Rolex is a universally recognized brand, likely to be among the top five watch companies that come to mind for people in a random “man on the street interview.” Its name has become synonymous with luxury and affluence, making it a household name.
Contrary to common misconceptions, Rolex watches can also serve as sound investments. While some may view owning a Rolex as a potentially imprudent financial choice, akin to purchasing a depreciating luxury asset like a boat, the reality is different. Although a Timex may fulfill the basic function of telling time at a fraction of the cost, Rolex offers more than just a timepiece. The brand provides a beautifully crafted watch with enduring value that can be passed down through generations.
One key aspect contributing to the investment appeal of Rolex watches is their ability to hold and, in many cases, appreciate in value. The combination of high demand and limited inventory has established Rolex as a brand that not only delivers a luxurious product but also possesses a reputation for maintaining and increasing its value over time.
About Rolex Watches in 2024
In the year 2024, the demand for Rolex watches has experienced a consistent upward trend, exacerbated by challenges in the supply chain that have led to delays. Although Rolex does not officially disclose the annual production volume, the industry generally estimates it to be around 1 million watches per year.
Despite this significant output, the demand for Rolex watches far exceeds the brand’s production capacity. Popular models boast waiting lists stretching several years, while even less sought-after models require a wait of at least a few months. Visiting an authorized Rolex retailer today does not guarantee immediate acquisition; prospective buyers should anticipate delays unless they arrive already adorned with a Rolex on their wrist.
Rolex strategically maintains a low inventory, deliberately cultivating an atmosphere of exclusivity and scarcity. This deliberate approach fuels a competitive market, resulting in increased prices in both authorized retail outlets and the gray markets. The combination of limited availability and heightened demand reinforces Rolex’s reputation as a symbol of luxury and rarity.
Should You Invest In Rolex for 2024?
Deciding whether to invest in Rolex in 2024 is a personal choice that individuals must make for themselves. Many opt to invest in Rolex not only to enjoy the impeccably crafted and visually stunning timepieces but also for the assurance that Rolex is considered a secure investment within the world of watches, according to the perspectives of numerous watch experts and collectors.
Rolex holds appeal for watch enthusiasts due to its extensive and illustrious history in horology, consistently staying at the forefront of innovation in the watch industry. The brand’s watches have been associated with notable achievements in activities such as mountain climbing, deep-sea diving, cave exploring, and racing.
The use of top-tier materials further adds to Rolex’s allure. Operating its own foundries, Rolex forges the highest quality steel, gold, platinum, and titanium. The meticulous craftsmanship of each watch, down to the finest detail, reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and consistency, earning the trust and admiration of professional watch collectors.
Recent years have seen strong demand for various Rolex collections, including the DateJust, Daytona, Oyster Perpetual, Day-Date, Submariner, and GMT-Master, chosen by both the public and collectors. The continued popularity of these collections suggests a likelihood of sustained demand, potentially leading to the preservation or appreciation of their value.
Remarkably, the gray market, once known for offering deals on Rolex watches, has transformed into a space where enthusiasts are willing to pay well above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), if not more, to secure their desired Rolex without enduring extensive waiting periods. This shift underscores the enduring desirability and perceived investment value of Rolex watches in the contemporary market.
The Best Investment Rolexes
ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA 126500LN
The term “iconic” is sometimes overused, but it is entirely fitting when describing the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. This timepiece holds a special status, particularly due to its association with the legendary figure, actor, race car driver, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Paul Newman. The gravity of this watch is heightened by the fact that Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona set a record, selling for an astounding $17.8 million. Its popularity among collectors and enthusiasts is easily understood.
The Oystersteel case of this remarkable timepiece measures 40mm, with a thickness of 11.9mm (0.5mm thinner than the previous generation) and a lug-to-lug length of 46.5mm. While the model under discussion is crafted from steel, variations are available in two-tone steel and yellow gold, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum.
