Say the word ‘Rolex’ and words such as class, refined and suave will undoubtedly spring to mind. Rolex are considered to be the epitome of sophistication and have been long associated with precision, finesse and excellent quality. To celebrate Rolex and more than 110 years since the business began, we take a look at five of the most famous Rolex watches in history, and where they are today.
The Eric Clapton
The extremely rare Rolex Reference 6263 “Oyster Albino” Cosmograph Daytona watch that once belonged to Eric Clapton was recently put up for auction in Geneva. The iconic guitarist’s old timepiece smashed the world record for the highest selling price for any auctioned Rolex, setting the bar exceedingly high at more than £1.4 million to an anonymous bidder on the telephone after only 21 minutes of bidding.
Why is this watch so rare? Well there are only four of this particular watch, nicknamed ‘Albino’, actually in existence. It was manufactured in 1971 and was bought by Clapton in the late 1990s, who was famed for being very particular and careful with his selection of watches.
The Great Escape
All vintage collectors love a piece with a story behind it, and this could be the jewel in their collection. A Rolex watch that was apparently owned by a British prisoner of war during the famous Great Escape from the German World War II camp is going up for auction.
British RAF pilot Lieutenant Gerald Imeson was apparently wearing the timepiece when he was digging three tunnels to escape the German Stalag Luft III camp in 1944. This incredible watch now resides in Buckinghamshire in the Bourne End Auction Rooms, where, according to Esquire, appraisers predict it will fetch more than £25,000.
The Patrick Bateman
“Don’t touch the Rolex”. One of the most famous lines from Bret Easton Ellis’ infamous novel American Psycho. It was spoken by the book’s narrator Patrick Bateman, who is depicted wearing a gold Rolex Datejust in the 2000 film adaptation starring Christian Bale. Although a rather simple and unassuming Rolex, it has nevertheless become a classic beauty and was an obvious choice for Bateman, given that Rolex watches during the book’s time period were considered to be an ultimate symbol of success, as they still are today. Given Bateman’s success and wealth as a New York stockbroker, he would never have settled for anything less than a timeless piece.
The Paul Newman
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, when it was first launched in 1963, was not overly popular. But then that all turned around when one appeared on the wrist of Paul Newman several years later. According to Rolex Daytona History, Newman was given a Rolex watch by Joanna Woodward, his wife, as a gift to signal the start of his career as a race car driver. Apparently Newman wore the watch every day until he died in 2008.
Rolex still make their Daytona watches today, but those that can be called the ‘Paul Newman Daytona’ are rather rare, although the difference to a standard Daytona is difficult to spot. The key lies in the dial configuration. On standard Rolex dials, you can find the word “Oyster”, always positioned between “Rolex” and “Cosmograph”. However, on the Paul Newman Daytona, the dial reads “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster”. There are also subtle differences to the serifs, which appear more emphasised, and the R of the Rolex logo is larger. These tiny changes, plus the fact that no one knows exactly how many are out there, makes the Paul Newman Daytona even more desirable.
The Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States of America and a decorated World War II General, and he was also the owner of an 18-carat gold Rolex Datejust. Although he died in 1969, his infamous timepiece was put up for auction last year in Boston, Massachusetts, however, it failed to be sold.
The watch had an enormous amount of history behind it, having been gifted to Eisenhower by Rolex in 1951. Engraved on the back were the five stars of a General, his initials of ‘DDE’ and the date on which NATO appointed him Supreme Allied Commander of Europe. Bidding on the watch climbed to $475,000 before tailing out.
Although this list is far from an exhaustive one, it shows just how far the reach of Rolex has gone throughout our history and popular culture. Since its formation in 1905, Rolex has strived to produce watches that are not only incredible to look at, but that are also reliable, sturdy and will stand the test of time. Here at William May, we are proud to stock these beautiful timepieces, so if you’re looking to add a touch of refinement to your outfit, why not browse our collection of Rolex watches and see if anything catches your eye?
