Order Domino’s pizza and you’re helping a store manager get a custom Domino’s Pizza Rolex. It's a surprising connection. Think about it: Rolex stands as an unrivaled symbol of prestige and craftsmanship. On the other end of the spectrum, Domino’s Pizza is a global fast-food giant synonymous with casual dining and speedy delivery.
Yet, beyond the pizza boxes and the opulent watch displays lies a tale of unconventional collaboration. For years, Domino’s Pizza rewarded its top-performing franchisees with luxury timepieces adorned with the iconic pizza logo.
This unique incentive program not only boosted morale but also created a highly coveted collectible.
What is Rolex?
Rolex is a renowned Swiss luxury watch manufacturer. The brand is synonymous with prestige, craftsmanship, and innovation. Founded in 1905, Rolex has a long history of producing high-quality timepieces that are coveted by watch enthusiasts and celebrities alike.
Rolex watches are known for their superb characteristics:
- Precision: Rolex is known for its exceptional accuracy and reliability.
- Durability: Many Rolex models are designed to withstand harsh conditions, making them popular among explorers and adventurers.
- Luxury: As a luxury brand, Rolex uses high-quality materials and creates their watches with meticulous craftsmanship.
- Iconic designs: Models like the Submariner, Daytona, and Date just have become iconic and are instantly recognizable.
What is Domino's Pizza?
Where did Dominoes originate? In the beloved US of A! Domino's Pizza is a multinational pizza restaurant chain renowned for its affordable pizzas and fast pizza delivery service. Founded in 1960, it has grown to become one of the largest pizza companies in the world. Domino's is famous for its:
- Speedy delivery: Fast and timely Domino's delivery is proof and commitment to efficient service.
- Wide range of pizzas: Offering various crusts, toppings, and specialty pizzas
- Digital innovation: Pioneering online ordering and pizza tracking
History of the Domino's Rolex
One brand represents affordability and accessibility. The other represents the epitome of class and luxury. Who would have thought that Domino's Pizza and Rolex would ever be mentioned in the same sentence? Let's check out the story of these Domino's pizza watches.
What Inspired the Design of the Domino's Rolex?
The idea for rewarding top-performing franchisees with Rolex watches began from a casual conversation.
In his autobiography Pizza Tiger, Domino's founder Tom Monaghan was wearing a Bulova watch with the Domino's logo when a franchisee expressed interest in acquiring it. Monaghan issued a challenge: reach a sales target of UAS 20,000 a week, and the watch was theirs. This sparked the idea of using high-end timepieces as ultimate incentives.
The franchisee achieved the target, and Monaghan kept his promise. At first, he gave away several custom Seikos. A few years later, he gave $800 Rolex watches to franchisees who reached and surpassed sales targets, which became more challenging to achieve.
The Domino's Rolex challenge continues to this day with the Oyster Perpetual 36 ref. 12000 as the ultimate prize for the best store manager or franchisee.
A Closer Look: Features and Variations of the Domino’s Pizza Rolex
The Domino's Pizza Rolex is a standard Rolex model, typically an Air-King or Oyster Perpetual, customized with the Domino's Pizza logo.
Key features
- Most Domino's Rolex watches are based on Rolex's Air-King or Oyster Perpetual models.
- The Domino's Pizza logo is incorporated into the watch's design. This could be on the dial, case back, or bracelet.
- Due to their limited production and unique nature, these watches have become highly collectible among watch enthusiasts and Domino's fans alike.
Features of the Rolex Air-King
The Rolex Air-King is a classic timepiece with a strong aviation heritage.
- Distinctive Dial: Featuring large 3, 6, and 9 numerals and a prominent minute scale, the Air-King dial is designed for optimal readability.
- Oystersteel Case: Constructed from Rolex's proprietary steel alloy, the case is quite durable and resistant to corrosion.
- Oyster Bracelet: The watch comes with a robust Oyster bracelet for comfort and security.
- Chromalight Display: The hands and hour markers are coated with luminescent material for excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Water Resistance: The Air-King is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet).
- Anti-magnetism: Equipped with an internal magnetic shield to protect the movement from magnetic fields.
The Air-King is a versatile watch that combines classic design with modern technology, making it a popular choice for both pilots and everyday wearers.
Features of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is renowned for its classic design and robust construction.
- Oyster case: This iconic case is made from solid Oystersteel, known for its corrosion resistance. It's also waterproof and dustproof.
- Oyster bracelet: The matching bracelet is equally durable and comfortable, often featuring the Oysterclasp with Easylink extension for added comfort.
- Perpetual rotor: This self-winding mechanism ensures consistent power without manual winding.
- Chromalight display: The hands and hour markers are coated with luminescent material for excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Sapphire crystal: The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial.
- Superlative Chronometer certification: Every Oyster Perpetual is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, guaranteeing exceptional precision and reliability.
The Oyster Perpetual embodies the essence of Rolex: a perfect blend of style, function, and durability.