At the heart of this wristwatch is a glossy black ceramic bezel housing a high-performance chronograph. The tachymetric scale on the bezel allows for measuring average speeds of up to 400 miles or kilometers per hour, paying homage to the 1965 version. The watch’s white dial (alternatively available in black for the Oystersteel configuration) features a three-register chronograph with 18-karat white gold hour markers and hands.
Powering the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is the caliber 4131 automatic movement, boasting a 72-hour power reserve and carrying both COSC and Rolex certifications. The watch includes a signed screw-down crown, ensuring water resistance up to 100 meters. The chronograph movement also incorporates hacking seconds. Complementing these features is a three-link Oystersteel bracelet equipped with a folding clasp and a 5mm extension.
ROLEX GMT-MASTER II YELLOW GOLD 126718GRNR
Introduced in collaboration with Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) in the 1950s to cater to the needs of pilots on long-haul international flights, the original Rolex GMT Master swiftly gained popularity among aviators and globetrotters. This tool watch, distinguished by its practical 24-hour hand and ceramic bezel, has seen various noteworthy iterations over the years, including the renowned red and blue bezel affectionately known as the “Pepsi” by collectors.
In focus here is the Oyster version, a 40mm yellow gold timepiece. With a profile of 11.9mm on the wrist and a lug-to-lug measurement of 48mm, this watch exudes luxury. Crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, it features a captivating black bezel and face. An inner yellow gold ring elegantly encircles the black dial adorned with white gold indexes and yellow gold hands. Adding practicality, a Cyclops date window graces the three o’clock position.
Equipped with a screw-down crown, sapphire crystal, and a water resistance of 100 meters, this timepiece is powered by Rolex’s caliber 3285 automatic movement boasting a substantial 70-hour power reserve.
The movement’s capabilities include a second time zone with independent rapid reset of the hour hand, instantaneous date changes, and hacking seconds. Paired with an exquisite 18-karat yellow gold jubilee 5-link bracelet, complete with a folding clasp and a 5mm comfort extension, this watch epitomizes sophistication and functionality.
ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL “CELEBRATION MOTIF” 124300-0008
The Oyster Perpetual Celebration marks a departure from Rolex’s traditional conservative design ethos, introducing a cheeky and fun model, a departure rarely associated with the brand. Rolex’s reputation has been built on timeless and enduring designs, characterized by their understated elegance. However, this bold and colorful addition signifies a daring move that is anticipated to resonate with and attract a younger clientele.
In 2020, Rolex introduced the 36mm Oyster Perpetual with vibrant lacquer dials, offering sizing options and colors such as candy pink, green, yellow, coral red, and turquoise. The latest Celebration motif features a ‘Tiffany blue’ backdrop, incorporating all these dial colors in a playful arrangement reminiscent of champagne bubbles in various sizes, outlined in black. This three-hand watch is adorned with white gold hands and indices.
Available in multiple sizes ranging from 28mm to 41mm, the Celebration dial is exclusively offered in the 31mm, 36mm, and 41mm cases. The Oystersteel case, measuring 41mm, has a wrist presence of 11.7mm and a lug-to-lug length of 47.5mm. The polished case and smooth fixed bezel are complemented by an Oyster bracelet and clasp with 5mm micro extensions. Featuring a screw-down crown, the watch boasts a water resistance of up to 100 meters.
At its core, the timepiece houses Rolex’s in-house 3230 automatic movement, delivering a substantial 70-hour power reserve. This vibrant and unconventional model represents a shift in Rolex’s approach, embracing a more playful aesthetic that is poised to capture the interest of a new generation of watch enthusiasts.
ROLEX SUBMARINER “STARBUCKS” 126610LV
The Submariner stands as a pinnacle in the realm of dive watches, with its origins tracing back to the 1950s. Leveraging Rolex’s military and World War II heritage, the Submariner evolved into a revered tool watch among professional divers. Its significance extends to Hollywood, adorning the wrists of iconic figures like American actor Steve McQueen and gracing the silver screen on James Bond actors, including Sean Connery.
