The 4 most affordable Rolex models - Rolex luxury watches with the best price performance!
Owning a Rolex is a dream that not everyone can easily fulfill.
Everyone knows how expensive watches from the brand with the golden crown are.
But are all Rolex watches really that expensive? Or might they be even more affordable than you think?
Which Rolex watches offer the best value for money? And are there used watches that are cheaper?
Let me show you the 4 Rolex watches with the best value for money. Also a couple Vintage Rolex watches that can be well worthwhile.
The Rolex watches with the best value for money are the Oyster Perpetual, the Explorer as well as the Datejust and the Submariner. Yet, there are a couple Rolex-Vintages that are even cheaper. For example € 2.500 for an Air-King.
The cheapest new Rolex models
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1. Oyster Perpetual
The most affordable watch which you can buy directly from Rolex is the Oyster Perpetual.
This Rolex is the definition of pure minimalism. Apart from the standard time display, the watch has no additional functions.
Nevertheless, the Oyster Perpetual is an all-round successful watch. With it, you get all the advantages of a Rolex watch: excellent quality and craftsmanship, as well as a good design.
The 28 mm model starts at around 5,500 Euros.
It is available in 31, 34, 36, and 41 mm sizes. Thus, it fits almost any wrist.
All models are made of stainless steel. While the smaller models use the Rolex Caliber 2232, the 36 mm and 41 mm watches feature the new caliber 3230, which guarantees a power reserve of 70 hours.
The Oyster Perpetual is also available with different colored dials, which probably appeal especially to young watch enthusiasts.
2. Explorer
For those looking for something unique, the Rolex Explorer is worth considering.
It's not only affordable for a Rolex, with a starting price of about 7,500 Euros, but it also comes along with a glorious history, being the first watch to be part of the iconic Rolex brand history on Mount Everest.
Above all the Explorer is known for its remarkable robustness. It also features large Arabic numerals as indices for perfect readability on any outdoor adventure.
Just last year, the 40 mm variant was introduced. Thanks to the Caliber 3230, which includes a Chronergy escapement, it is even more robust and has a power reserve of 70 hours.
But the best thing is that you can get hold of this watch from an official retailer, even as a new customer, after just a few months of waiting.
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3. Datejust
Additionally, there are slightly more elegant options, such as the Datejust.
The Datejust is also an absolutely iconic timepiece that has been making the hearts of Rolex fans beat faster since 1945. It's hard to go wrong with it as a daily.
The trademark of the Datejust is of course the characteristic date display, which can be admired through the Cyclops magnifying glass.
The Datejust is also available in various executions. The most popular are the 36 mm and 41 mm versions of the stylish Jubilee bracelet.
Moreover, there's a wide range of choices regarding the dial and material. From diamond-set dials to Roman indices or Rolesor, there's everything.
And in terms of prices, the Datejust is still relatively "affordable" by Rolex standards, with a starting price of about 8,000 Euros.
Even as a new customer, you might be lucky enough to get a Datejust from a dealer if you're lucky.
4. Submariner
Next it gets sporty. It stands out of question that theSubmariner is a solid entry level Rolex sports watch.
This diver watch has been on the market since 1953. It developed into a successful line. With its labelled bezel, which indicates the minutes, it has set a standard for many other diving watches.
Without any doubts, the Submariner is an eye-catcher like and an absolute all-rounder. Despite its sportiness, it still carries a certain elegance.
Technically, it also has a lot to offer. It features the new Manufacture Caliber 3230 with a 70-hour power reserve and Chronergy escapement.
Price-wise, the Submariner without a date, with a 41 mm diameter, is around 9,000 Euros. That is undoubtedly a lot of money. But in terms of new Rolex watches, it remains on the lower spectrum.
Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that the purchase as a new customer is possible just within a few months of waiting time.
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The cheapest vintage models
But now it gets fascinating. Because with used and vintage models, you can find real bargains.
Old Rolex watches are ideal. Some of them barely show their age, and if they have been well looked after over their past, the high-quality Rolex movements will last for eternities.
It's best to always look for watches with original box and papers, since cheap fakes are also occasionally slipped in on the gray market. It's best to read our article on how to spot Rolex fakes.
However, one should not naively assume that vintage models are cheap. Because of the enormous hype, the prices of vintage models have also risen sharply.
Explorer II (Ref. 16570)
The first attractive option would be the vintage Explorer II, with which you get a lot of watch for little money. It is 40 mm wide and even features a GMT function.
The mentioned reference is from the 1990s, while its age only hardly shows.
It's also worth to mention that even such a vintage watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters in a refurbished condition.
But before you go swimming with the Vintage Explorer II, it is very important that you have its water resistance checked.
Considering the price of about 5,000 Euros, the Rolex offers great value for money.
You also have to know that such watches are often imported from Japan or Hong Kong. You have to be careful here because of the import costs.
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Datejust (1601)
This reference is emblematic of the numerous Datejust vintage models.
The 1601 comes from the 70s and 80s, but can still be worn just as well today.
With the automatic caliber 1570, it already had a power reserve of 40 hours back in these days.
Indeed, over time, this reference has proven to be pretty reliable.
An extra feature of this particular watch is the 14-karat white gold bezel, which is not usually common for Datejust's.
But the best thing about it is that you can already buy it for around 3,000 euros without the box and papers. However, if you value these, you can expect to pay at least 5,000 euros.
Submariner (Ref. 14060M)
The next great option would be a vintage Submariner. These are usually particularly robust, making them even more reliable in terms of susceptibility to faults.
The old Submariner looks amazingly similar to the new models. Obviously it does not look brand new if you take a look at the bezel for example, which may have a few scratches, or the clasp and dial.
But this is not necessarily a negative aspect. Some people are even attracted to this vintage look.
Believe it or not, there are a few Rolex vintage models that are extremely valuable, for example, because they have a faded dial.
This is not the case with this reference. It is important to make sure that the bezel turns smoothly in one direction and is never too loose. This problem occurs with some old Submariners.
Price-wise, the antique Sub is around 6,000 Euros, depending heavily on the condition.
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Air-King (Ref. 5500)
Lastly, we present to you a vintage Air-King. This watch seems pretty inconspicuous in the first place, but It's unbeatable in terms of value for money, as it can be acquired for around 2,500 Euros in good condition.
The Air-King is a precise watch that can only display the time, including a small second hand.
In three words, it is: simple, elegant and reliable.
Especially for those who are not into flashy bling, the 5500 could be ideal. Whether on an Oyster bracelet or a leather strap, it retains its elegant appearance.
The reference comes from the 80s and is 34 mm wide.
Scource cover image: Rolex
About the author
Alexander Weinberger
For me, the most fascinating thing about watches is the interplay between precise craftsmanship and artistic development. In a watch movement, hundreds of small parts have to be put together precisely so that they form a large whole.
