Watches owned by collectors are as varied as the collectors themselves. If you have spent time on watch forums you may have come across collectors posing questions about which timepiece to add to their collection next. As one could imagine, the answers usually run the gamut and offer more insights about the responders than the watches in question. However, there are a few factors that one might take into consideration when deciding which timepieces to add to their collections. 

Functionality

Perhaps the most logical way to decide which watch to add to your collection is by functionality. Dive watches like the stainless steel Submariner are a popular first choice for watch enthusiasts. Those who have an affinity for nautical watches may add a Deepsea next, but it may be more sensible to go with a GMT-Master II instead as it adds a different complication to the mix. Other popular complications include chronometers, regatta timers, moon phase indicators and, of course, date displays. The choice to vary a watch collection based on functionality is ideal for those who would rather stick to one aesthetic, like the combination of black and stainless steel shown in most of the watched in the photo above. 

Aesthetic 

Those who are fine with owning several watches with the same complications usually vary their collections by choosing watches made from different materials. Many start their collections with stainless steel models, adding precious metal configurations as they go along. Yellow and rose gold may not be for everyone, but they certainly add color to any collection. The yellow gold Yacht-Master II model is a fine example of a nautical watch that stands out amongst the rest of Rolex's professional models. I've also seen many collections consisting of Submariners in various materials. While gold may be a little flashy to wear as a daily beater, it makes for a classic addition to any watch collection.

Rarity

Anyone who collects vintage watches loves to find rare references that are hard to come by. Many such configurations were sold in the Phillips auction in Hong Kong this past weekend. While they fetch a large amount, rare timepieces like the "Paul Newman Oyster Sotto" make excellent additions to any collection. In addition to increasing their monetary value, the rarity and legacy of these timepieces make them the perfect piece de resistance for any collector. This also goes for new watches as well. The watches in the 2016 and upcoming 2017 Rolex Oyster Collection that are less popular now and thus not produced as much as, say, the Submariner, may increase in value after production ceases and only limited quantities are out there. This was the case for the Paul Newman Daytona, so it is worth considering as well. 

As I usually conclude when making suggestions about which watches to buy, the ultimate decision is up to the collector. While there are many reasons that motivate people to buy the watches they buy, the most important reason is weather you feel that you would be better off with the watch in your collection. For those who are less adventurous with their aesthetic, there are many black and stainless steel Rolex models for you to choose from. For those who prefer a bold statement, they make many gold models that demand attention. For more information visit the Rolex Models page on this blog or visit rolex.com. 

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Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference # 116515LN)

This Daytona reference is the first to feature the black Cerachrom ceramic bezel introduced by the watchmaker in 2005 on the GMT-Master II model. It is powered by Rolex's 4130 self-winding mechanical movement manufactured in-house by the watchmaker. For more information on the Everose gold Cosmograph Daytona on leather strap, check out my previous post about the top Rolex rose gold watches. For more information on Steve Guerdat, visit his official website.

Introduced in 2015 on the Yacht-Master 40 model, the Oysterflex bracelet offers the comfort and unique style of an elastomer strap with the technical innovation that Rolex is known for. As I mentioned in my post about my Rolex Baselworld 2017 predictions, it is speculated that this bracelet will be featured on more configurations than it is now. The question that remains is if it will be featured only on the Yacht-Master 40 or if they will also release an Oysterflex configuration for for another model. 

Developed and patented by Rolex, the Oysterflex has a metal blade made from a flexible titanium and nickel alloy at its core that attaches the clasp to the case. The blade is then enveloped with a black elastomer that is both durable and resistant to environmental effects. It is equipped with a longitudinal cushion system to stabilize the watch on the wrist. The photo above shows the bracelet with a rose gold Oysterlock safety clasp as it appears on the Everose gold Yacht-Master 40 model. 

If the watchmaker does add the Oysterflex to additional configurations, I believe it will keep its black color but maybe appear on white gold or stainless steel models in addition to the Everose YM. If they do go ahead and add it to another model, my prediction would be that they would add it to the Sea-Dweller 4000 as 2017 represents an anniversary year for the model, something Rolex likes to commemorate with its latest innovations. For more information on the 2016 Yacht-Master 40 model that features the Oysterflex, check out my post here. To check out all of Rolex's bracelet options, check out my post here. 

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Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Paul Newman Reference 6263 Oyster Sotto (photo: Phillips)

The Phillip's Rolex Milestones auction in Hong Kong is less than a few days away and it will be interesting to see how much the "Paul Newman Oyster Sotto" Cosmograph Daytona Reference 6263 will fetch. It is estimated to be worth anywhere between $600,000 to $1,200,000 US, more than the "Panda" that I wrote about in a previous post. This is due to the rarity of the "Oyster Sotto" configuration that was introduced circa 1970.

One of the interesting aspects of this early 6263 reference is the addition of the word "Oyster" under the words "Rolex Cosmograph" on the Mk2 dial under the crown logo at 12 o'clock. According to John Goldberger in the Rolex Milestones catalog, the word "Oyster" was added in different lettering to reflect the fact that it features new waterproof pushers that weren't on the previous references that used this dial. The word 'sotto' means beneath in Italian, hence the name for this Paul Newman configuration.

This legendary Rolex features its original dial with a stainless steel bracelet from the period. For more information on this magnificent chronograph and all of the other Rolex models that will be up for grabs in a few days, visit phillips.com.

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