Why are Rolex watches so expensive and hard to find? (2024)

FAQs

Why are Rolex watches so expensive and hard to find? ›

Rolex watches are handmade and go through a series of tests to ensure each piece lives up to the company's stringent quality and performance standards. Creating each piece takes time and effort, which results in a manufacturing process that does not produce enough watches to keep up with demand.

Clearly, divergent supply and demand is what's driving the scarcity of Rolexes available for purchase. Demand is astronomically high, and even a supply of one million new watches per year can't meet it. It comes down to a numbers game, and there's no sign that this will be changing any time soon.

In case you weren't aware, the most sought-after Rolex models (steel sport watches) have been increasingly scarce for years. It's a situation that was exacerbated by production interruptions in 2020, but which started well before.

To buy a Rolex Daytona, the waitlist is often suggested to be 5 or 10 years long. The harsh reality is that unless you have a large spending history with your Authorised Rolex dealer you're unlikely to ever be offered a Rolex Daytona.

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.

In addition, there was difficulty obtaining many of the luxury metals and gems that go into Rolexes. A combination of logistical issues and high demand for metals has meant that a Rolex purchase comes with a hefty waiting list.

Are Rolex watches a Good Investment? 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.

Discontinued Rolex Models in 2023 - Rolex Datejust 41 with a Meteorite Dial. Rolex announced the discontinuation of the Datejust model with a mother-of-pearl dial. Interestingly, ONLY in the 41mm line. This fact has left watch enthusiasts curious about the reasons behind this decision and its implications on the market ...

How much is the cheapest Rolex? 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.

Which Rolex is easiest to get? ›

The Rolex Cellini has always been overshadowed by Rolex's other models, and it is a model that doesn't sell too well compared to the other models. Therefore, the Cellini watches are unarguably the easiest to buy from Rolex today.

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.

Back in the days, Tudor solely used off-the-shelf movements with Rolex parts. This gave the Tudor watches the label “poor man's Rolex”.

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.

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.

Compared to many other watch brands, Rolex watches tend to retain a lot of their value even after use. Nevertheless, the price of a used Rolex is significantly cheaper than buying brand new, which allows more people to afford a Rolex and buy a more extravagant watch rather than an entry-level model.

An official Rolex remains an incredible timepiece and will still appeal to buyers without the papers. As such, you can sell a Rolex without the guarantee card. While the absence of a guarantee card will likely reduce the watch's value, the impact might be more negligible than you think.

New and genuine Rolex watches are exclusively sold by official Rolex Jewelers.

Rolex Day Date Waitlist

Waitlists on the Rolex Day Date is long and one can expect to wait 6-36 months. Expect to have a strong relationship and excellent purchase history to receive this watch from an authorized dealer.

Does a Rolex give you status? ›

A Rolex watch is amongst the most universally recognised status symbols.

The brand uses precious materials. One thing you might not know about Rolex is that it is backed by an army of gemologists. These are professionals who specialize in testing and incorporating precious metals such as diamonds and gold into Rolex watches.

Rolex watches tend to hold their value well. In particular, their stainless-steel sports models are well known for not only holding their value well but also increasing in value exponentially.

So how long does a Rolex last? The answer is that if it is properly serviced when it needs it, it will last forever. If you do not do anything with your watch, but simply use it, your Rolex watch will most likely be in working order for ten years fifteen years, twenty years, or even longer.

Impact of Discontinuation on Collectors

This increased demand leads to an increase in price, as the supply of these models becomes scarce. For example, the Rolex Submariner "Hulk" was discontinued in 2020, leading to an increase in its price in the secondary market.

- Switzerland is an expensive country. - Scandinavian countries are expensive countries. - The INITIAL cost of a Rolex is SLIGHTLY Cheaper in Switzerland than in Scandinavia.

Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime 6300A-01 broke the world record for the most expensive watch with a hammer price of $31.2 million, bought by a private telephone bidder.

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.

Who is Rolex main competitor? ›

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.

In the vintage Rolex market, a well kept and rare Submariner or GMT reference is worth a tremendous amount compared to how much it was sold for at retail price. A worn in unserviced Datejust might not be as desired as a pristine vintage model from the same year in great condition.

Some Rolex wristwatches may stop running after it has been taken off for just a few hours, while others may slow down over time and then eventually stop. No matter what, your Rolex will require winding if it is not worn. Modern Rolex watches have a power reserve time between 48 and 72 hours.

People who wear a Rolex are usually keen on details. If at one time or another you have found yourself staring at a Rolex wearer and noticing there is something bold and brilliant about him or her, it is probably because they are quite unique in a handful of ways.

Rolex Submariner watches were the choice and standard issue for NAVY SEALs from their inception in 1962 up until 1983, when they switched over to Casio G-Shock watches. Navy SEAL's specialize more than anything in amphibious operations which include underwater demolition, as well as other aquatic operations.

Although the Paul Newman Daytona has several reference numbers, it's the 6241 that is the most prized by collectors, due to its rarity. 4) The Rolex Zerographe, Reference 3346 – Introduced by Rolex in 1937, it is estimated that only 12 Rolex Zerographes were ever made, and only four have ever surfaced.

1. Rolex. Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer based in Geneva, Switzerland. The company is well-known for its high-quality and precision timepieces, and its watches are considered some of the world's finest.

An average man needs at least three types of watches because not only does a watch tell time, but it is a valuable piece of accessories too. A man should have a dress, diving, and casual everyday watch. It is also good to have a tool watch for hobbyists, aside from the casual watch that is good for daily wear.

Why do people say Rolex watches are relatively inexpensive when they travel to Dubai if that is the case? It is because of the pre-owned market situation. Due to the low availability, these watches often go at a premium in the pre-owned market. And that is where you can see a price difference.

Can I buy a Rolex at the airport? ›

Rolex Sells for Higher Prices at the Airport

That is not to say that discounts cannot be found at all. On the contrary, it is only fair to point out that some airport dealers will sell Rolex watches at a better price than you might find in most other places.

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.

Switzerland: As the home of Rolex, Switzerland has traditionally been a great place to buy Rolex watches.

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.

Patek Philippe

They have since become one of the world's most respected watch brands, known for its impeccable craftsmanship, exclusivity, and elegant designs. Patek often costs more than Rolex on the retail level, but both companies are innovative and offer the highest quality available on the market.

The Rolex Cellini collection is a model from Rolex that has basically no waiting lists. This is definitely the easiest model you can find at a Rolex AD, and if they don't have the model you are looking for, they'll likely be more than happy to order it for you.

Are Rolex watches a Good Investment? 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.

One thing to always remember when it comes to discontinued Rolex watches is, they will almost certainly go up in value.

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.