When it comes to luxury watches, few names carry the weight of Rolex. Known for precision, durability, and enduring design, Rolex has long been the go-to choice for collectors and first-time buyers alike. And while the brand has released countless references over the years, certain models have risen above the rest to become some of the most popular Rolex watches on the market. These are the pieces that fuel waitlists, dominate resale charts, and anchor serious collections. From GMT-Master II models like the Batman, Pepsi, and Root Beer, to Submariners like the Starbucks, Hulk, and Bluesy, and of course, the ever-coveted Daytona in all its forms, these best-sellers are the watches people ask about again and again.
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GMT-Master II Models
Originally designed in the 1950s for Pan Am pilots, the Rolex GMT-Master was built to track two time zones — a true tool watch from the golden age of air travel. The GMT-Master II followed in 1982, with a key upgrade: an independently adjustable local hour hand.
Modern GMT-Master II models have 40mm Oyster cases, four central hands (including the 24-hour GMT), and rotating Cerachrom ceramic bezels. Powered by the Caliber 3285 with 70 hours of power reserve and water-resistant to 100 meters, these watches come in a range of high-demand colorways and metals, many of which are better known by nickname.
GMT-Master II Batman and Batgirl
References: 116710BLNR, 126710BLNR. BLNR stands for bleu/noir, French for blue/black.
The "Batman" nickname refers to the black and blue Cerachrom bezel on the GMT-Master II introduced in 2013 (Ref. 116710BLNR). It was the first Rolex to feature a two-tone ceramic bezel, fitted with an Oyster bracelet and Caliber 3186.
In 2019, Rolex updated the model with Ref. 126710BLNR, now with the Caliber 3285 and a Jubilee bracelet, the latter prompting the "Batgirl" nickname. As of 2021, the 126710BLNR is available on both Jubilee and Oyster bracelets, giving buyers the choice of sportier or dressier styling.
GMT-Master II Pepsi
References: 116719BLRO, 126719BLRO, 126710BLRO. BLRO stands for bleu/rouge, French for blue/red.
"Pepsi" refers to the GMT-Master II's signature red-and-blue bezel, a color scheme dating back to the 1950s original. Rolex revived the look in 2014 with the white gold 116719BLRO, featuring a black dial, Oyster bracelet, and Caliber 3186.
In 2018, the steel 126710BLRO arrived with the Caliber 3285 and Jubilee bracelet, later joined by an Oyster option in 2021. The steel Pepsi GMTs are considered some of the most popular Rolex watches you can buy today.
The white gold Pepsi was updated in 2019 as the 126719BLRO, offered with a blue or meteorite dial.
GMT-Master II Root Beer
References: 126711CHNR, 126715CHNR. CHNR stands for chocolat/noir, French for chocolat/black.
The "Root Beer" nickname nods to vintage Rolex GMT-Masters with brown and gold bezels. In 2018, Rolex brought back the colorway with the two-tone steel/Everose gold 126711CHNR and the full Everose gold 126715CHNR.
Both models feature black and brown Cerachrom bezels, black dials, Everose gold details, and Oyster bracelets. The mix of rich tones, precious metals, and everyday wearability has made these among the most popular Rolex watches in the modern lineup.
GMT-Master II Sprite
References: 126720VTNR, 126729VTNR. VTNR stands for vert/noir, French for green/black.
The "Sprite" nickname refers to the green and black bezel on the GMT-Master II 126720VTNR, launched in 2022. It's the first modern left-handed Rolex, with the crown and date window on the left side. It's available with a black dial and your choice of Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.
In 2024, Rolex added the 126729VTNR to the mix, which keeps the reversed layout but swaps in a white gold case and Oyster bracelet coupled with a green dial.
GMT-Master II Guinness
References: 126713GRNR, 126718GRNR. GRNR stands for gris/noir, French for gray/black.
The "Guinness" nickname is a recent addition to the GMT-Master II collection inspired by the black and gold color scheme that evokes a pint of the iconic Irish stout. Released in 2023, the two-tone steel and yellow gold 126713GRNR and the full yellow gold 126718GRNR feature black-and-gray Cerachrom bezels, black dials, and yellow gold details.
