Rolex Prices — Retail vs. Actual Market — Top 7 Models
See how retail prices compare to actual market prices on Rolex’s 7 hottest models
If you look at Rolex’s website you will now find their suggested retail prices for most of the watches they carry.
What you may not know is that the actual price you pay on market can be much lower or much higher.
We take a look at seven of the most popular Rolex models and compare the suggested retail price versus the actual price you can expect to pay.
Rolex’s have shown that they can deliver a respectable rate of return.
Models like the Submariner have consistently produced a 5–5.5% return over the last twenty years.
While the value of a new watch falls down to its market value after purchase, you can still achieve a solid return over the lifetime(s) the watch is in your family.
Rolex Sky-Dweller 326935
This work of art has distinctive technology that is protected by 11 to 14 patents depending on the model.
On the Rolex website, this watch is listed at $48,850 for the Oyster, 42mm, Everose gold model.
If you go into one of their retail stores this is around the price that they will typically charge you.
On the other hand, you can shop www.LuxuryBazaar.com and get this watch for around $41,995.00.
This beautifully crafted gold watch is a mechanical and aesthetic work of art and the market price reflects just that.
Certain models of the Sky-Dweller are so rare that market price is much higher than MSRP.
Rolex GMT-Master II (Batman)
Originally designed specifically for Pan-Am pilots to allow them to consult the time and day in different places in the world at a glance, the GMT-Master II retails for just under $9,000 and features a beautiful blue and black rotating bezel. Currently, the Batman is going for around $10,500 on the market.
This watch is one of the most popular and extremely difficult to purchase at the retail price with instant delivery unless you have a long-standing relationship with a Rolex authorized dealer or you purchase through a grey market dealer such as Luxury Bazaar.
Also known as the Batman watch because of the blue and black colored bezel, even pre-owned Batman’s are going for above retail!
Rolex Submariner
The Submariner is one of the more affordable watches offered by Rolex, starting price is in the mid-seven thousands.
This watch has similar styling today as the original model launch in 1953.
The distinctive black dial of this watch allows for easy readability. Its clean look is likely reason for its popularity and the value that it holds over its lifetime.
In fact, one study showed that the Rolex Submariner has grown by 297% between 1994 and 2016.
With the consistent increase in value, finding a Submariner for anything below retail is not likely. Many sell for well above retail price on the open market.
Rolex Submariner “Hulk”
The “Hulk” features a green ceramic bezel and green dial which separates it from the classic Submariner.
While the “Hulk” is not a limited edition, it could stop production at any time.
Rolex has continued to make this watch as it has become extremely popular, however, there will likely be an endpoint to its production.
While the retail price of this watch is $9,050, finding a new one at that price is nearly impossible unless you wait on a waiting list for a long time.
This watch may very well follow the 3x return trend of its Submariner parent.
Because of the popularity of the “Hulk”, you’re looking at paying between $10,000 and $11,000 for a new one on the market.
A pre-owned one can vary between $7,000 and $10,000 depending on the age and condition.
The rare green color is only gaining popularity with collectors as rumors of production stopping start circulating.
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Stainless Steel Ceramic Bezel 116500
Originally developed to meet the needs of race car drivers to perfectly measure average speeds up to 400 miles per hour, the Daytona has secured its place in the permanent line of Rolex watches.
The crisp, clear click of the chronograph was perfected using the most advanced technology that allows for instantaneous and accurate start/stop to the timer.
The popularity of the Daytona has no sign of slowing down and is offered in a variety of metal options.
Retailing at $12,400 a stainless steel ceramic bezel Daytona is currently going for as high as $21,000! Even pre-owned ones are going for well above retail.
Rolex Yacht-Master Everose Gold 40 116655
Styled to embody the spirit of the sailor, the Yacht-Master Everose 40 model retails at $24,950. However, finding it for even it’s retail price is difficult.
Rolex created and patented an exclusive 18ct pink gold alloy, Everose Gold, which is cast in its own foundry.
The bidirectional rotatable bezel is designed for sailors to calculate sailing times and is one of the most distinctive visual identifiers.
Market price on these watches is similar to retail as the price of gold has helped keep value up on the Yach-Master.
For a high-quality pre-owned Yach-Master 40 in Everose Gold, you can expect to pay close to its original retail price.
Rolex DateJust 41
One of the most recognizable watches in the Rolex line up, the DateJust features an elegant blend of gold and Oystersteel.
Starting at just under $10,000 you will find dozens of options that raise the retail price of this watch.
Some models are encrusted with diamonds and of course, the price tag follows up as the watch is crafted with more precious metals.
Secondhand DateJust watches typically run about 20–30% less than the retail price.
Because this watch comes in so many different options, it is important to purchase from a credible dealer that can provide authenticity paperwork.
For an excellent condition pre-owned DateJust Rolex, you can expect to pay about 10%-15% less than the retail price.
There are dozens of different color combinations for this watch as well as face sizes so your chances are pretty good for finding the perfect watch.
