The simple answer is yes. The more complex answer is it depends on the specific model, purchase price, condition of the watch, and the current market conditions.
Even in a down market, Rolexes tend to rein supreme as far as investable commodities go. They’re like the gold standard. And like gold, they can go down, but as long as you bought right, you will rarely lose money on any Rolex watch.
Stainless steel Rolex watches, especially affordably priced brand new models, such as Rolex sports watches like the GMT-Master II and Daytona, and Classis Rolex watches like the Oyster Perpetual 41 or Sky-Dweller, are still holding the highest value per dollar spent, assuming you pay the retail price for new models. Many of these popular models in stainless steel, still command double the retail price or more, even in a down market, which is incredible.
Across the board, new, pre-owned, or vintage Rolex watches are typically the best investment in watches. Even with crypto and stock markets dropping significantly, and housing markets beginning to cool, Rolex may have dropped from their peak levels — which were probably too high, to begin with — but historically, over time, their value will always increase, even if the amount of increase has been curtailed.
Pound for pound, there’s no safer bet than Rolex. And yes, there are other ultra-investable timepiece brands, like Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille, that also maintain excellent resale value, but generally, those have seen larger drops from their peak, not to mention those brands have significantly higher starting prices.
In addition to doing regular due diligence on the authenticity, condition, and terms of the deal for any Rolex purchase you’re considering, you should, at minimum, do a thorough Google search of the exact reference you’re looking for to determine the real asking prices across the internet. You can also check the current asking prices on Chrono24.com, watch forums, and you can even see recently completed transactions on eBay for a gauge of the secondary market resale pricing. WatchCharts.com is another excellent data-driven resource for watch price research, so when you’re ready to purchase a Rolex, you know your numbers.
As someone wanting to purchase an investment-grade timepiece, it’s still a good time to do so, as long as you’re paying no more than the retail price for a new Rolex timepiece (for vintage Rolexes, you’re likely going to pay based on condition and market price, not retail). Paying anything over retail for a new Rolex watch, and you are at more of a risk with regards to investment value (resale value).
Graphics by WatchCharts.
