Rolex manufactures a wide of variety of watches for ladies and gentlemen, and whomever else falls through the cracks. And, I daresay, many models look like they could be worn interchangeably by people of both genders.

That is because some of the models that Rolex markets as men's are so ostentatiously glitzy that I sometimes wonder what kind of a male served as an inspiration for that particular piece. Liberace maybe? Fortunately for me, at least, these showy models represent a relatively small role in Rolex's entire line of fine timepieces.

More about those flashy watches later, but first let's talk about classically elegant timepieces for more traditional tastes. If you like understated watches, a few models in the Day-Date (President) and Cellini collections will probably strike your fancy. In the former line there are several models in gold or platinum, with polished or domed bezels, that are relatively subdued.

If, like me, you prefer a minimalist and discreet design, Cellinium, Classic, Danaos, and Cestello in the Cellini line offer truly classic pieces that will appeal to the conservative tastes. They are so classic, in fact, that other watchmakers manufacture similar designs. For example Cellini Classic bears a striking similarity to Omega's Prestige Quartz, Calatrava by Patek Philippe or Tissot's Desire.

Rolex's Datejust line is a medley of relatively simple and outrageously opulent. A lot of these models are in Rolesor (combination or gold with steel), have diamond hour markers and fluted bezels. It is difficult to have a truly subtle look with a diamond-set dial, a fluted bezel and a two-toned bracelet, so I'd qualify these watches as dressy but not flashy. The general look of many Datejust models can also be gleaned in Nautilus by Patek Philippe.

Right, let's move on to those ostentatious watches I mentioned above. In my book any watch that has more than a few strategically placed diamonds, is considered sumptuous, especially in men's wear.

Fortunately, I can think of only three Rolex men's watches I'd call overdressed. Two are special edition models in Datejust collection, and both are generously bedecked with diamonds and brilliants. The other is a Cosmograph Daytona model with a bezel encrusted with blue gemstones, which is so glitzy I can only hope it will not cause a "fender bender" on a speedway.

Thankfully, the other Rolex sports models (which are considered to be gent's, but there is no reason a woman can't wear them) are all unadorned, sturdy and solid. By the way, two diving watches, the Submariner and Sea-Dweller, have a similar design and function as their Omega counterpart, the Seamaster, which only goes to prove that there is nothing new - or truly unique - under the sun ( or under the water).