The best Rolex sports watches right now
Originally made as “tool watches” for recreational pursuits like diving and caving, Rolex’s sports watches have acquired legendary status after repeatedly proving their mettle in tough conditions. These timepieces are how Rolex built its reputation for dependability, and they’re still at the heart of everything the brand does. Though no easy task, we’ve managed to put together what we consider the best Rolex sports watches from the current line-up.
GMT-Master II ‘Tiger Iron’ 126715CHNR
Big anniversaries rarely go unacknowledged at Rolex, so we expected something extra-special to be released for the GMT-Master’s 70th birthday in 2025. This GMT-Master II in rose gold duly delivered, with a sensational dial of metamorphic rock that is unique to every piece, as with meteorite dials. Used in the GMT collection for the very first time, it gives this legendary dual-time watch a whole new aesthetic that brings to mind molten lava, Arabian sunsets and tiger stripes. It also comes in yellow gold on a Jubilee bracelet.
Cosmograph Daytona 126518LN
Among the best of Rolex’s releases at Watches & Wonders 2025 was this striking Daytona with a turquoise lacquer dial—now coined “the Alcaraz” after tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz, who wore it at the 2025 Roland Garros final. We love the contrast between the dial, black subdials and ceramic bezel and yellow-gold case, which combine to make this piece really pop. It’s powered by the in-house calibre 4131 and comes on a black Oysterflex rubber strap.
Yacht-Master 226627
In late 2021, British sailor Ben Ainslie was spotted wearing a prototype Rolex Yacht-Master in RLX titanium, a material hitherto unused by the brand. Ainslie must have given it his seal of approval because two years later the model was officially unveiled. The Yacht-Master reference 226627 is currently the only Rolex model in titanium but that won’t be the case for much longer.
Cosmograph Daytona 126506
The new generation Rolex Daytonas are fitted with a new calibre, the 4131, and Rolex was so eager to show it off that they gave one model an exhibition caseback—the first Rolex sports watch to boast such a feature. That model is the mesmerising platinum 126506 with ice-blue dial and chocolate bezel, a combination previously seen on the coveted 116506. This one is even more sought-after.
Submariner 124060
The first-ever Rolex Submariner, officially released in 1954, was a stainless-steel, date-free model that came without the crown guards that are now a prominent feature of all contemporary models. If you’re looking for the modern Submariner that’s closest to that pared-down model, it’s the no-date 124060. It boasts all the cutting-edge features you’ll find in a 21st century Rolex sports watch—from the Cerachrom bezel to the high-precision Caliber 3230 movement—yet still carries the quiet authority that made it so popular with elite military units around the world. Sometimes, the simplest is the best.
Explorer II 226570
The watch of choice for polar explorers and cavers, the Explorer II is a purpose-built tool watch for people with rather niche professions and hobbies. Standout features include its fixed bezel with 24-hour graduations and the famous orange arrow-shaped 24-hour hand. Both work together to distinguish day from night—essential for those working in extreme low light. Not only is the Explorer II functional, it looks great, too, no matter what colour dial—black or white—you choose.
GMT-Master II 126718GRNR
The GMT-Master is famed for its iconic colour combinations on its bezel; we’re talking the affectionately named red and blue “Pepsi”, red and black “Coke” and blue and black “Batman”, to name but a few. Some might consider this slick 18k yellow-gold version too flashy for a sports model, but it’s sure to turn heads, and remains as functional as ever with its ability to display two time zones simultaneously.
Air-King 126900
The Air-King is one of the lesser-known models in Rolex’s catalogue but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve to be shouted about. In fact, it’s the only watch from Rolex’s “Air Series”—released in 1945—that’s still in production. Aesthetically, the Air-King is like no other in the brand’s repertoire, thanks to the dial’s large Arabic numerals, combination of minute and hour scale, and use of double numbers for the minutes. Get this if you’re after a Rolex that’s a little less predictable.
