When the authors of WatchTested talk about the best watches they've ever owned, I had to think a bit.
The idea was for each author to describe their favorite watch - the one that served them faithfully and brought the most joy. It was not about the objectively best watch, as that would not make sense. It was about the watches that became our subjectively best ownership experiences. So, what is the best watch I've ever owned? Let's find out.
Condition of Choice: Neutrality and Excluding Personal Creations
For objectivity, I introduced one condition: the watch should not be my own creation. Of course, the connection with such watches is much stronger, but to avoid yet another blatant self-promotion, I immediately excluded this option.
Close Choice Between Two Vintage Rolex Models
First, I thought of my Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 from 1967. I think it's hard to beat a vintage Datejust in terms of pure, effortless style. They combine a unique mix of restraint and flair that is rarely found in other models. They are modest and moderate, yet somewhat bold. I wore my Datejust a lot, and only one other, slightly younger Rolex model barely surpasses them in my personal ranking.
The Best Watch I've Ever Owned: Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570
It's interesting how taste changes over time. I distinctly remember that in my youth, when watches were just a hobby for me, I considered the Explorer II to be among the ugliest watches. If I could go back and show myself this article, my younger self would be astounded. Strangely, I don't remember exactly when my taste changed. I remember once hating these watches and now loving them. But what happened between these two states is a mystery.
I still understand why I didn't rate them highly before. To this day, I don't think they are the most beautiful watches. There is some awkwardness in their appearance, as if they were unofficially modified. I compare it to a car that, with a non-original body kit, looks a bit strange but at the same time cool. This is especially noticeable in the steel bezel with large, bold numbers. It contrasts with the glossy black dial and fine printing, creating a somewhat unharmonious combination. The dial demands a more elegant black bezel with neat numbers, like the Submariner, but gets an industrial, rough, bare steel bezel. The clasp with stamping and imitation links also doesn't claim to be a beauty.
Previously, this conflict annoyed me, but now I find this configuration the coolest. This also explains why I prefer the black version, while the watch enthusiast community leans toward the model with the white 'Polar' dial. The bright white dial enhances the 'bare' aesthetic effect, reducing internal tension. It seems that this tension flipped my attitude towards the Explorer II from one pole to the other. Sometimes character and uniqueness are more important than straightforward beauty.
Why Are These the Best Watches I've Had?
The above description doesn't entirely explain why these are the best watches I've had. I think it's about two factors - character and versatility. Usually, watches with a strong character are less versatile. Conversely, the most versatile watches are rarely characterized. This is logical: versatility is achieved by the ability to 'blend in with the surroundings'. The 16570 model has a strong character, yet it is so versatile that I could wear it for weeks, forgetting to change watches as usual.
Even more importantly, the Explorer II ref. 16570 is very close to my character and style. It's hard to express in words, but if I had to describe myself through a watch, I would choose the black 16570. So much so that any simple black or white t-shirt immediately becomes my personal style when I wear the Explorer II. This, of course, is a subjective feeling, existing only in my head.
The fact that the best watch I've had is a Rolex is no accident. Most of the time I worked with vintage watches - a profession where I was mentored, turning from an enthusiast into a professional, buying, selling, and studying mainly vintage Rolex. Deep immersion instilled in me a special love for vintage and neo-vintage Rolex, which I don't have for most other brands. Interestingly, modern Rolex does not attract me much.
Chance and Fate: How the Explorer II Became the Best Watch
The Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 became the best watch I've had in a rather strange and random way. As already explained, I initially categorically disliked them. Then, years later, I unexpectedly became fascinated with them. I decided to buy such a watch but didn't feel a connection right away. Then their price dropped, and that lifted my excessive caution. I stopped handling them gently and began to wear the watch intensively, as it should be. Only then did they win my heart.
I still can't understand how it happened. With my preferences leaning towards versatile, everyday Rolex models, it would have been more logical for me to look for a Submariner ref. 5513 or 14060, or Explorer ref. 1016 or 114270. All of them are closer to my spirit, and any of them could have become the best watch of my life. Perhaps it's the fault of the Instagram algorithm, as much as I hate to admit it. But when I really bonded with my 16570, it firmly settled on my wrist and did not leave it until I created my first watch. These watches brought me so much joy that I decided to dedicate the first article of a new series to them.
The fact is, the Rolex Explorer II ref. 16570 became the best watch I've had in the most unexpected way. Honestly, it could have been other watches, but fate decided otherwise - it turned out to be the black 16570.
Looking back, I see that important life lessons can be drawn from this experience - including about control and the unwillingness to force events.
What watches were the best for you? Share in the comments!