Rolex Sports Watches In Stainless Steel: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Rolex Sports Watches
In Stainless Steel: Your
Ultimate Buying Guide

Rolex, a leading name in luxury watches, offers a range of stainless steel sports watches that stand out for their affordability, durability, and style. Unlike their precious metal counterparts, these watches are more accessible, making them a popular choice for newcomers to the Rolex brand. Their design is practical and sporty, suited for both casual wear and adventurous activities, which explains why waitlists for these models can be significantly longer, sometimes extending over years.

Most of the Rolex sports watches come in a versatile 40mm case size, making them suitable for both men and women. The Oyster bracelet, known for its comfort and adjustability through the Easylink or Glide Lock clasp systems, ensures a perfect fit for the wearer. This practicality, combined with the watch's ruggedness, makes it an ideal choice for everyday wear.

In this guide, we will explore the range of stainless steel Rolex sports watches, providing insights into each model to help you make an informed decision on which watch best suits your needs and preferences.

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Rolex Sports Watch Models

Rolex has cemented its status in the world of luxury sports watches with a lineup that combines elegance, durability, and precision. These models, often crafted from robust stainless steel, are designed to withstand the rigours of adventure sports while maintaining a timeless appeal. 

Here are some of Rolex's most iconic sports models:

Rolex Sports Watch Models

Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner, introduced in 1953, is an iconic dive watch that combines exceptional performance under water with a timeless design. Known for its robustness, water resistance up to 300 metres (1,000 feet), and distinctive dial with luminescent hour markers, the Submariner is equally at home under the sea and in a business meeting. It features a unidirectional rotatable bezel with a Cerachrom insert that allows divers to monitor their dive times.

GMT-Master II

Designed for airline pilots in 1954, the Rolex GMT-Master II features a rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel and a separate 24-hour hand, allowing pilots and global travellers to read three different time zones, with two simultaneously. Its Cerachrom bezel insert is virtually scratch-proof and is available in various two-tone colour combinations, which have earned iconic nicknames like "Pepsi" and "Batman."

Daytona

The Rolex Daytona, introduced in 1963, caters to professional racecar drivers, offering precise chronograph functions and a tachymetric scale on the bezel for measuring speed. Its design is both sporty and elegant, making it a coveted piece among collectors. The Daytona's chronograph function is activated by pushers that screw down like the winding crown when not in use, ensuring waterproofness.

Explorer and Explorer II

The Explorer, launched in 1953, is designed for adventurers and climbers, embodying robustness and legibility in extreme conditions. The Explorer II, introduced in 1971, added a 24-hour display, a fixed bezel with 24-hour markings, and a date function, catering to spelunkers and polar explorers who might lose track of day and night.

Sea-Dweller & Deepsea

The Sea-Dweller, launched in 1967, is designed for deep-sea exploration, offering water resistance up to 1,220 metres (4,000 feet), with the Deepsea variant extending this capability to 3,900 metres (12,800 feet). These models feature a helium escape valve for decompression and are built to meet the demands of professional divers.

Yacht-Master

Introduced in 1992, the Yacht-Master is tailored for the nautical lifestyle, offering a balance of luxury and functionality. It features a bidirectional rotatable bezel and a water resistance suitable for sailing. The Yacht-Master is available in various materials, including Rolesium, a combination of stainless steel and platinum.

Milgauss

Designed for scientists and engineers, the Rolex Milgauss, introduced in 1956, can withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. Distinguished by its unique lightning bolt second hand and often vibrant dial colours, the Milgauss combines functionality with a distinctive aesthetic, making it popular among professionals and watch enthusiasts alike.

Each of these models carries a legacy of innovation and has played a role in Rolex's storied association with sports and adventure.

Notable Stainless Steel References

Rolex Submariner

Rolex Submariner

Reference Number

Year

Case Size

Bezel

Dial

Water Resistance

Unique Features

114060 ("No Date")
2012
40mm
Unidirectional, black ceramic
Black
300m
No date display, clean design, transition to ceramic bezel.
116610LV ("Hulk")
2010
40mm
Unidirectional, green ceramic
Green
300m
Green dial and bezel, bold aesthetic.
116610LN
2010
40mm
Unidirectional, black ceramic
Black
300m
Sleek, modern take with ceramic bezel.
124060
2020
41mm
Unidirectional, black ceramic
Black
300m
Slightly larger case, updated movement.
14060M
2007
40mm
Unidirectional, no ceramic
Black
300m
Last pre-ceramic model, classic design with updated movement.
5513
1962-1989
40mm
Bidirectional, no ceramic
Black
200m
Long production run, classic matte or glossy dials.
1680
1969-1979
40mm
Bidirectional, no ceramic
Black
200m
First with the date function, "Red Submariner" highly prized. Also available in yellow gold.
5512
1959-1978
40mm
Bidirectional, no ceramic
Black
200m
Chronometer certified, early models are very valuable.
6200
1954
38mm
Bidirectional, no ceramic
Black
200m
Oversized crown, very rare and one of the earliest models.
6538
1955-1959
38mm
Bidirectional, no ceramic
Black
200m
"James Bond" model, large crown, no crown guards, iconic.

