Rolex Watches

All of our certified pre-owned Rolex watches are guaranteed authentic and are in excellent condition. We carefully inspect each watch that comes through our doors before adding it to our collection. You can shop with confidence knowing that you're getting a top-quality product. We also offer flexible payment options and fast shipping, so you can easily add a beautiful Rolex watch to your collection. Thank you for considering Bob's Watches for your next Rolex purchase. We look forward to helping you find the perfect watch!

About Rolex Watches

Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch brand, originally founded in London, England in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. The company is known for its high-quality, luxurious timepieces that are recognized as status symbols the world over. Some of the brand's most famous models include the Submariner, the Daytona, and the Datejust. Rolex watches are known for their precision and durability and are often worn by celebrities, professional athletes, business leaders, and other high-profile individuals.

New and Discontinued Models

Rolex releases new models each year and discontinues older models, keeping their product line fresh and up-to-date. One of Rolex’s newer watch collections is the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller. These watches feature 42mm cases, a gold fluted bezel, and a dual time zone display. The Sky-Dweller also has a new complication called the Saros annual calendar, which allows the watch to automatically account for 30 or 31 days and only requires one adjustment per year on March 1st.

Another newer model is the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42, which is the largest size in the Yacht-Master collection. Like all Yacht-Master watches, the 42mm version also features a bidirectional rotatable bezel and is furnished with Rolex’s latest movement, Caliber 3235 with 70 hours of power reserve. The Rolex Daytona is a classic model, available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, yellow gold, and white gold. The Daytona line was recently updated to include the option of the black rubber Oysterflex bracelet on select models.

On the other hand, Rolex has also discontinued a number of models over the years. One example is the classic 40mm Sea-Dweller 4000, which was discontinued in 2017 and replaced with the larger Sea-Dweller 43. Similarly, Rolex replaced the long-running 40mm Submariner with the bigger Submariner 41 in 2020.

Sometimes, Rolex discontinues models only to bring them back a few years later in a redesigned form. Two examples are the Milgauss and Air-King models. The Milgauss watch was designed for scientists and engineers, boasting a magnetic resistance of up to 1,000 gauss. However, the Crown decided to discontinue this model in the 1980s but revived it in 2007 with updated features. Likewise, Rolex discontinued the understated 34mm Air-King in 2014 and then revealed a completely redesigned Air-King with a larger case and new dial in 2016.

Overall, Rolex is known for its commitment to innovation and quality. The brand continues to release new models that push the boundaries of watchmaking while also updating and discontinuing older models to keep its product line current and relevant.

History of Rolex Watches

Rolex is a luxury Swiss watch brand that has a long and storied history dating back to the early 20th century. The company was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, a German watch professional who had a vision of creating high-quality, reliable timepieces that could be worn on the wrist.

In the early years of the company, Rolex focused on producing high-precision pocket watches and wristwatches for the military and other professional markets. The company was one of the first to adopt the use of the wristwatch, which was considered a novelty at the time. Rolex also played a key role in the development of the wristwatch as a reliable timekeeping tool, and the company's watches quickly gained a reputation for their accuracy and reliability. The company was also pivotal in the advancement of waterproof watches, starting with the groundbreaking Rolex Oyster in 1926.

Over the years, Rolex has continued to innovate and evolve, and today the company is known for its wide range of luxurious and high-quality timepieces. Rolex is recognized as a leader in the watch industry, and its watches are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

Some of the most iconic models in the company's history include the Oyster Perpetual, which was the first waterproof automatic wristwatch; the GMT-Master, a pilot's watch that was developed in collaboration with Pan Am; and the Cosmograph Daytona, a racing chronograph that has become a symbol of luxury and performance.

In addition to its watchmaking expertise, Rolex is also known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The company has its own in-house research and development facilities, as well as its own foundry and manufacturing facilities, where it produces many of the components for its watches. This attention to detail has helped Rolex maintain its position at the top of the luxury watch market for more than a century.

Rolex Models

Submariner

In addition to its technical capabilities, the Submariner is also known for its stylish and iconic design. Modern versions feature a round case that’s water-resistant to 300 meters (1,000 feet), topped with a unidirectional timing bezel, and it is available in a range of colors and metals to accommodate different tastes. The Submariner is a popular choice for both casual and formal wear, and it has a timeless and classic look that never goes out of style.

