Rolex has rightfully become the most iconic and popular luxury watch brand in the world. Any watch enthusiast likely has a Rolex or wants to add one to their collection. Some families even pass down Rolex watches from generation to generation as a family heirloom. Of course, the craftsmanship and luxurious prestige of a Rolex watch don’t come without a price. These beautiful timepieces can be costly, sometimes costing upwards of £200,000 or more, depending on the rarity of the model. Of course, there are Rolex watches at much more reasonable ranges as well.
But if you have a budget in mind for a Rolex purchase, it can help to know roughly what you’ll pay for the different models of Rolex on the market. In this blog, we’ll take a look at how much some of these models cost so you can make the best decision for your budget and your individual style preference. Let’s dive in.
Before looking at the cost of different models of Rolex, the first decision you’ll need to make is whether you want to buy a Rolex new or second-hand. While second-hand in most markets means paying less, a pre-owned Rolex can often fetch a higher price than what it was purchased for new. This is because the design and features of each Rolex model evolve year after year, making some used models very valuable.
On the same note, there are plenty of vintage Rolex watches that you can find at a much lower price than a new Rolex. Ultimately, the decision between buying new or second-hand will depend on your budget, the model you want, and your style preferences.
Now that you’ve decided on buying new or second-hand, it’s time to take a look at some of the most popular Rolex models and their price ranges. Rolex has an array of watch models to fit just about any style. From functional diving watches like the Submariner to stylish daily watches like the Day-Date, there truly is a Rolex for every occasion. With that being said, not every Rolex watch may fit the budget you have in mind. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most popular Rolex models and what you can expect to pay for them.
One of Rolex’s most beloved watches is the legendary Submariner diving watch.. This watch is known for its robust construction, sporty design, and, of course, precise functionality during diving activities. Along with being waterproof up to 300 metres, these watches feature a rotating bezel for tracking dive times and luminescent markers for increased underwater visibility.
The functionality and popularity of the Rolex Submariner means that these watches don’t typically come cheap. On the lower end of the price range, you can sometimes snag vintage Submariners for around £7,000, with the higher end of the spectrum fetching upwards of £30,000. On average, you can find your Submariner somewhere in the middle of the range.
The Daytona is another beloved Rolex model that is tied to the world of racing. Naturally, this means that it has a sporty design, with functionality made for drivers on the track. These watches include complications like a chronograph and a tachymeter for measuring elapsed time and speed. Of course, you don’t have to be a daredevil behind the wheel to purchase and appreciate a Daytona of your own.
As for the price of the Daytona, it can vary wildly. Typically, though, you can expect to pay around £15,000 at the lower price range, with the average Daytona landing somewhere around the £20,000 to £35,000 range. Top models can go for well over £100,000 depending on the rarity and the materials used.
The Rolex Datejust is a timeless and versatile model that has been a favourite among watch enthusiasts for decades. The classic design of the Datejust makes it an instant charmer that is a great starter watch for anyone interested in owning a Rolex.
The Datejust can typically be found for great prices on the pre-owned market, with some deals going as low as £4,000 or less. Of course, a more mid-tier price would probably land somewhere in the £6,000 to £10,000 range. High-end models that are rare can go for over £50,000.
One of Rolex’s most prestigious dress watches is the Rolex Day-Date. Often referred to as the “President” watch, the Day-Date is often made with luxury metals like gold. The timeless design of the watch, paired with the date and full-day-of-the-week display, makes this watch as stylish as it is functional.
As befitting its name and prestige, you can typically expect to pay a decent amount for a Rolex Day-Date. On average, Rolex Day-Date watches cost around £30,000, though they can be found as low as £8,000. Of course, high-end and rare models can cost upwards of £100,000.
If you’re looking for the perfect starter Rolex watch to fit just about any budget, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual may be the ideal timepiece for you. This Rolex incorporates a simple yet classic design with a wide variety of sizes and dial colours to choose from, letting you pick one that perfectly suits your style. The versatile design of the Oyster Perpetual means it can also easily be your daily timepiece or a watch for formal occasions.
You can find Oyster Perpetual watches on the pre-owned market for anywhere between £1,200 to £8,000. This price range makes it the ideal watch for first-time buyers or watch enthusiasts looking to add a simple and affordable dress watch to their collection.
The GMT-Master and its successor, the GMT-Master II, are the ideal timepieces for travellers. Thanks to the dual-time zone functionality of the GMT-Master and the triple time zone functionality of the GMT-Master II, globetrotters can keep track of their home time zone and the time zones they’re travelling to simultaneously. These watches also feature many of Rolex’s most iconic colours, with variations of the two-tone bezel affectionately dubbed names like the Pepsi, Root Beer, Batman, and other monikers by the Rolex community.
The prices for these traveller watches can range from £8,000 to £25,000 depending on the rarity, the materials, and whether you’re purchasing a GMT-Master or GMT-Master II. Rare and high-end models can easily fetch upwards of six figures.
If the depth rating of the Rolex Submariner isn’t deep enough for you, then the Rolex Sea-Dweller will be your ideal underwater companion. This deep diving timepiece can withstand impressive depths of up to 1,220 metres. The innovative helium escape valve makes it perfect for saturation diving. The Rolex Deepsea can then take things to an even more astounding level, with a depth rating of up to 3,900 metres.
Even if you’re not diving, the robust size and the sporty style of the Sea-Dweller and the Deepsea make them highly appealing to anyone interested in buying a Rolex. If you’re looking to purchase a Sea-Dweller, you can expect to pay anywhere in the range of £7,000 to £30,000. Despite its additional depth potential, the Deepsea can typically be found for similar prices.
If you have an adventurous spirit and want an affordable Rolex that can keep up with you, then the Rolex Explorer should be the perfect option. This is one of Rolex’s more budget-friendly tool watches. Its robust design is made to withstand tough conditions, so you can bring it with you just about anywhere.
The price for a Rolex Explorer usually falls somewhere in the £3,000 to £14,000 range, making it the perfect tool watch for thrill-seekers on a budget. But budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, as this Rolex is ready to take on any challenge and look stylish while doing so.
Finally, we’ll wrap up with another of Rolex’s more affordable tool watches. The Rolex Air King combines simplicity with aviation-inspired heritage and design, making it a beautiful pilot watch that also looks endlessly stylish for any occasion.
The Air King is an exceptional value for a luxury watch, often falling somewhere in the £2,000 to £7,000 price range. Whether you’re a pilot or just appreciate subtle elegance, the Air King will be an accessory you’ll cherish for years to come.
To find a great price on a luxury watch, it’s important to find a great seller. That’s where BQ Watches comes in. We have over 30 years of experience in the pre-owned luxury watch industry and an expansive inventory of all the best Rolex models. See what we have on offer and browse our inventory today. If you have something specific in mind, make sure to ask about our sourcing services as well.
