In 2023, Rolex discontinued several popular models, most notably various Cosmograph Daytona references (like the "John Mayer" green dial, white gold blue dial, and all meteorite dial versions) as part of a major update, the unique Milgauss (Ref. 116400GV), and the entire Cellini collection, including the Cellini Moonphase (Ref. 50535), with the new Perpetual 1908 taking its place.
The "poor man's Rolex" is overwhelmingly considered to be Tudor, a sister brand founded by Rolex's creator, Hans Wilsdorf, to offer similar quality and aesthetics at a lower price point, using less expensive movements and third-party components while retaining Rolex's iconic Oyster cases and crowns. While Tudor has developed its own distinct identity with in-house movements and unique designs (like the popular Black Bay), the nickname persists due to its shared heritage and design language, making it a more accessible entry point to a Rolex-like experience.
Rolex Celebration Dials are Discontinued for 2025
Specifically, the Oyster Perpetual 41 ref. 124300-0008, Oyster Perpetual 36 ref. 126000-0009, and Oyster Perpetual 31 ref. 277200-0010.
Average Rolex prices jumped by 7 percent in the U.S. and 5.2 percent in the U.K. at the beginning of 2026. The Crown typically raises prices at the start of the year and occasionally during the middle of the year, depending on fluctuations in currency exchange rates and material costs.
Here's a ranked list of the 23 hardest-to-get Rolex watches in 2025.
1. Rolex Submariner
Overview of Waiting Times for a Rolex *
Yes, it's widely reported and generally accepted that Rolex donates a significant portion, often cited as around 90%, of its profits to charity, stemming from founder Hans Wilsdorf's vision, as the entire company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a charitable trust that pays no taxes. While Rolex S.A. is a for-profit entity, its earnings flow to the foundation, which supports various causes like education, health, and culture, making its philanthropic impact substantial.
Japan is often cited as the cheapest country to buy a Rolex due to favorable exchange rates (especially with a weaker yen), efficient tax-free shopping for tourists, and a strong pre-owned market, though you'll need to check the specific model and current rates; Eastern European countries like Poland and Hungary, plus Hong Kong, also offer great value through VAT refunds and lower base prices, with Italy (Milan) and Singapore being other solid contenders for luxury watch deals.
Prices for the Oysterdate ref. 6694 range from $2,500 to 4,000, making it one of the most affordable Rolexes on this list.
Join us as we explore the most affordable Rolex watches to consider for your collection in 2025.
Make a Smart Investment in Rolex Watches Today!
Models like the Submariner, Daytona, GMT Master II, Oyster Perpetual, and Datejust remain among the strongest choices for both collectors and investors. At Diamond Banc, we make it easy to evaluate and maximize the resale value of your Rolex or other fine jewelry.
The combination of high demand and limited supply makes Rolexes very difficult to get. Rolex watches are often sold for above the retail price, and it is possible that you may have to wait months or even years to get one.
Montres Tudor SA, or simply Tudor, is a Swiss watchmaker based in Geneva, Switzerland. Registered in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, the brand remains a sister company to Rolex; both companies are owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation.
It depends on many factors, including the specific model, its condition, market trends, and how long the owner keeps it. While there's usually an initial drop in value when a Rolex becomes preowned, these watches generally hold their value well over time.
With proper care, a Rolex can easily last a lifetime — and beyond — maintaining its accuracy, beauty, and value over decades.
Yes, you can find authentic, vintage Rolex models, like certain Air-Kings (Ref. 5500) or older Oysterdate (Ref. 1500) models, under $5,000, but new Rolex watches, even entry-level Oyster Perpetuals, typically start above this price point, making pre-owned or vintage options the only way to stay under budget.
Oyster Perpetual Lineup: The Purest Entry-Level Rolex. The Oyster Perpetual embodies everything in Rolex's design, with roots going back to the original waterproof Oyster case from 1926. This watch stands as Rolex's most available model and shows off the brand's core design without extra complications.
Rolexes, despite their luxury status, fail to meet these criteria as they are deemed suitable for general use, thus disqualifying them from being deductible. In Barry D. Pevsner v Commr., 628 F. 2d 467 (CA5), a saleswoman who worked at Yves St.
To guarantee continued accuracy and waterproofness, Rolex recommends that you periodically return your watch to an Official Rolex Jeweler or Service Centre for professional servicing. It is recommended to service your Rolex approximately every 10 years depending on the model and real-life usage.
It also helps keep some part of the family name within the business giving that extra touch of warmth and trust you have in a family run business. While the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation is the principal shareholder of Rolex, the actual operational ownership of the company is vested in several private entities.
Yes, you can walk into an Official Rolex Retailer (AD), but buying popular models immediately is rare due to high demand and limited supply, often requiring patience, a relationship with the dealer, or a long waitlist; you might walk out with a less popular model, a pre-owned certified watch, or just a conversation and a place on a list for your desired watch.
Pepsi and steel Daytonas are up there as the very hardest. The bluesy helps your case, but you're probably still only like 1/5 of the way there for the minimum spend history to actually be considered for a pepsi. Even that may not be enough depending on your market.