How much money do you have in your back pocket or stashed behind that luxury leather chaise longue? Enough to finance a sports car or perhaps a small house?

Well, Chrono Hunter has got a better idea as to what you should spend your hard earned cash on. A timepiece from the house of Hans Wilsdorf. Bring in 2025 with gusto and buy a Rolex that will have an everlasting impact lasting generations!

Considered the ultimate status symbol, Rolex watches are famed for their quality. Using their own foundries to create incredible materials like Everose gold and Rolesor, the technical side is to be admired.

Since 2015, all of their watches have been Superlative Chronometer certified, having an accuracy of between -2/+2 seconds per day, beating COSC certification and Omega’s Master Chronometer rating. 

Big thanks to Wristler in their previous 2024 Price Predictions From Rolex article, who have done the background work to find out the top price predictions from Rolex.

They stated “Since it’s still really hard to get your hands on a brand-new Rolex watch at the authorised dealer, you should consider buying grey market since the prices have been coming down over the last 12 months.” We can only agree, the secondary market is the way forward!

Since all of the collections have excellent resale value and have an epic status in the horological world, we wouldn’t blame you for choosing any of their legendary lineups.

If you opt for the dive-inspired Submariner, the super dressy Sky-Dweller or the high speed chronograph Daytona, Chrono Hunter has taken time to detail in-depth the new price increase of Rolex watches from 2024 to 2025.

If you have ever wondered what Rolex will go up in value, you have come to the right place. Without further ado, let’s get into what’s happened to Rolex prices across the board and then venture into a few specifics for each collection. 

Synchronise your watches. Let’s begin…

 

Predictions Before The New Year 2025

Due to the size of the brand, predictions were bound to swirl about what’s expected for the Rolex price increase in the New Year, what will come and the future of its production. The burning question on everyone’s connoisseurs lips regarding possible predictions is; what are the Rolex price rises for 2025?

New factories - Source - Rolex Magazine

 

Looking at what took place in 2023, Rolex stated that in March 2023 they planned to open a hat-trick of new factories, all of which cost an incredible total of $1 billion dollars (circa £790,000.) We aren’t betting men, but we can safely predict that Rolex would like to recoup some of this back!

Adding new variables of factories, we don’t need to be a soothsayer to forecast predictions that Rolex always increases their prices annually. As a result, 2024 has the potential to be a great boom in value if you have owned one of these illustrious watches for a long period.

Looking back to 2023, Rolex and many other top luxury brands underwent what the industry calls a “Price Correction”. Essentially the prices rose around 8% for the most part, and 11% for Rolesor variants due to production costs and other factors.

As a result, this meant the retail price increased to keep things comparable. 

Interestingly, the second-hand market balanced out, dropping from exponential prices to more reasonable figures in comparison with retail prices.

This means that you won’t be liable to pay a vastly higher price on the secondary market which is perfect for those looking to instantly buy a watch without sitting in a never ending waitlist. 

In 2024, there were predictions that the secondary market would continue to stabilise and no longer vastly increase in value, remaining an accessible option for those looking to buy a Rolex.

However, as expected, vintage and discontinued watches would continue to rise. But that’s something that will always happen for Rolex timepieces. Discontinued watches have their supply cut, leaving only demand to rise. 

With Rolex secondary market values dropping by 8% this year, this appeared to be a bit of a variance from the usual Rolex price rise. Could this be indicative of a long term pattern? We don’t think so!

LEARN MORE: Luxury Watch Prices Falling As Secondary Rolex Market Declines 8% This Year

It’s challenging to make predictions about which Rolex will increase in value in 2025 and what will happen because Rolex are so restrictive about the information they provide.

Keeping sales and production figures under lock and key making Fort Knox look pathetic, there’s not much to work from. Finding out what Rolex will go up in value is always a challenge before seeing the stats… But we will always find a way!

Well, the New Year has come. It might be time to take down the Christmas decorations and sweep away that last bit of tinsel. But it's time to finally see the brand’s new prices. 

 

Scores On The Doors - Rolex Price Increase 2024

The agonising wait is over. So what is the new Rolex price increase 2024, we hear you cry. Generally, it has yielded a 4% price rise across Rolex watches.

While this does not touch a timekeeping glove on the 8.5% increase that ran between 2022 and 2023, it demonstrates a total of exactly 12.5% in total from 2022 to 2024. Yes, another solid indicator pointing towards collections behind Rolex that goes up in value. How surprising!

Source - Bloomberg

 

The reason why Rolex watches went up in value in 2023 by an 8.5% increase was due to Britain recovering from the rising levels of inflation. This was further complemented by a weak pound.

You businessmen will know that a weak pound harms imported goods and overseas supply chains as the purchasing power behind the pound is dropped. 

Shall we get into the info about the new percentage and which Rolex goes up in value? Join us now as we take a meticulous look into the 2024 new price increase. 

 

UPDATED ROLEX PRICE INCREASE - JANUARY 2025

Rolex has announced a fresh price increase for 2025, with an average increase between 5 to 7%.

Deemed to be effective from 1st January 2025, we’ve noticed a few incremental rises in the prices of some very special models. However, these can more broadly be determined by their choice of material. 

Allow us to break down the exact material, and the median price increase that we have seen for each:

• 7% rise for solid gold models like white, yellow and Everose. 
• 5% rise for models in Yellow Rolesor, Everose Rolesor and titanium
• 2% rise for White Rolesor models.
• 1% rise for steel, Rolesium and platinum models. 

Specifically, for collections like the Daytona, we have witnessed a whopping 14% rise in price for the solid gold models, and a small raise of 1% for the platinum editions. 

But, why?

