The best Rolex watch to buy as an investment in 2022

As the economy begins to bounce back following the uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, many people are looking for new investment opportunities. It should come as no surprise that tangible assets, such as luxury timepieces, make for great investments. Watches tend to increase in value, or at least hold their value, even during times of recession, and with inflation on the rise, now is a great time to purchase a Rolex watch as an investment. In this article, we’re going to focus on the best Rolex to invest in for a variety of different budgets and tastes, and how you can use Chrono Hunter to find your ideal timepiece.

Why choose a Rolex watch as an investment?

The most highly sought-after watch brands continue to enjoy consistent growth. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, mainstays of the luxury timepiece world like Rolex have continued to rise in value - proof that you can rely on an established brand for a healthy return on investment.

As you might expect, certain Rolex models perform better on the secondary market than others. While the condition of a watch undoubtedly affects price, there are certain models that command a higher price tag for a variety of reasons.

While there’s no hard and fast answer regarding the question of the best Rolex to invest in, models which sell out quickly on the release date, those which are discontinued, limited-edition runs, or simple classics that are consistently in demand tend to make for the best investments. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best Rolex models to invest in throughout 2022 and beyond:

1) Rolex Daytona Steel 116500LN

The Rolex Daytona - as made famous by esteemed racing driver, actor and entrepreneur Paul Newman - has been a mainstay in the Rolex catalogue for nearly six decades. With a cursory glance, it’s easy to understand why: the Daytona is stylish, durable and an icon in the world of luxury watches.

The Rolex Daytona Steel 116500LN - which has white and black dial options, is hugely sought after. Classic materials, contemporary design and engineering prowess (it features a tachymeter on the bezel) combine to deliver arguably the greatest racing watch of all time.

However, you don’t need to have a need for speed to enjoy the Rolex Daytona. It pairs well with both casual and formal attire, which means it not only makes for a good investment - it will also look and feel great on the wrist.

However, the popularity of the 116500LN has led to a severe shortage on the secondary market. Waiting lists are closed across official suppliers, which means many are turning to the pre-owned markets which tend to be less costly.

Through official channels, the Rolex Daytona 116500LN costs £10,500. At current market value, it’s not unusual to see this model hitting close to the £30,000 mark. Steel models like the 116500LN tend to command a higher price tag in terms of market price to retail price due to the high demand, it’s worth noting that if you can’t find yourself this exact model, any Daytona is a good investment as they tend to perform well over time.

2) Rolex GMT Master II 126715CHNR

Perhaps overlooked upon its initial release, 2022 could be the time to shine for the rose gold Rolex GMT Master II 126715CHNR. This can be attributed in part to a rise in the popularity of rose gold - both among watch collectors and in the jewellery/fashion world in general.

This model - known as the “Root Beer” on account of its bezel - is perhaps the most luxurious take on the GMT Master II thus far. It tends to hold its value, with secondary market prices well above RRP. As the demand for rose gold watches continues to rise, we can expect the resale price of the Rolex GMT Master II 126715CHNR to continue to do the same.

This model makes for a great investment because there’s still time to find it at a great price via resellers. As its popularity continues to increase, the likelihood of finding a bargain “Root Beer” GMT Master II will become slim, making now the right time to invest.

3) Rolex Explorer 39mm 214270

As mentioned earlier, models which are discontinued or subject to major design changes tend to hold more provenance among watch collectors. As such, the Rolex Explorer 39mm 214270 is something of an anomaly. Previous versions of the watch - which was initially developed to support Sir Edmund Hilary on his 1953 Everest expedition - measured in at 36mm.

This version - first released in 2010 - featured a case size of 39mm. Rolex has reverted back to the 36mm design in 2021, which marks the 214270 out as something of an anomaly. This will no doubt be of interest to future watch collectors, thereby making it a great investment in 2022 and beyond.

4) Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300

Oyster bracelet versions of the Perpetual are universally thought of as classics that embody the origins of Rolex. The 124300 model was released in September 2020 to universal acclaim and has since been incredibly difficult to find on account of its popularity.

With a single glance, it’s easy to understand why. This is classic Rolex craftsmanship and design, albeit at a reasonable price tag. Direct from the manufacturer, you can expect to pay just £4,700 to own this distinctive yet timeless design. The secondary markets, however, are a different story altogether.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300 with turquoise dial routinely commands up to £14,000 at resale value. For those lucky enough to have secured an original at RRP, this represents a return on investment of nearly 198 percent.

5) Rolex GMT Master II 126710BLNR

The 126710BLNR is a 2019 update to the classic Rolex ‘Batman’ watch. Since its release, it has gone on to be one of the world’s most sought-after luxury timepieces. As a classic steel sports model, the ‘Batman’ appeals to Rolex fans of all ages. Horology fans can expect to join waiting lists of several years before purchasing this iteration of the Rolex GMT Master II, which replaces the earlier 116710BLR model. As a result, there is a noticeable difference between its RRP and current market value.

Perhaps the main reason why this watch is so highly in-demand is that Rolex doesn’t release many at a time. Those looking to buy direct from the manufacturer can expect to join a painfully high waiting list. This generally turns the most enthusiastic of collectors towards the secondary market.

It’s easy to see why so many consider the 126710BLNR as the best Rolex to invest in. At the beginning of 2020, collectors could have expected to pay approximately £12-13,000 on the secondary market. By the end of 2021, the same model comfortably commands prices in the region of £15,000 - and this figure is likely to rise throughout 2022.

Conclusion

The market value of each of these Rolex models is expected to continue to rise as the months (and years) roll by. Demand hugely outweighs supply, and this is not expected to change at any point in the near future.

At Chrono Hunter, our role is to assist watch collectors in the purchase and sale of sought-after Rolex watches, as well as any other brands they may have an interest in.

Outside of the aforementioned models, there is of course a huge variety of watches that make for great investments. For further information on how Chrono Hunter operates, or for help and advice regarding investment opportunities in Rolex timepieces, please do not hesitate to contact us today. A member of our team of friendly, experienced and professional luxury watch experts will be happy to help.

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