It cannot be denied that Rolex is a very recognizable brand and many people from all over the world want to own one. If you want to collect Rolex watches, here are 5 popular yet affordable models that you can buy:
1. Rolex Datejust II
The Rolex Datejust has always been considered the watch for all occasions. You can wear it anywhere and it goes with anything you wear. Some men want a watch they can wear with anything – whether it’s a suit or t-shirt. The Datejust is perfect for this.
Moreover, it represents a timeless Rolex design. It was first launched in 1945 and has been recently updated. To this day, it’s still a symbol of taste and refinement. In 2009 the company introduced the Datejust II which is 41 mm in diameter and continues to make a bold statement to the wearer.
It is the only watch in our current selection that offers the widely recognizable enhancement from Rolex – the Cyclops lens which is found above the date. This lens was created by Rolex as far back as 1953 and it magnifies the date by 2.5x so it’s a lot easier to read even for people with eyesight issues. The display offers quick correction by means of the crown and it can be changed instantaneously.
The Oyster cases which is 904L stainless steel is also another Rolex hallmark – its fluted bezel. Debuted in 1926 the Oyster case had a functional fluting and it enabled the crown to be gripped to ensure a watertight seal.
The 904L stainless steel Oyster case is available with another instantly identifiable Rolex hallmark: the fluted bezel. When the Oyster debuted in 1926, the fluting was functional – it allowed the crown to be gripped so it could be screwed down onto the case to guarantee a watertight seal.
The Caliber 3136 is self-winding and its movement carries the Chronometer designation which was awarded by no less than the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute or COSC. It comes with Paraflex shock absorbers, Microstella variable-inertia balance, and Parachrom balance spring which features Breguet overcoil so the time is always precise.
You can buy the Rolex Datejust II for approximately $7,150.
2. Rolex Explorer
This Rolex watch is a true icon not just for the brand but for the world of durable, precision-made watches. The Rolex Explorer was worn by no less than Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay who were the very first people to reach Mt. Everest’s summit back in May 1953. This watch epitomizes the adventurous spirit that guides those who consider the Rolex Explorer an important part of their success.
It was launched in 2010 but even though it’s still relatively new and comes with some modern features, it stays true to its heritage. It features Blue Chromalight hands and hour markers which always provide excellent visibility day and night, and in all conditions. The 39mm Oyster case, sapphire crystal, and the Twinlock crown protect the movement from damage.
It has the Caliber 3132 self winding movement and it’s very precise and tough. It’s a certified chronometer and the Parachrom hairspring always ensures that it provides high precision timekeeping. Its free-sprung balance is also fitted snugly between two shock absorbers (Paraflex) which has a Rolex patent.
The bracelet comes with the Oysterlock clasp (Rolex patent) and the Easylink to ensure a comfortable fit because you can extend it by 5mm.
The Rolex Explorer’s current SRP is $6,550.
It’s referred to as the quintessential Oyster, and it’s the very essence of the Oyster concept. We certainly couldn’t agree more.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual gives you an excellent entry point to this exclusive brand of watch and it offers many of the great things that Rolex is known for. It has a 36mm 904L case made of stainless steel and it’s water resistant to 100m or 330 feet. The middle section of the case was obtained from a block of solid steel. It uses the Twinlock system for the crown to effectively keep it safe from the elements and the sapphire crystal is completely scratchproof.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual by the brand’s own self winding caliber 3139 and the movement shows a certification from the official Swiss chronometer. Like all Rolex watches this one is known for reliability and precision. Its precision is attributed to its free-sprung balance which collectors consider highly valuable. The blue Parachrom hairspring protects it against shocks, temperature variations and magnetic fields.
You can purchase the Oyster Perpetual for $5,400.
The Rolex Submariner is very recognizable wherever you may be. It epitomizes precision under pressure, and it gives you a strong sense of adventure. Created way back in 1953, it was the first watch that remained water-resistant to a depth of 330 feet or 100 meters.
Many people believe that it’s the archetype of dive watches and it’s the purest form of Rolex watch. It comes with a 904L stainless steel Oyster case which protects it for as deep as 300 meters. The display (blue Chromalight) is protected by a sapphire crystal to ensure it offers great visibility. The 60 minute bezel can be rotated and it has a Cerachrom ceramic insert which is scratch-proof and makes it possible for divers to time each dive. The triangular zero marker on the bezel glows so you can see it easily. Many divers also like the fact that the Oyster bracelet has a Glidelock system which is adjustable.
For divers, it’s very important to be able to get the correct time and the self-winding Caliber 3130 movement of the Submariner boosts a diver’s confidence especially since it is also COSC certified. The movement is due to the adjustable inertia balance wheel that has gold weights (Microstella) and a Parachrom hairspring (in blue) which makes it very durable even when there are vibrations, temperature changes, magnetic fields. It is also shock-proof.
You can purchase the Rolex Submariner for $7,500 (reference 114060).
The Rolex Milgauss was made in 1956 and it was designed for technicians and engineers who were constantly exposed to strong magnetic fields when they work. Magnetic fields affect the performance of watches and thankfully Rolex solved this problem by creating a magnetic shield that enabled the watch to withstand as much as 1000 gauss which is the unit of measurement for the strength of the magnetic field. Scientists working at CERN in Geneva loved the Rolex Milgauss.
In 2007, the watch brand introduced a new generation of Rolex Milgauss watches that had all of the technological expertise of Rolex. It had a orange seconds hand that was shaped like a lightning bolt.
We come across a lot of strong magnets today from tablet computer cases to fridge doors and even handbag clasps. It’s also present in telecommunications, aerospace, electro technical and medical technology industries.
Rolex’s first line of defense in its Milgauss is the magnetic shield in its case which is made of ferromagnetic alloys. It was patented by Rolex back in 1956 and kept on improving it. Second line of defense is the movement’s components which are made from non-magnetic materials. The oscillator has the blue Parachrom spring and the escape wheel is made from anti magnetic nickel phosphorous alloy which undergoes a process known as UV-LiGA and is made in house. UV-LiGA is short for ultra violet lithography.
The movement is also enclosed in a 904L stainless steel Oyster case as well as the Twinlock crown seal to keep all the outside elements, well, outside. It is resistant to water for up to 100 meters and the Caliber 3131 movement is COSC certified. The Oyster bracelet also has the Easylink system so it’s always comfortable to wear.
You can purchase the Rolex Milgauss for $7,650.