Do Rolex watches hold their value? In this economy, people look for products that are worth investing in. That makes us wonder whether Rolex watches fall under this category.
Do Rolex Watches Hold Their Value? 4+ Facts to talk about!
Let us now come to the main topic of whether Rolex watches are worth the hype. Below, we share some facets of Rolex watches from which we can evaluate their worth.
1. Do Rolex Appreciate as they Age?
Rolex is a luxury watch and a good investment piece. The rarity of Rolex models is also the key deciding factor of its value. The watch’s limited availability draws the attention of customers and investors.
Today, the demand for Rolex watches has grown to the point that there is a waitlist to purchase the new models. The waitlist may even take more than a year. This waitlist system also increases the value of pre-owned Rolex to the point that it can be traded much higher than the retail price.
2. How did Rolex become an iconic Luxury Brand?
Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis founded the Rolex brand in London in 1905 when wristwatches were still not in demand. The dedication of Rolex led to the introduction of the first wristwatch granted a Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision in 1908, ruling the brand to where it is today.
Rolex displays excellent craftsmanship with quality materials, implementing innovative technologies that come over the years. The brand has also invested a significant amount in innovation and technology.
This investment has set one of the stepping stones to brand development. Since then, the brand has continued to create luxury timepieces that everyone is obsessed with.
3. Do Rolex Watches Hold Their Value?
Rolex Watch can no doubt claim the title of the best watch brand. The trend usually determines the value of a product. Still, considering the image that Rolex upholds right now, it is hard to imagine the value of a Rolex Watch drastically declining.
Therefore, to maintain the value of your Rolex Watch, it is necessary to take good care of it, keeping it away from scrapes and scratches.
This point does not guarantee the model to have the highest ROI, but it will still be worth investing in. So, to answer the question, ‘Do Rolex Watches hold their value?’ The answer would be yes, they do.
4. What Determines The Value Of Rolex Watches?
The value of a Rolex Watch may depend on a variety of factors that may include:
4.1 Metal
Stainless steel watches are a valuable material worth investing in, but Rolex watches made of platinum, yellow or white gold, and rose gold are the real deal. The value of silver Rolex watches is also high due to their limited availability in the market.
4.2 Stone
Diamonds are girls’ best friends, and that theory applies to watches embezzled with diamonds. The overall value of the Rolex watches increases with the diamond and other precious gemstones that embellish the watch design.
4.3 Model
The sought-after Rolex model usually changes with the trend of that time. Still, Rolex sports watches, such as the Rolex Submariner and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, are timeless and the most sought-after throughout the years.
4.4 Age
Rolex has been in the market for 100 years, and its value increases with time. Watch collectors are willing to pay a large sum to get their hands on vintage, limited-edition Rolex watches. This is one of the most significant proofs that the watches hold their value with time.
4.5 Box
As mentioned, collectors are willing to spend large sums of cash to add the models to their collections. This obsession applies not only to Rolex watches but also to the green wave box. This is because of the rarity and authenticity of a genuine package.
In some cases, fake boxes get sold in the market for a high price. Therefore, the classic green box also has a high value, and investing in it will attract collectors.
4.6 Good Condition
What good is owning a Rolex watch if the watch is in poor condition?
For a Rolex to maintain its value, it is necessary to keep the Rolex watch free from scratches and scrapes. The poor maintenance may drive the buyers away as it holds no value.
5. Best Rolex to Buy for Investment
As mentioned, the value of a Rolex depends on its rarity. Among all the Rolex models, the top designs worth investing in include:
5.1 Paul Newman Daytona
Paul Newman Daytona is a highly sought-after model because of its limited production and distinct features, like the Art Deco style font. The models made in the 1960s and 1970s were auctioned and sold for as high as six figures.
5.2 Rolex Milgauss
The Milgauss model is famous for its resistance to magnetic fields and its orange lightning bolt second-hand. Rolex Milgauss ceased production in 1988 before reproducing in 2007, leaving many Milgauss models in high demand.
5.3 Rolex Sports Watches
The most popular sports watches include the GMT master ii models, the Cosmograph Daytona, and the Submariner 16610. These Rolex sports watches seem forever popular models, making them worth the investment.
5.4 Vintage Rolex Watches
There is an increase in Vintage Rolex watches because of their limited existence in good condition. Collectors and investors are ready to spend a considerable amount to get their hands on these limited vintage watches. This is proof that even a pre-owned Rolex watch holds its value.
6. Iconic and Classic Designs
To list and describe a few iconic and classic Rolex designs, we have:
6.1. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
Launched in 1963, the Rolex Cosmograph Dayton is a variant of the white and gold Daytona that has risen in popularity ever since. The watch was not popular at first, so the production of the Rolex model was low during that time.
Once it became popular, the brand thought it was in its best interest to keep the production limited to maintain its position.
Right now, the Rolex Cosmograph is one of the most sought-after models, and the secondhand Daytonas are also worth the investment.
6.2. Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner was introduced in 1953 and was the first divers’s wristwatch to be waterproof to a deep depth. It is the most famous Rooex design to exist. They are known for their water-resistant feature and beautiful design.
