Is there ever a very good second to purchase a Rolex? These watches are simply so common they merely received’t go down in worth. Or a minimum of not in any dramatic manner. However there are actually higher and worse instances to purchase one. Watch costs on the secondary market have decreased because the market stabilized after the worldwide pandemic. Does this imply that there are some good offers available on pre-owned Rolex fashions? Jorg already wrote an awesome overview on friendly-priced five-digit Rolex references. However what about present Rolex references?
Jorg’s overview reveals that when you’re on the lookout for a Rolex at a reasonably cheap worth, a five-digit reference might be the way in which to go. Since then, we even discovered a two-tone Daytona, ref. 16523, for slightly over €13k. However what when you’re not on the lookout for an older reference and don’t wish to look forward to a name out of your licensed supplier? Then, what’s the scenario like with the present Rolex references on the pre-owned market? Let’s have a look.
Don’t go for a titanium Yachtmaster or a chrome steel Daytona
Earlier than we get to the precise “bargains,” let me begin with a little bit of a disclaimer. Sadly, Rolex watches, and particularly (nearly) brand-new ones, are nonetheless extremely sought-after gadgets. Generally, a latest Rolex reference will price you an identical or extra on the secondary market. However for some fashions, you’ll pay a better premium than others. Particularly when you’re trying to purchase a titanium Yachtmaster or a chrome steel Cosmograph Daytona, you’ll discover costs that sit effectively above their beneficial retail worth.
The titanium Yachtmaster, ref. 226627, is listed on the official Rolex web site for €14,650. That’s already fairly costly while you examine it to the same Submariner. Nevertheless, the costs on the secondary market begin at about €10k greater than that. The identical counts for the chrome steel Cosmograph Daytona, ref. 126500LN. Whereas its official worth is listed at €15,700, you in all probability received’t be capable to discover one for below €30k, particularly while you’re on the lookout for the white dial model.
Stainless-steel and (metal) gold fashions at record or a bit extra
Don’t fear, although, as a result of there are additionally some present Rolex references that aren’t price far more than their record costs on the pre-owned market. For instance, the chrome steel Datejust and Submariner are fashions you received’t possible discover below their record worth. Nevertheless, their costs received’t exceed the RRP (beneficial retail worth) by a lot quite a lot of thousand. This implies you must be capable to discover a good and up to date reference for round €10,000.
The identical precept is true for the present Rolex references of the Oyster Perpetual. It’s listed at €6,300, and you must be capable to discover one for round €7,000, which isn’t that huge of a distinction in the long run. After all, there are just a few exceptions right here, particularly when you’re on the lookout for the extra colourful variations, just like the one with the “Tiffany” or the Celebration dial.
One other good technique to keep away from paying much more than the record worth is to go for a non-stainless metal mannequin. One among my present favourite Rolex fashions, the GMT-Grasp II, ref. 126713GRNR, is listed for €17,850. Those that you simply discover on Chrono24 are listed for a similar or just a bit greater than that. One other favourite of mine is the yellow gold Day-Date with a white dial and deconstructed Roman numerals, ref. 128238, which finds itself in the same scenario. It’s listed for €37,900 and could be discovered for slightly greater than that.
The Rolex Explorer is a “cut price”
However when you’d actually prefer to get one of many present Rolex references below the record worth, I’d advise you to take a look at the Explorer. I’m completely in love with my neo-vintage 114270, and our former in-house photographer, Morgan, will say the identical factor about his brand-new 124270. Nevertheless, I additionally very often hear folks say that they get bored with this specific mannequin fairly shortly. Perhaps that’s additionally why you see them being provided fairly commonly on the devoted boards.
Anyway, the very fact is that when you’d actually prefer to get a Rolex below the record worth, then the present Rolex Explorer is the one to get. It’s listed at €7,450 on the model’s web site, however you’ll simply discover one being provided for someplace round €7.000 or perhaps even much less. Positive, that’s nonetheless some huge cash, however in any case, you’re not paying greater than what it’s bought for in Rolex boutiques.
Last disclaimer
As you’ll be able to see, there aren’t really any actual bargains—not in the case of very latest Rolex references. The nice factor is that your watch in all probability received’t lower in worth any time quickly, both. However all the time beware. All the above relies on my on-line analysis. I’ve additionally not contacted any sellers who’ve listed the watches I took as a reference level. It’s all the time necessary to keep in mind that there are various shady sellers on the market. They’d like to get their arms in your hard-earned euros and promote you a faux. So, please all the time watch out when on the lookout for a Rolex watch exterior the official channels. That stated, there are additionally many very respectable sellers on the market, particularly on well-known platforms reminiscent of Chrono24. As all the time, store the vendor, and when doubtful, bear in mind: it’s finest to not danger it.
What recommendation would you give to individuals who wish to purchase a present Rolex reference? Which reference would you decide up when you might? Let me know within the feedback beneath.
