Rolex has been a titan of the watchmaking industry since its inception in 1905. The brand is synonymous with wealth, sophistication, and high fashion. Rolex has gained a significant following from Hollywood actors to British royals opting to wear its timepieces and showcase its iconic Oyster case.
If you’d like to join the ranks of Rolex wearers, there are many different watch models to suit your particular style. There are even budget-friendly options when you shop for a pre-owned Rolex. When selecting a Rolex design, it’s important to consider how it complements your wardrobe, reflects your personality, and leaves a lasting impression on others.
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The Black-Tie Gentleman: The Rolex Day-Date
Nicknamed The President, the Day-Date is one of the most prestigious choices in Rolex watches. It’s named for the fact that it displays both the day and the date on the dial, but it’s far more iconic for its expensive metals and bold, three-link configuration. As you might have guessed from the nickname, it’s also been a favorite of various presidents over the years. It just has that heavy and important look that says serious business. If you want a watch that will pair nicely with a formal suit, use the Day-Date Rolex to channel your inner commander in chief.
The Traveler: The Rolex Explorer I and II
If you spend a lot of time abroad, you’ll want a lightweight watch that’s easy to wear, transport, and store in your luggage. One such option is the Explorer. Created in honor of the first man to climb Mount Everest, it’s decked out with special features like 24-hour time reading and the ability to distinguish between daytime and nighttime hours. You’ll find it to be a very travel- and adventure-friendly timepiece that still showcases your affluence and taste no matter where you are. You can buy either the vintage Explorer I or the modern Explorer II.
The Collector: The Rolex Milgauss
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Invented in the 1950s, the Milgauss was designed as an anti-magnetic watch for scientists and engineers. It was discontinued, brought back in 2007, and discontinued again in 2023. Because of its scarcity, it’s become quite a rare and valuable piece; one Milgauss sold at auction for a staggering $2.5 million. You won’t run into this watch every day, but if you’re lucky enough to see it somewhere, collect it while you can. It’ll become an instant statement piece for your wardrobe and a real talking point among fellow Rolex collectors.
The Casual Dresser: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual
What if you aren’t the flashy type? Rolex might be a luxury watch brand, but there’s such a thing as quiet luxury, and you can incorporate it into your personal watch collection to be stylish without being ostentatious. The Oyster Perpetual is a great choice for a more laid-back look. With its minimalist style, you can pair this timepiece with casual blazers and sport coats rather than formal suits and tuxedos. It’ll even look nice with polo shirts! It’s also one of the less expensive Rolex models, so it’s considered something of an entry-level timepiece for collectors.
The Vintage Enthusiast: Rolex Cellini Moonphase
The Cellini Moonphase is the kind of watch that gets a double take. It features a moon phase display in its dial, a strikingly unique element that isn’t often seen in luxury timepieces, especially Rolexes. It was actually the first Rolex to have a moon-phase display in more than 60 years. Another noteworthy element of the watch is its rose gold metal; it’s become something of a signature look for the model. If you enjoy unique vintage watches with a lot of character, slip a Cellini Moonphase on your wrist. It will speak of old traditions, rich watchmaking histories, and night skies full of possibilities.
The Active Man: The Rolex Submariner
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Like its name implies, the Submariner was built for the water. It can withstand depths of up to 1,000 feet, making it ideal for swimmers, sailors, yacht owners, and anyone else who spends a lot of time on the sea. It’s also great for guys who like to vary their accessories: You can choose from all kinds of dials and bezels to find the Submariner that suits you. If its regular price tag seems a bit steep, try looking for a pre-owned Submariner. You’ll be able to rock a high-class fit at only a fraction of the usual cost.
The Racecar Fan: The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
A favorite of NASCAR enthusiasts, the Cosmograph Daytona is another Rolex with surprising origins. It was designed for racers who needed very precise and accurate timekeeping to track their metrics. Today, the Cosmograph Daytona is more of a style piece than a practical tool, though it still retains the ability to read time to one-eighth of a second. You can pair it with everything from a formal suit to a casual pair of slacks, giving it a versatility that’s suitable for all occasions. Daytona is just the beginning.
The Man Who Can’t Be Defined: The Rolex Datejust
Last but not least, if you hate being boxed in when it comes to your personal style, you might enjoy Datejust. It’s by far the most varied Rolex in terms of available metals, bands, colors, sizes, dials, and bezels. You can choose a plainer version for everyday luxury, or you can hunt down a men’s two-tone Rolex if you want something flashier for special occasions. This popular Rolex model can be purchased in a near-endless number of styles, so you might not want to stop with one!
Finding the Perfect Rolex for Your Lifestyle
There’s no single Rolex model that will suit every person and every situation. Instead, you’ll need to do some thinking about your personal style and what you want it to convey. Then, you can choose an attractive Rolex watch that will speak to your sense of class, luxury, and sophistication.
