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Rolex Midsize History Rolex Midsize Prices Rolex Midsize Models Questions
Along with both men's and women's models, Rolex also produces a number of 'Midsize' watches that offer case diameters that sit between the classic gents and ladies sizes. Although most Rolex watches produced up until the 1940s have case sizes that would classify them as midsize models by today's standards, it was not until the 1950s that Rolex specifically began producing smaller sized versions of some of their best-selling designs.
Rolex Midsize watches will sometimes be referred to as ‘boys size’ models in older catalogs and marketing materials, and this term is also used to describe midsize watches from a variety of other brands. While Midsize Rolex watches offer slightly reduced case dimensions and often do not feature quite as many options as the standard-size models in the brand's catalog, all Rolex Midsize watches are built to the same legendary standards that serve as the foundation of Rolex's sterling reputation.
Most of the full-size wristwatches that were produced during the early years of Rolex's history would be considered 'mid-size' by today's standards. However, these timepieces were never originally produced to be mid-size models and were simply standard men's models for the time. Their smaller case sizes are simply a reflection of consumer preferences at the time, rather than an intentional effort by Rolex to produce a more compact watch.
Following the success of the 1945 launch of the Datejust collection, Rolex began to introduce additional sizes of date-displaying wristwatches during the 1950s. This marked the official start of Rolex Midsize models as watches that were specifically produced to be smaller versions of existing models. Along with ladies watches that were significantly smaller, Rolex also introduced several mid-size models that were slightly smaller than their full-size counterparts, while still significantly larger than the Lady-Datejust watches.
Since the 1950s, Midsize Rolex watches have remained a constant part of the brand's catalog; however the definition of 'mid-size' has changed over the years. Historically, 36mm was the standard size for Rolex's various men's models. While many of the brand's sports watches offered larger case diameters, 36mm was the largest size available for many of Rolex’s most famous classic watches like the Datejust and Day-Date collections.
However, once Rolex released larger 40mm and 41mm versions of their classic watches, the traditional 36mm versions became classified as 'mid-size' models, while the 31mm versions technically became grouped into the 'small-size' category within the Rolex catalog. Most 36mm watches are still considered men's Rolex watches, but since they are no longer the largest size available within their respective collections, they are now found under the mid-size category within the Datejust collection section on the Rolex website. Today, Rolex Midsize watches can be found with case diameters ranging from 31mm to 36mm, with the 34mm and 36mm versions offering a number of different dial and bezel styles that will appeal equally to both men and women alike.
Additionally, it is also worth noting that while the majority of the Midsize Rolex watches are from the brands various classic collections, the Yacht-Master is the only Rolex sports watch to ever offer models with reduced case diameters. In the past, there were both Midsize and Lady Yacht-Master watches alongside the standard 40mm movel; however the ladies model has been discontinued, and the case diameter of the Midsize version has been increased from 35mm to 37mm for a slightly more contemporary look and feel.
Today, there are more Midsize Rolex watches in the brand's catalog than ever before, and they are becoming increasingly popular among female buyers. Historically, Rolex has always adhered to rather modest case proportions for its watches, but as modern consumer preferences have called for larger timepieces, Rolex has adapted, and now offers a wide variety of timepieces that are slightly more compact than the fill-size models, while still being significantly larger than the traditional Rolex women’s watches.
Retail prices for Midsize Rolex watches start at $5,000 for the 31mm Oyster Perpetual in full stainless steel and increase from there depending on a variety of factors such as the specific model and the materials used in its construction. On the pre-owned market, prices for used Midsize Rolex watches start out at roughly $2,695 for older discontinued models and reach well into the tens of thousands of dollars for models crafted from precious metals and set with diamonds or other gemstones.
