The top-selling Rolex watch at Bob’s Watches in Q1 2026 was the Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm ref. 69173, followed by the GMT-Master II ref. 126710 and the Rolex Submariner Date “Bluesy” ref. 16613. Our sales data shows stronger demand for neo-vintage references, two-tone Rolesor models, and wearable 36mm to 41mm case sizes.
The pre-owned Rolex market entered 2026 with a clear shift in direction. Buyers are moving away from modern hype pieces and gravitating toward models with a strong track record, both in terms of wearability and long-term value. Our Q1 2026 sales data reflects this change, with a notable uptick in demand for Neo-Vintage references from the 1990s and early 2000s, alongside steady interest in versatile steel-and-gold configurations across several collections.
Key Takeaways
- The Rolex Lady-Datejust ref. 69173 was the top-selling Rolex model in Q1 2026.
- Neo-vintage Rolex references from the 1990s and early 2000s are gaining demand.
- Two-tone Rolesor models performed especially well across Datejust and Submariner collections.
- The strongest case sizes were 36mm, 40mm, and 41mm.
- GMT-Master II and Submariner models remain strong choices for buyers focused on long-term value.
To help you understand where the market stands today, we pulled our internal transaction data and identified the seven most popular Rolex references of Q1 2026. Whether you are buying your first Rolex or adding to an established collection, these models represent where collector interest is actually flowing right now.
The Most Popular Rolex Watches of 2026 (So Far)
| Rank | Reference Number | Model Name / Collection |
| 1 | 69173 | Lady-Datejust 26mm (Yellow Rolesor) |
| 2 | 126710 | GMT-Master II (Ceramic) |
| 3 | 16613 | Submariner Date “Bluesy” (Neo-Vintage, Two-Tone) |
| 4 | 16233 | Datejust 36mm (Champagne Dial) |
| 5 | 126334 | Datejust 41 (Wimbledon / Fluted Bezel) |
| 6 | 126610 | Submariner Date 41mm (Oystersteel) |
| 7 | 126613 | Submariner Date (Modern Two-Tone) |
Deep Dive: Analysis of the Top-Selling References
The seven references above reflect a market that values heritage, versatility, and proven resale strength. Below is a closer look at each one and what is driving its performance in Q1.
Ref. 69173 – The Lady-Datejust 26mm
The Rolex 69173 claimed the top spot this quarter, largely driven by the “birth-year gift” trend that has picked up real momentum in 2026. Buyers are seeking out vintage Lady-Datejusts produced in a specific year to give as milestone gifts, and the 69173’s broad production run from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s means there is strong supply to meet that demand. Its approachable price point relative to larger Rolex models also makes it one of the more accessible entries into the brand.
The model’s two-tone Yellow Rolesor construction gives it a timeless appeal that works across generations and dress codes. It reads as a classic without feeling dated.
Key specs:
- Case size: 26mm
- Material: Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold (Yellow Rolesor)
- Movement: Calibre 2135
Ref. 126710 – The GMT-Master II (Ceramic)
The Rolex GMT-Master II has been one of the most consistent performers in the pre-owned market for years, and Q1 2026 was no different. The “Rolex Pepsi” configuration (red and blue bezel) and the “Batman” or “Batgirl” variants (black and blue bezel) continue to attract both watch enthusiasts and buyers looking for a proven store of value. Scarcity in the primary market keeps secondary demand elevated, and collectors who missed out on acquiring one at retail are routinely turning to the pre-owned market.
Beyond the collector appeal, the Rolex GMT-Master II is a genuinely practical watch. The GMT complication is one of the most useful functions Rolex produces, and the 40mm case size wears well on a wide range of wrists.
Key specs:
- Case size: 40mm
- Material: Oystersteel
- Bezel: Cerachrom ceramic (bi-color configurations)
- Movement: Calibre 3285
Ref. 16613 – The Submariner Date “Bluesy” (Neo-Vintage)
The Rolex 16613, known widely as the “Bluesy” for its blue dial and blue aluminum bezel insert, has long been considered one of the most visually distinct Submariners ever made. Its standing as the “king of two-tone” is well-earned, and buyer interest in this reference grew steadily through Q1. Collectors who find the current generation of Submariners too bulky appreciate the 16613’s 40mm case and the character that comes with an aluminum bezel.
