There are luxury watch brands — and then there’s Rolex. With its iconic crown logo, unrivalled global recognition, and a legacy spanning over a century, Rolex stands as the undisputed leader in prestige timekeeping. Whether you're a seasoned collector or entering the world of horology for the first time, the name Rolex commands attention, admiration, and respect.

In this guide, we explore the origins of the Rolex legend, trace the milestones that made the brand a symbol of excellence, and spotlight its most iconic models — including the Rolex Submariner 41mm, Datejust, Daytona, and more. Every model tells a story, and every story continues through the wrists of those who wear them.

A Legacy Written in Steel, Gold, and Precision

The Rolex story began in 1905, when Hans Wilsdorf, a visionary German entrepreneur, founded Wilsdorf & Davis in London. At the time, wristwatches were still seen as novel and less reliable than pocket watches — but Wilsdorf believed the wristwatch was the future.

In 1910, a Rolex became the first wristwatch to receive the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision. Four years later, it earned a Class A certificate from the Kew Observatory in England — a feat previously reserved only for marine chronometers. This was the first of many milestones.

By the 1920s, Rolex introduced the Oyster, the world's first waterproof wristwatch. In 1931, it launched the Perpetual, the first self-winding mechanism using a rotor — now the standard in automatic watches.

Throughout the decades, Rolex remained at the forefront of innovation, releasing timepieces that not only defined luxury but helped shape tool watches for diving, aviation, racing, and exploration.

Why Rolex Still Rules the Watch World

Today, Rolex is more than a watch — it's a cultural icon. It's been worn by James Bond, Paul Newman, Roger Federer, and countless world leaders, explorers, and style icons.

But Rolex’s staying power isn’t just about star power. It’s built on:

• Impeccable craftsmanship – vertical integration, in-house movements, and the highest standards of quality
• Legendary designs – timeless aesthetics that transcend trends
• Resale value – Rolex watches are among the most valuable in the secondary market
• Exclusivity – with waitlists that span months or years for popular models

Whether you’re diving, racing, or closing a business deal, a Rolex says everything without needing to say a word.

The Most Iconic Rolex Models

Below is a breakdown of Rolex’s most celebrated collections — each with its own story, features, and collector appeal.

1. Rolex Submariner 41mm – The Dive Watch Blueprint

Arguably the most recognisable dive watch in history, the Rolex Submariner was launched in 1953 as the first timepiece waterproof to 100m. It became the gold standard for professional and recreational diving.

The modern Submariner 41mm (reference 126610LN or 126610LV “Starbucks”) is everything a dive watch should be: robust, legible, and engineered for the deep.

• Water resistance: 300m
• Movement: Calibre 3235, 70-hour power reserve
• Features: Rotating ceramic bezel, Glidelock clasp
• Price Range (SA Market): R250,000 – R300,000+

 

2. Rolex Datejust – Elegance Across Generations

Introduced in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was the first automatic wristwatch with a date window that changed automatically at midnight — now a standard feature across the industry.

Versatile, timeless, and suitable for every wrist and occasion, the Datejust remains a go-to for professionals and collectors alike.

• Sizes: 31mm, 36mm, 41mm
• Material: Oystersteel, Everose gold, Rolesor
• Features: Cyclops date lens, Jubilee or Oyster bracelet
• Price Range (SA Market): R140,000 – R220,000+

 

3. Rolex Daytona – Speed Meets Prestige

The Cosmograph Daytona, launched in 1963, was designed for professional race car drivers. Its clean dial, tachymeter bezel, and chronograph pushers made it a racing icon — and one of the most sought-after Rolex models today.

The legendary “Paul Newman” Daytona is among the most expensive watches ever sold, further cementing its collector status.

• Case size: 40mm
• Movement: Calibre 4130, in-house chronograph
• Features: Tachymeter bezel, sub-dial chronograph counters
• Price Range (SA Market): R450,000 – R850,000+ (depending on reference)

 

4. Rolex GMT-Master II – Travel in Style

First introduced in 1955 for Pan Am pilots, the GMT-Master was built to track multiple time zones. The GMT-Master II, launched in 1982, added independent hour hand adjustment — making it the definitive travel watch.

Iconic two-tone bezels (e.g., “Pepsi,” “Batman,” “Root Beer”) have made these models wildly collectible.

• Features: Dual-time function, 24-hour bezel
• Movement: Calibre 3285
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Price Range (SA Market): R320,000 – R450,000+

 

5. Rolex Explorer & Explorer II – Built for Adventure

Born from Rolex’s connection to exploration (famously worn during the 1953 Everest expedition), the Explorer line is designed for clarity, durability, and reliability under extreme conditions.

• Explorer I: 36mm/40mm, clean dial, minimalist design
• Explorer II: 42mm case, fixed bezel, orange GMT hand
• Price Range (SA Market): R120,000 – R230,000+

 

6. Rolex Yacht-Master – Nautical Elegance

Blending sport and luxury, the Yacht-Master is a refined take on Rolex’s nautical heritage. Available in various sizes and materials, it remains one of the more unique choices in the lineup.

• Sizes: 37mm, 40mm, 42mm
• Materials: Rolesium, Everose gold
• Standout: Oysterflex bracelet for sporty comfort
• Price Range (SA Market): R280,000 – R550,000+
  

7. Rolex Milgauss – Magnetic Personality

Developed for scientists and engineers, the Milgauss resists magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. It’s one of the quirkiest Rolex designs, with its lightning bolt seconds hand and green-tinted sapphire crystal.

• Case size: 40mm
• Movement: Calibre 3131
• Standout: Antimagnetic case
• Price Range (SA Market): R150,000 – R210,000+

 

8. Rolex Sky-Dweller – Modern Complication Mastery

Introduced in 2012, the Sky-Dweller is one of the most complex Rolex models — featuring dual time zones and an annual calendar, all controlled via a rotatable Ring Command bezel.

• Case Size: 42mm
• Features: Saros calendar, GMT, fluted bezel
• Materials: Oystersteel, white gold, Rolesor
• Price Range (SA Market): R450,000 – R650,000+

 

9. Rolex Oyster Perpetual – The Purest Form

The Oyster Perpetual represents the DNA of Rolex — simple, clean, and reliable. With no date or additional complications, it’s often the gateway model into Rolex ownership.

• Sizes: 28mm to 41mm
• Colours: Range of vibrant dials (e.g., turquoise, coral)
• Movement: Calibre 3230
• Price Range (SA Market): R110,000 – R180,000+

Rolex vs the Competition

While brands like Omega, Tag Heuer, and Breitling have their strengths, Rolex continues to dominate thanks to:

• Legendary brand equity
• Strong resale value
• Vertical integration and quality control
• A timeless product catalogue

Compared to models like the Tag Heuer Aquaracer 300M or Omega Seamaster, the Rolex Submariner 41mm holds significantly higher value and long-term desirability.

Shop Rolex Watches in South Africa

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Whether you're searching for a robust Submariner, a timeless Datejust, or a collectable Daytona, our curated range ensures authenticity, value, and peace of mind.

Browse our Rolex collection now — where legacy meets authenticity.