It’s one of the most iconic celebrity photos on the internet: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a black turtleneck, gold chain, dad-level fanny pack, and a carefully posed expression that launched thousands of memes. The Rock turtleneck look has become a legendary meme template. But now, in a candid new reveal, Johnson has opened up about the moment that snapshot was taken—and the story behind the pose that became an online legend.

Taking to social media in a heartfelt video, Johnson discussed how the now-famous photo of him wearing “The Rock Turtleneck” came to be—and how it captures a defining moment in his early years.

🧍‍♂️ The Origin Story of the Photo

“Always grateful for the lessons, blood, sweat and grind. And fanny packs,” he captioned the post—a nod to his humble beginnings and some very 1990s fashion choices.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

In the video, Johnson reminisced:

“Black turtleneck, fake Tag watch, fanny pack, tissue underneath the elbow ‘cause I didn’t wanna get my turtleneck dirty. Crazy sh*t—and that picture went on to become iconic.”

The photo, taken before a wrestling match early in his career, was never meant to go viral. Yet decades later, with “The Rock Turtleneck” photo leading the charge, it has achieved cult status across social media. It’s been turned into memes, Halloween costumes, and even action figures. The legendary turtleneck photo is treasured by fans everywhere.

The image captured more than just a look—it reflected the mindset of a hungry young performer on the cusp of transformation.

Long before he became a global superstar, Dwayne Johnson’s life was anything but glamorous. Born into a wrestling family, Johnson moved frequently and endured financial struggles growing up. He often speaks about having just $7 in his pocket after being cut from the Canadian Football League—a moment that inspired the name of his production company, Seven Bucks Productions. That drive to rebuild from rock bottom formed the foundation of his rise.

From training in makeshift gyms to wrestling in small arenas for little money, Johnson’s climb to fame was forged through resilience. The iconic black turtleneck photo stands as a frozen frame in time—an image of a man fueled by ambition, preparing to take on the world.

💼 From Wrestling Ring to Global Enterprise

Dwayne Johnson’s transformation from wrestler to entertainment mogul is one of the most impressive in modern celebrity culture. Following his meteoric rise in the WWE, he transitioned seamlessly into Hollywood, becoming one of the highest-grossing actors of all time while the turtleneck style continued to follow him, especially “The Rock Turtleneck” phenomenon.

But his ambitions didn’t stop with the silver screen.

Today, Johnson helms several successful ventures:

• Seven Bucks Productions – His film and television production company, which has produced hits like Jumanji, Young Rock, and Red Notice.
• Teremana Tequila – A top-selling, ultra-premium tequila brand that reflects his commitment to quality and authenticity.
• Under Armour x Project Rock – A bestselling fitness apparel and gear line inspiring millions to pursue strength and purpose.
• Athleticon – A wellness and fitness expo blending fitness, film, and personal development.

Each of these ventures showcases Johnson’s brand: driven, motivational, and purpose-led. He has positioned himself not just as an entertainer but as a global brand architect.

🎬 A Hollywood Powerhouse

Johnson’s Hollywood résumé is stacked with blockbusters, and his versatility across genres—action, comedy, family, and even animation—has made him a household name with the iconic turtleneck look ever in mind, reminiscent of “The Rock Turtleneck.”

Notable films include:

• The Scorpion King (2002) – His breakout role in cinema
• Fast & Furious series – As Hobbs, a fan-favourite character
• Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level – Massive box office hits
• Moana – Lending his voice to Maui in Disney’s critically acclaimed animated musical
• Black Adam – His long-awaited superhero debut in the DC Universe

With upcoming projects constantly in development, Johnson shows no signs of slowing down.

🔥 From Meme to Motivation

Johnson’s ability to take a light-hearted jab at himself while reflecting on how far he’s come is a big part of why he remains so relatable and admired. What started as a fashion faux pas of wearing “The Rock Turtleneck” has become a symbol of authenticity, confidence, and growth.

Whether it’s a meme-worthy photo, a blockbuster role or a business empire, The Rock continues to build a legacy rooted in grit and humour. The turtleneck wasn’t just a style choice—it was a moment of character. And like everything he touches, it’s iconic.

Ask anyone who’s lived in or visited Dubai for a while, and you’ll hear a familiar line: “Time just flies here.” But why? Is there something in the sand-swept air, or is it more to do with our hyperactive schedules, mindsets, and environments? This isn’t just an abstract philosophical question—it’s rooted in neuroscience, psychology, lifestyle, and even culture. People often wonder why time in Dubai feels so fleeting. In this editorial deep dive, we explore why time seems to evaporate in Dubai faster than a bottle of water on Sheikh Zayed Road in July.

