Rolex, a renowned Swiss watchmaker, offers a wide range of luxury timepieces, including classic dress watches. These stylish timepieces have been in production since the 1940s and have come in various tastes and designs over the years. What exactly is a Rolex dress watch?
It’s a sophisticated accessory suitable for formal occasions or business settings. It’s crafted with the finest raw materials and impeccable attention to detail. Additionally, it’s designed to make a subtle yet impactful statement while complementing the wearer’s attire.
Among Rolex’s collections is the Datejust. It has a classic and timeless design, making it an ideal choice for casual wear. With various sizes, materials, and dial options, it can be personalized to suit individual preferences and styles. Despite its versatility, it’s a dress timepiece- boasting the same elegance and sophistication as other dress watches in Rolex’s lineup.
Looking to buy the best Rolex dress watch? Here are some iconic Rolex dress watches for men and women that’ll match your extraordinary personality and make you the talk of the party:
1. Rolex Cellini Moonphase – Everose Gold, White Dial ref. 50535
About
The Rolex Cellini Moonphase ref. 50535 is a luxury men’s dress watch that revives the classic moon phase complication with a modern touch.
It’s part of Rolex’s discontinued Cellini collection and flaunts its dress watch status with its fairly slim 39mm Everose Gold body, stunning dial with a masculine blue detail, and a brown leather strap that gives it a sense of power and confidence around the wrist.
Features
They include a blue moon phase indicator disc at 6 o’clock, a white lacquered dial, a date track on the dial’s periphery, an elongated blued central hand with a moon crescent at the end that indicates the date, a minute track below the date track, and a recessed pusher at 8 o’clock that you can use to rectify the moon’s age with a dedicated instrument.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2017
- Case Size: 39mm
- Materials:
- Dial – White lacquered, with 18ct Pink Gold hands and applique index hour markers, and a blued central hand that shows the date
- Bracelet – Brown alligator leather strap, equipped with an 18K Everose gold folding clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, coined and domed, 18k everose gold
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Moon Phase Indicator
- Mechanism: Automatic, caliber 3195, 48 hours of power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
It’s a discontinued classic dress watch and has a moon phase indicator complication, making it highly sought-after among most watch collectors. Plus, according to WatchCharts, its average market price increased from S$31,162 on February 4, 2023, to S$34,928 on August 2, 2023.
WatchBase also indicates that its price rose from S$36,357 on June 27, 2019, to S$37,312 on January 17, 2020.
2. Rolex Datejust 41 – Everose Rolesor, Sundust Dial ref. 126331-0009
About
Want a sophisticated watch with an unapologetically vibrant charm? The Rolex Datejust 41 ref. 126331-0009 hits the right fashion spot. It’s a luxury men’s dress watch that dazzles from body to bracelet, from its well-polished 41mm Everose Rolesor (Everose Gold and Oystersteel) case, eye-catching dial, and matching two-tone Oyster bracelet.
Its slender design makes it almost unnoticeable around the wrist- amplified by the smooth bracelet that hugs comfortably and adds some class to the generally sporty Oyster design.
Features
They include a date window at 3 o’clock, a sapphire crystal with a Cyclops magnifier lens above 3 o’clock, a sundust dial, an Everose Rolesor case, a fluted bezel, and Arabic numeral minute indicators after every five minutes.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2016
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Sundust, with luminescent hands and index hour markers
- Bracelet – Oyster, two-tone, with Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel – Fixed, fluted, everose rolesor
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding, caliber 3235 movement with 31 jewels, 70-hour power reserve (approximately)
Why You Should Invest?
This iconic Rolex dress watch is sure to hold its value and prestige over time, making it a worthwhile addition to any watch collection. For example, its price has been increasing from 2017 to 2022, according to WatchBase.
It started at S$17,705 on June 15, 2017, to S$18,954 on January 17, 2020. It then proceeded to S$19,541 on January 20, 2022.
3. Rolex Day-Date 40 – Platinum, Ice-Blue Dial ref. 228236-0012
About
Often referred to as the Big Daddy of Day-Dates, the Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228236-0012 is an exquisite luxury men’s timepiece that’s all about firsts as it is good looks.
It’s the first of Rolex’s Day-Date platinum pieces to have a fluted bezel- which looks and feels at home around the well-polished precious metal. Its 40mm platinum body makes it pretty heavy and stands out against the commanding ice-blue face. Then there’s the President bracelet.
