The Most Popular Rolex Watches (2024)

There’s a reason that Rolex is often referred to as King — this Swiss watchmaking giant dominates the luxury watch space. Regardless of where you are in the world, the brand is shorthand for success, prestige, and excellence. While it’s no secret that Rolex is the most popular high-end watch company (by far), we often get asked which models in Rolex’s catalog stand out as the most desirable. So, we’ve compiled a list to answer that question. You may be asking yourself how we define “most popular.” In this case, we consider a mix of sales numbers, inquiries, and market value to pinpoint the most coveted Rolexes right now. Keep reading to find out which are the most popular Rolex watches in today’s market; there may be a few entries that’ll surprise you.

Rolex Daytona

Introduced in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona is Rolex’s flagship chronograph collection.

Back to basics: What is a Chronograph Watch?

While it had a rocky start as one of the brand’s worst-selling watches, today, the Daytona is the darling of not only Rolex but the luxury watch-collecting world at large. Although pretty much every configuration in the collection is in demand–whether vintage, discontinued, or modern–these three models lead the pack of the most coveted Rolex Daytona watches:

1. Stainless Steel and Ceramic Daytona

The stainless steel and ceramic Daytona ref. 116500LN is the hero of the collection, flying off shelves since its release in 2016. What you get with this Daytona is a stainless steel case, topped with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel and paired with a steel Oyster bracelet.

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Rolex offers two dial options: a white “Panda” dial with black rings around the trio of subdials and a black dial with silver rings. Regardless of the dial color, these ceramic and steel Daytona watches are virtually impossible to buy at authorized dealers and trade hands for more than double their sticker prices.

2. Yellow Gold and Green Daytona “John Mayer”

The yellow gold Daytona ref. 116508 also debuted in 2016, yet it took a few years for the popularity of this particular model to take off. When John Mayer appeared in a video in 2019 telling the world that the green dial yellow Daytona would eventually become a future collectible, that triggered the immense demand for this Rolex.

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The Daytona “John Mayer” is a full 18k yellow gold model including the bezel and bracelet, while the bright green dial is home to a smattering of red accents. This Rolex is valued at around double its retail price on the secondary market. Discontinued as of 2023, some collectors now wonder if the “Le Mans” Daytona will become the gold Daytona of choice.

3. Everose Gold Daytona “Rainbow”

Daytona watches with factory gemstones have always been rare and sought-after by certain collectors. However, when Rolex released the Everose gold Daytona ref. 116595RBOW in 2018, the appeal of this precious metal chronograph embellished with diamonds and colorful sapphires went mainstream. Not only did it become a celebrity must-have watch but plenty of watch fans who would have never considered wearing a diamond Rolex also admitted that they would be happy to wear the Daytona Rainbow.

There are a few iterations of the Daytona Rainbow in Everose gold, including a black dial version, a full diamond pavé dial version, and a diamond pavé bracelet version. What they all have in common is their 18k rose gold case and bracelet, multi-colored sapphires set into the bezel, and hefty secondary market price tags that start over $350,000. Rainbow Daytonas are also discontinued as of 2023.

More about the Rolex Daytona:Which is the Best Rolex Daytona to Buy?
How Much Can I Get For My Rolex Daytona?
The Rolex Daytona La Montoya
Unveiling the Iconic Rolex Daytona: 60 Years of History!
The Best Rolex Daytona Alternatives

Rolex Submariner

Released in 1953, the Submariner has evolved from an essential diving tool watch to one of the most iconic luxury sports watches ever made. While modern Submariner watches remain highly capable diving watches thanks to their 300m water resistance, luminescent dials, and unidirectional rotating bezels, the vast majority of people wear them today not because of what the watches can do but because of how they look.

Back to basics: What is a Dive Watch?

The Submariner is made in various metals and colors, and the collection is one of Rolex’s most coveted. However, there are a few specific Submariners that stand out as fan favorites.

