Discover Rolex price ranges in 2025 and what factors influence their cost.
Rolex is arguably the most popular watch brand in the world. Even people who aren’t luxury watch enthusiasts are familiar with the name. Due to the popularity of this brand, people often assume that every Rolex watch is expensive.
The reality is a lot different. Rolex produces several timepieces yearly across different collections and models. Pricing for these watches varies significantly based on several factors. This is why there’s no straightforward answer to the question of how much a Rolex watch costs.
The actual price of any Rolex depends on the collection and model in question. Some Rolex watches are considered entry level pieces due to their relatively affordable price. Others will probably require you to take a second mortgage on your house.
Even within the same collection, prices vary significantly based on factors like materials, features, and complications. Things get even more complicated in the secondary market, where a rare vintage piece from years ago might cost several thousand dollars more than a shiny new Rolex released this year. It’s all part of a complex interplay between demand and market dynamics.
This guide dives into all you need to know about Rolex watch prices. In this guide, we explore all the factors that influence Rolex watch prices and general estimates for different collections. It’s a long read, but one that promises to be a go-to-guide for all things Rolex pricing. Read on to discover how much different Rolex watches cost today.
Rolex watches aren’t cheap. In fact, you’ll still spend a few thousand dollars for the cheapest models. However, pricing spans quite a wide range. This makes it possible to find a Rolex watch that suits different budget levels.
You may be surprised to learn that there are a few pre-owned and vintage Rolex watches that sell for under $5,000. But in the retail market, the cheapest Rolex watches cost between $5,000 and $8,000.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection has some of the most affordable Rolex watches, with the cheapest being about $5,500. While it’s still a lot of money for a timepiece, this price is considered entry-level in the Rolex market (and luxury watch market in general).
The Rolex Datejust has some relatively affordable watches as well. There are stainless steel models of the Datejust 41 in the $8,000 to $10,000 range in retail. The Submariner also starts at about $9,100 for a stainless steel model. This is an impressive price point considering the fact that the Sub is one of Rolex’s most popular watches. However, within the same collection, prices go as high as $42,000 for white gold variants.
Unsurprisingly, Rolex watches with popular complications tend to cost more even for the cheapest modest. For instance, the starting point for a GMT Master II with its dual time zone functionality is about $10,500. Similarly, the Yacht Master and Sky-Dweller collections cost about $11,500 and $15,650.
Some Rolex watches are also famous for their iconic status. These collections such as the Daytona cost about $15,100 at the low end. The Rolex President (Day-Date) is another collection with an iconic model. This watch is produced exclusively in precious metals, which means the most affordable model in the collection will cost you several thousand dollars. Prices go up as you add other embellishments such as diamonds and gems.
To get your hands on a brand new Rolex watch, you’ll need to budget between $5,000 and $8,000. This is the typical price range for the most affordable watches by this watchmaker. Entry level Rolex watches (such as the Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches) are renowned for their classic, understated design.
These watches are also typically made out of stainless steel (Oyster steel). They also feature simpler movement, with limited extra features. In fact, the most affordable models are either no-date or date-only watches. Despite their low price, entry-level Rolexes are still a great entry point to the luxury watch collection world.
The Rolex catalog is characterized by huge price variations. Even within the same collection, you’ll find massive price differences between entry-level models and the most expensive examples.
For instance, the cheapest Rolex Daytona costs about $15,000 in the retail market. This watch has a stainless steel casing and a Cerachrom Ceramic bezel. Within the same collection, prices can go as high as $81,000 for a platinum model. The following are some of the major factors that determine the actual cost of a Rolex timepiece.
Rolex uses premium materials for all of its watches. However, some materials are simply more expensive than others. The most affordable Rolex watches are made from Oystersteel. This is Rolex’s proprietary variant of stainless steel.
Oystersteel is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, but lacks the prestige and shiny appearance associated with precious metals like gold or platinum. Even Rolesor models made from a mix of Oysterteel steel and gold (yellow, white, or Everose) are naturally more expensive than pure stainless steel variants.Rolex watches made entirely of precious metals are typically the most expensive in any collection.