Simply, production costs and materials have increased in price due to the current status of global inflation, and geopolitical tensions, including the war between Ukraine and Russia. Heck, even the U.S. presidential election has since a surge in the price of gold, resulting in the solid gold models booming in value at retail.

Of course, a discerning horophile will note that Rolex are already quite in-demand, meaning they can raise the prices of their watches to bolster their exclusivity, especially since Rolex holds the status as one of the top innovators and craftsmen in the current industry. 

How does this look across the Rolex catalogue? Keep an eye out for the added “PRICE 2025 - JANUARY” column on each collection to see the raise in price, alongside the new percentage increase!

 

Rolex Daytona

Key Elements Of The Rolex Daytona Collection

Originally released in 1963, the iconic chronograph Rolex Daytona has become popularised, synonymous with quality and association with Paul Newman who owned a ref. 6239. As one of the first ever Rolex references with a beautiful exotic chronograph dial, his model sold for an outrageously expensive £15 million in 2017. 

126503 - Source - Rolex

 

Inspired by the iconic track, the watches are heavily motivated by racing with enough energetic spirit to power an Formula 1 track. Noted for its tachymetric scale, chronograph functionality and an equally high speed movement. Below are a few key selling points from the line:

• Locked into a highly respected Oyster case with 100 metres of water resistance, you can buy this model in precious metals or the classic Oyster steel material. 
• The bezel is fitted with a very sporty tachymetric scale that allows speed to be measured over a certain distance. 
• The dials are fitted with a chronograph function, allowing a variety of time measurement tools, including elapsed seconds/minutes and 1/8th second counters. 
• Superlative Chronometer Certified ensuring first rate precision.

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
116500LN	Around £11,150
116515LN	Around £25,250
116505	Around £31,180

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
116500LN	£12,150	8.6%
116515LN	£25,650	1.6%
116505	Around £32,100	3%

 

Main Changes

Our first predictions for 2025 would’ve been the chances of sourcing a Daytona chronograph from an authorised retailer is slim to practically none, especially due to the 5 year waitlist. After all, you need to not only charm the retailer, but have a huge purchase history behind you to actually make it onto the list.

As one of the most popular collections, you will be hard pressed to make it onto the storied waitlist, but will note that this is a Rolex that goes up in value regularly. It’s possible to get on the waitlist, but ensure you’ve got the cash to spend. 

For 2025, we can expect to see a price increase for the Daytona, in some instances jumping up by a whopping 14% for solid gold models, 6% for yellow Rolesor models and a rather measly 1% rise for the platinum models. 

Since 2023, a lot of the models have been updated, meaning most of the references starting with “11” have been discontinued. However, the blueprints of the design remain, so we will feature some of the key references that are the background to some of these iconic watches below, with prices running from 2021 and 2022. We may see the explosive 8.6% rise of the 116500LN in the latest stats (eyes open for the 126505!)

The Daytona price increase 2025 runs upwards of 1% for the platinum variant to 13.2% for solid gold editions.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	% Increase
126503 Steel and 18K yellow Gold		£18,950	6.2%
126506 Platinum		£67,500	1%
126505 Everose Gold		£44,200	8.9%
126508 18K Yellow Gold		£41,200	13.1%
126500LN Steel		£13,600	2.9%
126515LN Everose Gold		£33,450	13.2%
126509 White Gold		£44,200	13.2%
126529LN White Gold		Discontinued	N/A

 

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

Here’s the breakdown for the average price rise of the Daytona:

• 2022 - The steel models performed exceptionally well, yielding a rise of around 10%. For editions with precious metals, they were capped at around 2.7%. 
• 2023 - The Daytona saw an across the board rise of around 7% for the steel editions and a solid evolution of around 8% for precious metal versions
• 2024 - Everose gold models take the lead at around 9%. There is an average rise of 4% across the board. 
• 2025 - Price increases have risen from 14% for solid gold models, and the lowest being platinum pieces rising by 1%.

 

Rolex GMT-Master II

Key Elements Of The Rolex GMT-Master II

Launched in 1955, The Rolex GMT-Master is by no means new, but it is the top collection for the travelling man. 

126718GRNR - Source - Rolex

 

Following a boom in transatlantic travel towards the back end of the 1950s, the same period as The Montgomery Bus Boycott, the dawn of the Cold War and the launch of Sputnik. Airlines like PAN AM would utilise the Rolex GMT-Master II as the go-to model for their pilots.

In 1982, the watches introduced an extra hour hand that could be independently moved, ensuring accuracy was maintained across different time zones.

Here are a few key pointers:

• 24 hour functionality as shown through the rotatable, 24 hour bezel and extra tipped hour hand. Wearers can use the triangle at the top of the bezel to read the home hours. 
• The bezel is made out of Rolex’s proprietary ceramic, Cerachrom which is available in a range of colours, including red and blue (Pepsi), black and blue (Batman) as well as gold and brown (Root Beer). 
• Superlative Chronometer Certified watches ensure premium quality and accuracy.
• Available on either an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet with 5 links. 

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
126710BLNR	Around £7,650
126715CHNR	Around £30,350
126711CHNR	Around £11,726

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
126710BLNR	Around £8,500	10%
126715CHNR	Around £31,250	3%
126711CHNR	Around £12,100	3.1%

 

Main Changes

The Rolex GMT-Master II is a versatile collection which has a spread of values. The new GMT-Master II price increase 2025 rose from £9,550 in 2024 to £9,650 for the GMT-Master 126710BLRO in 2025. Considering it was estimated to be discontinued in 2024, this variant is still very much on the rise!

For 2025, the GMT-Master sees a few rises across the board, including a strong 7% increase for the Everose gold 126715CHNR, and smaller rises spotted in the two-tone models like the 4.8% and 4.6% rise on the 126713GRNR and 126711CHNR.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
Reference Number: 126718GRNR Yellow Gold		£37,900	6.8%
Reference Number: 126713GRNR Steel and Yellow Gold		£15,800	4.8%
Reference Number: 126710BLNR Steel		£9,650	1%
126711CHNR Steel and Everose Gold		£15,450	4.6%
126715CHNR Everose Gold		£39,700	7%
Reference Number: 126719BLRO White Gold		£41,700	6.6%
Reference Number: 126720VTNR Steel		£10,100	0.9%
126710BLRO Steel		£9,650	1%

 

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

How does the GMT-Master II fare over the years? Let’s see:

• 2022 - Steel is still a big winner for Rolex, yielding an average of an 11% rise for the steel models. Precious metal models performed well at around 3.5%. 
• 2023 - Averaging around a 7% rise, the iconic references like the Pepsi perform well with a great 11% rise.
• 2024 - Seeing a 5.9% rise for models like the Pepsi, there is an average of around 5% for the collection. 
• 2025 - There are highs of 7% to drops of 4.6% for the two-tone models. It appears that precious metal variants are the ones to watch.

 

Rolex Submariner

Key Elements Of The Rolex Submariner

Released in 1953, the Rolex Submariner was first unveiled at Baselworld in 1954. 

124060 - Source - Rolex

 

Deemed to be the Daddy of all dive watches, the Submariner was the blueprint for the brand's future design and an all round beast with excellent water resistance and effortless charm.

There’s a reason why the Submariner is perpetually booming in popularity! And if you are still on the horological fence about buying one of these beauties, let us give you a little inspiration below;

• Should You Still Buy A Rolex Submariner In 2024?

As the first watches to offer 100 metres of water resistance, the Submariner features iconic design codes such as Mercedes hands and that oh so nice 60 minute bezel to measure elapsed time. 

Here’s how the modern Submariner watches tend to look:

• Excellent water resistance guaranteed by Triplock winding crown, hermetically sealed caseback and sturdy crown guards. 
• Sapphire crystal features a Cyclops eye to enhance the magnification of the date aperture at 3 o’clock. 
• Superlative Chronometer Certified
• Available in steel or gold
• Fitted with a Chromalight display to ensure maximum legibility. 

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
124060	Around £6,430
126619LB	Around £31,440
126610LV	Around £7,600

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
124060	Around £7,120	10%
126619LB	Around £32,350	2.9%
126610LV	Around £8,420	10.2%

 

Main Changes

The new Submariner price increase 2024 remains consistent across the board. We had our predictions that the iconic Submariner line would perform well due to its incredible legacy.

Averaging around 4%, these watches follow the same price hike but without as much variance, totalling the lowest at 3.8% and the highest price increase at 4.5% for reference 126613LB and 126613LN. 

The Submariner was the collection to watch in 2022, yielding a few models that pulled in over a 10% rise like the 126610LV and the 124060. Steel for the win! The precious metal variants received an average 3% rise like the 126619LB. 

For 2025 models, steel variants have only seen low price rises, as noted through the 126610LN rising from £9,000 in 2024 to £9,100 in 2025.

However, the solid gold models like the yellow gold 126618LB see strong rises of 7% and two-tone variants like the steel and yellow gold 126613LN are equally on the up with 5.1%.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
Reference Number: 124060 Steel		£8,100	0.6%
Reference Number: 126613LB Steel and Yellow Gold		£14,950	5.1%
Reference Number: 126618LB Yellow Gold		£38,100	7%
Reference Number: 126613LN Steel and Yellow Gold		£14,950	5.1%
Reference Number: 126610LV Steel		£9,550	1%
Reference Number: 126610LN Steel		£9,100	1.1%
Reference Number: 126618LN Yellow Gold		£38,100	7%
Reference Number: 126619LB White Gold		£40,900	6.8%

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

• 2022 - Steel models like the green 126610LV yields a 10% rise. Precious metal models like the 126618LN and 126619LB are averaged at around 2.7%.
• 2023 - Steel models retain a high figure with a solid 7% rise. However, Rolesor models like the 126613LN brought in a 12% rise. 
• 2024 - Following around a 4% rise, the Rolesor models take the high rises at around 4.5%. 
• 2025 - Solid gold variants like the 126619LB and the 126618LN remain the models to watch as they see the largest price hikes.

 

Rolex Sea-Dweller And Rolex Deepsea

Key Elements Of The Rolex Submariner

Released in 1967, the Rolex Deepsea collection is the ultimate line for sea faring gentlemen. 

126603 - Source - Rolex

 

Last updated in 2017, the watches celebrated 50 years with a number of updates, including bumping up the case size from 40mm to 43mm and a new Cyclops eye over the date aperture at 3 o’clock. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• Fitted with a helium escape valve to allow excess pressure to escape
• Superlative Chronometer Certified
• Fitted with a Chromalight display for maximum legibility
• Capable of reaching 1,220 metres of water resistance in a steel Oyster case. 
• Fitted with a Cerachrom bezel that has a 60-minute graduated insert. 

The original Deepsea came from the 1960s, following the experimental Deepsea Special. Teaming up with Jacques Piccard, (not Captain Picard from Star Trek!), this truly out of this world model broke the record of the deepest dive by reaching 10,916 metres.

In 2012, they broke another record with the Deepsea Challenge fastened onto the side of James Cameron’s submarine as he broke the deepest solo dive.

The Deepsea we know and love launched in 2008 and replaced the reference 16600 Sea-Dweller with the brilliant 116660. Fitted with a thick, domed sapphire crystal and one of the first to adorn the legendary Ring lock system that seals in the glass, the Deepsea is their most water resistant collection. 

