A Stranger, a Rolex Daytona and Chocolate

There is this movie line from 1994, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” There sure is a lot of truth contained in that line isn’t there?

I was 43 when I started working at the Wynn Rolex Store in Las Vegas. It wasn’t my first or last gig in the luxury Vegas jewelry business, but it’s where I was this one evening around 2006. The sign over the door just said “Rolex Store” and that was completely sufficient. I always worked the evening shift in Vegas. It’s when all the real action happened. Everyone who was someone in Vegas, on any given day, was out and about in the evening. And it’s when I made my biggest sales.

What unfolded on this day and the following day sure was a lot like that box of chocolates. 

The evening shift was from 3 to 11pm. It was probably around 4pm that I was standing in the store chitchatting with the other sales ladies, when I observed an older gentleman shuffle through the door. I immediately thought, “oh who do we have here?” He looked to be in his 60’s and had a bit of a scowl on his face. Overall, he was looking a little disheveled. Yes, he was wearing nice slacks and a button-down shirt, but he just wasn’t presenting as neat and fit. He was accompanied by a teenage boy who I naturally assumed was his son. 

I immediately stepped up and greeted him with my standard line “Hello, welcome to Wynn Rolex, my name is Robyn, is there anything in particular you are looking for?

The man responded “Yes, A Stainless-Steel Daytona”.

So, the following conversation must be understood in the proper context. I am standing in the Wynn Rolex Store in Las Vegas, representing the Wynn name, and this slightly upset and disheveled customer walks in and ask for one of the most coveted, and in demand watches in existence. From my perspective it was a bit bemusing. The Rolex Daytona is one of the most Iconic and sought after luxury time pieces in the world. 

Basically, nobody walks in off the street and buys a Rolex Daytona anywhere. If you are not already an existing customer, and if you are not on the waiting list, it’s not going to happen.

So back with the customer, I responded with a playful but slightly sarcastic, “Sure, let me just go back to the safe and get you one, do you want a black dial or a white dial?” What’s your preference?” Always with a smile of course!

But I immediately followed up with “Of course not…. we don’t have any!”

To this, the customer responded with, ”Steve Wynn is a good friend of mine.” Continuing with the friendly banter I exclaimed, “If I had a nickel for every time someone walked into this store and said Steve Wynn is my friend, I wouldn’t need this job.”

The conversation remained very lighthearted and fun. I was trying to lift his spirits while at the same time figuring how I could help him. And it seemed to be working! He seemed to be loosening up a bit.

The next thing he said caught me a little off guard. He stated, “You look familiar.” However, my mind was telling me that I had never met this person before, and I had no idea who he was. I was wearing a name tag, but it only had my first name, “Robyn.”

I completely side-stepped his comment about me looking familiar and moved into deeper conversation. I’m basically trying to gauge who he is and can he really afford a Rolex Daytona!

I asked where he was from?  He vigorously responded that he was from Los Angeles and that he was “robbed” yesterday! He is here to replace his stolen watch!

The conversation took another slight turn…

He then said, “you talk funny”,” I responded, “what do you mean I talk funny?”

He explained… I don’t mean “funny” as in “funny,” but funny as in educated….as in who are you, you are clearly educated?

I told him I was a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, I also attended Brigham Young University in Hawaii, and I graduated Torrey Pines High school where I essentially received a college education in high school. (Torrey Pines was one of the top 10 High Schools in the nation, it was harder than college.)

Now he’s standing there with his hand on his chin saying, “you really look familiar.”

I circled back to the Rolex….

I gave him my business card and told him with a smile “tell your friend Steve to call me and authorize me to release a Daytona.”

My business card had my full name – “Robyn Burton” on it. He took it and gave me a look of “Ok, challenge accepted!”

The following day I arrived at work at the usual time. The sales floor was a little crowded as it was shift-change, and both the day shift and afternoon shifts were hanging out. As I entered the front door all eyes were on me. I responded, what? Did someone die? One of my co-workers blurted out, “Mr. Wynn called looking for you.”