The level of craftsmanship that goes into creating a timepiece will also influence its price. Rolex models known for their simplicity and plain design such as the Oyster Perpetual and Air King, are generally more affordable. On the flip side, it’ll cost more to buy timepieces with iconic and highly recognizable designs like the Day-Date.
Rolexes that are adorned with diamonds and other precious stones also tend to be costlier. That’s because a lot of expert craftsmanship goes into creating these watches. Rolex employs master gem-setters to meticulously hand-place each stone, adding a layer of sophistication to the design while pushing the prices several hundreds of thousand of dollars above that of plain models.
Another factor that influences the price of Rolex watches is the type of movement that powers it. Naturally, Rolex timepieces with complex internal mechanisms tend to cost more than simple movements. These watches require more components and take more intricate engineering to build. Models with complications are also more sought after both in the retail and secondary market.
Simply adding a date complication to a Rolex timepiece raises the complexity and price a notch. For instance, the Submariner Date is generally pricier than the Submariner “No Date” no date versions. Watches with advanced complications, like the chronograph functionality of the Daytona or the multiple time zone displays in the GMT-Master II and Sky-Dweller, are top of the line. They require more sophisticated movements that are much more expensive to design.
With Rolex and other luxury watch brands, both the retail and secondary market prices are influenced by the interaction between market forces like demand, scarcity, and popularity.
Expectedly, the hottest and most popular models enjoy the highest demand. This raises their price in the secondary market, so they often sell way above the manufacturer’s retail price (MSRP).
Luxury watchmakers like Rolex maintain tight control over the supply of their watches. Unlike mass-produced watches, each Rolex timepiece is handcrafted by experts, which means only a handful can be produced yearly. Rolex also limits production intentionally to keep the market from getting flooded by any timepiece and might raise retail price for new models of watches that are in hot-demand.
While Rolex has higher production numbers compared to other big name brands like Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet, there’s still a massive gap between demand and supply. This disparity creates a long waitlist for various Rolex models.
Rolex watches are only sold by a handful of authorized dealers. These dealers are selective to who they sell to. Rolex wants its watches sold to prestigious individuals that will represent the brand well and value the intricate craftsmanship that goes into creating each piece. They also don’t want to sell to people whose only interest is to resell the watch in the secondary market. All of these factors contribute to the tight control over supply, the long waitlist and the high premium of Rolex watches.
Rolex watches generally hold their value well. Although not all models will sell for several times their original retail price, these watches rarely lose their value. Instead, many Rolex models will cost more in the pre-owned market compared to the official retail price quoted by the manufacturer.
For instance, the most affordable Submariner models cost about $10,000 in retail. In the secondary market, this watch ranges from $13,500 to $15,000. Similarly, an entry-level Daytona model that costs about $15,100 in retail goes for about $30,000 to $35,000 in the secondary market. That’s over a 100% rise in value.
Secondary market prices are determined by the interaction between demand and supply. For the most popular models, demand often exceeds supply. This creates long waitlists at authorized dealers and causes prices to rise in the secondary market. This is particularly true for popular collections like the Daytona, Submariner, and GMT-Master II.
In addition to the general supply and demand dynamics, factors like age, condition, and rarity all contribute to the value of a pre-owned Rolex. While older vintage pieces are generally not as expensive as newer models, limited edition Rolex models or those with unique histories tend to cost a lot more. For instance, the most expensive Rolex ever sold is a vintage Paul Newman Rolex Daytona 6239, which fetched a staggering $17.8 million at auction. This demonstrates how provenance and a celebrity status can influence the price of a Rolex watch in the secondary market.
Rolex watch collections differ in terms of their design, purpose, and even the kinds of buyers they target. These differences across collections also have an impact on their price. Some collections, like the Day-Date Presidential watches, are known for their luxurious aesthetics. This increases their markup automatically. Others, like the Submariner, are simple tool watches with a more utilitarian use case, so they often cost less. Below, we break down some general pricing expectations across popular Rolex collections.
The Submariner is arguably the most popular Rolex watch collection. This watch is one of the most frequently featured in pop culture, with appearances in up to 11 James Bond movies. The Rolex Submariner is considered a pioneer in the dive watch segment.
