Rolex GMT-Master II price development

When the word "Rolex" is mentioned in conversation, watch lovers immediately prick up their ears. The Rolex manufacturer, with headquarters in Geneva, has been part of the core of the big players on the watch market for decades and many insiders agree: Rolex watches belong in every good collection. In this article, we focus on the world-famous Rolex GMT-Master II and examine the price development of the timepiece in the past and future.

Rolex GMT-Master II - the "original"

The Rolex GMT-Master II is sometimes referred to as the "original" among the GMT models. Despite a rapidly growing market and a huge number of competing products, there is hardly a GMT timepiece that can hold a candle to Rolex watches of this type. This has mainly to do with the history of these special luxury watches: The Rolex GMT-Master II was the first GMT watch to feature a split and colored bezel.

Often compared to the Rolex Submariner diving watch and in many ways very similar to the Rolex Explorer II, the GMT-Master II undoubtedly stands on its own and is the ultimate dream watch for many a watch fan. The watch with sapphire glass and a detailed dial is now available in a number of different versions. For example, there are models with a case made of steel, white gold or Everose gold combined with an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet and a functional Oysterlock clasp - the choice is huge!

At this point we would like to briefly talk about the most popular GMT-Master references from Rolex. First and foremost are the "Pepsi" watches with a red and blue bezel (relaunched in 2018 under the reference 126710BLNR), closely followed by the "Coke" model with a red and black bezel. Also highly sought-after is the newer Rolex GMT-Master II "Batman" (Ref 116710LN) with an Oyster bracelet and a blue and black bezel.

Important information about the movement

Regardless of whether the exterior is made of stainless steel or pure gold: At the heart of the Rolex GMT-Master II is always a caliber 3285 with a 48-hour power reserve. The high-quality movement, which was specially designed for travelers, makes it possible to keep an eye on three time zones at the same time. The local time can be easily adjusted using the crown without having to stop the watch. An extremely practical complication that has long since convinced more than just frequent travelers of the Rolex model in question.

Rolex GMT-Master II price development

Of course, the development of GMT-Master II prices is of particular interest to collectors and investors. After all, the price development provides information about the financial opportunities offered by a resale and in which direction the market could develop in the future.

Current price

It goes without saying that it is almost impossible to give a general market price for the Rolex GMT-Master II models. The prices vary considerably from model to model, which applies not only to the list price, but also to the market price. While the list price for the Rolex models "Batgirl" and "Pepsi" made of stainless steel is just under €11,000, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master made of 18-carat Everose gold is offered at a list price of around €40,000. These are huge price differences that cannot be transferred 1:1 to the market price. Despite inflation, a significant increase in value can be seen in the market, which means that Rolex GMT-Master II watches sometimes change hands for many times the list price.

Currently, the Rolex "Batgirl" model with a delicate Jubilee-style bracelet is often available for around €25,000. The legendary " Pepsi " watch in a two-tone design is closer to €30,000. In comparison, the market price of the "Batman" watches tends to be somewhat lower, fluctuating between €20,000 and €23,000. In terms of market price, all GMT-Master II models have seen a price increase across the board. The high inflation rate of recent times has only put a small damper on this price development, so that the Rolex GMT-Master II watches are still traded at comparatively high market prices.

Historical increase in value

Time to take a closer look at the price development of Rolex watches in the past. On average, the value of the Rolex GMT-Master II luxury watches increased by a full 231% between 1994 and 2016. As already mentioned, inflation slowed down price growth somewhat, but compared to similar competitor products, Rolex timepieces were able to remain fairly stable on the market during this time.

price development in the coming years

Of course, it is always difficult to realistically estimate future prices. This is simply because there are too many unpredictable factors that affect the market price. Nevertheless, we would like to take a cautious look into the future. Considering the price development of the Rolex GMT-Master II models in recent years and decades, there is clear potential for value appreciation. Of course, the chances are not equally good for all Rolex references, but especially among the iconic models - such as "Pepsi" or "Coke" - there are probably some luxury watches whose value has not yet reached its peak. This assumption is also supported by the regular price increase that Rolex makes in terms of list price every few years. Because in most cases a higher list price has a fairly direct effect on prices on the market and encourages price development upwards.

Example - Rolex Pepsi price development

To delve a little deeper into the topic of price development, let's take a look at how the price of the Rolex "Pepsi" has changed over the years. The list price, which was once €9,000, was last raised to €10,700 at the beginning of 2023. The Rolex watch with sapphire crystal and Oyster Perpetual case increased in value on the market, but initially remained below the €20,000 mark. In the meantime, prices rose sharply, meaning that you had to invest at least €30,000 if you wanted to own a Rolex " Pepsi ". Now prices have calmed down a bit, so that with a bit of luck you can get a model for €23,000 to €25,000. But how long this will stay that way is questionable. It is quite to be expected that popular references - of which "Pepsi" clearly belongs - may experience a renewed increase in price.

resale value

The resale value of the GMT-Master II timepieces from Rolex can be classified as stable with a clear upward trend. Many references - whether made of steel or white gold - have proven to be absolutely worthwhile investments. However, investing in a watch is rarely a 100% "safe bet". No one can predict how the values ​​will develop in detail and at what price a watch will be offered for sale in the coming years. Investing in a luxury timepiece is therefore always a matter of the heart, which is associated with a certain risk that cannot be calculated down to the last detail.

Conclusion - List prices do not reflect market prices

The Rolex GMT-Master II watches are a good example of how the list price does not necessarily reflect the market price. Although Rolex has increased the list price for GMT-Master II models from time to time, the increases in value that the watches have experienced on the market have been incomparably greater. This phenomenon - which has also been observed with the Submariner Date - makes the Rolex GMT-Master II watches a particularly attractive option for collectors and investors who hope for a lucrative resale in the coming years.