Sublime = Rolex + Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Recently we received and invitation from J Farren-Price to attend an evening with Rolex to see the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. Of course we jumped at the chance.

On a wet and chilly Thursday we arrived at the Sydeny Opera House and made our way to the Utzon Room. Located on the eastern side of the Opera House it offers views across the Harbour, Fort Denison and the eastern suburbs. While mingling with the other guests and representatives from Rolex, the Orchestra and J Farren-Price, we enjoyed some Veuve Clicquot and delicious canapes.


Then it was time to head to the Concert Hall. The magnificent Concert Hall is designed for acoustic performances with its high vaulted ceiling and interior finishes of brush box and white birch timber. It seats 2,679 and is the largest interior venue at the Opera House. The Concert Hall is also home to Grand Organ, a technical wonder, it is the world’s largest known mechanical action organ. The instrument has 10,154 pipes, 200 pipe ranks and 131 speaking stops with electrical stop action. Unfortunately we got to see but not hear the organ.

The Vienna Philharmonia program for our evening consisted of Johannes Brahms Tragic Overture, Op.81, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No.34 in C, K338 Allegro vivace, Andante di molto and Finale (Allegro vivace), and to finish the evening Anton Bruckner Symphony No.4 in E flat, Romantic Bewegt, nicht zu schnell Andante quasi allegretto Scherzo(Bewegt) Trio(Gemachlich) and Finale(Bewegt,doch nicht zu schnell). For the encore we were treated to a performance of The Blue Danube by Strauss.

Thankyou to Rolex and J Farren-Price for inviting us to a wonderful evening!

Some things are worth waiting for!

We often read on the forums on how long collectors have to wait to get their beloved Patek Philippe back from service. Last year around this time, I too was somewhat anxious in sending my treasured 3971 on its long journey back to Geneva where it was conceived in 1990. What made it an even more difficult decision was the fact that I only had the watch in my possession for 8 months.

After a long wait, today I was going to find out if I made the right choice.


Even through the protective plastic I feel as if I’m looking at a completely new watch.

It has had a very light polish and the front crystal was replaced as there was an inclusion in the original. The lugs with all the hallmarks remain crisp. Well done Patek! I for one appreciate your no compromise approach even if that means a long wait.

After its long journey I’m glad my 3971 is back downunder. Its beauty is so enthralling that I’m yet to put it on my wrist.

Maybe tomorrow will be the day!

P.S. Steve Jobs thank you for the iPad and may your vision continue to inspire us all.