Rolex's of the William Brown Project
The William Brown Project is the work of Matthew Hranek. Here is more on Matthew, pulled from his site matthewhranek.com.
'Photographer and Director Matt Hranek has spent the last 20 years of his life traveling to the corners of the globe on assignment. Photographing and writing about some of the world’s most desirable destinations, Matt’s images capture the people, place, and objects that embody the American spirit. His work has appeared everywhere from editorials in Bon Appetit, Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire, GQ, Martha Stewart Living, Town and Country, and Travel and Leisure to commercial work for J Crew, LL Bean, Orvis, Sony, Target, and William Sonoma.
Matt created "The William Brown Project" as a visual diary of his photographic sojourns. He says he had the idea to turn his photographs and stories into the widely received blog because "there was so much residual content leftover from every photo shoot that it needed a place to go, so I made one". "The William Brown Project", where he tells of his elusive findings and exotic tastings was the inspiration behind the Esquire Network’s newest series, "Alternate Route", capturing the spontaneous adventure behind every photograph. The six episode first season follows Matt on the road less traveled as his passion and curiosity take him through Maryland, Chicago, Everglades, Charleston, and Montauk. Immersing himself in each society, Matt explores the local vernacular of the food and craft that personify his destinations.'
I had the pleasure of painting two of Matthew's watches. His Rolex GMT and Rolex Submariner.
Hranek- 'These are two beautiful example of 60's rolex sports model and as far as I am concerned the glory days of Rolex. I am proud and lucky to own them.'
Hranek- 'The GMT required endurance. I had a 16750 that I bought , then sold then bought a real shitty 1675 ( I loved the insert - perfect fade). Well my buddy jacek at HQ Milton in SF did me a solid and let me trade it in on a really lovely 1675 GMT that was actually traded in by a good friend of mine (who's GMT I coveted). It took a few moves to get there and well it's mine now and not going anywhere.'
Hranek- 'The Sub was my first Rolex purchase (my dad had left me a datejust). It was the early days of ebay and I had no idea what I was doing the watch was $1800 and the guy i was buying it from didn't trust ME... (early days).
I was very lucky - everything about the watch was perfect the lumes, the patina the pre-tropical (brown) dial. I will die with this watch.'
Watch 100! Meisturwerk Machinen
This Meisturwerk Machinen Man of War watch was submitted by Meisturwerk Machinen. (instagram user @meisturwerk_machinen)
Today marks the final painting in the 100 Watches in 100 Days for $100 each. The journey has been long and filled with hard work. You all who have participated and supported the project are to thank for making it possible.
What's next? The Book is next!
Along with other peripheral projects that are a direct result of the 100 Watches Project the book will be continuing the work we have embarked on to share our watches and the stories that surround them.
Today, Meisturwerk Machinen helps us to signal the end of one stage and the transition to the next. We will be reviewing how the project has grown and identifying significant aspects that have emerged with the project.
This is not the end...
Watch 99 Rolex
This Rolex Sporting Prince Travel Watch watch was submitted by Gene Stone. Author of 'The Watch', -the definitive book on the wristwatch.
'The Rolex Sporting Prince Travel Watch, is the holy grail of travel watches, the one that no collection can be complete without. It took me years to find it, and it’s beautiful. It’s the photo on my Facebook page as well. The Prince was introduced to the market in 1928, and was sold primarily as a wristwatch. Only a small number of these travel watches were ever made.'
Watch 98 Invicta
This Invicta Sub Aqua Noma III watch was submitted by Angel Jimenez. -(instagram user @mrsinista13).
Watch 97 Original Penguin
This Pebble Beach Pimp Le Gold Digital Watch watch was submitted by Robert Twitty. -instagram user @maxtwitty, @gentsamongmen
'This watch was inspired by James Bond’s first digital watch, featured in the opening scene of Live and Let Die.'
After four+ years of having this watch I still cannot stop looking at it. I think it was worth paying a small price to a lot of attention. At least that's what the watch says.'
Watch 96
ThisTudor watch was submitted by Rick Kenner (instagram user @omegawatchdaily).
'The watch is from 1968. I love watches that have an interesting provenance. Clearly this timepiece was given after 30 years of work. I always feel honored when I get to wear something that someone worked a lifetime to receive.'
Watch 95 Nomos
This Nomos GLasshutte Zurich Weltzeit watch was submitted by Sean Hunter. -instagram user @maurice2u
'From the now infamous origin of German watchmaking, Nomos takes its place among great in house movement watchmakers with a style and character all its own. Glashutte, the small village home of the great A. Lange & Söhne and Glashutte Original, now has a third pillar of finely engineered art. The Zurich Weltzeit is a unique take on a 'world timer' from Nomos and is a stand out piece for today, and years to come.'
Watch 94 Tissot
This Tissot Visodate watch was submitted by Jonathan Austin. -instagram user @johnnyofthea
Watch 93 Seiko
This Seiko Sports watch was submitted by Emir Kozikoglu. -instagram user @kozikus
'This is the one I got with my first paycheck. I wanted it because it pays homage to my dreamwatch, the original Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. It looks vintage and modern at the same time and it is built like a tank.'
Watch 92 Victorinox
This Victorinox Dive Master 500 watch was submitted by Matthew Miller. -instagram user @watchshark
'This is a Victorinox Dive Master 500, made especially for diving. I love the gunmetal look with the green lum indicators. I have actually used it on many occasions to test it's mettle and it always proves worthy of a place on my wrist. Best regards, - Matt'