The Most Underrated Rolex Watches for First-Time Buyers (2024)

FAQs

Which Rolex is most desirable? ›

Sports watches have the best value increase

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.

In conclusion, the Oyster Perpetual is the cheapest Rolex model, but it still holds its value and appreciation over time due to its reputation for quality, timeless design, and respect within the watch community.

Of all these top models, which Rolex holds its value the best? Many experts agree that the Submariner 16610 takes top marks in this category. And, despite the fact that gold prices often increase, the steel Submariner seems to be the most popular simply because of its timeless appearance and its durable reliability.

Non-professional watches

This includes the Daytona, GMT-Master, Yacht-Master, Submariner, Deepsea, Sea-Dweller, Milgauss, and Air-King. With that said, all non-professional models are much easier to buy as the demand for them is lower, and the supply tends to be greater.

What's the cheapest Rolex? Prices can vary, but generally speaking the cheapest Rolex watch is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which has a starting price of around $5,000 if you're buying new, but can sometimes be found for cheaper if you don't mind buying a used model on the pre-owned market.

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.

“Basic” Rolex timepieces often feature a time-only movement, such as the Rolex Explorer, Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, and variations of the co*cktail and Cellini. The Oyster Perpetual is probably one of the market's most popular and recognizable Rolex cheapest watches.

In 2021, a rare Patek Philippe Nautilus with Tiffany Blue Dial Sold For A Record-Breaking $6.5 Million, showing the immense value placed on this model. According to renowned watch expert, Robert-Jan Broer, “The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a true icon and has become one of the most sought-after watches in the world.

The short answer is yes. Rolex watches have become a popular investment option for collectors and investors as they see their value increasing significantly over time. Here's why: First, Rolex is a highly respected brand with a long history of producing quality timepieces.

The short answer is yes, a Rolex is often worth that initial investment. Whether your watch will increase in value after purchase depends on the model you chose and the market, but most Rolex watches maintain a high resale value compared to other brands.

Which Rolex has the best value retention? ›

The Rolex Daytona has been worn by the greats, namely Steve Mcqueen and Paul Newman. Notably, Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona sold for a tidy $17.8m at auction. While you'd be hallucinating to think all Rolex Daytonas will sell for this, it is indicative that a Daytona still carries value.

Patek Philippe arguably owns the top-tier of high-horology. Once, the most expensive watch ever sold was a Patek Philippe with many complications and sold for over 11 million dollars, second only to a Rolex that was worn by Paul Newman.

Rolex's alternatives and competitors. See how Rolex compares to similar products. Rolex's top competitors include Breitling, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Chopard. Breitling specializes in the development and manufacturing of watches.

Prices for luxury Swiss watches are near the lowest in almost two years on the secondary market as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet models continue falling from the record highs reached in early 2022.

One of the major advantages of investing in Rolex watches is that they tend to appreciate over time. This means that they could bring significant returns on your initial investment should you choose to sell them down the line.

The most affordable Rolex range is the Oyster Perpetual family. This family dates all the way back to 1926 when Rolex paid its ground-breaking water-resistant case (the Oyster) with its automatic (perpetual) movement. The collection has been a mainstay in the Rolex catalog ever since.

As with any luxury watch brand, some Rolexes hold their value better than others. Some of the best models to invest in include Daytona, Day-Date with the President bracelet, Milgauss and Submariner. These are some of the most popular watches in the world and they tend to hold and increase in value incredibly well.