Here's why it’s worth buying a vintage Rolex.

Content

Rolex in the course of time
Buying watches online
Collectibles
Prices

There are only a few brands in the world that are synonymous with luxury and value preservation by name alone. Watches from the Swiss manufacture - Rolex - are thus in line with other major producers such as Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet, making them clearly stand out from other manufacturers in terms of demand in the vintage wristwatch market.

The brand Rolex

1. Rolex in the course of time

In the year 2020 in particular, despite global crises such as Corona or even the trade conflict between the United States and China, significant price increases were registered for classic sports models such as the Rolex Submariner due to limited availability.

Watches, that have a sought-after reference, are traded "second hand", at times even with more than the double of the recommended list price. A Rolex watch is by now not only a status symbol for many young watch lovers, but also a lucrative investment, considering the price increases that have taken place in the last 10 years alone.

Some of the models have in fact tripled in value. Thus, anyone who was quick to jump on the bandwagon can now enjoy a rate of return that is difficult to achieve even with a good share on the stock market.

Whether it's a simple Rolex Oyster Perpetual, anything from a Rolex ladies' watch to a Rolex men's watch, or even the classic, the Day-Date Rolex Gold, preferably with a presidential bracelet: the prices are stable globally and tend to continue to increase. Hence, pre-owned watches, which have been examined and verified by experienced watchmakers and specialists, will always be a beautiful accessory in the future, as most of the old vintage models have a special charisma as well.

Most manufacturers nowadays also recreate their old classics: thus, new versions of watches such as the Tag Heuer "Monaco", the Omega "Speedmaster Mark II" or even the Tudor "Submariner Snowflake" have become the result of the high demand in the field of these pre-owned

Over the decades, only the smallest details of the coveted watches have been changed. This may be the secret of Rolex's success. Buying a vintage Rolex has a special kind of charm, as there are collectors and enthusiasts who devote themselves passionately and lovingly to the world of noble timepieces and vintage watches; in the same way as people do with vintage cars.

Buying a Rolex is quite easy these days. Indeed, even expensive watches are nowadays sold securely

2. Buying watches online

Apparently, there is no price limit considering the fact that even watches in the high six-digit range are sold online. Through the use of high-definition photos and, in some cases, short videos, watches are now presented in such an impressive way that customers can even see the smallest of scratches through their monitors or even their smartphones. Technology and reliable logistics have created new ways of distribution, applying more and more pressure on the traditional retail trade.

After all, the younger generation has practically grown up with the new media and will therefore be the new target group in demand for suppliers of luxury watches. Most of these customers state that they feel uncomfortable in jewelry stores and therefore choose the convenient way and simply order online. For this reason, these mostly young customers often turn to online retailers, who can then deliver the watches, however at a significant surcharge, yet without annoying discussions.

3. Collectibles

When you look at the prices for the most sought-after Rolex model, the Cosmograph Daytona in stainless steel, prices have increased dramatically in recent years. To buy a watch regularly from a concessionaire seems futile for most people because of the high demand.

Consequently, around twice the regular list price is paid for these models. Whether worn or unworn. The prices are absolutely stable. Meanwhile, the Daytonas in steel, that were produced before the year 2000 and thus still carry the "old caliber" of the former supplier Zenith, are even more expensive. Indeed, there are collectors willing to pay far more than 100,000 euros for watches from the first series with special dial variants, that were manufactured between 1987 and 1989, due to their rarity.

Those who own a Daytona with a hand-wound movement (Valjoux 72) from before 1986, for example, can consider themselves lucky. These models have already become absolute classics. What was then considered a shelf warmer is now a rarity, which is highly desired by collectors.

The only way to beat the whole thing is if the hand-wound Daytona is then equipped with a special dial variant. In fact, some of these racing chronographs were equipped with a so-called exotic "Paul Newman" dial, which was used very rarely.

4. Prices

Today, these watches are among the most sought-after models at Rolex. Now there are prices ranging from 200,000 euros to over 1,000,000 euros. The absolute "Holy Grail" is the watch after which the model is named. Actually, it is the watch that Paul Newman himself wore and which was auctioned off in New York in 2017 by an anonymous bidder for the fabulous price of 15.5 million US dollars; plus the buyer's premium.

This special Daytona is one of the most expensive wristwatches ever and proof of the boom in vintage watches. For collectors, the Paul Newman Daytona is one of the most sought-after watches, followed by the Gerald Genta classics, namely the Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700 or the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402 A series. There is nothing comparable to the Paul Newman Daytona in the field of vintage Rolex watches. These watches tell their very own stories and are therefore primarily characterized by historical value, rather than material value.

Therefore, the history, respectively the provenance of a vintage watch is an important criterion and can easily multiply the value once it can be proven that the watch originates from a prominent heritage. Hence, if you want to invest in a pre-owned watch, you should pay attention to several factors: quality, rarity and origin. Then nothing will get in the way of an increase in value...