Hierarchy chart for Rolex Models?

[MissMe]

Hi,


I'm just looking for something to use as reference and I do understand that it's beauty in the eye of the beholder.

But I'm going to start off with...I'm assuming from what I've read the cheapest and consider starter Rolex is the Air King....and what from there?

Thanks everyone!

[padi56]

Basically the only difference between any Rolex today is the price and whether its S.Steel or precious metal.And whether condidered a sports type watch or slightly more as a dress type watch.All current mens oyster models except the chronographs are basically clones of the cal 3135 with or without complications like the date, and second time zone function.In my book there is no such thing as a starter Rolex just one at a lesser price.Watches like the Airking have a long history within the Rolex line up and IMHO a very underrated watch.

[Tools]

I'm not sure what you're reading........ There is no such thing as a "starter Rolex".

While it may be true that the Air-King is the least expensive of the Professional Line-up, the Oyster Perpetuals and the mid-size models are in the same ball park.

Air-Kings are respectable, good looking, and one of the biggest world-wide sellers ever produced....

Rolex watches do not have a "pecking order", but you buy the one you like and want............. You don't settle for a "starter model" until you can work up to a real watch..........


That's like saying that you'll buy an undershirt to see if you like shirts......... then work your way up to one with sleeves.....then maybe a collar.....

[SilverTrain]

I agree. I quite fancy an AirKing (I have a 11610 also) and don't like the thought of it being deemed a 'starter' or at the bottom of any hierarhcy.

It may be the least expensive, but it's still a $$$$ watch, and it's still built to the same standards as the others - it just has fewer features.

One could judge them on price alone, but the most expensive Rolex would be some blinged-out diamond-studded tiger-faced "thing".

Would the lucky person who owns that see every other Rolex as inferior?

[The GMT Master]

I certainly agree with the above points, even the "starter" models are excellent watches, and are no way inferior to any other model in the range. Just to give you an idea of how the prices differ, here's a quick explanation:

Standard men's Oysters:

Air King ==> Oyster Perpetual ==> Milgauss ==> Date ==> Datejust ==> Day-Date

Oyster Professional

Explorer ==> Sub ND ==> Explorer II ==> Submariner ==> GMT IIc ==> Yachtmaster ==> Deep Sea ==> Daytona ==> Yachtmaster II

I think that's the rough order of models in terms of increasing price for the base model, obviously there are a huge amount of different variations, combinations and the like. The Datejust, for example, starts at £3300, but if you go down the path of precious metals and gems, then the price is obviously far higher.