Rolex Adds Pricing to Official Website for Select Models

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Rolex Submariner LV (photo: Rolex)
If you've frequented Rolex's official website over the past few months, you may have noticed that the watchmaker recently added pricing for some of their popular wristwatch configurations. The screenshot above shows an example, with the suggested retail price of the stainless steel Submariner LV below the photo. This pricing feature is new to Rolex, surely designed to direct traffic to their website from search engines.

Many use search terms like 'Rolex pricing' on a monthly basis, so it makes sense for them to finally offer pricing directly as they do in their printed price list. The website only lists pricing for models under $20,000 US, though. The configurations that cost more, mainly precious metal configurations, are available upon request by contacting an authorized dealer. While it's not a comprehensive price guide, this new feature still offers utility to those deciding between most stainless steel and two-tone models.

To check out the new pricing feature, visit rolex.com. For information on configurations above $20,000 US, check out my Rolex Shopping Guide, with pricing on Rolex models priced from less than $10,000 to upwards of $50,000 US.

>>BACK TO SHOPPING GUIDE

Which Rolex Models Offer the Best Value?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
rolex explorer ii
Which Rolex Models Offer the Best Value?
In a previous post, I shared my thoughts on which Rolex model holds its value the best. While my thoughts haven't changed in that regard, there is a difference between a watch that holds its value and one that offers the best value at purchase. For the latter, I would recommend considering a pre-owned Rolex from a reliable dealer. There are several models that offer the reliability and prestige that come with owning a Rolex at a price that can't be beat.

Best Value for a Professional Rolex
If you're looking for a stainless steel professional Rolex model at a value, I would recommend checking out the Explorer II model. There are usually many available certified pre-owned on websites like Crown & Caliber at prices lower than those of other popular models like the Submariner or GMT-Master II. The Explorer II has a large case size and a useful GMT complication with a brushed steel bezel that makes it ideal for the outdoors. For anyone curious as to how the Explorer II measures up to the popular Submariner Date model, I posted a side-by-side comparison here.

Best Value for a Rolex Dress Watch
If you spend most of your time in a suit, you may want to check out the Datejust and Air-King models. There are many stainless steel configurations available in the small to midsize range that offer a great value for a quality dress watch. These models are the most varied in terms of size and style, with many dial colors and materials to choose from. This makes them a bit more difficult to sell if you are thinking in terms of resale value, but it favors the buyer on the pre-owned market.

Best Value Retention
If you are looking for a watch that will hold its value should you ever want to flip it, I would recommend a Submariner or GMT-Master II. These models are in constant demand and have changed very little over the years. The BLNR has been difficult to find at dealers around the world and favored in Rolex's recent advertising efforts, giving it great value retention should you be able to get your hands on one. The same goes for last year's 'it' watch, the stainless steel Daytona 116500LN with the black Cerachrom bezel.

Regardless of which Rolex you choose, there is value in owning one regardless of how much you paid. Aside from the status associated with wearing one, they offer reliability and precision that has kept them at the top of their game for over a century. To check out their entire collection, visit rolex.com.

>>BACK TO SHOPPING GUIDE

Is There Such a Thing as a Cheap Rolex?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
While most would not admit to it, there is a large number of people searching for cheap Rolex watches online every month. I have covered the topic in posts about the cheapest Rolex model available and recommended that those looking for a timepiece priced under $5,000 US check out Tudor, the watchmaker's sister company. However, if you have your heart set on a Rolex and don't mind buying one on the gray market, there are a few models that you can find to fit your budget. 

Rolex Explorer II (photo: Rolex)
Affordable Pre-Owned Models
If you are looking for affordability when it comes to your Rolex purchase, you should take a look at pre-owned models. There isn't a large selection of model configurations prices below $5,000, but you can find a few stainless steel options. The photo above shows the Rolex Explorer II, a model that you can find pre-owned priced between $4,000 and $5,000. The Explorer I is also usually available pre-owned for as low as $3,500 in some cases. You can find a stainless steel Submariner for just under 5k, but the most common model at this price point - and lower - in the gray market is the Datejust.

Where to Look
There are a few different ways to find pre-owned Rolex watches priced to sell. Rolex Forums has a classifieds section where sellers post watches for sale. The benefit of going that route is that you can vet the seller with forum members on the general information forum before making the purchase. There is also WatchRecon, a site that aggregates sale posts from Rolex Forums and other watch sites like WatchNet and Watchuseek. If you or someone you know has a relationship with a brick and mortar jeweler or watch dealer, that may also be a good place to look. Dealers often need to move inventory and you can come across a good deal if you are patient and persistent.

What to Look For
When shopping for a pre-owned Rolex, regardless of where, you should be scrupulous with who you deal with. If you find a timepiece priced well below market, it may be a fake, a scam or a misrepresentation. Finding a reputable dealer or seller is the first step. Once you are comfortable with who you are dealing with, make sure that the watch you are looking at is represented accurately. I have seen instances where someone was presented photos of one watch and sent another after the deal was done. If you are going to spend thousands on an item, you shouldn't be afraid to ask for detailed information, including photos and documentation. Many buyers are fine with buying a pre-owned watch without the original paperwork, but that requires a trust in the seller and authenticity of the piece.

Anyone who has worked hard for their money would say that there is no such thing as a cheap Rolex. Sure, you can find some models at a discount if you look hard enough, but that doesn't make them cheap. Even the pre-owned models I mentioned above go for more than many people make in an entire month. With that being said, there are still ways to get a good deal on a Rolex if you shop smart. For more information on any of these watches, visit the Rolex Models page or rolex.com.

>>BACK TO SHOPPING GUIDE

How Much Does the Cheapest Rolex Watch Cost?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Generally speaking, if you are starting your search for a Rolex wristwatch by using the words 'cheapest Rolex' as your search terms, you may be starting off on the wrong foot. After all, is there such thing as a cheap Rolex? However, the question does deserve a concrete answer that can help you decide if a new Rolex is the right choice for you. 
Photo of cheapest rolex, Stainless Steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26 (photo: Rolex)
Stainless Steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26 (photo: Rolex)
Strictly speaking, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 26 in stainless steel shown in the photo above is the cheapest of the new model configurations you can buy from an Authorized Dealer. The suggested retail price for this 26 mm Oyster Perpetual configuration is 4,600 Swiss francs, or approximately $4,773 US.

It should also be noted that the 34 mm version of the Oyster Perpetual is priced only 200 Swiss francs more and for 500 more, you can take home a 36 mm version of this stainless steel model. However, for if you are working with a budget of less than $5,000, I would recommend going a different route.

Tudor watches offer a wonderful value proposition for those who may not have the budget for a brand new Rolex. Tudor was founded by Rolex's Hans Wilsdorf in 1946 in an attempt to create a well-made Swiss watch at a more affordable price than a Rolex. They have a large, varied selection of model configurations including the Black Bay Bronze in the photo below.
Tudor Black Bay Bronze (photo: Tudor)
The Black Bay Bronze retails for approximately $3,975 US, making is more affordable than a new Rolex. Hodinkee recently published a review of this timepiece found here. I would encourage anyone who is looking for the cheapest Rolex around to visit tudorwatch.com to check out their selection of watches.

 >>BACK TO SHOPPING GUIDE

Featured Post

Rolex Online Resources