One of the primary reasons we founded Bob's Watches was to establish an efficient marketplace with a trusted buyer and seller. Since there was such a void in the marketplace for this service, we have enjoyed remarkable success by providing better value for the seller and for the buyer as well. Most people looking to sell Rolex watches just want to know what is it worth and what is a fair price I can get for it.
If you are in the market to sell your Rolex watch, browse our pricing sheet to determine the current market value of any given model.
| ReferenceRef | Description | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 114060 | Rolex Submariner - Non Metal, 40 inches, Black | $8,180 |
| 114200 | Air-King - Oyster Perpetual, Steel, 34mm, Oyster Bracelet | $2,970 |
| 114210 | Air-King - Oyster Perpetual, Steel, 34mm, Oyster Bracelet | $3,800 |
| 114234 | Air-King - Oyster Perpetual, Steel & White Gold, 34mm, Oyster | $4,000 |
| 114270 | Explorer - Steel, 34mm, Oyster Bracelet | $4,450 |
| 114300 | Oyster Perpetual - Steel, 39mm, Oyster Bracelet | $5,500 |
| 115200 | Date - Steel, 34mm, Oyster Bracelet | $5,100 |
| 115210 | Date - Steel, Engine Turned Bezel, 34mm, Oyster Bracelet | $5,500 |
| 115234 | Date - Steel & White Gold, Diamond Dial, 34mm, Oyster Bracelet | $5,400 |
| 116000 | Oyster Perpetual - Steel, Colored Dials, 36mm, Oyster Bracelet | $4,700 |
Anyone who follows the secondary Rolex watch market will likely tell you that it continues to be a good investment. The insatiable demand for Rolex watches continues to be a driving force in the pre owned Rolex watches market. Even Rolex models that were once easy to buy on the secondary market at prices much less than retail are now commanding prices close to or even above their brand-new counterparts. To make sense of the current state of Rolex prices and to understand why which ones are rising and why, here's our ultimate guide to used Rolex prices.
The Submariner dive watch is Rolex's most famous sports model. While the collection is expansive, the stainless steel Rolex Submariner Date watches are the most ubiquitous. The rise of the steel Submariner Date Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is charted below and covers the following references:
Rolex has always made the (no-date) Submariner in stainless steel and fitted it with a black dial and bezel. As such, it's the least expensive Sub in the catalog. The rise of the steel Submariner MSRP is charted below and includes the following references:
However, the retail price does not tell the full story. As a highly sought-after Rolex watch, the 2022 prices for used steel Rolex Submariner models are generally more than MSRP.
Rolex Submariner Date Pre Owned Prices:
Rolex Submariner No-Date Pre Owned Prices:
The Rolex GMT-Master II was the first model to debut the then-new Cerachrom ceramic bezel, which ushered in a new design era for the brand. The stainless steel GMT-Master II with a Cerachrom bezel was released in 2007 and it was first only available in black. The following decade, the familiar two-tone GMT bezels joined the lineup. The rise of steel GMT-Master II retail prices are charted below and covers the following references:
Again, we see that the market of collectors and enthusiasts drive up the value of steel GMT-Master II watches. Below are the 2022 prices for used steel GMT-Master II watches.
The most famous chronograph ever made, the Rolex Daytona is the one to own. The steel variants are particularly popular - although the gold and two-tone versions aren't far behind. While the automatic steel Daytona watches were equipped with metal bezels since their launch in 1988, in 2016 that all changed when Rolex switched to a black Cerachrom bezel. The following graph shows the retail price increase of the stainless steel Daytona, which covers the following references:
Of all the Rolex watches, it's the Daytona that commands the highest premiums on the secondary market - more than double retail. Here are the 2022 prices for used steel Daytona references:
With its steel construction and time-only dial, the Explorer is positioned as one of Rolex's most affordable and understated sports watch models. The past few years have seen an incredible demand increase for the Explorer - both for the older 36mm model and the newer 39mm model, thereby driving up its market price. The below graph tracks the rise in the Rolex Explorer MSRP, covering the following references:
While Rolex has maintained the Explorer retail price over the last decade, the demand for this watch has driven the prices up for pre-owned models above retail prices. Here are the 2022 prices for used Explorer watches:
The younger, bigger, and more complicated brother of the Explorer, the Explorer II benefits from the addition of GMT and date functionalities. Like many other Rolex sports watch models, the Explorer II underwent a size increase, growing from 40mm to 42mm in 2011. The following graph shows the rise in the Explorer II retail price, covering the following references:
It wasn't that long ago that the Explorer II was frequently dubbed the most underrated Rolex sports watch in the market with pre-owned prices reliably much less than retail prices. The story has significantly changed over the last couple of years and as of 2022, these are the prices for pre-owned Rolex Explorer II watches:
The Sea-Dweller and the Deepsea are Rolex's most robust and capable dive watches, with the former boasting a water-resistance rating of 1,200 meters and the latter an incredible rating of 3,900 meters! The Sea-Dweller has been around since 1967 while the Deepsea is much newer, having made its debut in 2008. Below are charts depicting the MSRP increase of the Sea-Dweller and the Deepsea, covering the following references:
Similar to the popularity of the Submariner, these two dive watches have also always enjoyed healthy resale prices. However, the last handful of years has witnessed sharp increases in resale value. In 2022, these are the prices for pre-owned Sea-Dweller and Deepsea watches:
Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master nautical watch in 1992, similar in many ways to the Submariner but more luxurious in its execution. The Yacht-Master's higher price point reflects the watch's ample use of precious metals. Below is a graph charting the rise of MSRP of the popular stainless steel and platinum Yacht-Master 40, covering the following references:
Yet again, we see that the overall demand for Rolex sports watches, including the Yacht-Master, is causing pre-owned prices to escalate at a rapid rate. It was once easier to find a used Yacht-Master well below retail; however, as of early 2022, expect to pay these prices for pre-owned references:
Released in 2007 as a 44mm model equipped with a regatta chronograph, the Yacht-Master II is one of Rolex's newest, largest, most complicated, and priciest sports watches. While it was initially only available in precious metals, in 2013, Rolex launched the stainless steel Yacht-Master II. As the chart below illustrates, Rolex has not increased the steel Yacht-Master II MSRP significantly over the last decade.
It's no secret that the Yacht-Master II's bold style and niche complication is a polarizing offering within Rolex enthusiasts. As such, it hasn't yet gained the type of mass popularity as other Rolex sports watches and as of early 2022, fans of this regatta chronograph can still take advantage of below-retail prices for a used steel Yacht-Master II.
Although the antimagnetic Milgauss watch was first created in the mid-1950s to serve the burgeoning scientific community, Rolex discontinued it in 1988. However, in 2007, the Milgauss made its return in a modern form with a 40mm steel case. Buyers could choose between the Milgauss ref. 116400 with a traditional clear sapphire crystal and the futuristic-looking Milgauss ref. 116400GV with a green-tinted sapphire crystal. As of 2016, Rolex only produces the green "GV" version and the below plot depicts the increase of both Milgauss reference retail prices since their introduction.
The Milgauss is one of the very few sportier 40mm steel Rolex watches that can currently be found in the secondary market at prices below retail. However, the price difference between a new and a pre-owned Milgauss is not that significant and the gap seems to be closing. As of 2022, the prices for used Rolex Milgauss watches are:
With its straightforward stainless steel construction, smaller 34mm case size, and time-only dial, the Air-King was historically one of Rolex's most affordable watches. However, in 2014, Rolex discontinued the Air-King and brought it back in 2016 as a very different watch. The current Rolex Air-King is now larger, sporting a 40mm case with a black dial with colorful details, and it has been given the same antimagnetic capabilities as the Milgauss. Its retail price has also increased to reflect the changes and below is a chart that illustrates the change in MSRP of the following references:
Similar to the majority of stainless steel models, pre-owned Air-King prices have also increased in recent years to levels close to or above retail. As of 2022, the cost of owning used Air-King watches are as follows:
The Sky-Dweller is the newest model to join the Rolex catalog, first released in 2012. With a gold fluted bezel on top of its 42mm case, the Sky-Dweller borrows its design from other Rolex dress watches but benefits from an annual calendar complication and a dual timezone display. The Sky-Dweller was initially exclusively available in solid 18k gold but in 2017, Rolex released a pair of Rolesor versions - one that paired a stainless steel case with a white gold bezel and the other in a two-tone yellow gold and steel combination. Given that the Rolesor Sky-Dweller watches have only been around since 2017, their retails prices have only increased by a few hundred dollars.
