Signature Rolex watches and their design codes
Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf in London in 1905 and later moved to Geneva. Its identity rests on the Oyster case, a waterproof design, and the self-winding Perpetual movement. Almost every model carries the words Oyster Perpetual on the dial. You can read more about the house on our Rolex brand page.
The models a gift buyer will meet most often:
- Oyster Perpetual: the purest expression of the house, with a time-only dial and often bright lacquered colours.
- Datejust: the classic dress-to-day watch, with a date window magnified by the Cyclops lens and, on many versions, a fluted bezel.
- Day-Date: made only in precious metals, with the day spelled out in full and the President bracelet.
- Submariner: the diver's watch with a rotating bezel, now worn as often with a suit as with a wetsuit.
- GMT-Master II and Cosmograph Daytona: a dual-time travel watch and a chronograph, both much sought after.
Recurring codes include the coronet logo, the Oyster, Jubilee and President bracelets, and Rolesor, the house's pairing of steel and gold.
Choosing a Rolex for men or women: size and style
Rolex no longer draws a firm line between men's and women's watches, so start with the wrist and the wearer's habits rather than the label.
- Size: slimmer wrists suit the smaller Oyster Perpetual and Lady-Datejust sizes. Larger wrists and sports styles call for the bigger diameters of the Submariner, GMT-Master II or the larger Datejust.
- Lifestyle: someone who swims, travels or spends weekends outdoors will appreciate a Submariner or Explorer. An office-to-dinner wearer is well served by a Datejust.
- Metal: steel is understated and practical. Rolesor adds warmth. Full gold makes a statement suited to a milestone such as a significant birthday or one of the anniversary gifts that mark decades together.
Bracelet length can be adjusted by a watchmaker, so a close estimate of wrist size is enough. Ask for regular servicing by a qualified specialist to keep the movement in good order.
What shapes Rolex watch prices in South Africa
There is no single price for a Rolex. The figure depends on the metal, the complication, any gem-setting and, locally, the rand exchange rate. As a broad guide, even the most accessible steel models represent a six-figure rand outlay, and precious-metal or diamond-set pieces sit well above that. Demand matters too: popular sports models can be harder to find than dress watches.
When searching for an original piece, ask for the box and papers and have the watch checked by an independent, qualified watchmaker. If you are weighing alternatives, our guides to Omega watches and the wider luxury watches category are a useful comparison. If you have a model, size or budget in mind, tell us and we will come back with options.