When you’re initially getting into the world of luxury watches, it’s common to choose Rolex as your first brand. But when looking at Rolexes, you may notice that the prices can be quite high depending on the model. Why is this? What makes a Rolex so special and deserving of its price point?
There are many factors that make Rolex watches as expensive as they are. In this article, we’ll discuss why Rolex watches are so expensive and what makes Rolex one of the most popular luxury watch brands on the market today.
To start, Rolex has decades of storied history behind its brand — over a century, in fact. Since Rolex was founded in 1905, it has become synonymous with luxury watches. Rolex is the most popular luxury watch brand in the world and has been for many years. If Rolex didn’t produce such a high-quality product, the brand wouldn’t have this kind of longevity. But here we are, nearly 120 years later and Rolex is still king of the luxury watch industry.
The prestige of Rolex watches is unmistakable. You can find them on the wrists of actors, musicians, athletes, CEOs, presidents, and royalty. When you want a watch that commands attention and recognition, there is nothing better than a Rolex.
Needless to say, the craftsmanship and quality that go into every Rolex watch are simply unparalleled. Although Rolex produces over one million timepieces every year, you can always count on the precision and construction of a Rolex to be impeccable. This is the company that pioneered waterproofing and dust resistance for watches with the Oyster case. Watches simply wouldn’t be the same today if it weren’t for the ingenuity and approach to craftsmanship that Rolex brings to the table.
Rolex continues to spend a lot of time and money on research, continually improving its watches and keeping them at the top of their class. The fact is, you can buy a Rolex that is many decades old and it will still look great and function properly. These watches are built to last. There’s a reason that parents can pass their Rolex on to their children and their children to theirs and so on.
One of the most prominent reasons that Rolex watches can fetch such a high price is the precision of their movements and the quality of their complications. Rolex has developed highly precise movements, and nearly all Rolex watches are COSC certified.
Rolex still assembles its watch movements, bracelets, and complications by hand. While certain steps like packaging are handled by machines, the rest is still done with the same personal attention to detail as when Rolex watches were first made more than a century ago.
While the quality and beauty of Rolex watches make them valuable, the purpose-built features and functions of certain Rolex models make them priceless for many types of work and play. Consider the Deepsea Rolex for diving, the Daytona for racing, or the Milgauss for scientific research. Few watch brands can make a tool watch as Rolex can. Not only do these watches have incredible functionality, but they look great too. Rolex never has to sacrifice form for function.
The aforementioned Deepsea can go on dives as deep as 300 metres. The Daytona has a tachymeter to measure your speed. The Milgauss can withstand high magnetic fields. The ever-popular GMT-Master allows you to track multiple time zones. There is a Rolex tool watch for nearly every purpose. Even if you don’t use your Rolex for its intended purpose, many of these watches are popular because of their aesthetic alone.
Many Rolex models can be found in metals like yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and Rolesar, Rolex’s special blend of gold and stainless steel. Some editions also feature precious gems and diamonds embedded in the watch’s design. These Rolexes will typically fetch a higher price than the stainless steel versions, but this isn’t true for all Rolex models. Some stainless steel Rolex models are so highly coveted that they can fetch much more than a gold watch.
Even Rolex’s stainless steel is a cut above the rest. Rolex uses 904L stainless steel, referred to as Oystersteel. Oystersteel is more resistant to rust, magnetic fields, and corrosion. It is also notably shinier and stronger than the common stainless steel that is used by many other brands.
Purchasing a Rolex is more than just purchasing a watch. It’s an investment. The vast majority of Rolex’s catalogue maintains their value quite well. These watches can last for a very long time and they’re incredibly durable. If Sir Edmund Hillary’s Rolex can survive his expedition to the top of Everest, your Rolex will likely survive any adventures you take it on.
This longevity and durability make the pre-owned Rolex market very robust. Since Rolex frequently removes watches from production to start producing newer models of its collections, there are all kinds of Rolexes that can be found second hand. There are vintage pieces that are very affordable, and there are rare, highly coveted pieces that can easily reach prices over £40,000.
When you’re in the market for a pre-owned Rolex, come to BQ Watches. We have an extensive selection at the best prices possible. Because we have over 30 years of experience in the luxury watch industry, you can trust the BQ team to help you find what you need. If you don’t see a Rolex you’d like in our inventory, we can source the perfect watch for you. Just let us know the details of the watch you want, and we’ll let you know as soon as we produce it.
In addition to our Rolex selection, we have Cartier, Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Omega, and many other luxury brands. Just fill out our contact form below to let us know what service you’re needing and a member of our team will reach out shortly
