The 5 Most Iconic Rolex Watches To Add To Your Wish List
From the cool and classic Datejust 36 to the sporty yet chic Yachtmaster, Bazaar Arabia rounds up the most iconic Rolex timepieces to add to your watch wardrobe
Founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdord and Alfred Davis, Rolex burgeoned for not much more than a decade before moving its HQ to Geneva, Switzerland, the heartland of the fine watchmaking industry. Ever since, it has been one of the forefront houses to innovate on precision and artisanry, but the maison is also recognised as one of the most influential brands in terms of pop culture and trend-setting—its immediately identifiable crown logo has become synonymous with affluence and shorthand for success, worn by monarchs and A-list royalty alike. The maison’s most covetable models? Read on.
The 5 Most Iconic Rolex Watches To Add To Your Wish List
The Datejust 36
It doesn’t come much more quintessentially Rolex than the Datejust 36. Available in gold, Everose pink gold, Oystersteel and Rolesor (the maison’s term for two-tone models featuring both steel and gold) the Datejust has been reinterpreted myriad ways since its was became the first ever self-winding waterproof wristwatch to display the date on its dial in 1945. Watch geeks will appreciate its 70 hour power-reserve, while its name comes from its miniature date window, tucked beneath a cyclops lens that makes it easy to read at a glance. Dressed up in different coloured dials, available with diamonds or simply plain and sleek, the Datejust is an ultra-versatile timepiece to suit any ensemble.
The Oyster Perpetual
Rolex first launched its Oyster case in 1926, playing a pioneering role in the evolution of waterproof watchmaking. The maison unveiled its Perpetual movement in 1931, ushering in a whole new era of self-winding watches, and the blend of the two resulted in the Oyster Perpetual—waterproof up to 100 metres. Admired for its sports-luxe aesthetic, typically crafted in Oystersteel—a special alloy derived from the aerospace industry—the Oyster Perpetual is ultra-durable, and features the Oysterbracelet, a classic three-piece link design that will chime harmoniously with bangles, beads and bracelets. Watch addicts will recognise the Oyster Perpetual from the wrist of a certain famous spy—Sean Connery notably wore one in the James Bond films Dr. No and From Russia With Love, and it soon became associated with action and adventure, with an added dash of elegance.
The Lady-Datejust
The Lady Datejust’s legacy reaches back to 1957, and it was one of the first ladies’ watches to feature an automatic date function. Devotees admire the endless iterations in the Lady-Datejust collection, which offers myriad dial, bezel and bracelet iterations, making it easy to find the perfect piece to slip into your existing wrist stack. Its list of fans reads as a roster of the most influential tastemakers, from Gigi Hadid and Rihanna to Margot Robbie and Jennifer Aniston. It even has the royal seal of approval—the late Queen Elizabeth II regularly wore Rolex watches, and had a particular penchant for the ‘ladylike’ style.
The Day-Date 36
Otherwise known as ‘The President’ watch, the Day-Date 36 was famously worn by U.S. presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan, and it has become synonymous with affluence and success. The first Rolex to feature both a full day and date display, it was launched in 1956, and is now available in a wide range of metal tones, gem-settings and dial colourways. For true magpies, the Day-Date 36 can also feature a fully diamond-set bracelet or dial, making it one of the most ultra-luxe watches within the maison’s repertoire. It’s no surprise that it has garnered a fierce following among those who adore diamonds—from Jay-Z to Elizabeth Taylor herself.
The Yachtmaster 37
The sportiest piece within the maison’s roster of women’s watches, the ladies’ Yachtmaster was introduced in 1992, following in the footsteps of the explosion of men’s sports watches that arrived on the horology scene in the 1950s and ’60s. Pitched to those who appreciate style and performance, the Yachtmaster 37 has a nifty rotating bezel marking 60 minutes, allowing its wearer to calculate time lapses, such as the sailing time between two buoys. Those who aren’t as sporting can still appreciate its stylish design codes—available with a classic steel bracelet, or a rubber strap to enhances its luxe athleisure feel.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram / @emrata
