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FROM OYSTER TO DAYTONA - THE MOST INFLUENTIAL ROLEX MODELS EVER MADE

Rolex has become a watch brand like no other. Almost everyone you know wants one and for most they are a grail watch to own. Be it a one-watch collection or a large collection with many pieces in it you can literally shop any type of watch possible just from Rolex alone. Their impeccable level of durability, classic timeless designs and minimalist style means you can wear a Rolex for a lifetime and [ass it on through the generations. However, not all Rolexes were created equally in terms of the most influential watches from the brand which has shaped Rolex into the watchmaking power house they are today. It’s by no coincidence that all the watches they make are incredible with many of them becoming icons in the watch world over the decades. That’s why we will have a look at the key Role models that have influenced Rolex over the years to make them who they are.

Rolex gold submariner 16618 and daytona 116520

You could argue the most influential watch was the first model Rolex created that got them world-wide recognition. The Rolex Oyster, made back in 1926, was the world's first waterproof wrist watch and what would then form the foundation for almost all Rolex models to come. With its patented screw-down crown, bezel, and case-back, the Oyster redefined what a watch could endure and be used for. To prove its resilience, Rolex equipped swimmer Mercedes Gleitze with an Oyster during her historic English Channel crossing in 1927. After 10 hours in icy waters, the watch emerged intact giving Rolex a reputation for durability and innovation. It was this very watch that led Rolex to create the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, the main difference being it had an automatic movement instead of a manual wind.

What ROLEX DNA does

rolex oyster perpetual on wrist réf 61108 on oyster strap

All Rolex watches today in 2025 have the world's Oyster Perpetual inscribed on the dial just under the word Rolex, this just goes to show how essential the Oyster Perpetual has been in Rolex’s journey. It is also nice to see that the very roots of Rolex are still displayed on each model as if it were not for this model, who knows what Rolex would be as a watchmaker today. The Oyster Perpetual was also the birth of the classic three-link Oyster bracelet and has now been rolled out to virtually all other Rolex watches too. No matter how you look at it, this model is essentially the source of all the other models Rolex has made, whether it’s the name, case or bracelet.

On Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the Datejust debuted as the first automatic wristwatch to feature a date window that changed instantly at midnight. Its elegant fluted bezel, cyclops lens (which was added in 1953), and Jubilee bracelet made it a versatile timepiece, equally suited to business attire or daily wear. Rolex then expanded the line to have to now include a steel and two-tone model which Rolex called Rolesor. This made the Datejust more affordable than the original solid gold model, with these changes the Datejust began to become very popular amongst watch enthusiasts as they could now not only afford it but decided between a sport all steel model and a dressy two-tone. The Datejust remains one of the brand’s best-selling and longest-running models, embodying Rolex’s blend of practicality and luxury.

What makes the Datejust one of Rolex’s most popular models is its balance of sophistication and everyday practicality. Unlike sportier Rolex icons such as the Submariner or Daytona, the Datejust was designed to suit virtually any occasion. Its clean dial, available in countless variations, and its choice of case sizes, metals, and bracelet styles allow wearers to find a version that feels both personal and timeless. You can clearly see the original design in the modern-day models and it’s the model with the largest amounts of variations in the Rolex Catalogue. Hence, if different sizes, bracelets, metals and dial colours are things you like to play around with, the Rolex Datejust is the model for you.

emblematic models

If one Rolex symbolizes rugged adventure, it’s the Submariner. Introduced in 1953, it was the first dive watch water-resistant to 100 meters, designed in collaboration with professional divers. Its rotating bezel allowed wearers to track dive times, while its clean dial and luminous markers made it highly legible underwater. This watch has arguably become the most iconic watch of all time, worn by many celebrities on the screen and often benign the ideal one-watch collection for most people too. Like the Datejust, Rolex has made refinements to it over the years whilst still keeping most of the original design making it age like fine wine. The Submariner was one of the first models to have waitlists introduced to it due to the high volume of demand for it and there are no signs of that slowing down!

The classic no-date Submariner gives you that perfect symmetrical dial and plays the closest tribute to the original as that model did not feature a date window. That said, Rolex is equally well-known for their magnifying lens at the three o’clock position and the date version of the Submariner has a few other colour options. Whether you fancy a slight pop of colour with a green bezel, or a two-tone yellow gold model with a bright blue dial, the Submariner is such an iconic and recognizable watch. With its three-link Oyster bracelet and gridlock clasp, it makes the watch so easy to wear and adjust for any occasion.

