Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41
#17
Mike McCown
United States
When Mike McCown’s name was announced as the winner of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Green Dial, his reaction was pure disbelief and pure joy.
“Super excited, pumped up,” he said. “I participated over and over in this. Friday I was at my Rolex dealer, and the green OP was on my Wishlist. Then I saw the email for the OP41.”
A longtime business leader turned passionate watch enthusiast, Mike’s journey to this moment began not long after his retirement.
“Recently retired and developed a passion for watches, attended watch fairs. Last week I was at the AD,” he shared. Before that, he had spent decades as a partner in a group that operated fast food restaurants. “Just recently sold them and right now I play pickleball. I won a gold medal in a tournament just past week.”
His introduction to Wolf Watch Club came through familiar YouTube territory.
“I was watching one of Jory’s videos. He talked about the Wolf Watch Club, what a great way to participate for a little bit and win an incredible watch,” Mike said. “I entered at least five competitions. I bought 10 entries two hours before the competition ended. I started with the OP41 Blue Dial.”
Mike’s love for watches goes way back. “I always loved watches,” he said. “I had one nice watch I got through the course of my career, but I was nervous about wearing these watches in the restaurant business.” That changed after retirement. “I started watching YouTube videos. Went to Teddy Baldassarre’s fair. I am a member of the RedBar in Houston. Even in Europe I went to several dealers.”
His persistence and patience finally paid off.
“Just when you don’t think it will, it can happen to you,” Mike reflected. “I played six or seven competitions, and I never won even $10. So I was wondering, am I ever going to win?”
Now, with his Rolex Green OP41 heading his way, that question has been answered.
“Wolf does a great job reaching out to different types of watches,” he said appreciatively. “I recently bought a couple birth year watches. I aspire to be the next Marc Martin!”
From fast food entrepreneur to gold medal pickleball player and now a Rolex winner, Mike’s story is proof that perseverance, passion, and a little luck can take you a long way.