Both are fitted on Jubilee bracelets. The solid gold version is also offered with a Tiger Iron stone dial, adding a more luxurious and unconventional finish.
GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne
Reference: 126710GRNR
The "Bruce Wayne" nickname is a recent addition to the GMT-Master II lineup, referring to the moody black-and-gray Cerachrom bezel — a darker, more understated alternative to the Batman.
Released in 2024, the 126710GRNR is crafted entirely from stainless steel and offered on either an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. The black dial keeps things stealthy, and the subdued color palette has made this model a popular Rolex among collectors looking for a more neutral, everyday GMT-Master II.
Submariner Models
Few watches are as instantly recognizable or as enduringly coveted as the Rolex Submariner. Launched in 1953 as one of the first purpose-built dive watches, the Submariner quickly set the standard with its rotating timing bezel, luminous dial, and robust water resistance. Over time, it's evolved from a tool watch into a cultural icon worn by everyone from deep-sea divers to James Bond.
Modern Submariner models, which debuted in 2020, measure 41mm and are water-resistant to 300 meters. They feature unidirectional Cerachrom ceramic bezels, luminous hands and markers, and the reliable in-house Caliber 3230 or 3235 movements depending on the presence of a date function. Available in steel, two-tone, or gold with dial and bezel combinations in black, blue, or green, these are some of the most popular Rolex watches today.
Black and Steel Submariners
References: 124060, 126610LN. LN stands for lunette noir, French for black bezel.
When most people think of a Rolex Submariner, this is the look that comes to mind: black dial, black bezel, and rugged stainless steel. Both the 124060 and 126610LN deliver that classic formula, with a few key differences.
The 124060 (often called the "No Date Sub") skips the date window entirely, offering a cleaner and more symmetrical dial that harks back to the original Submariners from the 1950s. It's powered by the Caliber 3230. The 126610LN, on the other hand, includes the familiar date window at 3 o'clock with the signature Cyclops magnifier and runs on Caliber 3235.
Whether you prefer the pared-back approach of the No Date or the practicality of the Date version, these black-and-steel Subs are the foundation of the modern Rolex dive watch range.
Green Submariners
References: 126610LV, 116610LV. LV stands for lunette verte, French for green bezel.
Green has become a signature color for Rolex, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the Submariner range. The current green Sub is the 126610LV, often called the Starbucks (sometimes Kermit), thanks to its black dial and green Cerachrom bezel combo. Released as part of the updated Submariner collection, it features a 41mm case and runs on the Caliber 3235.
But for many collectors, the iconic green Sub is the 116610LV, better known as the "Hulk." Produced from 2010 to 2020, the Hulk pairs a green Cerachrom bezel with a matching green sunburst dial, all housed in a 40mm case powered by the Caliber 3135. Though discontinued, demand for this vibrant green Submariner remains strong on the secondary market, cementing its status as one of the most popular Rolex watches of the modern era.
Two Tone Submariners
References: 126613LN, 126613LB. LB stands for lunette bleu, French for blue bezel.
Rolex has long offered two-tone versions of its most iconic watches, and the Submariner is no exception. The current lineup includes two Rolesor models: the 126613LN with a black dial and bezel, and the 126613LB, better known as the "Bluesy," with a blue dial and bezel.
Both watches pair stainless steel with 18k yellow gold across the case, bezel, and Oyster bracelet. The mix of materials gives them a flashier presence compared to the all-steel models, while still retaining the tool-watch roots of the Submariner. The Bluesy (both the current version and its predecessor, the 116613LB), in particular, has become a fan favorite.
Gold Submariners
References: 126618LN, 126618LB, 126619LB
For those who want their dive watch with a little more flash, Rolex offers the Submariner in solid gold. The 126618LN and 126618LB are crafted entirely in 18k yellow gold, with the LN version featuring a black dial and bezel, and the LB version sporting a bright blue dial and bezel combination.
