Top 5 Stainless Steel Rolex Professional Models Under $10,000
June 29, 2016
Rolex's stainless steel professional models are their most popular and many choose them as everyday watches or 'everyday beaters' as they are also known. These tool watches are beloved for the legacy attached to them even more so than their functionality. Rolex has remained consistent with their aesthetic through the years, controlling their configurations so that the release of a new color combination is met with much fanfare.
I have listed what I consider their top five stainless steel professional watches below. While most are available with more traditional color combinations, I chose configurations that are unique to this time period and will likely be discontinued by the watchmaker once they release a new model upgrade. I chose to list models under (or around) $10,000 USD here for the sake of those who are looking for a watch within that budget.
Rolex 'Polar' Explorer II (Reference # 216570)
Rolex Polar Explorer II (photo: Rolex) |
Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman' (Reference # 116710BLNR)
Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR (photo: Rolex) |
Rolex Submariner Date 'Hulk' (Reference # 116610LV)
Rolex Submariner Date (photo: Rolex) |
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 (photo: Rolex) |
Rolex's Sea-Dweller 4000 model offers the perfect compromise for those who can't choose between the Submariner and the Deepsea. It has a the same size case as the Sub (40 mm) so it is less bulky than the Deepsea, but it also has a 1,220 meter (4000 foot) depth rating, which is significantly higher than the Sub. Like the Deepsea, its date aperture has no Cyclops magnifying lens over it and features a helium escape valve that protects the case during decompression. It is the most expensive watch on this list at 9,900 Swiss francs or $10,130 USD.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Ceramic' (photo: Rolex) |
Introduced at Baselworld 2016, the stainless steel Daytona with the black Cerachrom bezel insert shown above has become one of the most sought after timepieces of the year. Featuring a white dial with contrasting black sub-dials and the black bezel, this is a configuration that Rolex enthusiasts have been patiently waiting for. It harkens back to the 1960s when the model was introduced and although most who get their hands on one will not use the chronograph or tachymeter functions on a daily basis, this is the holy grail of Rolex watches of the moment. Only the platinum and rose gold versions of the Daytona had become available with a ceramic bezel prior it its release. This is the first stainless steel version in ceramic and the configuration has become known as the 'Ceramic Daytona' in forums. It retails for approximately $12,400 USD, but the long waiting lists have made it go for even more on the secondary market.
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