Last Updated on September, 2025
Growing up before the time of sophisticated cell phones, we watched our dad’s precious Rolex watches. They were a valid symbol of luxury. For our generation, we grew up watching Rolex watches never lose their value.
So, naturally, now that you’ve gotten some money to invest, you ask, “Does a Rolex watch go up in value?”
It’s no secret that you must first research if you want to invest in expensive Rolex watches. The impeccable designs only grow more precious with time.
Some of your choices can be Rolex sports watches, vintage watches, rare Rolex watches, submariner watches, and GMT Master watches.
We will conduct thorough research to understand how the value of a Rolex watch is affected by its models and the precious metals used.
Quick Summary
- Rolex watches are considered good investments as they hold or even increase in value over time. Factors such as iconic craftsmanship, the use of quality materials, celebrity endorsements, and association with significant events contribute to their lasting value.
- Certain Rolex models, like the Submariner, Daytona, and GMT Master II, are especially sought-after and have shown significant appreciation in value. Vintage models, in particular, tend to increase in value due to their age, rarity, and historical significance.
- The value of a Rolex watch is influenced by its condition, age, origin, and material. Watches associated with celebrities or important events, well-preserved pre-owned models, and those made from precious materials like gold tend to command higher prices in the market.
Do Rolex Watches Go Up in Value?
Luxury watch brands like Rolex ensure exceptional quality in their luxury watches. If you’re confused about the value of your Rolex investment, you can be assured that it is a good investment, no matter the Rolex model.
Vintage Rolex watches have increased in value in the vintage market. But it doesn’t mean new watches can’t reach that vintage status. Rolex watches hold value for many reasons, and we will go through all of them.
Top Rolex Watches Hold Value for a Long Time
From priceless material to a heritage of a hundred years, the Rolex watches maintain their class for a long time. Most Rolex watches hold value because watch collectors always sought-after models like the Rolex Daytona, which is famous for being owned by big names.
Rolex watches hold great value even after decades because watch enthusiasts know the quality of craftsmanship in their luxury timepieces. You can research all luxury brands; Rolex will remain on the list.
Now, let’s explore the top Rolex watches that not only hold but also show an increase in value over time.
Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona
Paul Newman Daytona is named after a racetrack in Florida. While a luxury brand like Rolex is famous for its quality, it is also because it has the most popular sports watches. Paul Newman’s watch can easily time laps using pushers in high-speed pursuits.
If you want a subtle flash of white gold, Rolex Daytona is the best luxury watch for you. The case, bezel, and bracelet are made of white gold. The blue dial has gold hands that run over three intricate subdials for seconds, minutes, and hours.
Pre-owned Rolex watches have their charm. If an expensive Rolex watch is owned by a celebrity, like the Rolex Daytona worn by Steve Mcqueen, it becomes a part of Rolex’s history, and hence, the Rolex price increases.
The average price for Blue Dial 116509 went from £42,000 to £46,000 in just two months in 2022. The annual price increases also contribute to the fluctuation in market price, specifically for Daytona, which is known to hold its value for a long time.
Rolex GMT Master II – “The Sprite,” “Pepsi,” and “Batman”
Rolex holds the luxury status in the luxury watch market for one of the most popular Rolex watch models, The GMT Master II. These three vintage models are the most sought-after. There are upgrades for them, too, with Cerachrom bezels and Oyster bracelets.
These stainless steel sports models were crafted for professional travel so they can track time in different time zones.
Rolex Submariner – ‘The Hulk’
A submariner will be one of the best investments if you keep it in pristine condition. It can go out for considerably more than what you paid. The Submariner was first crafted in 1953, and it has proven to be best known for holding its value and increasing in value over time.
The luminance, rotatable bezels, and 100 meters of water resistance make this Rolex timepiece unique.
What Makes the Rolex Watches Valuable?
Watches hold their value for specific reasons, such as being famously owned by a celebrity.. A new Rolex watch has value, but there’s nothing like when a Rolex reaches vintage status and secures its place in Rolex history.
Some factors contribute to this increase in value. Some may even be heavily worn but still hold more value than other watches, like an entry-level watch.
You can check the preowned market to determine the value of the piece you are after for the best Rolex prices.
- Iconic Craftsmanship: One thing that makes Rolex stand out in the watch industry is the evolution of its improved mechanics. Despite the advancements inside the machine, the outside remains a classic feature. These watches are a tribute to the original watches.
- Materials And Stones: Rolex uses quality materials such as rose gold adorned with stones that naturally catch your eye. The best example of this is the evergreen Submariner—Hulk. A Rolex bejeweled with a sapphire crystal and phenomenal accuracy still holds an investor’s paradise despite being discontinued.
- Celebrity Endorsement: The name Rolex has become a prestigious standard of wealth. Its reputation is built over time through association with multiple celebrities. The continuous infatuation with celebrities has dramatically helped make Rolex watches as valuable as they are today.
- Association With Certain Occasions: It’s worth noting that many important events, such as The Open Championship, US Open, and Wimbledon, are timed by a Rolex watch. Since 2013, they have been the timekeepers for Formula 1. This consistent association with world-renowned occasions helps the watches hold their value.
Factors That Affect the Value of a Rolex Watch
Even if there are multiple reasons to hold their value, some factors will affect the value of a preowned Rolex watch. A Rolex watch’s value depends on more than its popularity.
The Rolex models are unique but require the same kind of care. A preowned Rolex watch must be kept with enough care to preserve, if not increase, its value. Let’s explore the components of a preowned Rolex watch that contribute to the Rolex watch value.
- Condition: A well-kept pre-owned Rolex watch will always hold the upper hand over a new watch at a higher retail price.
- Age: The persistent demand for vintage Rolex sports timepieces like Submariner and Daytona has shown their value has increased due to their age.
- Origin and history: Being associated with a celebrity or an event, ensures an increase in value. A Rolex with a story behind it has a higher price value than the same watch but no story, such as a Rolex GMT with a pilot’s flight history.
- Material: Yellow Gold is the most common material used for luxury watches. It doesn’t mean a top-grade 9044L grade stainless steel won’t sell in the secondary market. Material affects the value, but a watch is more valuable for its story. That’s why the watches hold their value even if the material is not the exception.
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Luxury Watches That Go Up in Value Over Time
Here are some examples of watches, considered a luxury, regardless of age or material.
Rolex Sea-Dweller
Invest in Rolex Sea-Dweller 116600LN if you can reach its price range. Sea-Dweller got a concise production run from 2014 to 2017, and the limited number of this watch makes it one of the best investments.
Rolex Daytona
Daytona is considered royalty. The original Daytona watch for Paul Newman was sold for $17.8 million in 2017. Remember that it’s the most expensive watch ever sold at an auction. Safe to say, it will always be in demand.
Rolex Submariners
Submariners are the champions of Rolex watches, with up to three years of waitlist at an authorised Rolex dealership. Not only has this one been discontinued for a new model, but the new watch supply has also been cut.
This contributes to the increase in value for Submariners; this is the best chance for investors to grab a piece.
Useful guides:
A Rolex Watch Investment – Final Verdict
When it comes to watches, you can’t go wrong with a Rolex, especially the Datejust. These watches really keep their value over time, making them a smart choice for collectors. If you’re into watches and want to build a curated collection, Rolex is definitely the way to go.
Think about it: a Rolex isn’t just a pretty face. Its design, high-quality materials, and rich history all add to its lasting appeal. So, if you’re thinking about investing, these timepieces are a great bet. Just be patient—you might have to hold onto them for a bit before you see that price bump at auction.
Happy collecting!
