Watchmaking is an art, from the intricate gears and movements to the delicate dials and hands. The meticulous craftsmanship that goes into designing and assembling a watch is simply awe-inspiring.
But analog watches aren't just about functionality; they also hold sentimental value. They become treasured heirlooms that are passed down through generations, each one carrying stories, memories, and emotions.
If you're aiming to add another must-have piece to your watch collection or seeking a memorable gift for a loved one, there's no beating a Rolex. Ahead, we list the top 10 iconic Rolex watches that have left a mark not only in the brand’s history, but in the world of watchmaking as a whole. But before that, here’s a brief history lesson.
The History of Rolex
Founded in 1905 in London by Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex first began with the help of his brother-in-law Alfred Davis. They initially operated under the name Wilsdorf and Davis. At the time, wristwatches weren't popular because they weren't as precise as they are now. But Hans believed that wristwatches had the possibility to be both a fashionable accessory while also being precise at timekeeping.
So they imported very precise watch movements—which are essentially the engine or internal mechanisms that power a watch—from a Swiss watchmaking company in Bienne. These “movements” not only move the hands, but they can also power more complex features like a chronograph, annual calendar, or dual time zone. After assembling these movements in British cases, they sold them to jewelers.
Recognizing the potential to create their own brand, Hans secured the name Rolex in 1908.
Where Did the Name "Rolex" Come From?
Unlike most brands, the brand name wasn't derived from the founders' surnames. According to legend, the name came to Hans while he was riding a horse-drawn bus and a genie whispered “Rolex” in his ear. He wanted a name that would be both memorable and universally easy to pronounce, and "Rolex" fit the bill.
The 10 Most Iconic Rolex Watches
1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Oyster Perpetual watch traces its roots from the original Oyster. Launched by Rolex in 1926, the Oyster was a game-changer in watchmaking. Not only did it catapult the brand to popularity, but it’s also the first-ever waterproof watch. The watch is as tight-sealed as an oyster, hence its name, while "Perpetual" is a nod to its self-winding feature. In 2021, this classic Rolex got a colorful makeover with the brand introducing vibrant lacquer dials, doubling the watch’s value.
Oyster Perpetual 41, P349,000, ROLEX, rolex.com
2. Rolex Datejust
The Datejust is a watch of significant historical and technological importance, boasting an automatically changing date window and holding the title of Rolex's best-selling watch. Introduced in 1945 to commemorate the company's 40th anniversary, it remains an iconic timepiece still in production today. The current Datejust lineup offers three sizes —31, 36, and 41mm—with a variety of dial and bezel combinations and bracelet options like the Jubilee, a signature of this watch design. Local celebrities such as Andrea Brillantes, Julia Barretto, Gabbi Garcia, and Barbie Imperial all have their own pieces of this famous watch.
Datejust 36, P703,000, ROLEX, rolex.com
3. Rolex Explorer
In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay summited Mount Everest while wearing modified Oyster Perpetual watches, which inspired Rolex to create their iconic Explorer line. It began with the launch of the reference 6289, followed by the introduction of the reference 6530, the first to bear the "Explorer" name on its dial. The Explorer 6610, released in 1959, set the standard with its stainless steel Oyster case, 36mm size, black dial, and distinctive 3-6-9 numerals. It continues to evolve over time featuring different movements and dials.
Explorer 36, P647,000, ROLEX, rolex.com
4. Rolex Submariner
The Submariner, launched in 1954, originated from the 1953 Rolex 6202 Turn-O-Graph and was the brand's inaugural dive watch. Its name "Submariner" underscores its aquatic focus, inspired by French naval officer Jacques Cousteau's ocean explorations. The reference 6204 debuted the name and its signature dial layout with an inverted triangle at 12 o'clock. Renowned for its 100m waterproofing, rotating dive bezel, and luminous markers for underwater legibility, the Submariner has evolved with innovations like a date function, sapphire crystal, and ceramic bezel.
Submariner, P500,500, ROLEX, rolex.com
5. Rolex GMT-Master
The GMT Master, introduced in 1954 with the reference 6542, was developed in collaboration with Pan-Am Airways to serve international pilots navigating multiple time zones. It features a distinctive two-tone bezel that earned nicknames like "Pepsi," "Coke," and "Rootbeer." This iconic model gained further recognition after its appearance in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger when it was worn by the fictional character, Pussy Galore. Evolving through models like the 1959 GMT Master 1675 with improved movements and bezel options, the 1983 GMT Master II 16760 introduced a thicker case and an updated movement capable of tracking a third time zone.
GMT-Master II, P585,500, ROLEX, rolex.com
6. Rolex Milgauss
Introduced in 1956, the Milgauss was designed to meet the specific needs of scientists and engineers by offering resistance to magnetic fields up to 1,000 gausses. Its name, a combination of "mille" (French for one thousand) and "gauss" (a unit of magnetic induction), aptly describes this capability. Utilizing a soft iron Faraday cage to protect the movement from magnetic interference, Rolex collaborated with CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, to validate its anti-magnetic properties. The Milgauss features a distinctive lightning bolt seconds hand, which later became an iconic feature of the model. Despite being discontinued in 2023, hope still remains that the brand will reintroduce the Milgauss line in the future.
