Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative Celebrating Arts and Culture

Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative
Celebrating Arts and Culture

1963 Rolex GMT-Master Ad

...Retro Rolex Coolness...

1963 German Rolex GMT-Master Ad

This is such a cool retro Rolex GMT-Master Ad that features a Reference 1675. It reads:

"Today in London—tomorrow in Paris—and next week in Tokyo! And he always keeps his appointments on time.  

Because the Rolex GMT-Master specifies - after your own choice - the exact time of two different places on earth. 

The Rolex GMT Master is naturally waterproof, automatic and also displays the date. It reminds you of meetings and can also be used as a chronograph.

Do it like the PAA pilots and like this successful businessman: Wear a Rolex!

We are happy to show you the latest models without obligation."

Allemann

Speaking of Retro Cool, the "London, Paris, Tokyo" in the ad above reminds me of the super catchy lyrics from the New WAVE Pop Muzik song from 1979, which goes: "New York, London, Paris, Munich!!" M-Pop Muzik was one of the first songs that launched the New Wave genre in the 1980s

Pop Pop Pop Musik 

Pop Pop Pop Musik 

Pop Pop Pop Musik 

Pop Pop Pop Musik 

Radio, video 

Boogie with a suitcase 

Your livin' in a disco 

Forget about the rat race 

Let's do the milkshake, sellin' like a hotcake 

Try some buy some fee-fi-fo-fum 

Talk about, pop musik 

Talk about, pop musik 

Shoobie doobie do wop 

I wanna dedicate this 

Pop pop shoo wop 

Everybody made it 

Shoobie doobie do wop 

Infiltrate it 

Pop pop shoo wop 

Activate it 

New York, London, Paris, Munich 

Everybody talk about pop musik 

Talk about, pop musik 

Talk about, pop musik 

Pop pop pop musik

Pop pop pop musik  

Singing in the subway 

Shuffle with a shoe shine 

Fix me a molotov 

I'm on the headline 

VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR

Okay, I am wandering off the reservation again, but hey, that's what makes it Jake's Rolex World, but Pop Muzik reminded me of this other great, upbeat, dreamy New Age song which was the very first music video that was ever played on MTV when in launched back on January 8, 1980. You gotta love this song, and you gotta love the 80s!!! 

Jonny Kim Wore His Daytona to the ISS

Dr. Jonny Kim

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

BACK IN BLACK 

On April 8, 2025, we shared the thrilling news that Dr. Jonny Kim, a true NASA trailblazer and NAVY SEAL, wore his iconic Rolex Daytona on his journey to and aboard the International Space Station. (The original story is included below for you to explore.)

Watches of Espionage recently spotted Jonny Kim sporting a sleek Submariner aboard the ISS, as seen on Jonny's Instagram. Watches of Espionage @WatchesOfEspionage has a really cool Instagram page. Jonny, if you’re browsing Jake’s Rolex World on one of those ISS laptops—and we hope you are—we salute your interstellar style! You embody the pinnacle of Rolex coolness!

I couldn’t resist crafting the meme below, which captures the cosmic vibe of this moment—and if it’s not reality, it absolutely should be! :-)

Speaking of stellar style, feast your eyes on these breathtaking photos from Jonny Kim's amazing Instagram page showcasing moments that are truly out of this world:

Perpetual Planet

This striking image evokes the vibrant, eclectic spirit of the iconic Benetton ad campaigns from the late 1980s, blending bold colors and a global sense of unity on our Perpetual Planet...

...Profiles in Coolness... 

Dr. Jonny Kim

Wore His ROLEX Daytona to the 

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

COSMIC CHRONOGRAPH

Nick Gould and I have been tracking Jonny Kim, as he made his way to the International Space Station, while rocking his Polar White stainless steel Rolex Daytona on his wrist, making him the third documented Astronaut to wear a Rolex Daytona in space.

Who exactly is Jonny Kimm? He is one badass dude! Beside being a NASA Astronaut, he's a NAVY SEAL, and a medical doctor having graduated from Harvard Medical School.

Jonny Kim is pictured below wearing his Rolex Daytona pre-flight quarantine a few days ago before leaving for the International Space Station.

