The Material Review

Issue 079: Inside Rolex, Baseball's Breaking Point, J. Crew's Strategy, The Drink Americans Can’t Quit, High Speed Rail, Spotlight On: Facebook Marketplace San Diego and Finisterre + Snow Peak.

Michael Williams

and

Taylor Stacey

Apr 05, 2025

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

How Rolex Makes a New Watch: The Story Behind the Land-Dweller

“The famously private brand let us in on the long and painstaking process that led to the Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller.” [Bloomberg]

Baseball Reaches Its Breaking Point

“An elbow-injury epidemic has become an existential threat to the sport, prompting the M.L.B. to brainstorm new solutions, such as the use of a heavier ball.” [The New Yorker]

Inside J.Crew’s strategy to be at the ‘center of culture’

“J.Crew is collaborating with everyone from ‘The New Yorker’ to FDNY to U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Libby Wadle, CEO, explains what drives these partnerships.” [Fast Company]

The Drink Americans Can’t Quit

“Soda is still here—just with new cans and new slogans.” [The Atlantic]

Looking for One of Tony Soprano’s Shirts? This Is the Guy You Call

“Nobody knows more about The Sopranos menswear than Gabriel Marfisi, who spends his days scouring the internet in search of the unassuming 2000s menswear worn by Tony, Paulie, Sal, and the gang.” [GQ]