What’s the GOAT Rolex?

[Nigel Haworth]

Curious what people here think makes the best Rolex.

I’ve got a Datejust right now and honestly it’s been a solid first watch and a great daily. But it got me thinking… is there really a “best” Rolex? The one that’s ideal to start with, the one you can wear day in and day out, and the one you’d keep if you had to pick only a single watch for life.

So what’s your call?

• Best first Rolex
• Best daily wearer
• The true GOAT if you could only own one

 

[Alistair Stillwell]

Ok, love this. As a starter watch: the Oyster Perpetual is hard to beat. It’s the most stripped-back expression of Rolex — no date complication, simple dial, bombproof 3230 calibre movement, and the same Oyster case architecture you’ll find on the heavy hitters. It’s also relatively slim at around 11.7mm, which makes it easy for daily wear and fits comfortably under a cuff.

As a daily wearer: the Datejust you have is about as versatile as it gets. The 126300/126334 references with the 3235 calibre give you 70 hours of power reserve, a robust Chronergy escapement, and a date function with instantaneous change at midnight. The Jubilee bracelet absorbs scratches better than Oyster links, and the Twinlock system is water resistant to 100m — plenty for real-world use. You’re not overpaying for a dive bezel or chrono complication you may not actually need day to day.

As the GOAT (if you could only own one): many will argue the Submariner Date (126610LN) holds that title. Technically, it’s one of Rolex’s most balanced designs: 41mm case, 12.3mm thick, ceramic Cerachrom bezel that won’t fade, and Glidelock clasp adjustment that gives you 20mm of micro sizing without tools. The 3235 movement is a workhorse, and the Sub’s design has been stable for decades — which means it will never look out of place whether you’re diving or wearing it with a suit.

The Daytona is iconic and carries racing heritage, but its thinner case and busy dial make it less versatile for most owners. The GMT-Master II is also a strong contender, especially with its dual-time functionality, though the larger case thickness makes it a little less subtle for daily wear.

TLDR:

• Starter: Oyster Perpetual (entry into Rolex DNA)
• Daily: Datejust (comfort, versatility, longevity)
• GOAT: Submariner (balance of utility, history, and timeless design)