5 Best Rolex Models To Buy For Investment in 2023

best rolex for investment
Worthy Staff

By Worthy Staff | Apr 11th, 2023

You know all about silver, gold, oil, and even coffee investment, but what about investing in watches? Watches are a fascinating and fun alternative to other types of investments, as some watches hold their value very well and others increase in value as time passes. Here, we’ll take a look at the best Rolex watches to invest in, plus you’ll find out which Rolex holds its value the best out of the following five models:

  1. Rolex Day Date
  2. Rolex Submariner
  3. Rolex Yacht-Master
  4. Rolex GMT Master
  5. Rolex Daytona

Why Invest in Rolex Watches?

Why choose Rolex as an investment? Rolex watches are considered among the most collectible watch brands. Moreover, Forbes ranked the company 64th on its list of the world’s most powerful brands worldwide for 2016. It is likely that Rolex, which was founded in 1905, will enjoy continued success throughout 2023 and into the future.

All About Rolex Watches

Other Rolex Model Reviews
Air King · Cellini · Date/Datejust · Daytona Cosmograph · Explorer · GMT Master & GMT Master II · Milgauss · Presidential

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Best Rolex Watches for Investment

Rolex Day Date

Rolex Datejust watches are valuable investments, but as Rolex Day Date models expand on the Datejust model’s features, they are very popular. This having been said, don’t turn your nose up at a new or vintage Rolex Datejust or Datejust II in good condition. Many buyers appreciate these timepieces for their simple, streamlined appearance, and as with they Day Date model, there are many exquisite finishes to choose from in men’s and women’s sizes.

A Rolex Day Date in 950 platinum or 18 ct gold is sure to make a reliable investment, so long as it is in excellent condition. Most Rolex Day Date watches have great resale value because of their timeless style and sensible functionality. They are a bit smaller than sportier models like the Submariner and Yacht Master, which appeals to those who prefer the look of a classic dress watch.

best rolex for investment - ROLEX DAY DATE
Rolex 118238 Day Date K264407 sold at auction $10,175.

Rolex Submariner

If you’re looking for the best Rolex to buy in terms of popularity, then a Submariner may be just the thing. Handsome, durable, and decidedly sporty, this Rolex offers a sleek appearance while boasting watertight integrity to depths of about 300 meters, which is quite a bit deeper than the average sport diver will ever descend. Because of their quality and rugged durability, Rolex Submariners in general are highly coveted by those who shop the resale market. A word of caution about the Rolex Submariner 16610 specifically: This timepiece is so popular and so valuable on the resale market that it is often counterfeited. Be sure to purchase from a reliable source that provides a certificate of authenticity at the time of sale.

best rolex for investment - ROLEX SUBMARINER
Rolex 1680 Submariner 5405484 sold at auction for $5,087.

Rolex Yacht Master

The perennially popular Rolex Yacht Master offers an enticing blend of good looks and functionality. Produced in a variety of finishes, it comes in sizes for men and women alike. As the Yacht Master’s name suggests, this timepiece is waterproof. Both the Yacht Master and Yacht Master II are easily identified by their large hands and bold numbers, both of which make them easy to read even in challenging situations. Because these iconic watches are built to last, they tend to hold their value very well. Their robustness, combined with their timeless appearance, makes them extremely popular on the resale market.

best rolex for investment - ROLEX YACHT-MASTER
Rolex Yatch-Master 16622 K722068 sold at auction for $4,185.

Rolex GMT-Master

Rolex’s GMT-Master and GMT-Master II are always in demand. These aviator’s watches were designed to meet the needs of international pilots, and they are quite remarkable in every way. With distinctive 24-hour hands and rotating 24-hour advanced bezels, the Rolex GMT-Master II lets the wearer read three different time zones simultaneously. Despite its obvious usefulness, this model offers a beautiful aesthetic, pairing well with casual and formal attire alike. Its large dial exudes luxury, and its sophisticated design make it highly coveted by potential purchasers – that is, if you can bear to part ways with it!

best rolex for investment - ROLEX GMT MASTER
Rolex GMT Master 16710 K389230 sold at auction for $4,536.

Rolex Daytona

If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art timepiece, you’ll find it in the Rolex Daytona. Named in honor of one of America’s auto racing capitals, this model offers a unique aesthetic, thanks to a trio of sub-dials. If you prize speed, luxury, and performance, then the Daytona is a watch worth looking into. This particular Rolex is very popular with celebrities and perhaps this is the reason it holds its value so well. As an example, the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona sold at Christie’s auction for the lofty sum of 989,000 Swiss Francs, which is equivalent to about $1,089,186 in U.S. dollars.

best rolex for investment - ROLEX DAYTONA
Rolex Daytona 116520 439JX559 sold at auction for $7,965.

Final Thoughts on the Best Rolex Watches to Invest In

Of all these top models, which Rolex holds its value the best? Many experts agree that the Submariner 16610 takes top marks in this category. And, despite the fact that gold prices often increase, the steel Submariner seems to be the most popular simply because of its timeless appearance and its durable reliability. Of course, it’s impossible to tell what will happen in the future. Our advice? Choose a Rolex that appeals to you personally, and if you can get your hands on a highly-coveted limited edition model, the odds of making a profit when it’s time to sell are certainly in your favor.

Sources: Time, Forbes.

Worthy Staff

Worthy Staff


The Worthy Blog is a place for inspiration, insight, and advice for all things surrounding life's greatest transitions - divorce, losing a loved one, retirement, and so much more. You can find us on our blog, Instagram, and Facebook.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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