What makes Rolex the superlative chronometer?
Few things are known around the globe as a symbol of luxury as Rolex watches with their five-pointed crowns on the dial. Since its founding in 1905 by German entrepreneur Hans Wilsdorf, the company has established itself as the world's best-known watch brand. There are good reasons for this; after all, with its famous wristwatches, the brand stands for uncompromising style, precision, reliability and, last but not least, prestige. With a Rolex, you get watchmaking art par excellence in any case.
However, this also means that there is no such thing as the cheapest Rolex watch. Currently, it is also difficult to get Rolex watches at the regular price at the concessionaire. However, you can still fulfill your dream of owning a Rolex, for example, with models that have comparatively low prices. If you are looking for the cheapest Rolex, you are well advised to go for entry-level models or used watches. In this article, we present such entry-level models and adequate alternatives.
How much does the cheapest Rolex cost?
As probably the most popular luxury watch brand in the world, you can also expect a correspondingly high price for cheapest Rolex watches. Even with "cheap" Rolex watches, you have to pay several thousand euros per model in most cases; prices up to 10,000 euros are absolutely no longer a rarity. Of course, it always depends on the model: The Rolex Submariner is still around 17,000 euros, but the Oyster Perpetual (28 mm) with about 6,900 euros and the Lady Datejust with about 7,300 euros are already significantly below and thus fall more into the category of "cheapest Rolex". However, buying a Rolex does not have to mean a loss of money. Since cheapest Rolex watches have experienced a good increase in value in recent years, they have not only ideal value for lovers of the brand, but are also quite suitable for sustainable investment.
The best cheapest Rolex watches
If you can do without Rolex watches made of gold or set with diamonds, you will certainly be happy with entry-level models at a smaller price. High quality and elegant are probably all watches of the brand. The examples of cheapest Rolex watches, which we would like to present in the following, range from simple to fancy - timeless style and highest possible precision for the wrist you get with each of the models. Because one thing is clear: even the absolute cheapest Rolex is still an eye-catcher.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Rolex itself has called the Oyster Perpetual the "quintessential Oyster." It is considered an ideal entry into the Rolex watch world, as it offers many of the brand's best technical features despite its comparatively low price. The watch is available in various case sizes, all of them pressure resistant up to ten bar thanks to the Twinlock crown with the double sealing system. Prospective buyers also have a free choice of dial color. Other features include the Oyster case made of solid stainless steel, the cover glass made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a certified in-house caliber. Price-wise, the Oyster Perpetual starts at €5,450 for the 28 millimeter model; the 2020 variant with the 41 millimeter case diameter adds another €1000 or so.
Rolex Datejust 41
Whether it's a business event or a casual outing, this watch is truly made for any occasion. The classic wristwatch with the timeless design made its debut in 1945. The special feature of this Rolex: the cyclops magnifier developed in 1953 directly above the date display, which makes it easier to read the date by magnifying it two and a half times. The case of the watch is available in stainless steel as well as in various precious metal bicolor variants. The latter is adorned with a fluted signature bezel and a dial decorated with radial cuts. The Rolex Datejust 41 with the in-house automatic caliber 3235 (with in-house certification, of course) is available in the simpler stainless steel version with the Oyster strap at a price of around 7000 euros.
Rolex Explorer
With this model, we have a real cult watch in our list. So robust and precise that it accompanied Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary on the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. But you don't have to trek into the mountains to appreciate the merits of this watch. The Rolex Explorer with the 39 millimeter case was launched in 2010 and was equipped with the 3132 self-winding movement and Chromalight luminous material. Excellent readability is also provided by the high-contrast black dial of the timepiece. In 2021, the case of the Rolex Explorer was reduced to 36 millimeters and equipped with the automatic caliber 3230, which increased the power duration to 70 hours. In the steel version, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer is available for around 7000 euros; the price for the bicolor variant is 11,500 euros.
Rolex Air-King
This watch, as its name suggests, is a tribute to aviation; a reminder of the aviation pioneers of the 1930s, for whom the Air-King range was created at the time. Typical for this model are the very distinctively designed numerals and the Mercedes hand. Together with the inverted triangle at twelve and the white numerals on the black dial, the Rolex Air-King is reminiscent of classic pilot's watches without neglecting its clearly recognizable Rolex roots in design. Its inner workings are also typically Rolex: automatic caliber 3230 with a 70-hour power reserve and increased magnetic field protection. The Air-King is available for around 7300 euros.
Rolex Submariner 41
Here we are dealing with an icon that has achieved worldwide fame. If you like adventure, you will fall in love with this watch. When it was launched in 1953, it was the only wristwatch that was water resistant to 100 meters. A true vintage pioneer, its interior is perfect for outdoor pursuits. Meanwhile, the case of the Rolex Submariner has grown to 41 millimeters. The timepiece is water resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar; good readability is ensured even under water by the Chromalight luminous material. There is no date display on this watch; however, its fans believe that it doesn't need it - after all, divers rarely need to be able to read the current date. Those who like to dive into the water in style should plan for prices of around 8000 euros.
Rolex Milgauss
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss celebrated its 65th birthday in 2021. Originally, the watch was designed for engineers and technicians, and you can tell that from its inner workings. The chronometer's patented magnetic shield was designed to protect researchers from strong magnetic fields. Effective up to 1000 gauss - hence the name of the watch, which derives from the French mille (thousand). Still one of the brand's most robust watches, the Milgauss is still popular with scientists because it is hard to beat for reliability. Priced at around 7000 euros, the Rolex with the iconic orange lightning bolt seconds hand on the dial is one of the more affordable entry-level models.
Is there a cheap alternative to Rolex watches?
With prices in the thousands of dollars, "cheap" may not be the first attribute people associate with Rolex watches. However, there are luxury watches from other brands that are on the same level in terms of design and technology. Good examples can be found from manufacturers like Tudor, Omega and Zenith. If you are looking for good entry-level wristwatches, these brands are also recommended.
Rolex Homage
An exciting alternative to the regular Rolex watches are certainly the Hommage models. For those for whom the crowns and the Rolex lettering are not must-haves, there is a wide range of watch designs to choose from, which can definitely make it easier to start your own watch collection. The Swiss watch brand Gigandet has made a name for itself with detailed Rolex replicas. In terms of price, the homages are under 200 euros.
Rolex watches buy used
Their quality predestines Rolex watches to be worn for a very long time. Their robust quality also makes well-maintained used models sought-after collector's items. In addition, there are often long waiting periods for certain Rolex watches, which can be avoided in a relaxed manner. So, if you are looking for great variety at attractive prices, you should feel free to consider the market for vintage models to locate the most affordable Rolex.
Conclusion - is it worth buying a cheap Rolex?
Whether it's new, used or vintage model - you can never really talk about cheapest Rolex watch. The Swiss manufacture produces its luxury watches with attention to detail and crowns its watches with the in-house COSC certificate. There are rather no fancy complications here; instead, the chronometers of the traditional company come up with absolute quality in terms of technology and design. With every single model. The waiting time for a real Rolex watch can sometimes be years; but if you choose an entry-level model like the examples in our article or corresponding alternatives, you can shorten this waiting time under certain circumstances. These are not necessarily gem-set or gold Rolex watches, but even the cheapest Rolex models deliver technical and stylistic excellence in any case. Also on the international markets, the chance is high to find a Rolex whose price is still below the regular retail price. We wish you good luck in your search!