I suddenly felt that twinge in my stomach as if I was being sent to the principal’s office. I wondered if I was getting a complaint from the man looking for the watch yesterday.

I was handed a phone message, from Mr. Wynn, that said It’s Ok to give Jerry Kramer whatever Daytona he wants. I had to confirm, so I picked up the phone and called Mr. Wynn’s office. Mr. Wynn came on the phone, I introduced myself as a sales associate in the Rolex store, and that I was calling about his note. Mr. Wynn stated, “I authorize Jerry to have any watch he wants from the safe, he will be in this afternoon.” I asked if we were “comping” the watch, and he said no, he would be purchasing it.  Well, that was a relief! Mr. Wynn gave no indication that he was upset with me.

I settled into my shift watching the always fascinating parade of people walk by when I see the person from yesterday, walk through the door. And he’s smiling like a Cheshire cat who just ate a mouse! I said, Hello Mr. Kramer, I spoke to your friend, and he authorized you to pick any Daytona you would like from the safe. He responded, “Yes I know….”

He then walked right up to me, piercing through any personal space, and boldly exclaims “I know who you are, you look just like your mother!”  I was stunned! Tears instantly began filling my eyes. My mother, Dixie Burton, had passed away in 1997, not quite ten years ago. I grabbed his arm and pulled him into the “Alcove” a private client area for conducting business with VIP’s. 

Once seated, he said, “before we talk about watches, let me tell you about your mother. I would not be who I am today if your mother didn’t take a chance on me.” As I dabbed at the tears flowing down my face - he related the following story.

“I was a young attorney just out of law school, with great ideas. I was driven, but I just needed someone to give me an opportunity. I knew what I had, and I knew my ideas would be successful, but until I met your mother no one gave me a chance.

I knocked on so many doors, various theaters and venues, and everyone was a no!

One day I walked through the front doors of the Pantages Theater and made my way up to the executive offices. I still remember your mother’s name, Dixie Burton, above the open door. She was sitting at her desk.  I knocked and politely introduced myself.  Then I told her I had a couple of ideas I would like to share, if she had the time.

She motioned me to an empty chair, and she said, “Ok you have ten minutes.”

I was just astonished that someone was saying yes to me. I had been told “no” so many times; I couldn’t believe someone was taking the time to listen.”

Were still sitting in the Alcove and I’m bawling like a baby! He continued…. “When I first met you yesterday, I knew that I knew you, but I couldn’t place it. I was all bamboozled because I had just been robbed in LA the day before. When I saw you with your bright smile, it was so familiar. I would not be sitting here talking to you today if it wasn’t for your mother giving me my first big break.”

My Mother Dixie Burton with a young John Voight, likely at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

___________________________________________________________________________

Mr. Kramer went on to explain that he and my mother struck a deal wherein he could use one of the theaters she managed on Mondays, which are dark, but he had to pay the light bill and union wages for any theater employees. Otherwise, the theater was free of charge.

Jerry Kramer went on to become a Hollywood producer and director. But what was that big idea he had on the day he met my mother? I’m not sure he even told me during our encounter, but I believe it was the idea for the music film, “Kilroy Was Here,” a short science fiction story featuring the band Styx that accompanied their concept album “Kilroy was Here.” The film was shot in 1983 and Jerry was the co-director. Part, or perhaps all the film was shot in an actual theater, of which my mother managed several, including the old Fox Theater in downtown San Diego. This was Jerry Kramer’s first film project.

In 1983 our family lived in a 4-bedroom home on Via Aprilla near Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego. In those days it was not at all unusual to wake up and find strangers sleeping on the living room floor or the sofa. It was just part of being in the theater business.

One morning, while still in high school, I remember having to pick my away around sleeping bodies on the living room floor - on my way to the kitchen before school. But again, nothing unusual for our family. That afternoon I called my mother at her office and asked who all the guys were who were sleeping in the living room this morning. She responded, “Oh, they’re some band called Styx.”

According to the website Rotten Tomatoes, Jerry Kramer went on to direct the documentary “The Making of “Thriller”” about Michel Jackson’s landmark 1983 music video, and later he was involved as a producer and director with Jackson’s 1988 video project “Moonwalker” among other film projects.