Here’s how it shapes up:

• Given a double extension system on the Oyster bracelet to assist divers
• Home to a Cerachrom bezel with 60 minute diving scale
• Crafted out of Oyster Steel
• Superlative Chronometer certified
• Domed crystal
• 44mm case 

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
126603	Around £13,160
126600	Around £9,200

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
126603	Around £13,500	2.6%
126600	Around £10,240	10.7%

 

Main Changes

The Sea-Dweller is kept short and sweet in terms of the amount of watches in its portfolio. Who knows, 2025 may be a whole New Year for the line, especially if it becomes one of the Rolex watches to increase in value on the secondary market.

In 2022, the watches saw an incredible increase of 10.7% for the 126600. However, this theme has dropped for 2024, with the same reference yielding around a 4.4% rise. The 126603 jumped up well in 2024 with a boom from 2.6% in 2022 to 5.1%. 

The new Sea-Dweller price increase 2025 sees some exceptionally low rises for the steel models, totalling under £100 for the Ref. 136660. Again, precious metals rule the day. The titanium model has jumped up by over £1,000 from £22,350 to £23,450, and the two-tone 126603 steel and yellow gold rose around 5%.

SEA-DWELLER		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
126603 Oyster Steel and Yellow Gold		£17,300	5%
126600 Steel		£11,750	0.8%
DEEPSEA
136660 Steel		£12,770	0.3%
126067 RLX Titanium		£23,450	4.8%

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

• 2022 - Reaching a total of around 10%, this was a sizable rise for the collection. 
• 2023 - The Sea-Dweller retained its brilliant rise of around 7.8 to 11% alongside the Deepsea which averaged around 7.5%. 
• 2024 - Averaging around 4.4 to 5% for the Sea-Dweller and 4% for the Deepsea, the collections are fairly average with the price rises. 
• 2025 - Steel models remain low on the retail prices, but precious metal variants like the titanium 126067 and two-tone 126603 are equally on the strong rises.

 

Rolex 1908

Key Elements Of The Rolex 1908

Brand new from Watches and Wonders 2023, offering our predictions for The Rolex 1908 are a lot easier than those collections with longer heritages. They may not have the storied history of the other brands, but that won’t stop us from singing its praises!

52508 - Source - Rolex

 

 

Released during Watches and Wonders, this new collection offered a replacement for the Cellini. Given a fluted bezel in either yellow or white gold, this is a stunning dress watch for the modern horophile. 

Here’s how the watches shape up:

• Case diameter of 39mm in either yellow or white gold
• 50 metres of water resistance
• One of the rare Rolex watches that has a sapphire crystal caseback
• Superlative Chronometer Certified.
• No complications aside from a small seconds at 6 o’clock. 

 

Main Changes

As a new collection from 2023, the prices could’ve gone anywhere as there is no previous precedent to work from. However, this falls under one of the 2025 Rolex price watch augmentations. The new 1908 price increase 2025 ranges from 6.6% to 6.9% across the board, with yellow gold beating white gold at the post, booming past the 2024 stats.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
52508 Yellow Gold		£21,550	6.9%
52509 White Gold		£22,650	6.6%

 

Oyster Perpetual 41, 36, 34, 31, 28mm

Key Elements Of The Rolex 1908

The classic Oyster Perpetual is the number one starting point for every avid Rolex addict. 

124300 - Source - Rolex

 

Upgrading the original Oyster in 1926, Hans Wilsdorf fulfilled his ambition of both a waterproof and a perpetually powered watch. Worn by Mercedes Gleitze when swimming across the English channel in 1927, it came back totally unharmed. 

What can you expect:

• Fitted in a range of Oyster case sizes, from 41mm to 28mm. 
• Supported by an Oyster bracelet which is secured with an Easy Link extension to reach an extra 5mm
• Superlative Chronometer Certified

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
124200	Around £4,160
276200	Around £4,000
124300	Around £4,670

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
124200	Around £4,340	4.2%
276200	Around £4,170	4.2%
124300	Around £4,840	3.6%

 

Main Changes

The Oyster Perpetual is one of the more accessible collections, even in 2024. The predictions we wouldn't even have considered was the vast range of price increases, from 1.8% to 4.2%.

The new Oyster Perpetual price increase 2024 reaches around 1.8% for reference 124300 to 4.2% for reference 276200, now may be the time to consider the collection while the prices are still fairly low as an entry-level watch. 

For 2025, the prices are incremental at best, and this follows the trend that the steel models are not seeing giant hikes in value. Totalling a max rise of around £150 across the board, there’s no precious metal variants to compare against.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
41mm - 124300 Steel		£5,650	2.6%
36mm - 126000 Steel		£5,400	1.8%
34mm - 124200 Steel		£5,100	1.9%
31mm - 277200 Steel		£5,000	1%
28mm - 276200 Steel		£4,950	2%

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

• 2022 - Seeing an average of around 4%, the smaller sized models performed better than the larger ones. 
• 2023 - This year saw a giant increase of just under 11% across the board, reaching 11.9% for references like the 31mm Perpetual. 
• 2024 - Ranging from 1.8% to 4.2%, the price rise is pretty inconsistent, with smaller models again being the biggest riser. 
• 2025 - £150 is the largest rise spotted on the Ref. 124300. Like the previous hikes, it’s the larger diameter models that have seen the biggest increase.

 

Datejust 31, 36, 41mm

Key Elements Of The Rolex Datejust 31, 36, 41mm

Firstly, let’s add a proviso. The Datejust collection runs many references, so in the interest of offering a solid sample without exploring the lesser known watches, we’ve carefully curated the top three most popular references from each case size. 

126331 - Source - Rolex

 

Released in 1945, The Datejust collection represented a new turning point for Rolex. It was the first ever self-winding and waterproof chronometer wristwatch to be released to the public. 

