Are pre-owned Rolex watches a good investment?
When you’re looking for a watch that is worth the money that you’re putting into it and are hoping to possibly invest to make a return one day, Rolex is that brand for you. Established as a company in 1905, Rolex is one of the most popular luxury watch brands that has been sought after by the elite class as a fashion accessory. Rolex has also aided the military, scientists, NASA, and professional sports players from its various innovations of the designs of their watches over the years. Unlike other luxury watch brands that have had to deal with changes in trends and popularity, pre-owned Rolex watches have continued to grow as a brand instead of dipping in value.
Rolex: A Timeless Brand
Part of the reason why Rolex has been able to be one of the most popular luxury watch brands is their ability to take note of trends and also design classic, timeless styles. Rolex has made many small as well as major modifications in their designs over time. Smaller improvements would often be paired with the debut of an extensive change. Many of their major changes concerned adding a magnifying glass to the date window and other technical changes to enhance the watch. They have also designed a range of sports watches that assist in many different ways from being able to handle different types of environments and monitor specific details. This in many ways is why Rolex has been able to not only be high on value but also a trusted watch that will increase in value over time making it a great investment.
(Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 16233 Vignette dial)
What to Consider before Investing in Pre-owned Rolex watches
When you’re looking at watches to buy to invest in, it’s important to consider a few things before deciding on a specific Rolex watch. First, whether or not the watch is rare. Is it still in production or has production stopped, making it hard to acquire? Second, whether it is a vintage Rolex or a collectible. Where only a small number produced at a time? Third, whether it is a popular model. Is it a model that will still be popular years later as trends change? And finally, whether it is made from steel, an on-demand material, or an unusual metal like gold.
While buying some pre-owned Rolex watches may mean that it costs less than a new one, no Rolex watch is cheap. You’re guaranteed to spend at least a couple of thousand dollars. A specific model may still be worth more than a watch from a newer collection because of rarities, whether only a certain number of watches were made at the time, or if Rolex has stopped production on the model.
Finding a vintage Rolex watch in a good condition is far and few between, which helps increase the value when you do find one and makes it a good investment. Buyers and investors are more willing to pay a higher price for a watch that is in short supply. Rare and hard to find Rolex watches often attract higher bids at auctions making them a great investment.
While it would seem that because they are less on demand, Rolex watches that are made from precious or unusual metals like gold would be more likely to increase in value when in fact watches made from steel have a better return on investment now. This fact is mainly because it’s the more on-demand material. But in the future it may turn out that unusual metals like gold may make a better investment, at least that is what some believe although the value of gold can be unstable. Steel Rolex watches just have a better market and are more likely to be a more promising investment.
The Rolex Datejust: The Best Investment for You?
Choosing a specific model can be hard, especially when there are so many amazing versions to choose from with Rolex. But when you’re looking for a classic watch that is great for everyday use, the Rolex Datejust is a wonderful option. Launched in 1945 as a feature of the company’s 40th anniversary, the Rolex Datejust is one of the oldest watches still being produced today. The Rolex Datejust’s, Oyster casing allowed it to be one of the few waterproof luxury watches at the time. Over time, the Datejust has gone through many innovations including being powered by a quartz charged battery and having a collection that was released of a bigger version of the watch.
Like all Rolex watches, the Rolex Datejust has steadily risen in value over the last 76 years. The Datejust is projected to grow an average increase in the value of 60% in the last 2.5 years. Datejust watches like the 16013, 16014, 16233, or 16234 are great models depending on the specifics of what you’re looking for. For example, the 16013 was the first introduction to the quickest date change and can be polished. It is also very anti-reflective because it’s designed with curves. Whereas the Datejust 16233 is much more scratch-resistant and cannot be polished. The Datejust 16013 comes in 14k or 18k gold as well as stainless steel but the Datejust 16233 only comes in stainless steel and 18k gold. The Datejust 16233 and 16234 include wider bracelets. Whichever version of the Datejust you choose gives you a high return.
(Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust references 16233 & 16234)
In Conclusion
With all of this in mind, a pre-owned or vintage Rolex Datejust is a great watch to buy for a high return later down the road. Just remember to keep in mind specific considerations like the material of the metal that the watch consists of and whether or not it’s a modification of the Datejust that is no longer being distributed. That is why it’s important to check the reference number and decided that one has the best value later on. Rolex is a luxury brand watch company that continues to gain popularity over time with their ability to follow trends, make a few of their own, and remain timeless in design as well as functionality.
