Recently I was discussing watches (for a change), with a good friend. He has an excellent collection and of course, like of all us he intends to continue to grow his collection. To that end the subject of Rolex came up. Specifically which Rolex's are worthy of ones collection without being a victim of the HDT?

In other words, Rolex is not an honest company as it stands (overall), but despite that fact, every collection has room for a Rolex or two, but you need to know how to navigate the various pitfalls among the various models. It's as if the Rolex model range over the past 100+ years is a a big minefield and its super easy to get blown up. Tread carefully and patiently; however, and you will end up with an awesome watch.

Rolex is easily the most recognized name in watchmaking. And it's also the one brand most people associate with "high-end' watch making, or "luxury", etc.

In other words, Rolex sends a message of success and every Tom, Dick and Harry receives that message loud and clear.

But the truth is, based on the watches themselves, Rolex is barely a top-20 brand let alone a top-10 brand.

But if that's true, then how did Rolex become "Rolex"?

In a word: advertising.

And let me preface everything by saying not only do I like Rolex (in general), but I also own a couple Rolex myself. In other words, this is an objective look at the brand and their watches, not a subjective one.