By: Ariel Adams
The next time you contemplate adorning an item meant to impress, know that you are aiming for class. That most amorphous of concepts, classiness, is a label sought by many things, and achieved by relatively few. Inherent in the richness and luxury of watches, many timepieces strive for pure class. Yet what makes a watch classy, and how is such a label measured?

For a true affixation of classy appeal, a watch must communicate several key values. First, perfection in form and execution; no matter what shape the watch takes it must do so in grace and aesthetic harmony. Next, the watch must appeal to an inner sense of wealth and success. The materials composing the watch should resonate with ideals of rarity and value. From the sheen of gold, to the sparkle of precious jewels, peers of like status should bow their heads with approval, while the rest grow wide-eyed with envy. Finally, a classy watch should well compliment the wearer; amplifying visual appeal, while subtly suggesting traits naked to the eye. A classy watch performs these tasks with instant success but must be carefully chosen by the wearer.

Alas, while class is a subjective trait individual to each person, no one watch will communicate this precious message for each type of person. Men and women thankfully have broad options to choose from when selecting their classy watch companion. Here to choose from are eight undeniably classy watches depending on your particular tastes. So begins a brief journey into the heart of class.

We begin by examining what many consider the gold standard of classy watches. Whether you are infatuated with each new model, or simply pay attention with idle interest, you cannot deny the power of a Rolex. Mere notice of the crown emblem, and iconic watch styles so aptly perpetuated by the brand, brings a heightened sense of esteem to the person fortune enough to brandish such a jewel of time. Rolex slowly reinvented the classy watch imbuing a distinct sense of sport in each timepiece crafted in precious metals. It can be said that the paramount message transmitted from a Rolex owner is “capability.” That he or she who wears the watch has succeeded in the realm of accomplishment.

 
For him, the highest sense of this honor comes through while wearing the Rolex GMT Master II, completely constructed from 18k gold with diamonds set in the case and baguette cut diamonds, rubies and sapphire inset on the bezel: A simply striking watch that is perfect in its execution and endows almost special powers on the wearer. Such power being, among other qualities, the effect of instantly taking yourself to the status of near royalty of aristocratic proportions.

Underneath the precious jewels of the gold Rolex GMT Master II is a sports watch in essence. Formulated for the extremes of diving and other activities, the watch’s popularity has taken it in a different direction. This is perhaps the only watch featured here to have such an ‘active’ history yet attain such a tasteful maturity. So despite sporty underpinnings, the gilded Rolex GMT Master II has graduated to be the premier classy watch for Rolex. Fitted with an automatic Rolex caliber 3185 with a 50 hour power reserve, the GMT Master II combines impeccable legibility with a GMT second time zone hand. The cyclops date magnifier window assists with quick date reference. Tested and perfected over decades, this is certainly a capable and classy watch.

For her, Rolex has many offerings for the classy lady. One such watch stands out in form and grace from Rolex’s Masterpiece collection. The Rolex Masterpiece Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster is the apex of what female owners come to expect from a Rolex. Combining 18k gold, shimmering diamonds, and a mother of pearl face, the petite yet outstanding Lady-Datejust is the classically classy women’s watch.

With diamonds set in two rows around the entire perimeter of the watch, the Rolex Masterpiece Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster is as much a stunning bracelet as it is a timepiece. Such construction allows for beautiful viewing of the watch at any angle. She who wears this watch will be further reminded of its beauty when noticing large diamond markers in each of the 12 hour locations. Despite the wealth of glimmering elements on this watch, legibility is upheld through Rolex’s particular use of thin hands and well-placed features. What sets a Rolex apart from many other classy women’s watches is their ability to capture absolute refinement and aesthetic without damaging the ease a Rolex is known for when telling the time.