Rolex

Rolex watches on Dialist

Rolex makes the most recognised watches in the world, and it does so with a short list of designs that have barely changed in decades. A Submariner from 1960 and one from this year are plainly the same watch. That consistency is why Rolex holds its value, and why a pre-owned example is as much a purchase of the design as of the individual piece.

Every Rolex on Dialist is listed by a verified dealer, inspected before shipping, and covered by buyer protection. Browse by collection above, or go straight to a collector favourite such as the Pepsi or the steel Daytona.

A short history

Hans Wilsdorf founded the company in London in 1905 and moved it to Geneva in 1919. The two inventions that define the brand came early: the Oyster case of 1926, the first waterproof wristwatch case, and the Perpetual rotor of 1931, the self-winding mechanism every automatic watch still uses in some form.

The professional collections followed in a burst after the war. The Datejust arrived in 1945, the Submariner in 1953, the GMT-Master in 1955, the Day-Date in 1956 and the Cosmograph Daytona in 1963. Each was built for a job, from diving to flying to timing a race, and each is still in production today.

What to know before you buy

1. 01

   Collections

   The Datejust and Oyster Perpetual are the everyday watches; Submariner, GMT-Master II and Daytona are the sports models that trade above retail; Day-Date is the precious-metal flagship. Each has its own page above.

2. 02

   Materials

   Oystersteel (904L), Rolesor two-tone, yellow, white and Everose gold, and platinum. Steel sports models carry the biggest premiums; two-tone is usually the least expensive route into a given design.

3. 03

   Sizes

   Most modern men's references are 40 to 41 mm; the Datejust runs 31, 36 and 41 mm and the Day-Date 36 and 40 mm. Vintage references are smaller, typically 34 to 37 mm.

4. 04

   Movements

   Every current Rolex is an in-house automatic with a Superlative Chronometer rating of plus or minus two seconds a day and a 70-hour power reserve or better. Quartz and hand-wound Rolexes are vintage only.

5. 05

   Box, papers and warranty

   A full set with the warranty card adds a clear premium and makes the watch easier to sell on. Rolex's own warranty is five years from the original sale; a dealer's inspection covers the rest.

Frequently asked questions