolle prüft z.B. die
    Ganggenauigkeit in 5 Positionen bei Temperaturen von 8, 23 und
     38 Grad Celsius während 15 Tagen und Nächten
Anzeige von Stunde, Minute, zentraler Sekunde, Sekundenstopp
Datumsanzeige mit Schnelldatumseinstellung
Besonderheiten:  beidseitig drehbare Lünette
Krone:  verschraubt, Triplock, geriffelte Einstellkrone / Aufzugskrone
Safirglas / Saphirglas / Mineralglas
    mit aufgesetzter Datumslupe
Gehäuse:  hochglanzpoliert und teils mattiert / satiniert / geschliffen
Zifferblatt:  emailleweiß
    mit aufgesetzten Goldindexen mit schwarzen Füllungen
    dreieckige Leuchtpunkte / Leuchtindexe
Zeiger:  Gold, Leucht-Zeiger (Zeiger mit Leuchtmasse)
Lünette:  seitlich gerippt,  beidseitig drehbar
    mit Graduierung im Relief der Goldlünette:
    erhabene arabische Zahlen und Indexe der Sekunden
Nocken zum Schutz der Aufzugskrone
Gehäuse-Breite (mit Krone):  44,2 mm
Lünetten-Durchmesser:  40,1 mm
Ansatz-Breite:  20 mm
für Armumfang bis zu 19,3 cm
für Längenänderung sind 5 geschraubte Glieder im Band
Original Rolex Chronometer-Zertifikat vorhanden
Original Rolex Beschreibung vorhanden
Original Rolex Siegel vorhanden
Original Rolex Uhrenbox / Verpackung vorhanden
    sehr exklusiv / repräsentativ und sehr groß
Original Rolex Überkarton vorhanden
Original Rolex grüner Rückdeckelaufkleber
    noch vorhanden, aber berieben
Alle Funktionen intakt
Wasserdicht laut Hersteller:
    bis 100 Meter / 333 feet / 10 Bar (ATM, Atmosphäre)
Erhaltung:  Neuzustand
    keinerlei Kratzer oder ähnliches
    gar nicht oder nur ein Paar Mal getragen oder anprobiert
    lag anscheinend als Geldanlage nur im Tresor
    sieht praktisch aus wie neu gekauft

Echtheit und Wert:

Neues Echtheits-Zertifikat / Wert-Gutachten ist vorhanden
    und wird mitgeliefert (als ausführlicher Laborbericht,
    gerichtsverwertbar und von Versicherungen anerkannt).

unverbindliche Preisempfehlung laut Gutachten:

19.060 Euro  (Preisliste März 2008)

Bei älteren Preislisten oder bei älterem Preis-Stand ist zu
berücksichtigen, dass der Artikel inzwischen einen höheren Wert hat
durch die üblichen laufenden Preiserhöhungen der Hersteller.

unser Preis: 12110 Euro

(ev. alte Preise bzw verkaufter Artikel)

hier klicken zur Original-Seite :
ROLEX YACHTMASTER 40mm DATE GELBGOLD NEUZUSTAND GEPRÜFT

derzeit lieferbarer Schmuck, Diamanten und
Armband-Uhren bitte HIER KLICKEN

Gewerbegruppe Gunar Mayer Fahrner GmbH

www.juwelenmarkt.de:  Informationen und Gelegenheiten
Schmuck und Diamanten und Luxus-Armband-Uhren
Gesellschaftssitz Brunnthal    Geschäftsführer: Gunar Mayer
Lärchenstr.14    85649 Brunnthal
Telefon: 08104-88899-25    Fax: -24    1@ggm1.de
Handelsregister B Amtsgericht München HRB 159434
Steuernr.: 143/140/80026    UID-Nr.: DE814570759

