Investing in a Rolex is often seen as a reliable investment with a high chance of appreciating over time, like Swiss brands such as Audemars Piguet, Omega or Patek Philippe. However, after an exceptional price surge in 2021, the watch market has slowed and prices have corrected sharply. In a complicated economic context, it is more difficult than before to determine if investing in watches is a good deal. We explain which Rolex you should invest in this year to maximize your capital gain.
Here are 6 Rolexes to invest in in 2024:
- Rolex Daytona
- Rolex Submariner
- Rolex GMT-Master
- Rolex Datejust
- Rolex Sea-Dweller
- Rolex Explorer
Bonus: things to consider before investing in a Rolex
Rolex Daytona
It is difficult to talk about Rolex without mentioning the legendary Daytona.
Daytona is an iconic collection of luxury watches, known for its elegant style and exceptional performance, originally designed for racing drivers. It is one of the professional watches.
You’ve probably already heard of the famous Rolex Daytona Paul Newman! Newman’s real Rolex, the Daytona 6239, was sold at auction for the modest sum of $15.3 million.
Remember this: if you’re looking to invest in a high-end Rolex, the Daytona is a great choice.
So why are watch enthusiasts seduced by the Daytona?
- A classic and timeless design,
- Precision and high reliability.
Beyond its appearance, it is important to understand that this is a watch that has stood the test of time and continues to fascinate collectors around the world.
You can already forget about new models, most Daytonas are simply not available, unless you are able to wait several years.
References to take into account
Obviously, there are many quality references, each with its own unique characteristics.
Among the most sought after are:
- The 116500LN, which has a stainless steel case and a black dial. Its average price is between 14,000 and 25,000 dollars.
- The 116508, with its 18K yellow gold case and champagne dial. Average price between 30,000 and 40,000 dollars depending on the condition of the watch and the accessories included.
Rolex Submariner
How can we not talk about it? The Rolex Submariner is a collection of diving watches that is considered one of the most iconic models of the Rolex brand, notably popularized in the 60s by Sean Connery in Legs Bond.
Initially designed for the practice of diving, it is not uncommon to find Submariner references and the first prices can be accessible to an enthusiast with money to invest.
With its elegant design, unparalleled reliability and historical legacy, the Rolex Submariner is a highly coveted watch for collectors and investors.
It is available in different models, including the sought-after Date, No-Date and Submariner Hulk.
Each reference is equipped with a stainless steel case and a unidirectional ceramic rotating bezel, which guarantees water resistance up to 300 meters deep.
The references in question:
- Rolex Submariner Date : Ref. 116610LN
- Rolex Submariner Hulk : Ref. 116610LV
- Rolex Submariner No-Date : Ref. 114060
In terms of price, for each of the models :
- Rolex Submariner Date: average price is between 8 000 and 12 000 $.
- Rolex Submariner No-Date: average price is generally between 7,000 and 10,000 $.
- Rolex Submariner Hulk: average price is usually between 10 000 and 15 000 $.
Please note: These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the year of manufacture, the accessories provided with the watch and the demand on the market. Before buying, do some thorough research or better yet, consult a watch professional.
Rolex GMT-Master
The Rolex GMT-Master is a must-have luxury watch for smart investors.
First launched in 1954, the GMT-Master was designed to meet the needs of international airline pilots by allowing them to know the time in two time zones simultaneously.
Today, the Rolex GMT-Master is one of the most sought-after watches for investors because of its rarity, quality and high resale value.
Some of the most sought after references include:
- GMT-Master II Pepsi (Ref. 126710BLRO), prices are between 13 000 and 17 000 $.
- GMT-Master II Batman (Ref. 126710BLNR), prices are between 14 000 and 18 000 $ for a model in good condition.
- GMT-Master II Root Beer (Ref. 126711CHNR) Prices for this reference are generally between 16,000 and 20,000 $.
- GMT-Master II Coke (Ref. 16710). In general, prices are between 10 000 and 15 000 $.
These watches are popular because of their timeless design and their association with the history of aviation and international travel.
Oyster perpetual watch or not ?