While Rolex has not significantly increased the price of the steel and white gold Sky-Dweller, the value of pre-owned editions has skyrocketed. Both Rolesor Sky-Dweller watches are currently valued above their retail prices on the secondary market and it's not uncommon for the steel/white gold variant - particularly the one with the blue dial - to resell for almost double. Prices for used Rolex Sky-Dweller watches as of 2022 are as follows:
As it is Rolex's most prestigious watch model and exclusively fashioned from precious metals, Day-Date watches, also known as Rolex President watches, are some of the brand's priciest pieces. Although Day-Date watches are available in three different shades of gold and platinum, the most popular are yellow gold Rolex Presidentials. Below is a graph charting the increase in MSRP of yellow gold Rolex Day-Date watches, covering the following references:
It used to be common to find pre owned Day-Date watches at prices well below retail. However, yellow gold Rolex Day-Date watches have been having a major moment these last few years and their popularity has driven up the prices in the pre-owned market. 2022 prices for used Rolex President watches are as follows:
The Datejust has been Rolex's flagship watch since its inception in 1945. The Datejust is available in a vast assortment of sizes, materials, and styles but some of the most popular are the stainless steel variants with case sizes that measure 36mm or 41mm. Below is a graph detailing the retail prices of steel Rolex Datejust watches, covering the following references:
Good news for Rolex fans looking to buy a pre-owned Datejust - some references can still be found below the retail prices of the most current models. Yet, the latest generation of steel Datejust watches, whether Datejust 36 or Datejust 41, are selling for a premium on the pre-owned market. The prices for used Rolex Datejust watches as of 2022 are as follows:
The Oyster Perpetual is Rolex's entry-level watch, combining a water-resistant Oyster case in stainless steel with an automatic Perpetual movement that powers the time-only dial. Rolex has offered the Oyster Perpetual in various sizes over the years and the below retail price chart tracks the following references:
Thanks to Rolex releasing a brand new Oyster Perpetual lineup with colorful dials in 2020, the entry-level Rolex is trading well above retail prices in the pre-owned market. As of 2022, the prices for used Oyster Perpetual watches are as follows:
The Rolex price range is incredibly vast; however the actual fair market value of a pre owned watch isn't just about its age. In fact, a vintage Rolex can often fetch a significantly higher price than a second-hand watch from the current generation. So, what are all the factors that can determine a pre-owned Rolex price when evaluating its fair market value?
The overall condition of a watch can make or break its value. By assessing the aesthetics and functionality of a used Rolex, a knowledgeable dealer can properly price the watch at its true fair market value. In most instances, the better the condition of a watch, the higher its fair market value will be. However, sometimes when dealing with rare vintage references, certain signs of age such as tropical dials, ghost bezels, and patina can actually increase the value of the watch.
There's a difference between an entirely circa-correct Rolex and an authentic Rolex, and they can both play greatly into the overall Rolex price range for a specific pre-owned model. An entirely circa-correct Rolex means that the watch boasts components that are all correct for the time period in which it was produced - a good sign that it likely still has all of its original factory parts (although there is no way to definitively tell that something wasn't replaced with an identical component from the exact same era at some point during its previous life).
Typically, prices on the vintage Rolex market are much stronger for watches that are completely circa-correct, even if they show signs of wear and age. An authentic Rolex is a watch that is completely genuine - meaning that every single component on it is made by Rolex, with no aftermarket or custom additions whatsoever. However, a Rolex can be 100% authentic without being circa-correct.
Typically when parts need to be replaced, Rolex replaces them with the newest compatible versions for that watch. These replacement components are entirely genuine, and are often superior from a purely functional standpoint; however for certain components on highly-collectable vintage models, these later-era replacement parts can sometimes detract significantly from the value of the timepiece.