Rolex, Yachtmaster, Date, Gelbgold, Juwelier, Ankauf, Verkauf, Uhr, Uhren, Armbanduhr http://www.altgold-24.de http://www.platinschmuck.eu Ankauf Uhren Uhrenankauf Rolex Breitling Cartier Chopard Patek Moral Juwelier & Ankauf – Gewerbegruppe Gunar Mayer Fahrner GmbH – Facebook http://www.ankauf-zahngold.eu http://www.diamantankaufstelle.de http://www.topjuwelen.de http://www.uhr-ankauf.de http://www.diamantensonderangebote.de Armband-Uhren Rolex Cartier Patek Breitling Chopard Ebel ROLEX YACHTMASTER 40mm DATE GELBGOLD NEUZUSTAND GEPRÜFT

It looks like a pretty unexceptional watch, does it not? Except that the Tudor brand is Rolex’s more modest sister. Tudor was introduced by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf in 1946. The most important difference between Rolex and Tudor is that the Tudors do not have a Rolex manufactured movement, but a rather a modified ETA mechanism.

This is as close to owning a Rollie as I will ever get.

Fun Watch Facts:
1. Few watch companies make their own movements. the list of manufactures includes Rolex, Glashutte Original, Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux and Chopard. This kind of information probably only matters to crazy watch people and to people who are trying to justify spending too much money on a watch.

2. Many watch companies have less expensive lines. Bulova has Caravelle, Hamilton had Vantage, Benrus had Belforte. Secondary lines were mostly introduced to battle bargain brands like Timex. They frequently had non-Swiss movements to keep costs down.

Woke up fairly groggy from the night before and turned on the Weather Channel. I suppose I should have rolled out from under the covers and walked across the dreary, mostly yellow decorated room (the walls, carpet, furnishings all had various forms of that color – as do just about all La Quintas) lifted the window and looked outside, which revealed a cheery scene – it was so grey as to be almost dark and pouring rain.

The temperatures in the Dakotas were in the low 30’s and there was snow forecasted off and on for most of the week. I’ve ridden through plenty of weather but October snow in the Dakotas THEN having to ride across Wyoming, Colorado and Utah was an absolute deal breaker. So I looked at the radar and decided to head south and do my best to stay where the temps were in the 70’s and 80’s. It’s great having enough time to simply abandon your trip plans and re-route to other interesting locations and places. You have to be a bit of a free thinker to just point the bike in another direction and just go. Most people spend considerable time thinking about the route prior to leaving and to scrap it entirely can be very difficult.

This would be another day of slab. Running from the cold and the rain. You will notice that on the days were the weather was nasty or the trip mostly involved interstate there few pictures. Why record the pain of riding in the rain for 10 hours and the interstate in the mid-west all looks the same.

Somewhere in Kansas

More of the same but the weather is starting to improve. I love being able to look at the weather radar on my IPhone and plot routes that will take me out of the bad weather!

Somewhere in northeast Kansas I got on a Kansas Turnpike. Yes, I know that in a tip report you are supposed to post detailed route maps, Google Earth sat pictures, topo maps, and coordinates. You will have to forgive me as at this point I had only broadly figured out where I wanted to go. So detailed routes were not important to me. It was on this part of my trip I learned two interesting things. The first is to observe the nature of where you are. Kansas – Ok, what they have lots of in Kansas – WIDE OPEN SPACES. What else? Well not too many gas stations in the more rural parts. So when I got on this turnpike and banged the Futura into 6^th gear the low fuel warning light came on. Crap! That sucks. I stabbed a finger at the Garmin and told it to find me a gas station. 35 miles….. What’s the range of this thing when the light comes on? About that, maybe, I’m not sure. Options? Turning around? No, it’s a similar distance…. Crap. Well in for a penny. There was NOTHING on this stretch of highway. Absolutely nothing but farmland. I made it to the fist exit about 20 miles up the road. Nice smiling older woman in the toll booth. “Where is the closest gas mam?” About 15 miles down the road she replied. “Anything closer? I’m in a bad way with fuel” Nope she replied. So now I’m rolling down a road in the middle of nowhere IN the middle of nowhere. No idea where I stand with fuel but worried. Doing 55 now and coasting down hills. Heck I say to myself I’ll just ask at a farm house if I run out. Of course that assumes that there are farmhouses with people in them. There is absolutely no one around, no cars, no cows, nothing. Down a long straight the bike coughs and dies. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRG! Well I’ll figure this out and put down the kickstand and climb off. I take off my gloves and helmet and look around – silence and nothing. I walk around the front of the bike and crouch down to think looking at the front wheel. I’ve been off the bike in total for less than 2 minutes when over the hill come two Harley riders. Now this is the second thing I learned today. Although Harley guys usually won’t wave back at non Harley riders they absolutely WILL stop for another biker in distress. I’ve seen this now enough to be certain about it. So they pull up and I sheepishly tell them I ran out of gas. “Hop on” says one. So less than 4 minutes after running out of gas I’m on the back of a Harley headed towards a gas station! Talk about being grateful! Man!

