A crown for the wrist

Ask anyone on the street what he or she thinks the world’s most luxurious watch brand is, and they will probably say Rolex. They’d be wrong. But perception is everything, and the timepiece that is regarded as the sign that you have made it — a person to be reckoned with, a person imbued with a hint of rugged glamour — is indeed a Rolex. There are more accurate watches, more expensive brands and more prestigious brands, but Rolex has captured our imagination like no other. Don’t get me wrong. There is no sleight of hand here. They are not, in luxury watch terms at least, overpriced (unlike some brands I could name). They are supremely well made and they will last forever. I should know; I have a steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust made in 1963. It still keeps immaculate time and has been serviced a maximum of four