The Most Popular Rolex Watches

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 below lead the pack of the most sought-after Rolex Daytona watches.

1. Stainless Steel and Ceramic Daytona

The stainless steel and ceramic Daytona is the hero of the collection, flying off shelves since its release in 2016. The first generation of this particular variation was the ref. 116500LN, which was then replaced with the ref. 126500LN in 2023. 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.

Rolex offers two dial options across both references: 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.

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. It was part of the batch of discontinued Rolex Watches in 2023 and Rolex has yet to release a similar yellow gold and green colorway, making this a best-selling Rolex in the secondary market. 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. Like all 1165xx Daytona models, the Rainbow Daytona 116595RBOW was also discontinued in 2023. However, a 2024 Rainbow Daytona Rolex came in the form of the 126595 RBOW — and we have no doubt it’ll also become one of the most popular Rolex for men and women.

More about the Rolex Daytona:
Rolex Surprises Everyone with New Daytona Le Mans Watch
How Much Can I Get For My Rolex Daytona?
The Best Rolex Daytona Alternatives
The Rare and Cheerful Rolex Daytona Beach Collection

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 remain the classic choice for a Submariner, although modern versions include Cerachrom ceramic bezels instead of old-school aluminum ones.

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)

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

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.

More about Submariner watches:
How Much Can I Get For My Used Rolex Submariner?
Rolex Submariner Alternatives: 7 Other Excellent Dive Watches
All About the Rolex Hulk Submariner
Rolex 16610 Submariner: A Collector’s Guide

Rolex Deepsea

In 2008, Rolex introduced an extreme dive watch called the Deepsea. True to its name, the Deepsea is water resistant to an impressive 12,800 feet.

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 topped with black Cerachrom ceramic bezels:

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

While the Deepsea used to belong to the Sea-Dweller collection, in 2022 with the release of the newest generation, the Deepsea is now a standalone collection.

More about Deepsea watches:
Rolex introduces the Deepsea Challenge – Its First Ever Titanium Watch
Rolex Deepsea Guide: A Timeline of All Models

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)

Blue and black GMT-Master II watches with Oyster bracelets are nicknamed Batman whereas those with Jubilee bracelets are known as the Batgirl. Regardless of the bracelet type, these models sell for above retail on the secondary market.

Trouble Keeping the Nicknames Straight? Rolex Nickname Guide

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

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.

4. GMT-Master “Sprite”

In 2022, Rolex surprised onlookers with a left-handed watch — the GMT-Master II ref. 126720TVNR with the crown and date window position on the left-hand side of the case. In addition to the never-before seen alignment, the lefty GMT-Master also had a brand new bezel colorway combining black and green, which resulted in the “Sprite” nickname. As with most steel sports watches from the Crown, it didn’t take long for this unconventional GMT to become one of the most popular Rolex models in the market.

More about GMT-Master Watches:
A Collector’s Guide to the Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 16710
Best Rolex GMT-Master Alternatives, Including Pepsi, Coke, Batman, Root Beer, and Sprite Lookalikes
What is a Rolex Coke GMT?
Rolex GMT “Coke With Ice” Ref. 126758 RUSA and 126779 RUSA

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:
How Many Links Does a Rolex Come With?
How Much Does a Rolex Day-Date Cost?
The Best Rolex Day-Date Alternative Watches

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 $36,500.

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 Datejust

No discussion about the most popular Rolex watches is complete without mentioning the classic Datejust, a model that’s been a mainstay in the brand’s catalog since its debut in 1945. The Datejust is not only one of the most popular men’s Rolex but as we’ll soon see, a go-to option for women. The current Datejust lineup is available in four sizes (41mm, 36mm, 31mm, and 28mm), with three bracelet options, three bezel styles, various materials, and countless dials. In short, this is Rolex’s most varied watch collection.

1. Datejust 41

Released in 2016, the Datejust 41 is the largest option and it’s availble in full stainless steel or a mix of steel and gold (yellow, white and Everose). Although the 36mm Datejust was the original size, the 41mm Datejust is now becoming the more popular men’s Rolex among the two.

