Rolex is often referred to as the "Hero" of luxury watches, and for good reason; this Swiss brand dominates the market when it comes to high-end timepieces. No matter where in the world, at any given time, Rolex has served as a stamp of success, prestige, and quality.
It probably is the most well-known luxury watch brand, but people ask us which Rolex models are the most in-demand. So, here's our list of the most popular Rolex watches to answer that.
1. Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is one of the most recognizable Rolex models. First introduced in 1953, it was revolutionary as the very first watch to stay waterproof at a depth of 100 meters. It features a rotating bezel meant for divers with 60-minute markings in order to estimate the supply of air and decompression time.
Its bold design with a dark dial and sturdy case eventually became a standard for many Rolex watches.
When the submarines were first produced back in the 1950s, these cost around $150 to $200. The present day models, which are basically copies of the original vintage Submarines from back then, are sold within a price range of $25,000 to $500,000.
Thus, to date, from its current models, water resistance has now reached up to 1,000 feet without losing the original flavor of the tool.
2. Rolex Datejust
To this day, the Rolex Datejust remains one of the most iconic watches in history. The very first Rolex Datejust appeared in 1945 with a revolutionary look at the time and a strong statement. This is because it was the first automatic and self-winding wristwatch that introduced an automatic date-changing window. The use of this watch made it highly convenient for people to view both the time and the date at a glance without any manual adjustments.
The Datejust broke a precedence in high-class watches in the sense that numerous firms began to replicate its design over time.
The Datejust is simply iconic for its eternal elegance. With so many different variations in terms of the dial color, bezels, and bracelets, it can be worn on virtually all formal and casual occasions. It eventually became a symbol of class and excellence.
3. Rolex Daytona
Rolex Daytona was introduced in 1963. The name is inspired by the world-famous International Speedway of Daytona in Florida. This watch was constructed for professional race car drivers and has a tachymeter graduated scale engraved onto its bezel, where drivers can measure speed defined by time and distance covered. The watch is very handy for racing athletes.
Even the presence of legendary actor and race car driver Paul Newman completed the cult status of the Daytona. A special edition, personally worn by Newman himself, became the most valuable collector's watch.
This particular 2017 model set a record as the most expensive Rolex sold to date when it reached a staggering $17.8 million at auction. Today, Daytona is an example of speed, luxury, and exclusivity, and pursued not only by every watch collector and enthusiast in this industry.
4. Rolex GMT-Master
The Rolex GMT-Master model was first introduced in 1955 by the company in collaboration with Pan American World Airways. The company made a request for a watch to be worn while traveling in an airplane to enable pilots to view two time zones on one dial. Rolex answered the call when it initiated the GMT-Master model. Over time, this model became the accessory no traveler would want to miss in the jet age.
It has an extra fourth hand that is directed towards the 24-hour bezel, and so one can easily indicate more than one time zone. This single attribute of theirs made the GMT Master an indispensable possession for pilots, businessmen, and globe-trotters alike. The company came up with another version in 1985 for good performance and reliability: the GMT Master II.
5. Rolex Yacht-Master
The Yacht-Master was launched in 1992, designed more or less as a luxury sports watch for sailors. Solid, waterproof in design, this watch is perfect for anyone who spends more of their time out on the water, but its elegant look makes sure it can also be perfect for wearing off the boat. The watch features a rotating bezel that helps sailors track time on the water.
Four years later, in 2007, Rolex further perfected the idea with the Yacht-Master II-a watch specifically designed for professional sailors. The Yacht-Master II comes with a programmable countdown timer. This is great for that regatta race.
That's how the watch will not only be a wear for comfort and style but also something that will be useful to serious sailors.
6. Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer watch is one for adventure and exploration. It was launched in the public eye in 1953, when Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary became the first climbers to sum up Mount Everest. It was this expedition on which Hillary wore a Rolex Oyster. During this period, it had proven absolutely rugged enough when things weren't at their best.
The Explorer is designed for the mountaineer and adventurer. It is simple yet robust in its design, focusing on functionality. Its clean 3/6/9 dial provides excellent readability in any light condition and hence is ideal for outdoor use.
7. Rolex Sky-Dweller
Sky-Dweller is probably one of Rolex's new creations, which was brought to the market in 2012. The watch is definitely great for those professionals who frequently travel and need to be able to monitor their time throughout several different time zones.
The key difference of this model is that it displays two time zones, with the first showing the local time, while the off-center 24-hour disc acts as a second-time zone indicator.
One of the exciting features of the Sky-Dweller is its Saros annual calendar system, adjusting automatically for all the months containing 30 or 31 days. That is to say that the setting of the date is only necessary once a year-when February ends-at the end of that month. In such complexity, Rolex succeeded in making the Sky-Dweller easy to use.
8. Rolex Yacht-Master II
Launched in 2007, as a successor to the Yacht-Master, the Yacht-Master II boasts an even larger 44mm case and advanced programmable countdown timer with mechanical memory. It has been designed for competitive sailors who need accurate timing at the regatta.
Yacht-Master II is boldly designed with impressive technical features. The real favorite among professional sailors and watch collectors is this beauty in design with impressive features.
9. Rolex Milgauss
The Milgauss came in 1956 as a watch designed for engineers and scientists who worked in laboratories and power plants with strong magnetic fields. Magnetic fields may distort the accuracy of mechanical watches. Nevertheless, Milgauss was the first Rolex that solved the problem by putting its movement into a shielding.
The term "Milgauss" refers to the French phrase "mille," meaning thousand, and the gauss unit, measuring magnetism. The Milgauss can operate up to 1,000 gauss without loss of accuracy.
10. Rolex Ladies' Datejust 31
The Ladies' Datejust 31 is reminiscent of a smaller, yet elegant sister to the original Datejust. Known for its simplicity, durability, and refined design, it's the lady's favorite. Form and function are married with mastery of waterproofing prowess without missing a technological opportunity, including all innovations available in the larger models.
Already since 2018, the Ladies' Datejust 31 makes use of the calibre 2236 movement representing an advanced achievement in terms of precision and longevity.
Conclusion
Rolex watches have always epitomized luxury, precision, and timelessness for several decades. From Datejust to Daytona, each model brags with unmatched minute attention to the finest detail so that it is synonymous with a brand beyond that of trend.
At Time Source Jewelers, we specialize in helping you find the perfect Rolex to suit your style and lifestyle. Our team will assist you through our diverse collections of luxury watches to help you choose the piece that not only aesthetically meets your desire but also functionally meets your requirements.
Contact us today to experience our selection and the excellence of owning a Rolex from Time Source Jewelers.