It’s hard to hang on to the back of the bike as there is no back rest and I feel that any moment I might slide off, Then again I feel a bit weird about hanging on to someone I don’t know and most of all I’m worried about people seeing two six foot guys in black leather holding on to each other…. I’d rather fall off. Anyway, we get to the gas station where they have an unusually large supply of red plastic gas cans. So I buy one and fill it with gas and we toss it into the Harley’s saddle bag and head back to my bike. We chat a bit about riding and I tell him a good friend was raised in Lawrence, Kansas. This elicits a response as apparently he is from a rival town whose football teams face each other and he makes a few good natured insults about the smell in Lawrence, and why the football teams suck, etc.

We get back to my bike and I fill up and the bike immediately starts. One guy has a new Zumo and we compare it to my Nuvi. Almost identical displays and menus except of course, for the Zumo being waterproof. I cannot thank these guys enough for saving me and convince them to keep the gascan – as one says it might come in handy at some point and it fits perfectly in his saddle bag. I fire up the bike and head for the gas station vowing to go out of the way to help any other biker I see to return the favor – and many weeks later I will.

As you can see from the picture I finally rode out of the bad weather and it was actually starting to turn nice. I make it into Witchita early evening and try to find an affordable place to stay for the night. For whatever reason I decided to spend a bit more and hit a Courtyard Marriott. Fantastic room with a gigantic big screen HD TV, great view and bed. This is the only place I stayed during the entire trip that had “a free hot breakfast” that was actually worth a crap. Waiters and fresh juice and a breakfast buffett that was actually filled with food I wanted to eat. Packed up the bike and bid goodbye to Wichita.

Next – Wichita, Kansas to Amarillo, Texas

Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born July 24, 1969. Often nicknamed J.Lo, Jennifer Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, fashion designer and television producer. She is the richest person of Latin American descent in Hollywood according to Forbes, and the most influential Hispanic entertainer in the U.S. according to People en Español’s list of “100 Most Influential Hispanics”.

Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Lopez subsequently ventured into acting with Selena (1997), Out of Sight (1998) and Angel Eyes (2001), for all of which she won ALMA Awards for outstanding actress. She also appeared in The Cell (2000), The Wedding Planner (2001), Maid in Manhattan (2002), Shall We Dance? (2004) and Monster-in-Law (2005). She parlayed her media fame into a fashion line and various perfumes with her celebrity endorsement.
In 1999, Lopez released her debut studio album, On the 6. She followed it up with two number one albums on the Billboard 200, J.Lo (2001) and J to tha L-O!: The Remixes (2002). Her third studio album, This Is Me… Then (2002) peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 as well as her fourth studio album, Rebirth (2005). In 2007, Lopez released two albums including her first full Spanish-language album, Como Ama una Mujer and her fifth English studio album Brave. She won the 2003 American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and the 2007 American Music Award for Favorite Latin Artist. She has sold over 48 million albums worldwide.

[ Rolex at Interwatches ]

[ Rolex Official Web Site ]

[ Jennifer Lopez Official Web Site ]

The Rolex was not only the first ever watch to give the world the first ever hermetically-sealed waterproof watch – the Oyster – in 1962, but it was also one of the first brands to engage in celebrity endorsement by asking swimmer Mercedes Glietze to swim the English Channel while wearing one. These days Rolex is still delivering stunning timepieces that are high up on the Cosmograph Daytona with its Midas appeal and official-looking chronograph dials, but these designer watches you may have to save up, but it’s worth saving up for. We think your children will agree.

