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 celebrities invest in watches, even superstar Ed Sheeran is a watch collector! In this interview, Donato Emilio tells us what to look out for when buying a watch and why Rolex is the world’s number one luxury watch brand.

Tip! At the end, Donato gives the ultimate tip between style and price.

• Donato Emilio YouTube
• Donato Emilio Instagram

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.

Rolex Submariner and Breitling Navitimer: classics for decades

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.

• Donato Emilio YouTube
• Donato Emilio Instagram

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.

• Top luxury watch brands: The best watches that will make you look stunning

Coveted collector’s items: Luxury watches in focus

Luxury watches such as the Breitling Navitimer immediately stand out due to their craftsmanship and quality. Their long tradition is reflected, among other things, in the precise workmanship that sets them apart from conventional timepieces. Coupled with its iconic design, it is understandable that the luxury watch is a coveted collector’s item – even in comparison to other models. The same naturally also applies to many other models from Breitling and other well-known manufacturers. Swiss watches in particular – from regions such as Geneva, Schaffhausen and Solothurn – have a good reputation among collectors.

Stylish self-confidence: the psychological power of luxury watches

How we dress plays a major role in how we are perceived by others. But that’s not even the main reason for dressing smartly. How we perceive ourselves is even more important. It has been scientifically proven that clothing can act as a kind of psychological booster and special accessories such as luxury watches have the same effect. Wearing a luxury watch makes many people feel a lot more self-confident. The reasons for this can be very different, but wearers often associate a luxury watch on their wrist with personal success.

Remember:

1. Clothing influences self-perception
2. Luxury watches as a psychological booster
3. Increasing self-confidence
4. Association of luxury watches with personal success
5. Scientifically proven

Investing in elegance: luxury watches as capital investments

When we buy a luxury watch like a Breitling Navitimer, we are not wasting our money. Unlike most sports cars, fast fashion items or gold-plated household items, luxury watches tend to hold their value. This is why many people see them as a potential investment, even superstars like Ed Sheeren love luxury watches.

This is entirely justified, as some limited editions of popular brands have not only retained their value in recent years, but have even increased in value. In fact, it is not uncommon for a popular model to increase in value by 10 %, 20 % or 30 % within a single year. When comparing luxury watch vs real estate, a good return (profit).

Even higher increases in value are theoretically possible, as the Patek Philippe Nautilus has proven. In 2021, it experienced a huge increase in value of 85%.

Elegant appearance: luxury watches as subtle status symbols

The role of status symbols has been the subject of intensive research for many centuries. Status symbols can include academic degrees, material goods or social contacts. They enable us to show our status to the outside world. This in turn can help us in a wide variety of situations – for example in terms of career, networking and signaling belonging. However, it makes a big difference how we present status symbols. Things like a heavy gold chain come across as very ostentatious and create an unprofessional impression. A luxury watch, on the other hand, is much more subtle. We can simply wear it inconspicuously on our wrist without giving the impression that we are deliberately flaunting our status.

Versatile accessories!

For most people, luxury watches are a fashion statement. This is understandable, as a chic watch can be combined with a wide variety of styles. While some models go well with glamorous, conservative and formal clothing styles, others are suitable for eye-catching, innovative or sporty fashion. What is ultimately possible depends on the charisma, design and material of the luxury watch. This makes these and other luxury watches a desirable investment.