Top 3 Best Modern 36mm Rolex Watches
Rolex manufacturers a range of different models, both when it comes to classical dress watches, sports watches, or watches suitable for casual events. However, when it comes to the size of 36mm, there are not too many watches to choose from in the production line today. In this article we’ll cover the Top 3 Best Modern 36mm Rolex Watches that are being manufactured, that will cover your needs for any type of event!
Which Type Of Watch Is A 36mm Rolex?
By today’s standards, a 36mm watch for a gent, according to some, is a watch that is too small for the wrist that better would fit a lady with smaller wrists. Rolex themselves call the 36mm case size a unisex watch, that can be worn both by gents and ladies.
The 36mm case size was the go-to for many men even until the late 2000s, as it was the size of the Datejust and Day-Date, two of the perhaps most famous Rolex models ever made, recognized by not only watch enthusiasts all over the world. What might be a more masculine 44mm watch, such as the Rolex Deep-Sea, does not look too good on most wrists. This is because of the proportions of the case and its large size which is too big for most people.
To many, the perfect case size is a watch somewhere in the area of 36-40mm. With this said, the 36mm is best described as a unisex watch, that fits many wrists, both smaller and larger.
Rolex Explorer Reference 124270
The Rolex Explorer reference 124270 made a re-entry in 2021 with a 36mm case, which officially discontinued the previous generation Rolex Explorer reference 214270, which had a 39mm case. To many, the original size, or perhaps the most familiar size, of a Rolex Explorer is the 36mm case. The Explorer reminds very much of an ordinary Oyster Perpetual, and when comparing the technical data between the two different models, there is not anything that makes the Explorer better than the Oyster Perpetual, or vice versa. The distinctive look of the Explorer is of course the black dial, with the 3,6, and 9 white Arabic indices.
The Explorer is a model with a rich history of being “the” watch for adventurers and expeditions when a reliable watch is demanded. What is unique about the Explorer reference 124270, is the oyster bracelet which is 20mm wide at the lugs, and tapers down all the way to 16mm. Normally, a 20mm wide bracelet tapers down to 18mm, but on this specific model, Rolex decided to go all the way to 16mm.
Not only does this give the watch a characteristic feeling and look from the vintage era of Rolex, but also has a more comfortable fit on the wrist, especially if you tend to enjoy smaller-sized watches on the wrist. The Explorer is a true sports watch according to many, despite its 100-meter water-resistant case, perhaps because of the history of the rich adventures that go with the model.
Rolex Datejust
The Rolex Datejust is available in a lot of different configurations, combined in different materials, types of bezels, bracelets, dials, and even different sets of hands. With the Rolex Datejust, there is a saying which goes “There is a Datejust for every preference”. No matter if you are into the classical look, diamonds, sportier look, or business casual, there is a Datejust for you.
The classical-sized Datejust in 36mm can be used as a dressed-up watch, especially in a bi-colored configuration, the jubilee bracelet, and a fluted bezel, but can also be the opposite with an oyster bracelet, smooth bezel, and a dark conservative under-the-radar dial color such as the sunburst blue, silver or black.
The Datejust in 36mm, despite which configuration you choose, is the perfect watch for almost any occasion. The case is 100m water-resistant, making it perhaps not the ideal watch while taking a swim, but definitely not a watch that you need to worry about leaking in water whilst doing so. With a 72-hour power reserve from the caliber 3235, it’s a reliable watch that can be put aside when coming home on a Friday, and still run with perfect timing when you pick it up Monday morning for work.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Oyster Perpetual 36mm is the perfect entry-level Rolex that only displays hours, minutes, and seconds. Although it is considered to be one of the simplest most minimalistic watches from Rolex, the waiting time for these watches when purchasing directly from an Authorized Rolex Dealer can be quite devastating. The Oyster Perpetual is a very under-the-radar watch, which features an oyster bracelet and a smooth bezel. The watch has a case and bracelet made out of stainless steel, and the mode cannot be found on any other type of material configuration as of today.
The lack of a date window, according to many, makes the dial perfectly esthetically balanced. The Oyster Perpetual is also a watch, that has 5 modest dial color configurations to choose from, such as Coral Red, Yellow, Green, Turquoise Blue, and Candy Pink, apart from the more conservative bright blue, bright black, and silver dial configurations.
The Oyster Perpetual in 36mm actually feels very well balanced, and with its’ latest updated movement which rolled out with the new reference in September 2020, the movement now features an impressive 72-hour power reserve, along with the Chronometer certified movement which is certified to not lose or gain more than 2 seconds a day.
Question!
Which of the above three watches is your first choice?
