A Chrome Hearts Rolex? What the hell did Drake just gift Lil Baby?
Zach BlassRolex is known for what I like to call robust elegance, designs built on the classic Oyster Perpetual format that manage to be both dressy and sporty at the same time. So when I saw reports that Drake had gifted Lil Baby a Chrome Hearts Rolex watch I was immediately confounded by its aesthetic. Admittedly, a look often derives its strength from the confidence of the wearer, but it would take the swagger of a superstar rapper, in my humble opinion, to pull off such a look.
The gifted Rolex is effectively a factory original Rolex Day Date case and dial (likely a vintage 36mm in white gold) affixed to a new custom bracelet created by high-end jeweler Chrome Hearts. Founded in 1988 and based in Los Angeles, the brand is known for its silver accessories, gold and diamond jewellry, eyewear, leather, clothing, and even furniture. The new aftermarket bracelet designed by Chrome Hearts is very in line with familiar charm and chain bracelets. What is less familiar is the style being affixed to a Rolex watch. On paper the pairing really doesn’t make any sense, but hit musicians have the luxury of not following standard rules.
There isn’t any official reason as to why Drake gifted the Chrome Hearts Rolex to Lil Baby, but hip-hop news outlets are inferring it is to congratulate Lil Baby and collaborator Lil Durk’s latest project The Voice of Heroes that has reached number one in the charts. Drake and Lil Baby have worked together in the past, their relationship clearly established by teaming up for prior projects.
This isn’t Drake’s first encounter with a Chrome Hearts Rolex. In fact, he’s actually worn one himself – a yellow gold diamond bezel Rolex Day Date affixed to a Chrome Hearts created bracelet in a different style. Between the pair, Drake’s custom creation makes Lil Baby’s look tame and I would probably wear the Lil Baby configuration before I’d attempt Drake’s yellow gold and diamond studded creation.
Is it particularly my cup of tea? Not really. It breaks the golden rule of never customising a Rolex watch, especially given the diminishing value that comes when you tamper with the original condition. But as far as customising a watch goes, I have to give them points for originality – even if I prefer to keep my own watches in their original configurations.