Then there's the white gold 126619LB, often called the "Smurf" by collectors. This one pairs a blue bezel with a black dial for a more understated, luxe look. While functionally identical to their steel counterparts, these gold Subs bring serious wrist presence and remain among the most popular Rolex watches in precious metal available today.
Daytona Models
Arguably the most famous chronograph in the world, the Rolex Daytona was introduced in 1963 and has since evolved into one of the most sought-after watches ever made. Originally designed for race car drivers, the Daytona pairs a tachymeter bezel with a trio of subdials to measure elapsed time.
The current generation of Daytona watches, introduced in 2023 to mark the collection's 60th anniversary, is powered by the in-house Caliber 4131. This movement replaced the long-running Caliber 4130, which had been the backbone of the modern Daytona line since 2000. While the updates are subtle externally (including a metal ring around the bezels and thinner subdial rings), the movement change marks a key distinction between the current and previous models.
Available in a wide range of materials and styles, the Daytona remains the ultimate flex in the Rolex world.
Steel Daytonas
References: 126500LN, 116500LN
Few watches capture the frenzy of modern Rolex collecting quite like the stainless steel Daytona. The previous generation, Ref. 116500LN, launched in 2016 and quickly became one of the hardest-to-get watches at retail and one of the most coveted on the secondary market.It introduced a black Cerachrom bezel to the steel lineup and was offered with either a white "Panda" dial or a black dial.
Rolex replaced that generation with the 126500LN, maintaining the same dial options. While updates were subtle, demand remains just as intense.
Two-Tone Daytonas
References: 126503, 116503
Part sporty, part dressy, two-tone Daytonas have been a mainstay of the Rolex chronograph catalog for decades. They combine steel cases with 18k yellow gold bezels and crowns, plus steel Oyster bracelets with gold center links.
Both the older 116503 and newer 126503 Daytona models are available with a wide range of dial options, including mother-of-pearl and gem-set variants.
Full Gold Daytonas
References: 126508, 126509, 126505, 116508, 116509, 116505
Few watches say "Rolex" louder than a full gold Daytona. Available in yellow, white, or Everose gold, these references span both the current (1265xx) and previous (1165xx) generations. All feature solid gold cases and matching metal Oyster bracelets, with a variety of dial options including meteorite, sunburst, and gem-set variations.
Whether it's the bright flash of the yellow gold 116508, the cool tone of the white gold 126509, or the warm luster of the Everose gold 126505, full gold Daytona models are the grail for collectors who want maximum impact in one of Rolex's most iconic designs.
Daytonas with Cerachrom Bezels and Oysterflex Bracelets
References: 126518LN, 126519LN, 126515LN, 116518LN, 116519LN, 116515LN
Sporty yet luxurious, these Daytona models combine gold cases with black Cerachrom bezels and Rolex's proprietary Oysterflex rubber bracelets. Offered in yellow, white, and Everose gold within both the 1165xx and 1265xx generations, they've become favorites for collectors who want a sportier take on the prestigious gold Daytona.
Dial options range from classic black and champagne to bold sunburst and meteorite configurations.
Platinum Daytonas
References 126506, 116506
Rolex celebrated the Daytona's 50th anniversary in 2013 with the launch of the 116506 — the first platinum version of the chronograph. It was instantly recognizable thanks to its icy blue dial and chestnut brown ceramic bezel, a colorway reserved exclusively for platinum Daytonas. In 2023, Rolex rolled out the updated 126506. While the dial and bezel options remain the same, this version introduced a rare feature in the Rolex catalog: a sapphire crystal caseback, offering a view of the new-generation Caliber 4131 movement inside.
With its luxe material, anniversary pedigree, and open caseback, the platinum Daytona is the ultimate Rolex chronograph to own.
Best Selling Rolex Watches
From tool watches to trophy pieces, these are the most popular Rolex models out there. Whether it's the classic Submariner, the high-demand Daytona, or the versatile GMT-Master II, these watches continue to be the best-selling Rolex references in today's luxury watch market.