Are There Collectible Versions of the Domino's Rolex?
Note that genuine Domino’s Rolex watches are not aftermarket pieces. Domino's did not buy stock Rolex watches and stamped them with their logo. Instead, these customized watches come straight from Rolex and are furnished with the Domino's logo by Rolex. Some watches even come with paperwork stating “Domino’s Pizza” as the purchaser.
How to Identify Authentic Domino's Rolex Watches?
Identifying an authentic Domino's Rolex requires a keen eye and knowledge of Rolex and Domino's branding.
1. Examine the Domino's logo.
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Placement: The Domino's logo can be found on the dial or the bracelet.
Mid-2000 Domino's Air King Rolexes had their logos on the bracelet, attached on the first link. On the Oyster Perpetual versions, the logo can be found at the second link. The Domino's logo can be their full-square logo or a simplified logo, a domino piece without the pizza name.
Some transitional examples in 2003 and 2004 had logs on the dial as well as the bracelet. -
Accuracy: Ensure the logo is correctly rendered with accurate colors and details. Here's a quick guide:
- Color logos or black-and-white logos
- Smaller Logos or Larger Logos
- Straight Logos or Tilted Logos - Consistency: The logo's style and placement should align with known Domino's Rolex models.
2. Inspect the Rolex components.
- Case and bracelet: Verify the quality of the case and bracelet, as Rolex uses high-grade stainless steel.
- Dial and hands: Check for the typical Rolex dial features, including lume plots and indices.
- Movement: Ensure the movement is a genuine Rolex caliber.
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Model: Domino's used different models for different periods. Here's a quick reference
- Late-1970s to 1989: Domino’s Rolex Air-King ref. 5500
- 1989 to 2000: Domino’s Rolex Air-King ref. 14000 and ref. 14010
- 2000 to 2007: Domino’s Rolex Air-King ref. 14000M and ref. 14010M
- 2007 to 2020: Domino’s Rolex Air-King ref. 114200, Oyster Perpetual 34 ref. 114200, and Oyster Perpetual 36 ref. 116000
2020 to Present: Domino’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 126000
Smaller ladies’ Domino’s Rolex watches were also created, including the Oyster Perpetual ref. 67194, 67180, 76080, and 176200.
3. Check for authenticity markers.
- Engravings: Look for engravings on the case back. Domino’s Rolex watches usually have engravings on the caseback. The design can vary, depending on the year these watches were awarded. For example, several casebacks feature the Domino’s logo while others have the awardee's initials. Some include the date and the sales target achieved.
- Box and papers: While not always available, original boxes and papers can significantly increase a watch's authenticity.
4. Consult with experts.
- Watch appraisers: Seek the expertise of a qualified watch appraiser who specializes in Rolex and can authenticate the watch.
- Online forums: Engage with watch collectors and enthusiasts on online forums for additional insights.
5. Be wary of counterfeits.
- Research: Familiarize yourself with common counterfeit techniques to avoid falling victim.
- Price: Be cautious of unusually low prices, as they often indicate a counterfeit.
What Are the Price Ranges for Domino's Rolex Collectibles?
Because Domino's Rolex watches are incentives for the company's franchisees, they cannot be found in ordinary watch stores. Given the rarity and unique nature of Domino's Rolex watches, their prices tend to be on the higher end of the Rolex collector market.
- Lower end: Domino's Rolex watches in good condition, with standard branding and no additional features, might start around $5,000 to $10,000.
- Mid-range: Watches with exceptional condition, unique branding placements, or additional features (like limited edition models or special engravings) could range from $10,000 to $25,000.
- High end: Extremely rare Domino's Rolex watches with exceptional history or provenance, perhaps owned by a famous franchisee or associated with a significant Domino's event, could command prices well above $25,000.
Similar Rolex Partnerships
While the Domino's Pizza Rolex is a unique case, there have been other instances of Rolex watches being associated with brands, albeit in a different manner. Unlike the direct branding seen with Domino's, these partnerships are often more subtle or indirect.
- Rolex and Tiffany & Co.: This is perhaps the most well-known example of a Rolex collaboration. Tiffany & Co. would often sell Rolex watches with their own branding on the dial, creating a unique and highly sought-after piece.
- Rolex and airlines: Several airlines, particularly in the mid-20th century, offered Rolex watches as part of their luxury service or as gifts to pilots. While not direct collaborations, these watches often featured airline logos or names on the dial or case back.
While Rolex has maintained its own strong brand identity, there have been instances where other luxury brands or high-end services have associated themselves with their timepieces. However, the Domino's Pizza collaboration remains an outlier due to its direct and unconventional approach.
Conclusion
The story of the Domino’s Rolex is a testament to the power of unconventional thinking and the enduring allure of luxury. What began as a unique incentive program has evolved into a captivating aspect in the world of watch collecting. These timepieces, once exclusive rewards for top-performing franchisees, have become symbols of entrepreneurial success and a tangible link to a beloved pizza brand.
