Rolex is an undisputed watch-making champion. It’s a horological status symbol since it creates quality Swiss luxury watches worn by celebrities, athletes, visionaries, and more.
Highly-trained experts pour their skills into every watch. It’s clear from the timepieces’ eye-catching designs and amazing unique characteristics.
Moreover, they subject each piece to thorough testing to ensure the timers meet Rolex’s high standards. Here are some of the best classic Rolex watches that adequately showcase what the organization is truly all about.
1. Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610– Stainless Steel, Black Dial
About
Although Rolex created the Submariner series with scuba divers in mind, many of the collection’s models- like this Rolex Submariner 16610 timepiece- transcend their true purpose. Celebrities, musicians, and actors all flaunt them now. The 16610 has a sporty yet sleek look that makes it fit into a formal event perfectly. It was produced between 1989 and 2010.
2. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Panda” Ref. 116500- 904L Steel, White Dial
About
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona narrative began far back in 1963, with Ref. 6239 being the first of the series. Rolex Daytona Panda 116500 is a racing watch that maintains the series’ original design but with some new and exciting characteristics.
3. Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126710 BLRO– 904L Steel, Black Dial
About
Fondly referred to as ‘Pepsi,’ this classic Rolex timepiece is specifically created for pilots and travelers. It represents the rebirth of the 1954 Rolex GMT and has a bezel implemented in similar shades as those of recognized soda company Pepsi.
4. Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570- Stainless Steel, White Dial
About
From the name, it’s easy to pick that this rugged watch is mainly for explorers who spend time in harsh environments like the Antarctic. It’s part of Rolex Explorer’s second-generation lineup. Rolex manufacturers built it to last with durable materials to serve its special purpose.
5. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126300- Oystersteel, Black Dial
About
This watch is the full 904L stainless steel version of the Rolex Datejust 41 series. It’s an all-rounded timer- more of an SUV among watches since you can wear it with anything. It’s also an ideal example of a modern-meets-classic design that still delivers on timeless luxury.
6. Rolex Air-King Ref. 116900– Oyster Steel, Black Dial
About
The Rolex Air-King 116900 is part of the only surviving Rolex ‘Air’ series, the Air-King. It was first produced in 2016 and is the bigger, more improved version of the Air-King series. This aviation-inspired watch sports a 40mm 904L steel case, an enhancement from the previous 34mm case.
7. Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400GV- 904L steel, Z-Blue Dial
About
Rolex first introduced the Rolex Milgauss series in 1956. It was initially a timepiece for engineers and scientists. However, the Rolex Milgauss 116400GV (glace verde) came in 2014 and changed all that with its robust yet handsome design. It’s an impressively versatile watch with a well-brushed and polished Oystersteel case.
It may have evolved slightly from the earlier versions, but it maintains the green-tinted sapphire crystal and ‘lightning bolt’ seconds hand, which are unique to the Milgauss collection.
8. Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller Ref. 126660- Oystersteel, D-Blue Dial
About
The Rolex Deepsea 126660 timepiece is a hardcore professional diver’s watch. It proves Rolex is second to none with its breathtaking updates on the case and bracelet. It maintains the 116660’s dial color that beautifully balances black and blue for your viewing pleasure.
9. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Ref. 124300- 904L steel, Bright Blue Dial
About
Launched in September 2020, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 (black) 124300 is already commanding a large waitlist. It’s the newest member of Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual collection.
It’s also a welcome improvement of the 114300 piece, offering incentives like a new black dial, movement, and even case size. It comes in a pleasant array of dial colors (coral red, yellow, turquoise, forest green, deep metallic bright blue, silver with gold markers and hands, bright black), but we’ve chosen to go with the black option.
Comparison Table: The Best Rolex Watches
The following table highlights the major points of our top picks above. It has five columns, indicating a watch model, its main features, and its various prices. The most expensive timepiece on the list is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116500. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 124300 is the most affordable.
Our favorite feature is the Z-Blue dial, as it’s not only physically appealing but also unique to the Rolex Milgauss collection. More impressive characteristics are below.
|
Model |
Key Features |
Launch Price |
Current Price |
Pre-Owned Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610 |
|
S$7,740 |
S$10,223 |
S$16,565 |
|
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116500 |
|
S$12,800 |
S$20,169 |
S$42,279 |
|
Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126710 BLRO |
|
S$11,637 |
S$14,624 |
S$37,358 |
|
Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570 |
|
S$4,430 |
S$8,768 |
S$15,179 |
|
Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126300 |
|
S$5,500 |
S$10,951 |
S$14,486 |
|
Rolex Air-King Ref. 116900 |
|
S$7,760 |
S$9,911 |
S$12,407 |
|
Rolex Milgauss Ref. 116400GV |
|
S$8,840 |
S$12,684 |
S$19,753 |
|
Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller Ref. 126660 |
|
S$12,400 |
S$19,199 |
S$28,348 |
|
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Ref. 124300 |
|
S$6,360 |
S$8,525 |
S$20,724 |
FAQs
1. How Much Is The Cheapest Rolex?
The most affordable Rolex timepiece goes for S$1,386.
2. Is It Worth Buying A Rolex?
Yes. Rolex is a luxurious and practical watch brand. It’s worth the investment because its timepieces hold their value and even appreciate over time and can last for decades with proper care. The watches also ooze quality craftsmanship.
3. Why Rolex Watches Are Expensive?
The timepieces are costly for several reasons: First, Rolex watches are expensive because they’re luxurious. You can tell from its use of its trademark 904L steel on all its timepieces. This steel isn’t easy to make. It’s shinier and stronger than the usual 316L steel that most other watch brands use. And it’s not just the Oystersteel.
All materials used to make the watches are costly, and the manufacturing process is complex. It’s expensive to develop the design of the watch’s movements.
Next, Rolex has various professional facilities and labs where scientists and investigators work on new production methods and Rolex watches. Maintaining the facilities and paying the experts costs an arm and a leg.
Lastly, Rolex may use robots and machines in production, but these gifts of technology do very little; filing, sorting and cataloging. Professional humans assemble watch movements and bracelets. They also test and double-check every timepiece to ensure high quality before sending them to COSC for chronometer certification.
4. Which Is The Best Watch Of Rolex?
The Rolex Milgauss takes the cake. It’s a beautiful timepiece with an impressive dial. It’s also antimagnetic- capable of withstanding up to 1,000 gausses, and physicists at CERN wear it. It’s no surprise that the Rolex Milgauss 116400GV is among the options getting lots of attention in 2022.
5. Why Is Rolex Unique To Other Luxury Brands?
Rolex is unique because it uses the best materials for its watches. Additionally, it has an instantly recognizable design: A Rolex’s round shape contributes to its unmatched legibility and water resistance. Add to this a Cyclops date magnifier and a central sweep seconds hand. It has a consistent record of producing quality Rolex watches while maintaining its trademark looks in all its collections.
Final Word
Rolex is your number one choice if you seek a sporty yet luxurious timepiece beyond the ordinary.
Key Takeaways
- Rolex is a luxurious and practical watch brand.
- The most affordable Rolex watch goes for S$1,386.
- Rolex watches are expensive because they’re luxurious- made with the best materials and using a complex manufacturing process.
- The Rolex Milgauss is the best watch of Rolex.
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