Profiles in Time: Mike Krzyzewski

Duke University is a potent force in the sport of basketball. They’re fourth all-time in wins of any NCAA men’s basketball program. So far, they’ve won five NCAA Championships and are a top contender for another win this year. Much of their success over the past several decades is because of the leadership of Mike Krzyzewski. Krzyzewski, affectionately nicknamed “Coach K,” has been with the Blue Devils for 39 seasons. During his tenure, he’s set a number of collegiate coaching records. His dedication to the sport has spanned well beyond his career as a head coach. He started playing basketball as a child, and went on to play at the collegiate level. In addition to his work with Duke, he’s led the U.S. men’s national basketball team to three Olympic gold medals. It’s clear his loyalty runs deep both on and off the court. He’s also a devotee to one particular watch brand.

Coach K: Growing Up 

 

Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks to his team during a timeout while during a game against the University of Virginia at Duke University, NC, Jan. 12, 2012. DoD photo by D. Myles Cullen

Growing up outside Chicago, Krzyzewski developed a reputation in his neighborhood for organizing basketball games. His passion led him to achieve all-star status on his high-school team. His hard work paid off, and he caught the attention of West Point’s former coach Bobby Knight. He went on to serve their team as a point guard throughout his college years. Then, he served his country for five years, rising to the rank of captain. During his time in the military, Krzyzewski remained devoted to basketball by coaching service teams.

College Coaching Career

Krzyzewski launched his college coaching career as an assistant to his former coach at the University of Indiana. A year later, he landed his first head-coaching job at his alma mater. After five years coaching at West Point, he stepped into his position at Duke and has been there ever since. Within his first three years with the Blue Devils, he helped establish them as the powerhouse team we know today. However, it took eleven years before Krzyzewski led them to their first National Championship wins in back to back seasons.

Into the new millennium, his momentum hasn’t slowed down. He helped the team notch three more national titles in 2001, 2010, and 2015. In 2015, he also became the first men’s basketball coach to achieve 1,000 career victories. In addition to his achievements at the college level, Krzyzewski coached the U.S. men’s national team. He led them to Olympic gold at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 summer games.

The Watch

Krzyzewski’s loyalty extends far outside the world of basketball. He married his college sweetheart the day he graduated from West Point, and they’ve been together for 50 years. He’s also currently faithful to one watch and one watch alone. Krzyzewski is a Rolex man, which comes as no surprise. He opts for a classic: a two-tone Submariner. The Submariner is one of the most iconic Rolex models. However, most typically think of it in black. Coach K’s version features a blue dial and bezel, in Duke’s team colors.

Over the years, Coach K has been photographed in a variety of different watches including an Apple Watch and a Royal Oak, but for many years, the Submariner has been his go-to. The Submariner features a unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown, and a water resistance of 100 meters. It has an oyster-style bracelet with steel and gold, and houses a caliber 3135 movement.

To some, Krzyzewski’s steadfast approach to life may seem unadventurous. However, there’s something admirable about that unwavering commitment, whether it’s to your life’s work or the timepiece you choose for your wrist.

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Watch Madness 2019 Matchups: Rolex Coke GMT vs Vacheron Constantin Overseas & Rolex GMT Batman vs. Rolex Explorer

Watch Madness continues with four more models duking it out in the first round. For the next few weeks, we’ll be putting 64 watches head-to-head from our inventory. Just like March Madness, you can play along by filling out a bracket, and the stakes are just as high. The grand prize is a $1500 to spend on your next watch, right here with us. If you’re looking for a little friendly guidance on how to make your picks, keep reading. I’m here to help you out by sharing some details on four of the watches we’ve matched up.

Rolex GMT Coke vs. Vacheron Constantin Overseas

The Rolex GMT and Vacheron Constantin Overseas are two quintessential pilot’s watches. While the GMT launched over four decades prior to the Overseas, both models have significantly progressed over the years. The GMT was reborn just shy of 30 years after its initial debut in 1954. The 1983 GMT Master II presented more functional updates than aesthetic. However, one design update came in the form of new colorways, like the two-tone red and black “Coke” variation. Similarly, Vacheron Constantin reinvented the Overseas collection twenty years after its initial release in 1996. Though the GMT Coke and Overseas share a similar evolution and purpose, they’re two totally unique models.

Rolex’s GMT line has always had a distinctly sporty appeal, from the original GMT to the GMT Master II. The introduction of various color iterations, like the Coke, have given the model stylistic flair and secured its icon status. However, at the core of the GMT collection is functionality. With the GMT Master II, Rolex upped the ante with the addition of a quickset hour hand that’s independently adjustable. It allows the wearer to set the local time without stopping the second, minute, or fourth 24-hour GMT hand. In other words, the GMT Master II can display the time in not just two but three time zones simultaneously.

