Guide to Rolex Sizes - Cases and Lugs

If you’re a fan of Rolex watches, you know that the brand offers a wide range of case sizes across its various collections. Some Rolex collections even have different sizes within the same line. In recent years, Rolex has not only added more case sizes to its lineup but also changed some, which also alters the width of the lugs. 

Knowing the case size and lug size of a particular watch is the first step when choosing the right strap to pair it with. So we’ve compiled this handy guide to Rolex sizes, detailing all the case diameters and lug widths of popular modern models. 

Rolex Air-King Size

Rolex redesigned the Air-King from the ground up in 2016 to feature a larger case, a fresh dial design, and a new movement. In 2022, the Air-King underwent a subtle revamp to include crown guards and a slightly wider lug width.

Air-King 126900

• Case size 40mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Air-King 116900 (Discontinued)

• Case size 40mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Size

Arguably Rolex’s most famous collection, the Daytona has had a 40mm case and automatic movement since 1988. It is available in a wide variety of case materials, bezel styles, and dial designs. 

• References: 16520, 16523, 16528, 116519, 116518, 116515, 116520, 116523, 116528, 116500, 116503, 116508, 116509, 116506
• Case size: 40mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Day-Date Sizes

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The Rolex Day-Date, also known as the Rolex President, is the brand’s most prestigious watch, available in various sizes and styles but always crafted in precious metals. 

Day-Date 40 

• References: 228238, 228239, 228235, 228236, 228206
• Case size: 40mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Day-Date II (Discontinued) 

• References: 218238, 218239, 218235, 218206
• Case size: 41mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Day-Date 36

• References: 128238, 128239, 128235, 128236, 128206, 118238, 118208, 118239, 118235, 118205, 118206
• Case size: 36mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Datejust Sizes

The Rolex Datejust is one of the brand’s most versatile collections, home to a vast assortment of sizes, styles, and references.

Datejust 41 

• References: 126300, 126301, 126303, 126331, 126333, and 126334
• Case size: 41mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Datejust II (Discontinued)

• References: 116300, 116333, 116334, 
• Case size: 41mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Datejust 36

• References: 126200, 126234, 126203, 126233, 126201, 126231, 116200, 116234, 116203, 116233, 116201, 116231
• Case size: 36mm 
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Explorer Sizes

The Explorer is Rolex’s simplest sports watch, featuring a compact case and minimalist time-only dial. While the watch’s overall style has remained largely the same since its inception in the 1950s, Rolex has tinkered with its case size and lug widths over the last few decades. 

Explorer 36

• References: 124270, 124273
• Case size: 36mm
• Lug width: 19mm

Explorer 36 (Discontinued)

• References: 114270
• Case size: 36mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Explorer 39 (Discontinued)

• Reference: 214270
• Case size: 39mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Explorer II Sizes

The Rolex Explorer II is an adventure-ready watch furnished with a GMT function and a fixed 24-hour bezel. While the Explorer II has exclusively been made in steel and in two dial colors, Rolex has updated the case sizes and lug widths over the years. 

Explorer II 42

• Reference: 226570
• Case size: 42mm
• Lug width: 22mm

Explorer II 42 (Discontinued)

• Reference: 216570
• Case size: 42mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Explorer II 40 (Discontinued)

• References: 116570
• Case size: 40mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex GMT-Master II Size

The GMT-Master II is Rolex’s signature pilot watch, characterized by its 24-hour marked bezel and ability to track multiple time zones simultaneously. The watch is available in plenty of variations, with an assortment of case metals, bezel colors, and bracelet styles to choose from. 

GMT-Master II

• References: 126710, 126715, 126711, 116710, 116713, 116718
• Case size: 40mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Milgauss Size

After a few decades of discontinuation, Rolex revived the antimagnetic Milgauss watch in 2007. While the watch is available in a range of dials and with the option of a green sapphire crystal, Rolex makes it in only one size and exclusively in steel. 

Milgauss 

• Reference: 116400
• Case size 40mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sizes

The Oyster Perpetual is Rolex’s entry-level model, exclusively produced in steel and fitted with a straightforward time-only dial. However, Rolex does make it available in several sizes and with a range of dial colors. 

Oyster Perpetual 36

• Reference: 126000
• Case size: 36mm
• Lug width: 20mm 

Oyster Perpetual 39 (Discontinued)

• Reference: 114300
• Case size: 39mm
• Lug width: 20mm 

Oyster Perpetual 41

• References: 124300
• Case size: 41mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Rolex Sea-Dweller Sizes

The Sea-Dweller is Rolex’s line of saturation dive watches, complete with exceedingly high water resistance and helium escape valves. Rolex has made several sizes and variations of the Sea-Dweller. 

Sea-Dweller Deepsea

• References: 136660, 126660
• Case size: 44mm
• Lug width: 22mm

Sea-Dweller Deepsea (Discontinued)

• Reference: 116660 
• Case size: 44mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Sea-Dweller 43

• References: 126603, 126600
• Case size: 43mm
• Lug width: 22mm

Sea-Dweller 40 (Discontinued) 

• References: 116600
• Case size: 40mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Sky-Dweller Sizes

The Sky-Dweller is Rolex’s youngest watch collection, making its debut in 2012 and now available in plenty of material options. It’s also one of the brand’s most mechanically complicated, boasting two time zones, a date window, a month indicator, and an annual calendar. Interestingly, the steel case versions of the Sky-Dweller have wider lug widths than the precious metal variants. 

Sky-Dweller

• References: 326938, 326939, 326935, 
• Case size: 42mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Sky-Dweller

• References: 326933, 326934
• Case size: 42mm
• Lug width: 22mm

Rolex Submariner Sizes

Not only is the Submariner Rolex’s most popular dive watch but it has become the standard for what a luxury diving watch should be. Although 40mm was the go-to size for the Submariner since the late-1950s, Rolex increased the case diameter in 2020. 

Submariner 41

• References: 124060, 126610, 126613, 126618, 126619
• Case size: 41mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Submariner 40

• References: 114060, 116610, 116613, 116618, 116619
• Case size: 40mm
• Lug width: 20mm

Rolex Yacht-Master Sizes

The Rolex Yacht-Master is the brand’s nautical-inspired watch line, which houses a long list of materials, styles, and case diameter options. 

Yacht-Master 42

• References: 226659, 226658
• Case size: 42mm
• Lug width: 21mm

Yacht-Master 40

• References: 126622, 126621, 126655, 116622, 116621, 116655
• Case size: 40mm
• Lug width: 20mm 

Yacht-Master 37

• References: 268622, 268621, 268655
• Case size: 37mm
• Lug width: 17mm

Rolex Yacht-Master II Size

The Yacht-Master II was developed for the competitive sailor and it features a highly complex regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown and mechanical memory. Aside from its complexity, it’s also one of Rolex’s largest watches. 

• References: 116688, 116681, 116680, 116689
• Case size: 44mm
• Lug width: 21mm

The Details Make The Difference

There you have it, our comprehensive guide to Rolex case sizes and lug widths. 

Before we wrap things up, it is important to point out that even if two Rolex watches have the same on-paper case diameters and lug widths, an aftermarket strap may not fit the same way on each watch. Other factors such as lug shape and case thickness come into play. Therefore, if you have any questions about which straps would pair best with a particular Rolex reference, feel free to reach out to our team here at Everest. 

Do you have a favorite Rolex case size? Do you prefer them bigger or more compact? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below.