Men's Rolex Watch Guide

What is considered a Rolex for a man

Although not specified, a man's Rolex is typically much larger than a Rolex designed to fit a woman's wrist, as they come with a larger case diameter and thicker build. These bulkier watches are intended to look proportional on a man's wrist.

A man's Rolex usually has a case ranging from 39mm to 44mm, with the smaller 36mm case considered suitable for both men and women. With the larger case, these watches tend to have a larger and thicker bracelet, ranging from 7mm to 9mm to hold the heavier case.

Modern Rolex's coming in these larger cases come in a wide range of styles, metals, colours and designs, so anyone with an ambition to own a Rolex can find the one that is perfect for them, regardless of whether they are a man or a woman.

To get a better understanding of watch sizes, read out watch size guide, and find out which watch size will be best for you.

What is the best Rolex for men?

There is no record to suggest which Rolex is best for men, as each Rolex model offers something different. The Rolex DateJust is one of the best-selling Rolex watches, whilst the Rolex Daytona worn by racecar driver Paul Newman in the 1960s (ref. 6239) has fetched one of the highest selling prices at auction. The best Rolex for a man should be based on the occasion they are wearing the timepiece and what they will be using it for.

Rolex Watches to wear on formal occasions

When wearing a suit or a three-piece for a formal event, the first rule when adding a watch to the attire is to ensure that the watch doesn't steal the show. A watch should complement your suit so your outfit is fitted precisely. Therefore, wearing a bulky, bright watch will overshadow your attire.

With this in mind, choosing a Rolex with a smaller case that complements your three-piece will create the tailored look you require for a formal event. The Rolex Cellini is the only Rolex model designed explicitly to be worn with a suit. The watch is small enough to sit under the brow of a shirt but still visible enough to give you a polished, tailored look. With no additional features, the Cellini includes time-only and dual-time models and is designed with a contemporary look, with early versions basing their design on the art décor period.

There are no new models of the Rolex Cellini, as the final Cellini Moonphase model was discontinued in 2023. However, used Cellini versions are still available to purchase. But the Cellini isn’t the only Rolex a man can wear at a formal event; the Rolex Day-Date, Datejust and Oyster Perpetual are all elegant timepieces worn with a three-piece suit. One thing to remember, however, is that when attending a black-tie event, having a timepiece with a black bracelet is a necessity to coordinate with a pair of black shoes and a black tie.

Rolex Watches for Men's Business Attire

A Rolex epitomizes a professional look, adding charm and sophistication to your look, making you ready to impress. However, the ideal Rolex is dependent on the dress code of your professional life.

When it comes to formal business wear, a watch that features a practical timekeeping function that can keep up with your every move and is designed to be durable, then the Rolex Submariner is the ideal timepiece. Complementing your sharp style, the Submariner comes in various design options, including stainless steel or two-tone dials and bracelets, and a 40mm case makes a bold statement in the boardroom.

For more casual business attire, a watch that doesn't hold the weight of a 40mm plus case but still offers the same durability is required. The Rolex Explorer is an option for those seeking a small watch which still has all the time-keeping functions required for a day's work, including a GMT hand, data and 24-hour indicator.

Rolex Watches for Activities and Sporting Pursuits

Rolex have a long history of creating watches that function as a tool for men competing in sports or exploring the world. Their range of professional watches originally served men across land, sea and in the sky. Nowadays, both men and women can utilize the features of these iconic watches, with functions in smaller sizes to make them comfortable on a woman's wrist.

The Rolex Daytona is the ultimate choice for car enthusiasts. Designed exclusively for motor racing, the Daytona was made famous by the likes of Paul Newman and Malcolm Campbell and is now worn by professionals and fans of motorsport alike. The watch features a tachymeter bezel that allows the measurement of time elapsed based on distance, and the third generation of the Daytona features the iconic calibre 4130 movement. Find out more about the timepiece in our Daytona guide.

For those who enjoy spending their days at sea, the Rolex Yacht-Master is a staple timepiece for days at the beach or setting sail. The strong waterproof case can be submerged to 100 meters, and the 44mm case of the Yacht-Master II is an imposing presence on the wrist, including a bidirectional 60-minute bezel for reading time intervals and calculating reference points. But for those akin to diving deep into the ocean, the Rolex Sea-Dweller is designed to be submerged up to 1,200 metres. It has a bulky, sporty style and a large case designed to fit the wrist of men seeking deep-sea exploration.

For adventures on land, the Rolex Explorer is designed to tackle any element that comes in the way. Distinctive features include 3-6-9 indicators and the triangle at 12 o'clock, traditional models boast a black dial and steel bracelet, whereas newer models can be found with a 40mm case and a white dial.

Men's Rolex For Casual Attire

The Rolex Datajust is a popular choice amongst men when choosing a Rolex for their day-to-day outings. This watch comes with a variety of metal options and dial colours and has all the necessary features required to keep track of time throughout the day, including the iconic date function that made the Datejust famous.

The Oyster Perpetual is another Rolex common amongst men. Dating back to 1926, this timepiece is known for its water-resistant case and movement type, boasting the first self-winding, automatic movement, which gave the watch its perpetual name. Another watch with a wide range of case sizes and colour options, this watch offers style and practicality for a man's daily pursuits.