1. Stainless Steel Black Ceramic Submariner

The very first Submariner that Rolex released featured a steel case, steel bracelet, black bezel, and black dial. This specific material and color scheme remains the classic choice for a Submariner, although modern versions include Cerachrom ceramic bezels instead of old-school aluminum ones.

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Submariner watches had 40mm cases for over 60 years; however, Rolex updated the collection in 2020 with slightly larger 41mm cases. The two current-production steel and black ceramic Submariner references that you can buy today are:

• No-Date Submariner 124060 41mm
• Submariner Date 126610LN 41mm

The last 40mm steel and black ceramic Submariner references that Rolex made were:

• No-Date Submariner 114060 40mm
• Submariner Date 116610LN 40mm

Regardless of the specific reference, these popular Rolex Submariner watches all command premiums on the secondary market.

2. Green Submariner

In 2003, Rolex unleashed the first Submariner with a green bezel to celebrate the watch’s 50th anniversary. Since then, green Submariner watches have grown to become one of the most in-demand models of the brand. Rolex has manufactured three green Submariner references so far, all in stainless steel:

• Submariner 126610LV “Starbucks” (2020 – Present)
• Submariner 116610LV “Hulk” (2010 – 2020)
• Submariner 16610LV “Kermit” (2003 – 2010)

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While the Kermit featured a black dial, the Hulk had a stunning green starburst dial. In 2020, Rolex reverted to a black dial with the Starbucks. Not only are green bezel Submariners slightly more expensive than the black versions at retail, but they’re valued significantly more on the secondary market. Hulk models, which are discontinued, are some of the most desirable Rolex Submariners on the market.

3. Submariner “Bluesy”

Two-tone Submariner watches have historically not been as popular as full steel or full gold models. However, we have noticed an uptick in demand for the so-called “Bluesy” models, which are characterized by their striking blue bezels and blue dials. Two of the most modern versions with Cerachrom ceramic bezels are the current-production 41mm version and the now-discontinued 40mm version:

• Submariner 126613LB 41mm
• Submariner 116613LB 40mm

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While it was once relatively easy to buy pre-owned two-tone Subs at discounted prices, current Rolex “Bluesy” watches resell for higher-than-retail on the secondary market.

Related content: How Much Can I Get For My Used Rolex Submariner?

Rolex Sea-Dweller

In 1967, Rolex introduced an even more capable diving watch than the Submariner. It was the Sea-Dweller, which, with its helium escape valve and higher water resistance rating, catered to saturation divers. Today, the Sea-Dweller collection is home to a variety of extreme diving watches, some of which have a cult following.

1. Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary

In 2017, Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller ref. 126600 to celebrate the model’s 50th anniversary. This anniversary model was markedly different from its predecessors for two main reasons. First, it had a 43mm case, which was much larger than the previous 40mm versions. Also, new to this Sea-Dweller was the Cyclops magnification date above the date window–something we hadn’t seen on any Sea-Dweller up until then. A nice design touch was the addition of the SEA-DWELLER name in red, which is a nod to the earliest “Double Red Sea Dweller” models. The Sea-Dweller ref. 126600 is water-resistant to 4,000 feet and is one of the most desirable Rolex professional models.

See it on the wrist: Rolex Sea Dweller Black Dial

2. Sea-Dweller Deepsea “James Cameron”

In 2012, James Cameron made history when he embarked on the world’s deepest solo dive into the Mariana Trench, reaching 35,787 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. Two years later, Rolex unveiled the Sea-Dweller Deepsea “James Cameron” model to celebrate that achievement. What distinguished the James Cameron version from the already-existing Deepsea was a special D-Blue dial featuring a blue-to-black gradient and a green DEEPSEA inscription in the same color as Cameron’s submersible.

