Rolex Submariner

Whoever said there is no eye-pleasing way to combine ruggedness with sophistication has surely not seen the Rolex Submariner gracing the wrist of the legendary Agent 007 in several early James Bond movies. And even long before Sean Connery sported the Submariner, the watch was mentioned in Ian Fleming's original novel. Talk about a true classic!

In 1953 Rolex had the Submariner prototype tested in deep waters and on a rough terrain by various explorers. More than 1,000 dives later the watch kept ticking, having survived sub-zero temperatures, as well as the wear and tear of expeditions. In subsequent years, as the popularity of scuba diving and other aquatic exploits grew, the Submariner underwent numerous facelifts and design improvements, such as a bigger, easier-to-read 40 mm dial, and a flat sapphire crystal, which replaced its slightly domed Plexiglas predecessor. Early all-steel watches were complemented over the years by gold and Rolesor models.

In 2003, in time for Submariner's 50th birthday, Rolex launched the commemorative model featuring a black dial with a rotatable green bezel, and a stainless steel, oyster flip lock bracelet.

I like this watch because it conjures up an aura of adventure and fun. The good news is that you do not have to be a secret agent, a thrill seeker, or a daredevil for that matter, to appreciate the Submariner's blend of sturdiness and classic elegance. If you are a diver, however, or any other kind of an underwater enthusiast, this watch is, hands down, a dream come true. Water resistant and impermeable, Submariner can reliably and accurately show the time at any depth up to 1,000 feet. And, because it is a Rolex, it is meticulously refined and crafted with a superb attention to detail that has, for many years, set the industry standard for top-of-the-line luxury watches.

Think of the Submariner as the perfect watch to take a dive in - and still come up a winner!