As the leading producer of custom rubber watch straps, Rubber B consistently strives to innovate and improve on our existing product catalog, which features custom rubber watch straps for watches from leading watchmakers around the globe, such as Rolex, Tudor, Panerai, and Audemars Piguet. Because Rolex is arguably the most recognizable luxury watch brand in the world, many people, especially those who are newer to watch collecting, are curious about both extremes of the pricing spectrum – in other words, what are the most expensive Rolexes, and what are the cheapest models?
In order to help answer that questions, we have put together a brief guide that highlights watches on both ends of the pricing scale. As always, these prices are subject to change based on fluctuations in the marketplace, so keep that in mind whenever you are planning to purchase a new timepiece.
What Are Some of the Most Expensive Rolexes?
It is worth noting, in general, that Rolex watches are more expensive, on average than timepieces from most other brands, due to the fact that Rolex is a legacy brand. However, there are some truly amazing examples from recent years which demonstrate just how much people will pay for a legacy timepiece.
The most expensive Rolex ever sold commanded a price of almost 18 million dollars, but in this case, the price had much more to do with the previous owner of the watch than the timepiece itself. In this case, that person was a legendary film actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, who received the personalized watch as a gift from his wife.
The type of watch he owned, a variation of the Rolex Daytona, is also coveted among collectors, and can be sold for anywhere from $220,000 to $700,000, depending on its condition and whether the watch still has its providence intact.
The most expensive Rolex by list price is a specially crafted version of the GMT-Master II known as the “Rolex Ice.” Covered in diamonds and encased in beautiful 18kt white gold, the list price for this watch is $485,350.
Many people often buy their watches on the “gray market,” which means they are purchasing them from a reseller of some kind, normally a jeweler. As for which watch comes with the highest premium upon resale, there is actually a tie between the Pepsi bezel GMT-Master II and the stainless steel, ceramic bezel Daytona.
What Are Some of the Cheapest Rolex Watches?
In terms of the opposite end of the pricing scale, the absolute cheapest Rolex that you can get is a vintage women’s wristwatch from the 1920s or ’30s, which cost around $800. However, in terms of value for your money, many experts would state that a vintage Rolex Datejust will be the best deal you can find. A 1970’s-era timepiece will cost you around $3,000, while a newer 90’s version will cost you around $4,000.
In terms of list price, the cheapest Rolex is the Oyster Perpetual, which will total out at $5,700. It is important to note that this is a time-only model, so you should not expect a plethora of extra complications to come with the watch for that kind of price. However, it does come in a wide variety of different colors, so there is likely something for everyone in terms of personal style. Also, as an added bonus, you can walk into any authorized Rolex dealer and buy one of these watches without having to go on a waiting list.
While Rolex does not officially offer discounts for its products, an astute watch collector will be able to find unused or lightly worn watches at a significant discount if they pay close enough attention or have a good relationship with a dealer that they trust. For example, while a Yacht-Master II normally retails for $18,750, it can be found on the gray market for as little as $15,000.
It is worth mentioning here that if you are going to purchase a watch on the gray market, please be certain to make sure that you only do so from a reseller that you know and trust. There are many people who would happily take advantage of newer collectors by selling them a watch that is not authentic, so do be certain to do your due diligence in those situations before signing on the dotted line.
Another Rolex that hovers on the more affordable side of the pricing scale is the two-tone stainless steel and gold Daytona models – specifically, reference numbers 16523, 116523, and 116503. These watches can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $18,000, which is significantly less than the all stainless steel model will cost you.
Overall, it is important to remember that the pricing of a Rolex is determined by a number of complicated factors – the materials used to make them, any special complications that may have been added, how many copies of the watch were originally made, and in some, very special cases, whether the owner was a legendary celebrity or not.
Ultimately, one thing you can be certain of is that no matter what kind of Rolex you purchase, or for what price, you are now the proud owner of a high-quality timepiece that will last for decades if properly cared for.
Are You In Need of a Custom Rubber Watch Strap For Your Rolex Timepiece? Visit Rubber B Today
All of our watch bands are made from 100% vulcanized rubber and manufactured in Switzerland by industry professionals with decades of experience behind them. All of Rubber B’s straps are also non-toxic and non-allergenic, ensuring a quality product that is sure to last for years to come.
To learn more about our product catalog, pricing, or other information about Rubber B, simply visit the Rubber B website. You will be able to find information on frequently asked questions about our products, shipping policies, and our contact information if you have a question that we have not answered on the website.
Follow us on Instagram
