Can you believe it? It’s already that time of year again! The Christmas season is upon us, and it is time to start thinking about what to give to your loved ones when the special day itself rolls around. As seasoned watch collectors, we know how daunting this task can be. Every individual has their own tastes and nuances and every collection is different. Whether you’re buying someone their first Rolex watch or their four-hundredth, you need to be prepared.
So here’s the thing: you know the person you’re shopping for better than we do, so what we’re going to do is list the best watches for certain characters, specific family members, and collectors in very different stages of their collecting journey in the hope that it helps point you in the right direction. And while these gifts are incredibly generous any way you look at it, you can rest assured that you’ll be buying something incredibly special for that extra special person in your life. Rolex watches have shown to have excellent value retention in the pre-owned market, which means this is a gift that will likely keep on giving for a lifetime.
But there are also relative “bargains” to be had within the occasionally neglected corners of Rolex’s archive. We’ll include a few of these pre-owned steals that offer an excellent product in return for a much smaller investment than you might expect. Better still, you can browse our shop on Bob’s Watches to identify even more options once you’re done reading this guide to the best Rolex watches to give as gifts on Christmas.
The Top 5 Reasons to Gift a Pre-Owned Rolex
Amazing deals: There are many used Rolex watches out there. Do your research and be sure to find the perfect model. Watches like the Rolex Air-King and the Rolex Date are great entry-level watches and offer all of the same legendary quality as the brand’s more expensive models.
Get More Watch for Less Money:
Instead of buying a low-end watch brand new, spending the same amount for a much more valuable timepiece on the pre-owned market is easily doable. Purchasing used Rolex watches brings pricing down on many models by nearly 70 percent. When you buy a new Rolex, (for most models) its value often immediately diminishes to some degree or another (even if only a minor one), making pre-owned purchases an intelligent decision.
Certified Rolex:
Many buyers fear that they will fall prey to buying a Rolex that isn’t authentic by purchasing used. A growing number of pre-owned dealers only accept certified Rolex watches and will provide you with valid, third-party certification and even sometimes the original box. Make sure when dealing with brokers that they provide proof of authenticity for all watches you consider and more importantly, that they stand behind the timepieces they sell with iron-clad authenticity guarantees.
A Wise Investment:
Used Rolex watches are an amazing investment in today’s world. As described above, when buying new, a watch’s value can often fall the minute you walk out the door. Purchasing a pre-owned Rolex provides an instant investment that could very well appreciate in the future, especially if demand for the model or the precious metals’ price goes up significantly.
Just Like New:
Once you begin your search for a used Rolex, you will be amazed at how many are practically like new. The reason for such quality is because historically, most Rolex owners treat their watches with the utmost care, while others have held theirs as investments and barely worn them before selling them for a profit. Additionally, even the Rolex watches that are well-worn can easily be restored to like-new condition due to the extreme quality of their components.
#1. The Rolex to Buy Your Boyfriend or Husband
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 126000 Key Features:
Case Diameter: 36mm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds
Dial: Multiple Options Available
Bezel: Fixed, Stainless Steel, Smooth Style
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)
Movement: Caliber 3230
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
When it comes to the best Rolex to buy for your boyfriend/husband this Christmas, we are going to give you a timeless and classic option. Our pick comes from the recently-redesigned Oyster Perpetual range, which blew the watch world away with its incredible selection of dial colors and the perfect balance of class and character when it hit the shelves earlier this year.
This release was not without controversy, however. While many of the colors, including the popular silvered dial with gold indexes was made available in both 36 and 41mm, the light pink dial was not made available in 41mm, meaning that 36mm is the biggest case size to house this surprisingly versatile option.
So, if you want to play it safe and classic, the 36mm silvered-dial with gold indices is a fine choice. Considering this is the entry-level 36mm Rolex these days, you get a truly timeless design and an awful lot of watch for your money. The curveball is to go for the pink dial Oyster Perpetual 36. A lot of guys have been up in arms that this one isn’t available in the bigger 41mm case, but 36mm is the classic men’s size and works well on the vast majority of wrists.
But here’s the really beautiful part of this plan: both of these new Rolex watches are incredibly versatile and could easily be considered unisex watches, suiting a wide range of wrists, regardless of gender. That means you can buy something for your boyfriend or husband and then steal it for yourself whenever he’s not wearing it. A smart play? We certainly think so.
#2. The Best Rolex for Your Girlfriend or Wife
Rolex Sky-Dweller 326939 Key Features:
Case Diameter: 42mm
Materials: 18k White Gold
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Annual Calendar, GMT Functionality
Dial: Ivory w/ Roman Numeral Markers
Bezel: Ring Command, 18k White Gold, Fluted Style
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
Movement: Caliber 9001
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
So what about that special woman in your life? You’re probably expecting us to throw a gem-set Pearlmaster at you and act as if it’s the only choice for her, but we won’t. This is 2020, after all. The idea that women are only interested in watches if they’re dripping in diamonds is not only passé; it’s insulting.
