Rolex’s legendary status can be attributed to a number of thoughtful and commendable decisions as a brand. Above all, it could be said that Rolex’s success comes as a result of their ability to offer a perfect number of different, and extremely well made pieces in every collection – that are positioned at various price points, and both perfectly designated for certain occasions, while still being versatile and timeless. These are just a few of the many reasons why those wishing to celebrate or mark a milestone in their career by rewarding themselves with a fine Swiss watch often turn to Rolex. Most conveniently, there just so happens to be a perfect Rolex for every stage of an individual’s career, that will be universally recognized as an item of high quality, and horological excellence.
Starting Out
In the early stages of your career, you’re going to want something pragmatic and functional, wrapped up in a smart looking package. Luckily, all the watches Rolex makes are built to the highest standards, even the brand’s “entry-level” timepieces, like the Air King, Oyster Date, and Datejust. The three aforementioned models offer terrific value, and in stainless steel, they can be worn easily with anything from your basic jeans and a t-shirt to more formal office wear.
As you work your way up through the ranks, it’s inevitable that Rolex’s acclaimed sports models will eventually catch your eye, and when they first do, two noteworthy choices to consider are the Explorer and the anti-magnetic Milgauss. In addition to being some of your most affordable options in the sports range, the Explorer and Milgauss are greatly historically significant in the contexts of watchmaking, human achievement, and scientific research.
Mid-Late Career
Once you start moving on to more ambitious things, and you’ve got some tenure, a great place to look next within the Rolex lineup is to what are regarded as the brand’s core sports models – the Submariner, Sea Dweller and GMT-Master. Although the three watches share nearly identical case dimensions, dial layouts, hand styles, and bezel assemblies, they both serve their own purpose within a well-formed collection. The Submariner and Sea Dweller will excel below the surface, whereas the GMT-Master will provide additional functionality with it’s second time zone complication.
The logical follow-up to the purchase of a Submariner, Seadweller, GMT-Master, or even all three if you are so fortunate, is of course the Daytona. In the eyes of historians and Rolex specialists, the watchmaker’s fabled chronograph is the brand’s flagship sports model, given it’s useful timing complication, and striking good looks. This notion can be further confirmed by simply looking at the sheer number of innovative components found inside the latest Daytona movements, which reflect Rolex’s pride in the Daytona, and careful navigation of the model’s future.
Retirement
You came, you conquered, and now it’s time to hang up your coat and enjoy what life has to offer outside of the office. Hard work deserves reward, so you might as well live it up a little bit with a statement piece like the Day Date, or the more interestingly complicated Sky Dweller in 18K gold, or a white metal for a more restrained look.
This is also a great time to revisit the classic sports models like the Submariner and GMT-Master, but this time in precious metals like yellow or rose gold, as it make for an entirely different feeling watch, with its own unique appeal.