| Reference | Model | Retail Price | Second-Hand Price | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ref. 177200 | Oyster Perpetual 31 | 5,000 USD | From $3,895 | Stainless Steel |
| Ref. 114200 | Oyster Perpetual 34 | 5,100 USD | From $3,395 | Stainless Steel |
| Ref. 116000 | Oyster Perpetual 36 | 5,400 USD | From $4,195 | Stainless Steel |
| Ref. 278273 | Datejust 31 | 10,400 USD | From $9,922 | Steel + Yellow Gold |
| Ref. 278278 | Datejust 31 | 28,550 USD | From $25,864 | Yellow Gold |
| Ref. 115200 | Date 34 | 6,500 USD | From $4,995 | Stainless Steel |
| Ref. 115234 | Date 34 | 8,550 USD | From $5,495 | Steel + White Gold |
| Ref. 126200 | Datejust 36 | 7,050 USD | From $6,195 | Stainless Steel |
| Ref. 126234 | Datejust 36 | 8,550 USD | From $8,495 | Steel + White Gold |
| Ref. 126233 | Datejust 36 | 11,700 USD | From $9,695 | Steel + Yellow Gold |
| Ref. 126231 | Datejust 36 | 12,000 USD | From $10,812 | Steel + Everose Gold |
| Ref. 128238 | Day-Date 36 | 33,150 USD | From $27,941 | Yellow Gold |
| Ref. 128239 | Day-Date 36 | 35,850 USD | From $30,337 | White Gold |
| Ref. 128235 | Day-Date 36 | 38,850 USD | From $32,945 | Everose Gold |
| Ref. 81298 | Pearlmaster 34 | 49,200 USD | From $29,994 | Yellow Gold |
| Ref. 81285 | Pearlmaster 34 | 58,700 USD | From $40,900 | Everose Gold |
| Ref. 268622 | Yacht-Master 37 | 11,250 USD | From $10,650 | Steel + Platinum |
| Ref. 268621 | Yacht-Master 37 | 13,150 USD | From $11,500 | Steel + Everose Gold |
| Ref. 268655 | Yacht-Master 37 | 23,250 USD | From $19,500 | Everose Gold |
Given that Midsize Rolex watches exist across a wide variety of different collections, the price range for Rolex Midsize models is incredibly large. Certain Rolex Midsize watches are simple stainless steel models with time-only movements, while others feature calendar displays and are crafted from solid 18k gold or platinum and set with diamonds and other precious gemstones. Consequently, the price range for Midsize Rolex watches can span anywhere between a few thousand dollars and tens of thousands of dollars.
When purchased brand-new at retail, the least expensive Midsize Rolex watch is the 31mm Oyster Perpetual in full stainless steel, which costs $5,000. Consequently the most expensive Rolex Midsize model would be one of the diamond-encrusted Pearlmaster 34mm watches in solid 18k Everose pink gold. Even the most affordable versions of these models will all cost tens of thousands of dollars when purchased brand-new, and the most expensive models will not even have their retail prices listed on the official Rolex website, with ‘ price upon request’ being the only thing stated.
With that in mind, these ultra-luxurious Midsize Rolex watches can often be found at a significant savings on the pre-owned market. At retail, these models are some of the most expensive Rolex watches available, and while they will never be inexpensive due to the premium nature of their materials, second-hand prices typically do not come without the steep premiums that are charged at retail. For those looking for the ultimate luxurious Rolex Midsize watch, buying a Pearlmaster on the pre-owned market is the most cost-effective way of purchasing one.
Generally speaking, more modern Rolex Midsize watches will be more expensive than their older counterparts, and those crafted from precious metals will almost always cost more than full stainless steel or two-tone models. Even on the pre-owned market, the price range for used midsize models is incredibly large, which means that there is a Midsize Rolex watch for every possible wrist and budget.
Since the 'Midsize' designation applies to a number of different Rolex watches, the actual size of a Midsize Rolex can vary depending on the specific collection. Including both current-production and discontinued models, Rolex Midsize watches are available in the following sizes:
The Datejust is Rolex's best-selling watch collection of all time, and as a result of its success, the collection is offered with a remarkably diverse range of options and variations. Rolex Midsize Datejust models include the 31mm Datejust 31 and the 36mm Datejust 36. However, the collection also technically includes the 34mm Rolex Date. Although the Date has a slightly different name compared to the Datejust, the functionality of the two watches is virtually identical, and Rolex now includes the Date 34 as part of the greater Datejust collection on its official website. Additionally, it is worth noting that Rolex recently began grouping the 31mm version of the Datejust into the ‘small size’ category, as there is now a 41mm version that has taken over the 'large size' position within the brand's catalog. With that in mind, Midsize Rolex Datejust watches are offered in a wide variety of different materials and also with a vast range of options in regards to the different dials, bezels, and bracelets that are fitted to them.