This is a reference that sits at the intersection of daily wearability and collector appeal. The combination of Rolesor construction and Neo-Vintage status has given it renewed attention from buyers who want something with a clear identity.
Key specs:
- Case size: 40mm
- Material: Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold
- Bezel insert: Aluminum (anodized blue)
- Movement: Calibre 3135
Ref. 16233 – The Datejust 36mm (Champagne Dial)
If there is one Rolex that represents the fundamentals of what the brand stands for, the 36mm Datejust is it. The Rolex 16233 with a champagne dial has been a consistent performer in our inventory for years, and Q1 2026 confirmed that its appeal has not faded. Buyers are drawn to it precisely because it does not try to be anything other than what it is: a well-made, historically significant watch that works in almost any setting.
The 16233 is a Rolesor model, combining steel with yellow gold on the case and bracelet. That combination, once considered dated by a segment of the market, has come back strongly as buyers reassess two-tone watches with fresh eyes.
Key specs:
- Case size: 36mm
- Material: Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold
- Dial: Champagne
- Movement: Calibre 3135
Ref. 126334 – The Datejust 41 (Wimbledon / Fluted Bezel)
The Rolex Datejust 41 has become the go-to reference for buyers who want a dressier Rolex in a modern case size. At 41mm, it sits comfortably on larger wrists without crossing into sports watch territory. The “Wimbledon” dial, which features a green and silver sector pattern, has become one of the most discussed dial variants in the current market, and demand for it contributed directly to the 126334’s position in our Q1 rankings.
The fluted bezel in white gold adds a layer of refinement that separates this configuration from the standard smooth bezel version. It is a detail that reads as subtle to the untrained eye but carries real weight for collectors. More detailed specs can be found in my Rolex Datejust 41 review.
Key specs:
- Case size: 41mm
- Material: Oystersteel and white gold (White Rolesor)
- Bezel: Fluted (18k white gold)
- Dial: Wimbledon (green and silver)
- Movement: Calibre 3235
Ref. 126610 – The Submariner Date 41mm (Oystersteel)
Few watches in the pre-owned market are as consistently in demand as the current-generation Rolex 126610 Submariner. The Ref. 126610LV (green bezel “Starbucks”) and the 126610LN (black bezel) both moved well through Q1. This is the reference that collectors and investors alike point to when they want a watch that will hold its value across market cycles.
The Rolex 126610 benefits from Rolex’s 904L Oystersteel construction, a Cerachrom ceramic bezel that resists fading and scratching, and a 70-hour power reserve from the Calibre 3235 movement. It is as close to a set-it-and-forget-it acquisition as the market offers.
Key specs:
- Case size: 41mm
- Material: 904L Oystersteel
- Bezel: Cerachrom ceramic (black or green)
- Movement: Calibre 3235 (70-hour power reserve)
Ref. 126613 – The Submariner Date (Modern Two-Tone)
The Rolex 126613 rounds out the list and offers an interesting counterpoint to the 16613 earlier in our rankings. Both are two-tone Submariners, but they represent very different positions within the market. The 126613 is the current-production version, featuring a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, a larger 41mm case, and Rolex’s latest movement. The 16613 appeals to buyers who prefer the older aesthetic and aluminum bezel character.
The fact that both references appear in the same top-seven list tells you something about where the market is right now. Collectors are not unanimous on modern versus vintage, and that is creating healthy demand on both sides of the conversation.
Key specs:
- Case size: 41mm
- Material: Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold
- Bezel: Cerachrom ceramic (black or blue)
- Movement: Calibre 3235
Market Trends: Why These Models Defined Q1
The Q1 data points to a few clear shifts that are worth understanding before making any acquisition decision.
- The Shift to Value: Buyers are prioritizing models with established historical significance over newer releases driven primarily by hype. References with a clear story and a long track record of demand are outperforming newer introductions.
