Swiss watchmaker Rolex is the most recognisable watch brand in the world, and they are renowned around the world for their expert engineering and their precision timekeeping. One stumbling block that many aspiring Rolex collectors face is the prohibiting price point that these exceptional watch collections demand. In this week’s BQ Watches Blog, we examine some of the entry level Rolexes that offer a more affordable entry into the world of purchasing and owning a Rolex
Click here to read our article on buying your first pre-owned Rolex.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual provides an excellent point of entry for many aspiring Rolex owners, and the brand itself calls the watch “the purest expression” of their iconic Oyster concept.
While it is the most affordable Rolex collection on the market today, the Oyster Perpetual still provides some of the technical developments and advances that the brand is known for.
The 36mm case is manufactured in 904L stainless steel, a material so durable that Rolex developed their own technology to work with it, and it provides a competitive water resistance of 100m. Further to the sports watch-level of water resistance, Rolex has also utilised their patented Twinlock system to help keep the elements from damaging the Oyster Perpetual, and the sapphire crystal above the dial is virtually scratchproof.
Powered by the Rolex manufacture self-winding caliber 3130, which is, of course, a COSC certified movement, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is an excellent starting point for Rolex fans to start their collection.
The Rolex Explorer is a true icon in the world of luxury watchmaking, and it has a proven track record of embodying the adventurous spirit with which Rolex like to promote the watch. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were famously accompanied by a Rolex Explorer as they became the first to summit Mt. Everest in May, 1953, ensuring that the timepiece cemented its name in mountaineering folklore.
Although the collection was relaunched in 2010, and saw an update at Baselworld in 2018, the Rolex Explorer of today remains faithful to its outdoor heritage. The hour markers have been treated with Rolex’s in-house blue Chromalight luminescent material, which helps to ensure legibility in all lighting conditions.
Furthermore, the Twinlock crown, sapphire crystal, and the 39mm Oyster case help protect the movement from harm. Precision timekeeping is maintained by the robust self-winding Caliber 3132 movement, which much like the 3130 found in the Oyster Perpetual, is an officially certified chronometer.
The Rolex Milgauss is an excellent entry-level option for those venturing into the world of luxury timepieces. Introduced in 1956, it was designed specifically for scientists and engineers, offering resistance to magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss, a unique feature that sets it apart from other models. The watch boasts a distinctive design with its lightning bolt-shaped second hand and a green sapphire crystal, adding a touch of flair while maintaining Rolex's renowned elegance and durability. Its 40mm case size strikes a balance between modern style and classic appeal, making it suitable for various wrist sizes. Additionally, the Milgauss combines Rolex’s exceptional craftsmanship with a relatively approachable price point within the brand's range, making it an ideal starting point for new collectors.
Click here to read Our review on the Rolex Milgauss