Fitted with a date aperture located at 3 o’clock, the watch is the best expression of what Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf was looking to achieve. Chronometric precision? Check. Waterproof? Tick. Perpetual movement that didn’t require any intervention? You betcha!

What do the latest variants offer keen horophiles?

• Available in a range of bracelets, stemming from the Oyster, President and Jubilee. 
• Fitted with a date aperture and supported by a Cyclops eye
• Superlative Chronometer certified
• Comes in a range of sizes from 41mm to 31mm

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
126300	Around £6,100
126234	Around £6,750
126303	Around £9,880

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
126300	Around £6,280	3%
126234	Around £6,950	3%
126303	Around £10,150	2.7%

 

Main Changes

If you want to buy a watch that hasn’t undergone a huge price hike, quickly turn to the Datejust 31mm reference 278341RBR. With under a 1% Rolex increase for 2024, you may be more fascinated with the big hitters.

Look at the Datejust 36mm 126201 which has a new price increase of 5.2%. With such a strong rise in value, our predictions are pointing to 126201 becoming a stronger investment contender!

2022 was pretty low-key for the collection, averaging a 3% rise across the board. However, 2025 shows how those tasty two-tone precious metal models are the ones to watch.

This varies from small 1.8% rises of the Ref. 126234 white gold and steel model to a strong 126203 with a 5.4% increase, with yellow gold leading again.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
41mm
126331 Steel and Everose Gold		£14,050	4.3%
126303 Steel and Yellow Gold		£13,000	4.7%
126300 Steel		£7,400	1.3%
36mm
126201 Steel and Everose Gold		£11,800	4.7%
126234 Steel and White Gold		£8,100	1.8%
126203 Steel and Yellow Gold		£12,150	5.4%
31mm
278240 Steel		£6,200	1.6%
278341RBR Steel and Everose Gold		£15,300	4%
278274 Steel and White Gold		£7,650	1.9%

 

Explorer/Explorer II

Key Elements Of The Explorer/ Explorer II

Originally released in 1953, the Explorer watches are the product from one of their greatest ever achievements. 

224270 - Source - Rolex

 

In May 1953, both Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay ascended Mount Everest in what would become the first ever successful climb. Would you believe it, the watches they were wearing were in fact a Bubbleback Oyster Perpetual!

That same year, The Rolex Explorer was released, not only as a celebratory watch, but as a very usable utility watch for when you are out amid Mother Nature.

And here’s how it shapes up:

• 100 metres water resistance
• Oyster bracelet with Extension link for 5mm more wrist space
• Superlative Chronometer certified
• Chromalight display
• Comes in 36mm to 40mm case sizing
• Extra GMT hand for AM/PM readings. 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
124270	Around £5,130
226570	Around £6,770
124273	Around £8,660

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
124270	Around £5,690	10%
226570	Around £7,500	10%
124273	Around £8,845	2%

 

Main Changes

The Explorer price increase 2024 has a reasonable range, running from reference 224270 with a low 3.1% increase, to a sizable boom for reference 226570 with a 4.8% increase. The disparity between the two figures could mean that some elements of the collection are accessible, and have a strong resale figure.

That's what the predictions from the guys at HQ could offer!

We’ve seen 10% rises in 2022 for references like the 124270 and the 226570. However, in 2025, the prices have not seen such hay-days compared with 2024. In fact, the largest increase is 5% for the two-tone steel and yellow gold Ref. 124273, and the steel models only see rises of £50 to £100. 

The exponential days have reached their end and the brand is becoming more consistent.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
224270 Steel		£6,750	1.4%
124270 Steel		£6,400	1.5%
124273 Steel and Yellow Gold		£11,250	5%
226570 Steel		£8,550	0.5%

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

• 2022 - The Explorer jumped up by just under 11% for the 124270 and 226570 models, but kept quiet for the Rolesor 124273 with a small 2% price rise. 
• 2023 - Averaging around 7% across the board, the numbers range from 5.9% for the steel Explorer 36 to 10% for the Rolesor 124273. 
• 2024 - Averaging around 4%, the numbers range from 4.4% for the dual materials 124273 to the low level steel 224270 at 3.1%. 
• 2025 - Price hikes are pretty low for the steel models like the Ref. 224270 and the 124270, covering around 0.5% to 1.5%, but two-tone models like the Ref. 124273 see average rises of 5%.

 

Yacht-Master/II 

Key Elements Of The Yacht-Master/II

Debuted in 1992, the Yacht-Master, reinforces the impeccable relationship between the Genevan giant and the Yachting world dating back to the 1950s. No one could possibly have offered any predictions that the relationship would take off like it has!

226658 - Source - Rolex

 

Originally available in precious metals, the watches developed into two tone cases and soon developed their own style in the form of the Yacht-Master II. This new line brought with it a programmable countdown from 1 to 10 minutes and a ring command tool which allows the bezel to set the minutes for the Regatta timer feature. 

Here’s what the watches look like today:

• 60-minute graduated bezel which allows the wearer to read time intervals which benefits yachting enthusiasts. 
• The watches are presented in a range of materials, including titanium and precious metals
• Superlative Chronometer certified
• Chromalight display to allow optimum legibility

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
226659	Around £22,860
126655	Around £21,600
126622	Around £9,500

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
226659	Around £23,500	2.8%
126655	Around £22,240	3%
126622	Around £9,770	2.8%

 

Main Changes

The new Yacht-Master price increase 2025 is an interesting read into just how valuable precious metal models are in the Rolex catalogue. 

While 2022 was pretty low-key with 3% being the highest price rise, 2025 vastly surpassed the 2024 price, with rises of 7.1% spotted for the white gold 226659, to two-tone steel and Everose gold editions like the Ref. 126621 taking up the rear with a 4.7% hike. 

