Cheap is a relative term, especially when it comes to expensive timepieces like a Rolex watch. Some of the most affordable Rolexes on this list can buy a good car in some places around the world, and that’s not an exaggeration.
But that’s not meant to scare you.
If anything, it’s meant to show how coveted Rolex watches are. Thankfully, not all timepieces from the Swiss watchmaker cost an arm and a leg.
This article will take you through a list of the five most affordable Rolex watches currently available. If you are not sure whether a Rolex is worth all the money (and craze), there’s a short section at the end of this article to clear that up.
1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual
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The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is another affordable dress watch, but don’t let its comparatively low price trick you into thinking less of it.
With a link band and case crafted from Rolex’s corrosion-resistant Oystersteel, the minimalist timepiece is simply gorgeous. The hour markers are plated in 18ct gold, with the distinct Rolex crown logo at the 12 o’clock position.
The face is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and hidden within is a self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of up to 48 hours.
Size: 36 mm
Type: Dress
Movement: 3130 automatic
Case: Oystersteel
Price: Check prices on JomaShop.com
2. Rolex Air-King
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The Rolex Air King is primarily an aviation watch, but unlike other models, this refined option focuses on one thing only: simplifying the process of discerning the time in-flight. There are no bells and whistles here.
It is fitted with a contrasting white-on-black dial with the words “Air King” written in a stylish font just as it was in the 1950 version of the watch.
The brand’s trademark triangular marker sits conspicuously at the 12 o’clock position with oversized hour markings at the 3, 6, and 9 O’clock position. The minute markers between are smaller but bold enough. Plus, the second hand comes in a bright green color.
This watch has an automatic mechanical movement that keeps it going for 48 straight hours. Telling the time with the Rolex Air King is indeed a pleasant prospect whether you are flying at the highest altitude or hauling your luggage through the airport.
Size: 40 mm
Type: Pilot
Movement: 3132 automatic
Case: Oystersteel
Price: Check prices on JomaShop.com
3. Rolex Explorer
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In the world of rugged timepieces, the Rolex Explorer is a true icon. Originally manufactured in 1953, this version was relaunched in 2010 and stayed true to its original heritage. It is engineered from an exclusive Oystersteel and features an equally high-end link band.
The watch is housed in a 39 mm oyster case and features a twin-lock crown with a sapphire crystal to protect the movement. It has a 48-hour power reserve in its self-winding 3132 automatic mechanical movement.
This model may not be as expensive as its original 1953 version, but it comes with all the distinct Rolex Explorer features, including the larger-than-normal hourly marking at the 3, 6, and 9 O’clock positions, as well as the signature triangular marker at the 12 o’clock position.
This option should be on your radar if you are looking for the perfect minimalist field Rolex watch.
Size: 39 mm
Type: Field
Movement: 3132 self-winding, mechanical
Case: Oystersteel
Price: Check prices on JomaShop.com
4. Rolex Datejust
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Rolex watches feature some of the most complex accessories any timepiece can have. Yet, sometimes, you simply want a watch that complements your outfit.
If that’s what you are looking for, you might find it in the Rolex Datejust – a gorgeous dress watch specially designed with neat exteriors to match most outfits.
It is so simple it doesn’t even have the usual noisy numerical markings on the dial. It only has a Cyclops lens showing the date and the signature Rolex crown logo at the 12 o’clock position.
The Rolex Datejust has an automatic movement capable of timekeeping for up to 70 hours.
Size: 36 mm
Type: Dress
Movement: 3234 automatic
Case: Oystersteel
Price: Check prices on JomaShop.com
5. Rolex Submariner
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If there was one iconic Rolex watch with an enviable reputation, it should be the Rolex Submariner. The watch has adorned the hands of many famous people, including Diego Maradona, Steve McQueen, Al Pacino, James Bond, played by Sean Connery, and lots more.
It might seem like this watch is a cheap imitation of the original. I mean, it’s easy to believe that all these famous names could not have worn a watch that is listed among the cheapest or most affordable Rolex watches, right?
Of course, there are several variations of the Rolex Submariner, but this is by no means an imitation. Instead, it is a highly affordable option, yet it is constructed from top-notch and highly durable proprietary Oystersteel.
Expect up to 48 hours of timekeeping, thanks to a 3130 automatic self-winding mechanical movement. But most importantly, it’s a true water-resistant diver’s watch of up to 1,000 feet.
Size: 40 mm
Type: Diver
Movement: 3130 automatic
Case: Oystersteel
Price: See prices on JomaShop.com
Is a Rolex Really Worth It?
If you ask this question, it is probably because, like many other people, you’ve not yet seen reasons for appreciating the careful and delicate work that goes into manufacturing every single piece of watch from the world’s foremost expert watchmakers.
