Rolex Price Increase 2022

 

It will come as no surprise to those in the know that Rolex has again increased its prices.  This is an expected annual event.  This year there are some eyebrow-raising hikes of more than 10% in some of the steel sports models.  In some of the less sought-after models we see a smaller price increase, which is also to be expected if past recent trends are anything to go by. 

If you’re toying with the idea of buying - or even selling, we’ll look at the pluses and minuses.  Buying a Rolex is buying a piece of history - not just the Rolex company, but the history of timepieces themselves.  The Rolex Datejust, for instance, dates back to 1945 and is still around - not only in vintage models, but also with brand new up-to-date watch technology encased in the 126200 model. 

 

Why do Rolex Increase their Prices? 

Rolex increase their prices year on year primarily because of the cost of raw materials, meaning that as the cost of manufacturing fluctuates from one year to the next, the prices of producing their timepieces is reflected in the retail price. 

Rolex won’t compromise on the quality of their materials, nor on the watchmakers who pay attention to every meticulous detail to ensure that the Rolex name lives up to expectations and last as an heirloom for generations.  Their designers are constantly coming up with new and innovative designs to improve the look, the style and the reliability of each timepiece.  Watch designers and makers are a rare breed and in order to retain them, they need to be paid their worth. 

Naturally prices are also affected by inflation, cost of living, rising or stagnating wages, and other social and global events and trends.  

The popularity of certain models can make getting hold of them pretty difficult or even to near impossible, so price increases also reflect the difficulty of obtaining the models in high demand at the time.  This has the knock-on effect of increasing the prices of those sought-after models in the second-hand market, which is great news if you already own one of the coveted models. 

 

Which Rolex watches have seen a price increase? 

 

Daytona 116500LN 

 

The Cosmograph Daytona dates back to 1963, although it has gone through quite a bit of  modernization over the years.  The steel model is arguably the most sought-after Rolex watch of all time, so it’s not surprising that it is among the watches with the highest appreciation value.  Gold and platinum models see a much smaller increase in value than the steel. 

Model	2021	2022	Change
Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN	$13,150	$14,550	10.6%

 

Batman/Pepsi

Initially introduced in 1954, the “GMT” Batman/Batgirl/Pepsi watch is another iconic watch that performs really well both as a timepiece and as an investment.  The instantly recognizable bezel is half blue, half red - blue indicates night and red indicates day.  This goes along with the ability to track multiple time zones, making it a favourite for airline pilots as well as frequent flyers.  In fact, as the air travel industry took off (so to speak),  the GMT watch was offered to Pan Am pilots and navigators, quickly becoming a necessary accessory.   

Model	2021	2022	Change
Batman/Pepsi	$9,500	$10,550	11.1

Submariner Date 126610LV

 

The Rolex Submariner Date dive watch has been evolving since 1954 when watch makers became interested in developing useful timepieces that could function underwater.  After World War II it became essential as a tool for the Navy, so it was developed for military purposes initially.  However, the sophisticated style of the Submariner made it highly desired and recognizable - especially after Sean Connery wore it in the first ever James Bond film, “Dr No” in 1962.  

Model	2021	2022	Change
Submariner Date 126610LV	$9,550	$10,600	11.0%

Datejust 36 Steel Jubilee, 126200

The Datejust was introduced back in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’s 40th birthday.  At the time it was only available in gold.  It has the distinction of being the first ever self-winding watch.  There is an impressive list of films that the Datejust makes an appearance in, as well as being worn by many sports personalities and three Presidents of the USA. 

Model	2021	2022	Change
Datejust 36 Steel Jubilee 126200	$7,050	$7,500	6.4%

 

Datejust 41 Steel, 126300

The Datejust 41mm is the bigger brother of the Datejust 36 and has increased somewhat less that its smaller counterpart.  The Jubilee refers to the bracelet this watch comes with.  But more importantly, the Datejust 41 comes with the Caliber 3235 which gives it a 70 hour power reserve, compared to the previous model with a 48 hour power reserve.  

