Rolex is, without a doubt, one of the most prestigious watch brands in the world. From Warren Buffet’s 18k yellow gold Rolex Day-Date, aka the ‘President Watch, to Barack Obama’s Rolex Cellini reference 50509, even the most legendary men in the world swear by Rolex watches, so what is stopping you? In this guide, we will take you through the history of Rolex watches, different price ranges, the ideal Rolex models, and where to find the perfect Rolex watch for your collection.
About Rolex & Its History
Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf in England, this iconic Swiss watch manufacturer is now headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and is one of the most recognized watchmakers in the world. Today, Rolex watches are sold across more than 100 countries, and the brand alone produces approximately a million pieces annually.
Besides inventing its iconic watch models, Rolex is credited with numerous innovations, including the waterproof Rolex Oyster case and self-winding perpetual movement. Furthermore, Rolex is also behind in introducing the world’s first dive watch ( The Submariner).
Currently, Rolex is one of the leading vertically integrated watch manufacturers in the world. It is the only company that creates the iconic stainless steel and 18k gold alloys it uses to construct all its watches.
Why Should You Buy A Rolex Watch?
Rolex’s Style Is Timeless
The number one reason Rolex is so famous is that it does not go in and out of fashion. Famous Rolex models like the Day-Date, Oyster, Datejust, and Submariner have been the same for decades. The idea behind this is to serve the people with quality products without overemphasizing them.
Demand Exceeds Supply
Surprisingly, the demand for Rolex watches remained within the supply, and the company purposely stuck to this methodology. Even under high-demand cycles, Rolex produces only 800,000 to 1 million watches annually, available only through a network of authorized dealers.
Only the Best Of The Best Materials Are Used
Only the Best Of The Rolex uses only premium-quality materials. It has the best platinum, refined in its in-house foundry. The gold is always 18k, and the pink gold is a proprietary alloy called Everose. Even the stainless steel, also called Oyster Steel, is proprietary and is resistant to corrosion. Best Materials Are Used
Rolex Invented The Oyster
Inspired by the design of submarine hatches, Rolex created the world’s first waterproof watch, ” The Oyster.” A system of screwing down the bezel and case back against the middle case, ultimately protecting the caliber.
A Rolex Holds Its Value
Rolex is the best wristwatch brand to invest in if you want your timepiece to retain its value over time, especially if it’s a limited edition, a discontinued model, or something otherwise difficult to get.
How To Buy A Rolex Watch?
Rolex is unlikely to sell its products online, so the best way to buy one is to visit the brand’s website and find the nearest authorized Rolex retailer. However, this simple process also comes with some challenges.
Pricing
When buying a Rolex watch at the retail level, you will be paying between $5000 and $50,000 ( the price range for most Rolex watches). These numbers might seem significantly high but are far more nominal than other brands, whose basic models start at a relatively hefty price tag. Additionally, Rolex retailers are not allowed to jack up the prices, so the prices you see online are the actual sum of money you will pay.
Availability
Given the popularity of Rolex watches, it is hard to get hold of any of the models without doing some waiting. The demand and supply network of Rolex watches is beyond wretched, which means the demand far exceeds the supply on a global level, and the most popular models are always almost sold out. Even if the model is available at your nearby retailer, you must spend considerable time on the infamous waiting list.
The Waitlist
If you are eyeing one of the brand’s famous watch models, we guess you are familiar with the waiting list. These models are perpetually sold out at dealers, and you might never receive a watch model before it gets discontinued.
Price Range For Rolex Watches
The average price for a Rolex watch can be as low as $6000 and go up to $75,000 USD and beyond. If you want to buy a new model without the hefty price tag, you can opt for the Datejust collection. For a more expensive watch, the GMT Master II might be the right choice.
If brand-new watches seem too expensive, you can also explore the pre-owned market. But remember that Rolex tends to appreciate its values, and chances are a pre-owned watch can be far more expensive than a brand-new one.
What Are The Most Popular Rolex Collections?
While Rolex has discontinued some of its models over the years, other collections are going as strong as ever and show no signs of slowing down. So, which model will you choose?
The Submariner Collection – Average Price USD 29,700
The Submariner is one of the most popular collections among collectors. The line offers virtually endless design possibilities, and as these watches become more popular, their value only seems to increase.
Key Features
- Available in a variety of colors and designs
- Some of the models come with a rotating bezel and Cerachrom insert
- The watch line was initially designed for divers until it became popular among the general public.
The Daytona Collection- Average Price USD 45,000
The Daytona watch was introduced in 1963 as a tribute to the renowned Daytona Beach in Florida and the world of racing, as Rolex was named the official timepiece of the sport. Since its launch in 1963, it has become a famous watch line for people outside the sport.
Key Features
- The only Chronograph Collection From Rolex
- It was explicitly intended for motorsports
- Collectors go up 2+ years of waiting in line to acquire this specific watch line.
The DateJust Collection – Average Price USD 15,920
The timeless design of the DateJust Collection has received many accolades from collectors across the globe. A beautiful blend of modern and traditional styles, this watch line is also known for its versatile nature.
Key Features
- DateJust offers a variety of case sizes
- Rolex’s first automatic watch with a date
- The very first Datejust model was made using solid gold
Investing In A Rolex
Most people invest in a Rolex watch despite the hefty price tag because of the high-quality materials and designs that last. However, doing your research before deciding on a specific reference or style is still important. Here are a few things that you should consider:
Your Lifestyle
As someone trading this water for the first time, you must think thoroughly before making such a significant investment. Consider whether you will wear it every day, the durability of the watch, and if such luxury aligns with your lifestyle.
Your Budget
Some Rolex watches carry a price tag equal to a home mortgage, so take your time deciding. Plan it before you visit the nearby retailer, no matter how tempting it might be.
Consult The Experts At Jewelevina
If you are a new or seasoned collector, you can benefit from the expertise and guidance our Jewelevina experts offer. At Jewelevina, we can guide you in purchasing and financing options, as well as appraising and selling watches you already own. Our experts can assist you in selecting the right Rolex for your budget and purpose and collecting goals.