“Below and just to my right, tied to a stretcher and attached securely to the chopper’s skid, was the dead body of Che Guevara. On my wrist was his steel Rolex GMT Master with its red-and-blue bezel.  In my breast pocket, wrapped in paper from my loose leaf notebook, was the partially smoked tobacco from his last pipe.”

-So wrote former CIA officer, Felix Rodriguez of his final moments with Marxist Revolutionary Che Guevara, in his now famous book ‘Shadow Warrior/the CIA Hero of a Hundred Unknown Battles’.

Seth Grossman, Owner of High End Watch Discounters, http://www.Essential-Watches.com, is full of cool and interesting Rolex facts like this, proving that, unlike many Watch dealers, he’s not just out to make a buck, he’s a true Luxury Watch aficionado.  He adds: “you know, Felix Rodriguez lives in Miami these days, along with Che’s Rolex.” …Obviously he’s also into even the smallest details.

With over 15 years experience in high end Swiss & German Watches, Grossman has managed to grow what at first was a two man online operation, into a well established, highly reputable and hugely successful company, known worldwide.   Knowing how personal a timepiece can be, http://www.Essential-Watches.com also exists in the physical, a showroom attached to their Beverly Hills office, means that anyone seeking a more intimate watch buying experience is not left out.

“Bill Clinton loves Audemars Piguet; Harrison Ford’s a Breitling guy, while Beverly Hills local Larry King wears a Ulysse Nardin GMT”.  The staff at Essential-Watches make it their business to know exactly which brand and model the stars favor.  With their flagship located in the heart of Beverly Hills, it’s a question they’re asked often.

As surprising as it is to find a team so well versed, it’s even more surprising to see how low the prices at Essential-Watches are.  More often than not, prices on their huge inventory of Patek Philippe, Hublot, Rolex, Panerai, IWC…(the list goes on) watches are the lowest on the web.  The Essential Watches now-famous Trade-In option, also gives those looking to switch out watches, access to an even greater discount.

“We’ve been selling Discounted High-End Watches on the Internet for years, which has allowed us to create an enormous network of dealers, both Domestic and International.  Explains his right hand man, Fred Brown: “All of our suppliers are connected directly to us through The Essential Watches inventory database, allowing us to keep our prices accurate, while also comparing all separate vendors’ rates at one time.  That, coupled with the amazing relationships our Management and Watch Specialists have forged, ensures we are always able to offer the most up-to-date discounts available.”

Determined to provide accurate and efficient information to both his staff and Essential Watches customers it’s a program that Grossman designed himself, and the easy access to International Dealers has proved invaluable.  The Essential Watches team has certainly worked hard to earn their reputation as “Best Watch Dealers on The Web”, a reputation that hasn’t gone unnoticed.  A Better Business Bureau Accredited Business, Members of the coveted Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, and Members of the International Watch & Jewelry Guild (IWJG), Essential Watches is also an EBay Platinum Power Seller, with 100% positive feedback.

A quality retailer that knows the importance of “good old fashioned” business values, Essential Watches still seals many deals with a handshake.  At any given time in the day, at least one of Essential Watches’ Specialists is about town, personally picking up Rolex, Patek Phillipe and Audemars Piguet Watches, directly from Local Vendors.  It’s this kind of old school personal touch that’s won Grossman the business, and extra special discounts from his suppliers, discounts he then passes on to the customer.

Consistently keeping the lowest luxury watch prices available is a lot of work, but work that the team at Essential Watches seems to enjoy.  The quiet, calm and intimate Beverly Hills showroom does an impressive job of masking all the action going on behind the scenes.  Phones ringing, speed-typing, and negotiating of all types, in English, Spanish, Italian & Russian, only interrupted now and again by witty comments and inter-office banter.

If Owner, Seth Grossman is the back bone of Essential Watches, then this upbeat, fast paced office is the heart. Acknowledging the importance of not just diversity, but also variety in business, he’s handpicked a team of all ages, hailing from all across the globe.  While backgrounds may be different, what they all share is a passion for Fine Watches, Meeting people, and providing killer customer service.  The rest, Grossman jokes is taught at the “Seth Grossman University of High End Watches”.

Something else that makes Essential Watches stand out from the crowd?  Grossman’s team consists of even numbers of men and women.  He’s not about to support the popular notion that the watch business is just for men.  Pointing out that Rolex’s first celebrity endorser was a woman, 1927 English Channel swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, he adds that her campaign was used to illustrate the waterproof qualities of the Oyster Rolex, prompting the appearance of fish tanks in Rolex store fronts everywhere.

But these days, shoppers have more options than just purchasing in traditional stores.  Essential Watches is one business that caters to all your High End Watch buying needs. Whether a first time buyer, or longtime aficionado, Essential Watches has you covered.  If you prefer to purchase discount watches online, trade –in your Pre-Owned Rolex over the phone, or special request limited edition pieces in person, they’ll do all it takes to ensure your experience is as exquisite as the Watch you are purchasing.

Looking for a new High End Watch, or just looking to kill time online?

Visit http://www.Essential-Watches.com today,

Or their EBay store: http://stores.eBay.com/Essential-Watches.

To talk directly to an Essential Watches Watch Expert;

Call (310) 601-7264 or 1(800) 208-5207 -toll free.

Un pomeriggio di novembre come tanti trascorso tra le “vie dello shopping napoletano” come usasi definire quel guazzabuglio di lusso e creatività che va da via Calabritto e risale per via dei Mille passando per piazza dei Martiri ed uno scorcio di via Chiaia.

Il profumo di salsedine proveniente dal mare mischiato a quello dolciastro delle signore ingioiellate ed intabarrate nei loro soprabiti non può che rimandare alla tipica aria natalizia.

Nelle vetrine nulla che non si possa desiderare, dall’ombrello di Hermes da 850€ ai Rolex da oltre 10000€ passando per le immancabili borse Luis Vuitton da 1500€ e ed i giubbini Fay da 1000€ ciascuno. 

Si dirà, l’indossare abiti ed accessori griffati è soltanto una questione di gusto oltre che di portafoglio naturalmente.

Una spiegazione troppo semplicistica oltre che consolatoria per essere acriticamente accettata.

Volendo tralasciare solo per un attimo, l’utopia di una società di uguali, che cos’è che non va nel comportamento di chi, pur “senza colpa” possiede quello che un altro suo simile non avrà mai?

 Ho osservato a lungo gli avventori delle boutique del lusso e ciò che più mi ha colpito non sono stati  tanto i loro lussuosi averi ma il loro atteggiamento. Un intrinseco senso di superiorità verso chi “non può” caratterizzava quei volti tutti diversi eppure tutti uguali.

Come se la competenza degli individui, le loro peculiarità, il loro essere persone e non numeri, si misurasse con il parametro dei soldi e del potere. Come se il materialismo scansando in un colpo solo fin’anche lo stesso edonismo fosse divenuto l’unico dio al cui cospetto immolarsi. Come se l’esistere d’un tratto coincidesse con l’avere.

Quasi che la forma divenuta sostanza sostituisse il reale valore degli individui con la mera spocchia.

Avrei voluto fermarli, quegli automi goffi ed esanimi e gridargli in pieno volto che ciò che rende rispettabile un individuo non è la ricchezza che si indossa o le cariche che si riveste ma è semplicemente la propria dignità di essere umano.

Quella stessa dignità che ti consente di attribuire il giusto valore alle cose, di avere la consapevolezza che possedere un Rolex o una Luis Vuitton non è sintomatico di un essere migliore rispetto a chi non li acquisterà mai e non per scelta ma perché con quel danaro deve sfamarsi. Quella dignità che ti consente di porre un limite all’ingordigia di chi tutto può semplicemente perché nessuna materialità è per sempre.

Quella stessa dignità che ti porta ad interrogarti, dopo aver ceduto alla tentazione di un acquisto esoso, se in fondo è giusto un mondo dove convivono la gozzoviglia e la fame, la noia ed il desiderio, il vivere e il sopravvivere.

Un mondo in cui a chi muore con gli occhi aperti fa da contro altare chi, ignavo e melenso vivacchia con gli occhi chiusi.

