Underrated Rolex Models to Watch in 2026

Not every Rolex that performs well in the secondary market is the one making the most noise online. Some references sit quietly in the background for years, offering excellent wearability and long-term potential without the spotlight that follows models like the Daytona or Submariner.

At Trotters Jewellers, we see these patterns clearly. Certain models consistently outperform expectations, yet remain overlooked by the wider market. These are the watches that offer genuine value to collectors who prefer substance over speculation.

Here are the Rolex models we believe deserve more attention in 2026.

Rolex Air-King

What to Look Out For

• Clear dial printing and original hands
• Full bracelet with limited stretch
• Later movement upgrades in newer references

The Air-King has always been something of an outlier within the Rolex catalogue. It is a watch with aviation roots, simple charm and a design that avoids trend driven changes. For many buyers, that is exactly why it works.

Modern versions bring a stronger visual identity, a reliable chronometer movement and a case that can comfortably handle daily wear. Despite this, prices remain relatively modest compared with other professional models. For 2026, the Air-King stands out as a sensible choice for collectors who want a robust everyday Rolex without paying a premium for hype.

Rolex Milgauss

What to Look Out For

• The lightning bolt seconds hand
• Clean glass, especially on green crystal models
• Complete sets, which have become increasingly scarce

With production now discontinued, the Milgauss is entering a different stage of its life cycle. What was once considered a niche model is quickly gaining attention from collectors who appreciate watches with character and a clear backstory.

The Milgauss was designed to resist magnetic fields, giving it a technical edge that separates it from the rest of the catalogue. Its coloured accents and distinctive seconds hand only add to its appeal. As supply reduces, interest is naturally shifting upward. Prices have risen, but this is still a reference with room to grow, especially for buyers who want something that feels different from mainstream sports models.

Early Oyster Perpetual Colour Dials

What to Look Out For

• Strong, consistent dial colour
• Cases that have not been over-polished
• Fair pricing based on current market stability

When Rolex introduced bright dial colours in the Oyster Perpetual range, the reaction was immediate. Demand surged, production ended earlier than expected and the market responded with rapid price movement.

Now that values have settled, collectors are reassessing these watches with a clearer perspective. They offer a simple, clean design combined with playful dial colours that reflect a specific moment in modern Rolex history. For those who enjoy understated watches with personality, these early OP colours remain a compelling choice. Their long-term appeal lies in their simplicity and the scarcity created by their short production run.

Rolex Datejust 36 mm

What to Look Out For

• Original dial variants, especially those that are no longer produced
• Jubilee bracelets with minimal stretch
• Smooth and consistent date change mechanism

The 36 mm Datejust has never really gone out of style, but it has found renewed appreciation in recent years. As collectors move back toward classic proportions, the model sits in a very favourable position. It is a versatile, balanced and quietly sophisticated watch with a design that remains relevant in any setting. The breadth of dial and bezel combinations also gives collectors an opportunity to find something individual within a widely recognised model.

Many references are still priced attractively compared with their long-term potential, making the pre-owned Datejust 36 mm one of the most reliable buys in the Rolex catalogue.

Older Rolex Explorer II Models

What to Look Out For

• A sharp 24 hour bezel with clear engraving
• Matching patina across hands and indices
• GMT functionality working without resistance

Older Explorer II references appeal to collectors who prefer a functional watch that remains close to its original purpose. These models were built as practical tools and have an honesty to their design that feels particularly relevant today.

The fixed 24 hour bezel, distinctive dial layout and comfortable 40 mm case give earlier versions a balanced presence on the wrist. As interest grows in watches with authentic heritage, these references are beginning to attract more attention. They remain undervalued compared with other vintage leaning models, and for buyers who want a Rolex with genuine history and subtle presence, the Explorer II is a strong candidate for 2026.

Why These Models Matter in 2026

Across these watches, there is a common theme. All offer Rolex quality, a recognisable identity and strong long-term prospects, yet none sit at the centre of speculative market activity.

This creates opportunities for collectors who prefer to move ahead of wider trends. At Trotters, we pay close attention to how demand evolves, how collectors’ tastes shift and how certain references behave over time. These models consistently appear in conversations with informed buyers and represent areas where value and enjoyment align.

Why Choose Trotters for Your Next Rolex

As one of London’s most established pre-owned Rolex specialists, Trotters Jewellers provides a trusted route into collecting models with genuine long-term potential. Every watch is authenticated, inspected and serviced by our in-house team, and each purchase is supported by a 12 month warranty.

Whether you are entering the market for the first time or refining a growing collection, we offer clear guidance and a carefully curated selection of watches chosen for their quality, condition and provenance. Visit our Liverpool Street boutique or explore our Rolex range online.

About the Author

Written by the Trotters Jewellers team, specialists in luxury watches and certified diamond jewellery since 1991, based in the City of London.