The titanium models didn’t perform as well as the solid gold models, but things like the Ukraine/Russia war and geo-political tensions have made solid golds more valuable, and therefore more likely to have prominent price hikes.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
42mm
226658 Yellow Gold		£28,450	6.7%
226659 White Gold		£29,850	7.1%
226627 RLX Titanium		£12,950	4.7%
40mm
126655 Everose Gold		£28,150	6.7%
126621 Steel and Everose Gold		£15,200	4.7%
126622 Steel and Platinum		£10,600	0.9%
37mm
268655 Everose Gold		£24,200	6.6%
268622 Steel and Platinum		£10,000	1%
268621 Steel and Everose Gold		£13,700	4.8%
YACHT-MASTER II
116688 White Gold		Discontinued	N/A
116681 Steel and Everose Gold		Discontinued	N/A

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

• 2022 - Showing an increase of around 2.7%, the numbers are higher for Rolesor models like the 126621 with a 2.9% rise and low for White gold 226659. 
• 2023 - The numbers range wildly depending on the material. For Rolesor models, the 126621 rose by 11.7% while dual material steel and platinum 126622 is capped at 4.7%. There’s an average rise of around 6.5 to 8%. 
• 2024 - The numbers remain inconsistent. Ranging from 1.9% for the steel and Everose gold 116681 to the similarly steel and Everose gold 126621 hitting 5.1%, the average rise is kept at around 3%. 
• 2025 - There’s not much consistency behind the 2025 Yacht-Master price rises. Totalling highs of 7.1% for the white gold models, to the steel and Everose gold 126621 taking up an affordable pricing of 4.7%.

 

Day-Date 36, 40mm

Key Elements Of The Day-Date 36, 40mm

Just like the Datejust, we are going to source the top three most popular watches from the Day-Date 36mm and 40mm case sizes. 

128235 - Source - Rolex

 

Released in 1956, the collection was instantly iconic as it was the first ever watch to use a calendar that totalled a date, day and a week function which is read in its entirety along 12 o’clock. 

Nicknamed “The President’s Watch”, this is due to its associations with a slew of wearers over the years including Nixon, Trump and Reagan.

Fast forward to 2024 and the highly innovative Day-Date Puzzle Dial has become a grail watch for horophiles!

READ MORE: 9 Grail Watches You Should Start Collecting Today

Promoted by a number of celebs, including a rose gold, orange dial Day-Date Puzzle Dial 128235 adorned by the likes of Tom Brady, and a white gold variation worn by John Mayer, this fresh reference is cooking up some joyful vibes for an exciting new year! 

Let’s see what it looks like:

• Signature Oyster case in either 36 or 40mm
• Fitted onto the President bracelet, specifically for the introduction of The Day-Date in 1956. 
• Option of fluted or gem-filled bezels
• Cyclops eye enhances date aperture
• Day of the week spelt out in full at 12 o’clock
• Superlative Chronometer certified

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
228238	Around £28,900
128239	Around £30,800
228235	Around £31,100

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
228238	Around £29,750	2.9%
128239	Around £31,600	2.6%
228235	Around £32,000	2.9%

 

Main Changes

It appears the new Day-Date price increase 2025 appears to be around 5.6 to 6.6%, with a major jump for reference 228239 which saw the 6.6% surge. 

The average price rise for the Day-Date models in 2024 follow a stronger pattern compared with 2022. 2022 saw a similar low average of around 2.6% to just under 3%, and 2025 saw a consistent increase of over 5.5% across the board.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
36mm
128235 Everose Gold		£39,600	6.5%
128239 White Gold		£39,600	6.5%
40mm
228239 White Gold		£40,400	6.6%
228235 Everose Gold		£40,000	5.6%
228238 Yellow Gold		£37,600	6.5%

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

• 2022 - Averaged at around 2.5%, the numbers range from 2.3% for the Yellow Gold 128238 to the white gold 228239 with a 2.7% rise. 
• 2023 - Compared with 2022, the price rise is momentous, averaging around 8% across the board. 
• 2024 - The price rise has dropped to the 2022 levels. Following around 3.6% for the Everose gold 128235 to 3.9% for the Yellow Gold 228238, there’s an average of 3.7%. 
• 2025 - The Day-Date could be a top seller for Rolex in 2025. The average price hike of over 5.5% could be indicative of this being an ultra-desirable line.

 

Sky-Dweller

Key Elements Of The Sky-Dweller

Released in 2012, Rolex flexed their technical innovation by releasing the storied Rolex Sky-Dweller. 

336238 - Source - Rolex

 

Flexed by many famous wearers such as tennis great Roger Federer who rocked a blue dial Sky-Dweller at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, it can read two time zones through a centre disc. Alongside an annual calendar called SAROS, the watch is the perfect model for the keen traveller. 

Let’s see how it shapes up today:

• Featuring SAROS capability, this model can differentiate between months with 30 or 31 days. It will only need one change a year for that pesky February with just 29 days. 
• Available in three bracelet kinds - Oysterflex, Jubilee, Oyster
• Ring Command System utilises bezel to differentiate between various functions e.g changing date, SAROS function etc. 
• Standard hours are read via the conventional hour minute and seconds hands against each hour marker

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
326934	Around £11,770
326938	Around £37,000
326933	Around £14,000

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
326934	Around £12,130	3%
326938	Around £37,000	0%
326933	Around £14,450	3.2%

 

Main Changes

Since 2023, the collection has received a range of updates in the form of new dials and funky movements. As such, The Sky-Dweller price increase 2024 reflects the innovation and range from 3.7% for the 336934 to 4.5% for the 336933. 

2024 is the price rise era for the Sky-Dweller. 2022 saw a fairly dismal average of around 3%, while 2024 yields a solid range of 3.7 to 4.5%. 

