2017 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Price Guide

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
With the addition of the Oysterflex configurations introduced at Baselworld 2017, there are currently 11 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona model configurations to choose from. The suggested retail prices shown in the table below are direct from the watchmaker's price book. However, pricing at Authorized Dealers around the world may vary. Prices shown in USD. 





Pricing for Every 2017 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Model Configuration

Reference Number
Description
Price USD
116500LN
Stainless Steel Daytona Oyster Bracelet
$11,800
116503
Yellow Rolesor Daytona Oyster Bracelet
$16,100
116503
Yellow Rolesor Diamond Daytona Oyster Bracelet
$18,000
116518LN
Yellow Gold Daytona Oysterflex Bracelet
$26,200
116508
Yellow Gold Daytona Oyster Bracelet
$33,100
116519LN
White Gold Daytona Oysterflex Bracelet
$27,400
116509
White Gold Daytona Oyster Bracelet
$35,700
116515LN
Everose Gold Daytona Oysterflex Bracelet
$27,400
116505
Everose Gold Daytona Oyster Bracelet
$35,700
116506
Platinum Daytona Oyster Bracelet
$71,500
116506
Platinum Diamond Daytona Oyster Bracelet
$77,500
For details on the new Daytona model on Oysterflex, click here or visit the Rolex Models page.

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2017 Rolex Sky-Dweller Price Guide

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
With the release of the new 2017 Rolex model configurations at Baselworld 2017, the watchmaker has also released their suggested retail pricing guide. I have added the retail price for every 2017 Sky-Dweller configuration in USD below.


Pricing for Every 2017 Rolex Sky-Dweller Model Configuration


Reference Number
Description
Price USD
326934
White Rolesor Sky-Dweller Oyster Bracelet
$13,700
326933
Yellow Rolesor Sky-Dweller Oyster Bracelet
$16,300
326138
Yellow Gold Sky-Dweller Leather Bracelet
$36,300
326938
Yellow Gold Sky-Dweller Oyster Bracelet
$44,000
326139
White Gold Sky-Dweller Leather Bracelet
$37,700
326939
White Gold Sky-Dweller Oyster Bracelet
$46,600
326135
Everose Gold Sky-Dweller Leather Bracelet
$37,700
326935
Everose Gold Sky-Dweller Oyster Bracelet
$46,600

For details on the Sky-Dweller model, including the new two-tone versions, click here or visit the Rolex Models page. 

Rolex Adds Pricing to Official Website for Select Models

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Rolex Submariner LV (photo: Rolex)
If you've frequented Rolex's official website over the past few months, you may have noticed that the watchmaker recently added pricing for some of their popular wristwatch configurations. The screenshot above shows an example, with the suggested retail price of the stainless steel Submariner LV below the photo. This pricing feature is new to Rolex, surely designed to direct traffic to their website from search engines.

Many use search terms like 'Rolex pricing' on a monthly basis, so it makes sense for them to finally offer pricing directly as they do in their printed price list. The website only lists pricing for models under $20,000 US, though. The configurations that cost more, mainly precious metal configurations, are available upon request by contacting an authorized dealer. While it's not a comprehensive price guide, this new feature still offers utility to those deciding between most stainless steel and two-tone models.

To check out the new pricing feature, visit rolex.com. For information on configurations above $20,000 US, check out my Rolex Shopping Guide, with pricing on Rolex models priced from less than $10,000 to upwards of $50,000 US.

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Celebrating One Year of Rob's Rolex Chronicle

.About.
Celebrating One Year of Rob's Rolex Chronicle
Today marks one year since I published the first post to Rob's Rolex Chronicle. My original intention was to offer useful and nuanced information about Rolex to fans of the brand, including newbies to the world of horology. I have learned a lot about the company and their wristwatches over the past year and hope that I have shared that knowledge in the content of my posts.

The Rolex Models section has seen tremendous growth over the past year. It currently features sections about new and vintage watches as well as a Tech section that offers a look inside your favorite Rolex models. The Model Comparisons page has garnered particular interest, especially from those who are trying to figure out which model is right for them.

The Rolex Shopping Guide has also expanded over time, covering topics related to the search for the perfect Rolex model for you. There are so many factors that go into the purchase of a luxury timepiece that I felt it necessary to break them down in terms that the average consumer can comprehend. From pricing to functionality, I hope that my shopping guide offers a comprehensive look at the market and the most important aspects of the purchase decision.

