If you’ve been following the trends with us here at Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, you’ll know that classic wristwatches are firmly en vogue this season, particularly those at the top end of the market. If you’re looking to dip your toe into the world of watch collecting, you’d be hard-pressed to make a stronger opening statement than acquiring a Rolex – a brand synonymous with sophisticated and quality wristwear.
While no authentic Rolex watches will come for spare change (and neither should they!) we’ve identified a list of top value-for-money options to get you started and ensure you get the best value introduction to your collection. All of the watches listed below are currently available at a notable discount from their regular trading value, a rarity in the world of luxury watch collecting.
Submariner
The Rolex Submariner is a popular variant of Rolex, particularly among those who have an affinity for the deep blue sea. Originally produced with divers in mind, the Submariner boasts a case that is waterproof up to a depth of 1000 feet. The classic stainless steel finish, coupled with a streamlined jet-black bezel, allows for genuine practical application, as well as a minimalist piece of finery for dinner parties.
A used Submariner, in ‘extra fine’ condition, is currently listed available at $6295, well below its regular market price of between $6500 – $7000.
Datejust
Another stainless steel classic, this 1986 Datejust is in extra fine condition and only gets better with age. A relative amount cheaper than the Submariner at $4095, this particular line of the Datejust combines the timeless appeal of the jubilee bracelet with an engine-turned bezel, offering a slightly more robust quality to the timepiece. Topped with an Oyster case, the sleek all-silver design makes for an extremely versatile wristwatch, sure to turn heads in both business and casual environments.
Sea-Dweller
In some ways, the Sea-Dweller is an evolution of the aforementioned Submariner wristwatch. Taking inspiration from its nautical cousin, the Sea-Dweller boasts many of the qualities of the Submariner – with the added feature of a helium escape valve, allowing the watch to withstand an incredible 4,000 feet of underwater pressure before its function is compromised.
Bragging rights come at a price, though, and the cheapest Sea-Dweller at Bob’s Watches is ever-so-slightly more expensive than the Submariner at $6,995. You can generally expect the Sea-Dweller to trade at around $7200 – $8000.
Daytona
The Rolex Daytona needs no introduction to most watch connoisseurs, with one particular Daytona holding the world record for highest sale price at $17.8m. You’ll be grateful to know that the watch commonly trades a fraction of that price, but is hard to come by due to its popularity.
The Daytona, which takes inspiration from the famous international speedway circuit in Florida, features a chronograph for precision time-keeping. The 116520, one of the most popular iterations of the iconic racers’ Rolex, is currently available for $14495, but represents tremendous upside as an investment piece.
Explorer II
The Explorer variant of Rolex was inspired by the Everest summit expedition of Sir Edmund Hillary, and carries its history with style. The original run of Explorer watches took aim at avid mountaineers, but the II was designed more with cavers in mind. As such, the watch is equipped with luminous hands and hour markers, allowing the owner to monitor moments, minutes and hours in a blanket of darkness.
A 1990 variant of the Explorer II is currently available for a little over $5000.
Explorer
If darkness isn’t your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that the original Explorer product makes our list of wise investments. A 1999 Explorer is currently available at $4795, making it one of the more budget-friendly options on our list. Another stainless steel classic, the Explorer also features a smooth bezel and oysterlock clasp, for a well-rounded, timeless aesthetic.
GMT-Master II
One of our all-time favourite Rolex variants here at LLM, the GMT-Master II is well-known for its contemporary design and versatility. A cousin of two of our favourites featured last month, the ceramic-bezel GMT-Master II features a black finish on a beautiful stainless steel design, as well as scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Currently available at $8195, one particular GMT-Master II represents a saving of the best part of $500 on its retail price, and, like all watches on this list, comes with a one-year warranty as standard.
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