The Rolex Lady-Datejust is a classic answer to the question, “What is the best Rolex for women?”, but the “best” Rolex today is a highly individual choice that often defies the classic boundaries between “ladies'” and “men’s” models. This comes down to many women simply wanting the ideal “perfect fit” for them, whether that is anything from the quintessential 28mm Datejust to the 40mm Daytona. Let’s go over the best options out there, from vintage to oversized sports watches and everything else you should consider first, from sizing and materials to investment potential.
Key Takeaways
- The Timeless Icon: The Rolex Lady-Datejust (and Datejust in 31mm) is a default choice for the classic, dressy, everyday watch.
- The Modern All-Rounder: The Oyster Perpetual (in 31mm or 36mm) is preferred for a clean, time-only dial and bright, modern colorways.
- The Power Piece: The Day-Date 36 (“The President”) is the most exclusive prestige watch made, offered only in precious metals.
- The Luxury Sport Watch: The Yacht-Master 37 is the right balance of sporty features and high-end luxury, often in iconic Everose gold with an Oysterflex bracelet.
- The “Unisex” Trend: Professional watches, including the Daytona and Submariner (40mm+), serve as highly fashionable statements for women.
- The Pre-Owned Gem: The Rolex Pearlmaster (discontinued in 2022) is a favorite among the secondary market for jewelry-first watches.
Starter watch or long-time grail, buying a Rolex is a big deal. That’s why we’ve taken some time to cover everything you need to know before you shop. Learn more about our top picks and find the perfect women’s watch for your growing collection.
Our Top Picks: The Best Rolex Models for Women
There’s a lot of Rolexes out there for women to choose from, some developed specifically for them, and others that women have made their own over the years. Below are our top picks, grouped by style and heritage to help you find the one that best suits your wrist.
The Icon: Rolex Lady-Datejust & Datejust (28mm, 31mm)
Rolex released the Lady-Datejust in the 1950s. It was essentially a scaled-down version of the popular men’s Datejust, even keeping all of the same features from the automatic movement to the Cyclops 3 o’clock date. 26mm was the go-to size for years until Rolex swapped it out for 28mm in 2015. Today, the 28mm and 31mm are the most popular sizes for a more traditional, feminine fit, with the 31mm (officially known as just “Datejust 31” and appropriately sized between the traditional and modern proportions) being the choice of most.
The Datejust line is the most versatile collection in the Rolex lineup, as it’s available in virtually any combination. It can be stainless steel, two-tone (yellow or Everose gold) or full precious metal, and has options for smooth or fluted bezels or gem-set bezels, as well as the sporty Oyster bracelet or dressy Jubilee bracelet.
| Feature | Details |
| Common Sizes | 28mm, 31mm (also 36mm) |
| Best For | Classic elegance, all occasions, first luxury watch |
| Popular Materials | Stainless Steel, Two-Tone (White/Yellow/Everose Gold), Full Gold |
| Bezel Options | Smooth, Fluted, Gem-Set |
| Bracelet Options | Oyster, Jubilee |
| Est. Retail Price | Starts at $7,200 (28mm) / $7,300 (31mm) |
| Est. Pre-Owned Price | Starts around $5,000 (for 26mm) |
What is a “Ladies President” Rolex?
It’s really important to note here that “Lady President” is a nickname and not an official model name. These watches are any solid gold or platinum Lady-Datejust (26mm, 28mm) or Datejust 31 with the coveted three-link President bracelet. This bracelet type is typically reserved for the Day-Date, which adds yet another layer of collectability to any women’s Datejust on the Rolex President.
The Versatile Classic: Rolex Oyster Perpetual (31mm, 36mm)
The Oyster Perpetual is the “entry-point” to the Rolex brand, but it’s a fan-favorite for its pure, minimalist, time-only dial. While older models did come in 24mm and 26mm, today’s 28mm, 31mm, and 36mm sizes are the most popular. In 2020, Rolex introduced a whole suite of new “Stella-inspired” dials in colors like pink, turquoise, yellow, and red which immediately became collector’s items. These dials are a tribute to the rare lacquered dials from the 1970s with a playful but refined energy.
