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.

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How Much Do Rolex Watches Cost?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
Rolex prices vary significantly depending on the size, material and model chosen. The watchmaker releases a list of suggested retail prices every year that the Authorized Dealers are meant to follow when pricing watches to customers. Prices range from approximately $5,000 US to upwards of $100,000 depending on the model configuration. 

Photo of Rolex Explorer
Rolex Explorer (photo: Rolex/Alain Costa)
The most affordable Rolex watches are made from their 904L stainless steel alloy and are priced under $10,000. I have compiled a list of my picks for the best configurations in this category that you can check out by clicking here. It includes many of their popular models, including the Submariner, Explorer and GMT-Master II BLNR.

For under $25,000, you can get a Rolex with a combination of stainless steel and gold. Within this budget, you can get a two-tone Yacht-Master II, a diamond Datejust II or a Rolesor (combination of stainless and gold) Cosmograph Daytona. I added a few more popular Rolex models to my list, found here.

With the exception of platinum and diamond entrusted models, most of their higher end Rolex models fall under $50,000. This will get you a Sky-Dweller, a Day-Date or a gold Daytona. The gold GMT-Master II that I featured on my list (found here) is also a very nice value in this price range.

You can check out Rolex pricing for most models on the Rolex Forums as well. They have a static list of Rolex prices across countries.

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