Back in the watch store I was still wrapping my head around everything Jerry Kramer had just poured out to me. I was nostalgic for my beautiful-amazing mother, still teary eyed, but so happy for this encounter with Mr. Kramer. And I wasn’t surprised one bit that my mother gave him his first break. That was just the kind of person my mother was! I knew I was going to have to complete the sale of the Daytona at some point.

I eventually called the Senior Manager of Wynn Retail over and introduced him to Mr. Kramer as I knew he loved all things Hollywood. Plus, he had to sign off on the sale of the watch. And yes Mr. Kramer left that day with his new SS Daytona Rolex.

Jerry stopped in the store a handful of times after our encounter, to say hi and tell me about his latest business adventures.

He passed away on September 15, 2023.

Chocolate anyone?

By Robyn Burton, as told to Darryl Kimball

From Wynn Fine Jewelry to House of Pain

The high-end jewelry business, like any business where people are involved, is often less about the jewelry and more about the people. You are really in the “people business.” The more I know who my customer is and what motivates him or her, the more successful I will be. This is why for years I would keep a copy of the Forbes Billionaire’s List close at hand and study the faces often. If one of the world’s top 200 billionaires walked into CHANEL Fine Jewelry at the Bellagio or the Wynn Precious Jewelry Salon while I was on the floor, I wanted to know!

Similarly, when I see a 70 something year old businessman, sporting his Rolex Presidential and Italian loafers - with a thin young mini-skirt in her twenties hanging off him, and they enter my store, I knew I was about to earn a big commission. His ego was my guarantee!

But this true story I am about to tell you began in a nearby state, about eighteen months earlier. Life had brought me to a new city and a new employer. To be a bit more specific it was a wealthy suburb of a major city in the western half of the U.S.

I soon found myself working at the Neiman Marcus Precious Jewelry Salon at the very upscale mall down the street.

One day a lady came into the store who I will call Mrs. Smith, for the purposes of this story.

Now most ladies in this town would get all dressed up in their finest for nothing more than a day of local shopping. But on this day, Mrs. Smith was dressed way down. It was the Christmas season, and she was looking a bit frazzled. Like a busy mom who hadn’t made it to the hairdresser in a while.

I had learned early in my career to never prejudge someone. I had seen my coworkers hesitate based on someone’s appearance and lose out on a nice sale. I know because it was I who would step in and reap the rewards of their mistake.

 So, while she may not have been looking like one of the “Housewives of Orange County” on this day, I did not hesitate to do what I always did.  I stepped forward and greeted (Mrs. Smith) with a big warm welcome and a handshake. She reciprocated and a friendly conversation ensued.

While browsing some gold necklaces and a few other items Mrs. Smith casually mentioned that her daughter had just moved to her first apartment, and she was on her way there now to take her daughter shopping for new furnishings. Mrs. Smith made a small purchase then asked if I could direct her to the Christmas decorations.

As we walked toward that department, I began telling her about the amazing Swarvosky Christmas Ornaments by famous designer Jay Strongwater, that were so popular with Neiman Marcus shoppers.  

I enthusiastically informed her that the largest Swarvosky Crystal (octahedron) on the west coast was currently displayed at the top of the main building at the Gemological Institute in Carlsbad Ca., where I went to school. Mrs. Smith proceeded to buy over twenty Swarvosky Crystal Ornaments for her daughter’s Christmas tree, a rather hefty purchase. Even though it was not my department, it was my sale, and I received the commission.

For the next year or so, Mrs. Smith would stop in the store anytime she was in the mall. Often, she would be with her daughter whom I also got to know. I remember her daughter thanking me for encouraging her mother to buy those beautiful Christmas ornaments.  By all accounts Mrs. Smith and I had become friends. I learned that she and her husband owned a number of car dealerships in the region. Quite often I would see her husband in TV commercials for their dealerships. While I never met him in person, I knew he was Mrs. Smith’s husband.