As Rolex's most simple and straightforward watch collection, the Oyster Perpetual represents the entry-point into Rolex ownership. Much like the Datejust, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection is available in a number of different sizes, including several Midsize options. Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are produced with case sizes that range from 26mm to 39mm, with the 31mm, 34mm, and 36mm versions occupying the Midsize options. In the past, Midsize Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches were produced in both two-tone and solid gold configurations; however all current-production Oyster Perpetual watches are crafted entirely from stainless steel, regardless of case size.
The 'Rolex President' nickname typically applies to the brand’s flagship Day-Date collection, and there has never been a Rolex Day-Date watch with a case-diameter smaller than 36mm. With the introduction of the larger Day-Date watches, the 36mm version became the Midsize option and additional dial and bezel styles were added to the line. However, in addition to the 36mm Day-Date President, there is also a 31mm Rolex Midsize President, which is actually a Datejust 31 crafted entirely from solid gold and fitted with Rolex’s iconic President bracelet. Although the Rolex Day-Date 36 could technically be considered a Midsize Rolex President, it is actually the 31mm solid gold Datejust on a President bracelet that is officially known as the Midsize President model.
While much of Rolex's legendary reputation was built upon its purpose-built sport and tool watches, the Yacht-Master collection is the only like of Rolex sports watches to offer a smaller version of the original model. At the present time, the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 is the Midsize Yacht-Master model within the brand's lineup; however in the past, Rolex offered both Midsize (35mm) and Lady Yacht-Master (29mm) models. While the classic 40mm model is technically the mid-size option within the current Rolex Yacht-Master lineup, as it sits in the middle between the 37mm and 42mm models, it is actually the 37mm version of the Yacht-Master that is officially classified as the ‘mid-sized’ model within the brand's current catalog.
Due to the numerous different sizes available, and the variety of different collections in which they can be found, Rolex Midsize watches can be spotted on the wrists of countless celebrities and other high-profile individuals.
Rolex currently produces watches with case sizes that range from 26mm to 44mm; however these days, it is generally accepted that those with case diameters between 31mm and 36mm fall into the "Midsize Rolex" category. With that in mind, 36mm has historically been the standard size for men's models and still is an incredibly popular size for men’s watches, while 31mm is now what Rolex would classify as a "small size" within the current Datejust collection on their official website. Additionally models such as the Rolex Yacht-Master 37 are classified as midsize watches simply because they are smaller versions of the standard model (40mm), despite their fairly average case diameters.
Despite the definition of 'midsize' changing slightly over the years, Rolex does still make midsize watches by all definitions of the term. As of 2020, Rolex currently produces Midsize watches with 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 37mm case diameters, and these sizes are offered across 6 different collections within their catalog, including the Datejust, Day-Date, Oyster Perpetual, Date, and Pearlmaster,
Rolex watches exist with case sizes that range from 24mm all the way up to 44mm, and some vintage ladies' cocktail watches can have cases that are even smaller. With that in mind, not all sizes are available for every Rolex watch collection, and many Rolex models are only manufactured in one size. Including discontinued models, Rolex's various self-winding watches can be found with the following case sizes: 24mm, 26mm, 28mm, 29mm, 31mm, 34mm, 35mm, 36mm, 37mm, 39mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, and 44mm.
Typically, the size you will see listed for a Rolex watch refers to the diameter of its case. This measurement excludes any additional protrusions the watch case might have such as the lugs, winding crown, crown-guards, or chronograph pushers, To measure a Rolex watch, take either a ruler, tape measure, or set of calipers, and measure the diameter across the center of the case from one edge to another.
