Rolex watch crownThe crown on a Rolex watch

We all love a Rolex watch, right? Or do we? Whilst I admit there are a small few who feel Rolex watches are only worn by the pretentious type, I’m also going to admit that I don’t agree. I actually love Rolex watches, and here’s why….

The Top 5 Rolex watches to do life with

Rolex aren’t the oldest watch manufacturer, nor do they claim to be the best. But they’re still one of the most famous. Indeed, they aren’t part of the “Holy Trinity” within the world of Haute Horlogerie. The likes of Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin (who have manufactured some models that sell for more than their original retail price on the pre-owned market), only make a Rolex watch more accessible both on an emotional and a financial level. You can pretty much live your life by the Rolex catalogue, like a Bible. There’s a wristwatch for every occasion, every sport and every challenge, but what’s more important to note here, is that there are also models in there that can double-up, triple or even quadruple into a timepiece for every eventuality, making them investible on every scale imaginable. Here’s a list of 5 of the best Rolex watches…

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Photo by WatchReviewBlog.com

I love that the backbone to every Rolex watch has barely changed since the Rolex Oyster Perpetual was created. Crafted from a solid middle block of the most expensive steel within the industry – 904L – it became the quintessential design to which all other Rolex watch models adhered to. I also admire the fact that unlike a lot of other rivals, Rolex have never made any fundamental mistakes throughout their rich heritage in prestigious watch manufacture. The tried and tested Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39’s design, built around a fearless mechanical engine, works relentlessly inside an iconic case that never fails. The Rolex Oyster was the first waterproof automatic wristwatch. It continued to drive the brand forward with their technology, where they later equipped the watch with a date aperture in 1945.

Rolex Submariner

James Bond WatchThe Rolex Submariner is a statement. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s earned its place at the top because it’s a shatter-proof, corrosion-proof, scratch-proof, waterproof and above all – fault-proof design. Collectors will always fall back on a Submariner watch because, like I said before, it’s a universally appealing design that will double-up as a dress watch as well as a diver’s companion. The Rolex Submariner 6610 has ceased production now but it still remains one of the best Rolex watches of all time in my opinion. The precise timekeeping tool boasts a 40mm black dial with white gold circular hour markers and luminous-coated hands. Of course, legibility is the crown in this jewel, hence why the watch features a unidirectional rotatable time-lapse diver’s bezel and an anti-reflective lens to enhance readability.

Rolex Datejust

Rolex Datejust
Image by hypophyse

The Rolex Datejust 36 was so popular because it featured a comfortable 36mm case that could be enjoyed on a slender gent’s wrist or any Rolex-loving female. But when the brand launched the “go big or go home” 41mm Datejust II, it featured the date under a cyclops lens and a 100-meter water resistant case, combined with luxurious materials like the 18ct white gold fluted bezel, as seen in the Rolex Datejust II ref: 116334.

Rolex GMT Master

Rolex GMT Master 116710
Image by hpyophyse

The Rolex GMT Master II watch which followed on from the original GMT-Master model, put the brand on the map for creating the ultimate travel companion. The 116710 model, unlike the former 16710, featured a more resilient and durable anti-corrosive bezel made from ceramic as opposed to aluminium. I personally think it remains one of the best Rolex watches of all time, thanks to its peerlessly performing Calibre 3186, equipped with a parachrom hairspring for improved accuracy, and its lume-coated ‘Maxi’ dial for reading home time and local time simultaneously on a somewhat chunkier display than its predecessor.

Rolex Explorer

Rolex ExplorerFinally, the Rolex Explorer ref: 214270 simply had to make this top 5 list. Its ruggedly handsome design knows no limits. The Explorer’s influential sporty design is inextricably linked with some of the world’s most daring explorer – Sir Edmund Hillary who reached the summit of Mt Everest in 1953 for one! The 214270 model features an Oystersteel case, black dial, Chromalight features, plus its mechanical heart is that of the 3132 automatic movement, fitted with a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring for guaranteed precision.

Buy a Rolex watch

If you are looking to buy a used Rolex watch and don’t want to risk getting a replica Rolex or a watch in need of serious attention, why not try Jura Watches?

By Nina Scally

Aside from juggling nappies, tantrums and failing at pastry-making, Nina has been writing for the luxury watch industry both as a hobby and for a living for the past 8 years. Writing to a male-dominated audience can be challenging at times. But she likes a challenge. Just not pastry.

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