In 2023, they also released a multi-colored “Celebration” dial, which combined all of the colors in one watch face. The Oyster Perpetual is a beautiful and simple canvas to play around with different color options and make a statement. With no date window like the Datejust, the dial has a clean uninterrupted space to experiment with color. Plus, the Oyster Perpetual is the only Rolex model that comes exclusively in Oystersteel today, Rolex’s proprietary stainless steel alloy, which also keeps the price point a little more accessible.
| Feature | Details |
| Common Sizes | 28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm |
| Best For | A “starter” Rolex, minimalism, adding a pop of color |
| Popular Materials | Exclusively in Oystersteel (Stainless Steel) |
| Iconic Feature | Time-only dial, wide range of “Stella-inspired” colors |
| Est. Retail Price | Starts at $5,800 (28mm) / $5,950 (31mm) |
| Est. Pre-Owned Price | Starts around $6,995+ (high demand for newer models) |
The Power Piece: Rolex Day-Date 36
The Rolex Day-Date 36 has been primarily a men’s watch since its launch in 1956. Yet the vintage appeal of this superlative timepiece has established the Day-Date 36 as an immensely strong and compelling ladies’ watch. Today, it is the ultimate watch for power and prestige, offered exclusively in 18k gold or 950 platinum. Features such as the day window at 12 o’clock and the instantly recognizable President bracelet are synonymous with this Rolex. At 36mm, the watch’s size is perfectly in scale with a feminine wrist.
The Day-Date’s nickname, the “President,” is associated with many presidents and power brokers who have worn the watch over the years. The choice to wear this watch, especially for a woman, is a bold statement and a show of confidence and accomplishment. Rolex’s clever inclusion of the full name of the day of the week in over 25 languages is one of the most unique functional elements and a characteristic that sets the Day-Date 36 apart from all other Rolex watches. This is not a subtle watch. By any means.
| Feature | Details |
| Common Sizes | 36mm (The classic, most popular size) |
| Best For | Making a statement, a “grail” watch, a top-tier investment |
| Popular Materials | 18k Yellow, White, or Everose Gold, and 950 Platinum |
| Iconic Feature | Day + Date display, President Bracelet |
| Est. Retail Price | Starts at $40,200 (Yellow Gold) |
| Est. Pre-Owned Price | Starts around $20,000+ for older, 5-digit models |
The Sporty & Luxurious: Rolex Yacht-Master 37
Ideal for a woman who wants a “sporty” Rolex that is not so tool-oriented as a Submariner. Rolex used to offer 29mm and 35mm variants, but the 37mm version (launched in 2015) has become the new standard. The reference is best known for the Everose gold version on a black Oysterflex bracelet, which is essentially a rubber strap with a metal skeleton that provides exceptional comfort and durability. A more accessible “Rolesium” model with a steel case and platinum bezel offers a cheaper introduction to the collection.
It toes the line between luxury and utility. The rotating bezel and three-link bracelet are sporty, while precious metals and exquisite finishing elevate it beyond just a simple tool watch. Also, the 37mm case is ideal for anyone who wants presence without the heft of a full-size professional model. It just feels modern and capable, yet elegant enough to pair with everything from activewear to evening outfits.
| Feature | Details |
| Common Sizes | 37mm |
| Best For | A luxury sports watch, casual elegance, a modern fit |
| Popular Materials | Everose Gold (on Oysterflex), Everose Rolesor, Rolesium (Steel & Platinum) |
| Iconic Feature | Bi-directional rotating bezel with raised numerals |
| Est. Retail Price | Starts at $11,750 (Rolesium) |
| Est. Pre-Owned Price | Starts around $7,000 (for older 29mm) |
The Discontinued Jewelry Watch: Rolex Pearlmaster
Like the Presidential, the Rolex Pearlmaster is available exclusively in solid gold or platinum and usually set with diamonds and other gemstones. It’s still sought-after today, even though it was discontinued back in 2022. Rolex released the collection in 1992, equipping it with an exclusive “Pearlmaster” bracelet with rounded, 5-piece links that wrap around the wrist like fine jewelry. The dials often read “Datejust,” but the Pearlmaster was a stand-alone collection that reflected the highest level of Rolex’s gem-setting expertise.
