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How Much Is a Rolex? Rolex Prices by Model
Quick answer
Most Rolex watches cost between about $9,000 and $75,000, depending on the model, the materials and the condition. Entry-level models start at around $9,000, popular steel sports models such as the Submariner and GMT-Master II typically run from about $12,000 to $40,000, and precious metal and gem-set watches can reach well over $100,000. Below, we break down the price of each model, what you can buy at each budget, and why two Rolex watches can cost very different amounts.
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Rolex Prices at a Glance
The table shows typical prices for the Rolex watches we carry. Steel models sit at the lower end of each range, and gold, platinum and gem-set models at the top. Click a model to see what is in stock.
| Model | Typical price | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Oyster Perpetual | About $9,000 to $18,000 | Size and dial color, with rarer dials priced higher |
| Datejust | About $9,000 to $25,000 | Size, bezel, dial and metal, with gold and gem-set models well above the range |
| Air-King | Around $10,000 to $11,000 | One current model, so the price depends mostly on condition |
| Explorer | Around $12,500 to $13,000 | Model (Explorer or Explorer II) and condition |
| Sea-Dweller | About $10,500 to $16,000 in steel | Sea-Dweller or Deepsea, and metal, with gold Deepsea models far higher |
| Submariner | About $12,500 to $17,000 in steel, $17,000 to $46,000 with gold | Date or no date, size, and steel, two-tone or gold |
| Yacht-Master | About $15,000 to $53,000 | Size, metal and bracelet |
| GMT-Master II | About $18,000 to $32,000 in steel, from about $40,000 in gold | Bezel color, with the Pepsi at the top of the steel range |
| Sky-Dweller | About $19,000 to $75,000 | Metal, bracelet and dial |
| Daytona | About $29,500 to $40,000 in steel, $42,000 to $75,000 in gold | Metal, dial and condition, with platinum and gem-set models well over $100,000 |
| Day-Date | About $43,000 to $145,000 | Metal, size and gem-setting |
How Much Is Each Rolex Model?
Here is what each model typically costs and why prices differ within it.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Price
The Oyster Perpetual is the most accessible way into Rolex, and prices typically run from about $9,000 to $18,000. The 31mm models usually cost the least, and the 36mm and 41mm sizes and bright dials, such as turquoise, cost more. See all Rolex Oyster Perpetual prices.
Rolex Datejust Price
The Datejust has one of the widest price ranges of any Rolex, because it comes in so many sizes, bezels, dials and metals. Steel models typically start at around $9,000 and most cost up to about $25,000, while two-tone, gold and diamond-set versions can go well above that. See all Rolex Datejust prices.
Rolex Air-King Price
The Air-King is a single current model, so its price depends mostly on condition and on whether the box and papers are included. Expect around $10,000 to $11,000. See Rolex Air-King prices.
Rolex Explorer Price
The Explorer is Rolex's understated sports watch. The Explorer II, which adds a 24-hour hand, typically costs around $12,500 to $13,000, and its price moves mainly with the reference and the condition. See all Rolex Explorer prices.
Rolex Sea-Dweller Price
The Sea-Dweller and its deeper-diving sibling, the Deepsea, typically cost about $10,500 to $16,000 in steel. Gold and special-edition Deepsea models cost far more. See all Rolex Sea-Dweller prices.
Rolex Submariner Price
The Submariner is Rolex's best-known dive watch. Steel models typically cost about $12,500 to $17,000, with the no-date versions at the lower end, and two-tone and gold versions run from about $17,000 to $46,000. See all Rolex Submariner prices.
Rolex Yacht-Master Price
Yacht-Master prices typically run from about $15,000 to $53,000. Steel and Rolesium models sit at the lower end, and gold and gem-set versions on the rubber Oysterflex bracelet at the higher end. See all Rolex Yacht-Master prices.
Rolex GMT-Master II Price
Steel GMT-Master II watches typically cost about $18,000 to $32,000, depending on the bezel. The Pepsi sits at the top of that range, and the Batman, Batgirl and Sprite are lower. Gold models start at around $40,000, and gem-set ones go far higher. See all Rolex GMT-Master II prices.
Rolex Sky-Dweller Price
The Sky-Dweller typically costs about $19,000 to $75,000. Steel and two-tone models sit at the lower end, and the price steps up through yellow gold to rose gold at the top. See all Rolex Sky-Dweller prices.
Rolex Daytona Price
The Daytona is one of the most sought-after Rolex watches, and its prices reflect that. Steel models typically cost about $29,500 to $40,000, two-tone ones about $22,000 to $31,000, and gold ones about $42,000 to $75,000. Platinum, meteorite-dial and gem-set versions range from around $100,000 to well over $500,000. See all Rolex Daytona prices.
