Rolex, Breitling and more bling bling: watch journalist Donato Emilio on expensive luxury watches
Don’t we all dream of simply walking into the Rolex store and taking our favorite model home with us? But if you’re already spending so much money on a watch, what do you need to look out for to make sure you get something out of your luxury watch for a long time? Of course, the design should ideally be a timeless classic that will retain its value in the future. But that can’t be everything! That’s why we spoke to Donato Emilio, watch enthusiast and journalist and therefore an expert in this field, to find out: What is important to him when buying a watch and what should you look out for?
Expensive Rolex, classic watches and more
Donato Emilio is a passionate watch enthusiast and journalist in this field. Every Sunday on his YouTube channel, he offers in-depth reviews of luxury watches and new products on the market, as well as useful tips and tricks and debunks watch myths. Many
Tip! At the end, Donato gives the ultimate tip between style and price.
The perfect watch? Look, quality, technology … Price
FIV: Hi Donato, you have a great taste in watches, what qualities does a watch need to have to appeal to you?
Donato: First and foremost, a watch simply has to look good for me. If that’s the case, then things like quality or technology come into play – but these points are also related to the price of the watch.
With a luxury watch like a Rolex, it’s not just the exterior that has to be right, but also the inner values – after all, you don’t buy something that special every day. With a comparatively inexpensive Swatch, on the other hand, looks are the only criterion for me to like a watch and add it to my collection.
FIV: And what features make a watch a timeless classic?
Donato: First and foremost, it’s the design. Many well-known watches such as the Rolex Submariner or the Breitling Navitimer have been around since the early 1950s. Although their appearance has been slightly adapted to today’s wearing habits and they have modern technology, the basic design is still essentially the same as it was back then. The most popular and best-known watches have a certain durability and can look back on an exciting history.
Speedmaster “Moonwatch”: 6 moon landings later
The Omega Speedmaster “Moonwatch”, for example, not only has an iconic design that has remained virtually unchanged since the late 1960s, but has also been used as the official watch of Nasa on all manned space missions and has 6 moon landings behind it.
FIV: Do you sometimes go for trends with your watches or do you stay true to the classics?
Donato Emilio: I am generally open to everything. Watches should be fun and everyone should wear the watch they like best. That’s why I would certainly indulge in trends if I liked the watch, why not? At a concert or a party, I would rather wear a cool, casual Swatch than a typical classic.
Rolex? Love Brand! What Donato Emilio loves about Rolex
FIV: I’m just assuming you’re also a Rolex fan? How is it that it is the most coveted watch brand on the market?
Donato: Yes, I am a big fan of Rolex watches. There is no one reason why the brand is so popular. It’s certainly the poor availability and the fact that you can’t just walk into a Rolex store, plunk down a few bills and walk out with your dream watch on your arm. This makes the brand highly sought after, but there is more. The designs are timeless and with watches such as the Submariner, the Datejust, the Day-Date and the Daytona, Rolex has some of the greatest watch icons of all time. Rolex sets trends like no other watch brand.
Rolex comes with the complete package!
Let’s take the Submariner: it is the most replicated and copied watch in the world, which is no coincidence. In addition, the quality and feel of the watches is great, they not only look good, they also feel flawless when you interact with them. There are more exclusive and also more expensive watch brands in the watch world, but Rolex is the perfect mass product and offers the best complete package.
In my opinion, there is no right or wrong!
FIV: We can already guess what you’re going to say, but we’d like to ask you again: do you prefer your watch to be slim or flashy and pompous?
Donato: In my eyes, there is no right or wrong and no rules as to what a high-quality watch should be like. I can get something out of all watches. But if I had to choose, I would go for a jewelry watch rather than a “tool watch”. If you’re going to fulfill your dream of owning a luxury watch, you can have a little bit of sparkle and glitter – but everyone should decide that for themselves.
FIV: Right, everyone as they like it! Thank you for the great overview you were able to give us of the watch market. The clock is ticking, we don’t want to take any more of your time, because it’s more precious than any Rolex!
Find out more about models, reviews and more here.
Now in FIV Issue #32!
You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!
- Read now: FIV Magazine #32
More about luxury watches!
If you’re looking for the perfect accessory that combines elegance and style, then you’ve come to the right place. Luxury watches are more than just timepieces – they are a statement. Discover the world of top luxury watch brands and find out which models will really make you shine.