Rolex Blue Face Watch Review: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Rolex’s blue dial and blue bezel watches are some of the most sought-after in the world. Formal enough to pair with a suit, yet casual enough to be worn with shorts and sandals, a Rolex blue face watch is the perfect color for all occasions. The hue, often associated with connotations of calmness, authority, trustworthiness, and confidence, is inherently attractive to Rolex’s avid collectors. Plus, the color is used pretty exclusively by the brand.

Over the years, Rolex has played a lot with the color blue, and sometimes makes a habit of only offering select blue dials with precious metal or two-tone editions. There’s also a lot more variety in the color blue from Rolex than you may initially imagine – from Classic Blue to contemporary Ice Blue, Rolex Milgauss Z-Blue, Pepsi blue, and Rolex Deepsea D-Blue, the spectrum is wide.

In this guide, we want to help you wade your way through the river of blue hues Rolex currently has on the market. Here, you’ll find a guide to all the blues currently being used by Rolex on their dials and bezels. We have also outlined the different ways Rolex has integrated the color blue into different collections and models. Of course, we also have rounded up some inspiration for you on what to buy, including the most popular blue Rolex watches on the market and how to style them. Ready to dive into the blue?

For Reference: Different Shades of Rolex Blue Dials

From the vibrant sunburst blues found in Rolex Datejust blue dial collections to the deep navy tones of the Submariner, these variations showcase Rolex’s mastery of dial manufacturing and their attention to detail in color development. Below, we explore all the distinct blue dial options currently available across Rolex’s Classic and Professional watch collections, highlighting how each unique shade enhances its respective model:

Rolex Ice Blue Dial

Exclusively used on platinum models, Rolex’s Ice Blue is incredibly cool and exclusive. Adored for its light, almost powdery color, the Rolex Daytona Platinum Ice blue dial shines particularly bright against the radiant shine of platinum. Today, you’ll see this dial used on watches like the Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228396TBR, Lady Datejust ref. 279166, or the famous Ice Blue dial and chocolate bezel Rolex Daytona ref. 116506.

Rolex Turquoise Blue Dial

Newly released alongside the new Oyster Perpetual line in 2020, Rolex introduced the modern Turquoise dial. This brightly colored Rolex Oyster Perpetual blue dial is similar to the stone, vivid and saturated yet not too strong or overbearing. You will only find this color on the Oyster Perpetual watches which are forged entirely out of stainless steel.

Rolex Z-Blue Dial

The Rolex Z-Blue dial is used exclusively on the Milgauss ref. 16400GV. Rolex calls the color ‘electric blue’ as a nod to the brand’s emblematic lightning-bolt-shaped seconds hand. The color used on this Rolex Milgauss blue watch is often characterized for its metallic-blue, silvery finish, which is offset by the unique green sapphire crystal used on top of the dial that creates a vibrant teal effect in certain lighting conditions.

Rolex Blue Dial

Rolex might just call this “blue” but this hue of azure is layered and more subdued than other blues, yet still eye-catching and saturated. Often layered on top of a classic sunray finish, the blue is added to the prepared dial to create a dimensional look that catches the light and changes its hue in different lighting conditions. In the modern Rolex Datejust 41 blue collection, you’ll see the Blue sunray dial on classics like the Datejust 41 ref. 126300.

Rolex also uses the signature Blue color on their elegant guilloche dial, which you’ll see on their dress watch, the Cellini ref. 50519. In the modern collection, you’ll also see Rolex has used the blue color on their intricate and bold Jubilee Motif dial, as seen on the Datejust 36 ref. 126234.

There is also the Blue Dial of the GMT-Master II ref. 126719BLRO which doesn’t feature a finish, instead offering a bright and flat uniform blue surface. Less dynamic than other blue dials, this simple GMT-Master II blue dial is striking and purposeful, allowing the wearer to quickly and easily read the dial on the go.

