In this video, we discuss used Rolex prices and what factors determine value. If you’d like to browse prices or make a purchase, visit our used Rolex watches page: [ Ссылка ]
Click here to read our complete Used Rolex Prices Gude: [ Ссылка ]
How Much Is a Rolex?
One of the most common questions we get asked is, “how much does a used Rolex cost?” However, the answer to this question is not nearly as simple as it initially may appear.
Due to the remarkably long time that Rolex has been in business and the wide variety of models that the brand has offered throughout history, the price range for used Rolex watches is incredibly large. Even concerning two examples of the exact same Rolex model, the price difference between the two watches can often be thousands of dollars.
On the low end of the price spectrum, the least expensive used Rolex watches can typically be found for slightly less than $2,000. Consequently, collectable vintage Rolex watches can routinely be worth tens - or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the most expensive Rolex ever sold was Paul Newman’s very own, ‘Paul Newan’ Daytona, which fetched $17.8 million at an auction in 2017.
What Determines the Price of a Used Rolex?
With that in mind, the true price of a used Rolex watch is determined by a number of different factors including its model, age, configuration, the materials used in its construction, the overall condition of the watch, and whether or not it is still accompanied by its original box and paperwork.
Generally speaking, newer Rolex models are worth more than older ones - however some vintage Rolex watches can be worth significantly more than brand-new ones and it is often the collectable vintage references that are the most expensive Rolex watches of all.
For example, the current-production stainless steel Rolex Submariner ref. 116610 is worth about $1,500 more than a comparable Submariner model from the previous generation (reference 16610). However, a rare vintage Rolex Submariner, such as this ref. 5512 with a highly collectible 2-line dial is worth more than three times the value of these other two Submariner watches put together.
What Is the Most Affordable Rolex Watch?
Another question we frequently get asked is, “how much is the cheapest Rolex?” - and while there are certain models that are consistently among the most affordable Rolex watches on the pre-owned market, there can often be exceptions to this rule.
The Oyster Perpetual is Rolex’s entry-level collection of self-winding, time-only watches, and older examples are often among the least expensive used Rolex models. Watches such as this ref. 1002 Rolex Oyster Perpetual can be found on the pre-owned market for just under $3,000, making them some of the most affordable men’s Rolex watches available.
Shop our full collection of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watches: [ Ссылка ]
Steel vs. Gold Rolex Prices
Another key point to mention about used Rolex prices is how the premiums for precious metal watches change on the secondary market. At retail, the price difference between stainless steel and two-tone steel and gold Rolex models is at minimum several thousand dollars.
However, on the pre-owned market, that price difference shrinks significantly and much more closely reflects the difference in actual value between otherwise similar watches. Two-tone Rolex models can consistently be found for less than $2,000 more than their all-steel counterparts.
With that in mind, there are certain Rolex watches that will always have steep price premiums, simply due to the value of the materials used in their construction. A solid platinum Rolex will always cost thousands of dollars more than a gold or steel counterpart - even on the pre-owned market, simply because of the price difference of the metal itself
Can Used Rolex Watches Cost More Than New Rolex Watches?
Lastly, while most used Rolex watches sell for less than their original purchase prices, it is important to note that certain current-production Rolex models sell for significantly more than their original retail prices on the pre-owned market.