Over the years, the Rolex Submariner has been worn by a variety of celebrities and high-profile individuals, and it has become a symbol of luxury and status. It is a versatile and reliable watch that is suitable for a wide range of activities. In short, it is an essential piece for any watch collector or enthusiast. The Submariner collection offers both 40mm (discontinued models) and 41mm (current-production models) case sizes.

Some nicknames include: the Hulk and Kermit.

Datejust & Datejust II

Datejust 

"The Rolex Datejust with a jubilee bracelet in stainless and gold was the very first Rolex I ever wore. It was a very popular model back in the 1980's and I loved wearing this model" states Paul Altieri.

The Rolex Datejust is a dress watch that is known for its classic look and reliable performance. It was first introduced in 1945 and has since become an icon in Rolex's catalog.

The Datejust features a date window at the 3 o'clock position, magnified by a lens called the Cyclops. While all cases are round, bezel styles can differ from fluted to smooth to gem-set. The newest versions are powered by the Caliber 3235 self-winding movement, which is highly accurate and efficient.

The Datejust is available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, two-tone steel/gold, and platinum. It also comes in a variety of dial colors and styles. The Datejust is available in a range of sizes to suit different wrist sizes, and it is a popular choice for both casual and formal wear. The Datejust collection offers 26, 28, 31, 34, 36, and 41mm case sizes.

Along with its mechanical capabilities, the Datejust is also admired for its stylish and timeless design. It has a simple and elegant look that never goes out of style, and it is a versatile and reliable watch that is suitable to wear every day.

Datejust II

The Rolex Datejust 2 is a popular luxury watch that continues to be sought after by watch aficionados and collectors since its beginning in 2009. The timepiece is a larger, more modern version of the classic Rolex Datejust model, which has been a staple since debuting in 1945.

The Datejust II features include a larger 41mm case. The size makes it a contemporary choice that is suited for modern tastes. It also has a thicker case that includes a bolder, more prominent bezel, giving it a more robust and sporty look compared to the classic model.

Daytona

The Rolex Daytona is a racing-inspired chronograph watch that is known for its precision and style. It was first introduced in the 1960s and has since become one of the most iconic and sought-after watches in the world.

The Daytona features a tachymeter bezel that can be used to measure average speed, as well as a chronograph function that allows the wearer to time laps or other events. Modern variants are powered by the Caliber 4130 automatic movement, which is highly accurate and efficient.

The Daytona is available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, steel/gold, yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, and platinum. It also comes in a variety of dial colors, including black, silver, and champagne, which are known for their legibility and clarity. The Daytona collection comes in a 40mm case size.

Superb performance aside, the Daytona is beloved for its stylish and striking design. It features a round case with a tachymeter-engraved bezel, and it is available with either a metal Oyster bracelet or a rubber Oysterflex bracelet. The Daytona is a popular choice for both casual and formal wear, and it has a sporty and sophisticated look that is perfect for racing enthusiasts.

Day Date Presidential & Day Date II

The Rolex Day-Date is a luxury dress watch that is known for its elegance and prestige. It was first introduced in 1956 and has since become one of the most iconic and sought-after watches in the world.

As its name suggests, the Day-Date features both a day window and date display, packaged in a sleek and timeless watch design. The latest versions are powered by the Caliber 3255 movement, which is not only highly accurate and efficient but also supplies 70 hours of power reserve.

The Day Date is available in a range of precious metals, including yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, and platinum. It also comes in a variety of dial colors and styles, including diamond-set ones. The Day-Date is available in a range of sizes to suit different wrist sizes, and it is a popular choice for formal wear. The Day-Date is currently available in both 36mm and 40mm case sizes, and there are also discontinued 39mm and 41mm versions.

In addition to its technical capabilities, the Day-Date is also known for its luxurious and prestigious design. It's often nicknamed the President watch thanks in part to it being a favorite watch among world leaders. It has a sophisticated and elegant look that is perfect for formal occasions and dressier affairs.

