How much does a Rolex cost?

Most collectors and watch lovers would probably agree with the following: Every good collection should have one or two Rolex watches. But the prices set for Rolex luxury watches can leave you speechless. Rolex watches are certainly not for those on a tight budget, but there are certainly Rolex models that are cheaper than other watches from the brand. This article is all about Rolex prices and how much you have to spend on which classic and newer Rolex models.

list price

First, let's clarify a few terms and start with the so-called list price. The list price is the price that is set in the price list of the manufacturer of a watch for the respective model. So if you buy a Rolex directly from the renowned company's factory, you pay the list price.

market price

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to get hold of popular Rolex models at the list price. This is because demand sometimes exceeds the supply of watches made in the watch factory by a large margin. The result is long waiting lists and bitter disappointments when the desired Rolex model is not available and therefore cannot be purchased at the list price. This is where the market price comes into play. This is the price that is charged for the watches on the open market. In many cases - especially with Rolex - this is far above the list price. So if you do not have the option of buying a Rolex watch directly from the manufacturer, you often have to pay a higher price for the sought-after models. However, there are exceptions: Some Rolex watches can be obtained in used condition at slightly cheaper prices. We will look at this in more detail later in this article.

How much do the inexpensive Rolexes cost?

Rolex watches are symbols of the highest watchmaking art and therefore not bargains. Nevertheless, there are models that are cheaper than the average men's and women's watches from the watch brand. Anyone who chooses one of these three models will get a Rolex dream watch at a comparatively low price:

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a watch that made history. The timepiece was released in 1926 and was advertised as the world's first 100% dust and waterproof watch. To put words into action, the Rolex Oyster accompanied British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze on her crossing of the English Channel in 1927. The Oyster watch withstood the cold water and strong waves and thus rightly earned itself the reputation of an icon whose reliability on land and in the water can withstand any challenge. It is therefore no wonder that Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are still high on the popularity scale today. What is surprising, however, is that watches from the Oyster collection are quite affordable. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches for men and women start at a mere €4,750.

Rolex Datejust 41

When it comes to the more affordable Rolex watches, the Rolex Datejust cannot be missed. The watch, which is also available as a ladies' watch under the name Lady Datejust, was reissued in 2017. With a diameter of 41 mm, the "new" Rolex Datejust models are equipped with the characteristic date display and are definitely among the Rolex watches that perfectly round off any type of outfit. The Rolex Datejust 41 made of stainless steel with an Oyster bracelet can be purchased at an astonishingly affordable list price of €7,150.

Rolex Submariner 41

Another classic with a reasonable price is the Rolex Submariner 41. The Rolex watch with a diameter of 41 mm was once the first diving watch that could withstand water to depths of 100 m, and accordingly went down in history - similar to the Oyster Perpetual. The Rolex Submariner model from 2020, which does not have a date display, costs €7,550 in the stainless steel version according to the list price.

How much do the most famous Rolexes cost?

From the most affordable Rolex watches, we now come directly to the prices for the most popular Rolex models.

Rolex Submariner

The attentive reader will notice that the Rolex Submariner has already been mentioned. Nevertheless, the cult model definitely needs to be mentioned again, because it is undoubtedly one of the most famous Rolex watches of all time. As already mentioned, prices for the Rolex Submariner models start at around €7,550 - at least if you can buy a model from the manufacturer's website. On the independent market, the Rolex Submariner timepieces are often traded for twice the price. So, regardless of the exact reference, you have to expect a price increase compared to the list price.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

This is not the first time that the Oyster Perpetual has been mentioned in this article. The great Rolex watch, which was introduced by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, can be found in almost every large watch collection and is available in simple models starting at €7,150. In recent years, special vintage Oyster references have been sold for record prices of over one million US dollars.

