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.

Best Rolex Watches for Under $50,000 (photo: Rolex)

Prices for new Rolex models range from less that $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the model configuration you choose. Most of the models under $10,000 are professional models made with 904L stainless steel. Model configurations in the $25,000 price range usually feature a combination of steel and 18 karat white or yellow gold. 

In the $50,000 range, you can choose from most of the Oyster Perpetual models in white or yellow gold. I focused on gold configurations for this list as most are not available for less than $25,000. (Note: All of the pricing information below is based on Rolex's suggested retail price in Swiss francs converted to USD based on current exchange rates.) For a list of the best Rolex models for under $10,000, click here. For the best Rolex models under $25,000, click here. 

Rolex GMT-Master II (Reference 116718 LN)

Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master II (photo: Rolex)

Yellow Gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (photo: Rolex)

White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller (photo: Rolex)

Yellow Gold Rolex Yacht-Master II (photo: Rolex)

White Gold Rolex Day-Date 40 (photo: Rolex)

The Rolex Day-Date 40 is a great wristwatch that can be worn everyday, but is designed for a formal setting. This elegant timepiece adheres to Rolex's classical design standards, recently upgraded to a 40 mm case to make it competitive with the larger models that currently dominate the market. The fluted bezel and roman numerals look particularly beautiful against the blue dial of this configuration. Most Day-Dates are priced over $50,000, making this white gold version particularly appealing to someone who may not want to spend so much but still own a sophisticated Rolex timepiece. The suggested retail price for this Day-Date is 35,800 Swiss francs or approximately $36,691 US. 

Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust 36 (photo: Rolex)

For an in-depth look at each of these models, browse the Rolex Models section of our Rolex Shopping Guide page. Click here for information on Rolex gold and visit our Tech page for more info on Rolex materials and precious stones.

Best Rolex Models Under $25,000 (photo: Rolex)

When shopping for a new Rolex watch, it can be difficult to figure out which models and configurations fit into your budget. Pricing for these timepieces varies considerably depending on the model and material you select. For example, while most Cosmograph Daytona models are priced well over $25,000, you can still find configurations (like the Rolesor Daytona below) that may fit into your budget. 

The models I chose for this list represent the best value for a new Rolex watch within a price range of $10,000 to $25,000. Most of the models below are priced under $15,000, with a few noteworthy exceptions. (Note: All of the pricing information below is based on Rolex's suggested retail price in Swiss francs converted to USD based on current exchange rates.) For a list of the best Rolex models for under $10,000, click here. For a list of the best Rolex models for under $50,000, click here. 

Rolex Yacht-Master II (Reference 116681)

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

The model with the largest price tag on this list is the Yacht-Master II in Rolesor Everose, a combination of stainless steel and rose gold. This beautiful nautical watch features a regatta timer and a blue Cerachrom ceramic bezel. The 44 mm case is one of Rolex's largest and the YM2 is one of the newer Rolex models, introduced in 2007. While the functionality is designed for yacht racing, this is a great timepiece for anyone who appreciates a nautical aesthetic. The combination of the rose gold with the stainless steel is particularly complimentary to this model. The suggested retail price for the Rolesor Everose Rolex Yacht-Master II is 24,000 Swiss francs, or approximately $24,746 US.

Rolex Deepsea (Reference 116660)

Rolex Deepsea with D-Blue Dial (photo: Rolex)

The Rolex Deepsea also features a 44 mm case, shown above with the D-Blue dial that commemorates the Deepsea Challenge of 2012. With a depth rating of 3,900 meters, this watch lives up to its name. This model is larger than the Submariner, Rolex's most popular dive watch, with a thicker case and a Fliplock extension link that extends the Oyster bracelet by 26 mm. I chose the version with the D-Blue dial for this list because it is unique and may be more valuable in the long run after Rolex stops offering this configuration. The suggested retail price for the Rolex Deepsea with D-Blue Dial is 11,800 Swiss francs, or approximately $12,167 US.

