While all Rolex watches have luxury appeal, there are a few models that out from the pack, achieving new levels of extravagance. We take an in-depth look at four of the most luxurious Rolex models and collections.
1. Rolex Everose Yacht-Master
At Baselworld 2015, Rolex unveiled two new versions of the Yacht-Master that were quite a departure from the collection’s pre-existing models. Not only were the new Yacht-Masters crafted in Everose, a proprietary, top-secret pink gold alloy crafted in Rolex’s foundry, but they also came equipped with a black Cerachrom ceramic bezel and a black Oysterflex rubber strap.
Tailored for both men and women, the Everose Yacht-Master is available in two sizes, 40mm and 37mm, and are the first references in the collection that sport a ceramic bezel. Rolex actually developed and patented the Cerachrom bezel which was designed to endure extreme environments and be impervious to scratches. On the Everose Yacht-Master, the matte black rotating Cerachrom bezel with 60-minute markers strikes a sharp contrast to the warm rosy shade of the gold case.
The Oysterflex bracelet was another innovation for Rolex. Unlike every other rubber strap, Rolex’s patented Oysterflex bracelet (not a strap!) is a two-piece titanium bracelet coated in black rubber. The Yacht-Master is also outfitted with Rolex’s Triplock winding crown so the watch is water-resistant up to 330 feet (100 meters).
2. Rolex Sky-Dweller
The Sky-Dweller debuted in 2012 and featured cutting-edge technical innovations by Rolex, including 14 patents. The Rolex Sky-Dweller ranks as one of Rolex’s most complicated timepieces, boasting a trio of center hands, a second time zone, a 24-hour disc, an annual calendar and a month indicator. It’s the quintessential globetrotter’s luxury watch built to keep track of precise date and time no matter the location or destination.
Aside from its technical capabilities, the Sky-Dweller also sports a bold look thanks to the combination of its large size, complex dial and the use of signature Rolex design details. Its 42mm Oyster case is made of 18K gold with a choice of yellow, white or Everose pink. The case is topped with a fluted bezel and the Roman numerals on the dial are accompanied by rectangles, which show red depending on the month of the year. The 24-hour disc sits off-center on the dial, while the date window at 3 o’clock is magnified by the iconic Cyclops lens.
3. Rolex Day-Date
Commonly known as the Rolex President, the Day-Date is by far the brand’s most prestigious timepiece. It gained its nickname for two reasons: upon its 1956 release, it was outfitted with a special rounded three-link bracelet named the President bracelet, and, because of its prestige, the Day-Date became a favorite watch for heads-of-states around the world including President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Only ever made in 18K gold or platinum, the Day-Date was actually the first wristwatch to bear the date of the month and day of the week written in full on the dial. It has enjoyed a rich history within the Rolex catalog with numerous iterations over the years.
Three sizes of the Rolex Day-Date exist. The traditional 36mm size was supplemented with the Day-Date II model in 2008 that donned a 41mm case. The Day-Date II was eventually discontinued and replaced with the 40mm sized Day-Date 40 in 2015.
4. Rolex Pearl-Master
Introduced in 1992, the Pearl-Master is Rolex’s jewelry watch collection. The eponymous Pearl-Master bracelet is characterized by its curvy five-link structure that wears like a piece of jewelry. Available in a variety of sizes from 29mm to 34mm to 39mm, it’s easy to find the perfect fit.
Uniquely fashioned in 18K gold, the beauty of the Pearl-Master shines through due to its exquisite gem-setting. Gem-setting options on the Pearl-Master range from subtle sprinklings of diamonds to full gem-encrusted dials, cases and bracelets using a mix of diamonds, rubies and sapphires. In addition to precious stones, the Rolex Pearl-Master also carries a rich choice of dial colors and materials such as mother-of-pearl.
In true Rolex fashion, the Pearl-Master is always paired with a date window and corresponding Cyclops lens affixed to the sapphire crystal protecting the face of the watch.