Top 15 Rolex Watches for Men

We welcome you to our top 15 Rolex watches for men and hope that by the end of this article you will know more about the Rolex watch brand, what types of Rolex models are out there, their prices and most importantly which one best suits you! From the entry-level Rolex Oyster Perpetual to the $66,000 + Rolex Cosmograph Daytona we have everything included on this list.

There are hundreds of models out there some exceeding the $1,000,000 mark due to their rarity, number of diamonds or who wore them before. These are not included, as we will be covering the most expensive and rarest Rolex watch models out there in a different article. Without further ado let's get into the Rolex history and cover the best men's Rolex watches in 2020.

 

 

The history of Rolex

Every watch fan has heard about Rolex. Originally founded as Wilsdorf and Davis by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, England in 1905, the company registered Rolex as the brand name of its watches in 1908 and became Rolex Watch Co. Ltd. in 1915.

In 1926, the creation by Rolex of the first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch marked a major step forward, so appeared the name “Oyster”.

 

In 1931, Rolex invented and patented the world's first self-winding mechanism with a Perpetual rotor, thus taking the watchmaking universe a step closer to where it is today.

In the 1950s, Rolex carried out rigorous testing of an experimental watch, called “Deep Sea Special”. Using the knowledge gained from the making of the first two models, the third Deep Sea Special was created to withstand the most extreme conditions - the Challenger Deep portion of the Mariana Trench.

 

 

In 1960, the experimental bathyscaphe, the Trieste, successfully descended into the Mariana Trench, the deepest known depression on the Earth's surface. With Lieutenant Don Walsh at the helm, accompanied by Jacques Piccard, the Trieste accomplished a feat so incredible that it forever raised the bar for deep-ocean exploration. Emerging from 10,916 meters (37,800 feet), the bathyscaphe was in perfect working order – as was the Rolex Deep Sea Special experimental watch that had been attached to the outside during the historic dive.

In 2005, after five years of research, Rolex created the blue Parachrom hairspring. Crafted from a paramagnetic alloy, it is unaffected by magnetic fields and up to 10 times more resistant to shocks. Historically, the unique blue color of the hairspring has been a sign of prestige reserved for only the most accurate timepieces.

 

 

In 2012 the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea Challenge is an experimental diving watch certified waterproof up to 12,000 meters (39,370 feet), entirely designed and built by Rolex to resist the extreme pressure in the deepest reaches of the oceans. Setting the record for the deepest diving watch in the world.

To read about the full history of Rolex please visit their official about page here.

 

Best Men's Rolex Watches in 2020

Please notice that this list with the best men's Rolex watches in 2020 will include 15 Rolex models that are accessible to our readers to purchase if they wish so. Each watch will have a description, specs and a purchase link from Amazon included. Feel free to e-mail us with any questions you might have.

 

1. Rolex Submariner Date 116610

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most loved Rolex watches due to its design, more affordable price range compared to Daytonas and Presidents, and bigger size compared to Oysters. This is the Rolex Submariner 116610 which is the updated version of the original Submariner 16610. This model was introduced in 2010. It features a ceramic bezel, compared to an aluminum one for the previous ones, among other differences.

You get a 40mm stainless steel case which is pretty standard for a Submariner and a date window with the cyclops, which helps you read the date better. There are a few changes to the newer model which can be seen when compared side by side. The newer one, the Rolex Submariner 116610 looks a lot bigger than the previous one due to the larger bezel, maxi dial, and thicker lugs.

A big advantage of the ceramic bezel is that it is more durable and resistant to scratches. There is another option for the Rolex Submariner which does not have the date window and which is included later on in this Top 15 Rolex watches for men.

Another big thing to mention about this watch is the 300m water-resistance making it a great diving watch for men and we believe not many of you will go beyond that depth.

There a lot of variations to this model, such as the green Hulk, or the Pepsi model, but we wanted to talk about the basic model here.

 

Specifications:

• 40 mm stainless steel case
• Sapphire-crystal
• Swiss Automatic movement
• 300 Meter Water-Resistant
• Ceramic Bezel

 

 

 

 

 

2. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 Dark Rhodium Dial Mens Watch

This is a great entry-level Rolex watch with a price tag of around $6,000. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114300 Dark Rhodium features a stainless steel watch case and bracelet with a dark rhodium dial and sapphire crystal. This is a very loved watch model due to the price and great finishing touches. Not everybody wants to invest a minimum of $10,000 into their first watch and this is a better alternative at a relatively better price. 

