Horology, or the study of time, is a hobby that is as old as time itself. Even in today’s digital world, wearing a luxury timepiece on your wrist denotes sophistication and taste, and also acts as an investment that appreciates in value.
The global luxury watch industry has a value of approximately $7 billion today. For decades, Rolex has stood the test of time as one of the most revered watchmakers on the planet. Die-hard and casual watch collectors all look at these Swiss-made watches as grail items.
But, how much does a Rolex cost? Use this Rolex watch guide to learn how much you’ll expect to pay for different models.
How Much Does a Rolex Cost?
Rolex, as a brand, appreciates in value over time, which makes these timepieces the ultimate investment. Entry-level Rolexes might cost you about $5,000, while more expenses new and previously-owned Rolexes can range anywhere between $13,000 and $17.8 million depending on the model, release year, and significance.
Rolex watch cost depends on the model and type of watch. Several factors dictate the price you’ll pay for a Rolex, including:
- Model number
- Condition
- Paperwork and original packaging
- Rarity and unusual defects
- Authenticity
It takes a skilled watch appraiser to give you a breakdown of how much a Rolex timepiece is worth. So, how much can you expect to pay?
Here’s a breakdown based on different Rolex models:
Rolex Sky-Dweller
The Sky-Dweller is one of the newest and most unique offerings from the watch giant. It was released in 2012 and is known as a traveler’s watch. This piece has a complex dial with a reference clock and the ability to read two different time zones.
It’s the definition of a luxury watch, as it only comes in 18k gold or steel and gold mixtures. This watch sits larger on your wrist, as it spans 42 mm in case diameter. The Sky-Dweller is one of the most sophisticated timepieces on the market, as it not only keeps the daily time but also maintains a calendar that even accounts for 30 and 31-day months.
Rolex has upgraded the Sky-Dweller a few times throughout the years, including adding different straps and most recently introducing a Jubilee bracelet.
So, how much can you expect to pay for a Sky-Dweller? These watches will cost you anywhere between approximately $15,000 and $50,000 depending on the type of metal and features you opt for.
Rolex Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is a staple item of the watch brand. It has historical significance, as it was first released in 1953 and quickly became hailed as the most impressive diver watch ever created.
It was the first diver to get 100m of water resistance. The 60-minute bezel rotates so that divers would be able to keep track of how long they had been underwater. This watch has stood the test of time and remains a favorite in many people’s collections.
You can expect to pay between about $9,000 and $40,000 for one of these watches.
Rolex Daytona
The Florida city of Daytona is a historical forefather of motorsports. It remains such, as the Daytona 500, held at Daytona International Speedway, remains the Super Bowl of the sport.
It’s only right that Rolex paid homage to this speedster city with its Rolex Daytona watch. This timepiece was released in 1963, before officially having the name “Daytona” on the watch in 1965. It features multiple time recorders in 1-minute, 30-minute, and 12-hour recorders.
The time enthusiast will appreciate both the history and details of this timepiece to the fullest.
You can get a Rolex Daytona for between about $15,000 and $75,000.
Rolex Day-Date
This watch is the epitome of taste and luxurious simplicity. As the name suggests, the Rolex Day-Date watch prominently features the day and the date on the dial. It’s arguably the most known watch and is considered the flagship offering of the brand.
The Rolex Day-Date was famously worn by James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano character in HBO’s classic TV show “The Sopranos”.
It took the watch world by storm when it was released in 1956. This offering came out with a fluted bezel, along with the iconic presidential watch bracelet. The Day-Date features a crystal oyster case and Swiss movements that have made Rolex the cream of the crop.
A Rolex Day-Date will generally cost you about $38,000 and $60,000.
Rolex DateJust
Similar to the Day-Date, the Rolex DateJust gives its appeal away in the name. While the Rolex Day-Date features the day and the date, the Rolex DateJust features just the date.
This watch was released in 1945 as a way to celebrate 40 years of the Rolex brand. It made history at the time, as it was the first timepiece to have a window for the date. This release added a measure of sophistication and functionality to the watch world, and it has remained a favorite among collectors ever since.
The Rolex DateJust will cost you between about $7,000 and $15,000, making it a nice homage to watch history, at a more affordable price.
Once you’re in the watch game, you’ll probably want to collect them all. There are several other favorite models that you can look into, including the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Rolex GMT Master II, Rolex Yacht-Master, and the Rolex Sea-Dweller.
The deeper you get, the more you’ll learn about the subtle differences and the charm of each watch. You can get plenty of information from this Rolex buyer and others with experience.
Your Guide to Rolex Watch Prices
How much does a Rolex cost? Now that you have these Rolex watch tips you can start shopping for a timepiece that’s your style. Always do your due diligence when you’re considering a new Rolex or any other piece for your collection.