THE KING
Here is a brief history of a stand-out Rolex, the first series reference 9630, King Midas
Vision
King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley (above), was gifted a Rolex Midas 9630 in 1970 for performing a series of shows in Houston, Texas. Elvis's King Midas is on display at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. A private collector owns the example above.
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In the world of horology, where rarity and history collide, the Rolex King Midas with reference 9630 stands as a true gem. A mere thousand of these exist, each bearing a colorful and storied past. Designed by the visionary watchmaker Gerald Genta, this timepiece famously graced the wrist of the one and only Elvis Presley, the King of Rock & Roll.
In an era when Rolex typically embraced conservative oyster cases, Genta's audacious and opulent design was nothing short of revolutionary. Crafted entirely in solid 18k gold, the King Midas was the heavyweight champion of its time. Its limited production run stood in stark contrast to Rolex's usual approach to watchmaking.
This horological masterpiece made its cinematic debut in the 1974 James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun' and was proudly owned by the legendary John Wayne. Surprisingly, it hasn't enjoyed the same resurgence in popularity as models like the Royal Oak and Nautilus, perhaps due to its rarity and the confidence required to don such an ostentatiously retro-futuristic solid gold timepiece
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However, the tides of popularity appear to be shifting. The sight of Rihanna sporting a modified version with a later reference suggests that discerning artists are once again recognizing its unique charm. Think of it as the Kanye West and his Cartier Crash phenomenon reborn in a different era.
What sets the King Midas apart is its unexpected wearability. I recently had the pleasure of trying on the reference 9630 pictured here, and to my surprise, it was a remarkably comfortable fit. One of the most astounding watches I've ever worn, to be frank. Yet, a word of caution is in order – its substantial weight leads to a more pronounced arm swing as you move, much like the legendary King himself.
Reference 9630 (above) showcases its unique crown with the sun profile and King Midas engraved.
Gerald Genta had a Midas touch of his own, and this timepiece, inspired by the Parthenon temple in Athens, is a testament to his genius. Its bold geometry and design carve out a unique niche in Rolex's storied history. The example showcased here hails from a private collection and, I must regretfully inform you, is not available for purchase.