Founded in London in 1905, Rolex is arguably the most renowned watch brand in the world. Their timeless style and reputation for exquisite craftmanship is second to none.
Since creating the first waterproof wristwatch in 1926, named The Oyster, Rolex has developed a wide range of revolutionary watches that have contributed to the brand’s continually growing iconic status. Unlike many of its competitors, Rolex controls every detail of their manufacturing process in-house, giving them full control on the design, development, crafting, assembly and completion of each watch, reportedly taking an average of 1 year for each watch to be created. Once made, each watch goes through a ‘testing period’ before being moved on into their retail spaces, to ensure the brand’s standards of quality are upheld. It is this time, consideration, and consistent top quality craftmanship that has allowed Rolex to remain an industry leader, and a first choice for those looking to make a special watch investment.
Rolex’s brand DNA is made up of the 3 R’s:
Recognition - features highly on every luxury brand survey.
Reputation - it’s responsible for manufacturing more certified chronometers than any other watchmaker.
Resale - Rolex’s are reliable for returning your investment if you decide to resell.
Investing in a vintage Rolex:
When it comes to investing in vintage watches, Rolex is a popular choice, and for good reason. Each time Rolex releases a new watch, it is always in a limited run. In addition to this, Rolex is continuously updating their mechanisms and designs, and so even their classic collection is rarely ever made in exactly the same way. This means that almost every Rolex can be considered unique, and limited edition. As time passes, it becomes increasingly more difficult to purchase these styles, which means their value increases.
The most expensive Rolex ever sold was a Cosmograph Daytona, which sold for an amazing $17,752,500 at auction in 2017. The watch was gifted to actor Paul Newman in 1968, with a value at the time of around $200, and featured an unusual and exotic dial design, of which there were only 2000-3000 of this type in the world. The watch’s popularity combined with its limited accessibility meant its value increased astronomically.
Another point to consider when looking to invest in a vintage Rolex, is that vintage styles that have signs of wear can actually make your watch more valuable. For example, dials that have faded in the sun to a ‘tropical’ brown colour are a wonderful natural imperfection, and Rolex Submariners pre-1990 have dials that have a creamy patina on the hour markers that are prized by collectors.
Based on Google search data, the interest in the brand has increased steadily over the past 5 years, showing that the popularity and interest in Rolex is going nowhere.
Find out more about the brand’s most iconic timepieces, and our top recommendations to invest in:
Day Date
“Launched in 1956, the Day-Date made its debut as the first waterproof and self-winding chronometer wristwatch to offer a modern calendar with an instantaneous day display, spelt out in full in a window on the dial, in addition to the date.” – Rolex
Rolex Day Date Stella Dial 18k Yellow Gold
Day Dates are a very popular Rolex model down to their simple, streamlined appearance and exquisite detailing. They also have a fantastic resale value due to their timeless style and sensible, reliable functionality.
Daytona
“Introduced in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was designed to meet the demands of professional racing drivers. It is an icon forever joined in name and function to the high-performance world of motor sport. More than 50 years after its creation, the Cosmograph Daytona remains in a class of its own among sport chronographs and continues to transcend time.” – Rolex
Rolex Daytona
The Daytona is arguably the most collectible Rolex watch, perhaps because it holds its value so well. It offers a unique aesthetic to other Rolex’s, due to a trio of sub-dials and a monobloc Cerachrom bezel in high-tech ceramic on certain versions, which is corrosion resistant, virtually scratchproof and the colour is unaffected by UV rays. If you value speed, luxury and performance, then the Daytona is the watch for you.
GMT-Master
“Designed to show the time in two different time zones simultaneously, the GMT-Master, launched in 1955, was originally developed as a navigation instrument for professionals criss-crossing the globe.” – Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master II Batman Stainless Steel
Rolex’s GMT-Master and GMT-Master II (unveiled in 1982) are always in high demand. The watch pairs well with both casual and formal attire and its large dial oozes luxury and sophistication.
Yacht-Master
“The Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II – the only chronograph in the world with a mechanical memory – encapsulates the suspense of vital moments.” – Rolex
Rolex Yacht-Master Stainless Steel
Both the Yacht-Master and the Yacht-Master II are recognised by their large hands and bold numbers, making them easy to read in challenging situations, and like the name suggests – they are waterproof! These watches are built to last, robust and aesthetically pleasing, making them great investment pieces that hold their value well and are popular on the resale market.
Discover our full collection of Rolex watches.
Not sure how to care for your vintage watch? Read our care guide.
