George Rodrigue circa 1985 wearing one of his signature Rolex watches typical for businessmen in Louisiana at the time.
George Rodrigue was an avid watch collector, a fascination that began in the 1970s and 1980s during the oil boom in Louisiana and Texas. At the time, status symbols like gold Rolex watches were a common sight among businessmen in the region, and Rodrigue was no exception. As an artist navigating the business world, he understood the importance of making an immediate connection with potential collectors, many of whom were part of this culture. Given his appreciation for fine watches, it was natural for Rodrigue to take on several custom watch design projects throughout his career.
Originally owned by Houston businessman Don Sanders, this gold Rolex Oysterdate watch (below) features a miniature replica of the 2002 George Rodrigue painting Roulette. Sanders owned the painting, which features a Red Dog and a Blue Dog with a wheel of color in the background, for several years. The painting was recreated here by a watch face painting artisan hired by Rodrigue. This one-of-a-kind timepiece combines the purity of Rolex design and functionality with the formal beauty of Rodrigue’s art. Contact gallery for price.
From Don Sanders’s collection, this Rolex Oystersteel watch (below) features a replica of one of George Rodrigue’s more amusing paintings. The Rolex Air-King is known for being inspired by adventure and the sense of freedom that can be found through exploration. Those sentiments pair well with Rodrigue’s work. This Air-King face features a miniature reproduction of Rodrigue’s painting Takin’ Care of Business, which the artist created in 2000 for a Xerox advertising campaign. The work features a Blue Dog standing next to a red fire hydrant, an image sure to bring a sense of delight to the quotidian task of checking the time. The painting was recreated here by a watch face painting artisan hired by Rodrigue. Contact gallery for price.
In the mid-2000s, George Rodrigue collaborated with Hublot, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, and Zadok Jewelers in Houston, Texas, to create a limited edition of 150 bespoke timepieces featuring his artwork. Before the edition was completed, Rodrigue produced this prototype (below) using one of his designs. Don Sanders, a close friend of Rodrigue and a major collector, introduced the artist to Hublot, and this particular watch comes from Sanders’s collection. The watch face features a miniature rendition of Rodrigue’s Blue Dog, reminiscent of the Blue Dog in his 2004 painting Living with the Blues. Contact gallery for price.
*Price and availability subject to change without notice.