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual line of watches are Rolexes that are not associated with a specific functionality, such as Date or GMT, but rather focus on aesthetics and basic functionality.
Rolex Datejust
The Rolex Datejust is an iconic luxury watch that has attracted investors for decades.
This watch was launched in 1945 and quickly became famous for its elegant and timeless design, but also for its instant date mechanism (hence the name).
The Datejust models guarantee exceptional manufacturing quality and durability, making them a wise choice for an investment.
The most sought-after references in the collection are:
- Datejust 36 (Ref.126234). Prices for this reference vary depending on the materials used for the bezel and bracelet.
For a version in stainless steel and white gold, expect to pay between 8,000 and 10,000 dollars, while for a version in pink gold, expect to pay up to 20,000 dollars - Datejust 31 (Ref. 278274), Prices also vary depending on the materials used. The stainless steel and white gold versions are generally between 7,000 and 9,000 dollars, while the rose gold versions can cost up to 18,000 dollars.
- Datejust II (Ref. 116300) is no longer produced, which may increase its value on the second-hand market. Prices for this reference vary depending on rarity, but in general, models range from 7,000 to 10,000 dollars.
- Lady-Datejust (Ref. 279160), available in several versions with different straps and bezels. Prices are generally between 6,000 and 8,000 dollars for the stainless steel versions, and up to 12,000 dollars for the rose gold versions.
Beyond their investment value, Rolex Datejust watches are timeless, rather fine and discreet pieces of jewelry that can be worn for any occasion, which makes them even more attractive.
Rolex Sea-Dweller
The Rolex Sea-Dweller is a collection of high-end dive watches that offers a combination of style, functionality and exceptional performance.
First introduced in 1967, it was designed to meet the needs of professional divers working at extreme depths.
Rolex Sea-Dweller models are very popular with investors as they offer excellent resale value and are considered very rare and exclusive watches.
The most sought-after designs in the collection include:
- the Sea-Dweller 126600, sold between $12,000 and $15,000 depending on its wear and tear and the accessories supplied with the watch.
- the Sea-Dweller Deepsea (Ref. 126660), for this reference the prices generally vary between 12 000 and 16 000 $ for these models
- the Sea-Dweller 16600. Stainless steel models range from $8,000 to $12,000.
Popular with collectors for their rugged design and association with underwater exploration, Rolex Sea-Dweller watches are also precision instruments used for extreme diving activities.
Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer is a collection of luxury watches that was designed for explorers and adventurers around the world.
Launched in 1953, the Rolex Explorer has become famous for its ruggedness, reliability and accuracy. It serves as a premium watch.
The most sought-after references in the Explorer collection include:
- the Rolex Explorer I (Ref. 214270), its price varies between 6 500 and 8 500 dollars
- the Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 216570), it is generally sold between 7 500 and 9 500 dollars
- the Rolex Explorer 1016, prices for stainless steel models range from 7,000 to 12,000 dollars.
Elegant and timeless design, association with exploration and adventure… The story told by the Explorer watch is fascinating.
In addition to their investment value, Explorer watches are highly functional and can be used in extreme conditions: ideal and attractive for outdoor sports enthusiasts and outdoor activities.
Bonus: things to consider before investing in a Rolex
If you’re looking to invest in a Rolex watch, there are a few things to consider to ensure you choose a model that will increase in value over time.
Start by choosing a watch that has a history and tradition well established in the brand. Among those we have mentioned, here are the 3 best models that answer this problem: the Submariner, the GMT-Master or the Daytona.
You can also look at limited editions or a rare model that has been produced in limited quantities: these watches are often highly sought after and have a higher value on the secondary market.
Logical but essential to remember: the condition of the watch is very important, a model with all its original parts has a higher value than those that have been restored or modified, even if the watch may look new or in better condition! Be sure to invest only in the original.
Finally, it is recommended that you choose a watch that matches your own personal style, as a watch that you love and wear regularly will have an added emotional value that can help increase its market value.
With all of these things in mind, you can be sure that you are choosing a watch that you will enjoy and selecting a long-term investment. All you have to do is decide which Rolex to invest in.
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