The case has a 39mm diameter and you get an automatic Rolex Caliber 3132 watch movement that will stay strong for decades. It is a great size for both men and for women who prefer a slightly larger diameter.

Being an entry-level Rolex watch, the water-resistance is around 100m so this is not a diving watch. Keep that in mind if you're considering this model.

 

Specifications:

• 39 mm 
• Self Winding Automatic
• Dark Rhodium Dial
• 100 Meters / 330 Feet Water Resistant

 

 

 

 

 

3. Rolex Datejust White Index Dial Jubilee Bracelet Fluted Bezel Two-tone Mens Watch 116233WSJ

As we move along the list we will also see an increase in price with the following models. The Rolex Datejust White Index Dial Jubilee 116233WSJ features a stainless steel case with an 18kt yellow gold and stainless steel jubilee bracelet. 

The iconic Rolex Jubilee bracelet is a five-piece metal-link bracelet that was designed for the first Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 1945. The Jubilee is also fitted with a concealing Crownclasp. To this day, it comes with the Oyster Perpetual Datejust or Datejust II models.

This is a small Rolex watch of only 36mm dial which can be considered unisex but we have seen a steady increase in men's interest for smaller 30-35mm cases. The sapphire crystal, fine polishing, and attention to detail as well as the automatic movements will be pretty standard on Rolex watches. 

 

Specifications:

• 36 mm 
• Stainless and Solid Gold band
• 31 jewels automatic movement
• Water-resistant at 100 meters/ 330 feet

 

 

 

 

 

4. Rolex GMT Master II Black Dial Stainless Steel Mens Watch 116710 BLNR

Yes, the Rolex GMT Master 116710 BLNR had to be at the top of our list since they are very appreciated and rising in value lately depending on the dial type you have. Once again, we have a stainless steel case & bracelet featuring the Rolex Calibre 3186 automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve. The bezel is half black half blue which is a great touch from Rolex.

GMT functions allow you to set an additional time zone (or two, or three) on your watch. A conventional watch is geared to rotate the hour hand in full once every 12 hours. The GMT watch function is just a second hour hand on the same watch face that’s geared to rotate once every 24 hours — or exactly half as fast as the other hour hand. The second hour hand points to a second time scale that reads to 24 instead of 12, typically located on the innermost portion of the watch dial.

 

Specifications:

• 40 mm case seize
• 50-hour power reserve
• Oysterlock clasp
• Functions: GMT, second time zone, date, hour, minute, second, chronometer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ice Blue Dial Platinum Mens Watch 116506IBLSO

In case you were wondering why the Daytona did not make it higher in our top 15 Rolex watches for men is due to the price range. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ice Blue Dial Platinum Men's Watch 116506IBLSO will set you back around $66,500, which is something that many people will not afford. 

If you are a Rolex watch lover you might have owned, or wish to own, a platinum Rolex Daytona Chronograph. Platinum is a very rare and precious material that is durable but also requires a high degree of skill to reach this level of finishing. The case and strap are both made of platinum. Rolex always uses 950 platinum, an alloy consisting of 950‰ (thousandths) platinum, painstakingly crafted in-house by the fine metalworkers at Rolex.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with calibre 4130, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement developed and manufactured by Rolex. The case is 40mm and the precision is around -2/+2 sec/day, after casing.

The functions include Centre hour, minute and seconds hands, small seconds hand at 6 o'clock, chronograph (center hand) accurate to within 1/8 of a second, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o'clock, stop-seconds for precise time setting.

 

Specifications:

• 40 mm 
• Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor
• Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet
• Power Reserve: Approximately 72 hours

 

 

 

 

6. Men's 18K Gold Rolex Yachtmaster II Model 116688

Priced at around $36,000 the Men's 18K Gold Rolex Yachtmaster II Model 116688 is a truly elegant and luxurious watch that is half the Daytona's price tag and maybe just as beautiful. 

The Yacht Master Rolex features an 18 kt gold case and band with a perpetual, mechanical, self-winding, regatta chronograph movement. This is a big 44m watch with a very interesting dial that might get you more looks than the Daytona. These 2 Rolex watch models are very well-known in the Rolex community and you might love to be a part of that small circle!