Rolex has made three “James Cameron” Deepsea references so far, all equipped with 44mm steel cases that are water-resistant to 12,800 feet and Cerachrom ceramic bezels:

• Deepsea 136660 James Cameron (2022 – Present)
• Deepsea 126660 James Cameron (2018 – 2022)
• Deepsea 116660 James Cameron (2012 – 2018)

Dive Deeper: Rolex introduces the Deepsea Challenge – Its First Ever Titanium Watch

Rolex GMT-Master II

The GMT-Master pilot watch is yet another Rolex watch that originated as a tool for a specific niche but grew to appeal to a much broader audience. The watch’s good looks and ability to indicate two time zones simultaneously is a winning combination.

Back to Basics: What is a GMT Watch?

The highly desirable GMT-Master II is available in a range of materials and colors, and the most current models are characterized by their bi-colored 24-hour ceramic bezels.

1. GMT-Master “Pepsi”

The “Pepsi” nickname refers to the blue and red bezel, which was the original colorway of the very first GMT-Master from the mid-1950s. Today, Rolex offers the Pepsi bezel on both a stainless steel model, as well as an 18k white gold variant.

• Stainless Steel GMT-Master II 126710BLRO
• White Gold GMT-Master II 126719BLRO

Rolex makes the steel GMT-Master II Pepsi available with either the sportier three-link Oyster or the dressier five-link Jubilee bracelet–all furnished with black dials. Expect to pay about double retail for these models if buying from the secondary market.

On the other hand, the white gold GMT-Master II Pepsi is exclusively paired with an Oyster bracelet but does come with the choice of a blue dial or meteorite dial.

2. GMT-Master “Batman” and “Batgirl”

Another coveted GMT-Master II is the blue and black bezel version, which was released in 2013 as the first bi-colored ceramic model to join the collection. Although the original blue and black GMT-Master II was only available with an Oyster bracelet, the newest versions offer the choice between an Oyster and a Jubilee.

• GMT-Master II 126710BLNR (2019 – Present)
• GMT-Master II 116710BLNR (2013 – 2019)

3. GMT-Master “Root Beer”

The Root Beer nickname originated with vintage two-tone and yellow gold GMT-Master watches that had brown and gold aluminum bezels. Today’s Root Beers are slightly different as they are Everose gold or two-tone steel/Everose gold GMT-Master II watches with brown and black ceramic bezels.

• Everose Gold GMT-Master II 126715CHNR
• Two-Tone Everose Gold/Steel GMT-Master II 126711CHNR

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The full Everose gold GMT-Master II, which retails for $40,600, is particularly striking and a popular model among those who love an ultra-luxurious Rolex sports watch.

See it on the wrist: GMT-Master II Root Beer ref.126711CHNR

My TOP 5 Rolex GMT Master II ALTERNATIVES!

Rolex Day-Date President

The Rolex Day-Date, also known as the Rolex President, has long been the ultimate status watch. Crafted exclusively in gold or platinum and paired with its signature curvy three-link President bracelet in matching precious metal, wearing the Day-Date is one clear way to signal personal success. As a result, this dressy Rolex timepiece, characterized by its pair of calendar windows on the dial, has been a popular choice since its debut in 1956.

More about the Rolex Day-Date Collection:
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How Much Does a Rolex Day-Date Cost?

While Rolex used to only make the Day-Date in one size, the company eventually began offering larger versions in the 2000s. Within the current catalog, the Rolex Day-Date is available with 36mm or 40mm cases.

1. Day-Date 36

While it comes in a myriad of configurations, the most classic Rolex President is a solid 18k yellow gold Day-Date 36 with a fluted bezel and champagne dial. This is the watch we’ve all seen on the wrists of presidents, celebrities, and captains of industry throughout the decades. The most modern iteration is the Day-Date ref. 128238, which comes fitted with Rolex’s new-generation movement and retails for $35,000.

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2. Day-Date 40

Rolex released the Day-Date 40 collection in 2015 and it has since grown to become exceedingly popular as the trend toward larger dress watches has flourished. While yellow gold Day-Date 40 ref. 228238 watches with champagne dials are no doubt a favorite, other particularly desirable models right now are the anniversary olive green dials found on white gold, Everose gold, and platinum models.