Life continued to change and unfold as life does and I eventually found myself back in Las Vegas, working at the Wynn Fine Jewelry Salon. I had quite possibly reached the pinnacle of my career. This was my dream job! I became personal friends with Steve Wynn and his wife Elaine Wynn.  Elaine called the Wynn Fine Jewelry store her personal jewelry box. Life was amazing!

One day in 2005 or 2006 I was on the floor at Wynn Fine Jewelry when in walked an older gentleman, with quite a young lady attached to his arm. I instantly recognized him from somewhere, but where? I thought to myself.  I began going through my mental rolodex trying to recall. I realized I had never met him in person, yet I knew him. Then it hit me. It was Mrs. Smith’s husband from all those car dealer TV commercials! But wait, that wasn’t Mrs. Smith on his arm, and it certainly was not his daughter - even though she was young enough to be his daughter.

“Well, well, Mr. Car Dealer” I thought to myself, “You are not getting off easy today.” As I knew I would be selling the young lady on his arm the most expensive piece of jewelry his ego and his credit card would allow.

I briefly thought of his wife I had previously got to know…….

I stepped forward and said “welcome!” with a smile.

But inside my head I heard….. “Welcome to Robyn’s torture chamber!”

And yes, I made him pay!

By Robyn Burton

as told to Darryl Kimball

The Moment Elizabeth Taylor shoved the Krupp Diamond into my hand, changing my life forever!

Elizabeth Taylor with the Bolshoi Ballet dancers - Pantages Theater Hollywood, August 1989. Photo by Robyn Burton.

In the summer of 1989, at the age of 26, I found myself immersed in the vibrant world of Hollywood thanks to my mother, Dixie Burton. As the West Coast CEO of the Pantages Theater's Special Events division, she wielded a certain amount of influence in the entertainment industry. Her role extended far beyond merely staging plays like "Les Misérables" and "Hello, Dolly!"—she was the mastermind behind transforming the Pantages into iconic cinematic backdrops. Blockbusters like "Batman Forever" saw the theater's lobby morph into Gotham City, while "The Bodyguard" starred Whitney Houston against the backdrop of this historic venue. Through her connections, I even had the opportunity to step in as an extra in several film productions.

I had grown up around the Movie business. My Mother and Father operated the Del Mar (Ca.) Drive Inn Theater since I was a very young girl. My parents were heavily involved in ShoWest, a major convention for Theater Owners that was founded around 1974. In 2011 ShoWest became CinemaCon which just this year held its annual convention at Ceasar’s Palace Las Vegas. I can still remember when the ShoWest Convention was held at the Hotel Del Cornado in San Diego, sometime in the late 70s.  I remember because I bumped into this good-looking teen idol by the name of Robby Benson and ended up hanging out with him all day. What a wonderful life I have had!

Robyn Burton’s Backstage Pass to the Bolshoi Ballet at the Pantages, Issued by Russian Security.

From August 1st to August 6th, 1989, the famed Russian Bolshoi Ballet captivated audiences at the Pantages Theater. It was a monumental event, made possible by none other than my mother, who spearheaded their historic journey to America. I vividly recall her recounting the negotiations she had with the former Russian KGB, to secure their highly anticipated appearance in the USA.

Through her position at the Pantages Theater my mother Dixie had also met and become personal friends with Elizabeth Taylor. I don’t know when they first met, or exactly how close their relationship was, (my mother was never one to brag) but nevertheless they were personal friends. Tonight was the opening night of the Bolshoi Ballet at the Pantages and Elizabeth Taylor would be in attendance.

When Elizabeth Taylor attended any show at the Pantages she would always make her entry during the time after the lights were dimmed and before the curtain rose, otherwise she would never make it to her seat through all the adoring fans. I can still hear the whispers “its Elizabeth Taylor” floating up from the audience as she made her way down the center isle in the dim light. On this day, my mother had made sure that I was sitting in the same row as Mrs. Taylor, who normally would sit in the 5th row center. In fact, there was only one person between Mrs. Taylor and me. I don’t recall who that person was, but they had arrived with Mrs. Taylor. Sitting on my other side was my cousin, Kathy Mitchell from Utah.

