The hype around Rolex has many faces

The Hype is Real: Luxury Watch meets Streetwear Culture

What happens when two worlds collide? It bangs, and so loudly that it makes the hearts of watch lovers beat faster. Here, conventional elegance and avant-garde exclusivity meet – in the form of a luxury watch that knows no compromises: “The Rolex goes tick-tack-tick, The automatic goes tick-tack, The bomb goes tick-tack.” The connection of two different universes explodes in a fireworks display of luxury and style. Although the punch line from rapper Hanybal does not reveal the exact time – we learn that many artists, celebrities, and watch lovers have triggered a real luxury watch boom.

Rolex

Submariner

Rolex Submariner steel automatic men's watch 16610 [2601048] Sale price8.550€

Rolex

Submariner

Rolex Submariner steel automatic men's watch 116610LN [2600905] Sale price10.350€

Rolex

Submariner

Rolex Submariner steel automatic men's watch 116610 [2600858] Sale price9.950€

Must Have

Rolex

Submariner

Rolex Submariner steel automatic men's watch 124060 [2600637] Sale price10.750€

“A Story about Hype and Legends”

Hans Wilsdorf, the visionary founder of Rolex, was not only a connoisseur of watchmaking art but also a true marketing genius. Rolex created a real hype fueled by race car drivers, aviation pioneers, and adventurers around the world. Models like the Rolex Submariner, the Cosmograph Daytona, or the Rolex Oyster GMT-Master emerged from this.

In the world of motorsport and aviation, Rolex watches became the loyal companions of personalities who accepted no compromises in quality and precision. James Cameron descended into the depths of the ocean with a Rolex Sea-Dweller, and the watch ran like a Swiss movement – literally. Despite 11,000 meters depth.

For decades, Rolex became one of the most coveted and expensive watch brands in the world through clever marketing strategies and spectacular headlines in newspapers and television. Rolex was the official timekeeper of Formula 1, and for the first time, a Rolex adorned James Bond’s wrist in the film. Back then, the famous Rolex Submariner Reference 6538.

However, the legend of Rolex goes even further back. The film “The Great Escape” tells the story of the escape from a German prisoner camp during World War II. It is believed that Rolex watches played a crucial role in coordinating guard routines and escape tunnels.

But Rolex is not only at home in the world of adventurers and warriors. The athlete Mercedes Gleitze wore a Rolex Oyster when she swam across the English Channel. After eight hours in icy cold water, the watch still functioned perfectly. From then on, the Oyster was placed wherever sporting top performances were achieved. Rolex had made these headlines its own, and the value of such a watch soared. Today, we know this versatile watch as the Rolex Oyster Perpetual and Rolex Datejust.

“When Elegance Meets Avant-Garde: The Bang in the World of Urban Culture Luxury Watches”

In the world of rap, there are many ways to express oneself – whether through words, beats, or the ultimate glamour on the wrist as a so-called status symbol. “The Roli goes ‘Bäm,’” and indeed a “Bling-Bling,” as rap artists Capital Bra, Luciano, and Eno express in their song “Roli Glitzer Glitzer.” But not only the classic watch models like the Rolex Datejust or Day-Date enjoy great popularity among watch lovers – no, increasingly sporty models like the Rolex Daytona or the Rolex GMT-Master set new standards and trends.

A$AP Ferg, the American rapper who dropped the hit “Plain Jane” in 2017, rode a true hype wave around so-called “Plain Jane” watches for a long time. “Ben Baller did the chain, Tourneau for the watch, Presi Plain Jane,” goes the catchy chorus dedicated entirely to the classic watch. Plain Jane watches are high-end luxury watches in their simple, original form – without diamond settings.

“Time is Money, so I spent it on a Watch” (Coi Leray)

Which watch models are worth investing in if you are also interested in prominent watches like the rap stars are, are the following:

Rolex

Day-Date

Rolex Day-Date 18 ct gold automatic men's watch 18248 [2506194] Sale price19.850€

Vintage Must-Have

Rolex

Day-Date

Rolex Day-Date 18 ct gold automatic men's watch 6611B Vintage [2506820] Sale price10.450€

Popular Rolex models in the international rap scene are: Rolex Day-Date (also known as “President”): This model is characterized by its distinctive president bracelet and is known for its elegant and timeless style. It has been worn by many rap icons, including Jay-Z and Nas. Often as a precious metal variant in white or yellow gold. With and without diamond settings. Rolex Submariner: The Submariner is a popular choice for rappers who want to emphasize their sporty and luxurious style. Artists like Kanye West and Drake have worn the Submariner in various versions. Popularly seen: the Rolex Hulk or Kermit with green bezel. Rolex Daytona: The Daytona is known for its sporty elegance and its chronograph mechanism. Rappers like Pusha T and Meek Mill have worn the Daytona in public. Increasingly popular here is the version with Oysterflex band. Rolex GMT-Master II: This watch was developed for travelers and features an additional time zone display. It was appreciated by Offset from Migos and other rappers for its colorful details. Rolex Sky-Dweller: The Sky-Dweller is known for its complex functionality and luxurious style. Travis Scott is one of the rappers who has worn this watch. Whether you use the watch’s functions is another matter… Rolex Yacht-Master: This model adds a touch of nautical and adventurous spirit and was preferred by rappers like Rick Ross and Lil Wayne. Highly valued is that this watch is also available in 18k rose gold.

Both the American rapper Coi Leray in the song “Players” and the Australian rap artist Iggy Azalea in her song “Rolex” make statements about time and luxury watches: “Rolex don’t tick-tock, but damn it, Baby, my time costs.” In their punch lines, they express that time is precious and that they are willing to invest in expensive watches that represent their success: “Time is Money, so I spent it on a Watch!” This illustrates how luxury watches serve as symbols of wealth and prestige in rap culture. But no matter if you are as interested in rap as we are, in our shop you will find suitable Plain Jane offers for every type – and no matter whether you want to stand like a star in the spotlight with it or not.