 

Specifications:

• Oyster, 44 mm, yellow gold
• Rolex Ring Command (bidirectional 90° rotatable interacting with the movement) in 18 ct gold with blue Cerachrom insert in ceramic and numerals coated in gold
• Calibre 4161, Manufactured by Rolex

 

 

 

 

7. Rolex Cellini Mechanical (Automatic) Blue Dial Mens Watch 50519

Not many of you may be familiar with the Rolex Cellini models, but these are more classic and elegant watches and this is the first certified pre-owned watch in our list. We have chosen the blue dial, 18k white gold case and alligator watch strap.

This is an automatic minimalist watch that might remind you of Patek Phillipe and Vacheron Constantin watches. The 39mm medium-sized dial also brings back that retro and classic look. This watch is for a true gentleman that loves his suits and Rolls Royce Phantom.

 

Specifications:

• 39 mm case
• self-winding automatic
• 18k white gold case surrounding a blue dial 
• 18k white gold tang buckle

 

 

 

 

 

8. New Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Mens Watch 216570 W

 

The Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Men's Watch 216570 W had to be in our top for best Men's Rolex watches because the new Explorer has been welcomed with great reviews and appreciation by the Rolex community. You can get it either with the white or black dial for under $10,000, making it a competitor for the Rolex Submariner. 

Rolex uses Oystersteel for its steel watch cases. Specially developed by the brand, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, alloys most commonly used in high-technology and in the aerospace and chemical industries, where maximum resistance to corrosion is essential. 

With a 42mm case, 24-hour bezel and bigger hour marks and hands the new Rolex Explorer II seems to have erased the negativity around its predecessor. 

 

 

Specifications:

• 42 mm 
• 18 ct gold hour markers
• Calibre 3187, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex
• 24-HOUR BEZEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Black Dial Automatic Mens 18 Carat Yellow Gold President Watch 228348BKDP

There is no doubt that the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 18 Carat Yellow Gold President is one of the most elegant Rolex watches out there that will draw huge attention to your wrist and expose the elegance, riches, and taste that you have for fine jewelry. From the name itself, the Rolex President has been worn by very influential people making it an iconic Rolex watch model that will be worth the almost $50,000 price tag.

You get a 40mm gold-cased dial with a Rolex calibre 3255 automatic movement and a 70-hour power reserve. Gold, diamonds and a Rolex, what more can you wish for?

 Specifications:

• Case size: 40 mm
• 18kt yellow gold diamond-set bezel
•  Functions: date, day, hour, minute, second

 

 

 

 

10. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Deepsea

On the 10th place, we find the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Seadweller Deepsea which has been killing it since inception, being a true diving watch, waterproof up to 3,900 metres / 12,800 feet, also equipped with a helium escape valve.

As mentioned and shown at the beginning of the article, Rolex is a watch brand that has reached the depths of our planet and succeeded. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Seadweller Deepsea is a reminder and proof of that. You may never reach that depths of the earth, but you can surely take pride in the wristwatch you own!

Before they return to open air, professional divers heading for the surface after a deep saturation dive must spend time in a decompression chamber, where they breathe a gas mixture containing helium. The tiny molecules of helium, an extremely light and non-volatile gas, infiltrate everywhere in the chamber, also penetrating the watch. During decompression, the helium is unable to escape from the waterproof case quickly enough, creating a pressure differential that could force the crystal out of the watch case. Rolex engineers created a gas escape valve fitted with a spring: it opens when the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the watch reaches 3 to 5 bars, allowing the helium to escape, thereby protecting the watch.

 

Specifications:

• 44 mm 
• Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic, numerals and graduations coated in platinum
• Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding
• Waterproof up to 3,900 metres / 12,800 feet

 

 

 

 

11. Rolex Yacht-Master Automatic-self-Wind Male Watch 116695

Yes, another Yacht-Master and in preowned condition. but with a completely new look and the largest price tag from our list of $85,000. This is one of the most wanted Rolex watches out there due to the looks, rarity and multi-colored diamonds on the bezel. The prices will differ a lot on this model depending on whether the diamonds are the original ones from the Rolex factory or aftermarket. Both watches will have genuine diamonds, but the in-built quality of Rolex cannot be achieved by other jewelers. 

