Rihanna Wears a Red Carpet-Ready Watch to the Grocery Store

Rihanna Wears a Red Carpet-Ready Watch to the Grocery Store

Welcome to Watches of the Week, where we’ll track the rarest, wildest, and most covetable watches spotted on celebrities.

Imagine being a Bristol Farms shopper in Los Angeles who happened to stop in this past Monday evening. There you are, between the prepared mac and cheese and the potato salad, when, BAM! There’s Rihanna. But even if Rihanna shops like a regular person, she wears a damn good watch to do it: a gold Cartier Santos, a watch most celebrities reserve for the red carpet. Rihanna, of course is not “most celebrities.” She’s not even most watch collectors—the Bad Gal has amassed an impressive array of timepieces over her career. She owns collector-favorites like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Rolex Day-Date, and Cartier Panthère. And now, one of her watches has gone grocery shopping. Also this week, a Root Beer watch and Travis Scott can’t stop wearing his new favorite Richard Mille.

Rachpoot/MEGA

Rihanna’s Cartier Santos

Cartier is the perfect brand for someone as fashion-forward as Rihanna. While traditional watchmakers obsess over the movements inside watches, Cartier is just as interested in making the cases the movements sit in look like pieces of fine jewelry. There’s a reason it’s emerged as the favorite brand among perennial best-dressed chart toppers like Tyler, the Creator, Kanye, and Henry Golding.

Jonathan Bachman

Brandom Ingram’s Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer”

Continuing the groceries trend: we’ve got a “Root Beer” GMT. The watch gets its moniker, obviously, from its two-tone black-and-brown bezel. The new Root Beer GMT, released in 2018, has a more interesting arc than the rest of its soda-aisle compatriots like the “Pepsi” or “Coke.” While those pieces have remained relatively static over the decades, Rolex has routinely retooled the Root Beer. The first, released around 1963, featured a solid brown bezel and matching dial, while later iterations featured a two-tone bezel with chocolate and cream tones. The latter is known as the “Clint Eastwood” because the actor wore the piece in several movies in the ‘80s and ‘90s. This new black-and-brown is a favorite among lanky NBA players like Ingram and Philadelphia 76er Ben Simmons.

Johnny Nunez

Rick Ross’s Cartier Santos

First Rihanna and now Rick Ross—it was a good week for the Santos. Whether you’re keeping it simple in gold or customizing the piece with a bucket of diamonds, the Cartier delivers. Ross’s comes with a skeletonized dial, which is the preferred Santos of other rappers like Young Thug, Swae Lee, and Meek Mill.

MEGA

Travis Scott Richard Mille RM-69

I wouldn’t necessarily call a watch with panels displaying explicit messages an “everyday” piece, but Travis Scott clearly has a different definition than I do. Ever since first wearing this horny Richard Mille watch back in January, it’s been on his wrist for seemingly every possible public appearance. For those unfamiliar, the RM-69 is a watch with three panels that randomize a variety of sexual phrases (“I lust to caress your body” is one of the more PG-13 settings). Richard Mille says it’s part of a long history of lewd timepieces. (Not a lie: check this NSFW Jacob & Co. piece, for instance.) The watch is all part of Richard Mille’s long-running mission. As Hodinkee founder Ben Clymer points out in his most recent GQ column, “The most innovative part of Richard Mille’s legacy might be knocking the stuffiness out of luxury watchmaking.”

NBC

Jack Harlow’s Rolex Sky Dweller

A big look on Saturday Night Live requires a big watch to go along with it. The rapper went with the Rolex Sky-Dweller, which is like a GMT with a new operating system. They’re both built to tell two different time zones, but go about it in completely different ways. The inner ring on the Sky-Dweller’s dial does the work of the extra hour hand on the GMT—and in more dramatic fashion.

Rolex Just Dropped a New Submariner and a Slate of Other New Watches for 2020

Much ado is made each year when Rolex releases new watches. Back in 2018, when the most recent Pepsi GMT Master II was launched in stainless steel, the model was immediately valued at double its retail price of $9,250 for over $18,000, (and now you can find them for up to $22,000). It was nearly impossible to get unless you had a tight relationship with an authorized Rolex dealer where you’d been spending significant funds over a period of years.

But this year’s new Rolex models may be even harder to get your hands on. Sources have indicated that models will be even more scarce due to the shutdown of the manufacture during the early days of the pandemic—with availability expected to decrease by 30 to 40 percent, anyone who can get hold of the brand-new Submariners may have a goldmine on their hands.