Rolex Day-Date Price
The Day-Date is made only in precious metals, so even its starting point is high, at about $43,000. Gold models mostly run from $43,000 to $80,000, while platinum and gem-set models run from around $70,000 to $145,000. See all Rolex Day-Date prices.
How Much Can You Spend? Rolex Prices by Budget
If you start with a budget, this table shows what you can typically find at each level.
| Budget | What you can typically find |
|---|---|
| Under $5,000 | Very little. A Rolex at this price is usually a vintage or older pre-owned watch, so it matters even more to buy from a seller who authenticates every piece. |
| $5,000 to $10,000 | A small number of entry-level Oyster Perpetual and Datejust models, mostly in the smaller sizes. |
| $10,000 to $20,000 | The core of the catalog: larger Oyster Perpetual and Datejust models, the Air-King, the Explorer II, steel Sea-Dwellers and Submariners, and some Yacht-Master and GMT-Master II watches. |
| $20,000 to $50,000 | Steel and two-tone Daytonas, the Pepsi GMT-Master II, gold and two-tone Submariners, the Sky-Dweller and the first Day-Date models. |
| Over $50,000 | Gold and platinum Daytonas and Day-Dates, and gem-set and special dial models. |
If you want to start at the entry point, you can browse Rolex watches under $10,000, or see the Rolex collection and filter by price.
Why Rolex Prices Vary
Two Rolex watches can look alike and still cost very different amounts. These are the main reasons.
Model and reference. Each model sits in its own price range, and each reference within it has its own price, depending on size, bezel and dial.
Materials. Steel is the most affordable, followed by two-tone, then gold and platinum. Diamonds and gemstones add to the price.
Condition. A watch with light wear, original parts and a recent service is worth more than one that shows its age.
Age and rarity. Discontinued references, limited editions and rare dials can sell for more than the standard version.
Box and papers. A watch with its original box and papers usually sells for more than the same watch without them.
Demand. Popular steel sports models are often wanted by more people than there are watches available, which can push prices up.
For a closer look, read our guide on why Rolex watches are so expensive.
New vs. Pre-Owned Rolex Prices
A new Rolex is sold at the retail price Rolex sets, and Rolex adjusts those prices regularly. Pre-owned watches are priced by the market. For some models, such as popular steel sports watches, that can mean a pre-owned watch costs more than the retail price, because it is available now and a new one is not. For other models, a pre-owned watch costs less than a new one.
The prices in this guide reflect the watches we carry, so they can differ from Rolex's retail prices and from other sellers' prices. Every pre-owned watch we sell is inspected and authenticated by our team, and you can see them all on our pre-owned Rolex page.
Rolex Price FAQs
What is the cheapest Rolex?
The cheapest Rolex watches are usually the smaller Oyster Perpetual and Datejust models, which typically start at around $9,000 on our site. Older or vintage pre-owned Rolex watches can cost less, but they need extra care when it comes to authenticity and condition.
Can you buy a Rolex for under $5,000?
Rarely. A Rolex at that price is usually vintage or an older pre-owned watch, and the lower the price, the more important it is to buy from a seller who authenticates every piece. Be careful with anything that looks too good to be true, and read our guide on how to spot a fake Rolex.
Can you buy a Rolex for $10,000?
Yes, though the choice is limited at that level. Entry-level Oyster Perpetual and Datejust models, mostly in the smaller sizes, are the most likely options. Above $10,000, the choice widens quickly to include the Air-King, Explorer II, Submariner, Sea-Dweller and more. Browse our site to see all options.
How much does a Rolex cost new compared with pre-owned?
A new Rolex is sold at the retail price Rolex sets, while a pre-owned Rolex is priced by the market. Depending on the model, a pre-owned watch can cost less than a new one or, for sought-after steel sports models, more. See the section above on new versus pre-owned prices for details.
Do Rolex watches hold their value?
Many Rolex models keep a good share of their price over time, and some sell for more than they originally cost. It is never guaranteed, because values move with the model, its condition and the market, and this is general information, not financial advice.
Do Rolex prices go up?
Rolex adjusts its retail prices regularly, and market prices move with demand. We cannot predict what any single model will do, so the best approach is to buy a watch you want to wear and enjoy, at a price you are comfortable with.
Find Your Rolex at First Class Timepieces
Ready to find yours? Browse our full Rolex collection, with every watch thoroughly inspected and 100% authentic. Use the filters in the menu to narrow your search by model, price, gender and more, and we ship nationwide and internationally. If you would rather see a Rolex in person, visit our boutique at 26 West 47th Street in New York City, by appointment.
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