Rolex beginners

Rolex is known for its superior quality, its range of iconic watches, and its superlative, beautifully designed chronometers—but also for its price tags. For this reason, watch enthusiasts are understandably looking for entry-level models from the brand that they can afford even on a limited budget. Let's be clear right from the start: there are no truly cheap Rolex watches. This is simply due to the high quality and high standards that are typical of the Rolex company. Therefore, you'll definitely have to invest several thousand euros in a Rolex watch—but it doesn't have to be a vintage Daytona that costs a new car. In this article, we present some entry-level models and answer the most important questions about buying Rolex luxury watches.

Which are the cheapest Rolex watches?

If you want to own a Rolex without paying exorbitant sums, you shouldn't miss out on these relatively affordable models from the brand:

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual conquered the market in 1926 and is now available in a wide variety of designs, including chic two-tone versions with elegant Oyster bracelets. The watch for men and women is available in diameters from 28 mm to 41 mm, with the smaller Oyster cases housing the caliber 2232, while Rolex models from 36 mm upwards feature the caliber 3230 movement. Thanks to the Parachrom Breguet hairspring, the waterproof Rolex Oyster Perpetual is extremely resistant to temperature fluctuations, magnetic fields, and shocks, making it ideal for everyday use.

Visually, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is certainly one of the simpler Rolex watches—despite the Chromalight luminous material on the hands and indices. However, thanks to the wide range of different versions, it appeals to a wide variety of tastes. The price depends primarily on the size and the material used for the Oyster case and bracelet. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual, for example, is available as a stainless steel model with a small 28 mm case for a slim €4,750. The Oyster Perpetual 36 is somewhat more expensive, topped in price by the Oyster Perpetual 41, which has a list price of €5,500.

Rolex Explorer

The Rolex Explorer takes its name from the adventure it experienced in 1953. The watch was part of the adventure when explorers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first to climb Mount Everest. What could speak more to the reliability, durability, and precision of a watch than this unique story?

Inside the sporty Rolex Explorer watch ticks a caliber 3132, which, thanks to shock absorbers on the hairspring, offers exceptional precision. The case of the Oyster Perpetual Explorer houses a simple dial, whose indices and hands are coated in luminous blue, ensuring excellent legibility even in poor lighting conditions. Prices for a Rolex Explorer start at approximately €6,000 list price, making this model a definite entry-level option for the brand founded by Hans Wilsdorf.

Rolex Datejust 41

Classic, timeless, and highly sought-after for over 75 years: The Rolex Datejust 41 is a timepiece that every watch fan has probably heard of. Available as a men's watch or in the Lady Datejust version for women, the Datejust is available in numerous designs and color combinations and looks great with any outfit. The newer models, introduced in 2017, feature another highlight in addition to the familiar fluted bezel of the bicolor versions: They feature a cyclops lens above the date display, which magnifies the display by two and a half times, thus improving legibility.

With a case diameter of 41 mm, the Rolex Datejust , powered by the caliber 3235, is a substantial size. Yet its price is comparatively low: a Datejust stainless steel wristwatch with an Oyster bracelet costs around €7,150 according to the list price, making it a perfect entry point into collecting luxury watches.

Rolex Submariner 41

The Rolex Submariner has an impeccable reputation and made history in 1953 as the first wristwatch water-resistant to a depth of 100 m. Designed with divers in mind, the watch has naturally evolved since then and is now water-resistant to 30 bar. The indexes and hands glow blue for easy underwater reading, while the rotating bezel allows you to measure dive time. In its original version, the Rolex Submariner did not have a date display, as this was largely irrelevant for diving purposes. The timepiece is now available with a date display, although more affordable pieces without this complication continue to be produced.

Designed for practical use through and through, the Rolex Submariner exudes pure sportiness and appears absolutely robust at first glance. And what about the price? If you forgo the date display and opt for a 41 mm stainless steel model, prices start at around €7,600. So, a Submariner isn't necessarily the most affordable Rolex—especially compared to simpler Rolex Oyster Perpetual models—but it's still priced at the lower end of the brand.