The Rolex Owner's Lounge is the newest section of this site and it offers Rolex owners information on every aspect of ownership. The most utilitarian information is found in the Owner's Guide, covering topics that range from how to set the time on your watch to repairs and maintenance. The company's history is also presented in a Historical Timeline that covers their milestones over the past century. Another point of interest for readers is seeing their favorite Rolex model on today's most talked-about celebrities.

An FAQ page featuring Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Rolex completes this blog. The answers range from information about Rolex to mechanical watches in general. This is a great place to start if you are new to the world of wristwatches. I break down the parts of a watch, show you how they work and answer questions about Rolex as a company.

With Baselworld 2017 around the corner, I look forward to adding new and exciting content in the weeks to come. I would love to hear what topics readers enjoy the most so that I can focus my content on that. E-mail rolexchronicle@gmail.com or use the social media links on the sidebar to connect with me and share your thoughts and ideas.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for following my Rolex journey. This blog's readership has grown exponentially over the past few months and I look forward to seeing it grow even more in the future. For now, I hope that the information found in these sections is helpful and informative to you on your journey.

Thank you again!

Rob

The Bottom Line on Rolex Pricing

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Rolex Explorer I from Baselworld 2016 (Reference # 214270)
The pricing of Rolex watches varies from year to year and place to place, but there are some resources that can help you pinpoint the suggested retail price for the model configuration you are interested in. I have posted about Rolex pricing in the Shopping Guide section of this site, breaking down which models are available for around $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 and $50,000 US.

Pricing For New Rolex Models
If you do not have the watchmaker's latest catalog that includes the suggested retail prices for all models manufactured this year, you can find a list of 2016 Rolex prices across countries on rolexforums.com. I have compared the prices they list with the prices listed in the official catalog and have found that they add up based on exchange rates. They updated their list of prices as recently as November 2016 and will likely be the first ones to post prices for the new models after Baselworld 2017.

Pricing For Vintage or Pre-Owned Rolex Models
While the watchmaker's suggested retail price guide is available for configurations in the current model year, there is no set price for vintage and pre-owned models. Prices for these watches are dictated by the market, so if you would like to research pricing on a particular reference, I would recommend checking out current listings on forum classified sections or on websites like watchrecon.com. For high priced vintage pieces, I would recommend checking pricing from auction houses like Phillips and Christies. They publish their lots on their websites with pricing information most of the time.

Factors That Go Into Rolex Pricing
The best way to gauge pricing on any wristwatch model is to pay attention to three factors: material, model and market. As is logical, a precious metal configuration will run you more than stainless steel. The same thing goes for a rare or limited model. However, the market ultimately dictates the pricing for these and all other commodities. Exchange rates also come into play, with sales in countries like China and the United Kingdom benefitting from currency fluctuations in 2016.

While establishing a long term relationship with a Rolex Authorized Dealer is usually the best way to get discounted pricing on certain models, knowledge of the market and the model you are interested in will allow you to be sure that the pricing you receive is worthy of the configuration you are looking for.

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Check Out These Sizable White Gold Rolex Watches

.Rolex Models.
On the larger side of Rolex's Oyster collection, the Sky-Dweller and Yacht-Master II models come in white gold configurations that combine innovative functionality with a cool luxury aesthetic. White gold has become far more fashionable than yellow gold in recent years. With both models released in the past decade, it makes sense that they would feature outstanding white gold versions to capitalize on the trend. Even though white gold tends to scratch more than stainless steel, its status as a precious metal allows it to fetch a lot more on the market.

White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller (photo: Rolex/Maxime Le Conte des Floris)
The white gold Rolex Sky-Dweller shown above (Reference # 326939) features a 42 millimeter case, a brushed Oyster bracelet with polished center links and a fluted Ring Command bezel. A 9001 self-winding mechanical movement gives it a power reserve of 72 hours and interacts with the bezel to offer functionality. In addition to center hours, minutes and seconds, the Sky-Dweller displays the date through an aperture at 3 o'clock with a 24 hour display on an off-center disc and the month displayed through twelve apertures around the circumference of the dial. It is available with either the ivory dial shown above or a black dial in white gold on Oyster or black leather strap.