Raffaele de Chiara

The exquisitely brilliant Rolex Day-Date belongs to the Oyster Perpetual collection of the Rolex line. This perfect wristwatch is well known for being as perfect as it looks, not only for its aesthetic but also for the way it workds.

Hans Eberhard Wilhelm Wilsdorf was born in Kulmbach, a tiny village 50 kilometres from Nuremberg in Bavaria in March 22, 1881. He came from a family of ironmongers, a business initially founded by his grandfather Carl Traugger Wilsdorf in 1842. After working in Geneva for Cuno Korten, the watch making company, he moved to London in 1903. Two years later, he was able to start his own watch business. When seeking for a partner, he met through his lawyer Alfred James Davis. The relationship was further strengthened when Davis married Wilsdorf’s younger sister. [ Read Full Rolex’s History at Interwatches.com's blog]

So, according to the way in which, just by naming the wristwatch makers, for us, their consumers, it evokes to a feeling of trust, its only a way of contribuiting to the company for their magnifiscent effort on the part of the company to deliver nothing but the best to its patrons. Every Rolex watch although exclusive in its character and beauty yet has a commonality threading it all along and that is its engineering finesse. Not only does the watch has a striking design and exterior it has great functional utility and an unfaltering watch mechanism within which is sturdy, dependable and amazing.

The Rolex President or Day-Date like the name suggests displays not only the date of the month but also the day of the week in 26 different languages. This wristwatch comes fitted with a certified chronometer and the 36 mm radial that add to its charm. The self-wound watch is also waterproof to 100 meters leaving its other contemporaries far behind. Nothing takes the heart and the soul of the wearer the way the platinum and diamond finish of this watch does.

Rolex President or Rolex Day Date, it is the one chosen by many celebrities. Stars like: actress Katherine Kelly Lang, the actor Benjamin Bratt, Liv Tyler, theatre actor Sam Shepard, filmmaker Martin Scorsese, actress Clea DuVall, actress Dana Elaine Owens Queen Latifah, Carmen Electra and Andy García, between many many others.

Victoria Caroline Beckham was born 17 April 1974. She is an English singer, songwriter, dancer, fashion designer, author, businesswoman, actress and model. During her rise to fame with 1990’s pop group the Spice Girls, Beckham was dubbed Posh Spice, a nickname first coined by the British pop music magazine, Top of the Pops, in their July, 1996, issue. Since Spice Girls separation, she has dabbled in pop music, scoring four UK Top 10 singles as a solo artist. Her first single to be released, “Out of Your Mind”, reached number two in the UK Singles Chart and is her highest chart entry to date. During her solo music career she has been signed to Virgin Records and Telstar Records.

She has developed a career in fashion, design and created her own denim brand, dVb Style. Beckham has brought out her own range of sunglasses and fragrance, entitled Intimately Beckham, which has been released in the UK and in the United States. In association with the Japanese store Samantha Thavasa, she has produced a range of handbags and jewellery. She has released two bestselling books: one her autobiography and the other one is a fashion guide. Beckham is married to English footballer David Beckham with whom she has three sons. As of 2009, the couple’s joint wealth is estimated at £125 million.

Posh Spice or Victoria Beckham, loves to wear men’s gold Rolex Presidential wristwatch with a Champagne Stick Dial Fluted Bezel. The Rolex Day-Date Presidential Champagne Stick Mens Watch fits Day, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds indicators; moreover magnified quick-set date display at 3 o’clock position. The case is made of Solid Stainless Steel Coated with 18K Yellow Gold. This Rolex watch dial has an elegant Custom Champagne Stick and Roman Minute Track Perimeter. Scratch-resistant Sapphire Conversion Crystal. The Rolex watch model features 18k Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel. The posh Stainless Steel Presidential Bracelet suits Victoria’s sunburned skin perfectly and the Hidden Clasp just improves the watch model elegance.