When this timepiece made its debut in 1953. It was the first watch built to be waterproof to a depth of 100 meters. Current variants of the Rolex Submariner have a water resistance of up to 300 meters.
Prices for Submariner watches depend mainly on two main factors: the materials (steel, two-tone, gold) and complications (date/no-date options). Rolex Submariner watches cost between $9,100 to about $42,000 in retail.
The most affordable models are the no-date stainless steel Submariner, such as the Ref. 124060. This watch costs about $9,600 from authorized retailers. On the other hand, the Rolex Submariner Date costs approximately $10,400.
Steel and Yellow Gold variants like the Ref. 126613LN are in the mid-range, selling for about $15,600. Pure gold Submariner models, such as the Ref. 126619LB are the most expensive, with an average price of about $42,000.
Not all Submariner models become more expensive in the secondary market. In fact. Most modern Subs retain the same value or become slightly cheaper. However, a few popular variants (particularly Submariners with colorful bezels like the Kermit or Starbucks) tend to gain value as pre-owned timepieces.
Named after the Florida coastal city and its famous motorsports racing track, the Daytona is Rolex’s racing-themed sports watch. Since the 1960s, the Daytona has remained one of the watchmaker’s most iconic timepieces, loved by racing enthusiasts and other watch lovers.
The Daytona is one of Rolex’s most varied collections, available in a wide range of case options, dial colors, and bracelet styles. All models of the Rolex Daytona come in a 40mm case. They are crafted from the finest materials, and a few models even have diamond embellishments on the Bezel.
The Rolex Daytona is powered by a complex movement that has a tachymeter scale for calculating speed and a chronograph function for timing racing events. The three subdials on the dial measure elapse time in hours, minutes, and seconds while also adding to the iconic aesthetics of this timepiece.
The most expensive Rolex watch ever sold is a Daytona model. This watch, which sold for $17.8 million, was owned by the celebrity Paul Newman. This, of course, is a one-off sale. An entry level Daytona like the Ref. 126500LN costs about $15,100 in retail.
The full gold models are in the mid-range, with an average price of about $30,000 to $42,000 depending on whether you’re buying yellow, rose gold, or white gold. The Daytona also has models with a platinum casing like the Ref. 116506, which costs over $80,000.
The watches in this collection are highly sought-after, so official waitlists are often very long. The easiest way to buy them is in the secondary market, where they tend to be more expensive compared to the retail price.
Rolex Datejust
The Datejust is Rolex’s classic luxury dress watch, known for its automatically changing date function. It was the first watch to display the date in a window on the dial. This watch collection was launched in 1945, making it one of the oldest Rolex watches that’s still in production today.
The Datejust collection is one of the most diverse in Rolex’s catalog. Several size options, materials, bezels, and bracelet configurations are available. The size options available for this collection include 28mm, 31mm, 36mm, and 41mm case sizes. The Datejust is commonly crafted from stainless steel, but there are solid gold, Oyster steel, and two-toned variants. The bezel can also be smooth or fluted, depending on your preferences
The Datejust is the perfect entry-level Rolex watch, with a price tag that’s relatively lower compared to other watches. The 28mm Lady Datejust is the most affordable model. It has a retail price of about $6,900. The standard 31mm Datejust Ref. 278240 costs about $7,000. For buyers who prefer heftier options, the Datejust 36 or Datejust 41 models are great options. They sell for $7,450 and $8,050, respectively.
While the Datejust has a relatively affordable entry-level price, prices can grow quickly depending on the material, dial, or bracelet option you’re buying. For instance, the Rolex Datejust Ref. 278271, with a two-tone, 31mm case and jubilee bracelet, costs about $19,200.
Rolex Datejust watches are readily available in retail. However, people looking to get their hands on a low cost Rolex can also shop for one in the secondary market for as little as $4,500.
The Rolex Date is one of the lesser-known Rolex watches. Yet, this iconic timepiece has been a part of the watchmaker’s catalog since the 1950s. For most Rolex enthusiasts, the Rolex Date is a smaller alternative to the Datejust.
It is a simple watch, featuring no extra features except for the date mechanism, displayed in a window at the 3 o’clock position. Rolex produces 26mm and 34mm variants for the Date Just. The collection also includes plain stainless steel, yellow gold, and two-tone options, paired with an oyster bracelet.
