Aug 10,2022
Seeing as Rolex watches are luxury items, it comes as no surprise that they are generally expensive; however, not all Rolex watches cost the same price. While the Rolex Submariner and Sea-Dweller are both dive watches, one costs noticeably more than the other. Additionally, prices for Rolex watches have been significantly increasing in recent years, which has placed many fan-favorite models outside of the budgets of many collectors. With that in mind, not all Rolex watches, cost a fortune and there are still a number of fantastic references available, both vintage and modern, which can be added to your collection for a surprisingly reasonable investment.
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What Do You Get For The Price Of A Rolex?
When you purchase a Rolex you get a high quality mechanical Swiss wristwatch that not only bears a brand name that is recognized the world over, but that is built to last for generations. Rolex watches are not only luxurious but practical too. They are typically fitted with complications and features that are useful rather than whimsical. However, if you know where to look and which models to add to your list, you can also score a great deal by buying a pre-owned Rolex. Here are ten Rolex watches to consider.
It’s true that Rolex watches require a significant investment. It’s also true that there are countless relatively affordable Rolex watches both on the pre-owned and retail levels. But that begs the question, what should I pay for a Rolex watch, anyway?
What Are The Cheapest Models Available?
The cheapest Rolex watch on the company’s website is the Oyster Perpetual, which retails for between $5,300 and $6,150, depending on which case size you choose. It’s the most affordable current production Rolex because it foregoes precious metal for an all-steel finish.
Additionally, the Oyster Perpetual is a time-only watch, meaning it doesn’t have any additional functions, just three centrally mounted hands for hours, minutes, and seconds. It’s everything you need in a luxury watch without the flashy bells and whistles. It’s simply elegant.
However, many of the models in production right now are virtually impossible to purchase on the retail level, including certain variations of the OP. In that case, the secondary market is your best bet, with prices starting at just a few thousand dollars. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3k plus for an affordable Rolex watch.
Can You Get a Cheap Rolex?
In today’s market, cheap Rolex watches typically fall in the $6k – 11k and under price range. While several thousand dollars is by no means cheap, it’s still on the more affordable end of the luxury watch spectrum, especially if you consider other brands, such as Patek Philippe, which have an entry point of at least $20k retail. Yes, you read that right.
As you will soon learn from this buying guide, it’s easy to find an affordable Rolex watch to suit your style and make your wallet happy, especially if you know what to look for and where to shop. That’s where this guide comes in. From sporty to dressy, read on to find out our top picks for cheap Rolex watches under $6k all the way up to 11k.
Air-King Rolex Watches Under $10,000
The Rolex Air-King is simultaneously one of the brand’s oldest and most affordable collections. According to Rolex lore, the Air-King was developed to honor British Royal Air Force pilots who fought in World War II. The Air-King grew to become a cult favorite among Rolex enthusiasts thanks to its minimalist style and reasonable price point. Throughout the Air-King’s long history, there are four standout models that offer great value.
Rolex Air-King 5500
The first is the Air-King ref. 5500, which made its debut in 1957. Incredibly, Rolex continued to produce the Air-King ref. 5500 well into the 1990s, thereby leaving behind a solid assortment of well-priced pre-owned examples for today’s collectors. This particular Air-King ref. 5500 from the mid-1980s is a great example of a pared-down Rolex model that would serve as the perfect daily luxury watch.
Rolex Air-King 14000
In the 1990s, Rolex introduced the Air-King ref. 14000. While the watch retains the familiar 34mm steel case and time-only dial, protecting the face of the watch is scratch-resistant sapphire crystal rather than one made from acrylic. Furthermore, the vibrant blue dial of this particular Air-King ref. 14000 includes the 3, 6, and 9 indexes normally found on Explorer watches, which gives this Air-King an intriguing design twist.
Rolex Air-King 114200
Next in line was the Air-King ref. 114200, launched at Baselworld 2007. Although this generation of the Rolex Air-King carries the same official 34mm case size, the watch actually wears slightly bigger due to its thicker profile and wider lugs. Additionally, the Air-King ref. 114200 was the first in the collection to be COSC-certified as denoted by the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” text on the dial. This particular Air-King ref. 114200 includes a fancier dial execution with Roman numerals, 11 hand-applied white gold hour markers, and a prominent minute track.