White Gold Rolex Yacht-Master II (photo: Rolex/Maxime Le Conte des Floris)
With a 44 millimeter case, one of the largest in Rolex's professional collection next to the Deepsea, the Yacht-Master II shown above (Reference # 116689) is the largest white gold configuration currently available from the watchmaker. The bidirectional Ring Command bezel is made of 950 Platinum with raised numerals and controls the regatta timer function along with the pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock.  It comes on a brushed gold Oyster bracelet with polished center links and features a Triplock winding crown. This model does not come with a date function as the dial is dominated by the 10-minute programmable countdown display. A Calibre 4161 powers this robust Rolex professional model with a power reserve of 72 hours.

The suggested retail price for the white gold Sky-Dweller is $48,850 US and the white gold Yacht-Master II goes for about $48,150 US. While their price tags are in the same range, these are very different timepieces. The Sky-Dweller has characteristics of Rolex's dress watches and offers a combination of classical design with watchmaking innovation. The Yacht-Master II has an innovative complication as well, but adheres more to the aesthetic of the watchmaker's professional line. For more information on either of these white gold Rolex watches, visit their official website at rolex.com.

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2016 Rolex Milgauss 116400GV

.Rolex Models.
Worn by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva due to its resistance to strong magnetic fields, Rolex's Milgauss model was originally designed for engineers and technicians that are exposed to magnetism at their job sites. Its name is a combination of mille, the French word for thousand, and gauss, a unit that measures magnetism. The 2016 version of this model features many technological advances that help to protect its 3131 movement (manufactured in-house by the watchmaker) from malfunctioning due to exposure to magnetic energy. 

2016 Rolex Milgauss 116400GV (photo: Rolex/Jonathan Pease)
Available with the Z Blue dial shown in the photo above or a white or black dial, this model features a lightning bolt seconds hand that pays homage to the original version introduced in 1956. It comes in stainless steel on an Oyster bracelet with polished center links with an Oysterclasp fitted with a 5 mm Easylink extension. The case measures 40 millimeters in diameter and is sealed with a Twinclock winding crown. It has a depth rating of 100 meters and a power reserve of 48 hours. A distinctive feature of this model is its unique green tinted sapphire crystal.

A magnetic shield made of ferromagnetic alloys protects the movement within the case, with the oscillator and escapement made from paramagnetic materials to protect them from magnetic interference. The escapement wheel is made from a nickel-phosphorus alloy that is produced in-house through a process called UV-LiGA. The oscillator has a blue Parachrom hairspring that is also resistant to magnetism. Between the shield and the component parts, Rolex assures the wearer that the precision of this timepiece will not be affected by work environments in the telecommunications, aerospace and nuclear energy fields.

Most people are not exposed to large amounts of magnetic energy at their job sites, but that shouldn't stop them from looking at this charming wristwatch model. You don't have to be a scientist to sport a Milgauss, just like you don't have to be a professional diver to enjoy the Deepsea. The suggested retail price for the 2016 Rolex Milgauss (Reference # 116400GV) is $8,200 US. For more information on this and other 2016 model configurations, visit rolex.com or visit or local Authorized Dealer.

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Are Rolex Prices Negotiable?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Pricing and negotiation is a common topic in Rolex forums, with many wondering if they can find their favorite Rolex model for cheaper than the going rate. While there are exceptions to every rule, the general rule is that Rolex discourages any discounts given to customers at their Authorized Dealers. When it comes to their popular stainless steel professional models, it is highly unlikely that you will pay anything below the retail price. For some, like the new ceramic Daytona (Reference #116500LN), you may even have to pay a premium above the going rate due to the demand and long waiting list for it. 

Rolex Chêne-Bourg Site (photo: Rolex/Jean-Daniel Meyer)
However, when it comes to precious metal configurations with higher price tags, there may be room to negotiate. Every individual has a different experience with different dealers around the world and it ultimately comes down to your relationship with them. If you have bought several luxury timepieces from a dealer in the past and have maintained a rapport with the owner or salesperson, you may have more leverage than someone walking in off the street. For those looking for discounts on their first luxury timepiece, I would recommend looking for preowned or vintage models. There are forums and websites, like watchrecon.com, that list trusted dealers and prices for you to comparison shop before making your purchase. 

