Rolex Watches
Rolex watches are celebrated for their accuracy, durability, and timeless aesthetic. Established in 1905, Rolex has become as a leader in the luxury watch industry, with its iconic designs and trailblazing technology. Each timepiece is meticulously made with the finest materials, including gold and diamonds. Rolex watches are a symbol of power and class, worn by some of the most influential individuals in the world.
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Rolex Watches: A Brief History
Founded in 1905 by Alfred Davis and Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex SA is a brand of luxury watches whose history of quality, luxury, and heritage is world-renowned. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Rolex produces over 1.15 million watches yearly, generating over $14 billion in sales in 2025.
Rolex began as Wilsdorf and Davis in London, England, before moving its operations to Switzerland in 1919. Rolex’s long history of innovative designs has led to some of the most iconic watch models. Rolex is innovative, creating many modern conveniences that watch wearers may take for granted, like waterproof watches, automatic dates on the watch dial, and displaying both day and date on the dial.
Throughout its storied history, Rolex has established itself as a benchmark of excellence, with its watches sought after by those looking to own a piece of this legacy.
Guide to Rolex Key Terms
Because they are complex pieces of machinery and elegance, luxury watches can sometimes be confusing – even for the most seasoned collectors. If you are new to luxury timepieces (and Rolex watches in particular), the following glossary of select terms can be helpful.
Rolex Bracelet Terms
- Argentinian bracelet: President bracelets made in Argentina with stylistic changes to the buckle
- Jubilee: Five-piece link bracelet introduced in 1945 for the Datejust
- Oyster: Three-piece link bracelet, the most common Rolex bracelet
- President: Semi-circular three-piece links, exclusive to Day-Date and Datejust precious metal models
- Oysterflex: Flexible metal blade overmolded with high-performance elastomer
Rolex Bezel Terms
- Fluted: Grooved bezel, originally functional for screwing down the case back
- Smooth: Polished domed bezel
- Cerachrom: Rolex’s proprietary ceramic bezel insert, virtually scratch-proof and fade-resistant
- GMT/Root Beer/Pepsi/Coke: Two-color ceramic bezels for dual-time models
Rolex Movement Terms
- Perpetual: Rolex’s term for automatic self-winding
- Superlative Chronometer: Rolex’s in-house certification exceeding COSC standards
- Parachrom: Paramagnetic blue hairspring resistant to shocks and temperature variations
- Chronergy: High-efficiency escapement with 15% greater energy efficiency
Rolex Watch Collections
Rolex watches come in countless variations, and many of its most famous older models are sought-after by collectors worldwide.
Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is the quintessential dive watch. Introduced in 1953, it was the first watch waterproof to 100 meters. The modern Submariner features a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, Chromalight luminescence, and the caliber 3230/3235 movement with 70-hour power reserve.
GMT-Master II
The GMT-Master II was developed with Pan Am for airline pilots. It features a 24-hour hand and rotating Cerachrom bezel for tracking multiple time zones. Iconic bezel colors include “Pepsi” (red/blue), “Batman” (blue/black), and “Root Beer” (brown/black).
Daytona
The Cosmograph Daytona is Rolex’s legendary chronograph, introduced in 1963 for motorsport timing. The modern Daytona uses the in-house caliber 4131 with Chronergy escapement and 72-hour power reserve. Vintage “Paul Newman” dial Daytonas are among the most valuable watches in the world.
Datejust
The Datejust, introduced in 1945, was the first self-winding wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock. Available in sizes from 28mm to 41mm, with Jubilee or Oyster bracelets, fluted or smooth bezels.
Day-Date (President)
The Day-Date, launched in 1956, was the first watch to display both day and date spelled out in full. Exclusively made in precious metals (gold, platinum), it’s known as the “President” due to its association with world leaders.
Explorer / Explorer II
The Explorer (36mm/40mm) was born from the 1953 Everest expedition. The Explorer II adds a 24-hour hand and fixed bezel for cave exploration and polar expeditions.