Jonny Kim is pictured below rocking his Pepsi GMT-Master last week as he takes a portrait with his fellow Soyuz MS-27 crew members at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. Image by Dr. Pankaj Dhussa.

Captain Danny, also wrote a great article about Johnny Kim...In particular, he points out that Dr. Kim will be participating in a 240-day mission aboard the International Space Station, which will likely mark the longest duration a Rolex has ever been in outer space, so it's interesting to note he chose to wear his Rolex Daytona, over his GMT-Master.

In the video below you can see Jonny Kim rocking is stainless Daytona as he boarded the International Space Station a few hours ago...

Below is a video interview where Jonny Kim shares his absolutely fascinating life story with Jocko, which I highly recommend watching...

Below is a photo of NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim with his mother. Jonny said "My mother has always been a beacon of hope and strength in my life. Thank you for sacrificing your dreams to that I could have my own."

In the photo below we see Dr. Jonny Kim in a recent photos doing some soldering while rocking his Pepsi GMT-Master. Dr. Kim reminds me a bit of Dr. Leroy Chiao, who was also a NASA Astronaut, who served on missions aboard the International Space Station, and wears a Pepsi GMT-Master.

Special thanks to Philip from MoonwatchUniverse for originally bringing Jonny Kim's story to us.

Update: Saturday, April 12, 2025, 2AM PDT: The photo below of Dr. Kim rocking his Rolex Daytona was taken aboard the International Space Station, which is very cool.

The Most Beautiful Complicated Rolex

...The Most Beautiful Complicated Rolex...

1952 Rolex Moonphase

36MM Yellow Gold: Reference 6062

People ask me all the time which Rolex I think is the most beautiful? I would say the 1950 Rolex Oyster Moonphase triple-date pictured below is definitely one of the most beautiful complicated Rolex watches ever made! This model is ULTRA-RARE for many reasons. First and foremost because it has a black dial with star and pyramid indices. This beauty is also in flawless New Old Stock (NOS) condition. What a magnificent work absolute work of art!!!

Cameron Barr: Diving With Tudor Pelagos 39

Cameron Barr
Diving With Tudor Pelagos 39

Jerry Seinfeld wearing a 1968 Rolex Daytona Reference 6239

Jerry Seinfeld's

Multimillion Dollar Rolex DaytonaA Historic Triumph The First Daytona Awarded @ 24 Hours @ Daytona
In a rivetingly funny episode of Spike’s Car Radio, a fascinating tale unfolds, revealing the extraordinary journey of how comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld came to possess Vic Elford’s iconic Rolex Daytona. This captivating video not only delves into the watch’s storied provenance but also offers a vibrant glimpse into the male psyche, where passion for precision, machines, and legacy intertwines.

Seinfeld proudly shared that his collection boasts not only the Rolex Daytona awarded to racing icon Vic Elford at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona but also the very Porsche that propelled Elford to victory in that legendary race. This remarkable duo of horological and automotive treasures elevates Seinfeld’s status as a connoisseur of mechanical artistry.

Widely regarded as the inaugural Rolex Daytona presented at the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona, Elford’s timepiece holds a hallowed place in motorsport history. Its timeless design and unparalleled significance make it a multimillion-dollar masterpiece, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

I originally published the article below on August 25, 2019, which offers much background on Jerry Seinfeld's Rolex Daytona:

UPDATE: After publishing this story Nick Gould brought to my attention that Ben Clymer from Hodinkee helped Jerry Seinfeld purchase the Rolex Daytona in this story. I have to say I was kind of shocked that this great story somehow slipped by me. I highly recommend listening to Spike's Car Radio Podcast episode that features Ben Clymer sharing the fascinating backstory behind Jerry Seinfeld's Rolex Daytona.

...Rolex Super-Coolness...

Jerry Seinfeld

1968 Rolex Daytona Reference 6239

If you can't believe what you are seeing, you are not alone! Jerry Seinfeld is one of the most beloved comedians in the world. I was watching Jerry on Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee and I thought I was hallucinating when I discovered him wearing a vintage Rolex Daytona!!!