- Versatility Over Flash: The strong showing of two-tone models suggests that buyers want watches that can move between casual and formal settings without effort. Rolesor configurations were once considered a niche preference; that is no longer the case.
- Investment Stability: Professional steel models, particularly the GMT-Master II and both Submariner references, remain the most reliable options for buyers focused on value retention over time.
What Was the Best-Selling Rolex Watch in Q1 2026?
The best-selling Rolex watch in Bob’s Watches Q1 2026 sales data was the Rolex Lady-Datejust 26mm ref. 69173. Its strong performance was driven by demand for birth-year gifts, accessible pricing compared with larger Rolex models, and the long-running appeal of two-tone Yellow Rolesor. The 69173’s broad production window means buyers can typically source an example from a specific year within that range, which is central to the birth-year gifting use case. Its Calibre 2135 movement also introduced a quickset date function that made it meaningfully more practical than the earlier Lady-Datejust references it replaced.
Why Are Neo-Vintage Rolex Watches Becoming More Popular?
Neo-vintage Rolex watches are becoming more popular because they offer a blend of discontinued design details, modern usability, and relative value compared with many current-production models. References from the 1990s and early 2000s, including the Submariner 16613, appeal to buyers who want aluminum bezel character, slimmer case proportions, and a stronger connection to Rolex history.
Unlike the Cerachrom ceramic bezels found on current-generation models, aluminum bezel inserts develop a natural patina over time that many collectors find more characterful and harder to replicate. Neo-vintage references also tend to carry slimmer overall case profiles and shorter lug-to-lug measurements, which appeals to buyers who find the increased thickness of current-generation Rolex sports models less comfortable on the wrist.
Are Two-Tone Rolex Watches Back in Style?
Yes, two-tone Rolex watches are seeing renewed demand in the pre-owned market. In Q1 2026, Rolesor references appeared across several top-selling models, including the Lady-Datejust 69173, Datejust 16233, Submariner 16613, and Submariner 126613. Their appeal comes from versatility: they feel dressier than steel but are still practical for everyday wear.
Their appeal comes from versatility: they feel dressier than steel but are still practical for everyday wear. In Rolesor configurations, Rolex uses solid 18k gold on the bezel, winding crown, and alternating center links of the Oyster bracelet rather than gold plating, which means the gold elements retain their appearance through decades of regular use. This construction distinguishes Rolesor from lesser two-tone watches and is part of what gives these references their staying power in the collector market.
Which Rolex Models Are Best for Value Retention?
Based on Q1 2026 sales activity, the GMT-Master II and Submariner references continue to be among the strongest Rolex models for resale value. Demand remains especially strong for steel professional models, ceramic GMT-Master II variants, and recognizable Submariner references. That said, resale value depends on condition, originality, box and papers, market demand, and purchase price.
That said, resale value depends on condition, originality, box and papers, market demand, and purchase price. The persistent scarcity of GMT-Master II and Submariner references at authorized dealers has been a consistent factor in keeping pre-owned prices elevated, as buyers who cannot secure one at retail routinely turn to the secondary market instead. Among those references, examples with original box, papers, and hang tags have historically commanded a meaningful premium over otherwise identical unworn or unpapered examples.
How to Think About Rolex Value in 2026
The clearest takeaway from Q1 is that the 2026 pre-owned market rewards originality and provenance. As the secondary market matures, the gap in value between a complete “full set” watch (original box, papers, and hang tags) and a watch without documentation continues to widen. Buyers who prioritize full set examples are better positioned for long-term appreciation, and sellers who have held onto their original packaging are finding that it translates directly into stronger offers.
The seven references covered here are not likely to fade from the conversation anytime soon. They represent a cross-section of what all Rolex watches for sale do well: practical complications, durable materials, and designs that have proven their staying power across decades. Whether you are drawn to the accessibility of the Lady-Datejust, the investment profile of the GMT-Master II, or the collector appeal of the Neo-Vintage Submariner, these models offer a reliable roadmap for where the market is headed through the remainder of 2026.
