Best entry-level Rolex watches – Top 3 pre-owned Rolex watches
So you’ve decided that you want to buy your first luxury watch and you’re trying to figure out how to get the most bang for your buck. With such a wide range of luxury brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming if you don’t have a better understanding of what is important to look for one of the best entry-level Rolex watches. While you won’t find any luxury watch under the four-figure mark no matter what catalog you look at from any brand, you should be able to find a watch that is definitely worth the money you put into it and could even end up being a great investment.
This is why many agree that Rolex is an amazing brand with state-of-the-art watches that are great for first-time luxury watch buyers. Rolex has gained an amazing reputation over the years for making watches that are developed with high performance and high-quality material, most of which are made that one of their four factories. Rolex is not a company that allows short-cuts in the manufacturing of their watches and it shows from the quality as well as durability of their watches. Rolex has developed movements to their watches that no other luxury brand can beat, in connection to longevity and precision.
They have a high standard for all of their raw materials and even have their in-house foundry where they make their gold. Creating the 904L stainless steel, coined their Proprietary Oystersteel, which is rust-resistant helps Rolex along with the information above to show how great of an investment a Rolex watch can be. All Rolex watches are certified chronometers from the COSC, which means that each watch was subject to 15 days of testing for air, temperature, and sometimes depending on the model, water pressure. Any watch that does not make it through a test is scrapped. Below are models that we feel would be great for any first-time owner of a luxury Rolex watch.
The Rolex Datejust
Designed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Rolex, the Datejust is a watch that continued to grow in popularity over the years and revisions. With a date Cyclops presented on the face, the Datejust is marketed for everyday wear given that the self-winding Perpetual movements would prefer you to wear this watch each day. Whether you’re dressing down or dressing up, the Datejust can be paired with a range of outfits for all sorts of occasions.
If this will be your first luxury watch, it’s best to buy a vintage model. There isn’t a lack of supply when it comes to the Datejust, as the watch is heavily produced, but with a pre-owned or vintage watch, they’re even more accessible and you may be able to save a little. The Datejust offers a lot of variety, from sizes to designs, dials, bezels, materials, and bracelets, allowing the wearer to find a truly unique watch.
(Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Reference 16013)
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual
While the Oyster Perpetual on the outside doesn’t look much different from any other Rolex watch, it is the world’s first automatic winding wristwatch. Not only was it an incredible innovation at the time, but the watch has also continued to push the mechanics of fellow wristwatches. Along with the Perpetual movement feature, the watch is also water-resistant for up to 100 meters. It also has an easy-to-read dial with many design options, dial colors, and the ability to choose Arabic and Roman numerals.
The Oyster Perpetual also has a wide range of dimensions from 28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 41mm. These assortments of sizes allow for the Oyster Perpetual to be a very unisex watch, where you have control over the design and style that the watch brings. The watch is also designed with a 3130 Caliber providing amazing accuracy. This is not a downgrade for an entry-level Rolex watch and is guaranteed to last a lifetime with the right care. With the option of getting the 904L stainless steel, as well as an un-fluted bezel and 18k gold markers, you’ll feel like this watch is definitely worth the money. A Rolex Oyster Perpetual is definitely one of the entry-level Rolex watches.
(Oyster Perpetual Reference 114300)
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date
Best known for its smaller, 34 mm Oyster case, the Rolex Date is a nice choice for someone who prefers a slimmer fit. While smaller than most traditional luxury watches, the Rolex Date is still made with tough stainless steel and a screw-down crown that gives water-resistant functionality for up to 330 feet. Along with the Oyster case, the Perpetual movements, and water-proof capabilities, the Rolex Date is an amazing choice for an entry-level Rolex watch for the first-time luxury watch buyer.
The watch is also designed with a flat link Oyster bracelet, a flip-lock clasp, and a serene bezel. Delicate hour, minute, and second hands glide across the dial of the watch giving the wearer a simple, yet elegant style. The waterproof case and self-winding movement add durability, which may come as a surprise for its size. For those who prefer a quieter, simpler look, the Rolex Date may be your best bet as one of the best entry-level Rolex watches.
Whichever model you do choose, make sure before committing to a watch to avoid limited editions, which will make the price of a watch incredibly steep because of small design detail. Always remember that you don’t have to go the route of stainless steel, as there are Oystersteel, silver, and gold options as well. Stainless steel is recommended though since it has the best durability and will help keep your watch running as long as possible without issues. Make sure to choose a reputable seller or find a secondhand marketplace to make sure that you won’t be ripped off. Whichever model you do choose, just remember that there is a wide range of options in the pre-owned market that allow you to find a watch that is still authentic and in great working condition without having to go on a waiting list or wait months before getting to wear your watch. Rolex provides a wide range of design options with each model so find the one that fits you.
(Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15200)
