[2025 Edition] "Scratches are cool!" 5 Rolexes you can wear all the time - 5-digit models

Today, we will be sending you the 2025 edition of 5 Rolexes that look cool even when they are scratched - 5-digit models .

It is no exaggeration to say that Rolex is the face of luxury watches, and it is a well-known brand. In recent years, the prices of all models have skyrocketed, and more and more people are owning them as assets. There are probably many people who only use their watches on special occasions, saying, "It's a shame to get them scratched, so I can't use them..."
However, as someone who would like to say loud and clear that "Rolexes are coolest when they are scratched," I have picked out five semi-vintage Rolex models that can be used in any situation!!!
Please enjoy until the end!

If you are interested in any of the watches, please register your interest in them now.

① Explorer II "Ref. 16570"

The third generation Explorer II, Ref. 16570, was manufactured from 1988 to around 2011.

This model was made for cave explorers and was designed to be both durable and functional. It boasted a full range of specifications, including a date display and a GMT function, and was a long-selling model in the lineup for approximately 20 years.
The appearance of the watch has changed from the previous model, Ref. 16550, in that the numbers on the bezel are thinner. The GMT function allows you to instantly know the time in two countries, and even in the darkness of a cave, you can instantly tell whether it is morning or afternoon by combining the numbers on the bezel. This is truly a versatile model made for explorers.
The dial is available in black and white, so you can choose between two types of dials, which is rare for stainless steel sports models. The rugged SS bezel and bracelet will get scratched and deepen with use, making this a top model for a watch that you can use vigorously.

② "Sea-Dweller" "Ref. 16600"

The third generation Sea-Dweller, Ref. 16600, was manufactured from 1989 to around 2008.

This model specializes in waterproofing, boasting a water resistance of 1220m, making it a professional watch made for professional divers. It is equipped with a patented mechanism called the "helium gas escape valve" that releases helium gas during saturation diving, and is designed to prevent the watch from being damaged by the effects of air pressure during diving.
The bracelet is also equipped with a function to prevent the extension from malfunctioning, improving its robustness and practicality. During its long production period of about 19 years, the luminous paint has been changed, the side holes on the case side have been removed, and the extension links have been changed, and it has continued to evolve as a diver's watch that Rolex is proud of.
The appearance of the Sea-Dweller is very similar to that of the Submariner, but it features a plump, thick case. This model is more masculine than the Submariner, and as it gets scratched with heavy use, it gains a deeper charm that is different from the excitement of a new watch. As it is a luxury watch, it can be used carefully to avoid scratches, but in a good sense, it is a model that has the appeal of being a "tool," so it is one that you should use on a daily basis .

3. Explorer "Ref. 14270"

The Explorer "Ref. 14270" was manufactured from 1990 to around 2000.

This model has undergone a major model change from the previous model "Ref.1016" and is equipped with the automatic movement "Cal.3000", which incorporates the most advanced technology at the time. In terms of appearance, the material of the windshield has been changed from plastic to sapphire crystal, which boasts overwhelming strength, and the dial has become a glossy black lacquer finish with silver-edged indexes, giving it a more sophisticated and stylish design. There is also a rare "Blackout" model of "Ref.14270", which is mainly found in the early production units "E" and "X". It is characterized by black lines on the 3, 6, and 9 indexes, and the crown mark and brand logo on the dial are designed in silver color. It has a clearly different atmosphere from the normal model, and is a minor change that shows the trial and error of [Rolex] at the time, making it very popular among collectors.
The small 36mm case size is attractive, and this model can be used in a variety of situations, such as formal occasions, suits, and casual wear. Each watch has its own unique personality, with scratches, the degree to which the tritium luminous indexes have burned, and changes to the dial surface over time, so you can enjoy using it and developing it into your own unique piece .

④ "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16710"

The GMT-Master II "Ref. 16710" was manufactured from 1988 to around 2007.

The second generation GMT Master II, which has undergone a model change from the previous model "Ref. 16760", is equipped with the movement "Cal. 3185", which allows the hour hand to be operated independently and, in combination with the rotating bezel, allows the time in three countries to be known. As an exterior feature, the bezel is available in three colors: "black", "red and black (commonly known as Coke)" and "red and blue (commonly known as Pepsi)". When the "Ref. 16710" was first released, it was only available in "red and black (commonly known as Coke)", but as the production of the "GMT Master" "Ref. 16700", which was sold alongside it until around 1999, was discontinued, "black" and "red and blue (commonly known as Pepsi)" were added to the "GMT Master II" "Ref. 16710".
The production period was very long, spanning approximately 19 years, and various minor changes were made undertaken. Among these, the "GMT-MASTER II", which came out in late 2007, has a "stick dial" with two vertical lines for the "II", and the final M-series model equipped with "Cal. 3186" is extremely rare and highly valuable.
Unlike the current model, this model has sharp lugs and a thin case design, making it very easy to use. The two-tone aluminum bezel insert has faded over time, while some inserts retain the vivid colors of the time, and each one has its own unique charm. The GMT Master II may look flashy at first glance, but it is a model that adds an accent to your wrist and is perfect for everyday use in casual situations .

⑤ "Daytona El Primero" "Ref. 16520"

The last model we would like to introduce is the Daytona El Primero "Ref. 16520", which was produced from around 1988 to around 2000.

The watch is equipped with the Cal. 4030 movement, which was created by Rolex with its own unique improvements based on Zenith's El Primero, which is hailed as a masterpiece of automatic chronograph movements, making it the first Rolex model to feature an automatic chronograph movement.
The design has also changed significantly from the previous models "Ref.6263, Ref.6265", with the dial color lineup consisting of two colors, black and white, and the plastic bezel has disappeared, leaving only the stainless steel bezel. The case diameter has also increased from 37mm to 40mm, and the addition of a crown guard has evolved the design into a more sports model. The Ref.16520 has also undergone various minor changes over its 12-year production period, with the dial and bezel being subdivided, and the appeal of the Ref.16520 is that it is evaluated very differently depending on the year. Some of the black dials from 1994 to 1995 (S and W numbers) have brown eyes, where the sub-dials have turned brown due to aging, and as there are very few in circulation, they have become quite rare.
The black dial has a warm brownish color in the subdials, giving it a more vintage feel than the current model, while the white dial has a refreshing design, but the black subdials give it a more toned look. Each model has its own unique appeal. Among the chronograph models, this model has a simple design that is highly versatile, so it is a perennial favorite that can be used daily and will develop a more vintage feel as it gets scratched .

summary

What did you think?

In recent years, Rolex has been attracting attention for its asset value due to its rising price. However, Rolex is an attractive brand that you can enjoy wearing and expect to have a good resale value, so we hope you will enjoy your Rolex life while loving your watch.
As the five-digit models are semi-vintage, it's fun to search for one-of-a-kind pieces, so why not experience the fun of developing one to suit your tastes?