The Pearlmaster was Rolex’s answer to pure luxury, a watch where precious stones were not just accents but central to the design. Instead of small accents or spacers, a significant number of stones are set on the watch, sometimes even dictating the overall design. It doesn’t pretend to be a sports watch or a professional tool like some other Rolex lines do. If you are looking for something that breaks the mold of the typical Rolex look, but still has the quality and provenance you are looking for in the brand, the Pearlmaster is it.
A Trend That’s Here to Stay: “Unisex” & Men’s Models for Women
The most popular watches for women come from Rolex’s collection of “Men’s” Professional timepieces. Wearing a larger, sportier 40mm+ watch is a bold fashion statement and requires a great deal of confidence.
The “It-Girl” Watch: Rolex Daytona
The Daytona 40mm is the most well-known “unisex” watch in history. A mythical chronograph with the perfect proportions, it’s been a favorite of stars and collectors (both male and female). Bold, sporty, and astonishingly versatile (especially in stainless steel or Everose), it’s technical with its three sub-dials but balanced in its overall proportions so as to never veer too far towards the masculine.
Appealing to all, it’s a watch you can use to time your laps around a track or check the time over lunch. Either way, you’re showing a degree of savoir-faire that very few other watches can. Steel versions have had waitlists for years, making it even more legendary. Ladies who own one aren’t trying to sneak under the radar. They’re making a statement that they like fine mechanics, iconic designs, and are confident enough to wear what they want even if it’s been marketed otherwise.
The Classic “Tool” Watches: Submariner & GMT-Master II
The 40mm Submariner (41mm on newer models) and GMT-Master II are design classics. They offer women the “borrowed from the boys” style along with rugged functionality and a dose of color thanks to bezels like the “Pepsi” (red/blue) or “Batman” (black/blue). The Submariner was originally a diving watch, but has long since outgrown the definition of a tool watch to become one of the most identifiable timepieces on the planet.
The GMT-Master II tracks multiple time zones, providing serious functionality for frequent travelers or just an interesting look. Both sit larger on the wrist, but that’s part of the appeal. They tell a little story, but don’t make too much of a fuss. Oh, and they’re also famously durable watches that can take almost anything you throw at them. Women who want a watch with history, function and an undeniable presence should consider these professional models.
The Quirky Classic: Rolex Milgauss
For women looking for something different, the 40mm Milgauss (discontinued) is an excellent option. The anti-magnetic field construction originally protected scientists’ watches from being damaged, but the orange “lightning bolt” seconds hand and (on some versions) green-tinted sapphire crystal are enough to make it a true showstopper. This scientist’s watch never reached the mass appeal of the Submariner or GMT.
This is the Rolex for someone who appreciates the brand’s engineering prowess but wants to stand apart from the crowd. The electric orange hand pops against the white, blue or black dial, and the green crystal has an otherworldly look. After it was discontinued, the Milgauss developed a cult following, so you might be lucky and find one for a good price on the pre-owned market.
How to Choose: A Buyer’s Guide for Your First (or Next) Rolex
Now that you know the top models, let’s narrow it down. Here are the key factors to consider to find the perfect watch for you.
What is the Best Rolex Size for Women?
The “dainty” 26mm is almost out of style but still has great value in the second hand market. 28mm, 31mm, 36mm are the new standard and range from traditional fits to more modern. Your wrist size and personal preferences will determine which watch feels right for you.
