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Watch Review

Fun in the Sun: Summer Rolex Watches

Paul Altieri

We’re now in August, but it has been so hot in Southern California lately that it definitely still feels like summer. Whether you are spending some time by the beach, exploring the great outdoors, or kicking back with friends and family, here are some of our suggestions for awesome summer Rolex watches.

Summer Rolex Watches
If you plan on exploring the world and adventuring into the outdoors, take the Rolex Explorer II.

Any Rolex with a Glidelock Clasp

As temperature rise, so can wrist size. If you’ve noticed that your wrist swells up when it’s hot and your watch becomes uncomfortable and tight to wear, fear not. This is when the super practical Rolex Glidelock (found on dive watches like the Rolex Submariner, Sea-Dweller, and Deepsea) works its magic. The Rolex-patented Glidelock system allows the double expansion bracelet to easily expand and contract for an optimal fit. In fact, bracelets with the Glidelock clasp can expand up to 20mm in 2mm increments. Oh, and there’s no need for tools either!

Summer Rolex Watches
Rolex Submariner ref. 116610LN features the Glidelock clasp.

The Glidelock is available on modern Submariner watches, in addition to contemporary Sea-Dweller and Deepsea timepieces. Therefore, some great summer Rolex watches include: the classic stainless steel Submariner ref. 116610; the two-tone Submariner 116613; the yellow gold Submariner ref. 116618; the Sea-Dweller ref. 126600, and the mega Deepsea ref. 126660

Summer Rolex Watches
The Glidelock system is perfect for divers since the size of the bracelet can easily be adjusted.

Any Rolex with an Oysterflex Bracelet

Another supremely comfortable bracelet to wear during hot and typically humid summer time is the innovative Rolex Oysterflex bracelet. Better than your basic rubber strap, the Oysterflex is actually a metal blade enveloped in black elastomer. Just as good as the material, however, is what lies underneath the bracelet. Small “wings” under the Oysterflex not only provide some cushion but also leaves some much-needed space between skin and strap for ventilation. Sweaty wrists no more!

Summer Rolex Watches
A Rolex Everose Yacht-Master that features the comfortable elastomer bracelet.

Prior to this year, the only two models that had the Oysterflex bracelet were the Everose Yacht-Master 40 ref. 116655 and its smaller counterpart, the Everose Yacht-Master 37 ref. 268655. However, at Baselworld 2017, Rolex unveiled three gold Daytona models with the Oysterflex bracelet. There’s the yellow gold Daytona ref. 116518LN, the white gold Daytona ref. 116519LN, and the Everose Daytona ref. 116515LN. Additionally at Baselworld 2019, Rolex unveiled the new white gold Yacht-Master 42, which also comes on a black Oysterflex bracelet. Thanks to the Oysterflex, any of these Yacht-Master or Daytona models would make for great summer Rolex watches.

Summer Rolex Watches
The latest version of the Daytona from Baselworld 2017 also features the Oysterflex bracelet.

Any Rolex with a Ceramic Bezel

What do all the watches we mentioned above have in common? Besides the fact that they’re all (obviously) Rolex watches, they all boast the Cerachrom ceramic bezel too. Cerachrom is the Rolex patented ceramic alloy that can be found on most of their modern sports watch models. In addition to its attractive look, Cerachrom is also prized for its resistance to scratching. Plus, it’s also fade proof so there’s no need to worry about hanging out in the sun with a ceramic Rolex on your wrist – perfect for summer!

Summer Rolex Watch
The GMT-Master II 116710BLNR rocks the ceramic bezel.

In addition to all the Rolex watches already mentioned above, other great Cerachrom models for the summer include the steel Yacht-Master II ref. 116680, the steel GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR, and of course, the highly sought-after steel Daytona ref. 116500LN. For more precious options, there’s the two-tone Yacht-Master II ref. 116681 and the yellow gold GMT-Master II ref. 116718. An added benefit of the GMT-Master II models is the ability to keep track of multiple time zones – an ideal summer Rolex for those who’ll be traveling.

Summer Rolex Watches
The Daytona  116500 continues to remain a popular watch, and the ceramic bezel makes it all the more desirable.

So wherever your summer plans take you this year, make sure you pack a robust, reliable, comfortable, and good-looking Rolex watch. In our opinion, a summer Rolex is a must-have accessory for the season of fun in the sun.

Which Rolex will you be wearing the most this summer? Join in on the conversation by leaving us a comment below.

Summer Rolex Watches
An Anniversary Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116718 is another top choice for this summer season.
Paul Altieri
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