Model	2021	2022	Change
Datejust 41 Steel Jubilee 126300	$7,900	$8,150	3.2%

Oyster Perpetual 36, 126000

 

The Oyster Perpetual is a very similar timepiece to the Datejust - in fact, it is also a Datejust watch - but it doesn’t come with the Jubilee bracelet.  The Oyster refers to the case which was designed to be much more durable.  As the Oyster comes with a bracelet  that is less expensive to make, this is reflected in the price. 

 

Model	2021	2022	Change
Oyster Perpetual 36 126000	$5,600	$5,800	3.6%

 

Oyster Perpetual 41, 124300 

Like the more recent Datejust models, the Oyster Perpetual 41 has the new Caliber 3230 automatic movement that gives it about a 70 hour power reserve.  

 

Model	2021	2022	Change
Oyster Perpetual 41 124300	$5,900	$6,150	4.2%

 

Will Your Rolex Increase In Value? 

 

In general, providing you've kept good care of your timepiece, most Rolex watches will increase in value.  If they don’t increase in value, they tend to hold their value.  If you have the original box and papers, take good care of them as this adds to the value and desirability of your watch should you decide to sell.  

 

Which models will increase in value more than others is not something anybody can know for sure.  However, there are certain factors that you can pretty much rely on.  The main constant reasons for a watch value to increase are: 

• Current popularity of the raw materials (i.e. gold, steel, etc.).
• The models that are trending in style and fashion at the time. 
• The models that are the most difficult to procure. 

 

Doing your research, talking to dealers, reading up-to-date blogs and articles on watches and trends can help you to know the value of your luxury watch and guide you to know when would be a good time to sell.  

 

Is Buying a Rolex A Good Investment? 

 

Yes, is the short and sweet answer but there is more to consider than this.  Currently, steel sports models are the Rolex watches that are in high demand and are on the list of must-haves for the fashion-conscious.  But this could change.   It’s worth doing your research before buying to find out if the watch model you’re considering is a good investment. Looking at a time-line of Rolex prices since 1994, the trend is steadily upwards.  But like all investments, keep in mind that this is no guarantee that the upward trend will continue, but a good probability. 

Conclusion

Buying a luxury watch 

If you’re in the market to buy a luxury watch, make sure you research all the models and reference numbers that interest you.  Next, whittle down to a few models that you like best, and that will suit your lifestyle.  For instance - if you’re into diving, you might pin the Rolex Submariner at the top of your list.  If you travel internationally a lot you might put the Rolex Air-King at the top.  

Keep in mind what the watch will feel like on your wrist, and how you want to feel when you’re wearing it.  When you invest in a Rolex or other luxury watch, it’s not only about monetary value.  You’re buying a status symbol, a piece of history, a fashion accessory that goes way beyond other fashion accessories.  

Watch retailers will be happy to let you try on a watch so that you can see how it looks and feels on the wrist.  Is it heavy enough - or too heavy?  Is it a good fit, or will you need to adjust the number of links in the bracelet?  Would you prefer a leather strap?  What colour watch face would you prefer - and do you like all 12 numbers on the watch face - or dashes?  These are all style and comfort considerations that are very important.  They do link to the value of the watch but it’s also important to meet your preferences if you’ll be wearing the watch. 

Before you buy, get good advice.  Buying a Rolex is a big decision and an expensive purchase.  Don’t go it alone - talk to those who are knowledgeable about the history and value of the timepieces.  One of the best places to get good advice is from Chrono Hunter.  Start buy reading their buying advice page and once you’ve narrowed down your preferred choice, compare offers before you make a final decision.  

 

Selling a luxury watch 

If you already own a luxury watch and are thinking about selling it, the same applies about getting good advice.  As a starting point, check out Chrono Hunter’s selling advice page.  Going through a reputable dealer will ensure you get the most reliable buyer, ruling out the possibility of time-wasters or dodgy deals if you try to go direct to a buyer.   

Ultimately, investing in a Rolex is a good choice but don’t be surprised if owning your first makes you yearn to start a collection!

 

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