Rolex Royal Blue / Blue Sunburst Dial

The Royal Blue dial is one of the most iconic dials of all time, although it has not always gone by the “Royal Blue” name. Beloved for its deep, saturated hue and metallic sunburst finish, the Royal Blue dial is the updated version of a classic known for making a bright yet timeless statement. Today, it is reserved for Rolex’s classic luxury sports watch, the modern Submariner ref. 126613LB. On older Rolex Submariner blue watches, this style of dial was often called “Blue Sunburst” and it has a slightly darker tone than the modern “Royal Blue” version.

Rolex D-Blue Dial

Exclusively made and manufactured for the Deepsea dive watch, the D-Blue dial was made specifically to commemorate James Cameron’s historic solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. This dial fades from top to bottom, changing from brilliant blue to bottomless black – its two-color gradient dial celebrating the way that light fades and the water darkens the deeper you dive below the surface of the ocean.

Rolex Blue Ombre Dial

Sometimes known as a blue “Vignette Dial” among collecting circles, this bold blue dial fades from black around the edges to deep sapphire blue in the middle. The ombre effect used here is not widely used across the collection – in fact, while it was previously used on a few different models, you’ll now only find it on their contemporary Rolex Day-Date blue dial collection, paired with white gold.

GQ expects the Nike Dunk to be the biggest sneaker of the year, Whole Foods predicts that West African cuisine will be the one foodies will want to enjoy, Condé Nast Traveler nominates Dubai as one of the best travel destinations, and Pantone names Classic Blue as 2020’s Color of the Year.

While we love a great shoe, a delicious plate of food, and an exciting getaway as much as anyone else, what really piqued our interest is Pantone’s choice. If you’re at all familiar with Rolex or luxury watches in general, you will certainly be aware that blue dials have been an immensely popular option for decades. In fact, some brands even reserve blue dial models as boutique exclusives, further fueling the fervor for this particular watch shade.

Some Rolex models have blue dial options while others don’t. Some used to have them but now no longer do, while some Rolex watches only offer blue dials with precious metal or two-tone editions. And in Rolex’s realm, not all blues are created equal: there’s blue, then there’s Ice Blue, Z-Blue, and D-Blue. So if you’re thinking about jumping on the Color of the Year bandwagon and picking up a Rolex watch with a blue dial, we’ve compiled a handy buying guide to help you along the way.

Blue Rolex Watches By Metal Type

Blue Rolex watches are available in a variety of metal types, each offering a unique blend of luxury and durability. From stainless steel models with sporty appeal to platinum and gold variations that exude prestige, Rolex offers blue dials across multiple collections.

Stainless Steel Rolex Watches with Blue Dials

Rolex offers a number of stainless steel watches with blue dials.

If you’d like to own a stainless steel Rolex with a blue dial, then look to the brand’s classic watch collections. The Oyster Perpetual, Date, and Datejust are all offered in stainless steel, and are home to a bevy of blue dials. Here are some of the top picks for full stainless steel Rolex watches with blue dials from the brand’s current lineup.

There are a number of Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches available with blue dials.

Oyster Perpetual 31

Ref. # (including dial code): 177200-0015

Retail Price (MSRP): $4,950

Oyster Perpetual 34

Ref. # (including dial code): 14200-0014

Retail Price (MSRP): $5,050

Oyster Perpetual 36

Ref. # (including dial code): 116000-0002

Retail Price (MSRP): $5,400

Oyster Perpetual 39

Ref. # (including dial code): 114300-0003

Retail Price (MSRP): $5,700

Datejust 31

Ref. # (including dial code): 178240-0023

Retail Price (MSRP): $6,200

Date 34

Ref. # (including dial code): 115200-0007

Retail Price (MSRP): $6,300

Datejust 36

Ref. # (including dial code): 126200-0006

Retail Price (MSRP): $6,800

Datejust 41

Ref. # (including dial code): 126300-0001

Retail Price (MSRP): $7,350

The Air-King lineup (ref. 14000, 14000m, and 114200) previously offered blue dials, but ever since Rolex revamped the model a few years back with the ref. 116900, that is no longer an option. Furthermore, there are also plenty of blue dial options to choose among discontinued Date (ref. 15200), Datejust 36 (ref. 116200, 16200), and Datejust II (ref. 116300) references which are available on the secondary market.

