Rolex Watches

One brand wears the crown as king of the luxury watch world. From sport models such as the legendary Submariner, GMT-Master II, Explorer, and Daytona to dressier Datejust and Day-Date (Presidential) models, there is a Rolex for every purpose. WatchBox is the global leader in Guaranteed Pre-Owned Rolex watches for sale. Are you ready to purchase a pre-owned Rolex watch? WatchBox is a leading global buyer, seller and trader of Rolex watches. If you wish to buy used Rolex watches online, we offer a wide selection of authentic WatchBox-Certified Rolex watches backed by a 15-month warranty and white glove service.

Recent Watch Releases and Discontinuations from Rolex

A few favorite releases from Rolex over recent years include: the Batman in 2013 and Pepsi in 2016 with new Cerachrom bezels and the Rolex Daytona with a ceramic bezel in 2016. Colorful dials also made an appearance in Rolex’s new line of Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches in the latter half of 2020. These dials are inspired by the Stella lacquered dials seen in Day-Dates from the 1970s. Color choices include blue, green, orange, oxblood, peach, pink, purple, red, salmon, and turquoise. In 2020, Rolex discontinued a few fan-favorites like the Rolex Hulk Reference 116610LV and Rolex Smurf Reference 116619. For collectors and enthusiasts pursuing these models, WatchBox’s ever-changing inventory of pre-owned Rolex watches may feature these in our inventory. In 2023, the Rolex Milgauss was discontinued.

Rolex Watches History

Rolex’s history is linked to 24-year-old Hans Wilsdorf, who in 1905 founded a unique company in London that specialized in timepiece distribution. His dream was to create a watch you could wear on your wrist. At the time (the early 1900s), wristwatches weren’t extremely precise, but Wilsdorf had the vision that these timepieces would not only offer a luxury accessory to users, but also be a reliable method for telling time. By 1919, the Company had grown and expanded so much, it moved to Geneva, Switzerland. In 1926, the first waterproof wristwatch was released by Rolex and was given the name “Oyster”. The year 1945 saw the first self-winding wrist chronometer to indicate the date in a window on the dial, the Rolex Datejust. In the 1950s, Rolex began designing tool watches that were intended for professional activities like deep-sea diving, aviation, mountain climbing, and more. This led to the release of the Explorer in 1953, Submariner in 1953, Milgauss in 1956, Deep-Sea Special in 1960, Cosmograph Daytona in 1963, and Sea-Dweller in 1967. The growth of this luxury watch brand continued, eventually creating the household, luxury brand name that is so well-known today.

Guide to Rolex Watch Materials & Terminology

Proprietary Rolex Materials

Learn more about Rolex’s unique nomenclature for materials in their catalogue or read our guide to Rolex Materials.

Oystersteel - Resistant to corrosion and harder than steel, Oystersteel was first introduced on the Sea Dweller in 1985. Now, this material can be found throughout Rolex’s model range.

Everose Gold - In 2005 Everose was Rolex’s answer to the booming pink gold craze. This alloy blends a small amount of platinum, as well as copper to improve the material’s shine.

Cerachrom - Cerachrom is Rolex’s ceramic material, which allows for the flawless execution of bi-color bezels and reduces the potential for color fading over time.

Chromalight - Introduced on the Sea-Dweller in 2008, Chromalight has a crisp blue glow that lasts up to 8 hours when it’s fully charged from UV exposure.

Rolesor - Rolesor is simply the brand’s terminology for their two-tone watches, no matter the combination.

Rolex Bracelets

Oyster - Introduced in the late 1930s, this robust metal bracelet features flat three-piece links. It’s seen on Rolex’s Professional watches as well as the Datejust, Day-Date, and Sky-Dweller.

Jubilee - Featuring five-piece links, this metal bracelet is comfortable and supple. It was designed for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 1945.

President - This exclusive bracelet has semi-circular three-piece links. Created in 1956, it was first seen for the launch of the prestigious Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. Now, President bracelets are also seen on certain versions of Ladies Datejusts.

Pearlmaster - Sophisticated and elegant, the Pearlmaster metal bracelet has rounded five-piece links. It was created in 1992 for Pearlmaster models.

Oysterflex Rubber - This innovative bracelet features a superelastic metal blade. It provides the reliability of a metal bracelet, while preserving the comfort of a rubber strap.

Rolex Clasps

Oysterclasp - This clasp is the standard clasp of Oyster bracelets, seen on Rolex’s less sporty watches.

Oysterlock - Developed for Rolex’s Professional watches, this clasp has a locking mechanism that is crucial for a sports watch.

Crownclasp - Concealed with a small crown-shaped lever, the Crownclasp is Rolex’s most discreet clasp and is seen on Jubilee and President bracelets.