The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is, by any measure, a timeless classic. The one
pictured on the right was my first Rolex, given to me by my father, and given to
him by his father in 1965 as a high school graduation present. I wore it in high
school myself, unaware at the time of the social connotations associated with Rolex
watches. I knew Rolexes were considered good watches, and I knew I got a lot of
comments on it, but to me, it was simply an unobtrusive, simple, accurate, dependable,
and very tough watch with a little bit of family history.
I think I can safely attribute my obsession with automatic watches (as opposed
to digital quartz watches, which are an entirely different obsession of mine) to
this particular Rolex. It doesn't get a lot of wrist time anymore primarily because
it's a little on the small side for a men's watch these days, but I still throw
it on occasionally, and after a little bit of winding, it keeps time every bit
as well as my much newer Rolex GMT Master II. The bracelet could stand to be replaced,
and the acrylic crystal is plenty banged up from the all the punishment I threw
at it in high school, but mechanically, it's perfectly sound.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual sold for all of $125 in 1965, or at least, that's what
my grandfather paid for it. That's about $750 in today's dollars. A new comparable
model (another Oyster Perpetual or a Rolex Air-King) would sell for about $3,000
today. Despite steady price increases, Rolex watches are in such demand now that
you're likely to pay full retail for a new one, and you may even have to order
the exact watch you want.
So why do I use the cliche "timeless classic" to describe the Rolex Oyster Perpetual?
There are three things about Rolexes that make them timeless.
- Quality. Rolexes are one of the highest quality watches in
the world. Although there are plenty of comparable and probably even a few superior
brands out there, in a fair fight, a Rolex can hold its own against just about
anything.
- Design. Other than the size of the Oyster Perpetual, I'd say
it's just about as fashionable today as it was in 1965. The look of Rolex watches
doesn't change much over time which means they will not only function for additional
generations, but they will still look like relative modern automatic watches
rather than ancient family heirlooms.
- Brand. Whether you like Rolexes or not, there is no denying
their popularity. Rolex is one of the most recognized and sought after brands
in the world. Although their demand is what makes them expensive and often difficult
to get, it is also what makes them sound investments.
Although I'm an obvious Rolex fan, I always encourage people who are considering
purchasing one to consider other brands, as well. There are several other comparable
brands out there which are much less expensive and that will serve precisely the
same purpose (unless you're shopping purely for the Rolex brand). In the end, though,
if you are sure you want quality, craftsmanship, tradition, beauty, and brand,
you can't go wrong with a Rolex.
