A few years ago, while on holiday, I saw a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 in a shop window in Florence that immediately appealed to me. I just fell in love. At first I thought it was one of those modified vintage watches, but back home I realised it was a new Baselworld release. So it became the first watch that I had to buy without thinking much about it.

Obviously the key feature is the marvellous “red grape” dial. Not only the colour and polish, but also the white gold applied indexes, the Rolex-lettering on the rehaut and the plain hands; the indexes are also supported by printed dots in a very carefully selected matching red which prevents the dial from becoming too austere. The date is left out so as not to destroy the symmetry.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 case is quite slim and at 39 mm ideal for basically everybody. I particularly like the view from the side and the shape of the lugs. The lugs blend seamlessly into the iconic bracelet. The clasp is not just a clasp, it’s an example of perfect engineering, safe and yet easy to open. Quite complicated to make, but easy to operate. Unfortunately the standard product does not come with the easy link bracelet extension – but a good AD will retrofit it …

The 3132 movement is IMHO one of the best on the market. Maybe not haute horology (and not visible), but officially regulated to +/-2 seconds, highly acclaimed for its reliability and … it just does its job just the way it should! Not only the size, shape and bracelet, but also the fact that this watch is quite humble and discreet, while still being a conversation starter for fellow watch nuts and as well as just a very nice companion for their day to make it a watch for really every occasion.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 39mm Red Grape is not cheap, but its value for money makes it stand out not only from the Rolex range.