In a space where Rolex dominates the conversation, good and bad, when everything revolves around you, scrutiny is bound to follow suit, endless waitlists, discontinuations, and price hikes. The second-hand market, in a way, revolves around Rolex; trends are something Rolex doesn’t partake in, as they prefer to set them rather than follow them. With a collection that features hundreds of different dials, cases, sizes, bracelets, and movement configurations, there are bound to be underrated gems hiding in the pile.

While a large majority of “Rolex enthusiasts” strive for the same pieces that are hard to obtain, as everyone wants them as well as their value being high on the second-hand market as a result of this demand, true watch enthusiasts usually seek other pieces (the Daytona and Pepsi being exceptions). “Undesirable” pieces like the steel and gold Datejust or the 36 mm explorer come to mind as being fantastic watches that most people will look past, as they don’t hold value, as well as being easily attainable at many authorized dealers. The 36 mm explorer, as well as the full-size 40 mm variant, are very often considered the most underrated watches as they are simple, have a grand story, as well as a very wearable case and easily styled. I personally think that title is irrefutably held by the Yacht-Master

When I say the Yacht-Master, I am not talking about the insanely sought-after 42 mm titanium version, but rather the steel versions in either 40 mm or 37 mm. I personally prefer the 37 mm variant as I adore smaller watches, and it is not often that I find small sportswatches that I enjoy. But the 40 mm case is the one that will be safest for people, as it is a very comfortable size. I also think the watch is the perfect blend of sport and formality, as the curved, polished case gives a glow that makes it a much better dress watch than, for instance, the Submariner (the Submariner is not a dress watch, despite the fact that people use it as such, the Yacht-Master is not either but it is at least dressier).

I would love to see more dial variations as if you look at the last generation of the Yacht-Master you see some truly amazing dials, the new once have either a light gray tone with a light blue seconds hand signifying the use of platinum, this dial comes on both the 40 mm and 37 mm version with it being the only available dial on the 37 mm in steel. The second option is a blue dial with a red seconds hand, which is, as far as I can tell, the more popular variant, despite the fact that I much prefer the gray dial. The blue is also only available on the 40 mm version and not the 37 mm.

Price-wise, the watch sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to steel watches, being more expensive than the Oyster-Perpetual and Datejust in steel and white gold. The big part is that it is more expensive than the Submariner in steel. The big reason why it is more expensive is the inclusion of platinum in the bezel. Platinum is an expensive and precious metal, and it gives a stunning tone to the bezel that no other watch has.

But let me know what you consider to be Rolex’s underdog, please comment your pick below or send us a line at watcholigy.com@gmail.com. Until next time.