Rolex Watches: A Complete Buyer's Guide to the Brand that Defines Luxury

Rolex Watches: A Complete Buyer's Guide to the Brand that Defines Luxury

There is nothing that represents luxury more than that of a Rolex watch. While there are certainly competitors that offer amazingly luxurious timepieces that are comparable, the Rolex brand carries an aura that, when worn, can wow a crowd. Complete with remarkable craftsmanship and jaw-dropping innovation, Rolex watches are ideal for those who want to make a statement, or simply enjoy the luscious fruits of luxury.

Rolex Daytona Black
Rolex Daytona Black

The Swiss watch company was originally founded in 1905 under the name Wilsdorf & Davis. The name Rolex did not surface until 1908 when Wilsdorf trademarked the name. Ironically, Wilsdorf and Davis had set out to make watches more affordable when the company was in its infantile stage. However, increasing costs made that an unrealistic dream.

After the company changed their name officially to Rolex Watch Company ten years later, Wilsdorf & Davis set out to replace the more common pocket watch with wristwatches, particularly among male consumers. The company made history in 1931 when it offered for sale the very first self-winding watch. Roughly forty years later, Rolex was also very much involved in the design and implementation of the quartz technology in watches.

Rolex, SA has also made history by creating the very first waterproof watch in 1926. The watch garnered the attention of a worldwide audience when an elite swimmer wore it during his successful attempt to cross the English Channel. As such, the company has since earned an impeccable reputation as the ultimate deep-sea diving watch manufacturer.

The history of the Rolex brand very much influences the company’s role in the market today. Many of the watches have a classic look to them, and most carry some element of the company’s historical significance. There are currently fifteen different Rolex watch lines available to consumers in today’s market. Each of the fifteen has multiple models that vary in features, design, and build quality. Depending on the style and model of the watch, prices can range from roughly one thousand to seventy-five thousand dollars.

Depending on the purpose and usage of the Rolex watch, there are various options from which one can choose. For example, the Rolex Datejust represents the classic look would expect from a Rolex watch. The Datejust line was actually the first wristwatch to show the date on its dial in 1945. Since then, it has truly become the standard for the design of Rolex watches. The line has over ten different models that range in band size, color, and overall build.

Another widely popular line of Rolex watches is the Rolex Daytona. The Daytona line first emerged in 1963 with the purpose of catering to the needs of racecar drivers. While it is generally considered to be a classic and luxurious sports chronograph watch, the Daytona design and build are actually intended to meet the specific needs of race car drives. The watch makes it easy for drivers to calculate average speed during races, which adds the elements of exclusivity and functionality to the watch’s overall desirability within the general public. Thus, like the Datejust, the Daytona is available in multiple models so as to cater to the individual needs of Rolex buyers.

Lastly, the Rolex Submariner brings together the historical elements, luxurious appeal, and incredible build to serve as the classic, must-have watch for divers. The Submariner was first introduced in 1953, and was the very first watch to be water-resistant in more than three hundred feet of water. Modifications made over the years now enable the watch to go as deep as one thousand feet without sustaining any kind of damage. Like the other lines of watches, the Submariner comes in a variety of different designs and colors.

The Submariner represents in many ways what it is to be a Rolex watch. It is carries the historical accomplishments of the company in its name, and its evolution throughout the years showcases the commitment that the Rolex brand has to quality. Although the watch was initially built for diving purposes, its appeal is universal, making it one of the best selling watches within the Rolex lineup.

The experience of shopping for a Rolex watch is unlike any other. While shopping for color, design, and features are certainly important; of the most essential items to consider is authenticity. Due to the high demand and values of Rolex watches, they are commonly counterfeited and then sold. With that it mind, most shoppers must analyze the watch they intend to buy very carefully. Such factors as the weight of the watch, the case back and its markings, crystals, Cyclops, and illumination markings are each very important factors to consider to ensure that you are purchasing a legitimate Rolex watch.