While Rolex has reputation for being producers of sport and tool watches, Vacheron Constantin is typically associated with dress watches. That all changed in 1996 with the introduction of the Overseas. The model launched the brand into the sport watch category. Vacheron Constantin has always emphasized the utility of the Overseas. The model is available with a variety of complications, like a chronograph function, dual-time zone indicator, perpetual calendar, and worldtimer. However, the Overseas collection remains true to the brands roots with an equal focus on aesthetic. This refinement and elegance is particularly apparent in the revamped 2016 version.

Rolex GMT Batman vs. Rolex Explorer

You know it’s going to be an interesting match-up when two Rolex models are up against each other. It’ll be a hard-fought battle, but one model will reign supreme. Will it be the GMT Batman or the Explorer? Like the Coke, the Batman is one of the affectionately nicknamed color variations of the GMT Master II. Opposing the Batman is the Explorer. The Explorer is another powerful tool watch from the Rolex catalog. Both models hail from the 1950s era of the brand, but all similarities aside, they each serve a unique purpose.

The Batman is a newer addition to the GMT line. Rolex first unveiled the colorway in 2014, and it quickly became one of the most popular variations of the model. The two-tone blue and black color scheme has garnered other monikers as well. Though Batman is the most widespread, fans have also dubbed the model Bruiser, Phantom, and Dark Knight. Aesthetics aside, the Batman, like the Coke, is one of the most technically advanced pilot’s watches on the market. The ability to read up to three time zones sets it apart. It’s an ideal watch for world travelers and pilots alike.

The Explorer solidified its place in horological history in 1953. That year, it became one of the first watches to reach Mount Everest’s peak. In the decades to follow, Rolex has continued to refine the Explorer collection. This eventually led to a major redesign in 1971 and the launch of the Explorer II. Through each iteration, the Explorer has continued to uphold the principles of the original. It’s built to withstand the most extreme conditions with an emphasis on high legibility, even in the dark. For adventurers and thrill-seekers – from climbers to cave explorers – this is the ultimate watch.

Choosing the Picks for Your Bracket

Sitting down to complete you Watch Madness bracket may feel overwhelming at first. There are so many great brands and watches out there, it can be hard to choose. With the GMT Coke and Overseas, it’s a battle of the pilot’s watches. On the other hand, between the GMT Batman and Explorer, it’s a choice between two of Rolex’s top models. Our advice: don’t overthink it, and go with your gut. There are pros and cons of each and every watch model. Sometimes, it just comes down to personal preference. May the watch gods be with you as you narrow your selections. Be sure to check back for other deep dives on the Watch Madness models.

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Crown & Caliber Watch Madness 2019

A History of How March Madness was Coined

Basketball fans rejoice – the moment is finally here! After a long and well-fought season, the cream is finally rising to the top. The annual tradition of March Madness is upon us.

For those who aren’t major sports fanatics, March Madness is the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball single-elimination event each spring. Former Ohio State coach Harold Olsen worked with the National Association of Basketball Coaches to establish the tournament in 1939. However, the term “March Madness” is a relatively new moniker for the competition.

PHOTO CREDIT: FLICKR

The origins of “March Madness” are in fact rooted in basketball but not the NCAA. It started around the same time Olsen worked to establish the college tournament. A former high school basketball coach in Illinois wrote an article for a local magazine. He used the phrase “March Madness” to describe the annual statewide high school basketball event. A few years later in 1942, he wrote a poem called “Basketball Ides of March” for another local publication. It referenced the “Madness of March” once again.

For the next several decades, the phrase must have continued to circulate around the Midwest. In the early 1980s, Chicago sportscaster Brent Musburger was the first to use the term “March Madness” in association with the NCAA competition. As the phrase grew in popularity, controversy emerged. The Illinois High School Association trademarked “March Madness” in 1989. A few years later, they filed a suit against the NCAA for using the term. However, the case settled, resulting in the formation of the March Madness Athletic Association and allowing both to use the phrase.

Watch Madness 2019 – Play to Win

Today, one of the hallmarks of March Madness is filling out a bracket to predict the outcome of each game. There’s a certain thrill to the process whether you approach it strategically or simply in favor your favorite team. We can’t let basketball fans have all the fun, and that’s why we’re bringing back Watch Madness for another season.

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be putting 64 watches head to head until we have a winner. With Watch Madness, you can get the rush of filling out a bracket, even if you’re not a sports buff. This year, participants in Watch Madness are playing for an even sweeter prize. The winner will get a $1500 credit with Crown & Caliber.

