So the question I get asked most (after the ridiculously annoying question of “how much“ or “price?” on every DM) is, if I had to choose just one watch to wear all the time and I couldn’t have a selection as I do, which watch would I choose? Well to be perfectly honest with you, just the thought of that makes me want to cry. I mean one watch only? At least give me a day watch, a night watch, a sport watch and a city watch! A girl needs options. But okay, for the sake of this article I’m going to try and answer this question, however I’m torn between one of two watches damn it maybe three watches!
Because I travel a lot to Europe and after the last article and the very heartbreaking news of a young man from my home country murdered in Knightsbridge in London, I will definitely no longer be wearing any gold watches or anything that can be considered of value in London, Paris or anywhere in Europe for that matter. So if I were to live there permanently the only watch I would wear would be an Apple Watch. Thankfully I’m only there for a very short period in the year and my home is in the Middle East, so without further ado and procrastination I am going to start answering the question!
“The heart wants what it wants” and in my case it yearns for a Rolex Daytona. This watch single handedly was responsible for women moving away from the dainty timepieces and embracing the ‘bigger is better’ on my wrist era. You can argue all you want with me about it but we will just have to agree to disagree on it if you do!
So what is it about the Daytona? Looks? Function? Status? All three are correct and that’s just for starters. In my opinion it’s a beautiful watch and if I had to choose just one it would be the Rolex 116508, the stunning yellow gold 40mm Oyster chronograph green dial Daytona. Just describing it puts a smile on my face. From travels when I come home it’s the first watch I reach for, which must mean something. But apart from the looks, it’s such a durable, reliable and easy to read watch. No drama yet full of allure. The fact that it is not easily or readily available (especially in its sister stainless steel “panda” version) just makes it all that more special.
As a woman I don’t care much for its chronograph functions because let’s be honest how often do you use a stopwatch? This watch is just that, a beautiful glorified stopwatch launched by Rolex for motor sport drivers I believe. The fact that then, a little known actor by the name of Paul Newman bought one and fell in love with them, given it huge provenance is just the details of its history. Now I see them much more on women’s wrists than I do on men’s.
So obviously it looks good, actually great, does its job beautifully but more importantly it symbolises something. It’s for the “cool“ girl, the “I don’t wanna try too hard” girl, the “I have places to be” girl. It’s like being in a club. If you own the hardest to find Daytona’s, the PN, the holy grail yellow gold PN, the Rainbow, the green dial or the panda then you’re in the most exclusive club. Impossible to just walk in and join and many years still on the waiting lists. So while it’s not as rare as a limited release from many watch houses, there is absolutely nothing common about it. And that is why I absolutely love all my Daytona’s. For everyday nothing beats it but I have to say it’s not one I wear at night. I need bling at night. Even if I’m out in jeans, I like to sparkle.
But is it the answer to the question? Is the Daytona my only choice? No I’m afraid not. I’m going to put my foot down and say there has to be another watch. Because if I just had to choose a Daytona I know that I wouldn’t be happy all the time with that either. Because my heart has another desire. It is the one and only Patek Philippe 5712/1A. I mean that watch just has everything. Can you see my type? No plain Jane faces for me. The 5711 is the plain sister and I can easily walk away from that. My heart beats a little faster only for the 5712. Such a beautiful blue dial face and the layout of the dial, not ideally harmonious but just so gorgeous all together. Stunning. And as I’m a simple girl, (don’t mistake that for being stupid) i just don’t want to know about all the different time phases and all the different moon phases, so the 5712 is perfect. I don’t need to call an engineer working for me to read it, set it, wind it or understand it. I can just appreciate it for all its glory. And the best thing about it? The icing on the already delicious cake? It’s nearly impossible to get hold of. The club has a sub club with a secret entrance. Nothing I don’t love about that. So you see my type? Not flashy or super rich that you’re so full of yourself, just enigmatic and a little rare with a fun side!
So there you have it. I have 2 watches that I would choose. Two. For Day. For day only. I simply can’t choose. I need both in my life. If I were to only have two watches this would be them. But not for evening. You can’t expect me to survive with no bling at all… I mean I am Watch Fashionista after all.
See you soon
