The most affordable Rolex watches are models in the Oyster Perpetual range, which is the brands entry-level model. The original Oyster was first released in 1926 and was the first mass produced water-resistant (100m) and dustproof watch with a 904L stainless steel case.
The Oyster Perpetual is Rolex's official entry-level watch, pairing two of the company's most important design features: a water-resistant “Oyster” case and automatic “Perpetual” movement.
The cheapest Rolex for women is the Oyster Perpetual Reference 276200 that costs $5,300 MSRP. For the men is the Oyster Perpetual Reference 126000 at $5,800 MSRP.
The starting price for a Rolex is around $4,000 for the brand's most popular and simplest offering, an Oyster Perpetual. The average price of a Rolex across all models is $20,000 with the most expensive watches reaching between $30,000 and $40,000.
What is the best and cheapest Rolex you can get? Any Air-King, Datejust, or Explorer on our list are fantastic choices if you're looking for a cheap Rolex watch. Still, a popular opinion among many Rolex enthusiasts is that the Air-King is the best affordable Rolex.
Rolex does not sell any of its watches online, so when it comes to buying a new Rolex, the process is as simple as going onto the brand's website and looking up the location of your nearest authorized Rolex retailer.
If you're getting your first Rolex, you can't go wrong with a classic sports watch. In this case, a Submariner, Datejust, Daytona, GMT Master, or even a Sea-Dweller. Some Rolex collections like the GMT Master, Submariner, and Datejust are classics.
Buying a Rolex means investing in a watch that will last for years. Ultimately, it's the craftsmanship and quality that allow Rolex to price its pieces higher than other watch brands. Of course, it's important to vet your dealer before handing over such a significant amount of money.
So, the Rolex Daytona waitlist 2023 is likely to be at least 5 years if you're able to buy a Rolex Daytona. We've seen Covid pass through, World Cups end and start, markets rise and fall almost simultaneously and all within the time it takes to get your hands on a Rolex Daytona. It rests within good reason.
You might not get invited directly, but when they recognize the passion you have for watches – you will for sure be invited. In case you do decide to buy a pre-owned Rolex, be sure to check out our blog about how to buy a pre-owned Rolex.
Discontinued Cellini
Not much of a surprise here, but Rolex has bid farewell to the Cellini collection in 2023. The last remaining model of the Cellini collection was the Moonpase ref. 50535, which has now been discontinued in 2023.
You're not the only one. Unfortunately, the difficulty of getting your hands on a Rolex is an ongoing mystery and subject of much discussion among collectors. Buying your Rolex of choice is difficult, regardless of whether you're buying one new at retail or pre-owned – and this is a worldwide phenomenon.
From our own observations and data, most Rolex buyers are between 35 and 55 years old.
Rolex is undoubtedly a luxury brand, with a reputation for quality, exclusivity, and prestige. Founded in 1905 in Switzerland, Rolex has become one of the most recognizable watch brands in the world, known for its precision engineering, durable materials, and timeless designs.
To begin with, you can expect at least a two-year wait for a brand-new Rolex purchase. In many cases, it is three years until orders are fulfilled, and four and even five-year waits are not unheard of.
For example, some vintage pieces, such as the Daytona “Paul Newman,” go for incredibly high prices because of their increasing market value. Rolex watches are considered valuable by the horological community. Their coveted status results in higher prices and makes them difficult for collectors to find.
Rolex has built such a strong brand and reputation in the market that it's rare for a Rolex to drastically decrease in value over time. If your Rolex is kept in great condition over the course of time it's on your wrist, it will most likely maintain its value fairly well and sometimes noticeably increase in value.
A key advantage of purchasing a used Rolex watch is the timeless value and appreciation these timepieces hold. Rolex watches, known for their exquisite craftsmanship, premium materials, and iconic designs, often retain or appreciate value, making them a smart investment.
Most Rolex watches would last a lifetime and can even be passed down generations if they have been cared for properly. A Rolex can function for 15 years or more if they have not been serviced and is in good condition. Rolex recommends ten years between services; however, you could service them every five years.
RESALE VALUE: Patek Philippe's watches are known to either hold their value or even appreciate over time. Patek Philippe has one of the highest resell values among its competitors with the exception of Rolex. So there is much truth to their campaign slogan, it's an accurate description of their products.
The most commonly sought-after Rolex watches include Rolex Daytona, GMT-Master(II), Submariner, and Sea-Dweller. The Yacht-Master is also a very popular sports watch, but not like the Submariner.
Most men interested in a Rolex will fall between the 36 mm and 41 mm case size. If you have really small or slim wrists, a 34 mm size may be right for you. Again, if you have a big wrist, 41 is the max I would suggest you go with.
Rolex watches are a unique way to invest and are an investment you can enjoy while the value increases. However, not all Rolex watches will sell for significantly more over time. If making money in the future is part of your plan when buying a Rolex, you'll want to be choosy with what you buy.