The 8 Most Iconic Rolex Styles of All Time
Glinting on someone’s wrist, a Rolex is an instantly recognizable face when it comes to top-tier accessories. Whether it’s a Datejust or Submariner, the key features framing the dial, the polished chain straps, and their enormous following have turned these luxury watches into head-turners — especially for a few specific models.
Rolex ranks as the most searched watch brand on Google, cementing itself as a popular and well-known brand for anyone, not just collectors. The company behind some of the most high-end timepieces has been around since 1905 and has had plenty of time to garner attention, a strong fan base, and status.
While you could argue that wearing any Rolex is always going to be a statement, these are the most iconic Rolex styles that continue to rake in the attention.
Datejust
Invented in 1945, the Datejust has a handful of features that make it such a classic, starting with its special window. On the dial of the watch is a magnified patch that shows the day of the month, giving wearers awareness and the timepiece its name. This has been boosted with an anti-glare patented Cyclops lens made of sapphire. After coming up with the idea in 1950, this was first implemented on a Datejust watch a few years later. There is both a men’s and women’s version of the Datejust and they vary in color and size, but through the years wearers — regardless of gender — have made this a staple in their jewelry collections.
The watch dials and bezels of these timepieces all have intricate and unique details. Some are embedded with diamonds or feature sunburst-style fluting and with three straps to choose from, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular pick. It has been worn by celebrities and important political figures throughout the years (read: The Beckhams, Roger Federer, and Martin Luther King Jr.).
Oyster
The Oyster is one of the most important timepieces from Rolex primarily because it was the first wristwatch the company ever made. It proved its name to the public after British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze became the first woman to swim across The Channel. The timepiece spent 10 hours of submersion with quick spurts in between and was still fully functional at the end of the feat. That’s called waterproof at its finest.
That’s not where this watch’s excitement ends though. It also happened to be strapped to the wrists of the crew who first flew over Mount Everest. To this day, the Oyster is still a popular choice. Aside from several sizes of Oyster watches, Rolex has also created materials and details like Oystersteel, Oyster bracelet, and Oyster case. These high-quality and durable features are found in other collections, too.
Cosmograph Daytona
One of the rarer and more coveted models, The Daytona was released in 1963. Its look, technology, and name all reflect another industry that also prizes precision, accuracy, and quality: racing. It’s been through several iterations of movements, switching over to special calibres in the late ’80s, early 2000s, and then again in 2023.
What differentiates it from the rest, according to the brand, are its bezel, minute track, and three counters. Overall, the aesthetic and its elements are reminiscent of the racetrack and allow it to put up with these heart-racing environments, too, without cracking. Paul Newman was a fan and so are former pro athletes Michael Jordan and Michael Strahan.
Submariner
This nautical-inspired timepiece is built for diving and underwater wear. It was the face that launched a thousand ships in terms of waterproof watches that can withstand deep sea diving. It made its appearance into the world in 1953 and was marketed as the first watch that could be submerged in up to 330 feet.
Nowadays, the watch can sink a whole 1,000 feet without error. Design-wise, it’s characterized by shapes on its dial rather than numbers and the soft blue color it glows when it’s dark. Additionally, it’s been built for purpose, courtesy of a 60-minute graduation, which helps keep track of dive times. James Cameron even wore it on his first venture down to the Titanic. It’s not the only watch to be made for something as technologically advanced as this, as you’ll find with the Sea Dweller.
Sea Dweller
Calling all merpeople, or divers at the very least. The Sea Dweller is built for life underwater but looks just as fantastic when worn on land. It looks similar to its predecessor, the Submariner. As far as looks go, they’re glaringly similar. What denotes the Sea Sweller is its different depth zone inscribed on the dial. It’s also a watch that features the signature Oystersteel.
Originally it was waterproof up to 2,000 feet and received an upgrade in 1978 to make that 4,000 feet under. With its own miniature decompression system, it’s a reliable pick for those who spend as much time beneath the waves as they do above them. Its thick, engraved bezel is a sleek combination of luxury and functionality.
Shop Rolex Sea Dweller watches
Day-Date
If you’re the type to spend a lot of time filling your calendar and perfecting your schedule, the Day-Date from Rolex will fit neatly into your life. Like other models, it features a small window showing the date, but another surprise stands out at the top of the watch face.
Through a little slit, wearers can read the exact day of the week — in a chunk of different languages, too. It’s the kind of tech you’ll want to stay up until midnight to see it change. The sleek features and complex interface are made of semi-precious metals and materials, like platinum and gold. This pick also features the Cyclops lens and was launched with a special President bracelet, too, which makes sense as to why it’s caught the eyes of stars and actual presidents.
Yacht-Master
Another aquatic-themed icon, this watch earned itself a spot in boating and yachting. Rolex fans can invest in the Yacht-Master I or Yacht-Master II. Constructed out of titanium, this model is much more lightweight than others, ideal for sailors trying to quickly maneuver themselves onboard. It first made waves in the early ’90s and its second iteration came out in 2007, made just for yacht racing.
It also has watertight features that can handle up to 330 feet of depth. The chain strap versions are a bit narrower than other watches and there’s availability to get a dial with an elastomer strap with a metal band built inside — titled the Oysterflex. This is a lighter and extremely comfortable choice for people into extreme sports and hobbies.
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GMT Master
Rising above sea level and hitting high altitudes is the GMT Master line from Rolex. Jetsetters who value luxury likely have a GMT Master I or GMT Master II in their collection. Forget smartphones, the original divulged two time zones to wearers and looked sleek while doing so. Originally a hit amongst airline pilots (throwback to when Pan American World Airways was still around) and test pilots, the watch received a rebrand in the ’80s. It was also on the wrist of Sheila Scott, the first British woman to fly around the world in a single-engine plane — by herself.
Though it is built for telling two time zones, the current model can technically keep tabs on three. The original look had a red stretch of color across one half of the bezel and a blue swatch on the other side, highlighting daytime and nighttime hours respectively. That then transitioned into red and black and eventually a model with one color around the circumference. The duo of colors came back several years ago as a nod to the model that started it all. To take the aerospace theme to another level, its newest edition features a dial made of meteorite.
These most popular Rolex watches have standout features, rich histories, and inimitable designs, which make them worth every penny when it comes to luxury investments.
