The HVNDRED Guide to Rolex: An Insider's Look at the Crown Jewel of Luxury Timepieces

The HVNDRED Guide to Rolex: An Insider's Look at the Crown Jewel of Luxury Timepieces


Ah, Rolex. The mere mention of the name is enough to make watch aficionados weak in the knees and mere mortals green with envy. But what is it about these tickers that sets them apart from the rest? Allow us to enlighten you, dear reader.
First and foremost, Rolex is the epitome of exclusivity. These timepieces are harder to get your hands on than a front-row seat at Fashion Week. Even if you're willing to drop some serious cash, you'll likely have to wait months or even years to snag your grail from an authorized dealer. But trust us, the anticipation only makes the payoff that much sweeter.

Of course, it's not just about the scarcity factor. Rolex watches are also the pinnacle of craftsmanship and innovation. From the first waterproof case to the self-winding movement, Rolex has been pushing the boundaries of what's possible in watchmaking for over a century. And while other brands may churn out new models faster than you can say "limited edition," Rolex takes a more measured approach, refining and perfecting its iconic designs year after year.
So, what are the crown jewels of the Rolex lineup?

Let's start with the Submariner, the gold standard of dive watches. This bad boy is water-resistant up to 300m and looks just as sharp with a wetsuit as it does with a bespoke suit.

The submariner, gold standard of rolex

Then there's the GMT-Master II, the ultimate globetrotter's companion with its dual time zone functionality and eye-catching bezel colors (hello, "Pepsi" and "Batman").

But perhaps the most coveted Rolex of all is the Daytona. Named after the legendary Florida racetrack, this chronograph is the holy grail for collectors and can command prices in the millions at auction. And with a sleek new movement and some fresh dial options for 2023, the Daytona shows no signs of slowing down.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Of course, we can't forget about the dressier side of Rolex. The Day-Date, aka the "President's watch," is a favorite of power players from JFK to Jay-Z, while the Datejust is a timeless classic that looks just as dapper today as it did when it debuted in the 1940s.

the day-date by rolex

But here's the thing: even if you're not a high-roller or a horology nerd, there's a Rolex out there for you. The Oyster Perpetual, for example, is the entry-level model that still boasts all the hallmarks of a true Rolex: impeccable craftsmanship, a Superlative Chronometer-certified movement, and a range of eye-catching dial colors (including a cheeky "Celebration" motif from last year).

Rolex Perpetual

So whether you're a seasoned collector or a newbie just dipping your toes into the world of luxury watches, Rolex is the brand to beat. And while snagging one of these coveted timepieces may require some patience (and a healthy bank account), trust us when we say it's worth the wait. Because when you strap on a Rolex, you're not just telling time - you're making a statement.

Rolex Name Price Model Case Bezel Water Resistance Manufacture Movement Caliber Power Reserve Bracelet Dial Certification
COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA $77,800 Oyster, 40 mm, platinum Chestnut brown monobloc Cerachrom bezel in ceramic with moulded numerals and graduations Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet Perpetual, mechanical chronograph, self-winding 4131, manufacture Rolex Approximately 72 hours Oyster, three-piece solid links Ice blue Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
SUBMARINER DATE $14,300 Oyster, 41 mm, Oystersteel Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with Cerachrom insert in ceramic Waterproof to 300 metres / 1,000 feet Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3235, manufacture Rolex Approximately 70 hours Oyster, flat three-piece links Black Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
GMT-MASTER II $11,950 Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel Bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel with two-color Cerachrom insert Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3285, manufacture Rolex Approximately 70 hours Jubilee, five-piece links Black Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
YACHT-MASTER $27,300 Oyster, 42 mm, 18 ct white gold Bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with matt black Cerachrom insert Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3235, manufacture Rolex Approximately 70 hours Oysterflex bracelet Black Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
DAY-DATE 40 $37,550 Oyster, 40 mm, 18 ct yellow gold Fluted bezel Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3255, manufacture Rolex Approximately 70 hours President bracelet Champagne Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
DATEJUST 41 $9,650 Oyster, 41 mm, Oystersteel Fluted bezel Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3235, manufacture Rolex Approximately 70 hours Jubilee, five-piece links Silver Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
OYSTER PERPETUAL 41 $5,900 Oyster, 41 mm, Oystersteel Smooth bezel Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3230, manufacture Rolex Approximately 70 hours Oyster, flat three-piece links Blue Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
SEA-DWELLER $14,800 Oyster, 43 mm, Oystersteel Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with Cerachrom insert in ceramic Waterproof to 1,220 metres / 4,000 feet Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3235, manufacture Rolex Approximately 70 hours Oyster, flat three-piece links Black Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
EXPLORER II $8,350 Oyster, 42 mm, Oystersteel Fixed, 24-hour graduated bezel Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3285, manufacture Rolex Approximately 70 hours Oyster, flat three-piece links White Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)
MILGAUSS $8,300 Oyster, 40 mm, Oystersteel Smooth bezel Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding 3131, manufacture Rolex Approximately 48 hours Oyster, flat three-piece links Black Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

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