The 10 Best Rolex Watches for Men in 2022 – Why are they a Good Investment?

Are you searching for a Rolex? This Swiss watchmaker crafts some of the most expensive watches in the world. Whether you're buying a new model at list price from the dealer or a second-hand Rolex from the grey market, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for your purchase.

From chronographs in rose gold and other precious metals to stainless steel models, you will likely end up on the waitlist the first time you try to acquire one of these legendary timepieces. So, it pays to know what you want when developing a relationship with a Rolex authorized dealer.

Rolex has 16 models in its range, with dozens of variations to each model. From the GMT Master II featuring a black and green ceramic bezel to 41mm Oyster Perpetual, and even a green Submariner. Rolex has the wristwatch to suit your style and status.

Rolex is one of the world's most successful and sought-after watch brands. If it's your first time purchasing one of these timepieces, you need to know what you're looking for at the authorized dealer or on the grey market.

This post unpacks the 10 best Rolex watches for men in 2002. Are you ready? Strap on your Submariner, and let's dive in!

#1 Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea – 'James Cameron'

If you want a Rolex with ultimate water resistance, you can't go deeper than the Sea-Dweller Deepsea. This watch commemorates James Cameron's exploration of the Mariana Trench in 2012. It's one of the best new watches from Rolex in the last decade and is in high demand. This special edition of the Deepsea features an exquisite 'D-Blue' gradient dial mimicking light traveling through the water on a return to the surface from a saturation dive.

Retail Price $13,850

Market Value $16,000

#2 Rolex GMT Master II – "Pepsi"

The Rolex GMT Master II is possibly one of the most iconic luxury watches on the market. The 'Pepsi' is the most popular model in the range, featuring a two-tone blue and red bezel insert. In production since the 1950s, Rolex developed the GMT Master II for pilots. The new Rolex Pepsi pairs a lustrous blue and red 'Cerachrom' ceramic bezel and Oystersteel finish, accompanied by an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.

Retail Price $9,000

Market Value $10,500

#3 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

The Daytona is possibly the most iconic watch available from this Swiss watchmaker. It's one of the wonders of the Rolex range, available in several finishes, from everose gold to white gold. The Daytona was the first model to feature a ceramic bezel, with the design remaining largely unchanged throughout the years. You get a black Tachymeter bezel in ceramic with a black or white dial and an impressive Oystersteel finish. The Daytona comes with caliber 4130 Perpetual movement, and it's one of the most sought-after models in the secondary market, retaining its value while appreciating in price.

Retail Price $12,400

Market Value $21,000

#4 Rolex Submariner

The Submariner is an icon of the stainless steel range from Rolex. Featuring its legendary black dial and bezel, it's a similar model to that worn by 'James bond' in the movies from the 1950s. This luxury watch features the larger 41mm steel case and next-gen caliber 3235 Perpetual movement. It's in high demand and a true classic of the Rolex range.

Retail Price $7,500 to $8,550

Market Value $9,000 to $9,500

#5 Rolex Milgauss

The Milgauss is an elegant piece featuring anti-magnetic properties thanks to the Faraday cage surrounding its movement. The minimalist aesthetic of the Milgauss features a smooth bezel, a time-only dial, and a tri-link bracelet. The orange lightning bolt second-hand mirrors the original model from the 1950s for a classic look, and you can choose from a black dial and 'Glace Verte' sapphire crystal or a vibrant 'Z-Blue' finish.

Retail Price $9,150

Market Value $12,150

#6 Rolex Submariner – "Hulk"

 As part of the second-gen of green Rolex Submariners, the 'Hulk' is now discontinued, making way for the 'Kermit and Starbucks' Submariner model. It's a legendary piece featuring a green ceramic bezel and matching green dial, and it's the only all-green model in the Submariner range. It's a highly sought-after and collectible model, making it a top choice for 2022.

Retail Price $9,050

Market Value $10,000 to $11,000

#7 Rolex Explorer II – "Polar"

 The Polar Dial Explorer II features a white dial and black trim on its hands and hour markers. Since arriving on the market in the 1980s, the Explorer II remains one of the most collectible pieces in the Rolex range due to its unique design. The current iteration, the Polar, launched in 2021. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Explorer collection. The Explorer II features caliber 3285 movements, a 42mm diameter, a fixed 24-hr bezel, and a finish in 904-grade Oystersteel.

Retail Price $6,325

Market Value $9,250

#8 Rolex Sky-Dweller

The Sky-Dweller features the caliber 9001, possibly the most complex movement available in the Rolex range. You get an additional time zone, date mechanism, and annual calendar controlled by its ring-command fluted bezel. The Sky-Dweller features a stylish and sporty Oysterflex bracelet, and you can choose silicone, steel, or leather wrist straps. Pick up your Sky-Dweller in yellow gold for a classic, stylish look to your timepiece.

Retail Price $14,800

Market Value $24,000

#9 Rolex Air King

Released in 2016, the 'Air King' is a change from the classic dress watch design of the Datejust or Oyster Perpetual. This sports watch features a 40mm case size and a unique design for the dial, based on the Bloodhound supersonic car. It features Arabic hour markers and a green Rolex logo that looks similar to the controls Rolex designed for the vehicle.

Retail Price $6,800

Market Value $13,000

#10 Rolex Yacht-Master

The Yacht-Master is another classic, featuring design and construction with 904L-grade Oystersteel and a 950 platinum bezel with a jaw-dropping sand-blasted finish. The Yacht-Master comes with Rolex's caliber 3235 Perpetual movement, a blue dial with red accents, or a slate dial with blue accents.

Retail Price $24,900

Market Value $21,000 to $24,000

Other Top Rolex Models Worth Considering

The Rolex range has so many exquisite models that it's challenging to settle on the top ten for this review. Some of the other Rolex watches that deserve honorable mention are the following.

• Rolex Yacht-Master II
• Rolex Day-Date
• Rolex Datejust
• Rolex Datejust 41
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual
• Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Maintain and Care for Your Rolex Timepiece with the Maison des Montres Cleaning Kit

Regardless of the Rolex, you choose as your timepiece, you need to keep it in mint condition to retain its value. The Maison des Montres Cleaning Kit offers the benchmark in maintenance for your Rolex.

It only takes a few minutes to leave your watch looking new. Secure the value and look of your investment, and purchase the world's premium watch cleaning kit for your collection.