Rolex officially discontinued the Rolex Date in 2021, which means you can no longer buy it in retail. However, it is still a popular timepiece in the pre-owned watch market. Since the Rolex Date is considered a younger sibling to the Datejust, it is generally more affordable. A pre-owned Date ref: 115200 sells for as low as $5,000,
The GMT Master series is Rolex’s family of dual time zone timepieces. The first model which was launched in 1955, was commissioned for the pilots of Pan American Airways. It was one of the earliest watches capable of tracking the time in two locations simultaneously. Over time, this iconic timepiece became one of the most popular travel watches.
In the 1980s, Rolex built on the success of the GMT Master by upgrading the collection with independently adjustable hour hands. This made it possible to change the local time without affecting the travel time. This feature, combined with the 24-hours bezel, allows the GMT Master II to track the time in three time zones.
In addition to the dual time function, the Rolex GMT watches are also known for their vibrant bezel options, which has led to popular nicknames like Pepsi, Coke, Batman or Batgirl. These stainless steel watches are among the most recognizable Rolex models out there.
You can get your hands on a brand new entry-level GMT Master II timepiece like the Ref 126710BLRO for as low as $10,700. Two-toned steel and rose gold variants like the Ref 126711CHNR cost about $16,150. The collection also includes pure gold variants with a ceramic bezel, such as the 126719BLRO Rolex Pepsi. This model costs as much as $42,900 in retail.
The Rolex GMT watches are in high demand, so they tend to fetch a high price tag in the secondary market. This is particularly true for the iconic blue and red “Pepsi” or blue and black “Batman” bezel options. Older pre-owned GMT Master II and vintage GMT Master watches cost about $8,000 for the cheapest variants, and up to $100,000 for the rarest references.
The Day Date is arguably Rolex’s most prestigious timepiece. It has been aptly nicknamed the Rolex Presidential due to its association with famous world leaders, including a few US presidents.
The Day-Date is the ultimate dress watch, renowned for its simple but iconic design, elegant aesthetics and the unique dial which shows the day of the week along with the date. All models of the Rolex Day-Date are made from precious metals, including gold and platinum. A few models also have diamonds on the dial and bezel. They’re almost always paired with a Rolex presidential bracelet, which is in itself a symbol of comfort and luxury.
Due to this choice of material, the Rolex Day-Date models tend to be very expensive. Entry-level Rolex Presidential watches like the yellow gold Ref. 228238 have a starting price of about $38,500. This makes it one of the most expensive entry-level prices for any Rolex collection. Platinum models are even more expensive, with watches like the Ref. 228206 priced at over $63,000.
The Rolex Day-Date is in high demand. This makes it hard to buy any of the latest models from authorized dealers. However, the pre-owned market has several examples for sale. You may find vintage Rolex Day-Date models for as low as $15,000 to $20,000. But more recent Rolex Day-Date watches can go as high as $100,000.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller is a traveler’s watch created for the frequent flier. This is a highly sophisticated Rolex model, renowned for its technical complexity. The most prominent feature is the 24-hour subdial, which allows the watch to track a second time zone. It’s a perfect feature for frequent flyers and those who want to track the time in two locations simultaneously.
This watch is also an automatic annual calendar. It has a window that displays the current date, and it also highlights the month of the year. This practical feature isn’t something you see on most dual time-zone watches.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller doesn’t come cheap, which isn’t unexpected for such a technical marvel. When this watch was released in 2012, it was only available in a solid gold casing, which was quite expensive. Over time, Rolex has released steel and two-tone Sky-Dweller models, paired with either Oyster, Jubilee or Oysterflex bracelets.
The least expensive Sky Dweller watch (The Ref. 336934) costs $15,600 in retail. This watch has a stainless steel casing combined with a white gold bezel. The two-tone variant (with a combination of Oystersteel and Yellow Gold in its case) will set you back by $19,850. The most expensive models in this collection are made from solid gold. The everose gold Ref. 36935 costs a massive $51,000 in retail and even more in the secondary market.
