What are the best Rolex watches?

With Rolex watches having the versatility to be dressed up and down they’re a favourite watch choice that’s popularity only keeps growing.

One of the most loved attributes of a Rolex watch is that many of them are designed for a specific purpose. For example, the Submarina was designed for divers and the GMT was created for Pan-Am pilots experiencing jet lag.

Watch collectors are particularly taken to the Rolex sports models as they’re often associated with explorers, adventurers and athletes. The Submarina is also one of the most popular Rolex watches due to James Bond and its early GMT version being worn by Chuck Yeager, a US flying ace, as well as several astronauts.

Many people want to know what the best Rolex for investments is. ​There is so much to love about a Rolex watch, which is why this blog will delve into some of the top Rolex watches.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is an evolution of the original 1926 Oyster case. This classic piece was the cutting-edge solution to watchmakers long asked question - how can we make a truly waterproof model?

The term ‘perpetual’ speaks to Rolex’s idiosyncratic self-winding movement. But beyond its initially subtle aesthetic, newer Oyster Perpetual editions like the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 embrace boldness with the dials coming in five different colours - red, yellow, pink, green and blue. While this moved away from Rolex’s traditional watch models, its colour choice, combined with its’ 36mm style have contributed toward its popularity.

Rolex Datejust

Part of the Oyster Perpetual family, the Datejust is one of its most popular enhancing variants. First developed in an era of great change in the aftermath of WW2, the Datejust was the first realisation of a self-winding chronometer simultaneously displaying the calendar date.

Practical, distinguished, and perfect for every day usage, the Datejust is yet another example of momentous innovation. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Rolex, the Datejust features a venerable Jubilee bracelet and an iconic fluted bezel.

The Datejust has been an enduring titan in the Rolex collection, maintaining a minimum generous case size of 36mm and continuous technological updates. Unsurprisingly, the Datejust has consequently been a favoured piece to witness significant international and historical affairs, having been worn and loved by ambitious figures like Martin Luther King, Winston Churchill, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Rolex GMT-Master II

The GMT-Master has always had ties to large scale navigational aerial expeditions, aiding adventurers to voyage the globe since 1955. The GMT-Master is renowned for its 24-hour bezel divided into two crescents. The red represents daylight hours and the blue nighttime. Various new editions offer disparate colour combinations and solid colour models. But in 2014, Rolex made a bold return to the original red and blue stylisation, this time developing a ceramic ‘Cerachrom’ bezel.

Again, in 2019, Rolex took the GMT-Master II further, curating an 18 ct white gold timepiece with, extraordinarily, a meteorite dial. Each dial is crafted from an exceedingly rare cutting of iron. This material has had the time to slowly crystalise during its incredible journey of billions of kilometres from the outer depths of our solar system.

Rolex Daytona

Dating back to 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona has a legendary place in the Rolex canon and auto racing success. Modern editions of the Daytona are fitted with sophisticated self-winding, high-frequency chronograph complications. These movements are indicative of Rolex’s engineering excellence with its unfailing accuracy.

The design and performance of the Daytona has been perfected through the dedication of the Rolex team and countless experimentations with various calibres, each of which has sought to break away from convention. It has since been the favourite timepiece for motorsport professionals since the watch’s launch. The decorated Danish driver, Tom Kristensen, praised the Daytona saying “This chronograph has a history and class around it that everyone trying to aim for the top in motor sport understands and respects. Each driver wants to win ‘their’ Rolex Daytona”.

Rolex Submariner

Described as the ‘key to the deep’, the Rolex Submariner has grown to be the unrivalled champion timepiece of athletes, explorers, and artists of all calibres. Its ability to endure underwater depths of 330 feet in 1953 revolutionised aquatic disciplines, but over the years this feat has been beaten time and time again by Rolex themselves. Now, modern Submariners easily reach sea depths of over 1,000 feet.

Its impressive price is explained by how indispensable the Submariner has become; an iconic ancestor to Rolex’s other deep-sea diving watches, such as the SeaDweller and the Deepsea Challenge.

Rolex Sky-Dweller

Launched in 2012, the Rolex Sky-Dweller was designed as an alternative to the GMT-Master. Its dual time zone and annual calendar functions make it one of the most complicated watches Rolex has ever made.

While this model isn’t at the top of every watch buyer’s list, you have to admit it’s a truly beautiful watch. It was previously available on a leather or Oyster bracelet but now comes with the option of an Oysterflex bracelet. This super comfy design is made of nickel alloy and titanium and encased in black rubber. You can also choose from 18K yellow gold and Everrose gold.

Rolex Sea-Dweller

Launched in 1967, the Rolex Sea-Dweller was designed as a companion piece to the Submariner. However, it’s stronger, bigger and more technologically advanced. The aim of the watch is to be able to go deeper into the ocean than the submariner. The watch features a smart helium valve within the case that releases excess helium allowing the watch to venture into deeper depths. Originally the watch could only travel to 610 meters, but this was doubled in 1978, enabling the watch to reach 1,220 metres.

Rolex Cellini

The Rolex Celleni was originally introduced in 1968, but unfortunately discontinued in 2022. Believed to be the king of sports watches, the Cellini has also started to appear as a more dressy watch, giving it that long lasting and versatile appeal.

It’s reported that the Cellini was ideated by René-Paul Jeanneret, a Rolex board member. They expressed that while Rolex watches are designed to last a lifetime, it doesn’t mean that people shouldn’t own multiple models. For example, you own the Submarina for diving, the GMT for flying and the Cellini for black-tie events.

Rolex Yacht Master

Perfect for beach or sailing days, the Rolex Yacht Master has a strong waterproof case that can be submerged up to 100 metres. The Yacht Master II has a 44mm case that features a bidirectional 60 minute bezel used for reading time intervals and calculating reference points.

Rolex Explorer

The Rolex Explorer is ideal for casual business attire as it doesn’t hold the weight of a 40mm plus case. However, it still offers durability. As a result, the Explorer is perfect for those seeking a smaller Rolex watch.

How to choose a Rolex watch

When looking to purchase a Rolex watch, there are a few things you should do:

• Consider whether you would like to purchase a new or pre-owned Rolex watch.
• Think about the size of the watch you would like.
• Identify which materials you would like your watch to be made of.
• Determine which models meet these requirements.
• Purchase your desired model.

Where to sell a Rolex watch

At Panache, we pride ourselves on providing the best price for your timepiece, which is why we’re one of the best places to sell your Rolex watch​. We’ll take the time to carefully review your watch at our secure premises located in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, where you’ll receive a no obligation quote and payment within 20 minutes if you choose to sell your Rolex watch.

Get a quote today.