The Best Rolex Chronometer Watches
Rolex has been a status symbol pretty much from the beginning. Founded in 1905, this luxury watch company brings with it high-quality and excellent performance. To many watch enthusiasts around the world, a chronograph watch from Rolex is the most accurate sign of having made it in life. Rolex watches come in many forms — not only as a chronograph, but also as chronometers (there is a difference).
So, if you were asking yourself, “Are all Rolex watches chronographs?” The answer is obviously no. There are several models that are not. But what exactly is a chronograph watch in the first place? A chronograph watch is an elevated way of simply saying a watch with the capability of being used as a timer as well.
Chronographs usually have one to three buttons. Each one has its own function ranging from stop, start, and the rest in any combination depending on the watch.
There are many great Rolex watches that fall into the chronograph category, and they each bring a little something special to the watch world. So below, we will be looking at some of the best Rolex chronometer watches in the world.
The List
Chronometer watches may not make up the bulk of the Rolex collections, but they are a huge part of the Rolodex. These watches can boost your image and build a level of confidence like no other. Each of the Rolex watches below has an air of mystique and offers an elegance few other models bring with them. So, let’s get into the breakdowns of each.
1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual comes in several different sizes and is perhaps the most basic of the Rolex watches on our list and in the market itself. Each of these separate watches has its own unique set of dials to choose from as well. Fitted with twin lock screw-down crowns, Oyster bracelets, illuminated hands, and indicators, this is a great model for the Rolex purist.
The best thing about this chronograph watch is its beautiful yet elegant design. It also offers the best accuracy that you would expect from such an illustrious watch company. With its perfect size and attention to details like an illuminated hand and watch, any aficionado will find themselves in a good place with this watch.
Features- Illuminated hands and hour indicators
- Constructed with a brushed stainless-steel case
- Designed with a self-winding auto chronometer movement
- Water-resistant up to 3900-metres
- Unidirectional rotating bezel
- Watch face is made from scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Price ranges from $10,500 to $11,000.
Pros- Beautiful design
- Highly accurate
- Good size
- Visible in low light
- Dial size may be too small for some wearers
- Glide lock may scratch bracelet
2. Rolex Submariner
Something special happened in 1954 when Rolex was asked to craft the perfect dive watch. That something was the birth of one of the most iconic chronograph watches made by Rolex: the Submariner. It was a beautiful watch from the beginning but didn’t reach its high point until it became a James Bond accessory, worn by Sean Connery as well as Roger Moore. This watch is now considered one of many statement watches any man would be thrilled to own.
The elegant and beautiful design of this watch comes with a readable face and an easily rotatable bezel. The water resistance is, of course, superb as it was designed to be a dive watch after all. Of all the Rolex watches, this model may be the hardest to dress up as it is simply more of a functional watch as opposed to being fashion-oriented.
Features- Multiple versions available
- Created with a beautiful stainless-steel case and oyster bracelet
- Large case (40mm)
- Designed with self-winding movement
- Waterproof up to 300-metres
- Fitted with a green ceramic bezel
- Watch face is made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Illuminated hands and markers
This watch’s price falls between $15,000 and $16,000.
Pros- Easy to read watch face
- Beautiful and elegant design
- Easily rotatable bezel
- Water-resistant
- Isn’t always appropriate for more dressy occasions
- May not be as impressive as other models
3. Rolex Datejust
This simple watch comes with a history and a high-quality build that is overlooked by so many. There was only one style until recently, and with this watch came a whole slew of options. Thus, it is an excellent everyday watch.
Though it may not fit into high-end evening affairs, this watch will most definitely suit a lovely dinner party and anything at a level below that. It is easy to adjust, and that makes it a great choice for any man looking to up his daily watch game.
Features- Made with stainless steel
- Bezel (fluted) that is fixed and domed with stainless steel
- Water-resistant up to 100-metres
- Swiss automatic movement
- Cyclops-magnified date window
This Rolex watch can cost anywhere from $5500 to $6100.
Pros- Multiple models
- Great dress watch
- Band size is easy to increase
- Price
- Not great for black tie affairs
4. Rolex Explorer
This is perhaps the purest chronograph watch on our list. Over the last 50 years, the Explorer has built a reputation and name that brings with it versatility and elegance all wrapped in a gorgeous package. This beautiful and elegant model makes it a great everyday choice.
This Rolex watch is durable and affordable in comparison to many of the chronograph watches from Rolex. Its high-quality mechanisms make it highly functional as is expected from Rolex. There is very little wrong with the Explorer except for the second hand being a wee bit short.
Features- Illuminated hands and indicators
- Built with a smooth bezel
- Crafted with a self-winding auto chronometer movement
- Water-resistant up to 100-metres
- Watch face crafted with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Manufactured in high-grade stainless steel
This Rolex watch usually costs between $6700 and $6400.
Pros- Elegant and beautiful design
- Half-link adjustment with a double-locking mechanism
- Fit for everyday use
- High-quality functionalities
- Extremely durable
- Affordable price
- Short length of second hand
5. Rolex Day-Date
This chronograph watch from Rolex has always been a sought-after Rolex watch, but it really picked up steam when it was worn by both JFK and LBJ. Their usage made this watch a symbol of ultimate success. It later became popular with oil tycoons in the 80s and is still one of the most famous models around.
With the reputation of this chronograph watch, you should expect utter perfection. In truth, that is precisely what you get. Built with the function it is named for, the day function, and a slew of unique and innovative dial options, this Rolex watch is an amazing addition to any watch collection.
Notwithstanding the honour of counting this amongst your collection, this watch might set you back a pretty penny. It is also fitted with a fixed fluted bezel and has a very limited power reserve.
Features- Secure fold-over clasp
- Window dial window made of sapphire crystal
- Beautifully crafted in 18K yellow gold
- Crafted with a Swiss automatic movement
- Water-resistant up to 100-metres
- Large case (40mm)
This watch is one of the most expensive models on our list with a selling price of almost $30,000.
Pros- Day function
- Comes in different models with innovative dial options
- Comes in different colours and materials
- Limited power reserve
- Fixed fluted bezel
- Steep selling price
There are so many more models that could have landed on this list of the best Rolex watches. Nevertheless, in our opinion, these are simply the cream of the crop. Built with style and elegance, these chronograph watches are high-quality pieces that will surely add a level of sophistication to your collection.
Final Thoughts
Rolex watches have been a symbol of success for years and will remain one for many more decades to come. They offer quality and high-performance capabilities with unique designs and innovative mechanisms.
Worn by stars, presidents, and athletes, many of these models have elevated their status through visibility. If you are looking to build your collection, any of the models on our list of the best Rolex chronometers would be a great addition. These are all collector’s pieces that when worn, can make you look more sophisticated.
These watches are all unique investments that can be passed down to future generations and also a way to show your style and personality. Hopefully, with the breakdowns above, you can figure out which model will be the next to add to your amazing collection.
Enjoyed reading this article? Why not also discover the Cheapest Rolex Watches For New Collectors.
