Founded
1905
Headquarters
Geneva, Switzerland
Average MSRP:
Men’s Rolex watches vary in price from $6,500 to $85,000.
Website:
Brief History of Rolex Watches
At 24, Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905. He began by creating reliable wristwatches constructed with movements manufactured by a Swiss watchmaking company. By 1910, one of Wilsdorf’s Rolex watches became the first to earn the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision.
A few years later, a Rolex watch earned a class “A” precision certificate from the Kew Observatory in Britain. These two certificates cemented Rolex’s reputation as top-of-the-line, precise luxury watches.
Rolex earned more prestige and notoriety throughout the 20th century. The Rolex was the first waterproof watch. Rolex “invented and patented the world’s first self-winding mechanism with a Perpetual rotor.” Rolex was also the first watch to include a date window on a watch face. The brand became a mainstay for adventurers, explorers, celebrities and athletes.
Why We Love Rolex
Rolex watches are a symbol of quality, precision, innovation and status. If you appreciate the best in watchmaking, a Rolex is the watch for you. We love the durability of a Rolex watch. The brand designed watches to truly last a lifetime and maybe even longer. They are made from durable materials.
You’ll find a Rolex in stainless steel, gold or platinum, with details like diamonds and precious gemstones. Aside from their classic, evergreen styling, they resist water, shock and magnetism.
Rolex offers a 5-year international warranty. The warranty covers virtually everything except for wear and tear, improper use, loss and theft.
Last, we love that Rolex is one of the top brands in the luxury watch industry that retains its value. You are truly making a smart investment when you purchase a Rolex watch.
The Slender Wrist’s Top Rolex Watches By Price
There are a variety of Rolex watch models to fit your style and functionality needs. The cost of a Rolex timepiece depends on price, features and materials. Here are a few of our favorite Rolex models across the brand sorted by price.
TSW Budget Pick: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 – $6,100
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is one of the most wallet-friendly Rolex watch styles available. However, don’t overlook this pick whether this is your maximum budget or you have wiggle room to spend. There’s a reason it’s been a mainstay in the Rolex catalog since the 1950s. It’s sleek, simple and understated. Its sole purpose is to tell the time, and it stylishly does that.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual comes in sizes from 28mm to 41mm. The Oyster Perpetual might not be the most expensive Rolex watch, but these size variations make this pick good. Especially if you have a thin wrist. Additionally, you can choose from various dial colors.
TSW Mid-Price Pick: The Rolex Submariner 41 – $9,100
The Rolex Submariner is arguably the most popular and versatile Rolex model. (So much so that many beginner watch enthusiasts love looking for Submariner dupes and budget alternatives.) It’s a sportier model with the addition of a unidirectional rotatable bezel. Rolex originally designed this style with the diver in mind.
The bezel allows “a diver to accurately and safely monitor diving time and decompression stops.” The hands and hours contain Rolex’s Chromolight display to see the time in dark conditions. This watch is equal parts function and fashionable. It’s a great pick whether you are an adventurer or prefer the slower pace of life.
You can upgrade from the Submariner to the Submariner Date to add the date function to your watch. It comes in various metals, from the standard Oystersteel to an Oystersteel/Gold combo. It’s also available in solid yellow gold or white gold. Of course, there’s an upgrade cost. Currently, the top-of-the-line, gold Submariner Date pick will run you $42,000.
TSW High-Price Pick: The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40 – $32,100
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is your match if you’re looking for a Rolex with all the bells and whistles. It features three central counters on the dial and a tachymetric scale on the bezel for measuring speed. An option on the latest model of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is the patented Oysterflex band. It’s comfortable and functional. Inside the cushioned elastomer bands are two curved metal plates.
Rolex claims, “It singularly combines the robustness of a metal bracelet with the comfort of an elastomer bracelet.” The Oysterflex band is an excellent alternative to a metal or leather strap, yet still feels elevated.
The current Rolex Cosmograph Daytona only comes in a 40mm size. However, you can choose from various metals and dial colors. If you really want to elevate your look, opt for the Cosmograph Daytona in Platinum.
TSW Honorable Mention Pick: The Rolex Sky-Dweller – $50,900
The Rolex Sky-Dweller is a newer model in the Rolex lineup. The brand introduced the first wristwatch in this line in 2012. We like this pick as it’s the perfect Rolex for world travelers. The Sky-Dweller features a standard 12-hour dial and a 24-hour clock that users can set to other time zones. This watch also displays the month via a red rectangle situated in one of the 12-hour markers around the dial. Of course, the Cyclops eye informs you of the date.
The Sky-Dweller is elegant, sophisticated, yet practical. It comes in a variety of metal and dial options. It’s the quintessential, do-it-all watch you can wear to work or on the weekend. It’s why it deserves our honorable mention pick.
FAQs About Rolex Watches
If you have questions about Rolex luxury watches, we have all your answers. Here are your most common queries about Rolex watches.
What is So Special About a Rolex Watch?
Owners like their Rolex watches for a variety of personal reasons. Some of these reasons include:
- Swiss-made high quality and precision.
- Innovative technologies over the years.
- Durability and longevity.
- Their timeless style.
- The status symbol associated with the brand.
- Investment value.
Why are Rolex Watches so Expensive?
Rolex is one of the most prestigious watch brands in the world. The materials and craftsmanship of the watches contribute to the Rolex cost. Skilled watchmakers assemble the timepieces by hand. Additionally, Rolex watches come in various metals, such as stainless steel, gold and platinum. Some models contain diamonds and/or gemstones that add to the overall cost.
What is the Cheapest Rolex to Buy?
If you’re buying a brand new Rolex, the least expensive model is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. A base model with a 36mm watch case size is $6,100. If you prefer a smaller case size, check out the Oyster Perpetual in 28mm, 31mm and 34mm sizes. The price decreases by $100 or so with each smaller model.
It’s common for prospective buyers to purchase pre-owned Rolex timepieces, especially if you’re buying your first luxury watch. If you fall into this group, you may find a different model at a discount. However, do your due diligence to ensure you buy an authentic Rolex watch.
How do you Tell if a Rolex is Real or Fake?
If you’ve purchased an authentic Rolex in the past, the best way to tell if a new purchase is genuine is to compare. You’ll want to inspect the craftsmanship, check the serial number, examine the logo and weigh the watch.
If you’re still unsure, it’s best to take it to a qualified watchmaker for authentication. Check out the list of authorized Rolex watch dealers. If one is nearby, you may be able to bring your watch in for authentication.
