This is a collection of watches you could proudly display in the presence of just about any watch snob and still hold your head high. Some may quibble over the choices, one or two churlish aficionados may even disagree (sometimes vehemently) about the brands, but watch for watch their pedigree and lasting popularity is impeccable. They represent some of the most sought after collections from some of the finest watch makers in the world.
If you own any one of these watches, wear your timepiece in the full confidence that you are wearing a watch with in-built history, heritage and horological excellence. If you are a beginner in the world of collecting watches, you might like to take notes.
Ten Essential Luxury Watches – Synopsis:
1. The Rolex Day-Date President
2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Bumblebee”
3. TAG Heuer Monaco
4. Omega Seamaster 300 M Co-Axial 41MM
5. Cartier Tank
6. Breitling Chronomat 44 Flying Fish
7. Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days – 47mm PAM 00514
8. IWC Da Vinci Automatic
9. Patek Philippe Calatrava
10. Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711
Ten Essential Luxury Watches – Watch Number 1
The Rolex Day-Date President
The Rolex Day-Date has been synonymous with prestige, power, and exclusivity ever since its inception. In 1948, the Chairman of Rolex presented President Eisenhower with an 18k yellow gold Datejust watch, one of the company’s most exclusive watches, to celebrate the Allied victory over the Nazis in World War II. However, in 1956, Eisenhower’s watch needed a new bracelet. The new bracelet with a concealed clasp was nicknamed the “President’s bracelet”, and soon the Day-Date watch also became nicknamed the “President” due to the exclusive bracelet which is still available only for the Day-Date.
There will be no brownie points for originality in wearing this watch, it is the tried and tested mark of a man who has achieved a certain level of success in his career. Of all the watches in this collection this choice could be perceived as the cliché, but it is essential to include it simply because for many, including Warren Buffet, it remains the watch to wear.
Warren Buffet standing looking at his Rolex Day-Date President
Ever since Eisenhower wore one, the Day-Date has regularly adorned the wrists of world leaders, celebrities, and high profile business executives alike. Originally admired for pioneering the Day-Date function, it is now revered as a symbol of class and distinction.
The most sought after model, particularly in the Far East, is the solid 18k gold version, but the watch also comes in Platinum and White Gold. The gold model was more ubiquitous than Mercedes saloons in both Hong Kong and Singapore. They became known as the Towkay, or Big Boss watch and even those that could not afford one sought to acquire it.
Rolex Day-Date President 18k Gold
At its heart the watch is a self-winding COSC certified chronometer. Obsessive Rolex quality ensures that everything about it is just right before it leaves the factory. It only gains about 1 second a day so it’s certainly a reliable timekeeper. Many collectors will tell you that a Rolex Day Date is as good as cash anywhere in the world. There are watches of more value and prestige, but a Rolex has worldwide clout.
Comfortable, durable, versatile, dependable, these are some of the qualities people love about the Rolex Day Date. Like all Rolex watches, it is designed to be worn daily, not pampered and kept locked away in a box. Many owners have worn their Day Date for decades and had it serviced probably much less than it should be, yet still it continues to give good service. It’s a watch designed to look good in any situation, business or weekend casual, it’s sophisticated, self-assured, a statement.
Rolex Day-Date President in platinium (Ref. 118206)
Rolex describe the watch as the very essence of luxury worn by the world’s elite, and that undoubtedly rings true. It comes in a number of variations, including extremely blingy diamond encrusted versions, but these are merely gilding the lily. Avoid these and go for the less flashy gold or platinum versions of this classic timepiece. As for price, expect to pay around $26,000 or more for an 18k gold version.
Ten Essential Luxury Watches – Synopsis:
1. The Rolex Day-Date President
2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore “Bumblebee”
3. TAG Heuer Monaco
4. Omega Seamaster 300 M Co-Axial 41MM
5. Cartier Tank
6. Breitling Chronomat 44 Flying Fish
7. Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days – 47mm PAM 00514
8. IWC Da Vinci Automatic
9. Patek Philippe Calatrava
10. Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711
