Rolex is world-renowned as one of the top watch brands, combining unparalleled mechanics and craftsmanship with enduring style. Rolex’s watches for women are extremely well-made, both inside and out, and cherished as much for their distinctive aesthetics as their accurate automatic-winding movements.
Men’s Rolex watches may be hard to come by, especially in-demand styles like the Daytona and Submariner, but Rolex’s watches for women are generally more readily available. While larger watch case styles had been trending recently, smaller cases have made a big comeback, especially for women.
As a woman and a watch journalist for nearly three decades, I offer this guide as a tool for choosing a Rolex by style, from sporty to professional to dressy. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to buying a Rolex; the most important thing is to choose a watch that you’ll love to wear.
Sporty Style Rolex Watches for Women
Generally speaking, stainless steel Rolexes have the sportiest look and are available at lower prices. Steel offers a more casual, off-duty style than its precious metal counterparts. The Datejust and the Oyster Perpetual are enduring classics that will stand the test of time (pun intended).
Instantly recognizable as a Rolex, the Datejust is a highly versatile timepiece with a wide choice of dial colors to fit every taste. It is available in a range of case sizes, including 28mm (Lady-Datejust), 31mm and 36mm (considered unisex), and the 41mm size, which is generally targeted to men. Steel Datejusts are available on either the three-link Oyster bracelet or the five-link Jubilee bracelet.
The Oyster Perpetual is a study in simplicity and is a perfect everyday wear-about-town watch. The watch’s spare dial, which only displays the time, makes this watch a subtle beauty. Oyster Perpetuals are available in 26mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 39mm case sizes.
Professional Style Rolex Watches for Women
For office wear, women may want to choose a watch that has a more professional look. A great option is the Day-Date, which displays both the day and the date on its dial. This model is only available in gold—white, yellow, or rose—so it carries a higher price tag, but it’s a watch that says you mean business.
That’s not to say that you can’t have a little fun with the Day-Date. In addition to classic colors, the watch’s numerous dial options include turquoise, rich green aventurine, white mother-of-pearl, and deep red. The watch is also available on a leather strap.
Other Rolexes crafted in yellow, white, or rose gold also make for an elevated professional look. The Datejust and Oyster Perpetual collections offer a wide variety of gold models to choose from.
Rolex Dress Watches for Women
When elegance and sophistication are called for, Rolex watches crafted of precious metals and set with gemstones are the perfect choice for a night on the town or a romantic dinner. Datejusts and Day-Dates with diamond-set hour markers and/or bezels add a touch of glamour to any outfit. Other variations include precious emeralds, rubies, and sapphires on their own or paired with diamonds.
My Personal Favorites
I currently own a steel and yellow gold Rolex Oyster from the 1990s with a blue dial that I purchased pre-owned about ten years ago. I bought a steel and gold model so it would go with both my silver jewelry and my gold jewelry, and it’s on an Oyster bracelet. I wear it almost every day. Not only has it kept excellent time ever since, but it is as stylish as it was then, and I still love it.
Which Rolex would be my dream watch? I’m a big fan of mother-of-pearl dials with diamond hour markers. I’d go for a yellow gold Lady-Datejust with an Oyster bracelet. When will my dream become a reality? Only time will tell.