This isn't always a huge factor, as a lot of Rolex watches sold on the pre-owned market come without the original box or papers. However, for certain vintage Rolex models, the inclusion of their original box and paperwork can significantly increase their value for collections. Many times, these items were lost or otherwise separated from their accompanying watches over the years, and so finding a vintage Rolex that still has its original box and papers is becoming an increasingly rare occurrence.
Some Rolex watches are more popular or collectable than others and that's just a fact. For example, most of the time a vintage Submariner is going to fetch a higher price than a vintage Datejust, simply because more Datejust watches were sold over the years, and (generally speaking) most people took better care of them.
You also have to consider the reference number of the watch itself, as there can be large price differences between them that can really dictate resale value. For example, a ref. 5512 and a ref. 5513 Submariner may look almost identical, but there is often a significant difference in price between these two models, even when they are from a similar year of production.
The model and reference number both significantly play into the overall rarity of a Rolex, and consequently influence its pricing. However, sometimes these factors hardly come into play at all. For example, you may own a rather common and inauspicious Rolex model, but if it previously belonged to a celebrity or other noteworthy individual, that gives the watch a serious provenance and can significantly increase its resale value.
Similarly, rare or unusual traits can also significantly increase a Rolex price far beyond what would normally be the fair market value for similar examples of the same reference. Additionally, you may have a Rolex from a not-particularly-special reference, but if it has a rare dial or some other unusual feature or even a factory defect, that also has the potential to make it rare and quite a bit more valuable to collectors.
While all of these things play into determining the value of a Rolex, the secondary market also drives the prices of Rolex watches - just like a stock market. Bob's Watches uses this same open market system to help us both buy and sell watches at the most fair prices anywhere online. We publish both the buy and sell prices for every Rolex model, so that both buyers and sellers can verify that they are getting the best possible deal.
However, because the demand for Rolex watches far exceeds the supply at a retail level, multi-year waiting lists for many of the brand's top models exist at virtually all retailers around the globe. Consequently, this strong market demand can drive the fair market values for certain Rolex watches well above their original retail prices. For some ultra-desirable models like the stainless steel Rolex Daytona, if you are lucky enough to find one at retail, you can turn around and sell it for almost twice what you paid for it!
In some cases, if you buy a brand-new Rolex, it may depreciate once you leave the store with them. However, as we've illustrated, more and more Rolex watches sell for significantly higher than their original retail prices. Chances are that you will be able to sell your Rolex in the future for roughly the same sum, should the need arise. You could buy a Submariner today and offload it again in ten years time for an amount similar to what you paid for it (or more) - meaning that you have worn an icon of horology for a decade, completely for free.
Choose the right Rolex model and you also stand a very good chance of making a profit. A number of Rolex's stainless steel sports watches only keep growing in terms of desirability, and the amount that collectors are willing to pay for them increases in tandem. Even if you don't want to part with your Rolex, you still have the peace of mind knowing that, if looked after properly, your watch will easily outlast you and can be handed down to the next generation to enjoy - and there are very few other things that can make a similar claim.
There are many reasons a Rolex watch costs what it does. While it can initially seem like a lot of money, once you look below the surface and take into account the quality of the materials, the timeless nature of the designs, the more than a century of heritage, and the fact they hold their value so well, the price of a Rolex watch is actually pretty reasonable. The product of the biggest and most successful watchmaker in the world, there's nothing quite like a Rolex.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about used Rolex prices.
Rolex released the newest collection of Submariner watches in 2020 with 41mm cases and new-generation movements. The retail price of a new Rolex Submariner ranges from $8,950 to $40,650.
However, due to the high demand for these watches and the accompanying waitlist, the pre owned prices for most of these references - particularly the stainless steel models - are quite a bit higher than their original retail prices.
Due to the massive global demand for Rolex watches, it can be almost impossible to buy select Rolex model at retail prices. It typically requires an already existing relationship with a Rolex authorized dealer and a willingness to wait a very long time to finally get the chance to buy one. It's been reported that some Rolex watches, like the current steel Daytona, Submariner, and GMT-Master II, have waitlists that are multiple years-long.
