Rolex is known for top quality, an assortment full of icons of the watch world and superlative chronometers with strong designs - but also for prices that make you gulp at first. For this reason, watch lovers are understandably on the lookout for entry-level models of the watch brand, which they can afford even with a limited budget. First of all, it should be said that there are no really cheap Rolex watches. This is simply due to the high quality and high quality standards that are common with the Rolex company. So, in any case, you have to invest a few thousand euros in a Rolex watch - but it doesn't have to be the vintage Daytona at the price of a new car. In this article, we present some entry-level models and clarify the most important questions about buying Rolex luxury watches.
Which are the cheapest Rolex watches?
If you want to call a Rolex your own without paying immeasurable sums for it, you should not miss these comparatively affordable models of the brand:
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual conquered the market starting in 1926 and is now available in a variety of different versions, including chic bicolor variants with elegant Oyster bracelets. The watch for men and women comes in diameters ranging from 28 mm to 41 mm, with the smaller Oyster cases housing a caliber 2232, while Rolex relies on the caliber 3230 movement from 36 mm. Thanks to the Parachrom-Breguet hairspring, the water-resistant Rolex Oyster Perpetual is extremely resistant to temperature differences, magnetic fields and vibrations, which makes it extremely suitable 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 large selection of different variants, it appeals to many tastes. The price depends primarily on the size and the processed material on the Oyster case and bracelet. Thus, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual as a stainless steel model with a small 28 mm case is already available for a slim 4,750 €. The Oyster Perpetual 36 is a bit more expensive and is topped by the Oyster Perpetual 41, for which you have to pay 5,500 € according to the list price.
Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer owes its name to the adventure it experienced in 1953. At that time, the watch was part of the game when the two explorers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to climb Mount Everest. What could speak more for the reliability, resilience 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 has an enormous accuracy. The case of the Oyster Perpetual Explorer holds a no-frills dial whose indices and hands are equipped with blue luminescent paint, ensuring excellent readability even in difficult lighting conditions. Prices for a Rolex Explorer start at around €6,000 list price, which means that the model can definitely be counted among the entry-level options of 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 variant for ladies, the Datejust is available in numerous designs and color combinations and cuts a fine figure with any outfit. The newer models introduced in 2017 bring, in addition to the already familiar fluted bezel of the Bicolor variants, another highlight. They are equipped with a cyclops magnifier above the date display, which magnifies the display by two and a half times and thus improves readability.
With a case diameter of 41 mm, the Rolex Datejust, which is powered by a caliber 3235, has a stately size. Nevertheless, its price turns out to be comparatively small: According to the list, a Datejust stainless steel wristwatch with an Oyster strap costs around €7,150, making it a wonderful entry-level luxury wristwatch collector.
Rolex Submariner 41
The Rolex Submariner has an impeccable reputation and made history in 1953 as the first wristwatch that was water resistant to a depth of 100 meters. Tailored to the needs of divers, the watch has naturally evolved since then and today withstands up to 30 bar. Indexes and hands glow blue for easy reading underwater, while the rotating bezel can be used to measure dive time. In its original incarnation, the Rolex Submariner did not have a date display, as this was more or less irrelevant for use on dives. In the meantime, the timepiece is also available with a date display, but more affordable pieces without this complication continue to be produced.
Designed through and through for practical use, the Rolex Submariner radiates pure sportiness and looks absolutely robust even at first glance. And what about the price? If you forgo the date display and opt for a 41 mm model made of stainless steel, prices start at around €7,600. So, a Submariner is not necessarily the cheapest Rolex - especially compared to simply made Rolex Oyster Perpetual models - but is still priced in the lower range of the brand.