The Rolex Day-Date II is a legendary watch that continues to a symbol of luxury and elegance. The collection features a large 41mm case size and is made of high-quality materials that can include gold and platinum. The dial displays the day and date, and is powered by the brands proprietary self-winding mechanical movement. The Day-Date II is water-resistant to 100 meters and has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It is a timeless and coveted watch that embodies the brand's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.

GMT Master & GMT-Master II

GMT-Master

The Rolex GMT-Master is a classic pilot's watch that is known for its functionality and style. It was developed in collaboration with Pan Am in the 1950s, designed to help pilots keep track of multiple time zones while they were flying.

The GMT-Master features a 24-hour marked bezel, which in conjunction with a 24-hand on the dial, can display a  second time zone. While Rolex has made monochromatic GMT bezels, the most popular ones are those that feature two colors such as red and blue “Pepsi," red and black “Coke,” blue and black "Batman," and brown and black "Root Beer." The watch also has a date window at the 3 o'clock position, and the newest versions are powered by the Caliber 3285 movement, which is highly accurate and efficient.

The GMT-Master is available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, white gold, Everose gold, yellow gold, and two-tone steel/gold. It also comes in a variety of dial colors and bracelet styles. The GMT-Master collection is offered with a 40mm case size.

Over the years, the GMT-Master has become one of the most iconic and sought-after Rolex models, and it is a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts. Two popular choices include the Root Beer and the Batman. Not only is the Rolex GMT known for its durability and practicality, but it's also a versatile watch that can be worn on various occasions.

GMT Master II

The GMT-Master II was first introduced in the 1950s for use by pilots and travelers, the Rolex GMT-Master II is an iconic model that continues to be a popular choice. This tool watch features a dual time-zone function, which can keep track of two different time zones at the same time. The GMT-Master II has a 40mm case and is made of high-quality materials that can include stainless steel, gold, and ceramic. The watch is powered by Rolex's proprietary self-winding mechanical movement, the Caliber 3186, which has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The Rolex GMT-Master II is a desirable watch by both collectors and enthusiasts. This is partly due to its rich history and timeless design.

Explorer & Explorer II

Explorer I

The Rolex Explorer is a rugged and reliable watch that is designed for exploration and adventure. It was first introduced in the 1950s and has since become one of the most iconic and widely recognized watches in the world.

The Explorer features a durable and water-resistant case that can withstand the elements, as well as a clean and legible dial that is easy to read in any lighting condition. The newest models are powered by the Caliber 3132 movement, which is highly accurate and efficient.

While the Explorer was once exclusively available in stainless steel, Rolex added a steel/gold two-tone model to the collection in recent years. Most Explorer watches will have 36mm, however, Rolex did offer a 39mm version for about a decade. It has a simple and utilitarian look that is perfect for both adventures as well as day-to-day life.

Explorer II

The Rolex Explorer II was originally designed for spelunkers and offered wearers a way to differentiate between day and night hours whilst exploring dark caves. It has since graduated to become a GMT watch that displays two time zones. The Explorer II is one of Rolex’s most rugged and durable watches, featuring steel cases and 24-hour engraved fixed bezels.

Rolex has offered the Explorer II in various sizes over the years including 38mm, 40mm, and 42mm. However, the most recent versions sport generously sized 42mm cases and there's a choice between white “Polar” dials or sleek black dials. These watches run on the Caliber 3285 automatic movement.

Yacht Master & Yacht Master II

The Rolex Yacht Master is a luxury sports watch dedicated to nautical life. It was first introduced in the 1990s and the collection has grown to include plenty of models.

The Yacht-Master features a water-resistant case that can withstand depths of up to 100 meters, as well as a unidirectional bezel that helps sailors keep track of their elapsed time. The latest Yacht-Master watches are powered by the new-generation Caliber 3235 movement.

The Yacht-Master is available in a range of materials, including gold, steel and gold, and steel and platinum- a combination called Rolesium. It also comes in a variety of dial colors, and sizes. The current Yacht Master line is offered in 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm case sizes; older models are also available in 29mm and 35mm sizes.