It is a slippery slope when looking for luxury watches on the cheap. I have encountered many stories from even the most experienced Rolex watch owners about getting ripped off by shady sellers on Craigslist. As they say, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. In the Classifieds section of The Rolex Forum, they have a list of trusted dealers that are recommended by members. This would be a safe way to shop for a discounted preowned Rolex online. However, chances are you will not be able to try on the watch before purchasing, which is a problem for many (myself included). I would also advise caution when buy from sellers on e-Bay, as some have ordered a watch based on a model number and photo they saw on the site only to be shipped a slightly different model. 

There will always be those who claim to have received deep discounts for new luxury timepieces, but if their claims are true (I would ask to see the receipts) they represent a very small percentage of Rolex owners. The majority of people pay full price for most new models or spend time doing research and comparison shopping for preowned or vintage models online. To find a Rolex Authorized Dealer in your area to begin your search, visit rolex.com. 

Top 5 Stainless Steel Rolex Professional Models Under $10,000

.Rolex Models.
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)
Photo of Rolex Polar Explorer II (photo: Rolex)
Rolex Polar Explorer II (photo: Rolex)
With a 42 mm stainless steel case, the Rolex Explorer II is the largest watch on this list. It is also unique in that it is available with a white dial, which is where it gets the 'Polar' nickname. This watch, originally released in 1971, features an orange 24-hour hand and 24-hour bezel, allowing the wearer to tell the time in two places at once. It also has a very legible display with large minute and hour hands and luminescent hour markers. Its size makes it ideal for someone who wants a large watch that isn't as bulky as the 44 mm Deepsea, for example. This model is also available with with a black dial. The suggested retail price for the Explorer II is 7,700 Swiss francs or $8,076 USD.

Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman' (Reference # 116710BLNR)
Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR (photo: Rolex)
Equipped with Rolex's patented Cerachrom bezel insert, the GMT-Master II BLNR or 'Batman' as it is also known, was introduced at Baselworld in 2013 and soon became a favorite amongst Rolex enthusiasts. It features a blue and black bidirectional 24 hour bezel and a 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to switch between time zones with a turn of the bezel. This model was originally introduced in  1955 during the aviation age and bears a striking resemblance to the Submariner model. However, this model offers a more practical functionality than the popular dive watch. The bracelet has polished middle links that also differentiate it from the Sub. The suggested retail price for the BLNR is 8,500 Swiss francs, or approximately $8,847 USD.

Rolex Submariner Date 'Hulk' (Reference # 116610LV)
Rolex Submariner Date (photo: Rolex)
The Submariner was introduced by Rolex in 1953 and has become their most imitated timepiece. Like the GMT-Master II, this watch has a 40 mm Oyster case and a Cerachrom bezel insert. It has a depth rating of 300 meters and has a unidirectional bezel with a unidirectional 60 minute graduated bezel. Its simplicity in design and utility underwater makes it ideal for recreational and professional divers alike. However, most go for the Submariner because of its sporty yet clean aesthetic. The configuration shown above is known as the 'Hulk' because of the green-on-green bezel and dial combination. The dial has a sunray finish that gleams in the sun and while the combination of green and steel seems odd at first, it makes for a very interesting take on the classic Sub design. The Submariner Date goes for 8,600 Swiss francs, or approximately $8,957 USD. 

Sea-Dweller 4000 (Reference # 116600)
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. 

How to Choose a Rolex

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
photo of Rolex Submariner Date and Deepsea Side by Side
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.

Photo of Rolex GMT-Master II BLNR
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.

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

photo of Yellow Gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (photo: Rolex)
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.

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

How Much Do Rolex Watches Cost?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Rolex prices vary significantly depending on the size, material and model chosen. The watchmaker releases a list of suggested retail prices every year that the Authorized Dealers are meant to follow when pricing watches to customers. Prices range from approximately $5,000 US to upwards of $100,000 depending on the model configuration. 

Photo of Rolex Explorer
Rolex Explorer (photo: Rolex/Alain Costa)
The most affordable Rolex watches are made from their 904L stainless steel alloy and are priced under $10,000. I have compiled a list of my picks for the best configurations in this category that you can check out by clicking here. It includes many of their popular models, including the Submariner, Explorer and GMT-Master II BLNR.

