When it comes to purchasing your first Rolex wristwatch, there are several factors that you should take into consideration. The most important factor is how you feel with the watch on your wrist. There are plenty of opinions out there about each model, but the most important opinion when it comes to deciding which is the best first Rolex for you is your own. 

Close Up of Rolex Datejust Dial (photo: Rolex)

For most hardworking individuals, a luxury watch purchase must fit into a budget. There are Rolex model configurations that fit into budgets from less than $10,000 US to upwards of $50,000. I put together a Rolex Shopping Guide with some selections in each category to give you an idea of which watches are available at what price points.

Functionality is another important factor that should go into any Rolex purchase decision. While professional and recreational divers may go for a Deepsea to fit their lifestyle, others may choose a more elegant model like a Day-Date or Cellini if they wear suits to work every day. If you're a frequent traveler, you may make use of the GMT-Master II's 24-hour hand more so than most, so that model may be a better fit for you than the popular Submariner, for example.

Once you have an idea of which model best fits into your lifestyle, it is important to visit an Authorized Dealer to try one on and look at it on your wrist. Wrist and case sizes vary, so while you may love the Yacht-Master II model, the 44 mm case may look too large on your wrist. In that case, it may be better to check out the Yacht-Master model, which is available in smaller sizes.

After you find a model that feels good on your wrist and fits into your budget and lifestyle, I would recommend giving every other model within the same price range another glance. It is better to be thorough before making a purchase than to suffer from buyer's remorse after you leave the store with your first Rolex.

Ultimately, though, you should go with whichever Rolex model speaks to you the most. There may be more than one, in which case I would choose the one that you feel you couldn't live without if they stopped manufacturing it. A Rolex watch can last you a lifetime, but not every model configuration will be available forever, so keep that in mind as well.

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