• Everose gold Day-Date 40 ref. 228235
• White gold Day-Date 40 ref. 228239
• Platinum Day-Date 40 ref. 228236

Other notable Rolex President watches worth mentioning are the ice blue dial variants, which is a color reserved for platinum Rolex models.

Rolex Sky-Dweller

The Sky-Dweller is one of Rolex’s newest models, first introduced in 2012. It’s also one of the brand’s most complicated modern watches featuring two time zones, a date window, a month indicator, and an annual calendar complication inside its generously-sized 42mm case.

Back to basics: What is an Annual Calendar Watch?

Though the Sky-Dweller was not an immediate hit upon its release, things did turn around for this Rolex watch collection when more affordable stainless steel and two-tone models joined the previously full gold lineup. Rolex continued to expand the collection with new Oysterflex bracelet options and additional dial styles. The Sky-Dweller has transformed to become an integral part of Rolex’s dressy watch selection, and some references are especially favored in the market.

1. Steel Sky-Dweller in Blue

The hottest of all the Sky-Dweller watches right now is the steel variant with an 18k white gold bezel, also known as Sky-Dweller ref. 326934. Furthermore, while this reference is available in a number of dial colors, it’s the blue dial that is most desirable. Rolex offers the steel Sky-Dweller with the option of an Oyster bracelet or Jubilee bracelet, each retailing for $15,650 and $15,900, respectively. However, as expected, these popular Rolex watches command high premiums on the secondary market.

Related content: How Much Does a Rolex Sky-Dweller Cost?

Ladies’ Rolex Datejust Watches

Would you be surprised to find out that the best-selling Rolex watch is in fact, Datejust watches for women? That’s right, the brand known for tough tool watches and ultra-luxurious men’s statement timepieces actually sells more ladies’ Datejust than anything else in its catalog.

While Rolex makes the Lady-Datejust line specifically for its female clientele, Datejust watches with 31mm and 36mm are also popular options.

1. Lady-Datejust

The most petite of all Rolex Datejust watches, the Lady-Datejust made its debut in 1957. It featured the same date window and Cyclops magnification lens duo at 3 o’clock as the men’s version but housed inside a more compact case. Significantly, the Rolex Lady-Datejust has always been powered by a self-winding movement–no quartz versions here.

For most of its life, the Lady-Datejust featured a 26mm case; however, in 2015, Rolex increased the size slightly to 28mm. Regardless of the size, the Lady-Datejust is an exceedingly varied collection, not only offering a vast choice of bezel (smooth, fluted, or diamond), bracelet (Oyster, Jubilee, or President), and dial styles but also a large selection of metals, precious gems, and dial colors.

It’s worth emphasizing again that a full gold or platinum Lady-Datejust watch can be paired with a President bracelet, which is a design otherwise reserved for the Day-Date collection.

2. Datejust 31

The next size up from the Lady-Datejust is the Datejust 31, which offers a similarly wide variety of configurations but with a slightly bigger 31mm case. Along with more affordable steel or two-tone models with Oyster or Jubilee bracelets, full gold and platinum options with President bracelets are also available. Of course, diamonds, whether on the dial, bezel, or bracelet, are always an option.

3. Datejust 36

Although Rolex has historically positioned the Datejust 36 as the classic choice for men, women have chosen to wear it for a long time too. 36mm is a great size for a wide range of wrists and the Datejust is slim and thus, easy to wear. The current-production Datejust 36 collection does not offer full gold or full platinum versions, yet there’s still plenty to choose from among the steel and two-tone models.

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Related content: What is the Price of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust?

Other Popular Rolex Watches

When talking about a brand like Rolex, it’s hard not to include just about all of its watches in a “most popular” list. After all, there are other highly successful models like the Explorer, Oyster Perpetual, and Yacht-Master. Plus, even underrated models like the Milgauss, Air-King, and Cellini have their fans. However, after looking at the numbers, we’ve determined that the Rolex watches outlined above are currently the most popular with current buyers.

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