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The Top 5 Rolex Watches That Have Increased in Value The Most
It’s true in watch collecting that it’s important to buy what you love, but what about collectors who also want a watch that might increase in value over time? One of the brands that has the most potential is Rolex. They boast unrivaled prestige, provenance, and craftsmanship. Furthermore, Rolex watches are instantly recognizable worldwide. We understand why anyone would strive to add one to their collection. While most Rolex models are generally sound investments, some have increased in value more than others over the years. We gathered the Top 5 Rolex watches with high resale value to help you make the most of your next luxury watch investment. Is your favorite watch on our list?
Find out how to use your Rolex to secure a high-offer loan.
Why Rolex Watches Increase in Value
According to a report by Morgan Stanley and the folks over at WatchCharts in early 2024, Rolex watches, on average, have a 20.3% return value on the secondary market. That’s promising if you plan on selling your watch one day or potentially using it as collateral for a short-term Rolex loan. Let’s explore the factors that determine the best Rolex watch investment:
- Supply and Demand: Demand for many Rolexes is high, particularly stainless-steel sports watches. They are often spoken for by customers on months-long waiting lists before they can hit the shelves. Some believe Rolex purposefully limits production to maintain exclusivity. Whether you agree with that, short supply and high demand have created incredible profits in the Rolex pre-owned market.
- Rolex Craftsmanship: Above all else, Rolex is known for its outstanding quality. While other companies might outsource materials, Rolex produces its watch components in-house. That includes forging all precious metals in the Rolex foundry and even employing an army of watchmakers to create each intricate part of its movements.
- Rolex Resale Value: That brings us to profitability, which Rolex watches with high resale values have in spades. Even the least popular Rolexes tend to hold their value well in the long term, if not rise in value eventually.
Top 5 Rolex Watches For Investment
Below is a brief list of the best Rolex watches for resale value.
1. Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Watches
Rolex produced variations of the vintage Daytona references 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264, and 6265 with “unique dials.” Instead of featuring normal hashes inside the chronograph sub-dials like other Daytonas, they were decorated with Art Deco-style Arabic numerals and square-tipped lollipop hash marks. These dials were quite funky for the time and not widely received by many. As a result, Rolex didn’t produce many of them because they were initially hard to sell.
So, where does Paul Newman come in? The beloved actor was gifted a unique dial Rolex Daytona ref. 6239 by his wife in the late 1960s. However, it wasn’t until he was photographed wearing one on the cover of a magazine that its popularity took off. Limited production of the watch, coupled with a surge in demand, has since made it one of the most expensive Rolex watches on the secondary market and the stuff of horological legend.
- Paul Newman Rolex Daytona Resale Value: While the actual Daytona watch Paul Newman wore sold for well over $17 million at auction, other variations with unique dials can command anywhere between six figures and $1 million.
2. Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is arguably the best Rolex watch to own. When it was released in the 1950s, it was one of the first on the market to be water resistant up to 100 meters, which Rolex has since improved to 300 meters. Today, collectors of all professions, not just divers, wear the Submariner and consider it the best Rolex watch to buy. Even the “entry-level” steel models are an excellent investment because they often command well over retail on the secondary market.
- Rolex Submariner Resale Value: The entry-level stainless steel Submariner Date ref. 126610 retails for $10,250 and trades hands for around $12,800. However, vintage models or those with rare features can sell for well over $100,000.
3. Rolex “Pepsi” GMT Master II
Rolex released the GMT Master in the 1950s, initially with a red and blue bezel to help the wearer distinguish between day and night hours. Collectors have since named watches with those bezels the “Rolex Pepsi” because they resemble the popular soda’s logo. Rolex has added many different bezels to the GMT fold, including the black and blue “Batman” and the black and green “Sprite.” However, the Rolex Pepsi remains one of the most sought-after for its timelessness and its place in Rolex history. Modern models with ceramic bezels in steel are some of the most in-demand.
- Rolex GMT Master II Value: Vintage Pepsi bezel GMT-Master watches can sell for $15,000 to $30,000. Newer models sell for about double the retail price secondhand.
4. Rolex Presidential Day-Date
The Day-Date was the first mechanical wristwatch to feature the date alongside the day spelled out on the dial, never abbreviated. Rolex has only ever produced the watch in precious metals, adding to its exclusivity and making it the ultimate status symbol. As a result, it has been the top choice among people of power worldwide, including many former American Presidents and other world dignitaries.
- Rolex Day-Date Value: The President Day-Date can range from $20,000 to $50,000, with rare versions priced higher, especially for vintage models.
5. Rolex Datejust
The Datejust, with its innovative date display, has been a pillar of the Rolex catalog since 1945. The watch, and its countless variations, has proven one of the Crown’s most successful and one of the many models to rise in value over the past several years. In fact, according to the previously mentioned Morgan Stanley/WatchCharts report, the Datejust has seen a 15.4% increase in value.
- Rolex Datejust Value: The standard Datejust 36 in stainless steel retails for as low as $7,700 and trades hands for around $10k.
If you’re an avid collector, you might have sold or considered selling a Rolex watch at some point. Did you know there is another way to maximize the value of your Rolex while retaining ownership? At Qollateral, we accept Rolex watches as security for short-term loans. You will enjoy an instant influx of cash while your Rolex waits for you in a high-tech vault within one of the safest buildings in the country – New York City’s International Gem Tower.
It’s a discreet and safe way to turn your Rolex into fast cash. Contact one of our expert watch appraisers today to find out how to get started.
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