📍 The Dubai Effect: More Than Just a Feeling

Dubai is a city of motion. Towers rise overnight, events change weekly, restaurants flip menus monthly. In a place where innovation is a daily ritual and the skyline never sleeps, your environment is set to maximum stimulation. According to neuroscientist David Eagleman, our brain uses fewer memory markers when experiences are routine or over-familiar. In contrast, when the brain is bombarded with new, stimulating input, it processes time differently—especially in dynamic places like Dubai.

Translation? In the moment, Dubai can feel busy, chaotic, and hyper-present. But in hindsight, time seems to have vanished. Why? Because your brain didn’t save enough unique memory timestamps to stretch the experience.

🚀 Hyperstimulation & Urban Acceleration

Dubai is one of the most stimulating urban environments in the world. From sunrise yoga at Burj Park to business brunches at DIFC, then off to a networking mixer at The Arts Club—all in one day—it’s a non-stop sensory rollercoaster.

This level of activity has a psychological effect: the more your brain is engaged, the faster time appears to pass. Your cognitive bandwidth is spent absorbing, reacting, and adapting, leaving little room for stillness or reflection. The result? Time in Dubai feels condensed.

📱 Digital Overload in a Digitally Dominant City

Dubai is arguably one of the most digitally connected cities on earth. Smart city initiatives, cashless payments, AI-driven transport—everything moves fast, and so do we.

Notifications, deliveries, appointments, promotions—our attention is constantly pulled in multiple directions. Studies show that the more frequently we switch tasks or apps, the less we remember time passing. In short, in a city like Dubai, this digital overload makes time fly.

The more connected we are, the more disconnected we feel from time.

⏳ The Lifestyle Paradox: Maximum Experiences, Minimal Time

Dubai’s culture places high value on experiences: luxury, speed, status, and novelty. That means more socialising, more events, more “living life to the fullest”—and ironically, that’s what makes it all blur together.

Every brunch, gallery opening, car launch or VIP after-party contributes to a life of abundance, but abundance comes at a psychological cost: temporal compression. Indeed, the abundance of activities shortens perceived time in Dubai.

🌍 Expat Turnover and the ‘Always-On’ Mentality

With 90% of Dubai’s population being expat-based, there’s an unspoken urgency in how people live. Contracts are short. Opportunities are fast. Relationships shift quickly. Everyone’s trying to make the most of their time here.

This creates an environment of short-term intensity—where we overbook, overachieve, and overextend. And while that fuels career and social growth, it also makes time feel like it’s on fast-forward, especially during your time in Dubai.

🎢 Routine vs Novelty: A Psychological Balancing Act

Paradoxically, time feels slower when you’re bored and faster when you’re stimulated. But in hindsight, it flips. According to psychology professor Claudia Hammond, when we’re in highly repetitive environments, we remember time dragging. But when our memories are rich and varied (like a day out in Old Dubai or an overnight desert safari), we look back and think, “Where did the day go?”

Dubai offers little downtime. Even a ‘quiet night in’ can become a story worth posting. That constant novelty keeps us moving, but it also means time slips by with less conscious awareness, especially while spending time in Dubai.

🧘 Mindfulness vs Motion: Can We Slow It Down?

While we can’t slow the clock, we can change our perception of time. Experts suggest practising mindfulness, digital detoxing, and even engaging in manual tasks like journaling or walking—activities that bring us back to the present.

In Dubai, this can look like:

• Early morning beach meditation at Kite Beach
• A tech-free lunch at Arabian Tea House
• Slow art walks in Alserkal Avenue

These deliberate pauses help you store memories more deeply, making time feel fuller and more expansive during your Dubai experiences.

📅 Final Thought: It’s Not Just You

Time in Dubai does feel like it moves faster, but it’s not because you’re imagining it. It’s the result of an ultra-modern city designed for movement, momentum, and memory-blurring stimulation.

Want to feel like you’ve got more time? Take a breath, unplug for an hour, and let the city slow down around you—even if just for a moment.

Luxury watch enthusiasts and collectors might soon find themselves digging deeper into their pockets as prominent brands such as Rolex, Omega, Cartier, and Breitling announce forthcoming price increases in response to recently imposed tariffs. With watchmakers responding to tariffs, the imposition of tariffs on Swiss imports into the United States has triggered a wave of adjustments within the luxury watch industry, affecting both pricing strategies and market dynamics significantly.

Background of the Tariffs

The scenario began unfolding when former President Donald Trump initially announced severe tariffs of up to 31% on Swiss products. Switzerland, renowned globally as the epicentre of luxury watchmaking, quickly found itself in a state of alarm. Dealers and retailers reacted urgently; some vintage dealers swiftly arranged emergency shipments to preemptively stockpile inventory, anticipating the impact these tariffs would have on the market. The industry breathed a collective sigh of relief when the administration introduced a 90-day postponement of the most extreme tariffs, but the remaining 10% levy has continued to exert considerable pressure on watchmakers and dealers alike.

