Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Rolex: Timeless Excellence - (Invest Like the Best, CLASSICS)

377 snips
Sep 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Ben Clymer, founder of Hodinkee and luxury watch expert, shares his passion for Rolex, especially the iconic Daytona. He dives into the watch's motorsport roots and sentimental value. Ben explains the shifting dynamics of the luxury watch market, including Rolex's strategic focus and manufacturing innovations. He also unpacks the impacts of rarity and distribution on customer experiences. Listeners will gain insights into Rolex's meticulous craftsmanship and the brand's enduring legacy in horology.
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ANECDOTE

Why The Daytona Captivates

  • Ben Clymer describes the Daytona as his favorite Rolex for its motorsport roots and aesthetics.
  • He links its appeal to Paul Newman and the model's early history where Rolex struggled to name and market it.
INSIGHT

Technical Outsider Became Iconic

  • The Daytona's original engineering used non-Rolex movements, which made it unique and collectible.
  • That technical outsider status gave owners reasons to interact with the watch beyond simple timekeeping.
INSIGHT

Watches Were Once Essential Tools

  • Historically people bought mechanical watches for function because no digital alternatives existed.
  • That historical utility explains why mechanical watches persisted as meaningful objects.
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