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 11 Projects Watches
This Past, Present, Future watch was submitted by Daniel Will-Harris.
'I love this watch because it reminds you to stay in the present. It's now my best-selling watch.'
Watch 10 Rolex
This Rolex Submariner watch was submitted by Arik (instagram user @adbsky).
Arik says of this watch, 'It was given to me by my uncle as a present for graduating from a law school. He said that there are a lot of sharks in this business so I need a right instrument to swim with them! He was right by the way, the watch served me well in all occasions ever since.'
Watch 9 Bell&Ross
This Bell & Ross Red Rader watch (with Thomas Sabo bracelets) was submitted by Rodolfo Suro (instagram user @rodolfosuro).
Watch 7 Steinhausen
This Steinhausen Classic Automatic Calendar watch was submitted by Lawrence Wu.
Watch 6 Seven Friday
This Seven Friday P2 watch with Reptile Strap was submitted by BK (instagram user @kicktoc)
Watch 4 Omega
This Omega Seamaster Diver ETNZ limited edition watch was submitted by Alex Chu (an old roommate of mine). He is always challenging me to work on the details.
Watch 3 Tissot
This Mexicana Airlines watch was submitted by Carlos Valdez (instagram user @captncarlos).
'The 65th anniversary Mexican Airlines Watch belonged to his father who inspired him to pursue a career in aviation.'