The best thing that’s happened to women’s watch trends in the past five years is the preference for larger diameters. Whether this was motivated by fashion and fashion alone or whether women in the know simply got tired of waiting for the watchmaking industry to make something mechanically interesting for them, is hard to say. However, what is obvious is that the larger watches for women trend is here and doesn’t look to be going anywhere any time soon.
As such, we have a pretty tasty choice for you if you love her enough to part with five figures and spend a bit of time trawling the pre-owned market to find the perfect example. The discontinued Rolex Sky-Dweller 326939 in white gold with Roman markers is exactly the kind of 42mm statement piece that would truly pop on any wrist.
The ivory dial is a real charmer and a shade warmer than anything in the modern collection that doesn’t fit the description of chocolate. Sure, it may well set you back north of $35k, but it’s a future classic that would guarantee you a very merry Christmas indeed. Plus since it is 42mm, it will also look great on your wrist for those times when she isn’t wearing it. After all, relationships are all about sharing right?
#3. The Perfect Rolex for Your Best Friend at Work
Rolex Submariner 116610LV Key Features:
Case Diameter: 40mm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display
Dial: Green w/ Luminous Hour Markers
Bezel: Unidirectional, Green Ceramic w/ 60-Minute Scale
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
Movement: Caliber 3135
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
You can’t beat having a wingman/woman, right? There’s always got to be that guy or girl backing you up; someone that’s always looking out for you; a friend who’ll be there through thick and thin. That kind of companionship deserves a watch! In fact, you should probably talk to your buddy about this and agree to buy each other watches (possibly matching). That way, you can avoid an awkward moment when you unwrap (another) pair of socks, and he/she unboxes their new Rolex Submariner 116610LV.
That’s right, we’ve chosen the near-unobtainable Hulk for your best pal. Why? Going to the trouble of hunting one of these bad boys down really shows your love and respect for them. This handsome wristwatch features an automatic movement, unidirectional rotating time-lapse ceramic diver’s bezel, memorable green dial, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. This highly sought after model is the only Submariner to ever feature a green dial and makes the perfect addition to any watch collection.
#4. The Perfect Rolex for Your Mother-in-Law
Rolex Datejust 116234 Key Features:
Case Diameter: 36mm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display
Dial: Multiple Options Available
Bezel: Fixed, 18k White Gold, Fluted Style
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
Movement: Caliber 3135
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster or Jubilee Bracelet
Second to your partner, the person you need to keep on your side more than just about any other is undoubtedly his or her mother. So, why not butter her up this holiday season with a Rolex Datejust 116234 with a stunning diamond dial?
This popular Rolex features a stainless steel case with a fluted bezel made of solid 18k white gold. With diamond-set dial and a 31-jewel automatic movement, this sleek and stylish Rolex is versatile, making it the perfect Christmas gift for any Rolex enthusiast – especially one that is constantly judging you and waiting for the ideal moment to destroy the fairytale you call life…
#5. The Perfect Rolex for Your Brother that Doesn’t Understand Watches
Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR Key Features:
Case Diameter: 40mm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, GMT Functionality
Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers
Bezel: Bidirectional, Black and Blue Ceramic w/ 24-Hour Scale
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
Movement: Caliber 3186
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
Okay, so buying a Rolex for someone that isn’t into watches may seem like a stretch, but come on, he’s family! More to the point, if you’ve had a particularly good year and you’re looking to shift some of that massive Christmas bonus that’s burning a hole in your pocket, why not invest it in the future?
Watches are fun. Collecting them is a fantastic hobby. But do you know what makes that hobby the kind of thing that can consume a life? Sharing those experiences with others, especially friends and family. If it weren’t for the international watch community, this hobby would be far less fun. What better way to spend your cash by cultivating the same love you feel for watches in your kid brother.
Enter the Rolex GMT-Master II Blue Black Batman 116710BLNR. This Rolex is a favorite from collectors worldwide and features a 31-jewel automatic movement and can keep track of three different time zones at once This Rolex GMT-Master, nicknamed “Batman” for its unique blue and black Cerachrom bezel, represents Rolex’s first split-color ceramic bezel and is a wise investment in today’s watch market. Undeniably cool and capable of being worn every single day, this watch will guarantee that your younger brother begins both his collection and obsession out right
#6. The Perfect Rolex for Your Uncle that No One has Seen for Six Months
Rolex Explorer II 16570 Key Features:
Case Diameter: 40mm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, GMT Functionality
Dial: Black or White w/ Luminous Hour Markers
Bezel: Fixed, Stainless Steel w/ 24-Hour Scale
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
Movement: Caliber 3185 or Caliber 3186
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster or Jubilee Bracelet
Uncle John’s been in the Amazon since March… or was it Antarctica? It’s hard to say. He rarely writes and never calls. He’s the black sheep of the family who fled the homestead as soon as he was old enough to steal his dad’s car. He occasionally pops-up at Christmas to eat his weight in turkey before disappearing back into the wilderness for the better part of the year.
