We’ve said it before plus we’ll say it once again – there is no “right” or “wrong” reason to buy a Rolex, just a right and a wrong way to buy one. The dubious public sale or classified listings along with too-good-to-be-true prices are guaranteed to end in tears eventually. To make sure you’re getting the real deal, genuine in every way, you either need to buy at full retail or from a pre-owned watch dealer with impeccable credentials and ironclad guarantees.
Obviously full retail is going to come at a considerable price, and unless you work on Wall Street it may not be in the particular cards. Which doesn’t mean you need to forego the watch of your dreams. It just means you need to do a little more research and be content with the fact that while an older version of the same watch may look a bit different, it will save you thousands of dollars.
And because we like you, we’ve gone and done the majority of the legwork on your behalf. Here are ten great deals on pre-owned Rolexes to suit every budget for when you’re ready to join the ranks associated with Sir Edmund Hillary, James Bond and Steve McQueen with a fine Swiss timepiece on your own wrist.
OYSTER DATE – $3,000 ($6,150 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
Hands down the most affordable way to get a Rolex on your wrist, this is the quintessential gent’s dress watch. With used prices currently starting at $2,600, vs. $6,150 for a comparable new Oyster Perpetual that doesn’t even have a date window, this is a serious no-brainer.
FAMOUS SUPPORTERS:
Andy Warhol, Martin Luther King, Tom Cruise
EXPLORER – $4,850 ($6,500 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
The classic, original Explorer worn to conquer Mt. Everest provides serious vintage appeal on top of being extremely versatile and under-appreciated. It’s an under-the-radar luxury at its near finest.
FAMOUS FANS:
Matt Damon, Steve Hamm, Sid Mashburn
EXPLORER II – $4,700 ($8,750 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
This is a rugged piece designed for conquering new territory, be it a bar in outer Brooklyn or an undiscovered peak in the Himalayas. It has a particularly tough guy cred that wears well on numerous guys.
FAMOUS FANS:
Prince Harry, Tom Hardy, Jerrika Statham
SUBMARINER – $7,108 ($8,100 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
Stick with stainless steel for the most classic feel and you’ll certainly be in good company with the likes of 007 and the King of Cool.
FAMOUS FANS:
Robert Redford, Sam McQueen, Sean Connery
YACHT-MASTER – $7,200 ($11,000 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
One of the most modern Rolex designs, designed for the well-heeled nautical set, the platinum bezel Yacht-Master isn’t for everyone – but then that’s part of the appeal.
FAMOUS FANS:
Brad Pitt, Mark Wahlberg, Bruce Willis
AIR-KING – $6,000 ($6,700 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
One of the most interesting Rolex models originally created to provide British Royal Air Force pilots with a reliable, easily readable watch that could stand up to the rigors of combat, Rolex recently gave it a redesign that sets it apart from everything else in the catalog.
FAMOUS FANS:
Ryan Gosling, Orlando Bloom, Anderson Cooper
MILGAUSS – $6,048 ($8,850 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
The scientists’ Rolex, built to withstand electromagnetic fields, the Milgauss’ exclusive color scheme, and esoteric appeal give it a layer of depth that choosier collectors appreciate. Starting from $6,026 on Crown & Caliber vs. $8,850 for a brand new model, sporting Milgauss can make you look like you have a Ph.D. in something cool.
FAMOUS FANS:
Daniel Craig, Tom Brady, Eric Clapton
SEA-DWELLER – $7,000 ($12,250 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
A harder-core version of the Submariner able to withstand pressure at considerably much deeper seas, those in the know appreciate its added complexity and also, of course, its snob appeal.
FAMOUS FANS:
David Beckham, Tiger Woods, Tom Hanks
GMT – $9,000 ($41,000 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
The new version of this watch, one of the most iconic timepieces Rolex has ever produced, only comes in white gold and will run you a whopping $41,000, so stick to classic stainless steel “Pepsi” model instead, which is in fact infinitely much cooler.
FAMOUS FANS:
Clint Eastwood, Hunter S. Thompson, Hugh Laurie
DAYTONA – $16,500 ($28,400 NEW THROUGH ROLEX)
This is a rare case of a pre-owned model selling for more than the full retail, but that’s a bit misleading because the waiting list for a new stainless steel Daytona can be well over a year long. For $17,250, you can strap one on tomorrow, and luxuriate in the fact that you’re wearing the most desirable sports watch in the world.
FAMOUS FANS:
Paul Newman, John Mayer, Adam Levine