Rolex GMT-Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master II has always been known as the perfect watch for globetrotters and frequent travelers. A GMT-Master II traditionally displays two time zones and draws everyone's attention with its two-tone bezel. With names like "Coke," "Pepsi," and "Sprite," Rolex's GMT-Master watches stand for prestige and good taste in every respect. The status symbols vary greatly in price. A stainless steel "Pepsi" is relatively inexpensive at a list price of €8,800, but is more likely to change hands on the open market for €15,000 and up.

Rolex Daytona

Every die-hard collector knows that anyone who wants to get a Rolex Daytona at the list price via the website will only be successful in the rarest of cases and with a lot of luck. The Daytona timepieces, whose most famous wearer was the racing driver Paul Newman, are hard to beat in terms of exclusivity and desirability. Anyone who owns a Rolex Daytona can rely on the highest value stability and is sure to attract many envious glances. Rolex only gives the exact price of the watch according to the list for the higher-quality models on request. However, it is known that you have to pay between €70,000 and €90,000 for a Rolex Daytona made of platinum. The Rolex stainless steel Daytona with white gold indices is much cheaper and costs around €11,950.

Rolex Milgauss

The most famous Rolex watches include the Milgauss models, where the name says it all. The watch is known all over the world for its reliability and resistance to magnetic interference. A stainless steel Milgauss is offered at a list price of €7,600, but market prices for this Rolex watch are usually higher.

How much do the most expensive Rolexes cost?

Rolex Daytona, GMT-Master II, Sky Dweller, Rolex Day Date, Submariner, No Date, Yacht Master II or perhaps a Rolex Sea Dweller: Which Rolex watch models will fetch the highest price? The answer: It is the original Paul Newman Daytona. This special Rolex Daytona, which was worn by racing driver Paul Newman himself, was auctioned in 2017 for an incredible 17.8 million US dollars. A price that is unparalleled. Less horrendous in price, but still incredibly expensive, are Rolex watches of the "Iced-Out-Timepieces" type. These are models that are set entirely in diamonds and whose list price is accordingly high. For example, there is the Rolex Rainbow Daytona for almost €290,000, the Day Date 40 Ice for €430,000 or the legendary Rolex GMT-Master II Ice, which costs an impressive €485,000. Depending on the model, there is hardly any upper limit to the price of a Rolex watch.

How much does a used Rolex cost?

The price of a used Rolex watch is determined by its condition, among other things. Used Rolex vintage models that show clear signs of wear can sometimes be bought for a relatively low price. If, on the other hand, the vintage watches are in excellent condition, they can fetch a hefty price despite being labeled "used". For example, many Rolex Daytona or GMT-Master II models from Rolex are resold for well above the list price, even in good used condition. If you want to own a classic Rolex, you must therefore be prepared to pay a certain price - even for used vintage watches with the Rolex logo.

Can you buy a Rolex on installments?

When you look at the prices of Rolex watches, it is understandable that some watch collectors ask themselves whether it is possible to buy a Rolex model on installments. Basically, buying a watch on installments - whether it is a No Date, Day Date 40, GMT-Master or Yacht Master II - is an attractive option that is now offered by numerous dealers and shops. However, it always depends on the individual financial circumstances to what extent buying a watch on installments is advisable.

How much does a Rolex service cost?

If you are the proud owner of a Rolex watch, you will naturally want to look after it properly, which may include regular professional servicing. The price for servicing a Rolex watch varies from model to model and from provider to provider. The price also depends, of course, on how time-consuming and complex the maintenance of the Rolex is in detail. It is therefore not possible to say much about how much it costs to have a classic Rolex serviced. However, you should roughly expect costs of at least €500.

Conclusion - Costs depend heavily on the respective model

Some Rolex watches - for example an exclusive Rolex GMT-Master or Daytona reference - are incredibly expensive, which makes other Rolex timepieces seem almost cheap, even though they still cost several thousand euros. The fact is: The price of a Rolex depends heavily on the model and condition of the watch. Market prices are often far higher than Rolex's list prices. In conclusion, a Rolex watch is an investment and symbolizes prestige and the highest level of watchmaking. It is therefore absolutely justified that Rolex models are generally not offered at bargain prices.