Key Features

  • Water Resistance: Up to 300 metres (1,000 feet)
  • Case Size(s): Traditionally 40mm, with newer models like the 2020 references expanding to 41mm
  • Bezel: Unidirectional, rotatable bezel with a Cerachrom insert
  • Dial: Highly legible with luminescent markers
  • Bracelet: Oyster with a secure clasp and a glide lock extension system for adjustments
Explore Our Rolex Submariner WatchesGMT-Master II

GMT-Master II

Reference Number

Year

Case Size

Bezel

Dial

Water Resistance

Unique Features

126710BLRO
2018
40mm
Bidirectional, blue and red ceramic
Black
100m
"Pepsi" bezel in ceramic, updated caliber 3285, Jubilee bracelet.
116710LN
2007
40mm
Bidirectional, black ceramic
Black
100m
First GMT-Master II with a ceramic bezel, green 24-hour hand.
126711CHNR
2018
40mm
Bidirectional, brown and black ceramic
Black
100m
"Root Beer" in two-tone rose gold and steel, ceramic bezel.
16710
1989-2007
40mm
Bidirectional, aluminium (various colours)
Black
100m
Last of the aluminium bezel GMT-Master II models, available in "Pepsi," "Coke," or all black bezel.
1675
1959-1980
40mm
Bidirectional, aluminium (blue and red)
Black
50m
Early "Pepsi" model, iconic for its period-accurate features and design.
16750
1981-1988
40mm
Bidirectional, aluminium (blue and red)
Black
100m
Transition model with updated movement (quick-set date feature), maintaining the classic "Pepsi" bezel.
16570
1989-2011
40mm
Bidirectional, aluminium (black or red/black)
Black
100m
"Polar" white dial option available, known for its robustness and versatility.
6542
1954-1959
38mm
Bidirectional, Bakelite (blue and red)
Black
50m
The original GMT-Master with a fragile but highly collectible Bakelite bezel, the first "Pepsi" bezel.
16760
1983-1988
40mm
Bidirectional, black and red aluminium
Black
100m
Known as the "Fat Lady" or "Sophia Loren" for its thicker case, introduced the black and red "Coke" bezel.

Key Features

  • Water Resistance: 100 metres (330 feet)
  • Case Size: 40mm
  • Bezel: Bidirectional, rotatable with Cerachrom insert in various colour schemes
  • Dial: Features luminescent markers and a fourth GMT hand
  • Bracelet: Comes with Oyster or Jubilee options, featuring an Easylink extension
Explore Our Rolex GMT-Master II WatchesDaytona

Daytona

Reference Number

Year

Case Size

Bezel

Dial

Water Resistance

Unique Features

116520
2000-2016
40mm
Fixed, stainless steel
Various
100m
Introduced Rolex's in-house calibre 4130.
116500LN
2016-Present
40mm
Fixed, Cerachrom in black
White or Black
100m
Cerachrom bezel, enhanced durability.
16520
1988-2000
40mm
Fixed, stainless steel
Various
100m
Zenith El Primero movement, modified by Rolex.
6263
1971-1988
37mm
Fixed, black acrylic
Various
100m
Black acrylic bezel, screw-down pushers.
6265
1971-1988
37mm
Fixed, stainless steel
Various
100m
Metal bezel, manual wind movement.
6240
1965-1969
37mm
Fixed, black acrylic
Various
100m
First model with screw-down pushers.
6239
1963-1969
37mm
Fixed, stainless steel
Various
100m
First Cosmograph model, introduced the chronograph feature.
6241
1965-1969
37mm
Fixed, black acrylic
Various
100m
Similar to 6239 but with a black acrylic bezel.

Key Features

  • Water Resistance: 100 metres (330 feet)
  • Case Size: 40mm for most references
  • Bezel: Fixed, with a tachymetric scale engraved on either metal or Cerachrom (ceramic) for measuring speed over a fixed distance
  • Dial: Highly legible with three sub-dials for timing functions; hours, minutes, and seconds of the chronograph
  • Bracelet: Oyster bracelet, typically with an Oysterlock safety clasp and the Easylink comfort extension link for easy adjustment
Explore Our Rolex Daytona WatchesExplorer and Explorer II

Explorer and Explorer II

Reference Number

Year

Case Size

Bezel

Dial

Water Resistance

Unique Features

Explorer 1016
1963-1989
36mm
Smooth
Black
100m
Classic design, highly legible with 3-6-9 numerals.
Explorer 14270
1989-2001
36mm
Smooth
Black
100m
Transition to sapphire crystal, updated movement.
Explorer 114270
2001-2010
36mm
Smooth
Black
100m
Enhanced luminosity, Parachrom hairspring.
Explorer 214270
2010-Present
39mm (2010-2016)

36mm (2021-Present)
Smooth
Black
100m
Increased case size, later models returned to original 36mm with improved luminosity.
Explorer II 1655
1971-1984
40mm
Fixed, 24-hour
Black
100m
"Steve McQueen" nickname, distinct orange 24-hour hand.
Explorer II 16550
1985-1989
40mm
Fixed, 24-hour
White or Black
100m
Transitional model, slight variations in dial and bezel colours.
Explorer II 16570
1989-2011
40mm
Fixed, 24-hour
White or Black
100m
Introduced improved movements,


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