The status and power of the Rolex brand are larger than life. You wouldn’t be alone in feeling its charismatic pull — or in being a little intimidated by the high prices, the hype, the plethora of models and information.
And who could blame you? Rolex sometimes seems like a world unto itself: Experts speaking in reference numbers about why tiny red lettering on a dial makes one particular model so sublime, why scratched-up old cases are superior, or why you often have to pay above retail for new Rolexes…What does it all mean? And how the hell do I get one on my wrist?
All your burning questions shall be answered, and more. Here, we’ve gathered every Rolex sub-topic that you’ve ever wondered about (but were perhaps afraid to ask), from a comprehensive overview of the brand and its current offerings to more in-depth looks at history, iconic models and specific topics like navigating your watch purchase. Dive in below.
The Complete Rolex Buying Guide: Every Current Model Explained

We distill down the world of modern Rolex to something easily decipherable to help give you a leg up for your next purchase.