The Most Popular Rolex Watches

There’s a reason Rolex is often referred to as the King. The Swiss watchmaking giant dominates the luxury watch space, and regardless of where you are in the world, the brand is shorthand for success, prestige, and excellence. But what is the most popular Rolex? Given all the attention surrounding the Submariner, Daytona, and GMT-Master II, it would be easy to assume that one of Rolex’s famous sports watches takes the crown. When we looked at what Luxury Bazaar customers have actually been buying, however, a different picture emerged. Using years of sales and browsing data along with our experience in the secondary market, we ranked the ten most popular Rolex watches and identified the references leading each collection. Some results were exactly what we expected, others were more surprising, and the watch sitting at number one proves that hype and popularity aren’t always the same thing.

What Are the Most Popular Rolex Watches?

Based on sales data, the Datejust is the most popular Rolex collection, followed by the GMT-Master II and Submariner. Here are the full top ten and the three leading references for each.

Rank	Rolex Collection	Most Popular References
1	Datejust	126334, 126300, 126234
2	GMT-Master II	126710BLNR, 126710BLRO, 126720VTNR
3	Submariner	126610LN, 126610LV, 124060
4	Daytona	116500LN, 126500LN, 116509
5	Oyster Perpetual	124300, 126000, 277200
6	Day-Date	228238, 228235, 228239
7	Sky-Dweller	336934, 326934, 336935
8	Explorer II	226570, 16570, 216570
9	Yacht-Master	126622, 226627, 226659
10	Sea-Dweller / Deepsea	126600, 126660, 116660

How We Ranked the Most Popular Rolex Watches

To determine the most popular Rolex watches, we looked primarily at Luxury Bazaar’s own sales data, using the number of watches sold to rank the collections and individual references. We also considered browsing data to see which watches attract the most interest, along with our broader experience buying and selling Rolex watches on the secondary market.

Sales ultimately determine the ranking, but the other data provides some interesting context, particularly when the watches people browse aren’t necessarily the ones they end up buying.

#10 Sea-Dweller / Deepsea

Coming in at number ten on our list of most popular Rolex watches are the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea, two closely related collections that represent the more extreme side of Rolex’s dive watch lineup. Although they share much of their basic design language with the Submariner, both were developed for more demanding underwater environments and offer significantly greater water resistance, along with helium escape valves designed for saturation diving.

The Sea-Dweller has been part of the Rolex catalog since 1967 and was originally developed in collaboration with professional divers. The Deepsea joined the lineup in 2008 as an even more capable dive watch, introducing Rolex’s Ringlock System and increasing water resistance to an extraordinary 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). Rolex now treats the Deepsea and Sea-Dweller as separate collections, although the two remain closely connected historically and are often grouped together on the secondary market.

That specialized nature may help explain why they sit at number ten on our list. Sea-Dweller and Deepsea watches are larger and more purpose-built than the Submariner, making them somewhat less universal as everyday watches. However, there is still plenty of interest in Rolex’s heavyweight divers across several generations. The Sea-Dweller ref. 126600 and Deepsea refs. 126660 and 116660 lead the way.

Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 126600

Introduced in 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sea-Dweller, ref. 126600 brought some of the biggest changes the collection had seen in decades. Rolex increased the case diameter from 40mm to 43mm and added a Cyclops magnifier over the date for the first time in Sea-Dweller history. At the same time, the red SEA-DWELLER inscription on the black dial recalls the red lettering found on early examples of the watch.

The ref. 126600 also introduced the newer-generation Caliber 3235 to the Sea-Dweller and remains part of the current Rolex collection.

Rolex Deepsea Ref. 126660

Introduced in 2018, the Rolex Deepsea ref. 126660 replaced the original ref. 116660 with revised case proportions and a broader Oyster bracelet that gave the oversized 44mm watch a more balanced appearance on the wrist. It also marked the Deepsea’s move to Caliber 3235, increasing the power reserve to approximately 70 hours.

The ref. 126660 was available with either a black dial or the distinctive blue-to-black D-Blue dial and remained in production until 2022.

