Baselworld 2010: The New Rolex Explorer

Baselworld 2010: One of the more popular watches introduced this spring at Baselworld was the new Rolex Explorer. The classic timepiece now comes in larger 39mm case size. The matte black dial features applied gold Arabic numerals and stick hour markers are illuminated with Chromolite. The new Explorer is powered by a COSC certified caliber 3132 self-winding mechanical movement. The timepiece comes with the new Osysterlock clasp and easy link comfort extension link. With all the different watches introduced each year at Basel a simple fact remains, the Rolex Explorer is a classic timepiece removed from fashion or trend.

Basel 2010: The Rolex Submariner Reborn

Baselworld 2010: Rolex has completed it's planned upgrade of the iconic Submariner sports watch. Over the past two years, the Rolex Submariner has been reborn with a new "Cerachrome" ceramic bezel, a new dial featuring larger luminescent indices and hands, and a larger 40mm reconfigured case with wider lugs. The watch also features a glidelock clasp for easy adjustment of the bracelet. The new Submariner is water resistant to 300 meters. These subtle improvements only add to what has been considered the ultimate sports watch. The new stainless steel model Submariner will now be offered in a optional green bezel and dial to go along with the classic black and black Submariner (see photo).

Howard Hughes and his Patek Philippe Watch

Christies Auction house is offering a rare Patek Philippe chronograph owned by the mysterious Howard Hughes. An influential aviator, entrepreneur and movie producer, Howard Hughes inherited 75% of his father's estate at 18 years of age. Left a million-dollar estate and control of the Sharp-Hughs Tool Company, Howard and his new wife soon left their home in Texas and moved to Hollywood. Hughes spent much of the next 20 with interests in the film industry. His 1928 film Two Arabian Knights won the 1928 Oscar for Best Comedy Direction and other hits included Scarface (1932) and The Outlaws (1943). Howard Hughes took control of RKO Motion Pictures in 1948.

While known for his interest in Hollywood and the film industry, Hughes is best known as an aviation pioneer and for his love of flying. He was not a stellar student but skilled in mathematics and had a passion for mechanics and design. These skills propelled Hughes to the forefront of the aviation industry. He set several air records including a 1938 world record round the globe flight in 91 hours, beating the previous record by four hours.

The watch which will be offered through Christies auction house
is a rare and attractive 18K yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with Breguet numerals, signed Patek Philippe and manufactured in 1949.