Bond…James Bond
Over the years Rolex has acquired close connections with many real-life celebrities. However, the most famous connection of them all would most likely be a fictional Hollywood character by the name of James Bond. Rolex collectors vary to some degree on the details surrounding which Rolex models appeared in which movies. However, it is definitively closed that in the original 14 Bond books, Ian Fleming mentioned only one brand as belonging to 007 and that brand was Rolex. So of course, when Bond made the jump from book to the big screen, he naturally wore a Rolex in the movies.
Some argue slightly over which models appeared in which movies, but it goes without saying that a Rolex appeared in these Bond films: Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, On her Majesty’s Secret Service, Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun, and license to Kill.
The relationship between the Bond movies and Rolex produced a timepiece known to collectors simply as the “James Bond Sub.” Most collectors agree that this designation belongs to the Rolex ref. 6538, which was produced between the years 1954 – 1959. Some collectors refer all early Rolex Submariners that do not have crown guards as James Bond Subs. However, you choose to define it, a highly sought after coveted timepiece was born through this union.
Other Hollywood Highlights
It is safe to say that when it comes to Rolex, their watches have appeared in more than 100 movies and counting, if not more. Below is a list of 50 (non-Bond) movies where a Rolex made an appearance:
Absolute Power, Air Force One, All the President’s Men, Apocalypse Now, Apollo 13, Argo, Body of Lies, The Bourne Legacy, The Color of Money, Courage Under Fire, The Deep, The Deer Hunter, Die Hard and Die Hard 2, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Easy Rider, The Enforcer, Eyes Wide Shut, Frantic, Glengarry Glen Ross, Goodfellas, Good Morning Vietnam, The Great Escape, Impact, In the Line of Fire, Inception, Jaws, Killer Elite, L.A. Confidential, Leaving Las Vegas, Lord of War, Lost in Translation, Marathon Man, The Mechanic (1972), Midnight Run, Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol, National Treasure, The Negotiator, Ocean’s Thirteen, Outbreak, Rain Man, Rising Sun, Rocky II, Safe House, Schindler’s List, Speed, Sphere, Titanic, Towering Inferno, Under Siege, and The Usual Suspects.
Rolex and Their Philanthropic Programs
It comes as no surprise that Rolex is also well known not only for their watches but also for their philanthropic and charity efforts. Two of their global programs are the Rolex Awards for Enterprise and the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
The Rolex Awards for Enterprise was launched over 40 years ago in 1976. It provides financial support to individuals working in the areas of science and medicine, technology and innovation, exploration and discovery, the environment, and cultural heritage.
Ten years ago, in 20019, the Rolex Awards introduced the Young Laureates Program. It was designed to foster innovation into the next generation. Judges are tasked with selecting enterprising young individuals and provide them with funding and resources in order to help pursue their projects.
Since its inception, 110 Rolex Awards have been presented to recipients in more than 60 countries. Examples of such said recognized projects include a system that assists in carrying out mas health screenings in newborns. Another project helps laboratories test and detect so-called “superbugs”. The program has also helped other innovative projects such as one that is developing braille for smartphones, and a public awareness campaign that is geared towards lowering child mortality rates across the globe.
The newest of the Programs from Rolex is the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative which saw its inception at the turn of the 21stcentury in 2002. This program pairs gifted young artists with internationally recognized masters. The program sponsors these gifted young artists by establishing a one-to-one mentoring relationship with the internationally recognized masters. Since its beginning, 234 people, from more than 40 countries have been able to participate.
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About Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry has been providing quality products and professional services to the metropolitan Denver, CO area since 1951. The very first watch repair and service facility ever opened in Colorado. Dan Matheu, watchmaker, pioneered watch repair and services in Colorado. Today, Scott Matheu is at the helm steering Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry. With his vision, Scott opened a watch store in Highland Ranch and has made Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry not only one of the largest watch stores to provide watch repair in Highlands Ranch, CO but also the entire state.
Whether you need watch repair in Highlands Ranch, CO, watch engraving, or even if you have an antique watch that you would like appraised, you can count on Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry to provide you with superior service each and every single time. All of our watchmakers are factory trained and we have CW21 Certified by the American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) on site. This certification has the most stringent standards for watchmakers performing repair, restoration, and service work on watches. With one of the largest service centers in the metropolitan Denver, CO we are not only able to provide watch repair in Highlands Ranch, CO but to the entire 50 states as well.
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry is also a factory authorized service center for Cartier, Tag Heuer, Philip Stein, Swiss Army and many more brands. When you use Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry for your watch repair in Highlands Ranch, CO, you can rest assured knowing that you will receive our (3) three-year warranty on major watch repairs that we provide. If you are looking for the best watch repair service center throughout the United States, you cannot go wrong when you choose Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry. With certifications from not only AWCI but SAWTA too, we not only stand out from the pact; we lead it.”
