It’s time for Rolex continued! If you haven’t read part I of the Rolex Lineup, please do that now. Rolex is synonymous with luxury and sports meshing to make the perfect watch. This is why we are focusing on Rolex for our series on Everything You Need to Know About all luxury watch brands.
We are going to covering the modern Rolex lineup. If you want to learn more about the vintage Rolex models, please let us know in the comments, and we can add that to our list!
Please remember, there is no way to ever write about every single reference, as Rolex has hundreds, but they all fall into about 13 models, or families. For this article, we are going to be discussing the Yacht Master and Yacht Mater II as one family. We know there are differences, but we will explain those within the models.
Let’s delve into some other amazing models.
Rolex Milgauss – 2 Variations
What makes the Milgauss so special? The electric orange second hand and the green tinted crystal. We also can’t forget the second hand is a lightning bolt now, which is way cool.
Some things to know about the Milgauss:
- Went into production in 1956 and went out of production in 1988 and then went BACK into production in 2007.
- Was originally designed for electrical engineers because it can withstand 1,000 gauss, which is a measure of an electromagnetic field
- The lightning bolt second hand was introduced in 2007, and it’s the most playful feature that the Rolex lineup offers
- One of the easier Rolex models to get at retail
Rolex Air-King – 1 Variation
Some might consider the Air King to be a starter Rolex, and that it rides on the outer version of their business lineup. We love the simplicity of the Air King. This watch started as an Oyster Perpetual, and then in 1945 Air King was printed on the dial to market it to post WWII men.
Things you should know about the Rolex Air King:
- Considered one of the more conservative models
- Today’s models are 40mm
- The hour and minute markers are inspired by dashboard instruments
- It’s the only Rolex that has a colored Corona on the dial
- In 2022 the Air King had a major facelift and now has the latest movement and a new oyster case featuring crown guards.
Rolex Yacht-Master & Yacht Master II – 17 total Variations
The Yacht Master has had an evolution of increased sportiness and reduced bling since it was introduced in 1992, and this model has been considered more of a sleeper model, even though it resembles the Submariner. And, yes, the Yacht Master was made for those that are racing boats.
Let’s first talk about the Yacht Master:
- The Yacht Master comes in a wide variety of precious metals combos and does not have an all-stainless model
- The size is 37mm or larger and has all the latest Rolex technology
- Some distinguishing features include the relief ceramic bezel and the optional oysterflex rubber strap
- The original does not have the timing mechanism specific to sailboat racing
Now, the Yacht Master II, which was released 2010 makes up for what is lacking on the original and is the latest new model that Rolex has put out.
Here’s what you will find on the Yacht Master II:
- This model has one of Rolex’s most sophisticated and complicated movements that features a 10-minute countdown stopwatch, running seconds on a traditionally place sub dial above 6 o’clock.
- 42 mm case with a ceramic bezel and 300m of water resistance
- The Ring command bezel allows the wearer to select between on to 10 minutes to be timed.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual – 24 Variations
The watch that launched Rolex as the king of watchmaking, the Oyster perpetual was released in 1950. This was the first watch to ever be water resistant and have a perpetual winding mechanism. This model is durable and function forward and comes in a wide range of colors and sizes.
Here are some things to know about the Oyster Perpetual:
- It has never gone out of production and is the basis for most other Rolex models (Submariner, Explorer, Air King, Datejust, and Day Date)
- These watches are hard to find these days in the retail market
- The dial has no date, cyclops, complications, or fluted gold bezel
- The case is brushed and polished as is the bracelet
- The Oyster Perpetual is iconic
Wrapping Up Rolex Continued
Jonathan’s Watch Buyer has most of these watches in our eBay store, or in our showroom, so please contact us if you would like to find one of these special watches.
Next up for Rolex continued, we will finish up the Rolex lineup, covering the final 4 models.
