The Rolex Submariner holds the crown as the most popular Rolex of all time, blending timeless design with unmatched versatility. Since its debut, it has become the brand’s highest-selling model, admired by both collectors and first-time buyers. Its enduring popularity comes from its perfect balance of functionality, prestige, and iconic style.
While other models like the Daytona and Datejust remain highly sought after, the Submariner consistently leads in global demand and resale value. For investors, it also stands out as one of the best Rolex watches to hold long-term, offering both reliability and strong market appreciation. Read on for more.
1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 – Oystersteel, Black Dial ref. M134300-0008
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$9,500
- Private Market Price: S$13,924
- Pre-Owned Price: S$15,976
About
This Rolex Oyster Perpetual represents the core of Rolex’s watchmaking philosophy. It doesn’t include complications such as a date display or rotating bezel, which keeps the focus on essential timekeeping. The Oyster Perpetual line has existed for decades, and this reference continues that tradition with a larger 41 mm case. It appeals to those who value simplicity, reliability, and a timeless aesthetic.
Features
Key features include a 41mm Oystersteel case, a black lacquer dial, an Oyster bracelet, a smooth, domed bezel, and water resistance up to 100 meters.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2025
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials
- Dial- Black, finished in lacquer, with Chromalight lume-filled baton-style hands and Rolex coronet/index hour markers (double at 3,6, and 9 o’clock)
- Bracelet- Oystersteel, Oyster, with a folding Oysterclasp with an Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel- Fixed, smooth, domed, polished, Oystersteel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Caliber 3230 self-winding mechanical movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
It’s a strong value-holding watch, retailing at S$9,500 but trading 60%+ higher on the secondary market. Its demand, scarcity, and brand strength support long-term appreciation potential. While risks include illiquidity, costs, and market cycles, it offers stability as both a luxury timepiece and investment alternative.
2. Rolex Explorer 40 – Oystersteel, Black Dial ref. M224270-0001
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$11,300
- Private Market Price: S$10,806
- Pre-Owned Price: S$8,500
About
The Rolex Explorer 40 continues the Explorer lineage that dates back to the 1950s. Originally designed for mountaineers and adventurers, the Explorer has always prioritized clarity, toughness, and reliability. This version expands on the previous 36 mm size, offering a larger wrist presence while retaining the clean, functional design that defines the model.
Features
They include bold Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, a 40mm Oystersteel case, a smooth bezel, an Oyster bracelet, and water resistance up to 100 meters.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2023
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials
- Dial- Matte black, with a Chromalight lume-filled Mercedes-style hour hand, a pencil-style minute hand, a lollipop-style seconds hand with a luminous tip, and inverted triangle/index/Arabic numeral hour markers
- Bracelet- Oystersteel, Oyster, with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with an Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel- Fixed, smooth, polished, Oystersteel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Rolex Caliber 3230 automatic movement
Why Invest
Demand for the Explorer line remains steady, and this reference represents a significant milestone in the model’s evolution. As a result, it holds strong potential for both enthusiasts and long-term ownership value. According to WatchBase, its price increased from S$11,571 on March 30, 2023, to S$11,949 on January 2, 2024, and S$12,100 on March 11, 2025.
3. Rolex Submariner Date – Oystersteel, Black Date ref. M126610LN-0001
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$15,250
- Private Market Price: S$16,708
- Pre-Owned Price: S$17,780
About
The Submariner Date ref. M126610LN-0001 is a luxury men’s dive watch that was introduced in 2020 as part of Rolex’s updated Submariner line. It replaced the previous 40mm model, bringing subtle refinements to proportions and mechanics. It’s recognized for its clean design, precision timekeeping, professional-grade performance, and ability to sit comfortably around most wrists.
Features
The watch features a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a black Cerachrom ceramic insert, a date display at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifier lens over it, water resistance up to 300 meters, an Oyster bracelet, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal over the dial.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials
- Dial- Black, with a Chromalight lume-filled Mercedes-style hour hand, a pencil-style minute hand, a lollipop-style seconds hand with a luminous tip, and round/triangle/rectangle hour markers
- Bracelet- Oystersteel, Oyster, with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with a Rolex Glidelock extension system
- Bezel- Unidirectional rotatable, Oystersteel, with a knurled edge and a black Cerachrom ceramic insert with a 60-minute graduation engraved and coated with platinum via PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Caliber 3235 automatic movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
It holds strong value due to its reputation, durability, and demand. WatchBase reveals its price increased from S$13,159 on September 1, 2020, to S$14,520 on January 19, 2022, S$15,503 on January 10, 2023, S$16,184 on January 1, 2024, and S$16,335 on January 4, 2025.
4. Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’ – Oystersteel, Black Dial ref. M126710BLRO-0001
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$15,800
- Private Market Price: S$25,056
- Pre-Owned Price: S$29,000
About
The Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’ is one of the most recognizable modern Rolex watches. Its nickname comes from the two-tone bezel in red and blue, a design first introduced in the 1950s. This model continues that tradition while using advanced materials like Cerachrom ceramic for improved resistance to scratches and fading. It was created to meet the needs of international pilots and travelers.
Features
Key features include a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a Cerachrom ceramic insert with a 24-hour scale, a red GMT hand with a luminous arrowhead tip, a Jubilee bracelet, a date function with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock, and water resistance to 100 meters.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials
- Dial- Black, with a Chromalight lume-filled Mercedes-style hour hand, a pencil-style minute hand, a lollipop-style seconds hand with a luminous tip, a red GMT hand with a luminous arrowhead tip, and round/triangle/rectangle hour markers
- Bracelet- Oystersteel, Jubilee, with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with an Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel- Bidirectional rotatable, Oystersteel, with a bicolored ‘Pepsi’ Cerachrom insert in red and blue with molded 24-hour graduations and numerals
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, GMT
- Mechanism: Rolex Caliber 3285 automatic movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
It’s highly sought after due to its heritage, distinctive design, and limited availability at retail. Additionally, WatchBase indicates its price rose from S$12,932 on March 21, 2018, to S$13,915 on January 4, 2020, S$15,428 on January 20, 2022, S$16,486 on January 10, 2023, S$17,167 on January 1, 2024, and S$17,318 on January 4, 2025.
5. Rolex Land-Dweller – White Rolesor, Intense White Dial ref. M127334-0001
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$21,800
- Private Market Price: S$51,347
- Pre-Owned Price: S$55,500
About
The Rolex Land-Dweller ref. M127334-0001 is one of the luxury sports watches in Rolex’s latest collection. It’s not a professional diver’s watch like the Sea-Dweller, but rather a versatile luxury timepiece designed for everyday wear. It maintains Rolex’s standards of waterproofing, precision, and comfort while offering a more unique look, especially for the brand.
Features
They include a tonneau-shaped integrated Oyster case, a dial with a honeycomb motif, a Flat Jubilee bracelet, a date display at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifier lens over it, and a fluted bezel.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2025
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials
- Dial- Intense white, with a honeycomb motif and Chromalight lume-filled hands, a seconds hand with an open counterweight, and Rolex coronet/index/Arabic numeral hour markers
- Bracelet- Oystersteel, Flat Jubilee, with a concealed folding Crownclasp
- Bezel- Fixed, fluted, 18ct white gold
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Caliber 7135 self-winding mechanical movement with a Dynapulse escapement, 38 jewels, a 66-hour power reserve, and a 36,000vph frequency
Why Invest
It has potential as a speculative collectible with upside, especially if you can buy near retail or with modest premium. The fact that the secondary market is already pricing it well above retail suggests there is belief in its future value.
However, it’s not a guaranteed “blue-chip” investment. The biggest gains will accrue if you buy early (when premiums are low) and hold through volatility, and mitigate costs and risks.
6. Rolex Yacht-Master 40 – Everose Rolesor, Chocolate Dial ref. M126621-0001
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$25,500
- Private Market Price: S$19,730
- Pre-Owned Price: S$17,010
About
The Rolex Yacht-Master 40 is a luxury men’s sports watch that replaced the earlier 116621 reference, offering improved mechanics and refined styling. It belongs to the Yacht-Master line, which emphasizes nautical heritage while maintaining everyday wearability. It combines ruggedness with luxury, appealing to adventurous enthusiasts who desire a stylish yet robust timepiece.