Just last year, the Rolex Submariner Ref. 116610 (introduced in 2010) was climbing to $10,000 on the secondary market—it retailed for $8,550. And now, you can already find those models going for up to $16,995 on the go-to site for pre-owned Rolexes, Bob’s Watches. This year’s new Oyster Perpetual Oystersteel no-date Sub Ref. 124060 with a black dial and black Cerachrom rotating bezel, in a slightly larger 41 mm case (the bracelet has also been modified with a broader center link than previous models), retails for $8,100 and comes equipped with Rolex’s new 3230 movement, which extends the power reserve to 70 hours. The Oyster Submariner Perpetual Date Ref. 126610LN, also in 41 mm, comes equipped with the 3235 caliber, first introduced in 2015 on the Pearlmaster 39. Until now, the Submariner Date has used the caliber 3135, which debuted in 1988, so this is a major development for this particular style, also extending the power reserve to 70 hours. The Datejust, Yacht-Master and Sea-Dweller already come equipped with the in-house 3235, so it was high-time the Submariner got this upgrade, too. The new collection signals the discontinuation of previous offerings in the line, last updated between 2008 and 2012, including the popular Hulk model which has already gone up 20 to 30 percent.

“I’m surprised that Rolex took the initiative and made the Submariner in a slightly larger size,” Bob’s Watches founder Paul Altier told Robb Report. “I think it’s fantastic because there are a bunch of people out there that like big watches. It’s been 40 mm for something like 40 years. It’s a win-win because they not only made it larger to 41 mm, but they contoured it and shaped the lugs and the case so it should fit a little more snuggly on the wrist. So, they achieved bigger and better. Also now that they changed the bracelet, they won’t be interchangeable at all, which should make some of the watch afficiandos crazy.”

Topping off the offering, Rolex also released a two-tone 18-karat yellow gold and Oystersteel (a combo Rolex refers to as Rolesor) Ref. 126613LB version with a blue Cerachrom bezel with a blue dial ($14,300), a Ref. 126610LV steel date Submariner with a black dial and green bezel ($9,950) which hasn’t been seen since the 50th anniversary model introduced in 2003, and a Ref. 126619LB white gold iteration with a black dial and blue bezel ($39,650).

The second headliner is the gold Sky-Dweller, now on a rubber strap known as an Oysterflex, which was previously only introduced on Rolex sport models, such as the Yachtmaster in 2015. The new strap phases out previous Sky-Dwellers available on a leather strap. It comes in yellow gold with a black dial in the Ref. 326238 ($40,000) and Everose gold with a brown dial Ref. 326235 or white dial Ref. 326235 ($41,500 each), all in 42 mm cases. First released in 2012, this model is one of Rolex’s most complicated watches to date. Its 9001 caliber features two time zones, a date display, a month indicator and an annual calendar. The 2017 Ref. 326934 with a blue dial has risen in price from $15,000 to $23,000 in the last year.

There are also new Oyster Perpetual models in both 41 mm and 36 mm cases marking the first time this line has seen a full redesign since 2014. The first version, the 41 mm Ref. 124300 ($5,900), comes in Oystersteel with a silver sunray or black sunray dial and replaces the 39 mm iteration that debuted in 2015. Until now, the silver sunray dial hasn’t been seen on an Oyster Perpetual since the 1960’s. While this is an entry-level watch for Rolex, the discontinuation of the 39 mm might see prices rise for the older model on the secondary market. The new piece comes with white or yellow gold index markers and is equipped with the 3230 caliber, which features 70 hours of power reserve.

It joins the 36 mm in the OP lineup, which comes with five new colorful dials in cotton candy pink, forest green, canary yellow, coral red and light turquoise. Also equipped with the 3230, each Ref. 126000 is available in sizes ranging from 28 mm to 41 mm (with the exception of 39 mm) and retails for $5,600.

The smallest sized Rolex release was reserved for the 31 mm Oyster Perpetual Datejust in Oyster Steel and 18-karat white gold. The most expensive piece is the only diamond-accented model in the collection. The Ref. 278384RBR features 46 brilliant-cut diamonds with a royal purple dial in a sunray finish and Roman numerals, including an oversized diamond-set VI marker ($16,050). For those that prefer a more subdued look from one of the brand’s most pervasive models, there is a mint green sunray finish (on a Jubilee bracelet, $8,050); dark gray sunray finish (on a Jubilee bracelet, $8,050); and white lacquer (on an Oyster bracelet, $7,800) dials sans bling on offer. Each comes with a fluted 18-karat white gold bezel set with either index hour markers or Roman numerals, also in 18-karat white gold. All come with the self-winding caliber 2236 with 50 hours of power reserve.

