Most collectors and watch lovers would probably agree with the following: Every good collection should include a Rolex watch or two. But with the prices that are set for the luxury watches from Rolex, it can sometimes leave you speechless. Rolex watches are certainly not for the small purse, but there are definitely Rolex models that are cheaper than other watches of the brand. This post is all about Rolex prices and how much you have to spend on which classic and newer models from Rolex.
List price
First, let's clarify some terminology 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 particular model. So, if you buy a Rolex directly from the manufacture of the renowned company, you pay the list price.
Market price
Unfortunately, it is not always so easy to get hold of sought-after Rolex models at the list price. Because: The demand exceeds the supply of watches, which are manufactured in the watch manufactory, sometimes seriously. The result is long waiting lists and bitter disappointment 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 demanded on the free market for the watches. In many cases - especially with Rolex - this is far above the list price. So if you don't have the opportunity to buy a Rolex watch directly from the manufacturer, you often have to pay a higher price for the coveted models. However, there are exceptions: Some Rolex watches can be snatched up in used condition at slightly lower prices. We will go into more detail about this later in this article.
What is the price of the cheap Rolex?
Rolex watches are symbols of the highest watchmaking art and therefore no bargains. Nevertheless, there are models that are cheaper than the average men's and women's watches of the watch brand. If you choose one of these three models, you 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 promoted as the world's first 100% dustproof and waterproof watch. Putting words into action, the Rolex Oyster accompanied British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze on her English Channel crossing in 1927. The Oyster watch withstood the cold water and strong waves, quite rightly earning a reputation as an icon whose reliability on land and in the water is equal to any challenge. No wonder, then, that Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are still high on the popularity scale today. What is surprising, on the other hand, is that watches from the Oyster collection can be had quite cheaply. Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches for men and women start in price at a slim €4,750
Rolex Datejust 41
When it comes to the less expensive Rolex watches, the Rolex Datejust cannot be missed. The watch, which is also available as a ladies' watch under the name Lady Datejust, was relaunched in 2017. With a diameter of 41 mm, the "new" Rolex Datejust models are equipped with the characteristic date display and definitely belong to the Rolex watches that perfectly round off any kind of outfit. The stainless steel Rolex Datejust 41 with Oyster bracelet can be purchased at an amazingly affordable list price of €7,150.
Rolex Submariner 41
Another classic whose prices are humane is the Rolex Submariner 41. The 41 mm diameter Rolex watch was once the first diver's watch that could brave water to depths of 100 meters, and accordingly - much like the Oyster Perpetual - went down in history. The Rolex Submariner model from 2020, which comes without a date display, costs €7,550 in the stainless steel version according to list price.
How much do the most famous Rolex cost?
From the most affordable Rolex watches, we now come without detours to what are the prices of the most famous Rolex models.
Rolex Submariner
The attentive reader will notice that the Rolex Submariner has just been mentioned before. Nevertheless, the cult model must definitely be mentioned again, because it is undoubtedly one of the absolutely most famous Rolex watches of all time. As mentioned earlier, prices for Rolex Submariner models start at around €7,550 - at least if you can buy a model through the manufacturer's website. On the independent market, it's not uncommon for Rolex Submariner timepieces to go for twice that price. So, quite regardless of the exact reference, you have to expect a price increase compared to the list price.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
This is also not the first time the Oyster Perpetual has been mentioned in this article. This great Rolex watch, introduced by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, can be found in almost every major watch collection and is available in basic models starting at €7,150. In recent years, special vintage Oyster references have 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 classically displays two time zones and attracts all eyes with its two-tone bezel. With names like "Coke," "Pepsi" and "Sprite," Rolex GMT-Master watches stand for prestige and good taste in every respect. In terms of price, the status symbols vary greatly. For example, a stainless steel "Pepsi" is reasonably cheap at a list price of €8,800, but is more likely to change hands for €15,000 upwards on the open market.
Rolex Daytona
Every die-hard collector knows: If you want to get hold of a Rolex Daytona via the website at the list price, you will only succeed in the rarest 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 Daytona of the Rolex brand can count on the highest value stability and is sure to earn many envious glances. The exact prices of the watch according to the list Rolex gives out the higher-quality models only on request. However, it is known that you have to pay between €70,000 and €90,000 for a Rolex Daytona made of platinum. Much cheaper is the Rolex stainless steel Daytona with white gold indices, which costs around €11,950.
Rolex Milgauss
Among the most famous Rolex watches are also 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 are mostly higher for this Rolex watch as well.
What is the cost of the most expensive Rolex?
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 probably fetch the highest price? The answer: it is the original Paul Newman Daytona. This particular Rolex Daytona, worn by racing driver Paul Newman himself, was auctioned off in 2017 for a whopping $17.8 million. A price that is unparalleled. Less horrendous in price, but still sinfully expensive, are Rolex watches of the "Iced-Out-Timepieces" type. These are models that are entirely set in diamonds and for which the list price is correspondingly high. For example, there is the Rolex Rainbow Daytona for almost 290,000 €, the 430,000 € expensive Day Date 40 Ice or the legendary Rolex GMT-Master II Ice, which costs a proud 485,000 €. Depending on the model, the prices for a watch of the Rolex brand know hardly any upper limits.
What does a used Rolex cost?
The price of a used Rolex watch is determined, among other things, by its condition. Used Rolex vintage models, which show clear signs of wear, can be bought partly for a comparatively very small price. If, on the other hand, the vintage watches are in excellent condition, hefty prices can be achieved despite the predicate "used". For example, many Rolex Daytona or GMT-Master II models are resold by Rolex even in good used condition far above list price. Consequently, if you want to call a classic Rolex your own, you have to be willing to pay a certain price - even for used vintage watches with the Rolex logo.
Can you buy a Rolex in installments?
Looking at the prices of Rolex watches, it is only understandable that some watch collectors wonder if it is possible to buy a Rolex model on installments. In principle, buying a watch in 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 stores. However, it always depends on the individual financial circumstances to what extent a watch purchase on installments is recommended.
What does a Rolex service cost?
If you are the proud owner of a Rolex watch, you naturally want to take proper care of it, which may include regular professional maintenance. The price for maintenance work on a Rolex watch varies from model to model and from supplier to supplier. Logically, the price also depends on how time-consuming and elaborate the maintenance of the Rolex is in detail. Therefore, little can be said in general about what it costs to have a Rolex classic serviced. Roughly speaking, however, costs of at least 500 € should be expected.
Conclusion - Costs depend strongly on the respective model
Some Rolex watches - for example, an exclusive Rolex GMT-Master or Daytona reference - are incredibly expensive, making other Rolex timepieces seem almost cheap, even though they still cost several thousand euros. The fact is that the price of a Rolex depends heavily on the model and condition of the watch. In this regard, market prices are often far higher than Rolex's stated list prices. In conclusion, it remains to say: A Rolex watch is an investment and is symbolic of prestige and the highest watchmaking art. Therefore, it is absolutely justified that models from the house of Rolex are generally not offered at bargain prices.