Sea-Dweller / Deepsea
Professional dive watches rated to 1,220m (Sea-Dweller) and 3,900m (Deepsea) with helium escape valves for saturation diving.
Sky-Dweller
Rolex’s most complex watch with annual calendar and dual time zone via the Ring Command bezel.
Yacht-Master / Yacht-Master II
Regatta-focused watches with programmable countdown timer (Yacht-Master II) or bidirectional rotatable bezel (Yacht-Master).
Air-King
Tribute to aviation with distinctive black dial, green seconds hand, and magnetic shielding.
Oyster Perpetual
The purest expression of the Rolex Oyster concept – time-only, no date, sizes from 28mm to 41mm with colorful dial options.
Rolex Materials & Technology
Oystersteel (904L)
Rolex uses 904L stainless steel (branded Oystersteel), more corrosion-resistant than industry-standard 316L, with exceptional polish retention.
Gold Alloys
Rolex casts its own 18k gold: Yellow, White, and Everose (proprietary rose gold with platinum for fade resistance).
Platinum 950
Used exclusively for Day-Date and select Daytona models, 95% platinum with 5% ruthenium for hardness.
Cerachrom
Proprietary ceramic for bezel inserts – virtually scratchproof, UV-resistant, with platinum-coated numerals via PVD.
Chromalight
Blue-glowing luminescent material with up to 8-hour duration, standard on modern Rolex sports watches.
Rolex Price Information (New vs. Pre-Owned)
Understanding pricing helps buyers find the best value, whether purchasing new from authorized dealers or exploring the pre-owned market.
| Model | Retail Price (New) | Pre-Owned Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Submariner No-Date (124060) | $9,100 | $12,995 – $14,395 |
| Submariner Date (126610LN/LV) | $10,250 | $15,295 – $16,495 |
| GMT-Master II (126710BLRO/BLNR) | $10,700 | $15,595 – $22,995 |
| Daytona (126500LN) | $15,100 | $29,995 – $38,995 |
| Datejust 41 (126334/126300) | $9,150 – $11,550 | $8,995 – $17,795 |
| Day-Date 40 (228238/228235) | $38,550 – $42,000 | $28,495 – $43,995 |
| Explorer 36/40 (124270/224270) | $7,200 – $7,900 | $9,295 – $10,295 |
| Oyster Perpetual 41 (124300) | $6,400 | $10,695 – $12,995 |
| Sky-Dweller (336934/336933) | $15,650 – $18,250 | $19,995 – $33,995 |
| Sea-Dweller (126600) | $13,050 | $14,295 – $15,995 |
Pre-owned prices reflect current market at Bob’s Watches. Popular stainless steel sports models often trade above retail due to limited authorized dealer availability.
Why Choose Bob’s Watches
- Authenticity Guarantee: Every watch inspected by certified watchmakers
- Condition Standards: Only excellent to pristine condition stocked
- Warranty Protection: One-year warranty covering mechanical defects
- Curated Selection: Current production and discontinued references across all price points
Sell Your Rolex
Looking to upgrade your collection? Bob’s Watches offers competitive quotes for Rolex timepieces in good condition. Secure, straightforward process with payment typically within 24 hours of receipt. Visit our Sell Rolex Watch page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Rolex holds value best?
Stainless steel sports models (Submariner, GMT-Master II, Daytona) historically appreciate. Precious metal and two-tone models hold value well but appreciate less dramatically.
What’s the difference between Submariner Date and No-Date?
The No-Date (124060) has a symmetrical dial without cyclops lens, 40mm case. The Date (126610) adds date window at 3 o’clock with Cyclops magnification, 41mm case, and slightly different crown guards.
Is buying pre-owned Rolex safe?
Yes, from reputable dealers with authentication, warranty, and return policies. Bob’s Watches provides all three plus detailed condition reports and photography.
How often should I service my Rolex?
Rolex recommends service approximately every 10 years for modern watches, or sooner if water resistance is compromised or timekeeping deviates beyond Superlative Chronometer standards (-2/+2 seconds per day).