Rolex Deepsea Ref. 116660

The Rolex Deepsea ref. 116660 is where the Deepsea story began. Introduced in 2008, the first-generation model took the basic concept of the Sea-Dweller to a new extreme with a 44mm case, Rolex’s then-new Ringlock System, and an extraordinary water-resistance rating of 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). Inside was the long-running automatic Caliber 3135.

Initially available with a black dial, the ref. 116660 gained the D-Blue option in 2014 to commemorate James Cameron’s historic solo dive to Challenger Deep two years earlier. The dial transitions from blue to black to evoke the disappearance of light as the ocean gets deeper, while the bright green DEEPSEA inscription recalls the color of Cameron’s submersible. The D-Blue version is often nicknamed the “James Cameron.“

Although the ref. 116660 ranks third among Sea-Dweller and Deepsea references in our sales data, it tells a different story when it comes to browsing interest. Product pages for the discontinued first-generation Deepsea get significantly more traffic than those for the newer refs. 126600 and 126660, another reminder that the Rolex watches people browse aren’t always the ones they ultimately buy.

#9 Yacht-Master

Introduced in 1992, the Yacht-Master is Rolex’s nautical sports watch, originally designed for sailors and skippers. It features a bidirectional 60-minute graduated bezel that can be used to measure elapsed time on the water, along with 100 meters of water resistance.

Unlike the more utilitarian Submariner and Sea-Dweller, the Yacht-Master has embraced precious metals since the beginning. The original model debuted in 18k yellow gold, while subsequent versions introduced combinations such as Rolesium, which pairs Oystersteel with platinum and remains exclusive to the Yacht-Master collection. Over the years, Rolex has continued to expand the range with different sizes (including Yacht-Master 42) and materials, including Everose and white gold, Oysterflex bracelets, and more recently, lightweight RLX titanium.

The 40mm Rolesium ref. 126622 leads our Yacht-Master ranking, followed by two very different 42mm models: the RLX titanium ref. 226627 and the white gold ref. 226659 on an Oysterflex bracelet.

Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 126622

Introduced in 2019, the Yacht-Master ref. 126622 is the current generation of the collection’s classic 40mm Rolesium model. Its case and Oyster bracelet are made from Oystersteel, while the bidirectional 60-minute bezel is crafted from 950 platinum. The reference has been produced with bright blue and slate dials, both paired with a date display and Cyclops magnifier. Inside is the automatic Caliber 3235.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226627

The Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226627 joined the collection in 2023 and brought RLX titanium to Rolex’s nautical sports watch. Its 42mm case and Oyster bracelet are made from Rolex’s proprietary grade 5 titanium alloy, resulting in a significantly lighter watch than its precious-metal counterparts. The monochromatic design pairs a black dial with a matte black Cerachrom bezel, while Caliber 3235 powers the watch.

The ref. 226627 was Rolex’s second production watch made from RLX titanium, following the Deepsea Challenge introduced in 2022.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Ref. 226659

Introduced in 2019, the Yacht-Master ref. 226659 was the first model to bring a larger 42mm case to the collection. Crafted from 18k white gold, it pairs a black dial and matte black Cerachrom bezel with an Oysterflex bracelet, giving the watch a distinctly different appearance from the metal-bracelet Yacht-Master models. Despite its rubber-like appearance, the Oysterflex incorporates flexible metal blades overmolded with high-performance elastomer and is fitted with a white gold Oysterlock clasp.

#8 Explorer II

The Explorer II is one of Rolex’s more specialized sports watches, originally created for adventurers operating in places where telling day from night wasn’t always easy. Introduced in 1971, the original Explorer II featured a fixed 24-hour bezel and an additional 24-hour hand that allowed wearers to distinguish day from night. Later generations added an independently adjustable hour hand, allowing the watch to graduate to a dual time.

Over the decades, the Explorer II has evolved considerably, but its fixed 24-hour bezel and rugged, utilitarian design have remained central to the watch. Later generations settled at 40mm before Rolex increased the case to the current 42mm size in 2011. Both black and white dials have become signatures of the collection, with the white version commonly known as the “Polar.”