It adds a nice authoritative feel to the watch and is frankly easy on the wrist, which is good if you’re wearing the timepiece for the first time. The bulk is a forgivable transgression considering the platinum body will get displaced when scratched, and let’s face it- the watch is strikingly handsome!
Features
They include Roman numeral hour markers, a President bracelet, a full-day display at 12 o’clock, a date display at 3 o’clock, and a blue seconds hand.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2022
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Ice-blue, with silver-tone hands, Roman numeral hour markers, and a blue seconds hand
- Bracelet – President, with a concealed folding Crownclasp
- Bezel – Fixed, fluted, platinum
- Function: Day, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronometer
- Mechanism: Self-winding, caliber 3255 movement with 31 jewels, 70-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
Investing in this Rolex watch is a wise choice since it’s a prestigious model in the Rolex lineup, and its limited availability ensures stable value appreciation over time. For example, as per WatchCharts, its average market price increased from S$115,078 on February 5, 2023, to S$116,223 on August 3, 2023.
4. Rolex Sky-Dweller – White Rolesor, White Dial ref. 336934-0004
About
The Rolex Sky-Dweller ref. 336934-0004 is a luxury men’s timepiece initially designed for air travel. However, its sophisticated makeup allows it to blend in with a tux and tie effortlessly. It features a 42mm White Rolesor (White Gold and Oystersteel) case and bracelet that are complemented by its intense white dial.
It also has a fluted bezel that fits into the overall design and a bracelet with polished center links for a stylish feel. It combines elegance and functionality and as a dress watch, it makes a statement of class and sophistication.
Features
The main ones are a Ring Command bezel, an off-center 24-hour disc with a fixed inverted red triangle to indicate the reference time, month displayed in red through 12 apertures around the dial’s circumference, a Jubilee bracelet, and a screw-down crown with Twinlock Double Waterproofness System.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2023
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Intense white, with Chromalight lume-applied hands and index hour markers
- Bracelet – Jubilee, with polished center links and a folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel – Bi-directional rotatable, fluted, 18K White Gold, Rolex Ring Command
- Function: Date, Month, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, GMT
- Mechanism: Rolex’s in-house caliber 9002 automatic movement with 40 jewels, 72-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
Its timeless design and innovative features create a versatile, luxurious timepiece perfect for special occasions and everyday wear. In addition, it may be a relatively new timepiece, but its price has increased by at least 10 percent since production.
5. Rolex 1908 – Yellow Gold, Intense Black Dial ref. 52508-0002
About
Speaking of new, here’s another men’s luxury dress timepiece that’s still fresh in the watch world but is making quite a statement: The Rolex 1908 ref. 52508-0002. It’s part of Rolex’s 1908 dress watch Collection, which replaced the Cellini line in 2023.
It was introduced in Watches & Wonders 2023 and showcases classic style and extraordinary attention to detail with its 39mm Yellow Gold case, fluted bezel, deep black dial with golden details, and leather strap. It perpetuates the original boldness of Rolex and represents the perfect balance of elegance and craftsmanship.
Features
They include a domed and fluted bezel, a subdial at 6 o’clock, Arabic numeral hour markers at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock, a transparent sapphire caseback, and a stop-second feature for exact time setting.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2023
- Case Size: 39mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Intense black with Yellow Gold-tone hands and Arabic numeral/ index hour markers
- Bracelet – Black alligator leather strap with pattern and a double folding dual clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, domed and fluted, yellow gold
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Samll Seconds
- Mechanism: Perpetual, mechanical, self-winding caliber 7140 movement with 38 jewels, 66-hour power reserve (approximately)
Why You Should Invest?
Its price has increased by approximately eight percent since production, which is impressive considering it’s still new in the market.
6. Rolex Datejust 31 – Everose Gold, Aubergine Dial ref. 278275-0029
About
The Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 278275-0029 is a luxury women’s timepiece crafted with the utmost precision and made for the modern, confident woman with a taste for perfection. It features a well-polished 31mm Everose Gold case and matching bracelet that elegantly highlight the aubergine-colored dial with diamond and golden details. Its careful balance of sophistication and attention-grabbing play of colors and lighting makes it a perfect fit in the boardroom as it would be in a formal event.