Rolex Air-King 116900
Rolex discontinued the Air-King ref. 114200 in 2014 and replaced it with the Oyster Perpetual 114200, raising speculation that it was the end of the Air-King collection. However, in 2016, the Air-King made its comeback with an entirely new design. Bearing almost no resemblance to its predecessors, the current-production Air-King ref. 116900 sports a larger 40mm steel case borrowed from the Rolex Milgauss, complete with an antimagnetic shield. Plus, contrary to past understated dial styles, the new Air-King flaunts a much sportier dial, complete with a mix of minute numerals, hour numerals at 3/6/9 similar to the Explorer, and flashes of green and yellow. Its revamped steel Oyster bracelet is also equipped with an Oysterclasp and the handy 5mm Easylink comfort extension system for a better fit.
Explorer Rolex Watches Under $11,000
The Explorer is another long-running Rolex collection with time-only functionality. Yet, rather than a tribute to airmen, Rolex launched the Explorer in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reaching the summit of Mount Everest. Officially released in 1953, the Rolex Explorer was one of the brand’s earliest tool watches built to withstand arduous adventures.
Among Rolex’s popular tool watches, the Explorer has always been considered the entry-level option given its discreet style, stainless steel construction, and simple set of features. Rolex has made several references over the years; however, since vintage Explorer models are now commanding high prices within the collector community, we turn our attention to versions that are less than three decades old.
Rolex Explorer 14270
The Explorer ref. 14270 came onto the scene towards the end of the 1980s and this particular example dates to the early 1990s. Similar to the references that came before it, the Explorer ref. 14270 features a 36mm stainless steel Oyster case, steel Oyster bracelet, and black dial with the characteristic 3/6/9 hour markers. However, Rolex fitted the 14270 with modern touches such as a sapphire crystal, a glossy dial, and hand-applied white gold hour markers (instead of painted ones) filled with luminous material.
Rolex Explorer 214270
In 2010, the Explorer line received its biggest design updates since its inception in the 1950s. The current production Explorer ref. 214270 now comes with a larger 39mm Oyster case and is powered by the updated Caliber 3132 movement, which features Rolex’s new Paraflex shock absorbers. This particular example of the Explorer ref. 214270 is an earlier example of this reference family with the so-called Mark I Dial, which includes solid white gold 3, 6, and 9-hour markers instead of the lume-filled ones that came after.
Datejust Rolex Watches Under $8,000
The most “Rolex” of all Rolex watches is the Datejust, which was initially released in 1945 to commemorate the brand’s 40th anniversary. Throughout its history, the Datejust has grown into Rolex’s best-selling model. Though the Datejust features a strong design language that makes it instantly recognizable; however it is also Rolex’s most diverse collection with plenty of material options, bracelet choices, bezel styles, and dial designs available.
Rolex Datejust 16013 & Datejust 16233
For instance, if classic two-tone luxury watches are your style, then this Datejust ref. 16013 and this Datejust ref. 16233 are fantastic options for Rolex watches at an affordable price point (considering it is a luxury watch). Both versions have yellow gold fluted bezels on top of their 36mm cases, two-tone steel and gold Jubilee bracelets, and automatic movements with quickset date functionality. However, the later-produced ref. 16233 features a sapphire crystal above its champagne dial while the earlier ref. 16013 has an acrylic one protecting its silver dial.
Rolex Datejust 16200 & Datejust 16234
If stainless steel Datejust watches are more your speed, then the Datejust ref. 16234 or the Datejust ref. 16200 are solid choices. With its white gold fluted bezel on top of its 36mm steel case, Jubilee bracelet, and salmon dial, this Datejust ref. 16234 is the dressier option. Alternatively, for a sportier style, this Datejust ref. 16200 with a smooth steel bezel, Oyster bracelet, and Arabic numerals on the dial is a great one to consider.
Whether you opt for an Air-King, Explorer, Datejust – or any other Rolex watch on the more affordable end of the price spectrum, it’s clear that you will have plenty of options to choose from, regardless of your specific budget.
Do Rolex Watches Hold Their Value?
If you’re considering investing your hard-earned money in a Rolex watch, you might also wonder how well they hold their value. Pre-owned Rolex watches almost always hold their value.
Much like cars, many Rolex watches that are easier to buy at retail depreciate the minute you buy them. If you purchase secondhand, the original owner has already incurred that loss, leaving you with nothing but profit to look forward to. On the other hand, if you find yourself on the other side of that deal, your Rolex is likely to resell for the original retail price if you wait long enough.
Rolex watches purchased at retail don’t always depreciate when you leave the store. Some of the more sought-after stainless steel sports watches often command astronomical amounts on the secondary market due to high demand and low inventory.
For example, the coveted Daytona ref. 116500 once traded hands for nearly $50k in 2021. While that price seems to be slowly cooling down, it’s still much higher than its $14,550 retail price. Whether you shop pre-owned or retail, there is a good chance your watch will hold its value long-term simply because it is a highly regarded Rolex watch.