No other name in watchmaking carries the clout of Rolex.
It’s not just the logo; it’s the consistency, the legibility, the calm refusal to follow trends. Over the years, a handful of models have stood out—some for design, others for technical innovation or cultural impact.
Here, ranked from strong to strongest, are the 13 greatest Rolex watches of all time.
13. Land-Dweller ref. 127334
The Land-Dweller is a milestone. Launched in April, it was Rolex’s first new model in more than a decade and its most technically ambitious in even longer. It’s a modern integrated sports watch with sharp, retro-futurist styling. Slim, technical, and nodding to the Oysterquartz models of the 1970s, upon its introduction it felt less a tool watch and more a statement of intent—and a clear pivot toward the future. The honeycomb dial and configuration of numerals weren’t for everyone, but time has won many over. If nothing else, it looks like a line in the sand. That’s why it earns its place here.
12. Air-King ref. 14000
Sleek, understated, and built for purpose, the Air-King honors Rolex’s aviation ties dating back to the 1930s and pays tribute to pioneer pilots. The ref. 14000, launched in 1989, brought the model up to spec with a sapphire crystal and the reliable calibre 3000. It kept the clean dial, slim 34mm case, and low-key look that defined the line for decades. A solid-steel Rolex with no fuss or flash—but crucially still a Rolex.
11. Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226627
For years, the Yacht-Master was seen as a dressy Sub. The 226627 changed that. It was the first Rolex sports model in RLX titanium, giving the 42mm case a featherweight feel. The matte bezel, no-date dial, and deep wrist presence all point to a watch built for purpose. It’s still rated to 100 meters, so it’s not quite a diver. But with this level of comfort, it doesn’t need to be. It’s a stealthy, sharp take on the modern sports watch.
10. Explorer II ref. 226570
Built for cave explorers and polar expeditions, the Explorer II is the no-nonsense GMT. The 226570 runs the calibre 3285, which has a 70-hour reserve and features a bright-orange 24-hour hand to track a second time zone—or just day and night. The fixed bezel and 42mm case give it presence without flash. Whether you’re in a mine shaft or an airport lounge, it just works.
9. Datejust II ref. 116300
The Datejust II arrived in 2009 with broader shoulders—a 41mm case, a thicker bezel, and wider indexes. For many, this smooth-bezel 116300 in steel hit the sweet spot. It kept the Datejust clean, modern, and versatile, with just enough presence to suit larger wrists. Under the bonnet was the calibre 3136—rock-solid and easy to service. Think of it as an everyday Rolex, scaled up.
8. Sea-Dweller Deepsea ref. 116660
This is Rolex flexing its capabilities. Released in 2008, the Deepsea was built to survive 12,800 feet underwater—that’s 3,900 meters, and way beyond human reach. The 44mm case uses a patented ring-lock system, domed sapphire, and helium-escape valve. It’s thick by necessity—more than 17 millimeters—and unapologetically overbuilt. It’s a serious watch for serious divers—or anyone who respects proper engineering.
7. Day-Date II ref. 218206
The Day-Date II, launched in 2008, was Rolex’s power move in platinum. It features a 41mm case, a glacier-blue dial, and the weight to remind you it’s there. The fluted bezel and President bracelet retain the classic silhouette, just turned up in scale. Inside ticks the calibre 3156, packed with Rolex’s usual refinements. This is not a subtle watch; it’s a polished, platinum-heavy statement that’s built to be seen and felt.
6. GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’ ref. 126710BLRO
The return of the “Pepsi” bezel—red and blue, now in ceramic—set the watch world alight in 2018. The Jubilee bracelet added vintage charm, and the calibre 3285 added modern power. It’s a travel watch, a conversation starter, and a design classic rolled into one. For many, this is the definitive GMT—Rolex’s link to the golden age of air travel, now built for the long haul.
5. Perpetual 1908 ref. 52506
Rolex reentered the dress-watch game properly in 2023 with the 1908—and the platinum 52506 is the showpiece. It has a white lacquer dial with guilloché finishing, a slim 39mm case, and—at last—a display case back. Inside is the calibre 7140: a four-millimeter-thick hand-finished movement that rivals anything in its class. For those who want refinement without flash, this is the one.
4. Cosmograph Daytona ‘Le Mans’ ref. 126528LN
A nod to 100 years of Le Mans, this Daytona in yellow gold came with a reverse panda dial, a red 100 marker, and a ceramic bezel. The design cues were vintage, but the engine was new: the calibre 4132 with a 24-hour totalizer. Released in 2024 as an off-catalog piece, it’s rare, expensive, and already highly sought-after. It’s a racing chronograph with real presence—and a crazy amount of flair.
3. Datejust 41 ‘Wimbledon’ ref. 126333
Slate dial, green Roman numerals, gold fluted bezel—the “Wimbledon” edition of the Datejust 41 has become a modern classic. It’s not limited, nor especially rare, but it certainly stands out. The mix of steel and yellow gold, Jubilee bracelet, and easy proportions make it the kind of watch you can wear anywhere. It’s a clean, confident Rolex with a strong wrist identity.
2. Explorer ref. 14270
Released in 1989, the 14270 was the first Explorer with a sapphire crystal and white-gold indexes. It kept the 36mm case and 3-6-9 dial but modernized the rest, turning the Explorer into a proper everyday classic. Powered by the calibre 3000, it was slim, accurate, and built for real-world use. For many it represents their “one watch and done.” If you want a pure Rolex—clean, capable, and low-key—this is it.
1. Submariner ref. 16610
The definitive Rolex. Produced from 1988 to 2010, the 16610 had it all—the slim case of the vintage models, an aluminum bezel, and the reliable calibre 3135 inside. It’s water-resistant to 300 meters and tough enough for daily wear. It’s not as rare as earlier references, nor as flashy as later ones, but still the benchmark. This is the Rolex people think of when they hear the name. Rightly so.
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