Which Rolex Model is Right for Me?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Once you've decided on purchasing a Rolex, the next question would be - which model is right for you? Personal style, budget, functionality and size are a few of the factors that go into deciding between Rolex models.

Which Rolex Model is Right for Me? (photo: Leandro Puca)
Personal style is probably the most important factor that goes into this decision. If you're like most people, you wear your wristwatch on a daily basis, so you should consider how a watch would look on your wrist transitioning from work to social settings, outdoors, formal events, etc. In the Style section of this site, I include photos of people wearing their watches in different situations to give you an idea of who is wearing what and how.

Size is also an important deciding factor. When browsing timepieces on websites, it's hard to imagine how they would look on your wrist without a point of comparison. I have added a Model Comparison section to show how different models measure up against each other.

Although most people don't use professional watches as tools for their trades, their functionality is still important. People who travel a lot may put the GMT's 24 hour hand to good use. If you're into racing cars, the Daytona's tachymetric scale may better suit your needs.

photo of GMT-Master II Model Display at Baselworld 2016
GMT-Master II Model Display at Baselworld 2016
Ultimately, though, whatever model you chose has to fit into your budget. New Rolex Models range from approximately $5,000 US to upwards of $100,000 US depending on the model and configuration. I include Rolex's suggested retail price in most model posts. If it is not listed in the post, it's because I haven't been able to verify the price using primary sources.

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Why Buy a Rolex?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Once you've made the decision to purchase a luxury watch, the logical first question to ask yourself would be - from who? There are many luxury watchmakers with long histories and large product offerings - Cartier, Patek Philippe, Panerai and Omega, to name a few. All of them are top of the line and offer beautiful timepieces. 

exterior photo of rolex bienne switzerland site
Rolex Bienne, Switzerland (photo: Rolex/Rémy Lidereau)
What set Rolex apart for me when I was on the market for a luxury watch was a combination of design aesthetic, legacy and technical innovation. When compared to the interesting new designs that have a appeared on the market recently - from skeleton watches to smart watches - Rolex watches may appear a bit traditional or even simple. However, it is their adherence to classical style and elegance that made me go with a Rolex in the end.

While smart watches are trendy, there's just something about having another digital screen to look at every day that turned me off from them. And I love the artistic look of skeleton watches, but the legibility is an issue for me - and why wear a watch if you can't tell the time on it? If I had a budget for multiple luxury timepieces I would buy one of each for different occasions. But I don't, so I went with what made the most sense for me.

photo of interior of rolex workshop
Rolex Workshop (photo: Rolex/Jean-Daniel Meyer)
Another factor that helped me decide on a Rolex for my first luxury watch purchase was the company's history. Learning about Rolex's founder, Hans Wilsdorf, and his obsession with reliability, innovation and excellence was compelling to me. I had always seen Rolex watches as a status symbol, but I never really asked myself why this brand was associated with success more so than any other.

That enduring success is also largely due to the technical innovations that Rolex has developed over the years. While Rolex models don't seem to change dramatically over the years, the movements inside have seen many improvements. Rolex is a vertically integrated company and they manufacture most of their movements, precious metals, steel bracelets and cases in house.

These are the main reasons that I decided to purchase a Rolex watch, but I would be remiss not to mention the fact that I inherited a Rolex from my grandfather and wore it for years before deciding to purchase one for myself. I ultimately chose a different model, but that experience certainly informed my purchase decision.

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When Should I Buy My First Rolex?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
There are many differing opinions about when to purchase your first luxury watch. The first and most logical answer is when you can afford one. While some people are privileged enough to be able to acquire a luxury timepiece early in life, most people have to work their way up to owning one. With that being said, a Rolex watch purchase is a great way to commemorate a career milestone.

Pondering a Rolex Purchase (photo: Olu Eletu)
Another common reason to buy a Rolex is to mark the passage of time. Anniversaries and birthdays are great times to show loved ones how much you care. Receiving a gift in the form of a luxury watch is always appreciated and creates a beautiful memory. It's also really nice to soften to blow of growing older by gifting yourself with one after reaching a certain age - a fortieth birthday, for example.

Finally, such a gift is an ideal way to honor an accomplishment. To receive or purchase a timepiece after a graduation or promotion imbues it with meaning and honors the tradition of excellence that is the hallmark of the Rolex brand.

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