The Rolex Explorer series is a family of adventure-themed tool watches designed by the watchmaker to withstand the harshest of outdoor elements. This rugged timepiece was originally launched in the 1950s as the Rolex Explorer.
The Explorer is famous for its robust construction. This watch also has a clean design, which promotes legibility. This is an important feature you want in a watch built for outdoor adventures. A few years after the original Explorer launched, Rolex introduced the Explorer II. The new watch stood out from its predecessor with the addition of new features, notably the 24-hour display. All Explorer II models produced since the 1980s also have the ability to show the time in two time zones.
Until recently, Rolex Explorer and Explorer II watches were only produced in stainless steel, which cost about $7,250 to $9,000. The first two-tone Explorer timepiece (the Ref. 124273), which combines Oystersteel and Yellow Gold, was released in 2021.
The official retail price for the two-tone Explorer is about $11,750. For the current Explorer II watch, you can expect to pay between $12,500 and $13,000, depending on whether you want the black or white dial variant.
The Yacht Master and Yacht-Master II are sporty dress watches designed specifically for the world of sailing. These watches have a durable and waterproof build similar to the Submariner but with a more laid-back aesthetics, which makes them suitable for more casual use cases.
Rolex made the first Yacht-Master in 1992. Today, the collection now includes several size variants, including 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm case options. Rolex also offers several bezel options, and the watch can be paired with an Oyster or Oysterflex bracelet. Some Yachtmaster models also include a flyback regatta timer function, which is a type of sailing-themed chronograph function.
The Rolex Yacht-Master and Yachtmaster II watches are rare and in-demand, with very few models in circulation. New entry-level models like the Yachtmaster Ref. 268622 sell for about $11,500. Similarly, an entry-level Yacht-Master II watch costs about $19,200, but prices for some models like the Yacht-Master II 116688 can go up to $59,900.
The Rolex Milgauss is a unique Rolex collection that serves a niche audience. This is why it has remained relatively unknown despite being a part of Rolex’s catalog since 1956. Characterized by its powerful anti-magnetic property, this watch was created specifically for scientists and other professionals working in close proximity to strong magnetic fields. The Milgauss has been a part of Rolex’s catalog
The Milgauss is a sleek watch with a simple but bold aesthetic. The highlight of its design is its powerful antimagnetic property, which allows the watch to withstand magnetic fields of up to 1000 gauss. The Rolex Milgauss also has an eye-catching aesthetic. The watch is available in bold black or blue dial colors, with brightly colored accents. This timepiece also features an eye-catching lightning-shaped second hand as one of its signature features.
Rolex discontinued the Milgauss line in 2023 for the second time in its history. However, before it was discontinued, the Milgauss Ref 116400GV was retailing for about $9,150, which is an impressive price range for such a technically complex timepiece. You may also find a few pre-owned and vintage models, at a slightly lesser price than this. However, the recent increase in collectors’ interest is causing a spike in the resale price of this timepiece.
The Air-King is another lesser-known, but interesting Rolex collection. This pilot’s watch is a Rolex’s icon, with a long history that goes all the way back to World II. Today, it remains a part of Rolex’s catalog as a sporty and elegant timepiece.
The Air King is known for its simple, functional design. The primary function of this watch has always been to deliver precise timekeeping to aviators. Keeping with this function, Rolex has kept the design as simple as possible, eliminating even the date function. However, the watch has a sturdy build, and it is powered by an accurate movement.
The Air King is one of the most affordable Rolex watches. It is typically priced lower than other sports models, which makes it the perfect entry point for first-time buyers. The only Rolex Air King model that’s currently in production is the Ref 126900, and it costs about $7,750 in retail. This is a 40mm model, featuring an Oystersteel casing, a smooth bezel, and a distinctive black dial. However, you’ll find several vintage models for a lesser price, with some examples selling for less than $5,000.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a large family of minimalist, time-only Rolex watches characterized by their robust, waterproof casing and automatic movement. The Oyster Perpetual was the first waterproof watch from Rolex.