Rolex Milgauss

When it comes to affordable Rolex models, the Rolex Milgauss is a must-have. This is a very special piece, originally designed for engineers and technicians. This is also reflected in the watch's name: The name Milgauss refers to the watch's ability to withstand magnetic influences of up to 1,000 gauss. Equipped with the in-house 3131 movement, the Rolex Milgauss runs extremely reliably and also looks quite impressive. These special Rolex watches are available with dials in characteristic blue, black, or white, with hands and indices always coated with luminous paint. The second hand, which has the striking shape of a lightning bolt, is a little eye-catcher.

Looking at the list price, the Rolex Milgauss is expected to start at around €7,700. Compared to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches, the Milgauss is also somewhat more expensive, but it also falls into the lower price segment of Rolex.

Is it worth investing in an inexpensive Rolex watch?

If you want to purchase a watch as an investment, one of the most important factors to consider is its value retention. Not all luxury watches are good investments. A watch that retains its value will trade on the open market at or significantly above its list price. The list price is the price for which the watch can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. If what you get for the watch on the secondary market is below the list price you pay for the model, it's logically a rather unprofitable investment.

Therefore, it's not just the purchase price at which you acquire the models that's important, but above all the value at which they're traded on the market. Therefore, even inexpensive Rolex watches can be quite attractive investments. The advantage compared to higher-priced Rolex models: If, contrary to expectations, the value of the watches develops in the "wrong direction," the loss is often quite manageable.

In principle, it can be worthwhile to invest in an affordable Rolex model, as classics like the Rolex Submariner, the Explorer, or the Rolex Oyster Perpetual are particularly popular and enjoy immense demand, which naturally makes resale easier. As with many investments, however, the same applies to Rolex watches: You shouldn't invest in something you can't afford to lose – at least in part. Of course, there's no guarantee that Rolex watches will retain their value.

Do entry-level Rolex models increase in value?

The aforementioned value development is a topic of great concern to all those considering investing in luxury watches. Unfortunately, it's impossible to accurately predict how specific models will develop in value on the market. In this sense, investing in watches—whether a new Rolex Air King or a coveted vintage model—always involves a certain amount of risk.

However, if you observe the price trends of popular entry-level Rolex models, you can see that most of them have potential for appreciation. In the past, for example, Rolex watches with coveted references, such as the Submariner, Explorer, and Oyster Perpetual, have seen enormous price increases on the secondary market. Those who consider value in their decision, ensure that the model has as complete a history as possible when purchasing, and have the time to wait for the best possible moment for resale, have a good chance of increasing value and achieving a satisfactory return with a Rolex model.

Where can you buy entry-level Rolex models?

Due to the often lower list price alone, buying directly from the manufacturer is the first choice for many watch enthusiasts. However, it's important to be aware that popular Rolex watches are often only available after long waiting periods. Therefore, it makes sense to also look for the desired Rolex on the secondary market. There, it's essential to pay attention to the seller's credibility and to examine the details carefully so that your dream of snagging the cheapest Rolex doesn't end in a disastrous mistake.

It's highly recommended to use experienced, reputable dealers and shops, to consult other customers' experiences and reviews, and to steer clear of sensational, overly cheap "special offers." If you want to purchase brand-new or used Rolex watches with a certificate and be assured of not only the best price but also authenticity and excellent service, Horando is the right place for you.

Are there affordable Rolex alternatives?

The fact is: Even the more affordable Rolex models still come with a hefty price tag. If you're not prepared to invest several thousand euros in a wristwatch, you won't find what you're looking for at Rolex. Then you should look elsewhere, for example, and take a look at the range of Rolex's sister company, Tudor. Other luxury brands, including Omega and Zenith, also offer watches that are comparable to Rolex in terms of quality and functionality, but at comparatively low prices.

Homages

If you don't necessarily need the "real" Rolex, you might also consider Hommage models. These are watches whose design is inspired by Rolex models and are often surprisingly affordable.

Conclusion for Rolex beginners

Rolex delights watch lovers around the world with timepieces that are hard to beat in terms of precision, quality, and design. Of course, that comes at a price. If you don't want to invest tens of thousands of euros right away, it's advisable to start with an entry-level Rolex model. You can't go wrong with stylish models from the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, Explorer, Submariner, and Milgauss product lines, and you can enjoy a Rolex on your wrist for under €8,000.