• Datejust 41 ref. 126300: steel case, steel domed bezel
• Datejust 41. ref. 126334: steel case, white gold fluted bezel
• Datejust 41. ref. 126303: steel case, yellow gold domed bezel
• Datejust 41 ref. 126333: steel case, yellow gold fluted bezel
• Datejust 41 ref. 126301: steel case, Everose gold domed bezel
• Datejust 41 ref. 126331: steel case, Everose gold fluted bezel

Powering Datejust 41 models is Caliber 3235, the newest-gen self-winding movement with a date display from Rolex with approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

2. 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. Like the Datejust 41, the modern Datejust 36 is also availble in full steel or a combination of steel and gold; plus, it runs on the same Caliber 3235. However, unlike the larger version, the current-production Datejust 36 is also availble with gem-set bezels.

• Datejust 36 ref. 126200: steel case, steel domed bezel
• Datejust 36 ref. 126234: steel case, white gold fluted bezel
• Datejust 36 ref. 126284rbr: steel case, diamond-set bezel
• Datejust 36 ref. 126203: steel case, yellow gold domed bezel
• Datejust 36 ref. 126233: steel case, yellow gold fluted bezel
• Datejust 36 ref. 126283rbr: steel case, diamond-set bezel
• Datejust 36 ref. 126201: steel case, Everose gold domed bezel
• Datejust 36 ref. 126231: steel case, Everose gold fluted bezel
• Datejust 36 ref. 126281rbr: steel case, diamond-set bezel

More about Datejust watches:
What is the Price of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust?
The Best Rolex Datejust Alternatives
Guide To Rolex Wimbledon Watches

3. Women’s 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.

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.

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.

Read this next: Women’s Rolex Watch Guide

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.

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

The most sought-after Sky-Dweller models are those with stainless steel cases and 18k white gold fluted bezels. There have been two generations of this specific variant, the original ref. 326934 the newer ref. 336934 that came out in 2023.

Furthermore, while this reference is available in a number of dial colors, the blue and green dials are most desirable. Rolex offers the steel Sky-Dweller with the option of an Oyster bracelet or Jubilee bracelet, As expected, these popular Rolex watches command high premiums on the secondary market.

More about Sky-Dweller Watches:
How Much Does a Rolex Sky-Dweller Cost?
What is an Annual Calendar Watch?

Possibly the Most Popular Rolex Watch of All: Oyster Perpetual

Although the Oyster Perpetual is the most simple and affordable model in the Rolex catalog (or perhaps because it’s the most affordable), it has extremely strong demand. Sales have been particularly strong since 2020 with the release of some colorful bright dials. Turquoise and Celebration dials are the most sought after colorways in the current catalog. 36mm and 41mm Rolex Oyster Perpetuals are very popular watches with men, and the 31mm variant is extremely popular with women. The 28mm and 34mm variants don’t seem to get as much attention.

Popular Entry-Level Sports Rolex: Explorer

The Explorer is the entry-level Rolex sports model. Although its Mt. Everest-related origin stories are mostly a Rolex myth, it’s an attractive, highly legible, and robust sports watch. It has been a consistently popular watch for Rolex since the 1950s. 36mm is its traditional size, but a larger 39mm version was added in 2010, which was subsequently replaced by a 40mm model in 2021. Rolex seems to produce a high volume of both the Explorer 36 and Explorer 40, so you shouldn’t have to spend too much time on a Rolex waiting list if you want one.

Popular Rolex Watch in a New Material: Yacht-Master Titanium

When the Yacht-Master first appeared in the Rolex lineup in 1992, it was a big success. At first it was only available in solid gold, and there was plenty of hype for it–but that didn’t last. Overall, the Yacht-Master has remained a moderately popular watch by Rolex standards, and there are plenty of fans of the Rolesium version. But the hottest Yacht-Master right now by far is the titanium version released in 2023. As Rolex’s first-ever titanium watch, the Yacht-Master 42 Titanium (ref. 226627) has far more demand than supply at its MSRP of $14,050. It’s almost as hard to get as a Panda Daytona from an authorized dealer.

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 II. Plus, even underrated models like the Rolex 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 buyers.

More Rolex Guides:
Rolex Prices: Retail vs. Market
How Does The Rolex Waiting List Work? Can it Be Avoided?
Rolex Quartz Watches: The Complete Guide
The Most Expensive Rolex Watches Ever Sold: Listed By Model
Rolex Quartz Watches: The Complete Guide
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: The Ultimate Guide