We have put together a list of the best Rolex watches for men to help you narrow down your options for buying a luxury watch. This article covers all the details pertaining to Rolex models like the Submariner, GMT Master II, Datejust, Yacht-Master, and more. Read further to find out the top Rolex watches you should consider adding to your collection.
Rolex – The Swiss luxury watch brand
A British-founded, Swiss watchmaker, Rolex has been recognized for producing some of the most exquisite watches in the world. The company is currently headquartered in Geneva and was established by visionaries Alfred Davis & Hans Wilsdorf in 1905.
It was initially known as Wilsdorf and Davis but attained its name as Rolex in 1908. The first ever watch produced by Rolex was the Oyster Perpetual. Every Rolex watch comes with a unique serial number indicating an approximate period of production.
Top 10 Rolex watches you should know about
For those looking to add a Rolex to their collection of high-end timepieces, below is a list of the top 10 Rolex watches you should know about:
- Rolex Sky-Dweller
- Rolex Yacht-Master
- Rolex Submariner
- Rolex Air-King
- Rolex Sea-Dweller
- Rolex Daytona
- Rolex Hulk
- Rolex Tiffany
- Rolex Explorer II
- Rolex Milgauss
Rolex Sky-Dweller
Launched in the year 2012, the Sky-Dweller was applauded for its mechanical accomplishment and brilliant movement. The watch features the unique Rolex fluted bezel and a full-on calendar that displays the months through a tiny aperture.
As the months go by, the aperture indicates a red color at each individual time marker. The date, on the other hand, is positioned traditionally at the 3 o’clock mark. One of the most distinguishing features of the watch is its 24 hours GMT indicator. It is located on the ring of the watch right above the 6-o’clock. Currently, Rolex offers the Sky-Dweller in 24 different variants. The current retail price of the watch is $15,000, with pre-owned prices of approximately $21,000.
Rolex Yacht-Master
With the Yacht-Master, Rolex has taken a not-so-traditional approach to design. This exquisite gold timepiece carries a sporty design as opposed to a more bling design. In 1991 the company offered the Yacht-Master in a steel and platinum version (Ref. No: 16622).
The watch carries a distinct ceramic bezel referred to as the “Relief” and an Oysterflex strap that offers exceptional durability and luxury. This particular high-end watch has been specifically designed for sailboat racers to track time to its accuracy. The Yacht-Master has 14 variations with a retail price of $11,600.
Rolex Submariner
The Submariner is one of the early dive watches produced by Rolex. It features an external diving bezel that is water resistant with sturdy bracelets that are adjustable. It was during the 1980s when the Submariner became a fashionable watch and grew in demand. This is when the watch transformed from being a tool watch to a jewel with diamond encrusted and gold versions emerging.
Today, the steel versions of the watch are in high demand and are sold for a 25% higher price in the pre-owned watch market. Rolex offers the Submariner in eight variations, with the pre-owned prices going upwards of $16,000.
Rolex Air-King
Launched in the year 1945, the Air-king was a watch made for enthusiasts who imitated former war pilots. The design of the watch was future-oriented with a sleek and minimalistic design. It is the only model that features a colored Rolex logo with a yellow color and a green-colored second marker.
For the 2022 Rolex Air-King, the design has been updated with an all-new Oyster case. The pre-owned prices start at $13,000.
Rolex Sea-Dweller
The Sea-Dweller is a dive watch that is capable of withstanding high pressures of the deep sea. In 1967, the Sea-Dweller watch was rated to a depth of 1,220 meters, with the latest version in 2007 rated to 3,900 meters.
This particular timepiece is described as a beefed-up Rolex Submariner. From the case to the crystal, everything on the watch has been re-engineered for improved water resistance. The Sea-Dweller comes in four different variants. The pre-owned go upwards of $20,000.
Rolex Daytona
A chronograph watch, Daytona is considered an iconic timepiece by Rolex. It was launched in 1963 and was targeted toward adventurers and athletes. The Daytona has a simple yet balanced design. It comes in unique steel and gold cases, which makes the watch practically irresistible.
The watch was initially designed to provide accurate time figures for racing drivers but since then has evolved to become a more fashionable timepiece. The Daytona has a rugged design and bulky proportions which makes it one of the best Rolex watches for men. Price of the Daytona starts at $13,150.