Features
The watch features a bidirectional rotatable bezel with raised numerals in Everose gold, a two-tone Oyster bracelet, a chocolate dial, water resistance to 100 meters, and a date display at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifier lens over it.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials
- Dial- Chocolate brown, with a Chromalight lume-filled rose gold-tone Mercedes-style hour hand, a rose gold-tone pencil-style minute hand, a rose gold-tone lollipop-style seconds hand with a luminous tip, and rose gold-tone round/triangle/rectangle hour markers
- Bracelet- Everose Rolesor, Oyster, with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with an Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel- Bidirectional rotatable, Everose gold, with a knurled edge and a 60-minute graduated scale with raised numerals and graduations
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Rolex Caliber 3235 self-winding mechanical movement
Why Invest
While not as widely recognized as the Submariner or Daytona, it offers a balance of luxury and sport style with strong long-term value retention.
As per WatchBase, its value increased from S$19,965 on October 26, 2019, to S$20,873 on January 8, 2020, S$21,478 on January 20, 2022, S$23,973 on January 10, 2023, S$25,259 on January 1, 2024, and S$27,301 on March 11, 2025.
7. Rolex Datejust 36 – White Rolesor, White Mother-of-Pearl Dial ref. M126284RBR-0011
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$25,689
- Private Market Price: S$23,560
- Pre-Owned Price: S$21,000
About
The Rolex Datejust 36 ref. M126284RBR-0011 is a luxury women’s dress watch that offers a flashier take on the Datejust series while maintaining its key design cues. It stands out with its eye-catching dial, bezel, and thin, stylish bracelet that wears more like jewelry than a watch. Pair it with an evening dress and heels, and you’re all set to turn heads at the event!
Features
The main ones are a white mother-of-pearl dial, gold-set diamond hour markers, a diamond-set bezel, a Jubilee bracelet, and a date display at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops lens over it.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials
- Dial- White mother-of-pearl, with baton-style hands and Rolex coronet/diamond hour markers set in 18ct gold
- Bracelet- Oystersteel, Jubilee, with a folding Oysterclasp with an Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel- Fixed, 18ct white gold, diamond-set
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Rolex Caliber 3235 self-winding mechanical movement
Why Invest
According to WatchBase, its price increased from S$27,679 on March 27, 2019, to S$29,343 on January 8, 2020, S$29,645 on January 5, 2024, and S$30,402 on March 31, 2025.
8. Rolex Daytona – Yellow Gold, Bright Green Dial ref. M126508-0008
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$62,357
- Private Market Price: S$62,000
- Pre-Owned Price: S$61,500
About
This Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a luxury men’s sports watch that’s a successor to the Daytona ‘John Mayer’ ref. 116508-0013 and is developed for enthusiasts who value both functionality and prestige. The Daytona line has long been associated with motorsport timing and endurance. This version extends that tradition while adding a bold green dial that has become highly recognizable.
Features
They include three golden chronograph subdials at 3,6, and 9 o’clock, a bezel with an engraved tachymetric scale, a 40mm yellow gold case, a yellow gold Oyster bracelet, and water resistance up to 100 meters.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2025
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials
- Dial- Bright green, with Chromalight lume-filled 18ct yellow gold-tone hands and applied Rolex coronet/baton hour markers
- Bracelet- 18ct yellow gold, Oyster, with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp with an Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel- Fixed, 18ct yellow gold, with an engraved tachymetric scale
- Function: Chronograph, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Tachymeter
- Mechanism: Caliber 4131 automatic chronograph movement with 44 jewels, a 72-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
It has many of the hallmarks of a “blue-chip watch investment” in the modern Rolex world: strong demand, scarcity, premium pricing, and a model from a desirable line (Daytona). However, because it’s a relatively new reference, and with the risks of overvaluation, market swings, and costs, it’s better viewed as a speculative luxury asset than a “safe bond.”
9. Rolex Sky-Dweller – Everose Gold, Blue-Green Dial ref. M336935-0005
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$83,000
- Private Market Price: S$75,600
- Pre-Owned Price: S$70,250
About
This Rolex Sky-Dweller model is one of the most advanced watches in the brand’s catalog. Introduced as part of the Sky-Dweller line, it was designed for individuals who need both elegance and functionality. The Sky-Dweller is often viewed as a watch for frequent travelers due to its dual-time and annual calendar features. However, its luxurious materials and refined design also make it suitable for formal occasions.
