5 Best Rolex Watches to Start Your Collection

Who doesn’t want a Rolex watch? As one of the most recognizable brands in the world, Rolex is coveted by many; but its price tends to hold some people back.

We believe that your first foray into the Rolex club doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, the brand’s most classic daily wearers still fall under the $10K mark and are fantastic choices if you’re just starting a watch collection.

Here are 5 great choices for your Rolex starter watch:br

#5 | Rolex Oyster Perpetual 114200

The 114200 is what can be called the purist’s Rolex. It has everything that makes a Rolex, a Rolex: Oyster case, Oyster bracelet with Oysterclasp fastener, and Twinlock screw-down crowns. In all models, the watch only has three hands – hours, minutes, and center seconds on a nice clean dial.

Despite its simplicity, it comes in a myriad of sizes – 26mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 39mm; and also a variety of dial colors – from basic black and silver to unique red grape and olive green. A case study in classic design with many options to choose from.

Best for: Those who want the most basic Rolex.
SEE ALL OYSTER PERPETUAL 114200 >

#4 | Rolex Explorer II 216570

The Rolex Explorer was one of the first tool watches that Rolex created for professionals. Made for spelunkers and cavers, its latest version, the ref 216570, still stays true to the model’s origins.

Equipped with a bright orange GMT hand, a 24-hour bezel, and large luminous markers, it’s a very reliable watch to have on when trekking, camping, and exploring – but it’s versatile enough to be worn as a daily watch.

Best for: Those who want a sporty and robust Rolex that they can also wear daily.
SEE ALL EXPLORER II 216570 >

#3 | R olex Milgauss 116400

If you want a little more detail and polish on your watch, the Rolex Milgauss is the one. It comes with flashes of color in almost all its elements: the green crystal gives the black or blue dial a “halo”, while the minute markers, Milgauss text, and unique, lightning-bolt shaped hand come in striking orange. All balanced by its classic smooth bezel and Oyster bracelet.

Originally made for the scientific community, it was made to withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss. Even if you didn’t need this feature, its looks alone make it a versatile watch that works from casual to semi-formal environs.

Best for: Those who want a daily office watch with a little more personality.
SEE ALL MILGAUSS >

#2 | Rolex Datejust II

The two-tone, stainless steel and yellow gold Rolex Datejust was the best-selling Rolex for decades. But in 2009, they decided it was time to update it for a new generation of watch aficionados – enter the Rolex Datejust II.

It introduced a larger and more contemporary 41mm case, whose dial is as legible as it gets. With dial colors from black, gray and white, to more eye-catching silver and blue, it’s easy to pair with any ensemble and makes for a great ‘only watch’. Our clients and readers seem to agree – this was our number one watch for 2018.

Best for: Those who want the traits of the classic Rolex Datejust, in a contemporary watch. SEE ALL DATEJUST II >

#1 | Rolex Submariner

If you want to set your sights high, go for the most recognizable and popular watch in the Rolex portfolio – the Rolex Submariner. The Sub is generally considered as the most iconic diving watch; but many of its fans actually use it as a daily watch. Today, people look at the Rolex Submariner as a symbol of rugged elegance and good taste.

The 40mm stainless steel and black model is a solid choice that looks good with jeans or with a tuxedo (just take your cue from James Bond) – but the Rolesor variations have a unique appeal, too.

Best for: Those who want a ruggedly handsome Rolex that can be their first, and last. SEE ALL SUBMARINER >

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SEE MORE OF THE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO: