11 October,2009 11:05 AM IST | | Arun Janardhan
It was a close toss up between a Rolex and a Merc. Ok, one is relatively cheaper, but that should not stop a person from aspiring, which is what I did on my 25th birthday. I did my research and soon became the owner of a Titan Indiglo. The aspiration for something classy, exclusive, precise and unchanging in its brand equity shifted to the 30th birthday, but this time I managed a Tag Heuer Kirium. Still no Rolex.
Watches are one of the few 'accessories' that men can enjoy, and collect. But the hierarchy of watches is clear there is the Swatch stage, then the sporty stage before you move onto the Omega, Bulgari, and then into intricate complications like Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. And then there is the Rolex.
In the words of exclusive watch dealer Jamshed Randeria, it's important to have a brand which is also good from a watch-maker's point of view. "Long lasting watches like the Rolex are best value for money. Right from the early 1900s, they have had the same design. They haven't changed it but keep improving. These are tried and tested, quality watches and also profoundly simple."
There are other desirable brands too, like Hublot, Panerai and Breitling, many of them endorsed by film stars and sportsmen. But nothing beats a classic. Years later, the observant woman may question last season's Christian Dior bag, but it's unlikely that anyone shall be questioned for still wearing a 1999 watch design in 2009.
The over Rs 2 lakh price-tagged Rolex Oyster Perpetual has now become a must-get before the fortieth birthday. Contributions are welcome.
