The Rolex Submariner is probably the safest bet when it comes to buying Rolex watches for investments. The Submariner is Rolex's most iconic and recognized watch, and it is also the Rolex watch which has proven to increase the most in value. The Submariner is sporty, robust, durable, and has a truly timeless design.
Discontinued Rolex Submariner Watches in 2020With the introduction of the brand new Submariner 41 collection, Rolex has naturally discontinued the previous Submariner Date 11661x and Submariner 114060 models.
The 5513 was also famously worn by Steve McQueen, and by Sean Connery and Roger Moore as James Bond. Rolex has produced several solid yellow gold versions of the Submariner – the ref 16808 with a nipple dial, the ref 16618 of the 90s, and the current ref 16618.
The theories run wild from Rolex creating artificial shortages, to the authorized dealers hiding them in vaults. The actual reason for the shortage is the incredibly high demand for Rolex right now. In any given year, Rolex will only manufacture a certain percentage more watches than they did the prior year.
A good time to buy your first Rolex watch is when you have enough discretionary income to where you can afford the model you want. Our average Rolex buyer is 40 to 45 years old, but we have recently experienced a 15% increase in younger buyers in their mid to late twenties.
The first and most obvious advantage to buying a pre-owned Rolex, rather than a brand new one, is the price you will pay. Compared to many other brands, Rolex watches retain a lot of their value even after use. Nevertheless, the price of a pre-owned Rolex will still be significantly cheaper than buying brand new.
The first Comex Submariners were prototypes to the Sea Dweller. They are expensive due to supply and demand.
Rolex Just Announced a Slew of New Submariners for 2020. The rumormongers had it pretty much right. The iconic no-date Submariner, beefed up from 40mm to 41mm for 2020.
1. Rolex Submariner 116610LV “Hulk” discontinued. Shock horror, Rolex discontinuing the Green Submariner 116610LV in 2020.
At Rolex we want to ensure that your watch performs as well throughout your life as on the day you bought it. All that is needed is to give your Rolex just the smallest bit of care. A Rolex that is worn every day requires little looking after.
The materials are very expensive. Rolex, for example, tends to use 904L steel which is leagues ahead of even most luxury market equivalents, which tend to use the cheaper 316L steel. This 904L steel makes the watches harder, shinier, and also more expensive by default.
Used Rolex SubmarinerThe 2020 retail price starts at $8,100.
Rolex are now quoting a 7 year waiting list for these Submariner Date models.
Suggested Retail Price: $9,150Now that you've seen all of the new models in the metal, check out our deep dive on the biggest changes Rolex made to the most iconic dive watch.
No, not anymore. Rolex used to be both a functional tool as an accurate timepiece and status symbol of wealth and success, but its relevance has declined substantially, at least in the US market. It will be different in developing countries or within certain professions (investment banking, etc.).
Originally Answered: Are Rolex watches worth the price or overhyped? No they are not overhyped not by Rolex at least, some people do rate them to highly but in general the price you pay for the standard of watch you are buying is about right.
You cannot overwind a modern Rolex watch when manually winding it. Today, Rolex designs its watches so that you cannot overwind them no matter how much you wind. The winder simply disengages once it reaches max wind.
- The INITIAL cost of a Rolex is SLIGHTLY Cheaper in Switzerland than in Scandinavia. - The VAT refund in Scandinavian countries is BY FAR more generous than that of Switzerland's, resulting in Scandinavia being "CHEAPER than Switzerland to purchase a NEW Rolex."
So how long does a Rolex last? The answer is that if it is properly service when it needs it, it will last forever. If you do not do anything with your watch, but simply use it, your Rolex watch will most likely be in working order for ten years fifteen years, twenty years, or even longer.
A Rolex watch can be a worthwhile investment. If you choose the right Rolex model, you can maintain or increase the value of it even though you wear it. Generally, it's a myth that luxury watches are good investments. So for some reason, if you ever needed money quickly, you could always sell your Rolex watch quickly.
As a general rule, steel Rolex sports watches reliably hold or appreciate in value. This includes, in particular, the GMT-Master II with its famous two-coloured bezel, the Cosmograph Daytona, and the ever-popular Submariner 16610.
- Rolex Daytona Steel 116500LN. The steel Daytona has been a hot commodity since the introduction of the in-house calibre 4130.
- Rolex GMT “Pepsi” 126710BLRO. The GMT was and still is one of the cornerstones of the collection since its introduction back in 1954.
- Rolex GMT “Batman” 126710BLNR.
- Rolex Sky-Dweller Steel 326934.
FINAL SUMMARY. As respectable as Cartier is, and they are really, really, REALLY respectable, Rolex is the better watch brand. So, in our opinion, if you are to choose between Rolex or Cartier, go for a Rolex…
5 Best Affordable Rolex Watches to Collect In 2020
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual ($6,000 to $7,000) Introduced in Baselworld 2015, the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 mm is one of the purest Rolex watches you can have.
- Rolex Explorer ($6,500 - $19,500 depending on the model)
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King ($6,500)
- Rolex Submariner ($8,100 - $9,150)
- Rolex Milgauss ($7,900)
Indeed so much history and myth come with Rolex watches including the Holy Grail of watch collecting: Paul Newman's Daytona which fetched $17.8million at auction in 2017, setting the record for the most expensive watch.
In the early 1970s, the 18kt Rolex Submariner was introduced and could be purchased for $230, or $1,422 when adjusted for inflation. The stainless steel Submariner with a date had a price of $385, or $2,080 with inflation.
The Rolex Submariner 116610LV, better known as the 'Hulk' thanks to its green dial and bezel, is being discontinued by the Swiss horological titan in 2020 – and the aftermarket has already gone bananas.
Limited SupplyHere's the part where collectors get frustrated with Rolex. Rather than meet this high demand with a large batch of products, they produce a supply that is far too small to satisfy the consumers.