10 of the Most Popular Rolex Watch Models

"Which Rolex Watches Are the Most Popular?"

1. Submariner

Rolex Submariner Date : 18 ct white gold - M126619LB-0003 - Oriental Watch  Company
Leading the list of the top ten most popular Rolex watches is the iconic Submariner. Unveiled in 1953, the Submariner was the first timepiece to remain waterproof up to 100 meters, featuring a unidirectional, rotating bezel engraved with a 60-minute gradation for diver safety. The Submariner's dark dial, chunky case, and functional bezel set a timeless style standard for Rolex. Initially priced at around $150 to $200, original Submariners from that era can now fetch anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000. Current models closely resemble the original design, now boasting water resistance up to 1,000 feet.

Famous wearers: James Bond (portrayed by Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton), Che Guevara, Jack Black, Mark Wahlberg, Jacques Cousteau, Steve McQueen, Fidel Castro

2. Datejust

Rolex Datejust In Oystersteel And Gold, M126281RBR-0009 | Fung Leung Kee  Watch
Introduced in 1945 to celebrate Rolex's 40th anniversary, the Datejust was the first self-winding, waterproof watch with an automatically changing date feature. It quickly became a symbol of convenience that was eventually replicated across the industry.

Famous wearers: Martin Luther King Jr., the Dalai Lama, Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Roger Federer

3. Daytona

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona : 18 ct yellow gold - M126508-0003 - Oriental  Watch Company
Named after the prestigious race venue, Daytona was launched in 1963. Designed for professional drivers, it featured a tachymeter scale on its bezel, distinguishing its unique look. In 2017, a Daytona set the record for the most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction, fetching $17.8 million.

Famous wearers: Paul Newman, Brad Pitt, Jay-Z, John Mayer, Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Hart, Victoria Beckham

4. GMT-Master

Rolex GMT-Master II : Everose Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and  Everose gold - M126711CHNR-0002 - Oriental Watch Company
Inspired by Pan American's pilots' watch request, the GMT-Master debuted in 1955, allowing for the display of two time zones simultaneously. In 1985, the GMT-Master II was released, boasting an updated movement.

Famous wearers: Tom Selleck, Trevor Noah, Marlon Brando, Pablo Picasso, Mel Gibson, Clint Eastwood, Dustin Hoffman, Brad Pitt, Sylvester Stallone

5. Yacht-Master

Rolex Yacht-Master In Platinum, Oystersteel, M126622-0001 | Tai Hing Watch
Launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master is waterproof and easy to read. Introduced in 2007 and first produced in 2010, the Yacht-Master II was designed with regattas in mind, featuring a programmable countdown sequence for race starts.

Famous wearers: David Beckham, Eric Clapton, Bruce Willis, Zac Efron

6. Explorer

Rolex Explorer 40 : Oystersteel - M224270-0001 - Oriental Watch Company
The Explorer, which made its debut in 1953, was designed with mountaineers in mind. Recognized for its distinctive 3/6/9 dial, it transitioned seamlessly from a sports watch to a dress watch.

Famous wearers: Author Ian Fleming, Bryan Ferry, Jon Hamm as the Don Draper character in 'Mad Men'

7. Sky-Dweller

Rolex Sky-Dweller : White Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and white  gold - M336934-0001 - Oriental Watch Company
Launched in 2012, the Sky-Dweller quickly gained recognition as a watch for business travelers. Featuring a dual time zone display and the most complex movement ever developed by Rolex, the Sky-Dweller is designed for functionality and style.

Famous wearers: LeBron James, Andre Iguodala, Julio Jones, Demarcus Ware, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jimmy Buffett

8. Yacht-Master II

Rolex Yacht-Master in Oystersteel, M116680-0002 | CTF WATCH
Introduced in 2007, the Yacht-Master II features a large 44mm case and the first-ever programmable countdown with a mechanical memory.

Famous wearers: Guy Fieri, Roger Federer, LeBron James

9. Milgauss

Rolex Milgauss in Oystersteel, m116400gv-0002 | The Hour Glass Malaysia
Introduced in 1956, the Milgauss was specifically designed for professionals working in magnetic environments. It was the first Rolex watch to shield its mechanics from magnetic fields.

Famous wearers: Robert Downey Jr., Tom Brady, Daniel Craig, Orlando Bloom, Usher, Jennifer Aniston, Nicky Hilton

10. Ladies' Datejust 31

Rolex Datejust 31 : Everose Rolesor - combination of Oystersteel and  Everose gold - M278381RBR-0032 - Oriental Watch Company
Instantly recognizable as the model introduced in 1945, the Datejust 31 is a durable, waterproof, and functional watch that remains a timeless choice. From 2018, Rolex equipped Datejust 31 models with its advanced calibre 2236, showcasing cutting-edge watchmaking technology.

Famous wearers: Scarlett Johansson, Celine Dion, Alessandra Ambrosio, Zendaya Coleman, Kendall Jenner

 

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