We had so much fun during our recent Watch Hunting episode with Oisin O’Malley from The Timeless Watch Channel that we invited him back for a special, viewer-driven video. With the help of social media, Chrono24 and The Timeless Watch Channel asked our respective audiences to submit their major life moments and everyday occasions that required a perfect watch pairing.
We received tons of submissions and picked a few of our favorites to share with Oisin to see what pieces he recommends. Two scenarios, in particular, are detailed in this article, but you’ll need to check out the video for the full range of submissions.
A Rolex on a Budget of $6,500
Wicklow_watches asked:
Looking to buy my first Rolex with a budget of $6,500. What would be your recommendation?
Oisin Recommends: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 116000
Wicklow_watches, hailing from Oisin’s home country of Ireland, brings us our first request for a recommendation. Entry-level Rolex watches are always a hot topic, and it’s more relevant than ever as prices continue to rise for the luxury brand. A budget of $6,500 (or in the rough ballpark of €6,000) doesn’t buy as much as it used to, but Rolex still has solid options in this range that look great and will last a lifetime.
Many people’s minds will first jump to the Rolex Datejust since that has long been the go-to model for buyers in this category. For a slightly cleaner presentation, Oisin opts instead for the no-date relative, the 36-mm Oyster Perpetual 116000. You’ll have a range of dial options here to help find a watch that matches your needs and personality. Oisin is particularly drawn to the silver and deep blue dials and the 3-6-9 numeral layout, reminiscent of the Rolex Explorer.
As Oisin points out, it’s smart to choose a watch that comes with its original paperwork, as that will help you resell it more easily later if you want to upgrade or need a little extra cash in your bank account. And the nice thing about the Oyster Perpetual is that it might be the first and only Rolex you ever buy. With classic styling and its ability to be dressed up or down, the watch will rise to the occasion, no matter the occasion.
The Perfect Watch Combo for Couples
deankeve asked:
Looking for his and hers combo for me and my wife after having just bought our first rental property.
Oisin Recommends: Rolex Yacht-Master or Cartier Ballon Bleu
So, you’ve gotten into watches, and now your wife wants to join in the fun, too. This is a scenario that many watch lovers have encountered over the years, and it’s an exciting opportunity to share the hobby you love with the person you love. The challenge, of course, is to find a model that both parties can agree on.
If you want a watch that feels versatile and aspirational, Oisin recommends the Rolex Yacht-Master. He’s particularly a fan of the rose gold models on black Oysterflex rubber straps. The result is a casual-luxury combo with the jewelry-like qualities of precious metals but in a watch that you can sweat in, swim in, and wear every day. For more, check out the 40-mm 116655 or the 37-mm 268655.
For something a little more under the radar, you might also consider a pair of steel and platinum Yacht-Masters: the 40-mm 116622 and the 268622 with rhodium dials and a splash of cool blue on the second hand.
Oisin is also quick to point out that if you need to buy two watches, you may end up cutting your budget for each piece in half. With that in mind, check out watches from Cartier. The Ballon Bleu, for example, comes in 33-mm, 36-mm, and 42-mm case sizes. Or you could also choose classics like the Tank or the Santos, depending on your taste. It may be the only watch she’ll ever need, and it adds a respectable dress watch to his collection.