The most popular Explorer II references span three successive generations: the present-day ref. 226570 takes the top spot, followed by the long-running 40mm ref. 16570 and its 42mm successor, ref. 216570.

Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570

Introduced in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Explorer II, ref. 226570 is the current generation of Rolex’s adventure watch. It retains the 42mm case size and familiar styling of its predecessor, but Rolex revised the case and bracelet proportions and upgraded the movement to Caliber 3285. As with the previous generation, the watch is available with either a black or white dial, and both versions feature an oversized orange 24-hour hand.

Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570

Introduced in 1989, the Explorer II ref. 16570 remained in production for more than two decades. Unlike the 42mm models that followed, the ref. 16570 has a more compact 40mm case and a slimmer red 24-hour hand. It was available with either a black or white “Polar” dial, with the latter distinguished by black surrounds on the hands and hour markers for increased contrast.

Given its lengthy production run, the ref. 16570 underwent several updates along the way. Earlier examples were powered by Caliber 3185, while later watches received Caliber 3186, and Rolex also transitioned from tritium to LumiNova and eventually Super-LumiNova during its production. The ref. 16570 was finally replaced by the larger 42mm ref. 216570 in 2011.

Rolex Explorer II Ref. 216570

Introduced in 2011 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Explorer II, ref. 216570 replaced the long-running ref. 16570 and increased the case diameter from 40mm to 42mm. Rolex also brought back the oversized orange arrow-shaped 24-hour hand inspired by the original ref. 1655, along with larger hands and hour markers that gave the watch a bolder overall look.

The ref. 216570 is powered by Caliber 3187 and remained in production for a decade before being replaced by ref. 226570 in 2021.

#7 Sky-Dweller

Next on our rundown of the most popular Rolex watches is the Sky-Dweller, one of the brand’s most complicated modern timepieces. Introduced in 2012 with frequent travelers in mind, the Sky-Dweller combines an annual calendar with a dual-time display, allowing it to simultaneously show the local time, a second time zone, the date, and the month. Despite all that information, Rolex keeps the dial relatively straightforward, using an off-center 24-hour disc to display the reference time and small apertures beside the hour markers to indicate the month.

Another defining feature is the Ring Command bezel, which rotates to select the function being adjusted through the crown. The Sky-Dweller originally launched exclusively in 18k gold, but Rolex subsequently broadened the collection with Rolesor versions that made the model available at a lower price point. Today’s lineup includes 42mm models in yellow gold, Everose gold, Yellow Rolesor, and White Rolesor, with Oyster, Jubilee, and Oysterflex bracelet options depending on the reference.

Interestingly, the two most popular Sky-Dweller references are successive generations of the White Rolesor model: the current ref. 336934 and previous-generation ref. 326934. The Everose gold ref. 336935 rounds out the top three.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref. 336934

Introduced in 2023, the Sky-Dweller ref. 336934 is the current White Rolesor version of Rolex’s annual calendar watch. Its 42mm Oystersteel case is paired with an 18k white gold fluted Ring Command bezel, and buyers can choose between Oyster and Jubilee bracelets. Several dial colors are available, including bright black, bright blue, and the highly sought-after mint green.

The ref. 336934 replaced the previous-generation ref. 326934 and introduced Rolex’s newer Caliber 9002, along with subtle updates to the case and dial.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref. 326934

Introduced in 2017, the Sky-Dweller ref. 326934 marked an important expansion of the collection as the first White Rolesor version of a watch that had previously been available only in precious metal. The 42mm model combines an Oystersteel case and bracelet with an 18k white gold fluted Ring Command bezel and was produced with several dial options, including the especially popular blue dial.

The ref. 326934 remained in production until it was replaced in 2023. Its position directly behind its successor in our ranking shows just how strongly the White Rolesor Sky-Dweller performs across both generations.

Rolex Sky-Dweller Ref. 336935

Also introduced as part of the updated Sky-Dweller generation in 2023, ref. 336935 is crafted entirely from 18k Everose gold and is available on either a three-link Oyster or a five-link Jubilee bracelet. Among its dial options is the blue-green dial, which is exclusive to the Everose gold Sky-Dweller and quickly became one of the most talked-about versions of the watch.