As a world-famous Ballet Company founded around 1776, the performance by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy was mesmerizing. After the performance, and as the audience began to disperse, it was time for Elizabeth Taylor to meet the performers and present roses to the principal dancers. I made my way onto the stage clutching a small camera. By now I had come to realize that I was in an envious position. Through my mother and the Pantages Theater I was meeting many Hollywood Celebrities and the occasional dignitary. On this day I had decided to bring my camera and document a little bit of history while Elizabeth Taylor greeted the members of the Ballet. The two photos accompanying this article were taken by me, on stage at the Pantages, just after Elizabeth Taylor presented roses to the lead dancers. I can still here the words of Elizabeth Taylor as she told the dancers, with great flair, “When you were dancing it was as if there was electricity in the air.” I will always remember this because as Elizabeth Taylor entered the theater earlier that evening and I could hear the crowd murmuring her name, I thought to myself “its as if there is electricity in the air.” So strange.

Elizabeth Taylor on stage at the Pantages Theater just after a performance by the Bolshoi Ballet, August 1989. Photo from the personal collection of Robyn Burton.

After the meet and greet on stage it was time for the after party. Everyone began to filter backstage to the green room, where the real party soon began. It was here in the green room, that unbeknownst to me, Elizabeth Taylor would ignite a spark within me that would forever change the trajectory of my life.

I had met Elizabeth Taylor on one prior occasion at the Pantages. It was during the opening night of Hello Dolly. I remember so clearly that she was sitting next to Rock Hudson. Anthony Quinn was also there along with so many stars. Later we were all seated at a table backstage. My mother introduced me to Mrs. Taylor from across the table. So, on this date I didn’t shake her hand.

Many years later I would also attend Elizabeth Taylor’s 65th birthday party at the Pantages on February 16th, 1997. The party was thrown for her by Michael Jackson, and even Madonna performed. It was a star-studded event.  But it was on this hot summer night in August of 1989 that Elizabeth Taylor would have such a profound impact on my life.

As the party unfolded in the green room, I saw my mother and Elizabeth Taylor standing off to the side talking. I gravitated toward them, and my mother introduced me for a second time to Elizabeth Taylor. I assume I must have shaken her hand, or at least our hands met because I immediately began admiring the massive diamond ring she was wearing on her left-hand ring finger.

Suddenly, and without hesitation Mrs. Taylor tugged the ring off her finger, shoved it into the palm of my hand and exclaimed, “oh for heaven’s sake Robyn just hold it.” I was stunned! I remember staring at Elizabeth Taylor, the most famous and iconic actress in the world thinking to myself….         ”did she just put her diamond ring in my hand?”  I looked at my mom in disbelief. She just smiled and sort of nodded back. The whole thing was just mesmerizing!

As I stared at the massive, beautiful, brilliant diamond I knew right then I would somehow be in the diamond business for the rest of my life. Everyone has life changing moments in their life, and this was certainly a magical moment in my life!

When I tell this story I am often asked if it was the famed 68 carat Taylor-Burton Diamond?  I am certain that it was not, as the Taylor-Burton diamond was a pear-shaped diamond while this was a rectangular- cut diamond, also known as an Asscher-Cut.  

I am also certain that the diamond Mrs. Burton placed in my hand was the Famed Krupp Diamond – later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, a whopping 33.19 carat in size. This diamond was first presented to Elizabeth Taylor by her husband Richard Burton while on their yacht in London in 1968 as an engagement ring. It too became internationally renowned. Partly because of its involvement in a jewel heist in Las Vegas when it was still owned by Mrs. Vera Krupp.

Elizabeth Taylor owned the Krupp – Elizabeth Taylor diamond until her passing in 2011 after which it was sold by Christie’s.

A December 2011 CBS news article about the sale of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry collection had this to say about the Krupp diamond;

“Worn by the actress almost daily for 40 years, the diamond was a gift from the man Taylor married twice, actor Richard Burton. The occasion? Just because it was a Tuesday!”

Thank you Elizabeth Taylor for the opportunity to hold history in the palm of my hand and changing my life forever!

By Robyn Burton

As told to Darryl Kimball