Hey! Thinking of buying a Rolex as an investment? You’re not the only one. For the last 10 years, Rolexes have been super popular. They’ve even beaten stuff like stocks and gold as investments. But with so many models out there, how do you know which one is the best Rolex for investment? In this guide, we’ll answer all the big questions collectors have. We’ll use real data and my own experiences too. No matter if you’re a pro or just starting out, this’ll help you choose wisely.
Table of Content
- Which Rolex holds value best?
- Is Rolex Daytona a good investment?
- How to choose Rolex for investment?
- What makes a Rolex watch valuable?
- Are vintage Rolex watches good investments?
- Which Rolex models appreciate fastest?
- How does Rolex warranty affect value?
- What Rolex colors increase in value?
- Can you flip Rolex watches for profit?
- Where to buy Rolex for investment?
- Summary and Action Call
Which Rolex holds value best?
Not every Rolex keeps its value the same way.
The Daytona, Submariner, and GMT-Master II are always the best at keeping value. Let’s look at the Daytona.
Back in 2017, Paul Newman’s Daytona went for a crazy $17.8 million at auction. Not every Daytona sells for that much, but they’ve all been going up in value. A 2022 report says Daytonas went up 12% each year for five years. That’s way better than the Oyster Perpetual’s 5% increase. The big lesson? Famous models that are hard to get keep their value best. Also, how good the watch is and where it’s from can really change what it’s worth.
Is Rolex Daytona a good investment?
Oh yeah! The Daytona is like the best watch you can invest in.
Everyone loves it because it’s linked to Paul Newman and there aren’t many around. My buddy got a steel Daytona in 2015 for about $12k.
Now in 2023, that watch is worth more than $30k. That’s 150% more money in only 8 years! But wait – some Daytonas are better than others. The steel ones with ceramic bezels go up in value faster than gold ones. If you get a rare one like the Panda dial, you could make even more. But you’ll need to be patient – Rolex investing takes time.
How to choose Rolex for investment?
Picking a Rolex to invest in isn’t just about getting the priciest one.
You need to know what’s popular, how rare it is, and if people want it. First, check out what’s hot now. Sites like Watchuseek and Reddit’s watch page have great info.
Then look at how good the watch is. An old watch in perfect shape with its original box and papers will always be worth more. I messed up once buying a Submariner without checking – it was polished too much and lost a lot of value. Also, think about how easy it is to sell. A super rare Rolex might be cool, but you might wait forever to sell it. Go for popular models like Submariners if you want to sell fast.
What makes a Rolex watch valuable?
A Rolex’s value comes from more than just the name.
First, how rare it is matters a lot. Special editions or watches with cool features (like the green Hulk Submariner) go up in value faster.
Also, if it’s got history behind it, that helps. Watches linked to famous people or events (like the Everest Explorer II) sell for more. How good it looks is super important. A watch with all its original stuff, not much wear, and all its papers is worth way more. At an auction, two same Datejusts were there – the one with original bracelet and papers went for 30% more. Finally, what’s popular affects price. Right now, steel sports models are hot, but that might not last.
Are vintage Rolex watches good investments?
Old Rolexes can be great investments, but they’re riskier.
Good news – some old models like the Big Crown Submariner have gone way up in price. A Submariner from the 50s that cost a few hundred bucks can now sell for millions.
But you gotta be extra careful with old watches. You have to make sure it’s real, check if parts were changed, and see how good it looks. I got an old GMT-Master that seemed perfect, but a watch guy saw the dial was repainted – lost half its value. If you’re new to old Rolexes, buy from a trusted seller to stay safe.
Which Rolex models appreciate fastest?
Want fast value growth? Look at Rolex’s steel sports watches.
Daytonas, Submariners, and GMTs are the big ones, but newer watches like the Sky-Dweller are getting popular too. Take the Batman GMT – it was about $9k in stores in 2019.
Now it’s over $15k used – that’s 66% more in only 4 years. The Kermit Submariner doubled in price since they stopped making it in 2020. So watch for when they stop making models – prices often jump then.
How does Rolex warranty affect value?
Having a warranty makes your Rolex worth more when you sell it.
Watches with their original 5-year warranty (or longer from dealers) usually sell for 10-15% more. Why? People trust watches more when they’re still under warranty.
I sold a Datejust that just lost its warranty – the buyer knocked off $1k just for that. Also check if it’s been serviced. Watches fixed by Rolex keep their value better than those fixed by other shops. When buying a used Rolex, always ask for service papers and warranty info – it could save you big money later.
What Rolex colors increase in value?
The color of a Rolex really affects how much it’s worth.
Black and white are usually safe, but some colors are super popular now. The Pepsi GMT with blue and red bezel is super wanted – prices keep going up since 2018.
Green faces like the Hulk Submariner also go up in value nicely. Even weird colors like pink Stella dials on old Day-Dates have gotten way more expensive. My tip? Go for colors that mean something or are rare. Remember, what’s cool now might not be later – so mix it up if you’re collecting.
Can you flip Rolex watches for profit?
You can make money flipping Rolexes, but it’s harder than you think.
You need to know when to buy and sell, and what’s hot. Like buying a new popular model and selling fast – my friend made $5k flipping a Daytona in weeks.
But you need dealer connections and to really know the market. Holding a watch for 1-3 years is safer but you gotta wait. Watch out – taxes and fees can take a big bite from your profit. Between auction commissions, shipping, and insurance, you could lose 20-30% of your gains. If you’re serious about flipping, treat it like a business—keep detailed records and factor in all costs.
Where to buy Rolex for investment?
Where you buy your Rolex can make or break your investment.
Authorized dealers are the safest option, but getting popular models at retail price is nearly impossible these days. Trusted pre-owned dealers like Bob’s Watches or WatchBox offer authenticity guarantees and warranties, but you’ll pay a premium.
Auctions (like those by Phillips or Christie’s) are great for rare pieces but come with hefty buyer’s premiums. Personally, I’ve had the best luck with private sellers on platforms like Chrono24, but you need to be extra cautious—always verify the watch’s authenticity and request plenty of photos. Whichever route you choose, remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always do your homework before pulling the trigger.
Summary and Action Call
Investing in Rolex watches can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without risks. Stick to iconic models with proven track records, pay attention to condition and provenance, and always buy from reputable sources.
Whether you’re eyeing a Daytona, Submariner, or GMT-Master II, remember that patience is key—the best returns often come to those who wait. Ready to start your Rolex investment journey? Begin by researching current market trends and setting a budget. And hey, if you’ve already dipped your toes into watch investing, I’d love to hear about your experiences—drop a comment below!