Rolex Datejust II (Reference 116333)

Diamond Rolex Datejust II (photo: Rolex)

If someone were to ask me to close my eyes and think of a Rolex, a Datejust model would probably be the first one that pops into my head. Event though I have had a Deepsea for a few years now, there is something about a gold Datejust that screams Rolex. The Datejust II maintains the classical elements of the original with a 41 mm case. The model configuration shown above features diamond hour markers, a fluted 18 karat gold bezel and a Rolesor Oyster bracelet. Based on the size and materials used, I feel that it is a great value at 13,000 Swiss francs, or approximately $13,404 US.

Rolex GMT-Master II (Reference 116713 LN)

Rolex GMT-Master II (photo: Rolex)

While the GMT-Master II BLNR or 'Batman' is perhaps the most well known model configuration (featuring a blue and black ceramic bezel), this model looks particularly sophisticated in yellow gold or a combination of yellow gold with stainless steal. The stainless and yellow gold version is shown above, referred to as 'Rolesor' by Rolex. The yellow gold elements compliment the black dial and black Cerachrom bezel, with the green 24-hour hand providing a complimentary color detail. The suggested retail price for the Rolesor GMT-Master II is 12,400 Swiss francs or approximately $12,785 US.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116523)

Rolesor Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (photo: Rolex)

A favorite among celebrities and race car enthusiasts, the Cosmograph Daytona is Rolex's most coveted model. While most are priced well over $25,000 and have waiting lists of up to two years in some cases, there are still a couple Daytona configurations in this price range. The Rolesor Daytona shown above features a black dial and gold bezel, giving it a particularly elegant look. The suggested retail price for this configuration is 16,100 Swiss francs, or approximately $16,601 US.

Rolex Submariner Date (Reference 116613 LB)

Rolesor Rolex Submariner Date (photo: Rolex)

The Rolex Submariner Date is a popular model among professionals and divers alike. Its sleek, yet sporty design aesthetic allows it to transition from the board room to the beach with ease. While most people choose a stainless steel configuration for this model, the Rolesor version with the blue ceramic bezel and dial is a beautiful alternative. The mix of cool and warm tones creates a color balance that is consummately nautical and a watch with 18 karat gold at this price point is a good deal if you ask me. After all, this is a timepiece that will never go out of style. The suggested retail price for the Rolex Submariner Date is 12,800 Swiss francs, or approximately $13,198 US.

Rolex Day-Date 36 (Reference 118135)

Everose Rolex Day-Date 36 on Black Leather Strap (photo:Rolex)

Rolex's Everose gold provides a great alternative to traditional yellow and white gold. It gives any timepiece a uniquely contemporary appearance that still harkens back to the gold watches that dominated the market in the early 20th century - particularly when paired with a leather strap. The 36 mm Day-Date in Everose gold on a black leather strap is a perfect synthesis of traditional and modern watch aesthetics: the size and black leather strap are more traditional, while the fluted rose gold bezel and black dial give it a modern touch. This is one of the few Day-Date models prices under $25,000 and is well worth the price tag of 22,500 Swiss francs (approximately $23,200 US).

Rolex Yacht-Master (Reference 116622)

Rolesium Rolex Yacht-Master (photo: Rolex)

The only watch on this list to feature Rolex's 950 Platinum, the Rolesium (Rolex refers to the combination of platinum and stainless steel as 'Rolesium') Yacht-Master model is a great option for those who like the cool tones of platinum and stainless steel. The bezel is made of platinum and the blue dial of this configuration compliments it perfectly. The Yacht-Master model has qualities of both the Submariner and Yacht-Master II, making it a good alternative for anyone who can't decide between the two. The suggested retail price for the Rolesium Yacht-Master is 11,000 Swiss francs, or approximately $11,342 US. 
For an in-depth look at each of these models, browse the Rolex Models section of our Rolex Shopping Guide page. For information on Rolex's 950 Platinum or Everose Gold, visit our Tech page.