What is the Value of Your Rolex Watch?

Over a century after it was founded, Rolex continues to create exceptional watches and is recognized as one of the most powerful brands in the world. Han Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, had a vision of creating a reliable wrist watch during a time where pocket watches were the main time keeping devices. Just a few years later, Wilsdorf introduced the first Rolex wrist watch, and the rest is history. Through its long and storied history, Rolex has accomplished many horological feats, such as introducing the first waterproof watch.

One question that we hear quite often is “What is the value of my Rolex watch?” It might sound like an easy question to answer, but in fact, it is actually quite complicated. There are many factors that contribute to the value of a watch. Because things like the quality of the specific watch contribute to the value, there is no chart that we can provide to customers that will show them the value of their watch. Some watches may have cracks in the crystal, a corroded movement, or scratches all of the bracelet, all of which negatively impact the watch’s value and would not be reflected on a chart. The word “value” can include both monetary value, as well as sentimental value.  While we cannot measure the sentimental value of a watch, we can determine the monetary value using a few simple guidelines.

One thing that is important, especially with Rolex watches, is the authenticity of the watch parts. Rolex does not service watches that do not have all of its original parts, such as its original dial. As a result, a Rolex watch without all of its original parts will have a lower value than a Rolex with all of its original parts. In addition, it is important to make sure that the pre-owned Rolex watch’s serial number is still on the watch. Not only is it illegal to remove a serial number, but Rolex will not service a watch without a serial number. This greatly decreases the Rolex watch’s value because people will be more hesitant to purchase the watch if it does not have the serial. Here at Crown & Caliber, we do not purchase any watch where the serial number has been removed.

Another factor that will affect the value of a pre-owned Rolex is the model. While all Rolex watches hold their value very well when compared to other brands, certain Rolex watch models perform better in the pre-owned market than others. For example, the Rolex Daytona and Rolex Submariner are very strong in the pre-owned market, while the Rolex Air King and Rolex Explorer do not hold their value as well.

Because Rolex watches are extremely high quality, Rolex watches are often still in great condition several decades later. As a result, Rolex watches hold their value a lot better when compared to many other brands. Also, the fact that Rolex does not introduce a brand new model every year helps Rolex models to hold their value because they are still relevant and do not go out of style.

Because Rolex watches are so popular around the world with both watch enthusiasts and non-watch enthusiasts, the demand for Rolex watches is always high, resulting in a higher resale value. The value of your Rolex watch is essentially determined by what the market is willing to pay for it. That is why Crown & Caliber’s Consignment Service is the most effective and convenient way to sell a Rolex watch. Our watches are seen by tens of thousands of watch enthusiasts and collectors, ensuring that the customer receives a high price for their Rolex watch. For more information on the factors that influence the value of a Rolex watch, view our style guide post on specifically how to value a Rolex.