Bi-Metal Rolex Watches with Blue Dials

The two-tone Rolex Submariner is available with either a black or blue dial.

Rolex often combines two different metals on one watch and even has specific names for them. Rolesor is the combination of gold and steel on a single watch, and Rolesium is the combination of platinum and steel. For White Rolesor (stainless steel watches with white gold fluted bezels) watches with blue dials, there’s the option of the Date, Datejust, and the Sky-Dweller. It’s also worth mentioning that the blue dial Sky-Dweller is one of Rolex’s most coveted modern watches.

Yellow Rolesor models are two-tone Rolex watches that mix 18k yellow gold and stainless steel. Interestingly, the only two-tone option with a blue dial Rolex currently offers is the Submariner ref. 116613LB with a matching blue bezel. Although Rolex used to make two-tone Datejust watches, such as the 16233, 16233, 16013, and 1601, with blue dials, the company currently does not offer this dial shade within the latest Yellow Rolesor Datejust generation just yet.

Rolesium is a metal combination exclusive to the Yacht-Master collection, and the newest Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126622 has the choice of a vibrant blue dial with touches of red accents. Additionally, the previous and now discontinued Yacht-Master ref. 116622 also had a similar nautical-inspired blue dial option.

Below are a few alternatives for current-production bi-metal Rolex watches with blue dials.

Datejust 31

Ref. # (including dial code): 178274-0038

Materials: Stainless Steel + White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $7,350

Date 34

Ref. # (including dial code): 115234-0004

Materials: Stainless Steel + White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $7,450

Datejust 36

Ref. # (including dial code): 126234-0018

Materials: Stainless Steel + White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $8,100

Datejust 41

Ref. # (including dial code): 126334-0001

Materials: Stainless Steel + White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $9,350

Sky-Dweller

Ref. # (including dial code): 326934-0003

Materials: Stainless Steel + White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $14,400

Submariner Date

Ref. # (including dial code): 116613LB

Materials: Stainless Steel + Yellow Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $13,400

Yacht-Master 40

Ref. # (including dial code): 126622-0002

Materials: Stainless Steel + Platinum

Retail Price (MSRP): $11,800

Gold Rolex Watches with Blue Dials

The fluted bezel on the blue dial Rolex Sky-Dweller is made from 18k white gold.

If you’re looking for a solid gold Rolex watch with a blue dial, there are a few fantastic options available. For white gold sports watches with blue dials, there’s the GMT-Master II with a Pepsi ceramic bezel, the Daytona with a white gold tachymeter bezel, and the Submariner “Smurf” with a blue ceramic bezel.

Alternatively, if dressier watches are more your pace, then a white gold Rolex President with a blue dial may be just the watch for you. There’s the brand new Day-Date 36 with an ombré (i.e. gradient) blue dial furnished with diamond hour markers or the larger Day-Date 40 with a blue dial accented with stylized Roman numerals.

Finally, the only yellow gold and blue dial option within Rolex’s current catalog is the Submariner with a blue ceramic bezel. However, there are a handful of discontinued yellow gold Rolex watches with blue dials such as the Daytona ref. 116528, Submariner ref. 16618 with an aluminum bezel, the Yacht-Master 16628, and the Day-Date 118238.

Rolex produces a number of white gold watches with blue dials.

The following table lists the current-production white and yellow gold Rolex watches with blue dials.

GMT-Master II

Ref. # (including dial code): 126719BLRO-0003

Materials: White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $36,750

Daytona

Ref. # (including dial code): 116509-0071

Materials: White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $37,450

Submariner Date

Ref. # (including dial code): 116619LB-0001

Materials: White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $36,850

Day-Date 36

Ref. # (including dial code): 128239-0023

Materials: White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $37,250

Day-Date 40

Ref. # (including dial code): 228239-0007

Materials: White Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $37,550

Submariner Date

Ref. # (including dial code): 116618LB-0003

Materials: Yellow Gold

Retail Price (MSRP): $34,250

Special Rolex Blue Dials

The Rolex Submariner Date is currently the only full yellow gold Rolex watch available with a blue dial.

Among Rolex’s blue dials, there are three special versions called Z-Blue, D-Blue, and Ice Blue. While these three particular dials do not fall into Pantone’s Classic Blue shade, they are indeed important to point out due to their significance within Rolex’s offerings.

The Z-Blue dial is exclusive to the Milgauss ref. 116400GV and made its debut in 2014. The electric blue hue of the dial, combined with the orange seconds hand and the green sapphire crystal makes the Milgauss Z-Blue one of the most colorful and quirkiest Rolex watches ever made.

The D-Blue dial is limited to the Deepsea Sea-Dweller collection and it was also introduced in 2014. Characterized by its blue-to-black gradient, the D-Blue dial was made in honor of James Cameron’s 2012 historic dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the Deepsea Challenger submersible. The D-Blue dial can be found on the latest Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller model as well as the preceding Deepsea ref. 116660.

Finally, the Ice Blue dial (sometimes called the glacier blue dial) is reserved for Rolex platinum watches. It is currently paired with the platinum Daytona, the platinum Day-Date 40, and the platinum Lady-Datejust. There are also a few discontinued platinum Rolex watches with ice blue dials from the Day-Date 36 and Masterpiece collections.

Below are some details about the special Rolex blue dials.

Milgauss

Ref. # (including dial code): 116400GV-0002

Materials: Stainless Steel

Dial: Z-Blue

Retail Price (MSRP): $8,200

Deepsea

Ref. # (including dial code): 126660-0002

Materials: Stainless Steel

Dial: D-Blue

Retail Price (MSRP): $12,500

Daytona

Ref. # (including dial code): 116506-0001

Materials: Platinum

Dial: Ice Blue

Retail Price (MSRP): $75,000

Day-Date 40

Ref. # (including dial code): 228206-0004

Materials: Platinum

Dial: Ice Blue

Retail Price (MSRP): $63,500

Lady-Datejust

Ref. # (including dial code): 279166-0002

Materials: Platinum

Dial: Ice Blue

Retail Price (MSRP): $48,200

Whether on a classic timepiece or a sports model, a stainless steel watch or a gold one, a blue dial looks fantastic on just about any Rolex. And since 2020 is officially the year of Classic Blue, if you don’t have a blue dial Rolex in your collection yet, it may be the perfect time to find one for yourself.

Reference: Different Shades of Rolex Blue Bezels

While Rolex blue dials get a lot of attention, the brand’s different blue bezels are some of the most sought-after in the industry. You won’t find blue bezels on any of Rolex’s classic watches; however, the ones featured in their Professional line are impressive and offer quite a wide range of variation, despite being featured on such a select group of watches.

Rolex Unidirectional Blue Cerachrom Bezel

The unidirectional, rotating Blue Cerachrom bezel is used exclusively on the Rolex Submariner Date. Notched with 60-minute graduations allowing a diver to accurately and safely monitor diving time and decompression stops, this blue bezel is easy to read and strikingly beautiful. Furthermore, you’ll only find this blue bezel on solid gold and Rolesor (stainless steel and gold) Submariner models.

The Cerachrom used on this bezel (and all of Rolex’s modern colored bezels) is a proprietary ceramic material that’s incredibly tough and resistant to both scratching and fading, allowing the owner to wear and admire the bright blue hue for many years to come.

Rolex Ring Command Blue Cerachrom Bezel

This blue Rolex bezel is a masterpiece for two reasons. Firstly, the Ring Command bezel on the Yacht-Master II regatta chronograph is an incredible piece of mechanical watchmaking in itself, operating directly in conjunction with the movement ticking inside. This mechanical feat allows the wearer to easily program an adjustable countdown timer and synchronize the watch with the official race.

Complex in design but simple in use, this bezel is also functionally beautiful, outfitted in beautiful blue Cerachrom. The material is highly corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant, and fade-resistant, allowing the wearer to use this watch to full capacity without worrying about the cosmetic condition of the bezel. The blue Cerachrom Ring Command bezel is only found on Rolex’s yellow gold, Oystersteel, and Everose Rolesor Yacht-Master II watches.

Rolex 24-Hour “Pepsi” Cerachrom Bezel

While this bezel is only half blue, it is still sought after for its unique coloring. The Pepsi bezel is one of the most famous on the planet, having been circling the dial of the GMT-Master, and subsequently the GMT-Master II, since 1955. Given the nickname for its colors which resemble the soda company’s logo, the bi-colored blue and red bezel was made specifically for Rolex’s pilots watch, made to help pilots quickly and easily tell the time and timezone on the fly. The Pepsi bezel was first crafted from Bakelite, then forged out of aluminum; but in 2014, it was replaced with a Cerachrom equivalent.

What makes this Cerachrom blue bezel even more impressive is its composition. Creating a Cerachrom bezel is already hard work, but creating a bi-colored bezel from a single piece of ceramic is actually incredibly difficult. The single piece of Cerachrom must be colored two different colors while ensuring a clean line between where the blue meets the red. It’s a precise and labor-intensive process, one that makes collectors love it for its unique dark blue color even more.

Rolex 24-Hour “Batman” Cerachrom Bezel

The latest and greatest blue Cerachrom bezel to be added to the Rolex collection, the Batman is edgy, contemporary, and incredibly tough to get your hands on at a retail level. Collectors adore this watch for its blue and black bezel, nicknamed after the Dark Knight, that oozes with elegance and intrigue. Similar to the modern Cerachrom Pepsi bezel, the Batman bezel is rather tough for Rolex to forge, as they also have to create a totally cohesive look with a clean line between the colors using state-of-the-art technology.

The blue Batman bezel is so popular, getting your hands on one retail usually means you have to get lucky enough to know the right dealer or sit on a rather lengthy waitlist. However, you can find contemporary (sometimes new) GMT-Master II Batman watches on the second-hand market. What so many collectors (including us) love about this blue bezel is just how modern it feels, the blue and black ‘Dark Knight’ combination really feeling unique and different from any of the other blue bezel watches by Rolex.

Style Guide: How To Wear A Blue Rolex

Blue Rolex watches are incredibly easy to work into your wardrobe. The cool hue is eye-catching enough to wear as a statement piece yet versatile enough to integrate into your everyday style. Here, we’re going to highlight some of the most sought after blue Rolex watches and tell you how to wear them – because believe us, there really is a blue Rolex for every occasion.

3 Most Popular Blue Dial Rolex Watches

Blue Dial Datejust

We can’t emphasize this enough: you can’t go wrong with a blue dial Rolex Datejust. This watch is the epitome of classic, luxury style. Paired with an elegant, stylish blue dial, this watch will remain a timeless part of your collection that you reach for again and again over the years.

We adore this Rolex Datejust ref. 16200 with a blue dial and Roman numerals because it is utterly classic and emblematic of effortless style. This is the kind of watch that will look elegant peeking out of your suit or with your sleeves rolled up on the weekend. The stainless steel case, which is both beautiful and sturdy, will easily stand the test of time too.

Blue Dial Yacht-Master 40

While the blue bezel Yacht-Master II tends to get a lot of attention, the blue dial Yacht-Master 40 is incredibly handsome and luxurious. While the body of this Yacht-Master 116622 is durable 904L stainless steel, it is the platinum timing bezel that really helps make this blue dial shine bright.