Renowned filmmaker and explorer James Cameron, celebrated for his record-setting dives to the Titanic wreckage, has shared his connection with Rolex, emphasizing the Submariner as his choice for both professional dives and significant moments, such as receiving an Oscar for the film Titanic.
This versatile timepiece seamlessly transitions from rugged deep-water dives, worn over a wetsuit, to more formal occasions when paired with a suit or tuxedo, embodying its status as an exceptional all-rounder.
Crafted with a stainless steel case measuring 41mm, a thickness of 12.4mm, and a lug-to-lug length of 48.1mm, the Submariner features a polished green ceramic unidirectional bezel that complements the black lacquered dial—renowned as the “Starbucks” or “Kermit” due to its green and black color scheme. The white gold-lined hands and indices enhance readability, accompanied by a Cyclops date window at three o’clock.
Powering the timepiece is Rolex’s caliber 3235 automatic movement, offering a substantial 70-hour power reserve. The watch includes a screw-down crown with Triplock triple waterproofness, ensuring water resistance up to 300 meters. A 3-link Oyster bracelet with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp and the Glidelock extension system complete the ensemble.
While the classic black bezel option is available, the distinctive green “Starbucks” version may well emerge as a sought-after collector’s item, adding an intriguing dimension to this iconic dive watch.
ROLEX MILGAUSS 116400GV & 116400
If the Submariner earns the title of the cool Rolex, then the Milgauss could be considered the nerdy Rolex, and that’s a compliment. Originating from the 1950s, the Milgauss was crafted for a distinct purpose, setting itself apart from the Submariner. Renowned for its resistance to magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss, the name “Milgauss” combines the French word “mille” for “thousand” with “gauss.”
Engineers and technicians were the primary audience for the Milgauss, reflecting its utilitarian design. After a hiatus of a couple of decades, the collection made a comeback in 2007, only to be discontinued again, potentially creating an ideal limited supply scenario for investment or collection purposes.
Perfectly suited for smaller wrists and discreet enough to slide under a dress shirt, the Milgauss features a 36mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 13.5mm and a lug-to-lug length of 48mm. The 116400GV variant boasts a captivating green-tinted crystal, complemented by a matte black dial and an eye-catching orange lightning bolt seconds hand.
The black dial showcases two-tone luminous indicators, and an alternative option includes a blue-green dial. The 116400 model presents a white dial with orange luminous indices and the same distinctive orange lightning bolt seconds hand, creating a vivid contrast against the white background.
Driven by the Rolex 3131 automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve, this timepiece is COSC-certified and offers water resistance up to 100 meters. The model features the Easy-Link system and a raised Rolex crown, accompanied by a three-link bracelet with contrasting center polished links and brushed satin outer links. The Milgauss’s unique blend of functionality and distinctive design elements positions it as an intriguing choice for those seeking a Rolex with a more specialized appeal.
Conclusion
Rolex stands as the undisputed leader in the realm of luxury watches, a status symbolized by the iconic crown adorning their timepieces. In recent years, the brand has thrived in a market characterized by low inventory and soaring demand, leading to extended waiting lists for many coveted models. This heightened scarcity has, in turn, propelled Rolex watch prices to new heights in both the gray and pre-owned markets.
Rolex watches, renowned for their enduring value, are unparalleled in their ability to hold their worth over time. Numerous Rolex models have proven to be not just exquisite timepieces but also exceptional investments, experiencing significant appreciation in value. In this article, we have highlighted ten models that we find particularly appealing and believe merit consideration as collector’s items. However, the ultimate decision rests with each individual. Our aim is to provide sufficient information to empower readers to make well-informed decisions in the dynamic world of Rolex watches and their potential as both luxury accessories and lucrative investments.
