The 12 Best Rolex Watches To Buy In 2024

If you asked 100 people on the street to name the first watch brand that comes to mind, 99 would say Rolex. It’s the largest Swiss watchmaker in history; one of the most famous brands in the world (of any industry); and today, is making the best watches it’s ever made, more than a century after it was founded.

Rolex is a company with enough history, enough nuance, and enough market-dominating scale for dozens of business school theses to be written about it. So while we don’t have room to tell the whole tale of one of the world’s most interesting and unique brands, we can take a closer look at the very best watches that currently reside within the Rolex catalogue.

From the legendary collections that everyone knows — the Submariner, Daytona, and GMT Master-II — to the rarer and more recent ranges such as the Day-Date or Sky-Dweller, this list covers all bases. No matter if you’re thinking about buying your first Rolex and want a shortlist of the best options, or you’re a seasoned collector seeking inspiration for the next couple of purchases, these are the finest watches Rolex is making today.

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At Watches & Wonders 2023, Rolex had more than a couple of surprises. From ‘the enamel-dial jigsaw ‘jigsaw’ dial Day-Dates to the platinum Daytona with open caseback, to the debut of the 1908 collection, it was one of the strongest showings in years. However, as far as flawless on-paper daily wearers go — with that quality translating to the experience on the wrist — the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium is a remarkable feat from the Big Crown.

Despite many commentators opining it “came out of nowhere,” eagle-eyed Instagram sleuths spotted its prototype on the wrist of sailor and Rolex ambassador Sir Ben Ainslie at the end of 2020 (in action right here). The prototype has a few differences from the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium before us, which is much more pragmatically designed — for those more likely to get wet in hotel pools than on the deck of a competition sailing yacht.

Hewn from 42mm of RLX (Rolex’s own proprietary version of Grade 5 titanium), it’s an unambiguously performance-focused watch with a respectable 100m of water resistance. It’s not a new movement powering the watch, but the ever-reliable calibre 3235 with a 70-hour power reserve and a date function, which is the same movement inside many Datejust and Sea-Dweller references.

Predictably, this isn’t an easy watch to find at your local authorised dealer, but if you are one of the lucky few to add the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium to your collection, make sure you enjoy it to the fullest.

The Best Rolex Watches To Add To Your Collection In 2024

Rolex “Le Mans” Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126529LN

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 12.2mm
• Case Material: White gold
• Bezel Material: Ceramic
• Bracelet/Strap Material: White gold
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 4132
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

Rolex rarely introduces “heritage-inspired” watches to its collection (and it’s equally unusual to launch a watch outside of Watches & Wonders), but this year fans of the Daytona got a treat. Announced at this year’s edition of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans motorsports race, the Rolex “Le Mans” Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126529LN is a nod to the highly collectable vintage 6263 reference.

From the Paul Newman-esque reverse-panda dial, to the all-white chronograph sub-dials and squared-off markers within them, there are plenty of details here worth agonising over — especially the 24-hour sub-dial (as opposed to the regular 12-hour sub-dial) and the “100” mark on the bezel highlighted in red.

With its solid white gold case and bracelet and its exhibition caseback (just the second Daytona to ever feature one), there’s a very good reason why many of the world’s most serious Daytona collectors have been searching high and low for an allocation of this one.

Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 126610LN

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 12.3mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Ceramic
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 300m
• Movement: Calibre 3235
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

The word “icon” is thrown around a lot by watch journalists (including yours truly) but if there was ever one watch that deserved just such a title, it’s the Rolex Submariner.

Its truly timeless design is one that’s been copied by almost every other watchmaker on the planet, with the black ceramic bezel and dial combo — housed in stainless steel, with a matching bracelet — the literal archetype of dive watches today.

The most recent Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 126610LN was launched back in 2020, with an increased 41mm case size, slimmer lugs, wider bracelet, and an enlarged 70-hour power serve (thanks in part to the Chronergy escapement).

Many were initially sceptical of a larger case size, as the previous so-called “maxi-case” iteration was collectively understood to be less comfortable than its predecessor. However, following a couple of years in the market, enthusiasts have really come to embrace the newest iteration of the iconic Submariner.

Rolex GMT Master-II Ref. 126718GRNR

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Case Material: Yellow gold
• Bezel Material: Ceramic
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Yellow gold
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 3285
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

One of the watches Rolex released in 2023 — that was as surprising as it was exciting — was this solid gold GMT Master-II Ref. 126718GRNR. If the original Rolex GMTs of the mid-20th century were designed for Pan-Am pilots, this GMT Master-II belongs on the wrist of someone who owns their own aircraft — and enjoys commuting in it. It’s a watch that communicates a kind of raw power: destined to be worn by captains of industry, gentleman racers, or anyone who isn’t afraid of turning a few heads.

Yes, it’s unambiguously excessive, but that’s exactly why we love it.

The 40mm yellow gold case feels very hefty on the wrist, while the equally weighty Jubilee bracelet remains the most comfortable design to leave the Rolex factory. If the Day-Date continues to be nicknamed the “President’s watch”, then it’s only fair for this GMT Master-II to be the King’s.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Bubbles” Ref. 124300

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Turquoise blue
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 3230
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

No one has ever accused Rolex designers of having “too much fun,” but this celebratory Oyster Perpetual “Bubbles” Ref. 124300 is about as close as they’ve gotten in recent decades.

Featuring the ever-popular 41mm steel case, its turquoise blue dial is the canvas for an explosion of kaleidoscopic “bubbles” that look like someone’s just thrown a toddler into a carnival ball pit.

In the context of the typically glacial pace that change occurs within Rolex, this is a great (and highly unexpected) addition to the catalogue.

Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Yellow gold
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel and yellow gold
• Dial Colour: Champagne
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 3235
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

Just as the Rolex Submariner is the iconic dive watch, the Rolex Datejust is one of the most well-recognised timepieces on the planet. Easily the most popular and readily available collection within Rolex’s line-up, the beauty of the Datejust — beyond its perfect proportions and iconic fluted bezel — is how configurable it is.

Currently, there are three different Datejust sizes available (31mm, 36mm, 41mm), with your choice of yellow, white, or rose gold bezel. Additionally, there are dozens of different dial and bracelet options, meaning a Datejust will always feel very personal on the wrist; even if they aren’t that uncommon in the wild.

Our personal favourite Datejust blends the 80s-era opulence of two-tone steel and yellow gold, with the contemporary sizing of 41mm. It’s another truly timeless classic: just one of many such gems in the Rolex universe.

Rolex 1908 Ref. 52509

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 39mm
• Case Thickness: 9.5mm
• Case Material: Yellow gold
• Bezel Material: Yellow gold
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Alligator leather with yellow gold folding clasp
• Dial Colour: White
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Calibre 7140
• Power Reserve: 66 hours

Another of the best releases of 2023, the arrival of the Rolex 1908 and its siblings meant the Big Crown was finally offering a genuinely attractive dress watch to enthusiasts. Sure, the Cellini collection that came before technically satisfied that brief, but they were unpopular due to their strange proportions on the wrist, mixed design cues, and lack of competitiveness next to the styles offered by other brands.

The 1908 collection has solved these issues in one fell swoop: putting Rolex in the mix once again for those looking for a truly classic timepiece in precious metal.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref. 336934

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 13.8mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel and white gold
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Green
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 9002
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

In the middle of the last century, Rolex was known for making complex (and incredibly costly) calendar watches, but the Sky-Dweller was the first completely new model the brand had unveiled in two decades when it first launched in 2012.

In 2023, it received a facelift in the form of new dial colours, bracelet options, and the calibre 9002 (now outfitted with a Chronergy escapement and Parachrom hairspring). The minty green dial looks great, particularly with the Jubilee bracelet you can now get for the Sky-Dweller, making what was a big watch quite a bit comfier on the wrist.

Rolex Day-Date 36 “Jigsaw” Ref. 128238

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 36mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Case Material: Yellow gold
• Bezel Material: Yellow gold
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Yellow gold
• Dial Colour: Multicoloured enamel
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 3255
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

Just as the “Bubbles” Oyster Perpetual raised a few eyebrows, the announcement of the 36mm Rolex Day-Date 36 “Jigsaw”, and its siblings in rose and white gold, left jaws on the floor.

Your typical Day-Date has long been considered an “old man watch”, but it now comes with a puzzle-piece enamelled dial, as well as a date window that shows emojis instead of numbers, and a day aperture that shows off phrases (reminiscent of the “Stella” models of decades past).

It’s certainly not to everyone’s taste, but it’s so wild we love it, as it once again shows Rolex can have a little fun every now and then. Not only that, but in Rolex’s world, “fun” entails traditional enamelling; setting hour markers with a literal rainbow of baguette sapphires; and serving all that up in a solid gold package.

Unfortunately, this mini-collection is “off catalogue,” meaning you’ll need to be in your authorised dealer’s good books to get a chance at procuring one. It’s also not on the Rolex website, nor is there an MSRP, but if you’re after a pre-owned example expect to pay +$200,000.

Rolex Explorer Ref. 224270

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 11.6mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 3230
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

The Rolex Explorer isn’t as attention-seeking as a Datejust, nor is it as famous as a Submariner, but for many collectors, the watch’s under-the-radar status makes it one of the best daily wearers on the market.

In 2023 Rolex offered the Explorer in a new 40mm size for the first time, boasting a refined case profile and an improved bracelet, making it a brilliant entry-level modern Rolex and one that has already proven popular.

Rolex GMT Master-II “Pepsi” Ref. 126710BLRO

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Ceramic
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 3285
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

The Rolex GMT Master-II “Pepsi” Ref. 126710BLRO isn’t a new watch by any means, but when it was first released a few years back it was an instant hit and remains one of the best modern Rolexes of the last few decades (it’s great in white gold too).

The 40mm steel case is perfectly proportioned and balanced on the wrist; the jubilee bracelet is a remarkable piece of engineering; and the blue/red bezel has been a legendary colour combo since Rolex introduced it in the mid-1950s.

It’s hard to overstate how good this watch is on the wrist, not only for those frequent flyers who actually use a GMT, but even for the person who doesn’t have a passport, it’s a perfectly wearable timepiece. As a result of the history of its design and the quality of this current generation of “Pepsi” GMT, it’s not the easiest to find at retail, but the wait will be worth it for generations to come.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126506

SPECIFICATIONS

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 11.9mm
• Case Material: Platinum
• Bezel Material: Ceramic
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Platinum
• Dial Colour: Ice blue
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 4131
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

Last, but certainly not least, is the platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126506. Sure, the stainless steel version is a great watch and more affordably priced — relatively speaking — but if we’re talking about the “best Rolex watches,” you need to include at least one platinum exemplar in the list (the 40mm Day-Date in this metal is another elite operator).

The platinum Daytona is an upgrade from its predecessor for a number of reasons, but most obviously for the exhibition-style caseback that gives a great view of the new calibre 4131 within.

The dial design has been tweaked and the case profile made sleeker, while the instantly recognisable icy blue dial and chocolate brown ceramic bezel remain as before. For those with the good standing to purchase this on request, this certainly won’t be your first Daytona — but it could well be your last.

The Best Rolex Watches — Frequently Asked Questions