Milgauss, Price Unavailable, ROLEX
7. Rolex Daydate
Introduced in 1957, the Day-Date distinguished itself from the Datejust by displaying both the date and the day of the week, hence its name. Available exclusively in precious metals like gold or platinum, it featured a unique three-piece link bracelet design that later became known as the President bracelet. This association with power and prestige earned it the moniker "Presidential," frequently referenced in popular culture and worn by influential figures ranging from political leaders like Lyndon B. Johnson, Winston Churchill, and Dwight Eisenhower to celebrities such as Drake, Emily Ratajkowski, and surprisingly, the Dalai Lama.
Day-Date 40, P3,398,500, ROLEX, rolex.com
8. Rolex Air-King
Introduced in 1957, the Air-King 5500 was a tribute to the British Royal Air Force pilots of World War II. Known for its durable 34mm stainless steel case and sunburst dial, it was initially powered by the caliber 1520 or 1530 movement, and it remained in production until 1989. In 2007, Rolex refreshed the lineup with references like the 114200 and 114234, featuring varied bezel designs. Custom Air-King models with the Domino’s Pizza logo have since become sought-after collector's items.
Air-King, P405,000, ROLEX, rolex.com
9. Rolex Daytona
The Cosmograph Daytona, initially named "Le Mans" in 1963, gained its iconic status in 1965 with the official "Daytona" branding. The Daytona's legacy is rooted in its association with motorsport, notably as the official timekeeper of the Daytona Speedway since 1962. Vintage models, especially pre-official "Daytona" variants, are highly sought-after by collectors, with the iconic "Paul Newman" Daytona reaching record-breaking auction prices. Today, the Daytona continues to be a coveted timepiece, celebrated for its precision, design, and storied history in both motorsport and pop culture.
Cosmograph Daytona, P4,175,000, ROLEX, rolex.com
10. Rolex Sea-Dweller
Launched in 1967, the Sea-Dweller 1665 "Double Red" was designed for saturation diving, featuring a depth rating surpassing the Submariner. It evolved into the "Great White" with white text on the dial and later into the "Triple Six" 16660 with a 4,000-feet depth rating and sapphire crystal. The Sea-Dweller 16600, released in the late 1990s, continued this legacy with updates in dial design and luminescence.
Sea-Dweller, P726,000, ROLEX, rolex.com
Local Celebrities That Own Rolex Watches
1. Kathryn Bernardo
Kathryn shared with Preview that one of her favorite designer items is her Rolex Datejust watch with striking hour markers in a green hue. It's verdant green shade resembles the color of a tennis court, making it the perfect watch for a tennis head like her.
2. Alden Richards
ICYDK, Alden has a stunning collection of watches. In a previous video with Preview, he shared with us his favorite watches. While he had various brands on his list, four were from Rolex, three of which were Daytona’s, which go for hundreds and thousands of pesos to millions each.
3. Andrea Brillantes
Andrea Brillantes was gifted a Rolex by her good friends and fellow content creators Whamos Cruz and Antonette Gail for her 21st birthday. It was a Rolex Lady Datejust, similar to Kathryn’s, but with a classic black dial.
4. Gabbi Garcia
While buying a watch is a great way to mark a milestone, buying your first-ever luxury watch is also a milestone in itself. Case in point: Gabbi Garcia bought herself a Rolex watch back in 2022 as a symbol of her hard work. She shares that it took her months to find the watch that felt perfect for her, and she eventually went for a stunning 31mm Datejust that cost around P681,000.
5. Heart Evangelista
Heart is another avid watch collector, several of which cost millions of pesos each. In fact, she has one Rolex watch that cost about P2 million, which she had customized to feature one of her artworks.
6. Kendra Kramer
When Kendra turned 13, parents Chesca and Doug Kramer gifted her a Lady-Datejust 28mm in Oystersteel and Yellow Gold to celebrate her entering her teen years.
7. Scarlett Kramer
Following family tradition, Kendra’s little sister Scarlett also received her very own Rolex watch when she turned 13. While Kendra was given a Datejust, Scarlett was given another classic: an Oyster Perpetual.
8. Jinkee Pacquiao
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is already one of the most coveted watches there are, but when you’re Jinkee Pacquiao, it only makes sense to get the one of the most expensive and stunning variants of the model there is–the Rainbow Cosmograph Daytona. This timepiece features 36 baguette-cut sapphires on the bezel, 11 sapphire hour markers, and 56 brilliant-cut diamonds on its lugs, all set in Rolex's Everose gold and is worth approximately P40-million.
9. Kim Chiu
Kim Chiu is another avid collector of luxury goods, everything from designer clothes to bags and shoes, and of course, watches. The one we’ve spotted her wearing the most is a two-tone Submariner with a yellow gold chain bracelet paired with a royal blue dial, also known among watch collectors as the “Royal Bluesy”.
10. Sofia Andres
For a classy lady like Sofia Andres, an equally classy "Tiffany" Oyster Perpetual adorns her wrist.
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