Five Rolex Styles for a Memorial Day Weekend
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A holiday weekend calls for a watch that fits your plans and your wrist. This article began as a Memorial Day 2020 feature. The old gathering restrictions and invitations are no longer current, but the five watch styles remain useful starting points for a comparison.
GMT Master 1675
An earlier GMT Master with a red and blue bezel offers the look collectors call Pepsi. Reference 1675 is a vintage model, so originality, service parts and condition deserve close attention. Its age also makes a current water resistance check especially important.
Yacht Master II 116680
The steel 116680 is a large 44 mm model with a blue ceramic bezel and a regatta countdown function. It has a different purpose and display from the simpler Yacht Master. Its size and complicated dial are worth seeing in person before deciding whether it suits you.
Submariner
A Submariner combines a rotating dive bezel with a legible dial. Case sizes and details depend on the generation; this 2020 article discussed earlier 40 mm examples. Rolex was not originally an American brand, as the old copy incorrectly suggested.
Datejust 116234
The 36 mm Datejust 116234 pairs a steel case with a white gold fluted bezel, rather than a gold plated bezel. Dial and bracelet options vary. It can work with casual or dressier clothing without being restricted to one type of occasion.
Explorer II
The Explorer II has a fixed 24 hour bezel and an additional hand. It is not simply a lower priced Submariner lookalike. Earlier examples include 40 mm cases, while the model increased to 42 mm in 2011. The 39 mm size in the original article confused it with a different Explorer model.
Compare the Actual Watches
Ask about the reference, condition, bracelet fit and service record of each available piece. Current prices and availability need a fresh listing check. Choose what you enjoy wearing, without assuming every older watch is suitable for swimming or rough activity.
Further reading: Rolex Explorer history.
Contact Diamonds By Raymond Lee for current availability, appointments or event information.