Since getting into golf at just six years old, Alison Lee has endlessly devoted herself to honing her skills and perfecting her technique. After nine wins on the AJGA circuit, and six victories representing the United States, Lee turned professional in 2014, and has quickly become one of the LPGA's rising stars.

In Bezel's exclusive interview, we sit down with the American professional golfer to discuss her introduction to watches, gifting her mother a Rolex, plus the most prized watch in her personal collection.

In Conversation with Alison Lee

Bezel: How did you get into watches? 

AL: I used to wear watches all the time when I was younger. I’d always wear one to school and on the golf course. I even used to have a superstition that I had to wear a watch during tournaments or else it would mess with my swing.

Bezel: What was your first watch, and what’s the story behind it? 

AL: I got a Michael Kors watch when I was 14, but my first Rolex was gifted to me at the end of my rookie year on the LPGA tour in 2015 by one of my sponsors. It was an Oyster Perpetual with a purple Roman numeral dial, and I was in awe of the watch – it really opened my eyes to the watch world. It was the most expensive thing I owned at the time, and I always kept it in the box because I was afraid I would scratch or break it. Usually, I would just wear a cheap watch until it was worn out and then buy a new one once it was worn beyond repair.

After about a year of the Rolex sitting in my closet, I gifted it to my mother. She did so much for me that it only felt right to give her something that no one had gifted her before. Growing up, my family didn't have a lot of money, and my parents sacrificed every penny they made to help support me so that I could one day get a golf scholarship and eventually compete on the professional level. 

Bezel: What’s your favorite watch in your collection and why?  

AL: My favorite watch in my collection would have to be my steel Rolex Datejust in steel, with a white gold, factory diamond-set bezel and a MOP, factory-set diamond dial. It's such an elegant piece, and I can dress it up or down no matter the occasion. In the right lighting, the MOP and diamonds are so stunning, and I'm always in awe when I look at the piece. It has a very feminine feel, and I always love putting it on.

Bezel: It’s hard to beat a Datejust – what is it about Rolex as a brand that speaks to you as a collector? 

AL: Rolex has always been a huge partner and supporter of golf at various levels ranging from junior golf for boys and girls to the LPGA and PGA tours. They have demonstrated commitment to the sport by funding tournaments such as the Rolex Tournament of Champions and given awards to the best junior golfers in the nation. They provided a platform for young kids to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level to prepare them for collegiate and eventually, professional golf. Their brand has always been synonymous with excellence, and I have been familiar with the brand since I was a little girl due to their involvement in golf.

Bezel: Can you share 3 must-have watches listed on Bezel right now?

AL:   Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 14790BA

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Ref. 126000-0006

Cartier Santos Demoiselle Ref. W25063X9

Bezel: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches? 

AL:  I didn't think I would ever be able to afford a luxury watch, so to have several of them in my collection has been such a rewarding experience. There are so many amazing watchmakers. It's exciting to see all the new designs, colors, and features. However, I never buy a watch just because I want to, I have to earn it. Playing golf on the professional level is always a challenge, and I set specific goals that I want to achieve. The reward is not only seeing my hard work come to fruition, but I don't buy myself anything nice unless those goals are achieved. So, anything I purchase isn't just because I wanted it, it’s because I earned it

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- Isaac Wingold

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