Features
They include a bidirectional rotatable, fluted Ring Command bezel, an off-center 24-hour disc with an inverted red triangle above it indicating the additional time zone, month display via small apertures at each hour marker (12 hours = 12 months). A red-filled display window indicates the current month, a date display at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifier lens over it, and partially skeletonized hour and minute hands.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2024
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials
- Dial- Blue-green, with a sunburst finish, and Chromalight lume-filled rose gold-tone partially skeletonized hands and Rolex coronet/index hour markers
- Bracelet- 18ct Everose gold, Jubilee, with a folding Oysterclasp with an Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel- Bidirectional rotatable, fluted, 18ct Everose gold, Ring Command
- Function: SAROS Annual Calendar (Date and Month), Hours, Minutes, Seconds, GMT
- Mechanism: Caliber 9002 automatic movement with 40 jewels, a 72-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
Market demand for this reference remains strong, with waiting lists at authorized dealers and premiums on the secondary market. Its dual appeal as both a functional travel watch and a luxury statement piece supports its value retention.
Moreover, WatchBase indicates that its price increased from S$81,676 on April 9, 2024, to S$90,902 on March 11, 2025.
10. Rolex Day-Date 40 – Platinum, Ice Blue Dial ref. M228236-0012
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$91,900
- Private Market Price: S$93,079
- Pre-Owned Price: S$95,450
About
The Rolex Day-Date 40 in platinum with an ice-blue dial represents one of the most prestigious models in the Rolex catalog. Introduced as part of the Day-Date line, it continues the tradition of being known as the “President’s Watch,” a nickname earned through its association with world leaders and influential figures. This reference showcases Rolex’s ability to balance elegance with durability.
Features
The main ones are an ice-blue dial, a full day display at 12 o’clock, a President bracelet, a date display at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifier lens over it, and a fluted bezel.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2022
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials
- Dial- Ice-blue, with baton-style hands, a blue seconds hand, and Roman numeral hour markers
- Bracelet- Platinum, President, with a concealed Crownclasp
- Bezel- Fixed, fluted, platinum
- Function: Day, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Rolex Caliber 3255 in-house automatic movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
It appeals to collectors due to its exclusivity, craftsmanship, and enduring demand. WatchBase reveals its price increased from S$97,558 on January 4, 2024, to S$98,465 on June 17, 2025.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison table of the top 9 best watches for investment:
| Model | Key Features | Retail Price | Private Market Price | Pre-Owned Price |
| Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 ref. M134300-0008 |
|
S$9,500 | S$13,924 | S$15,976 |
| Rolex Explorer 40 ref. M224270-0001 |
|
S$11,300 | S$10,806 | S$8,500 |
| Rolex Submariner Date ref. M126610LN-0001 |
|
S$15,250 | S$16,708 | S$17,780 |
| Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’ ref. M126710BLRO-0001 |
|
S$15,800 | S$25,056 | S$29,000 |
| Rolex Land-Dweller ref. M127334-0001 |
|
S$21,800 | S$51,347 | S$55,500 |
| Rolex Yacht-Master 40 ref. M126621-0001 |
|
S$25,500 | S$19,730 | S$17,010 |
| Rolex Datejust 36 ref. M126284RBR-0011 |
|
S$25,689 | S$23,560 | S$21,000 |
| Rolex Daytona ref. M126508-0008 |
|
S$62,357 | S$62,000 | S$61,500 |
| Rolex Sky-Dweller- Everose Gold, Blue-Green Dial ref. M336935-0005 |
|
S$83,000 | S$75,600 | S$70,250 |
| Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. M228236-0012 |
|
S$91,900 | S$93,079 | S$95,450 |
Final Word
Rolex remains a leader in luxury watchmaking, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, and Datejust continuing to shape demand in 2025. Its reputation for precision, durability, and design consistency ensures lasting appeal. Whether for collecting or daily wear, it stands as a reliable choice for enthusiasts worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Rolex continues to attract attention because its most popular models, such as the Submariner, Datejust, and Daytona, maintain designs that have changed little over decades. Collectors value this consistency because it ensures the watches remain recognizable and relevant across generations.
- Each Rolex is built with durable materials and tested for precision. This reputation for reliability helps explain why models like the GMT-Master II and Explorer remain staples for both professionals and enthusiasts. Buyers often view these watches as dependable tools in addition to luxury items.
- Many Rolex models in stainless steel hold or even increase in value over time. This makes them appealing not only as accessories but also as long-term investments.
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