Features
They include a striking aubergine dial, a large VI hour marker set with 11 diamonds, a fluted bezel, a President bracelet with polished center links, and a polished Everose Gold case.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 31mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Aubergine, with Rose Gold-tone hands and Yellow Gold-tone Roman numeral hour markers, with a diamond-set VI hour marker
- Bracelet – President, with polished center links and a concealed folding Crownclasp
- Bezel – Fixed, fluted, everose gold
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Rolex in-house caliber 2236 movement with 31 jewels, 55-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
According to WatchBase, its price increased from S$42,535 on July 2, 2019, to S$45,693 on January 17, 2020.
Additionally, WatchCharts recorded a rise in its average market price, from S$40,078 on February 5, 2023, to S$41,582 on August 3, 2023.
7. Rolex Day-Date 36 – Yellow Gold, Mother of Pearl Dial ref. 128348RBR-0017
About
The Rolex Day-Date 36 ref. 128348RBR-0017 is a luxury women’s dress watch that attracts second or more glances. It’s part of Rolex’s Day-Date collection and boasts a beautiful 36mm Yellow Gold case and bracelet that serve as an intro to the main attractions; the diamond-set bezel and Mother of Pearl dial with diamond details.
The Mother of Pearl dial provides a wonderful backdrop for the hour markers and hands and a contrast to the mostly-golden design.
Features
The main ones are a diamond-set bezel, 8 round and 2 baguette-cut diamond hour markers, a date display at 3 o’clock, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal over the dial, and water resistance to 100m.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials:
- Dial – White Mother of Pearl, with Yellow Gold-tone hands and 8 round and 2 baguette-cut diamond hour markers at 6 and 9 o’clock
- Bracelet – 18kt Yellow Gold President, with a concealed folding Crownclasp
- Bezel – Fixed, diamond-set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds, yellow gold
- Function: Day, Date, Hours, Minutes, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding mechanical Caliber 3255 movement with 31 jewels, 70-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
As per WatchCharts, its average market price increased from S$78,045 on February 5, 2023, to S$87,722 on August 3, 2023.
8. Rolex Lady-Datejust – White Gold, Mother of Pearl Dial ref. 279139RBR-0008
About
The Rolex Lady-Datejust ref. 279139RBR-0008 is a luxury women’s dress watch with a simple yet powerful monochromatic White Gold design. It’s part of Rolex’s Lady Datejust collection and features a 28mm White Gold case and matching brushed and polished bracelet.
It also has a Mother of Pearl dial that blends into the design while changing color depending on light intensity. The timepiece is somewhat flashy- a design choice that the reserved lady will love more.
Features
They include a Mother of Pearl dial, a diamond-set bezel, a White Gold case, a White Gold screw-down locking crown, and 11 diamond hour markers.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2022
- Case Size: 28mm
- Materials:
- Dial – White Mother of Pearl, with White Gold-tone hands and 11 diamond hour markers
- Bracelet – White Gold, President, with polished center links and a concealed folding Crownclasp
- Bezel – Fixed, white gold, diamond-set with 44 diamonds
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding, caliber 2236 movement with 31 jewels, 55-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
Besides its status as a statement piece, the watch’s combination of high-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship ensures durability and longevity. Furthermore, its price has risen by at least 30% between 2022 and August 3, 2023.
9. Rolex Day-Date 36 – Platinum, Turquoise Dial ref. 128396TBR-0016
About
The Rolex Day-Date 36 ref. 128396TBR-0016 is a mid-size luxury women’s dress watch. It has a nice beach-ish feel, thanks to its turquoise-colored dial that stands out from the dominant platinum background and a diamond-set bezel.
It has a 36mm platinum case and matching President bracelet with semi-circular links for a comfortable wearing experience. It exudes elegance and refinement, making it a perfect dress watch for the lady looking to make a statement with an iconic Rolex model.
Features
The main ones are a turquoise dial, diamond-set VI and IX Roman numerals and index hour markers, a diamond-set bezel, a President bracelet with polished semi-circular links, a full day display at 12 o’clock, and a date window at 3 o’clock.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2023
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Turquoise, with silver-tone hands and diamond-set Roman numeral VI (32 diamonds) and IX (24 diamonds)/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Platinum, President, with polished semi-circular links and a concealed folding Crownclasp
- Bezel – Fixed, platinum, diamond-set
- Function: Day, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Perpetual, mechanical self-winding Caliber 3255 movement with 31 jewels, 70-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
Its unique turquoise dial and the luxury of platinum and diamonds make it an outstanding investment as an exquisite timepiece. Moreover, its price has increased by at least 15% since production.
