“I cannot think of a more wonderful gift to receive for my Birthday. I did not know that my son Paul could sing; write music, or lyrics for such music. What a surprise and delight.” he said.
A special present gifted to a father for his 70th birthday titled “Fly Free” written by his son, Paul. With lyrics “If you fly with crows, you’ll get shot at…”, it was an anecdote shared from father to son, a reminder to spend time wisely with the right crowd in order to thrive free like an eagle. This was the wisdom that British Formula 1 legend, Jackie Stewart shared with his son, Paul Stewart.
Nicknamed the “Flying Scot”, Sir Jackie Stewart needs no introduction, a three-time world champion British Formular One legend that hold his title since 1973 until Lewis Hamilton broke his record in 2015. His son, Paul Evan Stewart also followed the footstep of his father and formed Stewart Grand Prix, a team which competed in Formular One from 1997-1999.
For the watch community, Jackie Stewart is also well-known for his love of the crowned brand that is strongly associated with motor racing, Rolex. For a man where a split second can make all the difference in defining a win or a loss, it is no wonder his confidence was placed in the Rolex brand throughout his career as F1 racing driver.
Now, how might the present Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN tie into this. A watch that seems ordinary at face value, the intriguing origin lies on the back of the timepiece.
Engraved on its caseback “TO ERIC SO MANY THANKS PAUL 2009”, the story brings us even further to its previous owner, yet another legend amongst rock & roll and to the watch collecting community, Mr. Eric Clapton.
As an acquaintance of the Stewart family, Paul invited Eric Clapton to take lead of the solo riff on the track that Paul wrote for this very special birthday present to his father. The song was recorded at The British Grove Studios in the Chiswhik neighbourhood, London where recordings from legends such as U2, The Rolling Stones, Sting, and Eric Clapton took place.
As a gratitude of making this birthday present extra special, Paul Stewart gifted the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710LN as appreciation of his contribution. Published in Hodinkee’s My Watch Story featuring Matt Prior, British musician who also took part in the recording for “Fly Free” with his anecdote. Mr. Prior reveals that Paul Stewart also gifted him the same GMT-Master II, and on the back with the same engraving format “TO “ONLY MATT” SO MANY THANKS PAUL 2009”.
A watch with incredible meaning, importance and provenance, the GMT-Master II marks a suitable choice for a man of intercontinental travel. Travelling and photographed numerous times on the wrist of Eric Clapton mingling on F1 racetracks, or while he was on tour rocking out “I shot the Sheriff” or “Wonderful Tonight”, this is easily one of the rarest find for collectors.
A discontinued reference with such a close tie and moment of history and exceptional provenance, it is a remarkably unique opportunity for any watch collector that appreciates motorsport or a fan of classic English rock. Ready for any journey, whether it be domestic or foreign, this watch is a perfect match for a frequent traveler who enjoys a rugged aesthetic and beauty of the green hand GMT. It is completed with its original presentation box and guarantee with E. Clapton prominently written on top.