Dressier than the Submariner but sportier than the Datejust, the Yacht-Master is the perfect option for an ultra-luxurious sports watch to wear at sea or on land.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II is a high-end sports watch created for sailing enthusiasts and professionals. It includes a regatta timer with a distinctive programmable countdown function that can be set from 1 to 10 minutes. This will allow sailors to time their start flawlessly. The large 44mm case and is available in stainless steel, yellow gold, and white gold. This collection also has a distinguishing blue ceramic bezel with a countdown scale, giving it a nautical feel.

Air-King

The Rolex Air-King is one of the brand’s oldest watch models, created to honor British fighter pilots that fought in World War II. For over seven decades, the Air-King was an understated and compact watch with a 34mm case and straightforward time-only dial. However, in 2016, a newly redesigned Air-King joined the Rolex collection, this time sporting a larger 40mm case that houses a dynamic pilot watch-inspired black dial. The dial is home to a mix of minute and hour markers, a green seconds hand, and a yellow Rolex crown.

The newest Air-King reference is powered by the self-winding Caliber 3230 movement and is exclusively available in stainless steel.

Milgauss

Introduced in the 1950s, the Rolex Milgauss was designed with the scientific community in mind—specifically for scientists and engineers who worked in high magnetic fields. The watch was built to resist 1,000 gauss and its name is a combination of “one thousand” (mille) and “gauss” (a unit of measurement for magnetic fields).   

The anti-magnetic Milgauss is powered by the Caliber 3131 movement, which benefits from a soft iron shield for protection. While the Milgauss is only available in stainless steel; there are a few dial colors to choose from including a vibrant electric blue shade. One of the standout details on the dial of the Milgauss is the bright orange lightning bolt seconds hand. Furthermore, some Milgauss models come fitted with a green-tinted sapphire crystal, which adds a futuristic touch to the science-minded watch.

Oyster Perpetual

The Oyster Perpetual is a Rolex watch in its purest form featuring two of the company’s most important innovations: a water-resistant Oyster case and a self-winding movement with a Perpetual rotor. It is a classic and reliable timepiece that’s understated, durable, and perfect for everyday wear.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual features a simple and timeless design, with a round case and a smooth bezel. The newest iterations are powered by the Caliber 3230 movement, which is an accurate automatic movement with 70 hours of power reserve.

The current Oyster Perpetual collection only offers stainless steel models but in a wide assortment of sizes spanning from 26mm all the way up to 41mm. Dial colors are plentiful ranging from subtle tones like silver, white, and black to vibrant shades like turquoise, yellow, and red.

Sea-Dweller

The Rolex Sea-Dweller is a professional diving watch that was introduced in the1960s for saturation divers.

Modern Sea-Dweller watches feature cases that are water-resistant to 4,000 feet (1,220 meters), as well as unidirectional bezels that help divers keep track of their elapsed immersion time. The watches run on the new-generation Caliber 3235 movement to power the time and date functions.

The Sea-Dweller is available in stainless steel and in two-tone steel and gold. Regardless of the metal, all Sea-Dweller dials are black. Although 40mm was once the traditional size of the Sea-Dweller, Rolex enlarged the model in 2017 to 43mm.

The Sea-Dweller collection is also home to the Deepsea and Deepsea Challenge, which are Rolex’s most extreme dive watches. The Deepsea’s steel case measures 44mm and is water-resistant to 12,800 feet (3,900 meters) while the Deepsea Challenge includes a very large 50mm case fashioned from titanium. The Deepsea Challenge is water-resistant to an unprecedented 36,090 feet (11,000 meters).

Materials

Rolex watches are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, and ceramic. When Rolex combines gold and steel on one watch, the company calls it Rolesium. Similarly, a combination of steel and platinum.

Stainless steel is a popular choice for Rolex watches because it is durable, resistant to corrosion, and relatively affordable. Rolex uses a high-quality 904L stainless steel in its watches called Oystersteel, which is known for its strength and resistance to tarnishing.

Yellow gold is another common material used in Rolex watches. Rolex uses 18k yellow gold, which is 75% pure gold.  Yellow gold is a popular choice for luxury watches because it has a timeless, classic look.

White gold is a mixture of gold and other white metals. 18k white gold is a popular choice for Rolex watches because it has a bright, silver-like appearance and is resistant to tarnishing.

Rose gold is a mixture of gold and copper that gives the gold a pinkish-red color. Rolex uses a proprietary rose 18k gold alloy it calls Everose gold.

