The world’s most recognizable luxury watch brand, Rolex, has always been known as a horological status symbol for everyone. Offering a wide range of models, from professional and modern-looking timepieces to classic watches that would suit any wrist or taste, Rolex is nowadays the biggest single watch brand in the world.
But their prices might be prohibitive for most of us, that’s why we’ve decided to look today for three popular Rolex watches that you could get for less than $10k. That’s an affordable and fairly decent price to pay for a piece of watchmaking excellence from Rolex, right?
Rolex Daytona
Inspired by racecar drivers and enthusiasts, like the renowned actor Paul Newman, the iconic Rolex Daytona has been launched back in 1963, with a manual wind movement and a classic design that became an instant hit for everyone.
The Cosmograph Daytona was so popular back in those days that Rolex decided to introduce a second series of this elegant watch in the early 90s, using a Zenith El Primero modified automatic movement and a five digit model number.
A third series followed in 2000, with an excellent in-house movement made by Rolex and a six digit model number, that would be constantly updated until today. These ‘new’ Daytonas are certified, self-winding chronometers with chronographs functions, combining form with function brilliantly.
Rolex Submariner
Another iconic watch from Rolex that you could probably afford is the wonderful Rolex Submariner, a watch that’s renowned for its resistance to water and corrosion, ever since it was launched, back in 1954. Specifically designed with diving in mind, this watch would become one of the brand’s popular models and it’s nowadays called a classic among wristwatches.
The Rolex Submariner is part of the brand’s Oyster Perpetual line, and as the decades went by, it just became better and better. The design of this watch has been constantly updated, with better movements, improved water resistance and numerous cosmetic tweaks.
In 2003, Rolex celebrated the 50th anniversary of this model with a special Rolex Submariner-Date Anniversary edition, with special features like a green bezel and Maxi Dial that made it really popular among collectors. But you could still get a cool Submariner for $5,000 to $10,000.
Rolex Datejust
Another favorite of mine, the Rolex Datejust has been an innovative timepiece, ever since it was launched. Released back in 1945, the Datejust was actually the first wristwatch to feature an automatically changing date function and it’s the watch that was used as the basis for other Rolex classics, like the Submariner or the Rolex Sea Dweller.
Nowadays, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust is a certified, self-winding chronometer, offered with two classic bracelets, the jubilee and oyster, both of them representing a statement of elegance. Rolex also launched the Datejust II just a couple of years ago, which is a little bigger than the standard Datejust and it also features an updated movement, but we prefer the classic look of this beauty.