#6 Day-Date

Coming in at number six is the Rolex Day-Date, a watch that has represented the more prestigious side of the brand’s catalog for seven decades. Introduced in 1956, it was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week written out in full, with the two calendar indications appearing beneath the Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock and in an arched window at 12 o’clock.

The Day-Date has always been reserved for precious metals, with models produced in several types of 18k gold as well as platinum. It is also closely associated with the semicircular three-link President bracelet, which was created for the original Day-Date and helped give rise to the watch’s enduring “Rolex President” nickname. Over the years, the collection has appeared in numerous sizes and configurations, ranging from relatively restrained versions to elaborate gem-set models.

In terms of popularity, the larger Day-Date 40 clearly leads the way. In fact, all three of the most popular Day-Date references are 40mm gold models: the yellow gold ref. 228238, Everose gold ref. 228235, and white gold ref. 228239.

Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228238

Introduced in 2015, the Rolex Day-Date ref. 228238 helped usher in the current Day-Date 40 generation, replacing the 41mm Day-Date II with a slightly smaller and more traditionally proportioned 40mm case. Crafted entirely from 18k yellow gold, it pairs the collection’s signature fluted bezel with a matching President bracelet and is powered by Caliber 3255.

The ref. 228238 has been produced with a wide variety of dials over the years, ranging from classic champagne and white to green and elaborate diamond-set options. It is the most popular Day-Date reference in our ranking, suggesting that when it comes to Rolex’s flagship dress watch, yellow gold still has considerable appeal.

Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235

Also making its debut as part of the Day-Date 40 generation in 2015, ref. 228235 features the same 40mm case, fluted bezel, President bracelet, and Caliber 3255, but Rolex’s proprietary pink gold alloy gives the watch a warmer look than its yellow and white gold counterparts.

The ref. 228235 has also been fitted with some of the collection’s more distinctive dials, including olive green, sundust, slate ombré, and various stone and gem-set options.

Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228239

The ref. 228239 is the 18k white gold version of the Day-Date 40. With its matching white gold fluted bezel and President bracelet, it offers the same unmistakable Day-Date design as its yellow and Everose gold counterparts, but with a more discreet appearance.

Rolex has offered the ref. 228239 with a wide selection of dials, ranging from white, black, and slate to olive green, meteorite, and elaborate gem-set options.

#5 Oyster Perpetual

At number five is the Oyster Perpetual, the brand’s simplest modern watch and one of the most popular entry-level Rolex watches in the current collection. With three hands, no date, a smooth bezel, and an Oyster bracelet, the Oyster Perpetual strips the Rolex formula down to its essentials. Case size and dial color, however, leave plenty of room for variation.

The modern Oyster Perpetual lineup spans five sizes, from 28mm to 41mm, making it one of the broadest Rolex collections in terms of fit. Color has also become an increasingly important part of the range, particularly since Rolex introduced a series of brightly colored lacquer dials in 2020. Since then, the collection has continued to evolve with new colors and more unusual designs alongside black, blue, and silver.

That variety is reflected in our most popular Oyster Perpetual references, which span three different case sizes. The discontinued 41mm ref. 124300 leads the ranking, followed by the current 36mm ref. 126000 and the 31mm ref. 277200.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Ref. 124300

Introduced in 2020, ref. 124300 was the first Oyster Perpetual to feature a 41mm case, replacing the outgoing 39mm model as the largest watch in the collection. Crafted entirely from Oystersteel and powered by Caliber 3230, it retained the Oyster Perpetual’s simple time-only format but arrived with a much bolder selection of dial colors.

Alongside black, blue, and silver, the ref. 124300 was produced with brightly colored lacquer dials such as yellow, coral red, green, and turquoise blue, several of which became particularly sought after. Rolex later added the colorful Celebration dial in 2023 before discontinuing the ref. 124300 in 2025 and replacing it with the current ref. 134300. Despite Rolex discontinuing it in 2025, the ref. 124300 remains the most popular Oyster Perpetual in our ranking.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Ref. 126000

Also introduced in 2020, ref. 126000 is the 36mm counterpart to the larger ref. 124300 and remains part of the current Oyster Perpetual collection. Its 36mm Oystersteel case offers a more traditional Rolex size, while Caliber 3230 provides the same modern movement found in the larger 41mm model.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 Ref. 277200

At 31mm, ref. 277200 is the smallest of our three leading Oyster Perpetual references and a particularly popular choice among women. Introduced in 2020 and still part of the current collection, it offers the same straightforward, time-only design as the larger Oyster Perpetual models in a much smaller package.