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Precision and innovation, transparent rarities differentiate the best from good. Rolex wristwatches captivate full attention. Rolex is a brand that has been producing unique watches since their beginning and has never stopped. Rolex enjoys a fine reputation of being the one that produces the finest wrist watches
Carmen Electra, born as Tara Leigh Patrick, worked as a fashion model and also as a dancer. She acted in low budget movies till she worked in the legendary TV series Baywatch as a chic lifeguard and shaped multiple appearances in Playboy. She was also awarded at the MTV Movie Awards for her role in Starsky & Hutch.

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The Rolex Day Date is a symbol of a decorated exclusive watch.

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Carmen Electra has a lot of vivacity, one of the main characteristics of the Rolex Day Date together with the personified elegance. With a streamlining shape and the finishing reflects the precision that has gone into making this timeless piece,  this watch is meant to epitomize time. Sparkling diamonds have been encrusted in the watch making it a visual treat with the flagship feature being the weekday display which can be preset in 26 distinct dialects. The 18 Carat Gold in which it is embellished is spectacular and the calendar mechanism in the watch takes a mere three milliseconds to navigate to the next day. The Oyster case in which it gets sheltered is put through 150 manufacturing strides to certify its waterproof ability. The watch can be taken to a depth of 330 feet and will still emerge unscathed by its effect. This is one model that is also preferred by divers wanting to keep a check on time while going beneath waters. The watch symbolizes style, a virtue exemplified by Carmen Electra.

By far the most recognizable and popular premium Swiss timepiece, Rolex watches are durable, beautifully made, and above all, extremely reliable. A Rolex watch offers terrific value and pre-owned examples are often found in exceptionally fine condition.

The story of the Rolex Watch Company is quite fascinating. It begins in 1905 when the company was established in London by a Bavarian businessman named Hans Wilsdorf, and Wilsdorf’s brother-in-law, William Davis — hence the company’s name, Wilsdorf & Davis. Unlike the Rolex Watch Company that we know today, Wilsdorf & Davis did not manufacture its own movements, cases or dials. Rather, these components were purchased from various Swiss companies and assembled into finished watches. Furthermore, most of the watches produced were pocket watches. For the most part, wristwatches were still considered a female fashion accessory and totally inappropriate for use by men.

Yet in spite of the fashion trends of the day, Wilsdorf had the vision to realize that wristwatches could eventually eclipse pocket watches in popularity, and so to stand out from all the other companies selling pocket watches, he began specializing in wristwatches. This was later to prove a crucial decision, as Wilsdorf & Davis faced crushing competition in the British watch industry.

Now, having decided to focus almost exclusively on wristwatches, Wilsdorf decided that he had to address the number one concern most customers had with respect to wristwatches: namely, that most wristwatches were not as accurate as pocketwatches. Therefore, Wilsdorf traveled to Switzerland where he commissioned a special wristwatch movement which could keep time with great accuracy. The idea was not to sell these specially produced and adjusted wristwatches — indeed, that would not have been cost-efficient — but instead, to market Wilsdorf & Davis watches as being among the most accurate wristwatches in the world.

And so, prior to the outbreak of World War One, Wilsdorf submitted a watch for testing by one of the Swiss observatories. His efforts were rewarded with the issuance of a timing certificate — a tremendous accomplishment. But Wilsdorf would not rest on his laurels. Instead, Wilsdorf set his sights on obtaining a “Kew A” timing certificate for a Rolex wristwatch. In 1915, he submitted a watch to the Kew Observatory — the most demanding observatory in the world. The watch was awarded a “Kew A” certificate.

Rolex wristwatches were now acknowledged to be as accurate as the world’s finest pocket watches, and aggressively marketed as such. The timing would prove fortuitous. World War I quickly transformed the image of the wristwatch from a dainty female accessory to a military necessity. Soldiers found that, when in the trenches during battle, wearing a wristwatch was far more practical than carrying a pocket watch. Now, whereas Rolex had previously focused on ladies’ watches, Rolex produced mainly watches specifically for men.

By the end of the war, wristwatches were increasingly worn by men and no longer seen as solely for the ladies. But the battle was only half won. Wilsdorf realized that another problem with wristwatches was that being much smaller than pocket watches, they were more susceptible to dust and moisture entering the case.

