Rolex

amanico
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Some " Italian " Rolexes.

The title may surprise a bit, at first sight...

But, if you think a bit about it, wouldn't you say that some rolexes are strongly linked to Italy?

The Daytona is one good example, of course, but this chronograph can be linked with the whole universe ( sorry for the redundance ).

Let's go on two other models, which, in my opinion, have an indisputable relation with Italy.

1/ The Rolex Explorer II, Ref 1655, so called " Freccione ".

" Freccione " means, if I got it well, " big Arrow ", a nickname given to the Explorer II by the Italians, to describe in the best way, the big orange 24 Hours hand.

It is not only about a nickname... There is ALSO another reason which can be added to the love story between the Italians and the 1655.

We all know that the " Freccione " was not a successfull model, but if a country truly believed in this watch, it is clearly Italy, which has a great taste in Horology, and which also maintained the spirit and love for mechanical watches at a moment when the must of the must was to own a quartz watch.

So, I tried to illustrate this strong love story between Italy and the Freccione by the following pictures, taken in ... Italy and Istria ( ex part of Italy, now Croatian ) :

The mandatory Italian Roof:



The " Fig Shot ".



The Sunglass Shot ( a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarer which was made in a Limited Batch, which look sounds so Italian, by the way ) :



Or, here, even more Italian ,with a pair of Persol:



The Seaside gave me the idea to take a " rope shot ", too:



2/ The Rolex Explorer II Ref 16550:

Universally called " Cream Dial ", the Italians just translated this nickname in their own language, with a word which deliciously sounds to the ears of the food lovers: " Panna ".

The truth is that this watch will be fully appreciated with a nice light, which doesn't lack, in Italy.

Indeed, this cream dial has a subtle color, a delicate appeal, which will be revealed ONLY under a certain light; not too strong nor too weak.

Here again, the Italians are among those who paid an affectuous attention to this reference.

I had to choose the right moment for the roof shot, and the morning light seemed to be the best choice, with a more neutral color of light than the sunset which would ruin the subtle chromatic balance of the dial:



The " Sky Shot " is another unavoidable reference to this charming country, with a deep pure blue.



Another symbol of Italy is coffee, and capuccino, especially, which goes very well with the " Panna " dial, don't you think?



The Olive Tree Shot is also very typical from this country, so a picture or two were mandatory:



On some yellow leaves, to enhance this lovely creamy dial?



Let's end with some wrist shots, which will give us the opportunity to see some panoramic pictures of Trieste, before I post some pictures of this town ,and of this part of Italy.

Some old roofs from Trieste ( I will have to speak with my psychiatre about the fascination I developped on roofs, by the way... ) :





2 last wristshots I'm absolutely proud of... The first one was taken under a tree, which allowed me to fortunately play with its shadow, and the last one in the sunset, on the beach... Both enhancing the subtle beauty of the Cream Dial





One thing which surprised me quite a lot, this year, is that the Explorer ( I or II ) is the Rolex I saw the most on Italians wrists ( ladies and gentlemen ), with the GMT, and a few Daytonas, and a very few Yacht Masters, while, past years, I saw more Daytonas and Date Just than Explorers.

Sign of the Times? Coincidence?

I don't know, but I'm happy to see this reference back to the heart of some true watch lovers.

Hoping that you will have pleasure to attend this chromatic " promenade ",

Best.

Nicolas.