Impact on Brands and Pricing

Rolex, arguably the most iconic name in luxury timepieces, was among the first to confirm price adjustments. Starting May 1, Rolex raised its prices by approximately 3%, a notable shift for collectors and prospective buyers alike. Following Rolex’s move, Omega soon disclosed plans to increase prices by an average of 5% across its collections. These adjustments set the stage for widespread market expectations of similar responses from other major watch manufacturers.

Sources within the industry strongly indicate that additional brands under Richemont and Swatch Group umbrellas, notably Cartier, are also preparing to adjust their retail prices. Breitling, an independent yet equally prestigious watchmaker, will also implement similar changes. Luxury conglomerate LVMH, home to esteemed brands like TAG Heuer and Bvlgari, is similarly expected to raise prices in line with industry trends, with projected increments ranging between 3% and 5%.

The tariffs have not only affected pricing but also narrowed the profit margins available to authorised dealers, who traditionally rely heavily on sales of these high-value items. Reduced margins might further disrupt the sales ecosystem, compelling dealers to rethink strategies for sustaining their businesses amidst increased operating costs.

Consumer Impact and Market Dynamics

While a 10% tariff increase might initially appear modest compared to the proposed 31%, the tangible impact on the luxury watch market remains significant. The price hikes brought about by the tariffs have already begun influencing consumer purchasing decisions, particularly among middle-tier collectors and buyers whose budgets are more sensitive to price fluctuations.

Joshua Ganjei, a notable figure at Boston’s European Watch Company, points out that these price hikes are reshaping how enthusiasts engage with the market. He highlights a growing shift toward the secondary market, where pre-owned luxury watches offer more appealing financial propositions compared to new retail purchases. As MSRP climbs, the allure of sourcing watches through alternative channels, such as pre-owned dealerships, intensifies.

The Secondary Market’s Opportunity as Watchmakers Respond to Tariffs

As prices for new watches rise, the secondary market stands poised to benefit substantially. Collectors seeking to avoid paying increased retail prices are likely to redirect their attention toward pre-owned watches, enhancing the already booming secondary market. This trend presents considerable opportunities for resellers and pre-owned luxury watch specialists who could see a spike in demand and increased sales volume.

Ganjei suggests that tariffs represent not merely a temporary policy shift but rather a fundamental transformation in how American collectors access luxury watches. The secondary market, therefore, is positioned to gain considerable traction, offering more economically accessible alternatives to luxury watch enthusiasts.

Reactions Among High-End Independent Brands

Interestingly, not all segments of the luxury watch industry express immediate concern over the tariffs. Brands such as H. Moser & Cie, which cater predominantly to high-end collectors less influenced by market volatility, remain relatively unperturbed. Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie, conveyed confidence despite the unexpected tariff announcements. Meylan emphasised the importance of maintaining strong, long-term relationships with retail partners, stating that most orders placed ahead of these tariffs remain secure.

H. Moser & Cie proactively responded to the initial tariff announcement by swiftly shipping products to US retailers before the potential increase could take effect, demonstrating strategic agility. Such proactive measures reflect how adaptable independent brands can be in navigating unpredictable regulatory landscapes, particularly when supported by loyal, affluent clientele whose buying patterns are resilient to short-term fluctuations.

Broader Implications

The ripple effect of these tariffs reaches far beyond consumers’ wallets. The luxury watch industry, notably reliant on intricate global supply chains and sensitive to international policy shifts, faces potential challenges in maintaining steady operations and profitability. While major brands and high-end independents might weather the storm, smaller retailers and dealers may face disproportionate struggles due to shrinking margins and potentially declining sales.

Moreover, if the tariffs dampen overall demand, watch manufacturers could face slower inventory turnover and disrupted production schedules.

This scenario would not only impact manufacturers directly but also reverberate through the broader luxury goods market, affecting ancillary businesses and associated industries reliant on robust luxury goods sales.

Consumer Strategies Moving Forward

For consumers determined to purchase specific luxury watches despite higher prices, timing and market awareness become critical. Understanding market dynamics, tracking price adjustments, and considering strategic buying windows could mitigate some impacts of these price increases. Additionally, buyers may increasingly leverage relationships with trusted secondary market dealers, ensuring they obtain desired models at comparatively favourable prices.

Conclusion

The introduction of tariffs has undeniably shaken the luxury watch market, prompting brands like Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, and others to revise their pricing strategies upward. While immediate consumer responses vary widely depending on economic factors and personal purchasing power, the long-term implications could reshape luxury watch buying patterns profoundly.

Whether these tariffs remain a short-lived challenge or evolve into a prolonged reality, their initial impact is unmistakably significant. Collectors and buyers must now navigate a market where increased prices are the new norm, prompting a reevaluation of buying strategies and market interactions. This shift may permanently alter the landscape of luxury watch collecting, highlighting adaptability as the defining trait for brands, retailers, and consumers alike in navigating an uncertain future.