10. Rolex Datejust 36 – Yellow Rolesor, Bright Black Dial ref. 126233-0021
About
Looking for a dress watch with class and attitude? The Rolex Datejust 36 ref. 126233-0021 fits the description. It’s a luxury women’s timepiece that was introduced in 2018. This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust has a striking 36mm Yellow Rolesor (Oystertsteel and Yellow Gold) case, a two-tone bracelet, and a bright black face for that touch of attitude.
The dial has golden details and a sunray finish, enabling a satisfying light play depending on the wrist’s motion and light intensity. The watch’s overall design commands admiration and evokes confidence while being blatantly seductive.
Features
They include a bright black dial with a sunray finish, 11 diamond-set hour markers, a two-tone Jubilee bracelet, a fluted bezel, and a Yellow Gold screw-down crown.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Bright Black with Yellow Gold-tone hands and diamond-set hour markers
- Bracelet – Two-tone Jubilee, with five-piece links and a folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel – Fixed, fluted, Yellow Gold
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic, caliber 3235 movement with 31 jewels, 70-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
According to WatchBase, its price increased between 2018 and 2022. It cost S$17,999 on March 28, 2018, before rising to S$19,100 on January 8, 2020, and settling on S$19,541 on January 13, 2022.
Summary
The following table highlights the Rolex watches above, plus their key features, retail, private market, and pre-owned prices:
| Model | Key Features | Retail Price | Private Market Price | Pre-Owned Price |
| Rolex Cellini Moonphase ref. 50535 | • Blue moon phase indicator disc at 6 o’clock • Date track on the dial’s periphery • Elongated blued central hand with a moon crescent at the end | S$35,820 | S$34,928 | S$35,310 |
| Rolex Datejust 41 ref. 126331-0009 | • Date window at 3 o’clock • Sapphire crystal with a Cyclops magnifier lens above 3 o’clock • Fluted bezel | S$18,983 | S$20,133 | S$21,391 |
| Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228236-0012 | • Roman numeral hour markers • President bracelet • Full-day display at 12 o’clock | S$101,557 | S$116,223 | S$124,973 |
| Rolex Sky-Dweller ref. 336934-0004 | • Ring Command bezel • Off-center 24-hour disc with a fixed inverted red triangle to indicate the reference time • Month displayed in red through 12 apertures around the dial’s circumference | S$20,996 | S$37,180 | S$43,727 |
| Rolex 1908 ref. 52508-0002 | • Domed and fluted bezel • Subdial at 6 o’clock • Arabic numeral hour markers at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock | S$32,144 | S$33,190 | S$30,006 |
| Rolex Datejust 31 ref. 278275-0029 | • Aubergine dial • Large VI hour marker set with 11 diamonds • Polished Everose Gold case | S$44,004 | S$41,582 | S$42,987 |
| Rolex Day-Date 36 ref. 128348RBR-0017 | • Diamond-set bezel • 8 round and 2 baguette-cut diamond hour markers • Water resistance to 100m | S$66,810 | S$87,722 | S$89,547 |
| Rolex Lady-Datejust ref. 279139RBR-0008 | • White Gold case • White Gold screw-down locking crown • 11 diamond hour markers | S$59,767 | S$61,234 | S$60,006 |
| Rolex Day-Date 36 ref. 128396TBR-0016 | • Turquoise dial • Diamond-set VI and IX Roman numeral and index hour markers • President bracelet with polished semi-circular links | S$65,675 | S$78,800 | S$71,545 |
| Rolex Datejust 36 ref. 126233-0021 | • Bright black dial with a sunray finish • Two-tone Jubilee bracelet • Yellow Gold screw-down crown | S$16,233 | S$17,455 | S$18,684 |
Final Word
Rolex dress watches for men and women are some of the best luxury picks in the watch market. They embody the brand’s commitment to excellence, design, and precision, ensuring the wearer feels confident and polished in any environment.
Key Takeaways
- Rolex dress watches are respected and desired by most watch collectors and enthusiasts for their ornate designs, high-quality materials, and impeccable attention to detail.
- The Rolex Datejust may be an excellent choice for casual wear, but it’s a top dress watch that’s sure to make a statement. It offers numerous options for customization, allowing each wearer to adorn their wrist with a unique timepiece.
- Rolex dress watches are a good investment for beauty or financial gain. They’re aesthetically pleasing, retain their value, and even appreciate in price if cared for properly. However, women’s pieces don’t generally hold their worth as well as men’s.
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