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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What Does 'Oyster Perpetual' Mean?

.Rolex Shopping Guide.
The words 'Oyster Perpetual' appear in the names of most Rolex wristwatch models. While most people only use the particular model name when referring to one of these timepieces, Daytona or Submariner for example, there is a reason the watchmaker includes these words as well. 

Photo of Rolex Oyster Case
Rolex Oyster Case (photo: Rolex)
The word 'Oyster' refers to the Oyster case that was developed and patented by Rolex in 1926. Shown in the photo above, this case creates a hermetic seal that gives all models that use this case a depth rating of 100 meters. The only model that does not use the Oyster case is the Cellini. For this reason, the 'Oyster Perpetual' is omitted when referring to Cellini models.

'Perpetual' refers to the Perpetual rotor of the movement housed inside the Oyster case. Patented by Rolex in 1931, the Perpetual rotor created a self-winding movement that was powered by a half-moon shaped oscillating weight that would rotate 360º with the natural movement of the wearer's wrist to generate power.

Photo of Rolex Perpetual Rotor
Rolex Perpetual Rotor (photo: Rolex)
These innovations created the first waterproof and automatic mechanical wristwatches on the market and while the patent on the Perpetual rotor expired in 1948, it still represents an important legacy that the watchmaker chooses to honor in the names of their current wristwatch models.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual

.Rolex Models.
A direct descendent of the first waterproof wristwatch patented by Rolex in 1926, the Oyster Perpetual model is a no frills throwback to a simpler time in watchmaking. The current model is offered in five different sizes (26mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm and 39mm), but only available in 904l stainless steel with an Oyster bracelet and a domed bezel.

photo of 2015 2016 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm with Blue Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39mm with Blue Dial

Photographed above with a blue dial, the 39mm Oyster Perpetual is equipped with a 3132 movement manufactured by Rolex in-house. The 36mm and 34mm sizes come with a 3130 movement and the 31mm and 26mm versions with a 2231 movement, all with approximately 48 hours of power reserve.

The clean aesthetic and limited functionality of this model make it stand apart from the more popular Rolex professional models. This wristwatch is designed to tell the time clearly and precisely - and that's it. The 39mm model is available with a dark rhodium dial, the blue dial shown above and also with a red grape sunray dial.

All Oyster Perpetual models feature an Oyster case that is waterproof up to 100 meters and made from a solid block of 904l stainless steel. The 2015-2016 suggested retail price for the 39mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual is 5,400 Swiss Francs, or approximately $5,626 US.

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Rolex Oyster Case

.Tech.
Rolex includes the words 'Oyster Perpetual' in most of their model names. The word 'Perpetual' refers to the perpetual rotor that powers the movement and, in this instance, the word 'Oyster' refers to the Oyster case that was invented by Rolex in 1926. 

Rolex Oyster Case (photo: Rolex)
The Oyster was the first waterproof wristwatch case that utilized Rolex's patented system of screwing the bezel, case back and winding crown into the middle case. It was tested by famed swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, who swam across the English Channel with a Rolex Oyster provided to her by Hans Wilsdorf in 1927.

All of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual models currently on the market are water resistant up to at least 100 meters due to the hermetic construction of the Oyster case. Today's Oyster case is made of a middle case that is stamped out of a solid block of metal (904l steel, 18 karat gold or platinum), a screw-down fluted case back and friction fitted crystal and bezel. Either a Twinlock or Triplock winding crown is also screwed into the Oyster case for watertight security.

All Oyster cases are made by Rolex in-house and undergo rigorous testing, including immersion underwater with high pressure to assure quality control. Although it may feel redundant to add the word 'Oyster' to every model name, the shape of the Oyster case is one of the easiest ways to identify a Rolex.

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