Rarely present, but a truly valued member of the family with a heart of gold, this guy needs a watch. For all we know, he probably still uses it as a compass when he’s lost in the tundra. Therefore, there can be but one choice for this anachronistic oddball: the Rolex Explorer II “Polar” – but the older 40mm version, the ref. 16570.
This Rolex is an ideal choice for any adventurer who needs a watch that can withstand extreme environments and it also happens to be pleasingly weird. Many people miss the 40mm Explorer II case, as it was a fantastic and versatile size. The modern dial layout with the modern orange hand might just be perfect, but the classic version with the red GMT hand (a design holdover from the GMT-Master II handset), is a burgeoning, under-the-radar classic. What once seemed is now flat-out cool, so don’t miss the boat on this one!
#7. The Best Rolex for Your Sister or Daughter
Rolex Milgauss 116400 Key Features:
Case Diameter: 40mm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Antimagnetic
Dial: Black or White w/ Luminous Hour Markers
Bezel: Fixed, Stainless Steel, Smooth Style
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)
Movement: Caliber 3131
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
The white dial Rolex Milgauss ref. 116400 is a sporty wristwatch, originally designed for those who work in labs and power plants with its antimagnetic features. This Rolex is an incredible addition to quite literally anyone’s Christmas list, so why am I suggesting you gift it to a girl?
Well, first and foremost, younger sisters and daughters are quite capable of growing up into just the kind of scientist this watch was designed for, but even if they don’t find their feet in the lab, the light, breezy colorway of this attractive (and desperately underrated Rolex) is versatile and muted, with a great character that has a habit of only revealing itself to its wearer. Plus with its impressive magnetic resistant capabilities, she can wear it alongside other bracelets with magnetic clasps without ever worrying about it disrupting the timekeeping of her watch.
#8. The Top Rolex Watch for The Workaholic in Your Family
Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 116660 Key Features:
Case Diameter: 44mm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display
Dial: Black or D-Blue w/ Luminous Hour Markers
Bezel: Unidirectional, Black Ceramic w/ 60-Minute Scale
Crystal: Sapphire (Domed)
Movement: Caliber 3135
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
We probably shouldn’t encourage that one family member who always seems to be underwater at work, but here we go anyway. For the relative that seems chained to their desk (or phone), give them the Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller 116660. They may be anchored in place for the foreseeable future, but at least have something nice to look at while they are desk diving.
Featuring a helium escape valve, 31 jewel movement, and a beautiful ceramic bezel, this is a wristwatch that guarantees precision, dependability, and durability no matter where you decide to dive (even if it is just into another pile of paperwork).
#9. The Best Rolex to Buy for Your Boss
Rolex Yacht-Master II 116680 Key Features:
Case Diameter: 44mm
Materials: Stainless Steel
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Regatta Timer
Dial: White w/ Luminous Hour Markers
Bezel: Ring Command, Blue Ceramic w/ 10-Minute Scale
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)
Movement: Caliber 4161
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
We’re not in any way suggesting that you need to bribe your boss for that tantalizing promotion/raise/bigger office/more holiday time, but if it happens to be crossing your mind, we have a suggestion of what you might like to give him or her for Christmas this year.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II ref. 116680 is a cutting-edge and precise timepiece made for the boating crowd, that features an automatic movement, a sapphire crystal, and a white dial with Chromalight finished hour markers and hands. Hardly an understated and classically styled timepiece, the Rolex Yacht-Master II is bold, technologically advanced, and truly unlike any other watch in the brand’s catalog.
This is a power move. It is an extraordinarily complicated watch by Rolex’s standards, and it oozes luxury. It’s perhaps quite a bit less traditional than the regular Yacht-Master, but it is ten times as credible for the regatta crowd thanks to its exceptional movement. Whether you boss boats or not, that Rolex Yacht-Master II is a real statement of power, and one we are sure they’d appreciate.
#10. The Perfect Rolex to Buy for… Yourself!
Rolex Daytona 116508 Key Features:
Case Diameter: 40mm
Materials: 18k Yellow Gold
Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, 12-Hour Chronograph
Dial: Multiple Options Available
Bezel: Fixed, 18k Yellow Gold w/ Tachymeter Scale
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat)
Movement: Caliber 4130
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
What else? The yellow gold Rolex Daytona 116508 is a timeless and ultra-luxurious chronograph with an instantly-recognizable dial, 44-jewel automatic movement, and a solid 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet. This luxurious watch is a valuable buy in today’s market, and represents one of the most luxurious iterations of Rolex’s legendary racing chronograph.
It has all the luxury connotations you could ever ask for in a wristwatch. Not only does it have a remarkable pedigree, but it is one of the most recognizable and sought-after timepieces ever created. If you think you’ve been particularly good this year, why not reward yourself with one of these solid gold beauties? You deserve it.