A Few of This Year’s Matchups to Consider

As you’re gearing up to fill out your bracket, we’re here to give you a sneak peek. Here are a few of the watches that will be stacked up. There will be classic rivalries. Two examples are the Rolex Submariner vs. Tudor Submariner and A. Lange and Sohne Lange 1 vs. Patek Philippe Calatrava. Additionally, you’ll see intra-brand matchups, like the Audmars Piguet Royal Oak vs. Royal Oak Offshore or Rolex Root Beer vs. Kermit. You can also prepare for some tossups, like the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso vs. Cartier Tank Solo.

Get ready, watch nerds – you too can celebrate the “Madness of March” this season. Stay tuned for all the details on the official Watch Madness matchups. Plus, we’ll let you know how to complete you bracket for a chance to win!

 

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Watch Madness Matchups: Alaska Project vs. IWC Portofino and Rolex Sky Dweller vs. Rolex Sea Dweller

Our First Two Watch Matchups of Round 1

Watch nerds – the time has finally come. Watch Madness is here! Over the course of the next several weeks, we’re going to be matching up 64 watches from our inventory. The best part: you can fill out a bracket with your picks for a chance to win a $1500 credit with us. If you need help narrowing your selections, we’ve got you covered. Here, we’re spilling the nitty gritty details about four of the watches going head-to-head in the first round.

OMEGA Speedmaster Alaska Project vs IWC Portofino

The OMEGA Speedmaster Alaska Project and IWC Portofino are watches born out of the 1970s and 1980s respectively. Other than their relatively similar date of origin, these are two totally unique models. For starters, the Alaska Project is a highly specialized tool watch and the Portofino is a dress watch. Dress watches are their own breed. A few common traits make a dress watch, like a modest size and understated design. Namely, the dress watch focuses on stylistic elements as opposed to functional bells and whistles. On the other hand, tool watches are the complete opposite. They provide a very explicit function or set of functions for the wearer. In the case of a limited edition model like the Alaska Project, OMEGA tailored these specific functions to the intended use.

When it comes to dress watches, the Portofino is iconic. It defied the bold trends of the 1980s that spurred from the Quartz Crisis. However, the beauty of the Portofino isn’t just skin-deep. Though the focus is on its minimalist and refined design, this is not at the expense of quality and reliability. IWC has built a reputation on their extraordinary in-house calibers, like those found in the Portofino collection.

The limited edition Speedmaster Alaska Project is not your typical tool watch. OMEGA introduced the model in 2008 to commemorate the original prototype from 1970. “Alaska Project” was the code name given to a special range of Speedmasters OMEGA designed for NASA. The goal was to create a variation that could withstand extreme temperatures, like those on the dark side of the moon. The result was a model that looked very similar to the 2008 reboot. However, it came equipped with a distinctive external casing made of red-anodized aluminum.

Rolex Sky-Dweller vs Sea-Dweller

Rolex may be one of the leading brands in the industry. But, when two of their models are paired up and put to the test, which one comes out on top? The Sea-Dweller has been a Rolex standby for over 50 years. Yet, the Sky-Dweller is a newer addition, debuting just under a decade ago. Both are highly purpose-built tool watches whose technical prowess sets the bar. However, their functionality is very different. As the names suggest, one is for the sea and the other is for the sky.

The Sea-Dweller launched in 1967 during the peak era for the sport of diving. Unlike its predecessors – the Seamaster and the Submariner – the Sea-Dweller wasn’t for the more casual diver. The addition of features like a one-way escape valve, thicker crystal, and reinforced case gave it a depth rating of over 600 meters. Over the years, Rolex has continued to develop the capabilities of this robust and complex dive watch. Today, its depth rating has more than doubled to 1220 meters.

When Rolex unveiled the Sky Dweller at Baselworld in 2012, it immediately garnered attention. It was the brand’s first entirely new watch with an entirely new complication in over twenty years. It boasted an impressive fourteen new patents and an innovative annual calendar with dual time zones. In short, the Sky-Dweller was in a category all its own. What made it even more interesting was its intended purpose. It was undoubtedly a pilot’s watch but not necessarily intended for pilots. The Sky-Dweller also incorporates principles of the dress watch, making it the ultimate model for those who travel regularly.

Choosing the Picks for Your Bracket

When choosing the picks for your bracket, there are so many factors to consider. Between the Alaska Project and Portofino, there’s brand loyalty and watch style. With the Sky-Dweller and Sea-Dweller, it’s a battle of the Rolex brand. Your choice may come down to old versus new or sky versus sea. Then, there’s simply a matter of your personal preference and beliefs. Which watch is a winner for you? It’s a tough call to say the least. Each and every watch certainly has its merits. Good luck making your selections, and stay tuned for more in-depths looks at the models squaring off!

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