Your Style Guide to Rolex Watches: What Should You Be Wearing

Although Rolex originally built their reputation by producing high-end, sport and tool watches, their simple yet elegant designs have allowed them to become industry leaders and iconic trendsetters in the world of men’s wrist fashion.

Every Rolex watch is designed around the core principles of precision and reliability; however their designs can vary dramatically. Certain models are distinctively sports-oriented in appearance, while others have designs that are classic and understated enough to be paired with a suit - despite having strong traces of tool-watch DNA.

For those that find themselves primarily wearing suits and formal attire, Rolex offers a variety of elegant and timeless designs, across a wide range of prices. Technically speaking, Rolex’s Cellini collection (only available on leather straps) is their dedicated dress watch line; however there are a number of other Rolex models that can look the part with a three-piece suit.

According to the classical rules of men’s fashion, dress watches are supposed to be worn on leather straps, with the color of leather matching the gentleman’s belt and shoes. While the majority of Rolex watches are sold on metal bracelets, a simple change of strap is all that is required to allow them to be paired with the most formal of attires.

Rolex’s Day-Date, Datejust, and Oyster Perpetual lines make excellent dress watch choices that look great on both leather straps and metal bracelets. The Day-Date is Rolex’s premium offering, being exclusively craft from precious metals, while the Oyster Perpetual represents their entry-level watch line, with the Datejust thoroughly occupying the middle range.

For those that wear a variety of different of outfits – everything from business casual to extremely casual – Rolex’s classic sports model lines are excellent options that can seamlessly make the transition from the office to the poolside.

The Submariner, Explorer, and GMT-Master II all offer highly versatile designs that are appropriate for nearly every situation imaginable. While they are all distinctively sporty in appearance, their meticulous craftsmanship and minimalist layouts allow them to also fit in with quasi-formal and business casual attire. Additionally, both the Submariner and GMT-Master II are available in a wide-variety of metal options, further adding to their potential versatility.

Although most of their watches are relatively conservative in design, Rolex does offer several different lines for those that favor a more bold and extroverted style. The Sky-Dweller, Yacht-Master II, and Sea-Dweller Deepsea, all offer the refinement Rolex in a larger, and more visually striking package. With case diameters ranging between 42 mm and 44 mm, these watches are among the largest of Rolex’s offerings, further adding to their bold, eye-catching appearance.

Regardless of your personal clothing style and the situations in which you may find yourself, Rolex makes a watch that will perfectly suit your needs. From the most classic and understated appearances to the most extroverted and highly unconventional designs, Rolex produces timepieces that will satisfy your stylistic needs and perfectly accentuate your existing wardrobe.