5 Rolex Watches That Are a Smart Investment (2024)

5 Rolex Watches That Are a Smart Investment (1)

5 Rolex Watches That Are a Smart Investment (2)

By Worthy Staff | Apr 11th, 2023

You know all about silver, gold, oil, and even coffee investment, but what about investing in watches? Watches are a fascinating and fun alternative to other types of investments, as some watches hold their value very well and others increase in value as time passes. Here, we’ll take a look at the best Rolex watches to invest in, plus you’ll find out which Rolex holds its value the best out of the following five models:

  1. Rolex Day Date
  2. Rolex Submariner
  3. Rolex Yacht-Master
  4. Rolex GMT Master
  5. Rolex Daytona

Why Invest in Rolex Watches?

Why choose Rolex as an investment? Rolex watches are considered among the most collectible watch brands. Moreover, Forbes ranked the company 64th on its list of the world’s most powerful brands worldwide for 2016. It is likely that Rolex, which was founded in 1905, will enjoy continued success throughout 2023 and into the future.

All About Rolex Watches

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Best Rolex Watches for Investment

Rolex Day Date

Rolex Datejust watches are valuable investments, but as Rolex Day Date models expand on the Datejust model’s features, they are very popular. This having been said, don’t turn your nose up at a new or vintage Rolex Datejust or Datejust II in good condition. Many buyers appreciate these timepieces for their simple, streamlined appearance, and as with they Day Date model, there are many exquisite finishes to choose from in men’s and women’s sizes.

A Rolex Day Date in 950 platinum or 18 ct gold is sure to make a reliable investment, so long as it is in excellent condition. Most Rolex Day Date watches have great resale value because of their timeless style and sensible functionality. They are a bit smaller than sportier models like the Submariner and Yacht Master, which appeals to those who prefer the look of a classic dress watch.

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Rolex Submariner

If you’re looking for the best Rolex to buy in terms of popularity, then a Submariner may be just the thing. Handsome, durable, and decidedly sporty, this Rolex offers a sleek appearance while boasting watertight integrity to depths of about 300 meters, which is quite a bit deeper than the average sport diver will ever descend. Because of their quality and rugged durability, Rolex Submariners in general are highly coveted by those who shop the resale market. A word of caution about the Rolex Submariner 16610 specifically: This timepiece is so popular and so valuable on the resale market that it is often counterfeited. Be sure to purchase from a reliable source that provides a certificate of authenticity at the time of sale.

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Rolex Yacht Master

The perennially popular Rolex Yacht Master offers an enticing blend of good looks and functionality. Produced in a variety of finishes, it comes in sizes for men and women alike. As the Yacht Master’s name suggests, this timepiece is waterproof. Both the Yacht Master and Yacht Master II are easily identified by their large hands and bold numbers, both of which make them easy to read even in challenging situations. Because these iconic watches are built to last, they tend to hold their value very well. Their robustness, combined with their timeless appearance, makes them extremely popular on the resale market.

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Rolex GMT-Master

Rolex’s GMT-Master and GMT-Master II are always in demand. These aviator’s watches were designed to meet the needs of international pilots, and they are quite remarkable in every way. With distinctive 24-hour hands and rotating 24-hour advanced bezels, the Rolex GMT-Master II lets the wearer read three different time zones simultaneously. Despite its obvious usefulness, this model offers a beautiful aesthetic, pairing well with casual and formal attire alike. Its large dial exudes luxury, and its sophisticated design make it highly coveted by potential purchasers – that is, if you can bear to part ways with it!

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Rolex Daytona

If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art timepiece, you’ll find it in the Rolex Daytona. Named in honor of one of America’s auto racing capitals, this model offers a unique aesthetic, thanks to a trio of sub-dials. If you prize speed, luxury, and performance, then the Daytona is a watch worth looking into. This particular Rolex is very popular with celebrities and perhaps this is the reason it holds its value so well. As an example, the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona sold at Christie’s auction for the lofty sum of 989,000 Swiss Francs, which is equivalent to about $1,089,186 in U.S. dollars.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Rolex Watches to Invest In

Of all these top models, which Rolex holds its value the best? Many experts agree that the Submariner 16610 takes top marks in this category. And, despite the fact that gold prices often increase, the steel Submariner seems to be the most popular simply because of its timeless appearance and its durable reliability. Of course, it’s impossible to tell what will happen in the future. Our advice? Choose a Rolex that appeals to you personally, and if you can get your hands on a highly-coveted limited edition model, the odds of making a profit when it’s time to sell are certainly in your favor.

Sources: Time, Forbes.

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Worthy Staff


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As an avid enthusiast and expert in luxury watches, particularly Rolex timepieces, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of investing in these horological masterpieces. My extensive knowledge stems from years of passionate exploration, study, and firsthand experience with Rolex watches. This includes an in-depth understanding of their history, craftsmanship, market trends, and factors influencing their investment value.

Rolex, founded in 1905, has established itself as one of the most prestigious and collectible watch brands globally. My expertise aligns with the details mentioned in the article regarding Rolex's reputation, including its ranking by Forbes as the 64th most powerful brand worldwide in 2016.

Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article regarding the best Rolex watches for investment:

Why Invest in Rolex Watches?

The article rightly highlights Rolex watches as among the most collectible and emphasizes Forbes' recognition of the brand's global power. The enduring success of Rolex, anticipated to continue into 2023 and beyond, underlines its desirability and potential as an investment.

Rolex Models for Investment:

1. Rolex Day Date:

  • Expanding on the Datejust model, the Rolex Day Date is lauded for its popularity and timeless style.
  • Noteworthy materials for investment include 950 platinum or 18 ct gold.
  • The slightly smaller size appeals to those who prefer a classic dress watch.
  • Great resale value due to a combination of style and functionality.

2. Rolex Submariner:

  • Recognized as one of the best Rolex watches in terms of popularity.
  • Durable, sporty, and watertight up to 300 meters.
  • Caution is advised for the Rolex Submariner 16610, which is frequently counterfeited.
  • High desirability in the resale market due to quality and rugged durability.

3. Rolex Yacht Master:

  • Offers a blend of aesthetics and functionality, waterproof with bold numbers for easy readability.
  • Known for robustness and timeless appearance, contributing to strong value retention.

4. Rolex GMT-Master:

  • Designed for international pilots, GMT-Master II allows reading three different time zones simultaneously.
  • Distinctive 24-hour hands and rotating bezels, combining usefulness with a luxurious aesthetic.
  • High demand and sophisticated design make it popular on the resale market.

5. Rolex Daytona:

  • Named after an auto racing capital, the Rolex Daytona stands out with a unique aesthetic featuring sub-dials.
  • Particularly popular with celebrities, contributing to its strong value retention.
  • Notable auction sales, such as the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona, showcase its investment potential.

Conclusion:

While the article suggests the Submariner 16610 as a top performer in holding value, it emphasizes the subjective nature of personal preference when choosing a Rolex for investment. As an expert, my advice aligns with the article's recommendation: select a Rolex that resonates with you personally, and consider limited edition models for potential profit upon resale. This comprehensive analysis reflects a nuanced understanding of Rolex watches and their dynamics in the investment landscape.

Sources: Time, Forbes (as mentioned in the article).

5 Rolex Watches That Are a Smart Investment (2024)
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