Yet, 2025 is a completely different year for the line. Solid gold models like the 336238 blasted upwards to 6.8%, yet the minuscule 2.1% increase for the 336934 indicates that it’s just the solid precious metal models that are performing the best.

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
336238 Yellow Gold		£40,100	6.8%
336934 Steel and White Gold		£14,350	2.1%
336933 Steel and Yellow Gold		£18,550	4.9%

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

• 2022 - The Sky-Dweller is kept very stable with no price rises for the 326238 and a top of 3% for the 326933. There’s an average rise of 2.9 to 3%. 
• 2023 - Following an average rise of 8%, the watches range from 7.3% for the 326934 steel model to 11.4% for the Rolesor 326933. 
• 2024 - Averaging around a 4% rise, the dual yellow gold or solid yellow gold variants are the ones to watch out for as they follow a 4.1% and 4.5% rise compared with the steel and white gold 336934 with a 3.7% rise. 
• 2025 - Inconsistency follows this line, with the incredible 6.8% increase for the 336238, to a low 2.1% rise for the steel and white gold editions. Holding the middle is the 336933 that’s crafted out of steel and yellow gold, and sees a 4.9% rise.

VIDEO REVIEW:

If you want to get up close and personal with the Sky-Dweller and are looking to purchase one, check out our review of the opulent 336934 here.

 

Air-King

Key Elements Of The Air-King

The Air-King has generally been kept pretty quiet by Rolex. Limited to just one model, we could see why you’d assume it would be discontinued at some point. But don’t fret just yet!

126900 - Source - Rolex

 

Released in 1945, the collection is noted for its very distinctively large numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, alongside numerals which go up in “5’s”. 

Here’s what it looks like today:

• Crafted out of Oyster steel
•  40mm case size
• Features oversized 3, 6 and 9 hour markers
• Fitted with an Oyster bracelet

 

2021 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price
116900	Around £5,100

 

2022 Key Model Prices

Reference	Price	Price Increase
116900	Around £5,700	11.1%

 

Main Changes

Not much to see with the Air-King collection, but it’s still valued among fans. Holding its position as one of the Rolex watches that increase in value, The Air-King price increase 2024 runs from 3.9%. It didn’t have the giant spike of the chronograph-powered Daytona. But it’s still good enough to consider as a potential investment watch.  

With only one model to work from, this reference still allows us insight into the older 116900 generation from 2022. Seeing an incredible 11.1% rise, the Air-King is settling into its position in 2024 with an average 3.9% price rise. 

For the new price increase 2025, the stats dropped even further with a 1.5% rise. Could this be the end of the Rolex Air-King as Rolex seeks to quietly clear it out of the portfolio?

Reference Material		Price 2025 - January	Percent Increase
126900 Steel		£6,600	1.5%

2022 - 2025: Average Rise For The Collection 

• 2022 - The Air-King leapt up in 2022 with a price rise of around 11.5%. 
• 2023 - Dropping away from the huge 11.5% rise, the 2023 price rise is kept at 5.7%. 
• 2024 - Seeing a lower 3.9% rise, the prices are lowering each year. 
• 2025 - A 1.5% rise is not great. It looks like the end could be looming.

 

The Rolex Price Increase 2020 But Will Rolex Have a Price Increase In 2021? 

Rolex increased the prices of their watches in January 2020. Looking back, the timing seems less than ideal, thanks to the current global pandemic, the economic fallout and a lot of people having to tighten their belts several notches.

There might be less cash rolling around, but Rolex is doing better than ever. 

When Did The Rolex Price Increase In 2020 Come Into Effect?

The Rolex price increase came into effect from 1 January 2020, representing an average increase of 7.4 per cent across most timepieces.  The price increase was long overdue according to many and figures show the increase has only served to make owning a Rolex more desirable.

With Rolex, demand has always exceeded supply, so while the current climate has resulted in some fall-off in demand, this dip has been offset by an increase in people wanting to buy a Rolex – perhaps because they’ve got nothing else to spend their money on, luxury holidays and high-end leisure not always possible. 

Horologists have often said Rolex watches are, generally, undervalued (at retail), one reason being the lengthy waiting lists. So in some ways, Rolex is just ‘catching up’. 

How Will the Rolex Price Increase In 2020 Affect Your Position On The Waiting List? 

If you’re still sitting on a waiting list for your dream watch, you will be looking at 2020 prices, regardless of when you registered your interest in the watch.

We advise taking the hit rather than leaving the list, because it might be tricky, verging on the impossible, getting back on it.  

Will The 2020 Price Increase Stop People From Buying a Rolex?  

Rolex knows their most highly desirable models often trade for significantly more than their original retail price, a unique trait in the luxury market. 

The quality of the beauty on your wrist is greater than the price you were charged when you bought it.

Many have waited years to get their hands on their chosen model, so neither hell, high water, nor a  7.4 per cent price increase is going to stop them getting their hands on it. 

How Does The Rolex Price Increase In 2020 Affect Current Rolex Watch Owners? 

The January price hike only served to increase the allure of owning a Rolex. If you’re already an owner, the price increase will increase the current value of your timepiece, putting you in a stronger position should you want to sell a watch.

For those in the market, looking to buy, this is a good time to get your hands on one. It proves what we already knew that Rolex watches are valuable enough to withstand helter-skelter economics and global pandemics.

A Rolex is an investment. Like art. 

Do Rolex Watches Hold Their Value? 

For the most part absolutely. Watches are like cars. Once you take them off the forecourt, their value diminishes. This isn’t the case with many Rolex watches, and indeed many Swiss-made timepieces. 

And while trends come and go, a Rolex is timeless with exclusive materials such as Everose, Oystersteel and Rolesor, considered an heirloom, passed down from generation to generation, going strong all the while. 