Platinum is a rare and valuable metal that is known for its strength and durability. It is often used in luxury watches because it has a silver-white color and does not tarnish over time. Rolex uses 950 platinum.

Ceramic is a relatively new material that is being used in some Rolex watches. It is a hard, scratch-resistant material that is lightweight and hypoallergenic. Cerachrom, which is the brand’s proprietary ceramic alloy, is a popular choice for bezels and other components on Rolex watches because it is durable and easy to maintain.

Bracelets

Rolex bracelets are an integral part of the company's timepieces, and are almost as famous as the watches they are paired with. Rolex offers a range of bracelet styles, including the Oyster bracelet, the President bracelet, the Jubilee bracelet, the Pearlmaster bracelet, and the Oysterflex bracelet.

The Oyster bracelet is the most common type of bracelet used on Rolex watches. It features a three-piece link design that is secure and comfortable to wear. The Oyster bracelet is available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, platinum, and two-tone combinations.

The President bracelet is a luxurious and elegant bracelet that is only used on the Day-Date model and select Datejust models. It is made from three rows of semi-circular links and features a hidden clasp that is secured by a small hinge. The President bracelet is available in yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, and platinum.

The Jubilee bracelet is a more traditional bracelet that is characterized by its five-piece link design. It is a softer and more flexible bracelet than the Oyster, and it is often used on dressier models such as the Datejust. The Jubilee bracelet is available in stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and two-tone combinations.

The now-discontinued Pearlmaster bracelet is a more ornate and decorative bracelet that was used on Pearlmaster models and select Day-Date models. It is exclusively made from precious metals such as gold and platinum. It features a three-piece link design with a hidden clasp.

The Oysterflex bracelet is Rolex’s newest bracelet design, introduced in 2015. It is comprised of a metal blade interior that’s coated in black rubber, which is why it’s referred to as a bracelet and not a strap. The Oysterflex bracelet is currently only available within the Yacht-Master, Daytona, and Sky-Dweller collections.

Clasps

Rolex clasps are an important part of the company's watches, as they ensure that the timepiece stays securely fastened to the wrist. Rolex offers a range of clasps, including the Oysterlock clasp, the Oysterclasp, the Crownclasp, and the Glidelock clasp.

The Oysterlock clasp is a secure and reliable clasp that is used on the Oyster bracelet. It features a folding safety clasp that prevents the bracelet from coming undone accidentally. The Oysterlock clasp also has an extension system called the Easylink, which allows the wearer to adjust the bracelet by 5mm for a more comfortable fit.

The Crownclasp is a more traditional concealed clasp that is used on the President bracelet. It features a small hinge that allows the wearer to open and close the bracelet easily, and it is secured by a hidden clasp that is hidden under the bracelet links.

The Glidelock clasp is a flexible and adjustable clasp that is used on the Oyster bracelet. It allows the wearer to expand the length to about 20mm in 2mm increments for a customized fit. It can be easily opened and closed with a thumb and forefinger.

In addition to these clasps, Rolex also makes leather straps. These are generally fitted with a simpler tang buckle clasp secured by a pin that fits through a loop on the other end of the strap.

Rolex Prices

FAQ/Questions

How Much Is The Cheapest Rolex?

The Oyster Perpetual Reference 276200 for women is the least expensive option, with an MSRP of $5,500. The Oyster Perpetual Reference 126000 for men is the next lowest priced option, with an MSRP of $6,100.

Why Do Rolex Cost So Much?

Rolex utilizes 904L stainless steel in all of its collections to ensure the durability and longevity of its timepieces. This high-quality steel is a major contributor to the premium price of Rolex watches. The Rolex Datejust is an example of a watch that incorporates 904L stainless steel.

Is Rolex A Good Investment?

Is it a good idea to invest in a Rolex watch? In general, Rolex watches tend to retain their value better than other luxury brands.

How Much Does A Real Rolex Cost?

The price of a new Rolex watch typically ranges from $7,000 to $12,000. Pre-owned models are sometimes less expensive, with prices ranging from around $4,000 to $6,000. Some rare models may be more expensive, even when pre-owned.

Helpful Guides

Video: Rolex History