I have an interesting backstory to share with you. As the head of the Rolex Fan Club I have spent my life staring at peoples wrists to see what watch they are wearing. Jerry has famously worn Breitling watches since his Seinfeld show. For some bizarre reason, over many years I keep expecting him to show up wearing a Rolex, but he never did—until yesterday, which blew my mind!!!!!!

If we look closely we see Jerry is wearing a vintage 1968 Rolex Daytona Reference 6239 with a stainless steel bezel.

It turns out this is no ordinary vintage Daytona, as it once belonged to Racing legend Vic Elford who won his 1968 Rolex Daytona as a prize for winning the 24 Hours of Daytona. 

In the historic Rolex photo below from Porsche Motorsports, we see the 1968 Rolex Daytona winner, Vic Elford representing Great Britain, being presented with a stainless steel Rolex Daytona Cosmograph for his victory of the 24 At Dayona.

The vintage Rolex Daytona ad below is from 1965 and it introduces the Rolex Daytona Chronograph as the official watch of Daytona.

One of the most interesting historical sidenotes, is that in 1963, after Rolex began sponsoring the Rolex Continental Race, as well as at Sebring, Rolex would give away  Milgauss models, instead of the new Daytona, as the Milgauss models were unpopular back them. Nick Gould made this amazing discovery and elaborated quite a bit in his stunning story named "Rolex's Road to Daytona: Rolex Racing Champions, The Evolution of the Rolex Racing Revolution".

Rolex Lume Shot of the Day: DEEAPSEA

...Lume Shot Of The Day...

DEEPSEA SEA-DWELLER

30 Second Exposure 

3 Generations of Trump Rocking Rolex

3 Generations of Trump Rocking Rolex

Kai & Donnie Trump

 If you’ve been following my stories, you know I’ve covered former President Donald Trump and his love for the iconic Rolex Day-Date “President” and his son, Donald Trump Jr., who’s rarely seen without his trusty GMT-Master. But hold onto your bezels—there’s a new chapter in the Trump family’s Rolex saga, and it involves the next generation: Kai Trump and Donald John Trump III (Donnie). Donald John Trump III, isn't too young to be rocking a Rolex. After all, I bought my first Submariner when I was also 16 years old.

Trump’s Golden “President”
Let’s start with the man himself, Donald Trump. President Trump's wrist game is as bold as his persona, and in the photo above we see him rocking his yellow Rolex Day-Date. Known as the “President” for its history with world leaders, this gold beauty with its day and date complications is a beauty.

Don Jr.’s GMT-Master
Then there’s Donald Trump Jr., the outdoor enthusiast and dealmaker who rocks a Rolex GMT-Master. This watch is all about versatility—its dual-time zone feature and rugged charm make it perfect for Don Jr.’s lifestyle, whether he’s jetting across time zones or hunting in the wild. 

Kai and DonnieRolex Runs in the Family

The photo below shows President Trump with many of his family member, including his three sons, Baron (left of President Trump), Donald Trump Jr. on left with beard, and Eric Trump on right with beard, standing behind Elon Musk. Donald Trump III, is pictured behind Ivanka, with all four of his siblings and his mother ed pictured to the left of him.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. I recently stumbled across a video that stopped me in my tracks: Trump’s grandkids, Kai (pictured above with her grandfather, President Trump), and Donnie, are already rocking Rolex! Kai, the golf prodigy, and her younger brother, Donnie (Donald John Trump III), are sporting Rolexes as seen in the video below, proving that the family’s love for the brand runs deep. Just to be clear, Kai and Donnie are Donald Trump Jr.'s two oldest children, out of 5.

Kai appears to be sporting a two tone Lady Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet and Donnie is wearing a sports model that looks like a GMT-Master of Submariner. It’s not every day you see teenagers rocking Rolex, but then again, they’re Trumps.

Donald John Trump III pictured above and Kai Trump pictured below

Stefano Mazzariol Cream Colored Explorer II...

Stefano Mazzariol

Cream Colored Explorer II

This excellent photo from Stefano Mazzariol is of a first generation stainless steel Rolex Explorer II with a cream colored dial and white gold applied indices and matching hands. All later generation versions of this watch have a white dial with black applied indices with black hands.

1968 Rolex Submariner Ad...

1968 Rolex Submariner Ad