WISdom Dec*WISdom
Rumour, Conjecture, Hearsay and Speculation from the far corners of the World WIS* Web
* WIS (Watch Idiot Savant)
-noun : Someone who can be so distracted by his watch, that he fails to note the time.
Rolex on The Bay
Usually the words Rolex and eBay are followed very quickly by stern advice and cautionary tales. However, one 90 year old gentleman found himself in the middle of a fierce bidding war by a frenzy of keen collectors for his Vintage Rolex Submariner Dive Watch (which he thought might be worth $100). The watch in question is a 1958 Big Crown Submariner 6538 (sans Crown Guards) on original bracelet purchased for $70 at the Navy Exchange on Kwajalein Atoll and had been sitting in a drawer for nearly 30 years. Bidding closed at over $66,000.
Must De Crocodile
Luxury watchmaker Cartier has revealed two new pieces that should get watch fans reaching for their hard earned cash. The first of these is the Cartier Calibre de Cartier Astrotourbillon, which boasts an extremely light, titanium case. The 47mm case nudges this timepiece more towards the larger products on the market, which allows its easy-to-read dial to be viewed easily. The second release is the new flying tourbillon timepiece - the Tourbillon and Crocodile Geneva Seal watch, calibre 9458 MC. The horological masterpiece demonstrates a diamond crocodile guarding the time. The crocodile with emerald eyes is sculpted in white gold. The reptile is presented along with a majestic bed of water lilies in translucent red and white enamel. The watches are limited to 100 pieces and 50 pieces respectively and join stable favourites such as the Roadster, Panthere, Santos and Tank Francaise.
Climb Every Mountain
A collection of classic Rolex watches belonging to Mt. Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary was auctioned recently. If you didn't manage to snag one of the precious timepieces, there's another chance to pay horological homage to the great adventurer. The new Hillary Tenzing Explorer Series is a limited edition of three variations on the classic Rolex Explorer worn by Sir Edmund on his historic climb in 1953. Limited to just 88 examples, the watch is named after Sherpa Tenzing Norgay who made the Everest ascent with him. Created by the same company who brought out the Jaques Picard Single Red DeepSea Rolex model in 2008, the watches were designed in close cooperation with Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay, sons of the famous mountaineers and acclaimed adventurers themselves.
Best Ever Rolex?
On online debate as to the ‘most iconic’ Rolex model raged out of control recently, throwing up some interesting opinions. Posters were divided between classic vintage models such as the legendary Orange Hand Explorer and newer, shinier contenders such as the Submariner Date 16610 LV with it's classic case, Maxi Dial and gorgeous deep green bezel. Round and round it went, from Daytona to DeepSea to Milguass to Yacht Master. When the thread was finally closed by Moderators after things got heated, it was broadly agreed that no-one would ever agree!
