Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm with Blue Dial

Photographed above with a blue dial, the 39mm Oyster Perpetual is equipped with a 3132 movement manufactured by Rolex in-house. The 36mm and 34mm sizes come with a 3130 movement and the 31mm and 26mm versions with a 2231 movement, all with approximately 48 hours of power reserve.

The clean aesthetic and limited functionality of this model make it stand apart from the more popular Rolex professional models. This wristwatch is designed to tell the time clearly and precisely - and that's it. The 39mm model is available with a dark rhodium dial, the blue dial shown above and also with a red grape sunray dial.

All Oyster Perpetual models feature an Oyster case that is waterproof up to 100 meters and made from a solid block of 904l stainless steel. The 2015-2016 suggested retail price for the 39mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual is 5,400 Swiss Francs, or approximately $5,626 US.

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Yellow Gold 2016 Rolex Day-Date 40 with diamond and ruby hour markers (photo: Rolex)

The yellow gold 40mm version of the 2016 Day-Date also has 48 brilliant cut diamonds on the bezel as well as hour markers made of baguette diamonds and rubies. Paired with their iconic president bracelet, this Rolex reflects the appetite for diamonds that is often seen in custom Rolexes featured in fashion editorials and red carpets.

This superlative chronometer is equipped with Rolex's 3255 movement. It has a power reserve of 70 hours and is water resistant up to 100 meters. Known as the 'President's Watch,' this Day-Date is one of the most extravagant of the 2016 model configurations.

Click here to check out the yellow gold Rolex Day-Date 40.

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2016 Rolex Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master (photo: Rolex)

This combination of metals is used in a few of their 2016 model configurations. Photographed above with a chocolate dial, the Yacht-Master features a bidirectional rotatable 60 minute graduated bezel with raised numerals. This certified Superlative Chronometer is powered by a 3135 movement manufactured completely by Rolex.

The Everose Rolesor version of the Yacht-Master paired with the chocolate dial makes for a very distinct, contemporary looking timepiece. The mix of warm and cool tones create a balance that stands out amongst more traditional yellow or white gold color combinations. This model is also available in monochromatic combinations of platinum and stainless steel.

Closeup of the 2016 Rolex Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master (photo: Rolex)

Young Thug wearing a custom Rolex in GQ (photo: Ben Watts)

In the profile of the rapper that appeared in the February issue of GQ magazine, Young Thug is characterized as both violent and stoic, brilliant yet unintelligible. This dichotomy may explain why people are fascinated by his music. If art is a mirror for society, then Young Thug is showing us that growing up in the projects of south Atlanta indelibly affects the way you approach the world.

Instead of using fame and success as a vehicle to move away from the street, the hip hop star seems to want to take the street with him on his climb to the top. Unlike rappers like Jay Z, who seem well adjusted to the finer things in life, Thug still seems to cling onto the volatility and language of the street. Perhaps this is what makes people gravitate toward him, even though they may not understand a word he is saying in any of his songs.

In the above photo from his GQ shoot, Young Thug layers a Bally jacket over a floral shirt by All Saints and a tank by Saturdays NYC. He wears an Apple watch on his right wrist and a custom Rolex on his left wrist, making an interesting statement about whether or not smartwatch sales will have a negative effect on the mechanical watch industry.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona

My grandfather was an avid deep sea diver and fisherman and he was rarely seen without his Rolex on his wrist. He left me that watch in his will a few years ago, and I wore it proudly for years. I liked having a piece of him with me and was also fascinated by wearing a watch that was close to my age that still looked great and functioned well.

For my fortieth birthday, I decided to purchase my own Rolex and preserve my grandfather's for when my young son would be old enough to inherit it.

It was the search for my own Rolex that became the genesis for this blog. With so many options and styles to choose from, I spent a lot of time diving into the rich history of Rolex to decide which model best suited my lifestyle.

As a creative executive based in South Florida, I spend a lot of my time with clients and colleagues, but I also like to get out on the water as much as possible. Whether I'm taking the family out to the sandbar on a Saturday or kite surfing on the beach in the early mornings before heading to the office, I need a watch that can handle my active lifestyle, but still look good with a Tom Ford suit for one of the many black tie events I have to attend throughout the year.

Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller with Black Ceramic Bezel

After much consideration and hours spent in Rolex forums, I went with the Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller with the black dial, black ceramic bezel and oyster bracelet. It is certainly a departure from the yellow gold Daytona with the brown leather strap in terms of style, but the DeepSea gives me all that I want in a watch - it is rough and tumble but still elegant. I feel comfortable transitioning the stainless steel watch from diving and boating to getting dressed and going out.

Although the search for my own Rolex is over, I am left with an appreciation and passion for the Rolex brand that I intend to explore using this blog. My particular areas of interest include the history of Rolex, vintage advertisements, Rolex models, design, functionality, fashion, style and accessories.