If you, like so many luxury watch lovers, have your eye on the brand with the crown, you’ve probably toyed with the idea at one time or another: What would my perfect Rolex collection look like? I’m going to give you my personal answer to that question. Some ground rules: We have $30,000 to put together a Rolex watch collection consisting of three iconic Rolex watches. I opted for two modern models and a vintage reference. These ensure that the collection is as balanced and varied as possible. I’ve chosen three watches that couldn’t be more different from each other and that meet different needs: a sporty icon for everyday wear, a more elegant counterpart for special occasions, and a pared-down all-rounder for any situation.
The Sports Rolex for Everyday Wear
I don’t know about you, but if I were building a watch collection, one watch from the Rolex cosmos would have to be there: the legendary Submariner. The design icon cuts a fine figure in all variations. And the no-date version is a personal favorite. First, it’s the original version of the Submariner in the true sense of the word: Rolex designed the diving watch without a date complication from the very beginning. Second, with this watch you get a timeless design that you can wear every day with (almost) anything. You may have to forgo a handy date function, but you’ll be rewarded with perfect dial symmetry that will make you want to look down at your wrist again and again. Spoiler alert: the second watch in our $30,000 collection will be in stark contrast to the Submariner and will feature the iconic date magnifier. Which Submariner reference have I selected? Even though I really like the so-called “two liner” ref. 14060, I ultimately went with the modern ref. 114060. This six-digit Submariner is a contemporary model that comes complete with a great case and a bracelet with solid end links. On the other hand, the 114060 is also a very interesting watch from a collector’s point of view: Unlike the date version, it was only produced for eight years and was delivered slightly less frequently than the date version. It has an uncompromising case design, which, with its striking maxi case, is by no means popular with every watch collector. But that’s exactly why I think this Submariner reference will be particularly sought-after in the future. Very well-preserved 114060s in a full set are currently available for less than $10,000 on Chrono24.
The Sophisticated Rolex for Special (and Everyday) Occasions
In my opinion, our second watch should be in every Rolex collection; after all, it’s in no way inferior to the Rolex Submariner in terms of status. You guessed it, it’s the Rolex Datejust, in this instance in its modern 41-mm size. With a more refined look, it contrasts with the Submariner and adds the popular Cyclops date magnifier – one of Rolex’s most recognizable trademarks – to our collection. It enhances our collection of Rolex watches by adding much-needed variety. While I do in fact see the Rolex Datejust in our collection as a more elegant watch for special occasions, you can of course wear this watch every day if you want. That’s what makes this Rolex model so unique in my eyes: The Datejust perfectly manages the balancing act between “dress watch” and everyday timepiece. Particularly attractive are the seemingly endless configuration options: The Rolex Datejust 41 is available with a wide range of dial colors and two different steel bracelets, the Oyster and the Jubilee. You also have the choice between a domed or fluted bezel for the Rolex Datejust 41. The latter is an absolute must if you want to add a Datejust to your collection. For this reason, my choice is the Rolex Datejust 41 ref. 126334. Depending on the dial and bracelet, you can expect to pay between $11,500 and $12,000 for this Rolex. My personal favorite is the version with a white dial. It will probably never go out of style, goes with almost any outfit, and adds visual variety to any watch collection.
A Lesser-Known Vintage Icon
The understated character of our third watch is just what we need to round out our Rolex collection. Both the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Datejust are extremely recognizable, making them the go-to option for people who know nothing about watches. With the Rolex Explorer, we’re adding a Rolex to our collection that flies more under the radar but that still has a rich heritage. Although more minimalist than other Rolex watches, this is one of the Swiss manufacturer’s most important models. For our Rolex collection, I’ve chosen the vintage ref. 114270, which was produced from 2001 to 2010 and has the classic 36-mm diameter. We don’t have to travel too far back in time with this model, and we’ll still get a charming vintage watch in our collection as far as looks are concerned. Well-maintained specimens with box and papers are available for between $6,000 and $6,500. With its minimalist look and timeless design, the Rolex Explorer is a watch that can be worn on any occasion and with any outfit.
