Rolex Comparison Guide - Submariner, Datejust, Daytona & Yacht-Master

Rolex Comparison Guide
Submariner, Datejust, Daytona & Yacht-Master

Perhaps you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by Rolex's huge range of different watches, and because of this, you don't know which to choose. To help you find the perfect watch, we have crafted a detailed guide which compares popular Rolex models including the Submariner, the Datejust, the Daytona, and the Yacht-Master.

 

Rolex Submariner vs Rolex Datejust

Submariner overview

Introduced in 1953, the Submariner was dubbed 'The Diver's Watch' and is still one of the most in-demand watch models today. Its ingenious design consists of strong resistance against water, self-winding mechanisms, and a handy chromalight display.

Key details:

Case Size: 41mm
Movement: Cal. 3235, Cal, 3230
Bezel: Two-way, 60-minute timing scale
Water Resistance: 300m
Materials: Yellow Rolesor, White Gold, Stainless Steel
Dial Colours: Blue, Black and Green
Price Range: £8,450.00 - £85,000.00
Other Features: Available in date and non-date displaying models

Datejust overview

Created in 1945, only a decade before the Submariner, the Datejust is best known for its iconic feature, the Cyclops, a date-magnifying lens. The Datejust is a truly beautiful design embezzled with high-quality crystals and an overall aesthetically pleasing look.

Key details:

Case Size: 28mm, 31mm, 36mm, 41mm
Movement: Cal. 2236, Cal. 3235
Bezel: Smooth, Fluted, Fixed, Gem-Set
Water Resistance: 100m
Materials: Stainless Steel, Yellow Rolesor, White Rolesor, Everose Rolesor, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Everose Gold
Dial: Multiple Options Available
Price range: £3,250.00 – £69,500.00
Other Features: Available in date and non-date displaying models

Similarities and Differences

The Submariner and Datejust are alike in various ways. They are both incredibly sturdy and reliable models and are both members of Rolex's iconic Oyster Perpetual range, meaning they are designed with a perpetual self-winding rotor. The Submariner and Datejust are popular and consistently in-demand.

The main differences between the two models are the typical applications and design attributes. The Submariner was designed for underwater diving, whilst the Datejust was only made for everyday usage, because of this the Submariner has a more complex design. This model possesses extra features such as greater water-resistance, a brighter display, a stronger grip to the wearer's wrist and a rotating bezel.

However, the purpose of the Datejust was for it to be the only watch the wearer should need. This makes a fitting accessory for any formal or informal occasion. There are more options to choose from in the Datejust collection; various dial, metal, bracelet combinations to choose from, as opposed to the Submariner.

 

Rolex Daytona vs Rolex Yacht-Master

Daytona overview

The Daytona is another iconic Rolex creation and is undoubtedly the most popular and sought after model in the range. First manufactured in 1963 and reinvented with a new in-house movement in 2000, the Daytona is a model beloved by many Rolex fanatics.

Key details:

Case Size: 40mm
Materials: Cerachrom, Oystersteel, yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold
Dial: Everose gold, Oystersteel and yellow gold, white gold, yellow gold, white gold, Oystersteel and yellow gold, platinum
Bezel: Tachymetric scale, optimal legibility
Movement: Cal. 4130
Water resistance: 100m
Price range: £13,950.00 - £165,000.00

Yacht-Master overview

'The Watch of the Open Seas' aka the Yacht-Master was specially crafted to embody the spirit of a sailor.

Having been released in the 1950s, it is today regarded as the perfect combination of style and function.

Key details:

Case size: 40mm
Materials: Cerachrom, Oystersteel, yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold
Dial: Black, with a very readable Chromalight display
Bezel: two-way rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel, matte-black, shining raised numerals
Movement: Cal. 4130
Water resistance: 100m
Bracelet: Oysterflex
Price range: £8,250.00 - £19,750.00

Similarities and Differences

The two models have similar abilities concerning water-resistance. Buyers have more colour options with the Daytona as the model comes in many different colours, metals and precious stone settings whilst the Yacht-Master's colour options are limited. Those looking for a big, bold watch that will draw attention should choose the Yacht-Master, and those looking for something more elegant and classic should opt for the Daytona.

The Daytona utilises Calibre 4130, as opposed to the Yacht-Master which makes use of Calibre 4161. The Yacht-Master's Calibre 4161 is, functionally speaking, more multiplexed than the Daytona's Calibre 4130. Interestingly, Rolex states that Calibre 4161 took 35,000 hours to manufacture. Overall, these models live up to Rolex's reputation of producing high-quality, efficient watches - but if you enjoy the open seas and sailing is important to you opt for the Yacht-Master, and if having a timing masterpiece that is elegant with gorgeous colour combination is more important to you, opt for the Daytona.



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