Before World War I, Rolex was based in London, English but moved to its current location in Geneva, Switzerland, after the war. During this time, the Swiss watchmaker had enlisted the world’s best horologists to craft every one of its timepieces with the finest precious possible.
A lot goes into engineering a genuine Rolex watch, making it rather expensive for most people. Some of the major factors that make a Rolex watch expensive include:
First-Rate Materials
It is not for nothing that Rolex is famed as the world’s best watch brand. One of the reasons for this is its stringent and high standard when it comes to materials for crafting its timepieces. Even with high-quality stainless steel materials, Rolex sets the bar very high.
A typical example is the 316L stainless steel – an excellent material used by many top-class and luxury brands for manufacturing watch bands and cases. 316L stainless steel is a durable material. Plus, it has a gorgeous appearance.
But that’s not good enough for the legendary Swiss watchmaking company. Why? The material is somewhat cheap and too common. Rolex uses an Oystersteel – a proprietary 904L metal, even for manufacturing its cheapest models. As you may have already guessed, the 904L metal is very rare and has top-of-the-line quality.
Other materials that go into each Rolex timepiece include high-grade precious gemstones, platinum, Rolesor (a gold-steel combination), first-rate 18ct gold (including white, yellow, and Everose – a proprietary pink gold), and more.
Exclusivity
Rolex watches are famous for their uniquely styled outers and highly intricate inners. This combination puts the watches in a class of their own. That’s because you simply won’t find a Rolex product or any part of its part manufactured anywhere else.
The reason for this exclusivity is because every moving part in a Rolex watch is not only produced in-house but is also proprietary.
Pop Culture Influence
Truth be told, pop culture plays a huge role in how people see and value Rolex watches. These timepieces have been worn by so many influential figures, including presidents, royalties, hip-hop stars, rock musicians, business moguls, famous movie actors, and many other social influencers.
For example, the Oscar-winning movie actor and entrepreneur Paul Newman own quite a handful of Rolex watches auctioned at staggering amounts. One of his timepieces holds the record for the most expensive watch ever sold in all of human history. It auctioned at an unimaginable $17.8 million!
Keep in mind that we’re not talking about Newman’s entire Rolex collection. That’s the price for just one out of several Rolex watches he owns, some of which also sold at astronomical prices at auctions and were among the most expensive Rolex watches ever sold.
The point is as long as pop culture continues to influence name recognition and drive up demand, Rolex watches will continue to remain pricey, even for its cheapest models.
Beware of Counterfeits
Everyone (I presume) wants to own a Rolex. It is definitely considered a luxury brand. Unfortunately, the craze to own these timepieces and its unmatched popularity has given room for fake Rolex watches to find their way into the market and the collections of unsuspecting buyers.
Rolex watches are some of the most counterfeited wristwear out there. Some of the counterfeits are intricately designed that it will take an experienced horologist to tell the difference.
For this reason, it is important to be 100% certain about a timepiece before buying it. A good way to be sure you are getting a genuine Rolex watch is to buy directly from the brand. Alternatively, you should find a reputable authorized dealer.
It doesn’t matter if you are buying resale or brand new; before you invest your hard-earned cash, it is best to always double-check. If you are not buying directly from the brand or an authorized dealer, take the time to find an independent and honorable watch appraiser to check out the watch before you path with your money.
Although some counterfeits are difficult to identify, there are a few tell-tale signs to help you spot a fake Rolex. These include:
1. Lightweight
A really easy tip for spotting a fake Rolex is by how heavy the watch is. Real Rolex watches are crafted using first-rate metals and materials, giving them considerable weight. On the flip side, fake Rolex watches are lightweight – weighing almost the same as any ordinary watch.
2. Stuttering Quartz Dial
The second hand of a true Rolex moves smoothly with a sweeping movement. The second hand in a fake Rolex will stutter as it moves. This might not be obvious unless you take a few moments to study the second-hand movement carefully.
Another way to observe the second-hand Rolex movement is by putting the watch against your ear and listening closely. A real Rolex does not make a ticking noise.
3. No Magnification of Date
True Rolex watches have Cyclops lenses that magnify the date (for options that feature a calendar). A Cyclops lens is not very easy to replicate, so a lot of fake Rolex watches don’t include it. Instead of a magnified date display, a counterfeit Rolex will simply display a normal-sized date.
4. Plain Winder
The winder on the sides of a watch can tell you if the watch is a real or fake Rolex. A true Rolex has an intricately designed winder used to manually move the minute and hour hands. The winder features grooves and engravings that are masterfully crafted. Conversely, a counterfeit Rolex usually has a plain or basic winder similar to any other wristwatch.