The ref. 277200 is powered by Caliber 2232 with Rolex’s Syloxi silicon hairspring and is available with a wide variety of dial colors. Its position in our top three makes the Oyster Perpetual one of the few collections on this list where smaller women’s Rolex watches rank alongside the larger models in terms of popularity.

#4 Daytona

Landing at number four is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, one of the world’s most famous chronographs and a watch with deep ties to motorsport. Introduced in 1963, the Daytona was designed for racing drivers, combining a chronograph with a tachymeter bezel that could be used to calculate average speed over a measured distance. Its three-register dial and pair of chronograph pushers have remained defining features of the collection ever since.

Over the decades, the Daytona has evolved from a manually wound racing chronograph into one of Rolex’s most coveted sports watches. The collection has been produced in stainless steel, two-tone, several colors of gold, and platinum, with numerous dial, bezel, and bracelet combinations produced along the way.

Despite all that variety, our two most popular Daytona references are successive generations of the stainless-steel model with a black Cerachrom bezel. The discontinued Daytona ref. 116500LN takes the top spot, followed closely by its current-generation successor, ref. 126500LN. The white gold ref. 116509 rounds out the top three.

Rolex Daytona Ref. 116500LN

Introduced in 2016, the Daytona ref. 116500LN marked the arrival of a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel on the stainless-steel Daytona, replacing the engraved steel bezel of the previous ref. 116520. The 40mm watch was available with either a black or white dial, with the latter featuring contrasting black rings around the chronograph counters.

Inside, the ref. 116500LN retained the proven Caliber 4130 that had powered the stainless-steel Daytona since 2000. Rolex discontinued the reference in 2023, replacing it with the current ref. 126500LN, but the previous-generation model remains the most popular Daytona in our ranking.

Rolex Daytona Ref. 126500LN

Introduced as part of the 2023 Rolex releases, ref. 126500LN replaced the hugely popular ref. 116500LN as the collection’s stainless-steel model. Although it retains the familiar 40mm case, black Cerachrom bezel, and choice of black or white dials, Rolex revised the case proportions and dial details, while a thin ring of steel now frames the ceramic bezel.

The new generation also introduced Caliber 4131, an evolution of the long-running Caliber 4130 with several technical upgrades.

Rolex Daytona Ref. 116509

Introduced in 2004, ref. 116509 takes the Daytona in a different direction. It is crafted entirely from 18k white gold, with a 40mm case, engraved tachymeter bezel, and matching Oyster bracelet. Despite its precious-metal construction, the silvery appearance of white gold gives it a more discreet look than the yellow and Everose gold versions of the Daytona.

During its nearly two-decade production run, the ref. 116509 appeared with a long list of dials, including black, silver, blue, and meteorite, along with several more elaborate options. Powered by Caliber 4130, it remained in production until the Daytona collection was overhauled in 2023.

#3 Submariner

Few watches are as closely associated with Rolex as the Submariner. Introduced in 1953 as a purpose-built diving watch, the original model was waterproof to 100 meters and featured a rotating graduated bezel that allowed divers to keep track of their time underwater. Over the decades, Rolex steadily increased its capabilities, with today’s Submariner offering 300 meters of water resistance along with a unidirectional 60-minute bezel, highly legible luminous display, and Glidelock-equipped Oyster bracelet.

The collection is divided between the time-only Submariner and the Submariner Date, which joined the lineup in 1969 and adds a date window with Rolex’s signature Cyclops magnifier. In 2020, Rolex increased the case diameter from 40mm to 41mm for the first time, making the current generation the largest Submariner yet. Today’s lineup ranges from straightforward steel versions to two-tone and solid-gold configurations, with black, green, and blue Cerachrom bezel inserts depending on the reference.