Rolex Hulk
Rolex Submariner with reference no. 116610LV carries a green dial and bezel and is known as the Hulk. This sub-variant was produced between 2010 and 2020 and gained recognition for its popular green color. It is powered by a 3135 automatic caliber movement.
Pieces for the Hulk have tripled since its launch in 2010 and are priced at around $23,000 a piece in the pre-owned space.
Rolex Tiffany
Based on the Oyster Perpetual, Tiffany is another premium watch made by Rolex. The bright Tiffany blue dial is one of the stand-out aspects of the watch. This particular series of the Rolex was launched in 1967 and discontinued in 1990.
The pre-owned prices of the Rolex Tiffany can go upwards of $10,000. Famous personalities like Lebron James and Mark Walberg are known to own this one-of-a-kind premium watch by Rolex.
Rolex Explorer II
Launched in 1971, the Explorer II comes in two options a black and a white dial. It features a luminescent 24-hour GMT hand that makes reading easier during low-light conditions. The dimensions of the Explore II were upgraded from a 40 mm dial to a 42 mm dial in 2011.
Reference no. 216570 was launched to celebrate the iconic design of the original 1971 watch and featured an orange GMT arrow-shaped hand. The Explore II comes in two variants, with pre-owned market prices at $13,000 and above.
Rolex Milgauss
Produced in 1956, this luxury watch has the capability of withstanding a magnetic force field of up to 1000 gauss. The word ‘Mille” means one thousand hence the name Milgauss. It also comes in two different dial color variants. The Milgauss comes with an oyster bracelet and green sapphire glass. Pre-owned prices of the Milgauss are upwards of $14,000.
10 Best Rolex watches information
Following is the information regarding the dimensions of the ten best Rolex watches for men:
|
Rolex Watch Models |
Rolex Watch Dimensions | ||
| Dial Diameter | Watch Thickness | Lug Width | |
| Sky-Dweller | 42 mm | 14 mm | 21 mm |
| Yacht-Master | 37 mm – 42 mm | 11.5 mm | 20 mm |
| Submariner | 40 mm | 13 mm | 20 mm |
| Air-King | 40 mm | 12 mm | 20 mm |
| Sea-Dweller | 40 mm | 15.5 mm | 22 mm |
| Daytona | 40 mm | 12.2 mm | 20 mm |
| Hulk | 40 mm | 12.5 mm | 20 mm |
| Tiffany | 41 mm | 11.7 mm | 19 mm |
| Explorer II | 42 mm | 12.5 mm | 21 mm |
| Milgauss | 40 mm | 13.2 mm | 20 mm |
Other popular watch models by Rolex
Apart from the watches mentioned above, here are some of the other Rolex models that are also highly sought after:
- Rolex GMT Master II
- Rolex Datejust
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual
- Rolex Wimbledon
Rolex GMT Master II
In 1982, Rolex launched the GMT Master II, a watch that features an independently adjustable hour hand and a new movement. In 2007, the company upgraded the watch with ceramic bezels and new color combos. The 2022 Rolex GMT Master II saw a rather unexpected update with a left-hand orientation edition.
Rolex Datejust
This premium watch features a jubilee bracelet while retaining the traditional Rolex fluted bezels. The Datejust carries a simple design and is a midcentury classic watch that continues to be the centerpiece of Rolex.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Oyster Perpetual is considered the watch that launched Rolex to its success. It is the watch that created the base for the other models of Rolex.
Rolex Wimbledon
Rolex Datejust 41 Wimbledon edition was launched in 2009. It features Roman indices with a green outline and a slate grey dial. The name of the watch has been derived from its appearance, which resembles the color of the world’s most famous tennis court.
The brand has been the official timekeeper for the Wimbledon series since 1978. It has outfitted several tennis players over the years with exquisite timepieces. One of the most prominent personalities of tennis, Roger Federer, is known to own an elaborate collection of Rolex watches, including the Wimbledon edition.
Luxury watches by Rolex
We have provided you with an elaborate list of the best Rolex watches for men. These luxury timepieces exhibit superior wealth and styling. They are built using refined materials and methods that make these intricately designed watches highly valuable. If you are an enthusiast looking to expand your collection of watches, the Rolex models mentioned above are the best fit.
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