Rolex Milgauss
When it comes to affordable Rolex models, the Rolex Milgauss cannot be missed. Here we are dealing with a very special piece, originally designed for engineers and technicians. This is also reflected in the name of the watch: the title Milgauss is based on the watch's ability to withstand magnetic influences of up to 1,000 gauss. Equipped with the manufacture 3131 movement, the Rolex Milgauss runs extremely reliably and also looks great. The special Rolex watches are available with a dial in characteristic blue as well as black or white, whereby the hands and indices are always coated with luminous paint. By the way, the second hand, which has the eye-catching shape of a lightning bolt, functions as a small eye-catcher.
Looking at the list price, the Rolex Milgauss is priced from around €7,700. So compared to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches, the Milgauss is also a bit more expensive, but is also in the lower price range of Rolex.
Is it worth investing in a cheap Rolex watch?
If you want to buy watches as an investment, one of the most important factors to consider is the value stability. After all, not all luxury watches are good as an investment. A watch with stable value is traded on the open market at least at or well above the list price. The list price is the price for which the watches can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. If what you get for the watch on the secondary market is below the list price you spend for the model, this logically results in a rather unprofitable investment.
So it is not only the purchase price at which you buy the models that is important, but above all the value at which they are 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.
Basically, it can be worthwhile to invest in a low-priced Rolex model, because classics such as the Rolex Submariner, the Explorer or the Rolex Oyster Perpetual products are very popular and enjoy immense demand, which of course simplifies resale. As with many investments, however, the following also applies to Rolex watches: you should not invest anything that you cannot also lose - at least in part. Because there is of course no guarantee for the value stability of Rolex watches.
Do Rolex entry-level models increase in value?
The development of value, which has already been mentioned, is a subject of great concern to all those who wish to invest in luxury watches. Unfortunately, it is impossible to precisely predict how certain models will develop in their value on the market. With this in mind, investing in watches - whether a new Rolex Air King or a coveted vintage model - always involves a certain amount of risk.
However, if one observes the development of the prices of popular entry-level Rolex models, it can be seen that the majority of these have potential to increase in value. In the past, for example, Submariner, Explorer and Oyster Perpetual Rolex watches of sought-after references have seen enormous price increases on the secondary market. Anyone who takes value observations into account when making a decision, pays attention to the model's history, which should be as complete as possible, and has time to wait for the best possible moment for resale, has a good chance of increasing the value of a Rolex model and achieving a satisfactory return.
Where can you buy Rolex entry-level models?
Simply because of the often lower list price, buying directly from the manufacturer is the first choice for many watch fans. However, you should be aware that popular Rolex watches are often only available here after long waiting periods. Therefore, it makes sense to additionally look around on the secondary market for the desired Rolex. There, it is essential to pay attention to the seriousness of the seller and look very carefully, so that the dream of getting hold of the cheapest Rolex does not end in a disastrous bad purchase.
It is strongly recommended to use experienced, reputable dealers and stores, to look at experiences and reviews of other customers, if necessary, and to refrain from lurid, exaggeratedly cheap "special offers". If you want to buy brand new or used Rolex watches with certificate and you want to be able to rely not only on the best price, but also on authenticity and good service, Horando is the right address.
Are there affordable Rolex alternatives?
The fact is: even the more affordable Rolex models still have a hefty price tag. If you are not willing to invest several thousand euros in a wristwatch, you will not find it at Rolex. Then you should look elsewhere and alternatively, for example, take a look at the range of the Rolex sister Tudor. But other luxury brands, including Omega and Zenith, also have watches that come close to Rolex in quality and functionality, but are offered at comparatively low prices.
Homages
If it does not necessarily have to be the "real" Rolex, homage models may also come into question. These are watches whose design is based on Rolex models and are often amazingly inexpensive.
Conclusion about Rolex beginners
Rolex inspires watch lovers around the world with timepieces that are hard to beat in terms of precision, quality and design. Of course, this also has its price. If you do not want to invest tens of thousands of euros directly, it is advisable to first resort to an entry-level model of Rolex. With chic models from the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, Explorer, Submariner and Milgauss product lines, you can't go far wrong and can enjoy a Rolex on your wrist for under €8,000.