For generations, Rolex has stood as an unrivaled symbol of prestige, craftsmanship, and timeless design, captivating enthusiasts, collectors, and newcomers alike with its unwavering commitment to excellence. Each of the best Rolex watches tells a unique story of innovation, adventure, and elegance, making the brand a coveted name among watch aficionados around the globe.
Navigating the vast ocean of Rolex watches for sale to pinpoint the “best Rolex” is a formidable task, given the subjective nature of taste, purpose, and occasion. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged sophistication of the iconic Submariner, the understated elegance of the classic Datejust, or the precision of the legendary Cosmograph Daytona, the best Rolex watches offer something for every collector.
Join us as we explore the remarkable timepieces that have cemented Rolex’s reputation as a true master of horology. From the rich histories and ground-breaking innovations to the exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs, each of the best starter Rolex watches represents a pinnacle of watchmaking excellence. Discover the model that speaks to your personal style and passion, and experience the enduring allure that has made these coveted timepieces the subject of desire for generations of watch enthusiasts worldwide.
Best Rolex Watch Models
My first Rolex was a Rolesor Datejust from 1985. I bought it pre-owned after finally managing to get over my thirst for the Rolex Pepsi GMT-Master watch, and having hit the history books in search of inspiration. It cost me around $4,000 and it looked brand new but so satisfyingly anachronistic. Vintage is not for everyone, but before you dismiss it as an option, remember that whatever you like right now will be old someday soon. And it is only with the passing of time that we’re able to understand what has managed to stand its test.
Rolex Datejust
At the same time, you can also get a somewhat newer Oystersteel Datejust, such as the Rolex 116200 Datejust model, on your wrist for around $7k. Not bad for a 6-digit model with a slightly more contemporary design set than its vintage predecessors. With the 6-digit series, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a high-beat caliber 3135 movement, and a Twinlock waterproof screw-down crown, features not often found on vintage models.
Rolex Day-Date
On the other end of the spectrum, you can invest in a handsome yellow-gold Day-Date on a leather bracelet for just under $17k. Options, like the Rolex Day-Date 18038 reference offer the exclusivity of a gold Rolex watch for sale while also including amenities such as a Quickset function for the date. Of course, we can’t forget the charm that comes with many vintage models in the form of an older-style case and lume that has often formed a nice patina over the years.
Rolex Explorer & Explorer II Collection
Let’s say you prefer a sports watch. In that case, the Explorer will likely make your wallet happy with a price of around $7k. It doesn’t have a rotating bezel, date mechanism, or other additional functions – just a time-only, three-hand dial. Until recently, the Rolex Explorer watch collection was also solely produced in stainless steel, which has helped references like the Rolex 14270 model number and the Rolex 114270 Explorer reference keep an attractive entry-level price. Bump your budget up to around $9k, and you can invest in the Explorer II instead, which includes a fixed 24-hour bezel, a date mechanism, and four centrally mounted hands that offer GMT functionality. Both are excellent opportunities to add a non-vintage Rolex sports model to your collection without draining your bank account.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Since its debut in 1926, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection has epitomized elegance and innovation, marking the first foray into waterproof watchmaking inspired by the seal of an oyster shell. This was soon followed by the introduction of the “Perpetual” mechanism, Rolex’s patented self-winding technology, leading to the creation of the Oyster Perpetual series, which combines a waterproof case with an automatic movement, and features a simple, stainless steel design without a date function.
The release of the Oyster Perpetual models with colorful lacquered dials in 2020, available in shades like candy pink, yellow, coral red, and the coveted Tiffany Blue (an unofficial name), has sparked a frenzy among enthusiasts, with values soaring beyond their original retail prices. Kendrick Lamar’s appearance at the Grammy Awards wearing the now-discontinued 41mm Tiffany Blue Oyster Perpetual only fueled the desire for these vibrant timepieces. Rolex has capitalized on this craze with the introduction of the “Bubble Dial” Oyster Perpetual, featuring a palette of all the available colors, making the dream of collecting every hue an irresistible challenge for aficionados.
