How to Choose a Rolex

Rolex Submariner Date and Deepsea Side by Side

While Rolex is a very recognizable brand that has been around for many years, it can be difficult to decide which of their wristwatch models best suits your lifestyle. Model configurations vary in size, material and pricing, each with their own unique characteristics. While no one can tell you which Rolex model(s) to choose, your decision can be made much easier when you have all of the information necessary to properly evaluate them.

Although the decision ultimately comes down to personal aesthetic and functionality in most cases, pricing is usually a big factor in determining which Rolex model to choose. Rolex offers many of their popular models in 904L stainless steel, like the GMT-Master II BLNR shown in the photo below. Most of their stainless steel models are priced under $10,000 US. I put together a list of my picks in this category that includes suggested retail prices in a previous entry found here.

Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR (photo: Rolex)

Rolex also offers configurations that combine stainless steel with gold. They refer to this combination  as Rolesor and their rose gold as Everose. The Yacht-Master II model is one of their largest models and comes in two tone Everose Rolesor as shown in the photo below. Check it out along with many other Rolesor model configurations on my list of the best Rolex models under $25,000.

Rolex Yacht-Master II Model in Everose Rolesor (photo: Rolex)

If gold is what you're looking for, Rolex has many model configurations that really shine in white, yellow and Everose gold. Rolex makes the gold used for their wristwatches in their own foundry located at their Plan-les-Ouates site in Geneva, Switzerland. Most of their gold models are priced under $50,000 and you can check out my picks here. Their popular Cosmograph Daytona model is shown below in yellow gold with a blue dial.

Yellow Gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (photo: Rolex)

If price is not an issue and you are looking for a classic Rolex with a modern aesthetic, I would recommend the Platinum Day-Date model with the ice blue dial shown below. Justin Timberlake wore the yellow gold version of this model in his latest music video. The suggested retail price for this model is 59,600 Swiss francs or approximately $60,180 US.

Platinum Rolex Day-Date 40 (photo: Rolex)

Another thing that makes it easier to decide which Rolex model is right for you is by seeing it on somebody else. I have a Style section on this blog dedicated to showing which celebrities wear what models. Golfer Adam Scott was tapped as a Rolex brand ambassador and was featured in their ads for their newest model, the Sky-Dweller.

Golfer Adam Scott in ad for Rolex Sky-Dweller (photo: Rolex)

For those who like to know what makes their watches tick, I have added a Tech section to this blog with information on Rolex movements, materials and technical innovations. I have also created a Historical Timeline following the watchmaker from its founding by Hans Wilsdorf in 1908 to the present for those who like to know more about the company they are buying from.

My hope is that this information will help bolster your understanding of Rolex watches and allow you to make a wise purchase decision. For more information about Rolex and their wristwatch models, including model comparisons, check out my Rolex Shopping Guide.