Interestingly, all three of our most popular Submariner references come from this current 41mm generation. The black steel ref. 126610LN takes the top spot, followed by the green-bezel ref. 126610LV and the no-date ref. 124060.

Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 126610LN

Introduced in 2020, the Submariner Date ref. 126610LN replaced the long-running ref. 116610LN and ushered in the current generation of Rolex’s classic black dive watch. The case grew from 40mm to 41mm, but Rolex also revised its proportions with slimmer lugs and updated the Oyster bracelet.

The ref. 126610LN pairs an Oystersteel case and bracelet with a black dial and matching black Cerachrom bezel, along with the familiar date display and Cyclops magnifier at 3 o’clock. It also introduced Caliber 3235 to the Submariner Date and ranks as the most popular Submariner reference in our data.

Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 126610LV

Introduced alongside the rest of the new-generation Submariner collection in 2020, ref. 126610LV brought Rolex’s signature green bezel to the larger 41mm case. Unlike its predecessor, the “Rolex Hulk” ref. 116610LV, which paired a green bezel with a matching green dial, the ref. 126610LV combines its green Cerachrom bezel with a black dial and is powered by Caliber 3235.

That color combination has earned the ref. 126610LV the popular Starbucks moniker, continuing a long tradition of unofficial Submariner nicknames for green variants.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 124060

For those who prefer the Submariner in its simplest form, ref. 124060 is the current no-date, 41mm version of Rolex’s famous dive watch.

Without a date window or Cyclops magnifier, the ref. 124060 retains the clean, symmetrical dial layout of the original Submariner. It pairs a black dial with a matching black Cerachrom bezel and is powered by the no-date Caliber 3230.

#2 GMT-Master II

Originally developed for pilots and international travelers, the Rolex GMT-Master dates back to 1955, when increasing long-distance air travel created a need for watches capable of tracking more than one time zone. Its defining features included an additional 24-hour hand and rotating 24-hour bezel, allowing the wearer to keep track of a second time zone. The watch soon became closely associated with aviation, most famously through Rolex’s partnership with Pan American World Airways.

The GMT-Master II arrived in 1982 with an important technical upgrade: an independently adjustable local hour hand that made changing time zones considerably easier. Today’s 40mm models retain the familiar 24-hour hand and bidirectional bezel, with two-color Cerachrom inserts helping distinguish the different versions. Rolex has produced the GMT-Master II in Oystersteel, two-tone, and precious metals, with both Oyster and Jubilee bracelet options depending on the reference.

Oystersteel dominates our three most popular GMT-Master II references. The blue-and-black ref. 126710BLNR leads the ranking, followed by the red-and-blue ref. 126710BLRO and the left-handed green-and-black ref. 126720VTNR.

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126710BLNR

Introduced in 2019, the GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR is the current generation of Rolex’s popular blue-and-black GMT. The color combination first appeared on the previous ref. 116710BLNR in 2013 and quickly earned the watch its “Batman” nickname. The newer ref. 126710BLNR retained the same basic look but introduced Caliber 3285 and initially paired the 40mm Oystersteel case with a five-link Jubilee bracelet.

That bracelet change prompted some collectors to distinguish the Jubilee version with the “Batgirl” nickname, although “Batman” continues to be widely used for the reference as a whole. Rolex later added the option of a three-link Oyster bracelet, giving buyers a choice between the two styles.

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126710BLRO

Introduced in 2018, the GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLRO brought the famous red-and-blue “Pepsi” bezel back to a stainless-steel Rolex GMT. The color combination dates back to the original GMT-Master ref. 6542 from 1955, although the modern version uses a two-color Cerachrom ceramic insert rather than the earlier Bakelite or aluminum bezels.

The 40mm Oystersteel ref. 126710BLRO initially came exclusively on a Jubilee bracelet and introduced the newer Caliber 3285 to the GMT-Master II collection. Rolex later added an Oyster bracelet option before discontinuing the reference in April 2026. Despite taking second place in our sales ranking, the “Pepsi” gets far more clicks than the top-selling ref. 126710BLNR, making it another example of the difference between the Rolex watches people browse and those they ultimately buy.

Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126720VTNR

Introduced in 2022, the GMT-Master II ref. 126720VTNR turned the familiar Rolex GMT layout on its head. Designed with right-wrist wearers in mind, the winding crown and crown guards moved to the left side of the 40mm Oystersteel case, where they can be more easily operated with the left hand. The date window and Cyclops magnifier also shifted from 3 to 9 o’clock.

Rolex completed the unusual configuration with a new green-and-black Cerachrom bezel, a color combination that quickly earned the watch its unofficial “Sprite” nickname. Available on either an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, the ref. 126720VTNR remains one of the most unusual GMT-Master II models in the current collection. I have to admit, I’m surprised the Destro made our top three, given just how unconventional it is by Rolex standards.

#1 Datejust

For all the hype surrounding Rolex sports watches, the number one spot on our list goes to something considerably more traditional. The Datejust is the most popular Rolex in our sales data, outselling the GMT-Master II, Submariner, Daytona, and every other collection on this list. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the picture looked similar at Rolex HQ.

Introduced in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock. The Jubilee bracelet was created specifically for the new model, and in 1953, the Datejust became the first Rolex fitted with the Cyclops lens that magnifies the date.

More than 80 years later, the basic formula remains familiar, but the Datejust itself comes in an enormous number of variations. Today’s models are available in 31mm, 36mm, and 41mm sizes, with smooth, fluted, or diamond-set bezels, Oyster and Jubilee bracelets, and a huge selection of dial colors and materials. That range may be part of the reason the Datejust appeals to such a broad audience. Our three most popular references are the White Rolesor Datejust 41 ref. 126334, the all-steel Datejust 41 ref. 126300, and the 36mm White Rolesor ref. 126234.

Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334

The most popular Rolex reference in our sales data is the Datejust 41 ref. 126334. Introduced in 2016, it pairs a 41mm Oystersteel case with an 18k white gold fluted bezel, a combination Rolex calls White Rolesor. It is available on either an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, with dial options ranging from black, blue, and silver to green, diamond-set, and more decorative designs.

Inside is the automatic Caliber 3235, which debuted in the Datejust 41 generation. The ref. 126334 occupies something of a sweet spot within the collection: steel makes up most of the watch, while the white gold fluted bezel provides one of the Datejust’s signature design elements without the price of a full precious-metal model.

Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126300

The Datejust 41 ref. 126300 takes second place, but does away with the precious metal found on the ref. 126334. Both its 41mm case and smooth bezel are made from Oystersteel, giving it a cleaner, less formal look than the fluted-bezel versions of the Datejust.

Introduced in 2016 and powered by Caliber 3235, the ref. 126300 can be paired with either an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet and has appeared with numerous dial options over the years. It’s also less expensive than the White Rolesor ref. 126334 while still delivering the same 41mm Datejust experience.

Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234

The third most popular Datejust in our ranking is also the only one of the top three with the collection’s traditional 36mm case size. Ref. 126234 is a White Rolesor model, combining an Oystersteel case with an 18k white gold fluted bezel, and it can be paired with either an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.

The current generation arrived in 2019, bringing Caliber 3235 to the White Rolesor Datejust 36. Like its larger 41mm counterpart, ref. 126234 comes in a long list of dial configurations, and its place among our top three shows that bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to the Datejust’s popularity.

What Is the Most Popular Rolex?

So, what is the most popular Rolex? According to our sales data, it’s the Datejust, and by a fairly comfortable margin. That may seem surprising given the attention lavished on watches like the Daytona, GMT-Master II, and Submariner, but it also makes sense. The Datejust has been a cornerstone of the Rolex catalog for more than 80 years and comes in enough sizes, materials, bezels, bracelets, and dials to appeal to an enormous range of buyers.

Perhaps more interesting, though, is what the rest of the ranking tells us. Discontinued references continue to outsell some of their replacements, smaller watches compete with larger ones, and the Rolexes generating the most browsing interest aren’t always the ones people ultimately buy. In other words, hype can tell us which Rolex watches everyone is talking about. Sales tell us which ones people are actually buying.