SOURCE: Melrose Jewelers

 

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire - January 14, 2009) - Watches: Is there any athlete in the world whose endurance and strength of character reflect the quality of a Rolex watch than seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong? A Rolex connoisseur with a preference for both the Rolex GMT Master II and the stainless steel Rolex Daytona, Armstrong has overcome testicular cancer not only to return to cycling, but also to embrace fatherhood again. Before Christmas, Armstrong happily announced to the press that his beautiful girlfriend Anna Hansen is pregnant. Armstrong told the Associated Press, "Anna and I are thrilled to confirm that we are expecting in June. We are very much looking forward to what 2009 brings on many fronts." A Program Manager for First Descents, Anna Hansen loves nothing more than being outdoors on her mountain bike. As ideal as Armstrong's connection is with Rolex watches, his relationship with Hansen appears to be a rare example of perfection.

This article by John Lavitt can be read in its entirety at the MJ Rolex Watch Blog: http://www.melrosejewelers.com/rolex-watch-blog/lance-armstrong-and-his-rolex-embrace-fatherhood-and-the-tour-de-france/ or in the U.K. at http://www.melrosejewelers.co.uk/rolex-watch-blog/lance-armstrong-and-his-rolex-embrace-fatherhood-and-the-tour-de-france/

After being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996 that had spread to his lungs and brain, Lance Armstrong was given less than a 50% chance of survival by his doctors. Facing the challenge of his disease with the endurance and fortitude of a Rolex watch, Armstrong survived surgery and several brutal cycles of chemotherapy. Armstrong and his former wife Kristin had three children using in vitro fertilization with sperm he had banked before his chemotherapy. Amazingly, Armstrong returned to win the Tour De France seven straight times until he retired in 2005. Astounding the world once again, Armstrong announced in 2008 not only his return to competitive cycling, but also the coming arrival of a new child through the means of a natural conception. After relationships with Sheryl Crow and Kate Hudson, Armstrong has found happiness with Hansen. The question now is whether he can find the fortitude to win an eighth Tour de France in 2009.

Although Armstrong often wears a stainless steel Rolex Daytona, his favorite Rolex watch always has been the Rolex GMT Master II. The 50th anniversary edition of the GMT Master II was revealed at BaselWorld 2006. This new model features a number of technical enhancements, such as Rolex's patented Parachrom hairspring as well as a larger Triplock crown. The new model also has several cosmetic improvements such as larger hands and a new bezel made of an extremely hard ceramic material, which greatly resists damage and discoloration.

With his decision to enter the Giro d'Italia and return to competitive cycling, Lance Armstrong received a warm reception from the Italian cycling community. Perhaps nobody in Italy has a closer bond with Armstrong than Ivan Basso, who still recalls how the American took time away from the pursuit of his 2004 Tour de France victory to help Basso's mother fight cancer. Rolex always has been a company that has shown a balance between technical genius and philanthropy. Lance Armstrong truly reflects the best of Rolex in both his personal and professional lives.

About Melrose Jewelers:

Melrose Jewelers sells nearly 400 styles of Rolex watches on its website along with brands including Cartier, Omega, Breitling and Audemars Piguet. Melrose Jewelers is a member of the NAWCC (National Association of Watch Collectors) and the MJSA (Manufacturers & Jewelers Association of America) and supports law enforcement through its Platinum Membership with the California Sheriff's Association. Melrose Jewelers is not an authorized agent or affiliated with Rolex USA, Rolex S.A., or Rolex International. Rolex Datejust, Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Rolex Day Date President and Presidential, Rolex Oyster, Rolex Submariner, Rolex GMT Master, & Rolex Daytona are trademarks of Rolex USA. All Rolex watches offered by Melrose Jewelers are Preowned; no new Rolex watches are available from Melrose Jewelers. Melrose Jewelers warranties it watches solely through its store. Rolex USA has no obligation to service watches sold by Melrose Jewelers.

About the Melrose Jewelers Rolex Watch Blog:

The Melrose Jewelers (MJ) Rolex Watch Blog is the world's largest independent news website about Rolex events and Rolex in pop culture. With over 300 articles and new articles and commentary updated daily, the Melrose Jewelers Rolex watch blog contains articles about Rolex watches owned by Barack Obama, John McCain, Lily Allen, Flavor Flav, Danica Patrick, Lindsay Lohan, Placido Domingo, Lance Armstrong, Mark McGrath, Jessica Simpson, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt, Vince McMahon, Rita Hayworth, Benicio Del Toro, Brad Pitt, Benicio Del Toro, Rita Hayworth, Vince McMahon, The Dalai Lama, Zara Phillips, Saddam Hussein, O.J. Simpson, Guy Ritchie, Madonna, Ana Ivanovic, Matt Damon, Genki Sudo, Drew Barrymore, DJ Am, Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, Jay-Z, Ari Emanuel, Jennifer Aniston, Orlando Bloom, Paris Hilton, Daniel Craig, Tupac Shakur and Wiley,

This article was published by the MJ Rolex Watch Blog, http://www.melrosejewelers.com/rolex-watch-blog/

Melrose Jewelers has recently launched its Rolex website in Madrid, Spain at http://www.melrosejewelers.es