10 Best Stainless Steel Rolex Watches
One of the most trusted materials when it comes to watchmaking is definitely stainless steel. It is a tried-and-tested material that has been utilized for generations, guaranteeing that a watch has a reliable and sturdy build. Not only is it known for its robustness, but stainless steel is also one of the most common metals available next to others like titanium and platinum.
In this article, we will be taking a look at some of the best stainless steel Rolex watches available on the market. Although Rolex is very well known for its Rolesor pieces, this Swiss watch brand also has an arsenal of spectacular stainless steel watches that are just as amazing. Let us take a closer look at the unusual stainless steel material Rolex uses. We will then dive into the best stainless steel Rolex watches that you can buy today.
Rolex Stainless Steel
Those familiar with the watch industry are probably aware of Rolex watches’ reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship. This is at least partially due to the fact that the luxury brand utilizes a patented grade of stainless steel to make its watches. Instead of using the traditional 316L stainless steel found in most other watch brands, Rolex developed its own 904L stainless steel material for use.
904L stainless steel is known for being more aesthetically pleasing than traditional stainless steel thanks to its exquisite and lustrous sheen. In addition, this material is heavily resistant to cosmetic damage like corrosion and rust, providing greater durability to Rolex timepieces.
Rolex first began using 904L stainless steel in 1985. It was first introduced in the brand’s Sea Dweller collection. From 2003 onwards, however, Rolex started incorporating Oystersteel into all of its watch collections. In 2018, Rolex began referring to the 904L stainless steel it used as “Oystersteel”. Since Rolex did not distinguish between the two terms, watch fans have come to the conclusion that 904L stainless steel and Oystersteel are essentially one and the same. Ever since then, the use of the term “Oystersteel” has become increasingly widespread in the watch community.
10 Best Stainless Steel Rolex Watches
1. Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060M
For the first watch in this list, check out the Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060M. This watch is presented in a 40mm Oystersteel case and a three-link Oystersteel bracelet. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a black unidirectional bezel. It has bottle cap-styled edges, which allows wearers to grip and turn it more easily.
The matte black dial of this stainless steel Rolex watch stands out sharply against its all-silver exterior. It is decorated with luminous hour indices in various geometric shapes and classic Mercedes hands. A layer of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is also used to guard this watch’s face.
This Rolex Submariner piece runs on an in-house Rolex Caliber 3130. This self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 28,000 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a standard power supply of 42 hours. It also comes with an impeccable accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day. In addition, this watch also boasts an impressive depth rating of 300 metres, which far exceeds the ISO 6425 standards for dive watches.
If you are looking for a Rolex dive piece with a classic aesthetic and simple layout, you can buy this timepiece for about $22,000 USD.
2. Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610 Black
Next up, we have the Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610 Black. As one of the most popular Submariner models, owning this piece is definitely the dream for many collections. Constructed in an all-Oystersteel build, this timepiece comes in a 40mm case and a three-link bracelet. This case is topped by a black elapsed time scale bezel which rotates unidirectionally. Compared to the previous model, this watch’s bezel has slimmer, less pronounced edges, giving it a subtler look.
The jet-black dial of this watch is filled with luminous geometric hour indices, Mercedes hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock. Rolex’s iconic Cyclops lens is also used to magnify the date feature, so wearers can read it more easily.
This stainless steel Rolex watch is driven by an in-house Rolex Caliber 3135. This automatic movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a solid power capacity of 48 hours. Moreover, it offers an exceptional accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day and possesses a 300-metre water resistance rating.
The Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610 Black retails at $25,000 USD.
3. Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610 50anniv
Dubbed the Rolex Kermit, the Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610 50anniv is one of the most sought-after Submariners ever released. This watch is housed in a 40mm Oystersteel case, paired with a matching three-link Oystersteel bracelet. On top of the watch, case is a unidirectional elapsed time scale bezel with a metallic lime green insert, which is the source of the watch’s ‘Kermit’ nickname.
Rolex contrasts this watch’s vivid green bezel with a matte black dial. It is composed of sizable hour indices in various geometric shapes, luminous Mercedes hands, and a magnified date display at 3 o’clock. All of these functions are powered by the watch’s in-house Rolex Caliber 3135. This watch offers an outstanding water resistance capacity of 300 metres and an accuracy rate of +/-2 seconds per day.
The Rolex Kermit was discontinued in 2010, making it a rather rare Rolex piece and an excellent investment watch. You can get your hands on the Rolex Kermit for around $32,000 USD.
4. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116500LN White
Masculine but with a touch of poise, the next two stainless steel Rolex watches from the Cosmograph Daytona series are both very well-crafted pieces. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116500LN White utilizes a 40mm Oystersteel case partnered with a sturdy three-link bracelet. Fitted on top of the watch case is a tachymeter bezel with a black Cerachrom insert, which you can use to calculate the speed of moving objects. Two hefty pushers are also placed on the right side of the case, which allows you to operate the watch’s chronograph functions.
The dial of this watch showcases a soft white finish. It is furnished with luminous applique hour indices, blunt steel hands, and three chronograph sub-dials for the 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. Because these chronograph sub-dials show off black outlines against a white dial, this timepiece is also commonly known as the Rolex Panda.
Operating this luxury sports watch is an in-house Rolex Caliber 4130. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and holds a stellar power supply of 72 hours. In terms of precision, this self-winding automatic movement offers a marvellous accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day.
This stainless steel Rolex timepiece costs $38,800 USD.
5. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520 Black
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116520 Black is sheltered in a 40mm Oystersteel case, coupled with a three-link bracelet made of the same material. Its glossy black dial has a very similar layout to the previous Cosmograph Daytona model mentioned. It consists of luminous applique hour indices and blunt hands, along with three chronograph sub-dials that are outlined with thick silver rings.
This watch is also equipped with a fixed tachymeter bezel. This time, however, the bezel is made entirely from stainless steel, adding to the robust look of this timepiece. Inside this watch, you can also find an in-house Rolex Caliber 4130. It provides an incredible power reserve of 72 hours.
Priced at $42,700 USD, this classic and handsome Rolex watch is the most expensive piece on this list.
6. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 115200/3
This next watch from the Oyster Perpetual collection is suited for those seeking a simple but elegant timepiece. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 115200/3 is encased in a 34mm Oystersteel case, linked with a three-link Oystersteel bracelet. With this slender case size, this watch is best suited for those who have small-to-average-sized wrists. Fixed on top of the case is a polished steel bezel, which adds to the lustre of this watch while also safeguarding it from any external damage.
Topped by a layer of sapphire crystal, this watch’s straightforward black dial is ornamented with rectangular hour indices, luminous blunt hands, and a magnified date aperture at 3 o’clock. Underneath this simple watch face is an in-house Rolex Caliber 3135. This automatic movement holds a substantial 48-hour power rating.
This sleek timepiece is worth around $7,800 USD. It is one of the more affordable stainless steel Rolex watches.
7. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 116000 Steel
For another offering from the Oyster Perpetual series, take a look at the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 116000 Steel. Both the bracelet and the slim 36mm case of this watch are made entirely out of Oystersteel, giving this watch a very handsome look.
The watch’s sleek and refined aesthetic is maintained by its dial, which shows off a lovely silver sunray finish. It contains applique rectangular hour indices and blunt hands, all of which are outlined in silver and filled with lume. In addition, the dial is also guarded by a layer of scratch-resistant and shock-proof sapphire crystal.
Thanks to Rolex’s patented Twinlock system, the screwed-down case back resting on the right side of the case provides the watch with a solid 100-metre depth rating. As such, you will have no problem swimming with this stainless steel Rolex watch. It is also powered by the in-house Rolex Caliber 3130, which gives it a decent power supply of 48 hours.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 116000 Steel has an estimated price tag of $7,700 USD
8. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 114300/Purple
If you are looking for a more colourful, vibrant alternative to the previous Oyster Perpetual watches, check out the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 114300/Purple. This watch’s Oystersteel case measures 39mm in diameter and is coupled with a matching three-link Oystersteel bracelet. As such, it fits best on men with more slender wrists.
This watch boasts an alluring, rich plum dial that gives it a very lavish look. It is adorned with red accents on its minute track, slim applique hour indices, and luminous blunt hands. The hands and indices of this watch are coated in lume, allowing for optimal legibility even in the dark.
Behind the solid caseback of this timepiece lies an in-house Rolex Caliber 3132 movement. This self-winding movement contains 31 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). It also has an average 48-hour power rating and offers a super accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day.
For a refined Rolex watch with a flamboyant dial, this piece sells at $11,300 USD.
9. Rolex Datejust Ref. 126300 White Jubilee
If you are on the hunt for a timepiece with a clean look and impeccable charisma, take a look at this Rolex Datejust watch. The Rolex Datejust Ref. 126300 White Jubilee is packed in a 41mm Oystersteel case. Paired with a lovely Jubilee bracelet that is also made from Oystersteel, this watch shows off a more sophisticated look compared to the other Rolex watches with simpler Oyster bracelets.
The Rolex Datejust Ref. 126300 White Jubilee shows off a pristine white dial, which blends wonderfully with the stainless steel exterior. This dial comprises applique rectangular indices, luminous blunt hands made of steel, and a magnified date complication at 3 o’clock.
Driving this watch is an in-house Caliber 3235 movement. Fitted with 31 jewels, this self-winding automatic movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). It also has an outstanding power reserve of 70 hours. Finally, as with most Rolex movements which have obtained Superlative Chronometer certification, it has an excellent accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day.
Classy and glamorous at the same time, this Rolex Datejust 41 piece retails at $10,000 USD.
10. Rolex Air King Ref. 116900 Black
Lastly, we have the Rolex Air King Ref. 116900 Black. This piece from the Air King series sports a 40mm stainless steel case coupled with a three-link Oystersteel bracelet. Arranged on the jet-black dial are Arabic numeral hour markers, with the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock markers being plated in lavish 18-carat white gold. Rolex also uses its patented in-house Chromalight pigment on the inverted triangle at 12 o’clock, its classic Mercedes hands, and the round hoop on the vibrant green seconds hand.
This Rolex Air King timepiece runs on an in-house Caliber 3131. It is a self-winding movement which beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and possesses a solid 48-hour power capacity. Moreover, it has a reliable accuracy rate of +/-2 seconds per day.
Excellently crafted with unmatched features, this $11,400 USD stainless steel Rolex piece is worth every penny.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to quality, Rolex certainly redefines Swiss craftsmanship. Through these diverse sets of stainless steel Rolex offerings, it is clearly evident that the brand has put a great deal of effort into its in-house innovation and manufacturing processes. If you are seeking a worthy stainless steel Rolex watch that could double as a great investment piece, you would not go wrong with any of the models listed above.
All images courtesy of The Watch Company.
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