Men’s and women’s versions of Rolex’s most important watch, the Oyster, debuted simultaneously in 1926. Wristwatches became mainstream for women years before men, so it makes sense that Rolex’s first brand ambassador was Mercedes Gleitze. Throughout their history, Rolex has continued to market heavily to both sexes. And it’s hard to think of a ladies’ watch more iconic than a two-tone 26mm Datejust with a fluted bezel.
Most Popular Rolex Watches for Women
Rolex doesn’t release sales numbers, but the Oyster Perpetual 31 is quite likely the hottest ladies’ Rolex in the current lineup. In total, the Oyster Perpetual is available in five sizes–28, 31, 34, 36, and 41–and four out of the five would be perfectly suitable for most women.
The Lady-Datejust and Datejust 31 also remain popular, and are available in various bezel and material configurations.
Although watch collectors tend to focus their attention on men’s models, Rolex ladies’ models–the Oyster Perpetual and Datejust models in particular–have quietly remained strong sellers throughout the decades.
Rolex Ladies’ Watch Timeline
1908 – Rolex is founded by Hans Wilsdorf who was known as an expert in women’s movements in Rolex’s early years. He strongly believed in the future of wristwatches when pocket watches were still the norm for men, and wristwatches were mostly regarded as an accessory for women. Early Rolex women’s watches use various third-party cases and Aegler movements.
1926 – Rolex Oyster debuts. The original ladies’ Rolex Oyster is 24mm. Its waterproof case is a big deal at the time. Early automatic Rolex Oysters, or “Bubblebacks,” debuted in 1933, but only in men’s sizes at first.
1930’s – 1950’s – Cocktail watch era. While Rolex briefly tried some ladies’ Oyster models like the “Oyster-Egyptian for sportswomen” with interesting stepped lugs, they seemed to go for a more dainty and dressy aesthetic in their ladies’ lineup for the next couple decades. Very small dress watches, usually on thin straps, are called “cocktail watches” and Rolex made innumerable variations. The Orchid, with its uniquely faceted bezel, is a model worth mentioning, but none of these tiny ladies’ watches are particularly sought-after by collectors. Ladies’ Bubbleback models like ref. 5002 can be found starting in the mid-1940’s, but they’re actually quite rare.
1957 – The Lady-Datejust enters the lineup. At 26mm, it’s arguably the most important and iconic ladies’ Rolex model of all. Ref. 6517 was the first ladies’ Rolex Datejust, a true return to form for Rolex women’s watches. An uber-rare ladies’ Oyster Perpetual with a rotating bezel (ref. 6506) appeared around the same time, then quickly disappeared, but the Lady-Datejust has remained a successful part of the Rolex catalog ever since.
1966 – Midsize Datejust (31mm) debuts. Rolex kept the 26mm option and made a wise choice by expanding their ladies’ Datejust options to include a 31mm size beginning in 1966. Midsize (also known as “boys’ size”) Oyster Perpetuals like ref. 6751 appear around the same time.
1970-1990 – The Cellini heyday. Rolex made countless Cellini dress watches for women in various case shapes–ovals, rectangles, TV cases, cushion cases…there are a lot of options to dig into if you’re looking for a dressy vintage Rolex watch for women.
1990’s-2012 – The Quartz Cellini era. A lot of quartz Rolex Cellini watches were offered in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, although the 26mm and 31mm Datejusts remained the most popular Rolex watches for women. In 1994, the 29mm Ladies’ Yacht-Master became the first true “sports model” in the Rolex ladies’ lineup.
2015-Present – Upsizing and expanding ladies’ Oyster options. Ladies’ Cellini models are a thing of the past. The Lady-Datejust grew to 28mm in 2015, as did the smallest Oyster Perpetual in 2020. 34mm Oyster Perpetuals have actually gotten smaller lug-to-lug in recent years, solidifying their position as a ladies’ model, while even 36mm models have grown to be accepted as unisex.
Rolex Diamond Watches for Women
There are a variety of options when choosing a diamond Rolex watch for women. Whether you prefer to have the diamonds on the bezel, dial, or both (or even on the bracelet in some cases) Rolex has made a Lady-Datejust that fits the bill.
How Much is a Rolex Watch for a Woman?
Fortunately for women, the market price of secondhand ladies’ Rolex watches tends to be lower than men’s. The cheapest Rolex watches for women aren’t always steel; sometimes two-tone examples of references like 6917 are just as affordable. In fact the price of a gold Rolex for women, with a solid gold President bracelet, is typically on par with the price of a popular men’s steel model.