For those of us who consider ourselves Rolex fans, we know that there’s a lot of choice out there. Sometimes, the variety can actually be a little overwhelming – particularly in the secondary market. So, we’ve broken it down into what we think are six of the best men’s Rolex watches under $9,000.
Top Rolex Pick for around $4,500
If you have around $4,500 to spend, one of the best men’s Rolex watches you can get is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 114300. The is one Rolex watch that has everything you need and nothing you don’t. With a 39mm Oyster case size in stainless steel, along with a matching steel Oyster bracelet, it’s a contemporary, yet classic Rolex. The time-only dial is beautifully symmetrical thanks to the lack of a date window. Furthermore, the dial comes in several shades from grape to blue to slate. In terms of practicality, the Oyster Perpetual ref. 114300 runs on the in-house Caliber 3132 with 48 hours of power reserve and 330 feet of water resistance. The Oyster Perpetual 39 is simplicity at its best.
Top Rolex Pick for around $5,500
If, on the other hand, you had a budget of around $5,500, one of the best men’s watches we’d recommend is the steel Datejust II. It’s the quintessential everyday luxury watch, but in a bigger case size. With a 41mm Oyster case and domed bezel, the Datejust II ref. 116300 is both refreshingly modern and timelessly elegant. Plus, as its name suggests, the dial includes the practical date window, in addition to the time. Crafted entirely in steel, presented on an Oyster bracelet, and powered by the in-house Caliber 3136 automatic movement, this is a Rolex that will see plenty of wrist time.
Top Rolex Pick for around $6,500
We hate to play favorites, but for around $6,500, the Explorer II ref. 216570 is definitely one of the best men’s watches from the Rolex catalog. This rugged and sporty Rolex boasts a 42mm Oyster case in stainless steel and matching Oyster bracelet. Furthermore, in addition to the local time and date, the Explorer II ref. 216570 also displays a second-time zone due to its extra 24-hour hand and corresponding 24-hour bezel. While there is a choice between the black dial version and the white dial version, we love the white “Polar” edition of the Explorer II. The orange hand really pops against the clean white background, as do the black outlined lume plots and Mercedes-style hands. Beating at the core of the Explorer II ref. 216570 is the Rolex Caliber 3187 manufacture movement with 50 hours of power reserve.
Top Rolex Pick for around $7,000
With a budget of around $7,000, you can’t go wrong with a Rolex Milgauss ref. 116400GV. One of Rolex’s best men’s watches for that price range, the Milgauss is actually one that flies under the radar. Perhaps not as famous as the Submariner, GMT-Master, or Daytona, the Milgauss nonetheless has a history that’s just as interesting. Originally created for members of the scientific community who frequented high magnetic fields, the Milgauss got its name from being able to withstand 1,000 gauss. “Mille” is French for one thousand, while “gauss” is the unit used to measure magnetic fields. The combination of the electric blue dial, green sapphire glass, and orange lightning bolt seconds hands makes for an unforgettable look indeed. True to its name, the Caliber 3131 automatic movement within is resistant to magnetic forces up to 1,000 gauss.
Top Rolex Pick for around $7,500+
If you’ve allocated around $7,500 for a Rolex watch, then may we suggest one of the best men’s watches available today—the Submariner ref. 116610LN. As the most current version of the famous Rolex diver’s watch, the 116610LN features the highly coveted black Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Additionally, housed within the 40mm stainless steel case is a matching black dial with the larger lume plots and Mercedes-style hands. The date window sits at 3 o’clock under the Cyclops lens while the Glidelock clasp on the Oyster bracelet means the watch can easily be adjusted to fit under a cuff or over a dive suit. The Submariner ref. 116610LN keeps time (and date) with the famous Rolex Caliber 3135 with 1,000 feet of water resistance. There’s really no better place to spend that budget than on the iconic Rolex Submariner.
Favorite Rolex Under $9,000
For a little over $8,500 you could be the proud owner of one of Rolex’s best men’s watches to date. When the GMT-Master II ref. 116710BLNR made its debut in 2013, Rolex fans everywhere were very, very happy. Not only did it have the Cerachrom ceramic bezel, but it was a two-tone bezel as well. The black and blue colors of the bezel was a complete surprise because Rolex had previously said that a Cerachrom in two colors would be impossible to make. But they proved themselves wrong, and the GMT-Master II Batman was born. Driving the two time zones and date features of the ref. 116710 is the Rolex Caliber 3186. Still to this day one of Rolex’s most popular sports watches, the GMT-Master II ref. 116710BLNR can be hard to come by. So if you have the cash ready and see one for sale, grab it fast and run before someone else does!
What do you think of our six above Rolex recommendations? What would be on your list of top Rolex picks? Let us know in the comment section below.