We also love how Rolex has accented the blue face with a red seconds hand and ‘Yacht-Master’ text on the dial – drawing even more attention to this deep, beautiful hue. Because the Yacht-Master is both a sport and luxury watch, you’ll have no problem wearing it at the office or on the boat. The platinum elevates the style while the stainless steel adds some everyday neutrality. To be honest, this is the kind of watch you’re never going to want (or need) to take off your wrist.

Blue Dial GMT-Master II

The GMT-Master II is one of the most popular watches of all time, partly because collectors love the color-infused throughout this collection. While the blue bezels of the GMT-Master II are incredibly popular, the different dial colors are also desirable. At the top of many collector’s lists is the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126719 featuring a blue dial and red and blue Pepsi bezel.

This blue dial gives this watch a more modern feel – separating it from the older Pepsi GMT-Master and GMT-Master II watches that have historically been fitted with black dials. Unapologetically luxurious with its solid 18k white gold case and bracelet, this model also makes a great everyday watch too, as it is really easy to pair with your jeans and a t-shirt.

3 Most Popular Blue Bezel Rolex Watches

Blue Batman Bezel GMT-Master II

The blue and black Batman bezel on the GMT-Master II is one of the most iconic Rolex bezels ever made. It was an instant hit when it was released in 2013, and gained even more fame when Rolex updated the Batman GMT to feature a dressy, elegant Jubilee bracelet forged out of durable 904L stainless steel. What so many collectors love about this blue bezel is how contemporary it feels. Additionally, pairing the blue and black ceramic with a black dial and a steel case really allowed the bright blue to pop.

Because of this really modern, beautiful look, the black and blue Batman bezel is really easy to dress up – even more so because of the Jubilee bracelet on the ref. 126710BLNR. This blue bezel GMT-Master II is going to look sophisticated and stylish with your best suit. However, if you want to dress down and pair it with a dark-wash pair of jeans for the weekend, you can bet that this watch will totally elevate your look.

Blue Bezel Yacht-Master II

The Royal Blue bezel on the Yacht-Master II, particularly the yellow gold ref. 116688, is an absolute standout in the watch world. Firstly, the bezel itself is large, sitting on a face that spans a whopping 44mm. The blue bezel is therefore hard to ignore, sitting proudly and boldly on the wrist. The blue itself, which is like a bright royal blue, also contrasts beautifully against the 18k yellow gold case and matching Oyster bracelet.

The blue bezel itself is also crafted out of Cerachrom, Rolex’s patented highly corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant, and fade resistant ceramic material. This means that the color will stay bright for many years to come – allowing the wearer to feel comfortable taking it for a dive, a regatta race, or simply wearing it to the office. All of which, by the way, are perfect situations to sport this incredible luxury sports watch. Since it is the perfect combination of sport and luxury, the ref. 116688 looks great paired with a linen shirt and slacks or a suit – whether it’s a swimsuit or a suit for the office.

Blue Bezel Submariner

We couldn’t make this list and not mention the famous blue bezel on the Rolex Submariner. The Submariner is one of the world’s most recognizable and desirable watches – sought after by divers and watch aficionados alike. So, it’s no surprise that Rolex has forged a Submariner with a blue bezel to take things up a notch. We love the blue bezel on a Submariner because it really elevates the look of a professional watch that was originally highly purpose-built. The addition of the blue color adds some serious style to the watch and really makes it easy and fun to wear.

This Rolex Submariner ref. 116613LB is an awesome example, featuring both a blue bezel and a blue dial. Additionally, this Rolesor Submariner – which means it is forged out of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold – just oozes with a little bit of extra luxury. The yellow gold also perfectly contrasts the blue bezel and dial. We love this watch for the person who wants a really versatile timepiece that still turns heads. While you can easily sport this at the bar, it’s also going to be a great conversation starter at the office. You also won’t hesitate to wear this watch on vacation or on the beach, since it has a water resistance of up to 1,000ft.