He had experimented with screw back and front cases during World War I, but ultimately realized that the winding crown was the main problem. When he saw the patent for the screw down crown first proposed by Perret & Perregaux, he knew that he had found his solution. He bought all rights to the patent and the first “Oyster” watch (so named because it was waterproof) was introduced in late 1926. Now he had a product that was unlike any other and he was determined to promote it in the best way possible.

Mercedes Gleitze was the first woman to swim the English Channel; however, there was some controversy over her swim and she offered to do it again in the full light of publicity. Recognizing a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the durability of his “Oyster” watch, Wilsdorf offered a new Rolex Oyster watch to Miss Gleitze if she would wear the watch during her swim across the English Channel. She agreed and the rest, as they say, is history. One month later, Wilsdorf launched the watch in the United Kingdom with full-page advertising in all the major daily papers and the Rolex Oyster was an unqualified success.

Soon, Wilsdorf bought out his brother-in-law and entered into a joint shareholding with the Aegler family of Bienne, whose movements Rolex now used exclusively. It is around this time that Wilsdorf & Davis changed its name to the Rolex Watch Company. Various theories have been offered to explain how the word Rolex came about, or what it means, but in all likelihood, Wilsdorf simply liked the fact that the word meant nothing at all and would therefore take on a meaning of its own. Which, incidentally, it has. (On a side note, Wilsdorf died childless in 1960, and since he had no heirs, the company was bequeathed to a charitable trust which directs the company to this day. Most of the company’s profits go to Swiss charities.)

Returning to the evolution of the Oyster, there was just one small problem; namely, that people had to unscrew the winding button each day in order to wind it. There were two side effects of this; sooner or later the customers would forget to screw the winder tightly again and then get water in the watch and in time the gaskets or the threads would wear out and the same result would happen. The answer to this was found in 1931, when Emile Borer, son in law of the Aegler family and head of R&D at the Rolex Bienne factory, patented a perpetual (or automatic) winding system. As a result, it was no longer necessary to wind the watch every day, and the crown was used solely to set the time. Consequently, Rolex watches were not only the most accurate watches in the world, but also the most durable as well.

In 1945, Rolex recorded another highly important patent: along with the automatic winding system, a date was added at 3 o’clock. This model was introduced as the “Datejust” and it became an immediate best-seller. Today, this is the most popular Rolex wristwatch. Speaking of presidents, another popular model introduced in the early 1950s was the “President” — a large men’s wristwatch which most recognize by its massive gold bracelet, as well as a window at 12 o’clock which displays the day of the week. Another highly popular and collectable Rolex is the “Submariner,” which is not just waterproof, but can also be worn while diving.

Other popular and classic Rolex models include: the Explorer I & II, the GMT I & II, the Milgauss, the Daytona, the Yachtmaster…and many others. And although the company has always been best known for its sports watches, Rolex also has produced countless exquisite men’s dress watches, including the always popular “Bubbleback” series and even an exclusive series of perpetual calender wristwatches (the Ref. 8171 being the most popular example of same).

In conclusion, nearly one hundred years later, the Rolex Watch Company is stronger than ever and produces an impressive selection of fine quality timepieces at surprisingly affordable prices. So whether you are looking for a less expensive Rolex timepiece for casual wear, or something more exclusive and special, there is definitely a Rolex that is perfect for you. It’s no wonder that Rolex watches continue to be the most popular watches in the world.

View Rolex Collection

From CBS News:

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) It seems like a Mets fan with a strange sense of humor or history has helped the hard hit investors who collectively lost billions in Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme.

In an auction of Madoff and his wife’s personal assets, Madoff’s blue satin New York Mets baseball jacket with his surname stitched on the back was valued at only $720 but sold for $14,500.

Overall, the day’s take was twice as much as New York auctioneers had hoped for.

Two pairs of Ruth Madoff’s diamond dangle earrings sold for $70,000 each, far beyond their pre-sale estimates of $10,000 and $21,000.

But the most highly prized auction item, Madoff’s Rolex watch, sold for $65,000 — $15,000 less than expected.

Madoff received a 150-year sentence for stealing billions of dollars from thousands of investors.

The one million dollars raised at the auction will be divided among his victims.