Rolex GMT Master II
The GMT-Master II reminisces about the golden age of aviation. Created in response to PanAm’s need for a watch that could navigate the time zone shifts of early commercial flights. Introduced in 1955, the original Rolex GMT-Master allowed pilots to track two time zones with its innovative rotating bezel and 24-hour hand, a feature enhanced in the 1983 Rolex GMT-Master II collection, which added the capability to track a third time zone. This advancement enabled wearers to elegantly display their international lifestyle across cities like London, New York, and Los Angeles. Rolex aficionados often refer to the GMT-Master II by nicknames like the Rolex Coke, Pepsi, Rootbeer, and Batman, inspired by the bezel colors that visually represent the transition between day and night. At the recent Watches & Wonders event, Rolex introduced a left-handed version of the GMT-Master II, known as the “Destro,” capturing the attention of the watch community and gracing the wrists of famous left-handers, including NBA’s Russell Westbrook and West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner, launched in 1953, was not the first dive watch but distinguished itself as the first to offer 100m waterproofing, quickly becoming a staple in collectors’ tool watch collections. Its design, featuring a rotating bezel and clear dial, was influenced by the popularization of Scuba diving in the 1950s, largely due to Jacques Cousteau’s groundbreaking underwater films. Despite the waning popularity of recreational diving, the Rolex Submariner dive watch collection has remained sought-after, thanks to consistent updates and innovations that have kept it relevant. Critics may label it as “basic,” a sentiment echoed by the choice of a “Smurf” Submariner for a certain tech mogul character in “The White Lotus.” Yet, its enduring appeal, supported by enthusiasts like Al Pacino, is a testament to its rich history and ongoing legacy.
Rolex Milgauss
The 1950s heralded Rolex’s introduction of iconic tool watches like the GMT-Master and Submariner, yet the Milgauss, designed for scientists, remains less celebrated. Its specialized focus on anti-magnetism, capable of withstanding up to 1,000 gauss, made it indispensable in scientific and technological fields, a distinction highlighted by Rolex’s ongoing partnership with CERN since its 1956 launch. Initially resembling the Submariner but distinguished by a lightning bolt-shaped seconds hand, the iconic Rolex Milgauss model has evolved over the decades, with the 2014 Milgauss ‘Z-Blue’, featuring a unique blue-green crystal, marking its latest iteration. As the glamour of air travel fades, making way for a renewed appreciation of scientific innovation, the Milgauss stands out as a tribute to the scientific community. Celebrated by early adopters like Tom Hanks, the Milgauss invites a reevaluation of the industries we honor through our choice of tool watches.
Rolex Daytona
The Rolex Daytona evolved from an underappreciated chronograph in the ’50s and ’60s to a cultural icon, propelled by its ties to racing and celebrity endorsements. Its transition began with Rolex’s partnership with the Daytona Speedway in 1962 and the launch of the Cosmograph in 1963, featuring a tachymeter for speed measurement and distinctive sub-dials for visibility. The model gained legendary status through Paul Newman, whose eponymous Daytona fetched $17.8 million at auction in 2017, cementing its place among luxury timepieces. Today, the Daytona is revered by celebrities and collectors alike, with the value of a pre-owned Rolex Daytona surging in the secondary market, a testament to its enduring appeal and performance pedigree.
Rolex Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II
In 1992, Rolex expanded its horizons beyond the Submariner’s aquatic adventures by launching the Yacht-Master, a watch designed for luxury sea-faring experiences on yachts. This model distinguished itself with a more upscale appeal, initially available in 18KT white gold, catering to those who prefer the luxury of wooden decks and linen to the ruggedness of diving gear. The evolution of this line saw the introduction of the Rolex Yacht-Master II watch in 2007, featuring enhancements such as a regatta countdown, making it suitable for professional sailing and reinforcing Rolex’s prowess in combining sportiness with elegance. Celebrities like Brad Pitt and Nick Jonas have been spotted wearing Rolex Yacht-Master watch models, underscoring its allure among the elite, with Jonas seen at a high-profile basketball game showcasing his distinctive choice. The Yacht-Master series, with its variations in precious metals and functionality, embodies Rolex’s dedication to luxury sports watches, appealing to a discerning clientele who values both sophistication and performance.
Rolex Sky-Dweller
Launched in 2012, the Rolex Sky-Dweller watch collection represents a modern milestone for Rolex, merging a century of innovation with a design aimed at the contemporary world traveler rather than pilots, reflecting the shift towards electronic navigation aids. Its dial, intricate yet intuitive, offers a dual time zone display that meets the needs of today’s global explorers. With its generous 42mm case, the Sky-Dweller embraced the early 2000s trend for larger watches, even as tastes evolve towards smaller, vintage-inspired designs. Despite its relatively recent debut and bold dimensions, it has rapidly become a symbol of sophistication and a preferred choice for those who dare to stand out.
Rolex Air-King
Launched in 1958, the Rolex Air-King watch collection emerged in the golden era of luxury air travel, originally designed in the 1930s to meet the navigational challenges faced by pioneering pilots. With its large, legible numerals similar to those on the Rolex Explorer, it was simpler than the GMT-Master, embodying the essence of aviation’s “Golden Age.” Celebrating over six decades, the Air-King is notably linked to the unique Domino’s Pizza Rolex, a custom version awarded to the brand’s high performers, once seen as an affordable entry into Rolex ownership. These specialized Rolex Air-Kings, initially valued at $800, have now become collector’s items, fetching upwards of $19K on the secondary market, highlighting their whimsical charm and Rolex’s enduring appeal.
Rolex 1908
In this exploration of notable timepieces, a pattern has emerged: the prominence of tool watches, designed for both sport and industry, showcasing robust construction. Yet, for those seeking a dedicated dress watch, Rolex presents an appealing alternative with the vintage-inspired Perpetual 1908, introduced at Watches & Wonders in 2023 and promptly chosen by Roger Federer, combining classic elegance with modern Rolex innovations at a price of £19,300. This model, named for the year Rolex was formally registered, perfectly captures the essence of a dress watch with its sophisticated design, precious metal construction, and transparent case back displaying the slender calibre 7140 movement. For enthusiasts looking for affordability or simply inspiration, the discontinued Rolex Cellini line offers a diverse range of dress watches, from simple, elegant pieces to bold, jewelry-centric designs, challenging current trends towards understated luxury.
The Advantages of Going Pre-Owned
Buying a pre-owned model might well be the very best thing you can do in the case of Rolex. Many of the new professional models are simply unattainable without waiting an inordinate amount of time – or without paying an exorbitant grey market mark-up to skip the queue. Older professional models are available for purchase right away and present the chance to pick-up a potential classic while also expanding your knowledge.
Part of the joy of the watchmaking game is getting to know the tiny ticker on your wrist. Buying modern watches because they are in vogue is all well and good, but it can sometimes be a bit of a rushed exercise (thanks to all that competition). A far nicer, and (in my opinion) rewarding way to pursue this hobby is to consciously decouple oneself from the pursuit of luxury, or status, or the latest trend, and instead put stock in the long road. Read about old models. Pore over their nuances. Allow yourself to appreciate how certain models and certain designs can somehow, almost inexplicably to a modern mind, encapsulate an era so perfectly. These wordless time capsules are worth seeking, as they can, in a single glance, remind us of a simpler time when things didn’t move so fast.
Final Thoughts For Best Starter Rolex Watches
Again, it isn’t always guaranteed that any of the watches mentioned will appreciate in value. However, most pre-owned Rolex watches tend to hold their value, especially long-term. These can make a good first Rolex. It also appears that the white-hot market is starting to cool and correct itself to more “normal” prices, which might bode well for any aspiring Rolex collector.
As a first-time Rolex owner there are many important thing to note for taking care of your Rolex, which can include many different aspects. Some crucial knowledge to learn is how to set time on Rolex watches, and also how to properly store and keep your Rolex timepiece clean. Refer to the rest of our blog for more articles on the topic.