Watches in this collection are renowned for their classic, discreet, and no-frills design. They’re mostly made out of Oystersteel, but you may find a few vintage models made out of yellow gold. Rolex has produced several size variants for this collection over the years. However, modern versions are only available in 41mm and 36mm case sizes. The collection is also available in a wide range of dial color options. A new array of dial colors, added in 2020 after the collection was revamped, revitalized the Oyster Perpetual’s popularity, leading to a surge in aftermarket value.
The Oyster Perpetual has some of the most affordable watches in the Rolex catalog. The entry level price for the current lineup is about $6,400 from authorized retailers. Since the collection has been around for several decades, you will find several vintage models that are even more affordable.
The Cellini is a collection of dress-focused timepieces characterized by their classic styling and minimalist aesthetics. The timepieces in this collection are simple, round watches. It stands out from the rest of Rolex’s catalog.
The Cellini has been a part of Rolex’s catalog since the beginning, but it didn’t become a standalone collection until the 1960s. Rolex revamped the entire collection in 2014. The watches in the Cellini collection are characterized by their round design, simple guilloche dials with Roman numerals, and tapered lancet hands. This collection was eventually discontinued in 2023.
All Cellini models are made from precious metals (typically rose gold or white gold), adding to their classic and luxurious appearance. They're all powered by modern automatic movements. Although there’s a time-only Cellini model, many other top models in this collection have complications like dual time and moon phase display.
Expectedly, the three-handed Cellini Time is the most affordable model to buy if you’re looking to save cost. This watch was sold for about $15,200 when it was still in active production while the Cellini Date retailed at $17,900. The dual time and moonphase variants of this watch were sold for $19,700 and $26,750, respectively. Due to the lower mainstream demand for the Cellini, many models of this watch can be bought at a relatively low price in the secondary market.
You’ve probably come across Rolex watches with a price tag worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. These watches are typically sold at auctions and sell way above the retail price or even the typical secondary market price of other similar watches within their collection. Such watches have moved beyond being a simple luxury watch. A super expensive timepiece is either a piece of high-end jewelry or an extremely rare one-of-a kind watch. Here’s a look at some of the factors that push certain watch models into this ultra-high-end category.
Rolex maintains a tight control over all of its models by producing a very limited number yearly. However, some references are even harder to find. Certain timepieces are produced as limited edition models. The watchmaker may create an extremely small number of a particular piece to commemorate a special occasion. In other cases, an entire reference might have a short production run due to market factors or any other reason. Models like this end up being hard to find in the secondary market, raising their markup significantly.
Watches with unique features are also more likely to fetch a high price in the market, especially when only a small number of this watch was produced in the first place. These are one-of-a-kind pieces that end up going for an extremely high price if they ever end up on the auction table.
A good example of this is the Paul Newman Daytona Oyster Sotto Ref. 6263. This Daytona model is different from the one owned by Paul Newman. Yet, this watch fetched a massive $1.66 million price when it was put up for auction in 2016.
The most unique attribute about this timepiece is that its dial differs from that of other Daytona models with an exotic dial. For this timepiece, the inscription “Oyster” is placed under the “Rolex” and “Cosmograph” inscriptions instead of in the middle, as is usually the case. Rolex produced less than 20 examples with this specific design, and the one sold in 2016 is the only one that has turned up at auction in recent years.
Timepieces, especially those produced by a brand as iconic as Rolex, rarely get cheaper with age. But some watches might get even more expensive than your typical vintage model due to their unique history.
The provenance of a timepiece can transform it from an ordinary luxury piece to a priceless artifact desired by everyone. In fact, some of the most expensive Rolex watches ever sold at auction are not sophisticated technical marvels or gem-encrusted pieces; they are typically simple watches made famous by their past connection to a famous figure.
For instance, the most expensive Rolex ever sold, and one of the priciest watches in the world, is the Paul Newman Daytona, which dates all the way back to 1968. This unique piece which was owned by Paul Newman, was a gift from his wife. He then passed it on to James Cox, who was his daughter’s college boyfriend at the time. Over time, the watch was thought to have disappeared as there was no trace of it for a long time until it was later discovered on Cox’s wrist.
When this unique timepiece was put up for sale at an Auction in 2017, the starting bid was one million dollars. The watch triggered a bidding war that lasted up to 12 minutes and at the end of the day, it sold for $17.8 million. This watch wasn’t made with any special materials. It didn’t have any rare features and wasn’t a limited edition model. But its association with Paul Newman was enough to make it attractive for collectors. There are several other models with unique histories like this on the list of the most expensive Rolex watches.
The addition of diamonds and other rare gemstones to a watch is one of the factors that raises its price tag instantly. Even without an auction, timepieces with unique gem-settings already have a high retail price compared to similar models without the precious stones.
A lot of work goes into creating watches like this. Rolex employs master gem-setters who meticulously select and hand-place every diamond, sapphire, or ruby. A watch with a diamond-paved dial or bezel, or even a full diamond pavé case and bracelet, typically costs tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in the retail or secondary market. For instance, the Everose Gold Rainbow Daytona ref. 116595RBOW has its bezel beautifully decorated with colorful sapphires. Some examples of this watch are quoted at over $800,000 in the secondary market.
Although Rolex watches don’t come cheap, everyone loves the idea of getting a good deal on their purchase. Whether you want an entry level Rolex or you have a big budget to splash on a high-end piece, knowing and following certain tips can help you find a good deal. The following are some practical tips for navigating the Rolex market
With thousands of references across more than 15 collections, it’s safe to say that there’s a Rolex for everyone. Before wading into the endless sea of choices, a simple approach that could be helpful is to define your budget and intent right from the onset. This will help you narrow down your options and simplify your search.
You should also define your reasons for buying a watch from the outset. While some watches are designed for daily wear, others are more suitable for special occasions or as heirloom pieces. You may also have a specific utility in mind, such as tracking travel time or measuring elapsed time. Shopping with an intent and setting a limit is a clever way to find the most suitable timepiece within your budget.
In a market where demand frequently exceeds supply, simply sticking to the retail market is tricky. You might want to consider other options like buying an authenticated pre-owned piece, especially if you don't want to wait around for years on a waitlist.
Even the retail market has some unique peculiarities you should be aware of. Authorized dealers don’t just sell to random strangers neither do they follow a trick first-come-first-serve arrangement (especially for rare pieces). You’ll have to prove to them that you’re a serious buyer and this might take a while.
Shopping in the pre-owned market helps you bypass the long waiting lists and lobbying. You’re also more likely to get the exact model you want immediately, whether it's a current-production model or a discontinued one. You do have to pay more for most models if you’re buying a pre-owned piece. You also have to make sure that you’re buying from an established and reputable dealer that can provide a guarantee of authenticity.
The last thing you want when you’re shopping for luxury watches is to let your emotions drive you. This makes it more likely to overpay for a watch simply because of the hype around it. Before buying a timepiece, take a moment to do your research and determine if it's really worth the cost.
Experts suggest that you never buy a Rolex watch based on hype. While practically all Rolex watches are of excellent quality, secondary market prices can sometimes be unreasonable. Determine if the watch really serves your purpose before you make a final decision. With some research, you may even find a lesser-known and less expensive timepiece that has the same features as the timepiece you desire.
For a seamless buying experience and to find the right timepiece for you, it is generally recommended that you work with experts. Bezel’s concierge team offers buyers personalized watch sourcing services that help you find a specific timepiece from our network of sellers. We also provide expert guidance to help you find the right Rolex for you.
All watches listed on the Bezel app or sourced directly from buyers have passed through a comprehensive in-house authentication process for your peace of mind. Getting a great deal on your Rolex watch purchase requires a combination of knowledge and strategy. You’ll get that on your side when you work with Bezel.
Practically all collectors have a Rolex on their wishlist. A timepiece from this watchmaker is considered the quintessential luxury watch and a perfect embodiment of horological heritage. These watches hold their value really well, fetching a good resale price in the pre-owned or vintage market. Despite being the true definition of what a luxury watch should look and feel like, Rolex watches aren’t overpriced. In fact, there are several brand new models below the $10,000 dollar mark.
Collections like the Rolex Datejust, Oyster Perpetual, and Explorer have several affordable, but iconic references. Lesser-known models like the Cellini or Air King also provide the perfect entry point to the world of luxury watch collection. And if you have a bigger budget to splash, you can go for any of the higher end models, either from retailers or reliable third-party market places like Bezel.
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