As air travel expanded in the 1950s, Rolex introduced the GMT-Master for Pan Am pilots to use as they crossed multiple different time zones. With its distinctive red-and-blue “Pepsi” bezel, the watch allowed wearers to read two time zones simultaneously, a crucial tool in the era of transatlantic flights. Today, the GMT-Master II carries that legacy, beloved by travellers and collectors alike for its bold aesthetics and utility. Beyond function, the GMT-Master II is a statement of versatility and prestige. With its robust Oyster case, automatic movement, and flawless finishing, it balances the ruggedness of a tool watch with the elegance expected of a Rolex. Its enduring popularity also stems from its strong connection to aviation history and its evolution into a true luxury icon.

double rolex submariner black dial 41mm on wrist

PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THE ARTICLE

Rubber Strap for ROLEX® Submariner 114060 (6 Digits until August 2020) For Deployant Buckle

Rubber Strap for ROLEX® Daytona 116500 & 116520

Rubber Strap for ROLEX® GMT 126710BLRO "Pepsi" (6 Digits)

Rubber Strap for ROLEX® Oyster Perpetual 36mm 116000

When it comes to the iconic models to choose from you have of course the classic “Pepsi” – red and blue, a nod to the original 1955 design. The “Batman” – black and blue, introduced in 2013 and now offered on both the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets. The “Root Beer” – black and brown with Everose gold accents, a modern reinterpretation of a 1970s classic. And, lastly the newest addition is the black bezel models – sleek and understated, appealing to those who prefer a versatile, professional look. You could say it’s the best of both worlds between a Datejust and Submariner as it shares the robust and sporty case of the Submariner but the polished centre links gives it that elegant look the Datejust has.

Nicknamed the “President,” the Day-Date was the first watch to display both the date and day of the week spelled out in full. Crafted exclusively in precious metals, it quickly became the Rolex model to wear if showing wealth and power was the goal. Of course, nowadays anyone can wear anything without meaning anything but it definitely does show a certain level of wealth as they only come in precious metal. The Day-Date quickly earned the nickname “The President’s Watch”, not only because of its iconic bracelet but also due to its presence on the wrists of world leaders, captains of industry, and influential figures. Worn by U.S. presidents such as Lyndon B. Johnson, it became a global symbol of authority and achievement. So, it’s not hard to see why this model was such an influential one for Rolex, not much beats world leaders and successful people in business lusting after the watch!

The date is positioned at 3 o’clock beneath Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens, while the day of the week is spelled out in full at 12 o’clock. The dial itself is available in a wide variety of colours and textures, ranging from classic champagne tones to bold lacquer finishes, often embellished with diamonds or other precious materials. This versatility allows the Day-Date to shift seamlessly between formal elegance and personal expression. Designed specifically for the Day-Date, the President bracelet is a hallmark of its design identity. Its semi-circular three-piece links strike the perfect balance between strength and refinement. Combined with the concealed Crown-clasp, the bracelet delivers both comfort and seamless aesthetics, reinforcing the Day-Date’s reputation as a watch of distinction.

Launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was Rolex’s answer to the rising popularity of motorsport. Its tachymeter bezel and chronograph functions made it the perfect tool for anyone timing laps around a track. When first launched the Daytona actually struggled to gain momentum and many were offered at discount. Something that seems almost impossible now with these models being some of the hardest to purchase. However, whilst it has strong ties to motorsport, it by no means limits the durability of the watch. The ceramic or precious mental bezel combined with polished centre links makes the watch shine and the oyster case sits perfectly on the wrist. You could wear the Daytona whilst racing or in a suit heading off to a fancy restaurant and it looks just as at home in either scenario.

The Rolex Daytona is certainly one of the most iconic chronograph watches out there and the fact that it is water resistant to 100 metres is even more impressive. Whilst not necessarily influencing how Rolex continued their watchmaking journey, it can’t be ignored that this icon certainly helped Rolex gain ever more popularity. With many different variations of the model, be it in solid gold on an Oysterflex bracelet or in steel with the famous white dial and black sub-dial rings, it’s easy to get the perfect model for you.

From the waterproof Oyster to the jet-set GMT, from the executive Day-Date to the race-bred Daytona, Rolex has consistently blended functionality, elegance, and timeless designs to create icons over the years. Rolex does of course, have many other models in their catalogue, however these models have definitely been the most influential models they have created. From setting records to looking the part whilst dressed up, there is a reason Rolex is often used as the bench mark to beat thanks to their incredible high standards. What will be interesting to see is how the newer models, like the Land-Dweller, will age and fit into the history books of Rolex. But for now, Rolex has already created more iconic watches than any other brand and it always remains an exciting brand to watch how they subtly evolve and refine even further their watches.

James Talbot