Rolex released the newest collection of GMT-Master II watches in 2018 with redesigned cases, new bezel color options, new material combinations, and new-generation movements. The price of a new Rolex GMT-Master II at retail ranges from $10,550 to $41,600.
However, due to demand for these watches, the pre owned prices of the latest steel GMT-Master II models start at $15,595 for the "Batman" and $17,995 for the "Pepsi."
Rolex's longtime approach of continuously enhancing its watches with modern materials and mechanical improvements, while simultaneously not drastically changing designs has proven to be a winning formula. Rolex outsells every other luxury watch brand - by far - and many of its watches are valued much higher on the open market than retail prices suggest. Therefore, the combination of incredible designs, reliable movements, and impressive resale value makes Rolex watches well worth the price.
Rolex released the newest collection of Oyster Perpetual watches in 2020 with some new case size options, plenty of new and vibrant dial colors, and new-generation movements. The price of a new Oyster Perpetual at retail ranges from $5,100 to $5,900, depending on case size.
The vibrant new dial shades of the Oyster Perpetual watches have made these entry-level Rolex watches incredibly desirable. Some popular colorways, like turquoise, yellow, and coral red are now even reselling for five-digit prices on the secondary market.
The cheapest Rolex in the current catalog is the Oyster Perpetual, which ranges from $5,300 to $6,100 depending on the size. Some of the cheapest pre-owned Rolex watches include older models of the Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Date, and Lady-Datejust.
In the current lineup, the retail price range of a Rolex watch starts at $5,300 and tops out at just over $500,000. The supremely rare platinum Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228396TEM with a baguette-emerald bezel is priced at about $520,000.
In January 2020, Rolex increased the prices for most of its watches. In the United States, Rolex retail prices increased by three to six percent on average. On the other hand, the secondary market has demonstrated much sharper price increases for pre-owned Rolex watches due to an ever-growing demand that far exceeds supply. In short, Rolex prices are going up because the demand for them is continuously increasing with no signs of slowing down in the near future.
Despite a global pandemic and a decrease in Swiss watch exports, Rolex prices are not currently going down. Not only did Rolex increase the prices of its watches across the board in January 2020 but many pre-owned Rolex watches are also experiencing price increases thanks to an incredibly strong global demand.
The lowest price of a Rolex watch starts at less than $3,000 for older pre owned Oyster Perpetual references. However, as prices across the board continue to increase, it is not likely that these models will stay this affordable forever.
The starting price of a Rolex watch at retail is $5,300 for a 28mm Oyster Perpetual, $5,800 for a 36mm Oyster Perpetual, and $6,100 for a 41mm Oyster Perpetual. On the pre owned market, the starting price of a Rolex watch is currently about $2,000 to $3,000 depending on the specific model and its configuration.
Authorized Rolex dealers are contractually bound to sell Rolex watches at MSRP and are barred from negotiating prices. You'll have slightly better luck negotiating Rolex prices on the pre-owned market - but not for exceedingly popular references. Generally speaking, the price of a Rolex watch is pretty firm, regardless of whether you are buying it brand-new or pre owned.
The latest official price increase from Rolex was in January 2020 and before that it was 2012. However, prior to 2012, it was common for Rolex prices to increase more frequently, and with the strong global demand for most of its watches, Rolex may return to more frequent price increases throughout its catalog.
Although many Rolex watches are priced below $10,000 at retail, expect to pay an average of $10,000 to $15,000 for newer versions of popular models and an average of $6,000 to $12,000 for older, discontinued references when shopping on the secondary market.
The best way to price Rolex watches is to request a price quote from Bob's Watches. By using a combination of historical price information, current market demand, future price trends, and the condition and configuration of the specific reference, Bob's Watches can accurately price any Rolex watch - whether vintage, discontinued, or brand-new.
When you're ready to get started visit our Sell Rolex page to receive a free instant quote. Above all, have fun!
*All prices are subject to change and subject to physical inspection.For more info about Used Rolex Prices, please call 800-494-3708.
DISCLAIMER: Sell prices are based on watches in good condition and in no need of repair or service. All prices are subject to change depending on market conditions.
