The Top Rolex Models Of All Time

Considered by many as the ultimate status symbol, Rolexes are amongst the most sought-after luxury watches in the world. The amount of time, care and detail that goes into producing a single Rolex watch truly justifies the high price tag; with reports suggesting that it takes around a year to make an average Rolex. Considering the full watch manufacturing process, this isn’t surprising at all.

But it’s not just the price and detail of a Rolex watch that makes it so popular. Many experts stand by the belief that if you take good care of your Rolex and get it serviced every year, it should last you a lifetime. This is one reason why most Rolexes can increase in value with time, as long as they have been properly maintained.

In this blog post, we take a look at some of the most popular Rolex models of all time.

Rolex Submariner

Think of a Rolex watch… It’s almost certain that you’re thinking of the Submariner. First launched in 1953, the Rolex Submariner collection remains one of the most renowned watches to this day. Originally produced for scuba divers, the Submariner shot to fame as the first watch to break the 100m depth barrier. Nowadays, these watches are waterproof up to 300m below sea level, with other Rolex lines such as the Sea Dweller able to venture even deeper into the underwater world. The Submariner is also one of the most popular Rolex collections for fakes, so make sure you keep a sharp eye when buying it!

Rolex Datejust

As one of the earliest Rolex models, the Datejust was introduced in 1945 as the world’s first watch with a date and self-winding function. This timeless classic remains fairly unchanged today, but is available in a broad variety of colours and styles; from a simple steel strap and white watch dial to a multi-tone steel and yellow gold strap, green sunray-finish dial and a diamond-set bezel. 

The Datejust was also the first dial to feature Rolex’s signature magnified lens over the date; rumour has it that Hans Wilsdorf designed this feature as his second wife had difficulties reading the date on her watch. 

Rolex Yachtmaster

As one of the newer Rolex models, first introduced in 1992, the Rolex Yachtmaster features a beautifully-complex dial that is reminiscent of a compass and other nautical instruments. This stunning watch boasts a bidirectional bezel, which is the key to unlocking the Yachtmaster’s “programmable countdown” function, allowing its owner to time races with incredible precision. 

Rolex Sea Dweller

Arguably one of the most respected watch lines of all time, the Rolex Sea Dweller was built specifically for professional divers; waterproof up to 1,220m below the sea. The Rolex Deepsea, part of the Sea Dweller range, takes this a step further; waterproof up to 3,900m below sea level. A variation of this watch was used in James Cameron’s historic solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, when he reached an unreal 10,908m below sea level.

Rolex GMT Master

Designed with help from Pan American Airways, the Rolex GMT Master launched in 1954 as the first dual timezone watch; allowing users to set the watch to one timezone then use the rotatable bezel to set a second timezone. This watch is most often seen in a steel case with a black dial and, specifically, a multi-tone bezel — used to signify day and night. Some of the most popular GMT Master bezel variations include black-blue, blue-red and black-chocolate, to name a few.

Rolex Day Date

Introduced in 1956, the Day Date line is often referred to as the Rolex “President” due to its popularity amongst US presidents such as John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. This stunning timepiece is arguably one of the most diverse Rolex models on the market; with an incredible range of available watch straps, including leather, presidential or classic; dials, including meteorite, sunray-finish or textured; and bezels, including multi-tone rotational, fluted or domed. 

Rolex Cellini

If you’re looking for a vintage Rolex watch, the Cellini is certainly the one for you. With a name inspired by Italian Renaissance artist Benvenuto Cellini, the Rolex Cellini can only be described as a classical masterpiece. Unlike most other Rolex collections, Cellini models are only available with a leather strap which makes this simple-yet-elegant design that bit more special. If you’re lucky enough to find a Cellini Moonphase, you may be surprised to discover that your watch has a real piece of meteorite that is used to mark the stages of the lunar calendar. 

 

These beautiful watches are just a fraction of the many collections produced by Rolex over the years. With all Rolex movements still completely hand-assembled and tested, the craft of watchmaking will never be lost with this incredible brand. Any Rolex owner will agree that their timepiece is just as much a piece of art as it is a watch. 

What is your favourite Rolex model of all time? We’d love to hear! Let us know on Facebook or Instagram!

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