This model is highly sought-after by investors and collectors as it is exceptionally durable and can go well with many outfits.
Initially, the Rolex Submariner design was crafted for professional use but has risen to such fame that it is worth investing in.
6.3.Rolex GMT Master II
The Rolex GMT Master II is a beautiful masterpiece with a feature that simultaneously displays two different time zones. This model has a variety of colors to choose from, making it the perfect collectible.
One of the most famous colors includes the blue and black “Batman.”
Vintage GMT Master II, especially the ones with distinct features and custom designs, are the most sought-after by collectors as they are rare. These rare features of the watch also increase its value.
7. The Most Expensive Rolex Watches in the World
Among all the luxurious designs of Rolex, here we have the least of the most expensive Rolex in the world.
7.1. Paul Newmans’s Watch Rolex Daytona Auctioned In 2017
Paul Newman was a renowned actor who had formed a close connection with the brand. In October 2017, his watch, “Rolex Daytona,” was auctioned and bought for $17.8 million. Paul Newton wore this watch every day for 15 years.
7.2 Rolex Pearlmaster
The Rolex Pearlmaster features finely cut diamonds or precious gems and is a pinnacle of luxury watchmaking. They are available in yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. In 34mm and 39mm diameters.
The retail price for this design is $87,00, which makes this design the most expensive Rolex model available for sale. The vintage Rolex Pearlmaster may even cost much more than the retail price.
8. Why Does the Value of a Rolex Watch Increase Over Time?
Rolex is one of the most well-known names when it comes to watchmaking. It epitomizes a luxury watch people desire to own and purchase. Each Rolex model showcases excellent craftsmanship with high-quality materials like stainless steel, gold, and silver. They are also beautifully adorned with diamonds and other precious gemstones.
This luxurious watch, with a limited amount of designs produced every year, attracts the attention of collectors even more.
As the brand image grows, the number of clients who want to own a Rolex also grows with it, and the brand value of Rolex in real-time continues to rise.
This means that not only the new Rolex watch but also the pre-owned Rolex watches are worth the investment if kept in good condition.
9. How to Keep Your Rolex in Good Condition
Rolex is worth the investment if kept in good condition, so how do you manage the quality of your Rolex? The process is quite simple.
All Rolex models are waterproof, and you can wear them while diving up to 50 to 100 meters, depending on the model. You may rinse the salt and sand deposits attached to the watch while diving with clean water on the tap or simply by wearing the watch while washing.
The Oyster case of the Rolex is that part of the watch that maintains the waterproof nature of the Rolex, so it is necessary to seal the Oyster properly. Screwing the crown properly after resetting the time is also a critical ordeal.
Storing a Rolex in a watch box that comes with it when buying, or any other tight case, is essential to keep the watch away from light and moisture. Keep the watch box far away from electronic devices to keep the Rolex away from nearby magnetic field exposure.
Rolex has a worldwide network of service centers to help customers in need. This ordeal includes services ranging from adjusting the length of a bracelet to a complete overhaul.
Sending your Rolex for a professional service every couple of years is advisable. The service may include cleaning, polishing, or restoring broken parts.
10. Brand Reputation and Celebrity Endorsements
One of the founders of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, realized the importance of endorsement from the very early stages of the business. In the past, celebrities and other public figures provided testimonials as a form of Brand endorsement.
The first official Rolex ambassador was Mercedes Gleitze, a British swimmer who swam the English Channel with an Oyster on her necklace in 1927.
The most famous endorsements include Sir Winston Churchill with his 18K Gold Rolex, John F. Kennedy’s Rolex Day-Date, a gift given to him by Marilyn Monroe, and Tiger Woods with his Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller.
11. Which Rolex Holds their Value Best?
When a brand grows its image and reputation, it creates a bunch of followers who would do almost anything to get their hands on the product.
For example, The Submariner “Hulk” and GMT “Batman” are in high demand, and the limited availability of the model makes them worth much more than what they were a few years ago.
Regarding Rolex watches, the stainless steel sports models steal the spotlight. These include the GMT Master II, Cosmograph Daytona, and Submariner. These models come in different colors, and this makes the models “timeless” with the changing market and is worth the investment.
Key Takeaways
The world of luxury watches is something to watch, and Rolex shines like the brightest star. With its history of sophistication, luxury, and iconic and innovative models, Rolex is worth looking out for and investing in.
Even with the change in economy and trend, Rolex proves to be timeless and worth investing in. The vintage models prove their worth in the luxury watch market.
This enduring demand for Rolex, including its rarity and exceptional craftsmanship, is the pinnacle of its timelessness.
So whether you are a seasoned investor or are looking forward to being one, Rolex is worth every investment. Not only because of its beautiful craftsmanship and its passion for innovation, Rolex proves to be a tangible asset to improve your style and financial investment.
Rolex is a symbol of timelessness and a product worthy of a solid investment for fans and collectors of the watch industry.
Last Updated on December 6, 2023 by Apeksha Soni