Women choosing luxury watches are now favoring larger sizes which reflect broader fashion trends and changing preferences. A 36mm watch that ten years ago might have felt big and overbearing will now feel well-proportioned and modern. The key is trying different sizes to see what feels right. A watch that looks perfect in a photograph might feel too large or too small when you actually wear it throughout your day.
| Size | Common Models | Best For… |
| 28mm | Lady-Datejust | A delicate, classic, and traditional jewelry-like feel. |
| 31mm | Datejust, Oyster Perpetual | The “new classic” and most popular modern size. Versatile for all wrists. |
| 36mm | Datejust, Day-Date, OP | The popular “unisex” size. A modern, confident fit. |
| 37mm | Yacht-Master | The perfect size for a women’s sports watch. |
| 40mm+ | Daytona, Submariner | A bold, oversized, and fashion-forward statement. |
Which Women’s Rolex is the Best Investment?
As always, buy what you love. That said, some models have historically proven to retain or increase their value over time. The most obvious choices are usually stainless steel professional models like the Daytona or Submariner, due to their extreme scarcity and consistently high demand. These watches sell at or above retail on the secondary market frequently, and sometimes significantly so.
For a more traditional women’s piece, a Day-Date 36 in gold or platinum is a similarly powerful long-term store of value. Precious metal Rolex watches tend to maintain their value better than most simply because the underlying value of the materials provides a floor price. Condition matters tremendously for investment potential, so keep your box, papers, and service records. Frequent authorized service will also help. That said, the “best investment” is always the watch you’ll actually wear and enjoy.
What is the Best Starter Rolex for Women?
Our favorite “starter” watch is by far the 31mm or 36mm Oyster Perpetual. It’s usually the most affordable option out there in steel and features a clean, classically elegant design that never really goes out of style. Plus, the wide variety of dial colors allows you to have a bit of fun while still getting a classic watch.
A pre-owned stainless steel Datejust (in 26mm, 28mm, or 31mm) is also an excellent and timeless first watch. The pre-owned market offers incredible value, especially for older models in great condition. You can find a Datejust with a jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel for thousands less than retail and it will last you just as well. It makes sense to start with a steel watch, as it is durable and versatile, and you can always add a gold watch later once you have a better idea of what you like.
The “Perpetual” Movement Difference
One great thing about ladies’ Rolex watches is that, just like the men’s models, they are nearly always fitted with automatic “Perpetual” movements. Many other high-end brands provide quartz movements for their women’s watches, but Rolex has always been about the finest in precision mechanical watchmaking for all its models. This means your watch is a rugged, lifetime timepiece powered by the motion of your wrist, not a battery that will have to be replaced every few years.
Vintage & Dress Watch Alternatives: Cellini & Cocktail Watches
If the modern “Oyster” case isn’t for you, vintage Rolexes may be more your style. Vintage “Cocktail” watches are jewelry pieces that happen to tell time, with unique shapes in gold and often accented with diamonds or gemstones in the bezel. These 1950s through 1970s watches offer a look back in time to an earlier chapter of watchmaking, when women’s watches were almost entirely fashion accessories.
The Rolex Cellini collection (discontinued in 2023) also offers non-traditional case shapes and a more formal, dress-watch aesthetic. Named for the Renaissance sculptor Benvenuto Cellini, these watches offered classic round cases, leather straps, and a more classic dial design. It was Rolex’s first attempt at pure dress watches outside of the sporty Oyster case. Vintage cocktail watches and Cellini are both unique alternatives for women looking for something beyond a Rolex sports or professional watch.
Finding Your Timeless Piece
Ultimately, the best Rolex for women is the one that fits your style and you’ll want to keep for decades to come. If you love the simplicity of an Oyster Perpetual, the classic flexibility of a Datejust, or the fun sophistication of a Day-Date, Rolex has the perfect timeless timepiece for you. At Bob’s Watches, we take pride in our carefully curated collection and our expertise. Browse our extensive selection of used Rolex watches to find the perfect watch to tell your story.