For under $25,000, you can get a Rolex with a combination of stainless steel and gold. Within this budget, you can get a two-tone Yacht-Master II, a diamond Datejust II or a Rolesor (combination of stainless and gold) Cosmograph Daytona. I added a few more popular Rolex models to my list, found here.

With the exception of platinum and diamond entrusted models, most of their higher end Rolex models fall under $50,000. This will get you a Sky-Dweller, a Day-Date or a gold Daytona. The gold GMT-Master II that I featured on my list (found here) is also a very nice value in this price range.

You can check out Rolex pricing for most models on the Rolex Forums as well. They have a static list of Rolex prices across countries.

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Best Rolex Watches for Under $50,000

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Photo of Best Rolex Watches for Under $50,000
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)
Photo of Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master II
Yellow Gold Rolex GMT-Master II (photo: Rolex)
The popular GMT-Master II model takes on a different aesthetic in the yellow gold configuration. While the 'Batman' and 'Pepsi' models that feature the two-tone bezels are favorites in Rolex forums, the yellow gold GMT configuration with the green dial shown above is an elegant watch that will never go out of style. The combination of the green with the black bezel and yellow gold is unique but also quintessentially Rolex. This is a great watch for an executive with classic style or a fashionable person looking for a strong and sturdy timepiece to anchor any look. The suggested retail price for the gold GMT-Master II shown above is 31,700 Swiss francs, or approximately $32,489 US. 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Reference 116528)

Photo of Yellow Gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Yellow Gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (photo: Rolex)
Another popular Rolex model that is transformed in a yellow gold configuration is the Cosmograph Daytona shown above with the blue dial. While there may be a 2 year waiting list for the 2016 stainless steel Daytona with the white dial and black ceramic bezel, this yellow gold Daytona fuses functionality with classic design to create a beautiful gold timepiece. It will never go out of style and, as is the case with any of their gold watches, it will retain its value over time. The blue dial also differentiates it from other more common Daytona configurations. The suggested retail price for this yellow gold Cosmograph Daytona is 33,100 Swiss francs, or approximately $33,924 US. 

Rolex Sky-Dweller (Reference 326939)

Photo of White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller
White Gold Rolex Sky-Dweller (photo: Rolex)
The newest of the Rolex models, the Sky-Dweller is an ideal timepiece for frequent flyers. This watch displays the month and date and features a 24-hour sub-dial that allows the wearer to set the time in two locations at once. It is high end in design, with a fluted white gold bezel like the Day-Date model. This model is popular with celebrities such as Jay-Z and UFC fighter Connor McGregor. With a 42 mm case, it is larger than most Rolex models. The priciest piece on this list, the white gold Sky-Dweller shown above goes for 46,600 Swiss francs, or approximately $47,760 US. 

Rolex Yacht-Master II (Reference 116688)
Photo of Yellow Gold Rolex Yacht-Master II
Yellow Gold Rolex Yacht-Master II (photo: Rolex)
With a 44mm case, the Yacht-Master II is the largest model on this list. Although most who wear the watch will likely not use the regatta timer functionality, the nautical design and size of this watch make it a highly coveted timepiece. The combination of yellow gold and the blue ceramic bezel is particularly complimentary in this configuration. At a price point of 41,500 Swiss francs or $42,533 US, this gives you a lot of watch for the price. Anyone looking for a large gold nautical watch for under $50,000 should check out this configuration or the white gold version which goes for 4,400 Swiss francs more. 

Rolex Day-Date 40 (Reference 228239)

Photo of White Gold Rolex Day-Date 40
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. 

Rolex Datejust 36 (Reference 116238)
Photo of Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust 36
Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust 36 (photo: Rolex)
The Rolex Datejust model stands out amongst other models because of its simplicity. However, it is its simplicity in design that makes this timepiece a great alternative for those who don't care for the bells and whistles that come with the professional models. The Datejust comes in a few different sizes, shown above in 36 mm. With diamond hour markers and a black dial, this configuration adds a bit of sparkle to the Datejust that would be perfect for a Tony Montana type. The suggested retail price for this gold Datejust is 29,600 Swiss francs (approximately $30,984 US).

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.

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