Do Rolex Watches Hold Their Value?

Most Rolex models appreciate in value over time due to their exceptional craftsmanship, premium materials, and iconic design. Many vintage Rolex watches are worth significantly more than their original price. However, new Rolex watches typically depreciate once purchased, similar to new cars.

If you’re considering a second-hand Rolex, browse our current stock for a stronger investment. You can also contact us if you’re looking to sell.

What Affects the Value of a Rolex Watch?

Rolex watches tend to hold their value, though predicting future trends is challenging. Key factors influencing your investment’s value and potential appreciation include:

• Metals: Stainless steel Rolex watches can appreciate, but platinum, yellow/white gold, and rose gold are typically more valuable. Rare silver Rolex watches and bezels/bracelets made of titanium or ceramic also impact value.
• Stones: Precious stones, especially diamonds on the dial, hands, or bezel, significantly influence value. The stone cut and grade are also important to the overall value of the watch.
• Model: Rolex sports watches, like the Rolex Submariner and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, command high prices, while dress watches like the Day Date remain popular. Trends play a big role here!
• Condition: Scratches, dents, or damage can lower value, especially if they compromise water resistance or mechanism performance.
• Age: Rolex has been a notable brand for over 100 years, and so vintage models in good condition, such as the Air King and Explorer from the 1950s, can fetch premium prices.
• Notability or interest: A watch with a good story, a famous previous owner, or another interesting tidbit will often be worth more to collectors. Rolex Daytonas, for example, are only popular because of Paul Newman, as they were considered a lesser watch before his influence.
• Documentation: Original papers, including guarantees and service manuals, add substantial value. Always retain the paperwork for new purchases.
• Box: The original presentation box, in the classic green Rolex colour, is a big deal for collectors. Genuine boxes are valuable, and counterfeit boxes exist (identified by the colour tones and printed markings), so collectors prioritise authenticity.

People want to buy a Rolex watch ‘as new’ if it is second-hand, so a complete watch of any type will appreciate more than a loose model. However, the worth of your investment and how likely it is to go up in value is a combination of all the factors mentioned above.

What Rolex Watch Models Are Most Valuable?

Any Rolex watch will be sellable, but the ones that are most likely to appreciate include:

Rolex GMT Master

The GMT Master and GMT Master II are popular pilot’s watches. Some models feature gold, an uncommon choice for sports watches. Collectable GMT Master II versions are known for distinct colour schemes, with sought-after options like the blue and black ‘Batman’.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

This racing watch has exploded in popularity and is one of the most sought-after. If you have a chance to acquire a second-hand Daytona you should seriously consider it as an investment. While white and yellow gold versions exist, even stainless steel models fetch high prices.

Rolex Submariner

The Submariner, a design classic, appreciates in value due to its high-performance water resistance, especially in yellow or white gold. Its counterpart, the Sea-Dweller, is also a highly valuable Rolex watch model.

Rolex Air Kings

The Air King, an affordable all-stainless steel Rolex watch, was designed for British Airforce pilots after WWII. The Air King is a historical model and a great investment if you want to avoid overspending.

The key to investing in anything is patience. Much like the price of gold or other commodities, the Rolex watch market has a very steady and stable price.