Can A Rolex Watch Be Worth More Than The Retail Price? 

Crazy things are happening in the secondary market. For example, a stainless steel Rolex Daytona ref. 116500LN had a retail price of $12,400 in 2019. The same watch post January 2020 cost $13,150. The open market value, however, currently sits above $20k.

Should You Buy A Precious Metal Rolex? 

For those to whom the sky's the limit, solid gold or half gold/half steel Rolex are popular. Who wouldn’t want one? 

And even then, it’s a bargain, with some of the watches' values only increasing post-purchase.

One theory behind the price increase is that it will enable Rolex to offset the growing cost of precious metals without raising the retail price on the full 18k examples.

Why Is A Rolex Watch So Desirable?

Rolex is a beloved and trusted company, another reason why the price increase has not put buyers off. Most collectors trust that if Rolex is putting the price up, it’s not for profit, it’s so they can continue doing what they’re doing, and doing it, arguably, better than anyone else (biased writer). 

There’s something rather mysterious about the brand, too, as they are incredibly secretive about the inner workings of the company and make very few announcements. But we like the air of mystery. 

Apparently, if the team Rolex has an idea for a new model, but the material does not as yet exist, they will make it themselves (Everose gold and Oystersteel give but two examples). That’s pretty cool. 

Aesthetics, value, and materials aside, let’s not forget that Rolex watches are nails. They’re gorgeous, sure, but they are way more than that. They’re tough. 

They’re designed for pilots, divers, marines, SAS, climbers and serious adventurers across the globe. In an interview with Rolex, Director James Cameron, a keen diver, talked about his first Submariner, the watch he relies on to keep him safe in the depths of the ocean. 

’When I look at it, I think of all the things it’s been through. I see all the places it’s been, from the bottom of the ocean to playing with my kids to sitting writing a story. It’s the one constant companion. People come and go — the watch is always there.’

Will Rolex Increase Their Prices In 2021? 

There have been rumours that Rolex will increase their prices again in 2021 but they are yet to be confirmed. 

If this is a deciding factor in whether or not you commit to a purchase it's worth noting that you are only going to know about this once it has already happened and at that point it is of course too late to take advantage. 

If history is anything to go by, Rolex will increase their prices at some point in 2021 but by how much we don't know yet. 

2021 - 2023 Price Increase

As we are sure all you horophiles understand, the past few years have been incredibly tumultuous.

Be it Covid, recessions and global politics that have impacted the economy, it’s been a very difficult time to predict where the pound will fall once we regain a little bit of normality. 

In order to clearly show how Rolex has behaved in previous years, below is a handy table to explore how Rolex watches have increased in price from 2021 to the previous year of 2023. 

2021	2022	2023
7.4% Increase Overall	10% Increase Overall	8% Increase Overall

2022 saw the biggest increase in value, following a price correction across the board at the start of the year, combined with a later price increase the same year in November. Two for the price of one!

Interestingly, the pandemic meant Rolex didn’t touch the prices of the watches until the start of 2022. As expected, the prices went quite a bit higher as business started to resume as normal. 

2023 saw a rise of around 8%, which is still significant, but doesn’t match the craziness of 2022. Now, 2025 is upon us, so have the prices stabilised, or are we still plummeting into the realms of Rolex price obscurity. It’s time to find out.

 

Conclusion

There we have it, Timelords. 

We’ve analysed the new Rolex price increase 2025 and found that overall there has been around a 4.6% rise across the board when compared with twelve months ago. So, what trends have we noticed and what should you take note of?

Perhaps the key one is the value of solid gold watches. For the Sky-Dweller 336238 crafted out of yellow gold, this saw a rise of 6.8% from 2024 to 2025. 

This is the same performance across all the collections, seeing the white gold Rolex Yacht-Master 226659 rising by 7.1%, to the Daytona 126508 yellow gold rising by 13.1% compared to 2024. 

Unfortunately, steel is not quite as impressive. Generally, there are rises of between 1% to 2%, including the Explorer 226570 rising by just 0.5%, and steel Submariners, the  126610LV and 124060 rising by 1% and 0.6% respectively.

Two-tone timepieces are, by their very nature, the middling ground for Rolex price hikes. Combining steel and precious metals, they tend to afford users the luxury of rarer materials, and bring the prices down by combining them with steel.

In terms of price hikes 2025, two-tone models see an average raise between 2% to under 6%. We see that the two-tone models that utilise Everose and yellow gold, generally do better than those combining white gold with steel. 

For example, the Yacht Master steel and Everose gold 268621 rose by 4.7%, while the steel and platinum Yacht-Master 126622 rose by just 0.9%. 

While we could discuss the ins and outs of every single model in terms of material and price increase, we recommend you check out the secondary market before making any rash decisions based on Rolex resale value.

Overall the new Rolex price increase 2025 is pretty temperate, considering the Ukraine/Russia war still lingers on.

Considering the current climate, including the increasing cost of gold and the continual cost of living crisis, married with labour costs, Rolex has not hit us too hard.

While we will undoubtedly see new takes and new Rolex watches that increase in value throughout the year, let’s be grateful that we haven't been stung too sharply…just yet!. 

If you want to start the New Year with a bang, we know the perfect place to buy a Rolex at the best possible price, saving time and money. Put down that Harvey Wallbanger for a second and we’ll let you into a horological revolution that’s taking place…

 

 

Looking to buy a Rolex in 2025 the smart way without excess hassle and a quick turnaround? Say goodbye to waiting lists and hello to Chrono Hunter.

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Further Reading:

Question Time: What Can I Buy Instead Of a Rolex Datejust?

Rolex Purchases Swiss Retailer Bucherer In A Move That's Stunned The Horological World

 

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