You get a 40mm rose gold case and a sporty rubber strap, an interesting accessory both for formal and sports wear.

 

Specifications:

• 40 millimeters
• Deployment Clasp With Safety
• Diamonds & Rose Gold case

 

 

 

 

 

12. Rolex OYSTER PERPETUAL SKY-DWELLER Blue dial 326934

The Rolex OYSTER PERPETUAL SKY-DWELLER Blue dial 326934 is a Swiss masterpiece with a great and unusual dial, equipped with an annual calendar feature and a 24 Hour Rotating Disc GMT Second Time Zone Feature. At 42mm, this might be the perfect-sized Rolex watch, as many consider the 44mm to be too large and the 40mm too small. 

Starting at around $24,000 Sky-Dweller offers only a 100m water resistance..

 

Specifications:

• 42 mm 
• Month Displayed in Red via 12 Apertures Around Circumference of Dial
• 40 Jewels Swiss Movement
• Polished & Brushed 904L Oystersteel Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. Rolex Milgauss 40 mm 116400GV Stainless Steel Black/Green Oyster

At first glance, the lightning-shaped second hand of the Rolex Milgauss 40 mm 116400GV will make you wonder about this unusual design feature on a Rolex. The watch model is not new at all, vintage versions being available as well.

It was designed as a scientist/ engineer watch because it was made to resist magnetic fields. The glass is tinted green,a signature color for Rolex, and also a testament that they can color sapphire glass. The price is around $8,000, making it a great-priced Rolex with a unique look and story behind it. The case is 40mm.

Green sapphire crystal made its first appearance in watchmaking when it was introduced on the Milgauss in 2007. Now, this crystal is combined with an electric blue dial, a pun to the emblematic lightning-bolt-shaped seconds hand.

 

Specifications:

• 40 mm 
• Crystal: Green sapphire, scratch-resistant
• Bidirectional self-winding via Perpetual rotor

 

 

 

 

14. Rolex Day Date Champagne Dial Automatic 18K Yellow Gold Automatic Watch 118238GNSP

The Rolex Day Date Champagne Dial Automatic 18K Yellow Gold Automatic Watch 118238GNSP is the second Day date from our list. This one features a more elegant and simple design, making it a very classy and luxurious timepiece to wear. They do not call it the Champagne dial for no reason!

It has been ranked in 14th place because the 36mm case may be too small for many Rolex fans. However, the demand for this watch is still great and if you have a smaller wrist that needs an 18k Yellow gold Rolex, this is the best choice for you.

 

Specifications:

• 36 mm 
• Champagne dial
• Roman numeral hour markers
• 18kt yellow gold case with an 18kt yellow gold Rolex president bracelet
• Water-resistant at 100 meters / 330 feet

 

 

 

 

 

 

15. Rolex Airking Blue Arabic Dial Domed Bezel Mens Watch 114200BLASO

Many of you might have wondered whether the Rolex Airking Blue Arabic would be included in our top 15 Rolex watches for men or not. Of course, it is, and for several reasons! First and most importantly, you get a Rolex watch with automatic movement & sapphire crystal for under $5,000. 

Secondly, the feedback for this watch has been amazing and who can complain? You get maximum quality for a much more affordable price. We believe this watch might be among the best price/quality Rolex watches out there.

The sole and big drawback for this watch model might be the 34mm case, which may feel a little too small for a lot of men out there. It is the smallest Rolex watch for men featured in our list, but there is still great demand for it!

 

 Specifications:

• 36 mm 
• Band Material: Stainless Steel Rolex Oyster
• Automatic movement. Calibre 3130 engine
• Arabic numerals mark the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions

 

 

 

Is Rolex not the watch brand for you? Check out our Top 15 Seiko watches for men!

 

Find the perfect Rolex watch with Vintage Radar

We hope that you have enjoyed our Top 15 Best Rolex Watches for Men and have learned a little about the brand. Buying a watch is a great investment in yourself and which might also hold or grow in value over time. Make sure to contact us if you have any questions or need some advice.

We hope this guide has been insightful for you. If you have any questions or need help choosing a vintage watch from our platform, don't hesitate to contact us or leave us a comment below.