The Submariner, however, is the watch to get your hands on. “When the 116500 Daytona came out 4 years ago, people were shocked at how much it jumped, but it was much more revolutionary. This one is not that different from its predecessor so it’s not going to have that much bang as the 116500 had, in my opinion,” says Altieri. “But l on that Daytona I was telling people, ‘Look retail on it is $12,000. I know it’s $16,000 now but just wait a year and prices always start to come down.’ Historically, that’s what they would do. But I had to throw that out the window, because now they’re $26,000. The people that I told to wait, I gave bad advice. [Laughs] So the Submariner could go up easily, because scarcity this time is going to be even more strained.”

The new caliber and size are covetable updates to a model that is already heating up on the secondary market. Act fast, especially if you have a stellar (read: high-spending) record with your local authorized dealer. For the rest, you’ll have to wait and catch a pre-owned model at, perhaps, double the price.

Ideal companion of world travellers

For over a century, Rolex has been synonymous with inventions, which include its easy-to-pronounce brand name coined by Hans Wilsdorf 12 years before he founded the prolific watchmaking empire.

The Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller in 18ct yellow gold with a bright black dial and Oysterflex bracelet.

“I tried combining the letters of the alphabet in every possible way. This gave me some 100 names but none of them felt quite right. One morning, while riding on the upper deck of a horse-drawn omnibus along Cheapside in the City of London, a genie whispered ‘Rolex’ in my ear,” Wilsdorf said.

After settling in Geneva, he established Montres Rolex S.A. in 1920. Starting with the Oyster waterproof wristwatch and Perpetual rotor invented in 1926 and 1931, Rolex’s list of innovations has lengthened to include patented materials and movement parts.

Multiple patent applications were filed over the course of the development of Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller, which ultimately resulted in a 21st-century technological masterpiece released in 2012.

The latest 18ct yellow gold and 18ct Everose gold models feature an innovative Oysterflex bracelet, which lends a sporty look.

The Swiss brand exclusively uses 18ct gold, plus exactly the right mixture of elements such as silver, copper, platinum or palladium necessary to produce different types of 18ct gold: yellow, white and the patented pink gold alloy Everose.

The 18ct yellow gold version of the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller boasts a bright black, sunray-finish dial while the 18ct Everose gold rendition charms with a chocolate-coloured dial.

Particularly practical for travellers, the 42mm timepiece appeals with an easy-to-read dual time zone display, Saros annual calendar and rotatable Ring Command bezel.

The Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller in 18ct Everose gold with a chocolate dial and Oysterflex bracelet. Photos © Rolex

The local time is indicated by conventional centre hands while a fixed inverted red triangle on the dial points to the chosen reference time – the time at home or at the traveller’s usual workplace – on an off-centre 24-hour disc.

At a glance, this 24-hour display clearly distinguishes daytime hours from night-time hours in the other time zone.

Named after the cycle which governs the periodicity and recurrence of eclipses, the Saros annual calendar with a patented mechanism automatically differentiates between 30- and 31-day months.

The innovative display indicates the months of the year in 12 apertures around the circumference of the dial, with the current month marked by red.

Another Rolex invention dating back to the early 1950s, the signature Cyclops lens magnifies the date at 3 o’clock.

The annual calendar displays the correct date throughout the year. Only one adjustment is needed – on March 1 as February has only 28 or 29 days. The date is connected to local time and automatically changes according to the traveller’s local time zone.

The dial features a Chromalight display as the rectangular index hour markers and longer hands are coated or filled with a luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions.

The original Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller was launched in 2012.

An interface between the fluted rotatable bezel, winding crown and movement, the Ring Command system allows selecting and setting the functions one by one.

Guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100m, the Oyster case is fitted with the Oysterflex bracelet, which combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap.

Developed and patented by Rolex, this innovative bracelet is made up of flexible metal blades manufactured from a titanium and nickel alloy.

The blades are over-moulded with high-performance black elastomer, a material that is particularly resistant to environmental effects and durable. For enhanced comfort, the inside of the Oysterflex bracelet features a patented longitudinal cushion system that stabilises the watch on the wrist.

Rolex also developed and patented the folding Oysterclasp and Glidelock extension system, which allows adjustment of the bracelet’s length, without tools, up to some 15mm.

The new Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller timepieces are powered by Calibre 9001 developed and manufactured in-house and is equipped with a self-winding module via the Perpetual rotor while offering a power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

With multiple patents filed, this mechanical, self-winding movement is one of the most complex calibres created by the brand. Its architecture, manufacturing and innovative features render precision and reliability.

The blue Parachrom hairspring is made from an exclusive paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks.

The Rolex overcoil further ensures the calibre’s regularity in any position, and the oscillator is fitted on the patented Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.

Covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification, each Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller model, like other Rolex watches, has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by the Swiss brand in its own laboratories according to its own criteria.

These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding.