With so many different Rolex watches on the market right now, it can be difficult to know the best Rolex watch to invest your hard-earned cash into. Plus, with many Rolex watch buyers, there can be a huge difference between those looking to wear their favourite Rolex watch, while others opt for storing their Rolex investment away.
The many faces of Rolex watches for investment
If you’re new to Rolex, there are a few things you should know before diving into your mission of finding the best Rolex watches to invest in. Since the 1950s, the average price of a Rolex watch has steadily increased, with many firmly holding their worth for years. Many watch enthusiasts continue to analyse these luxury timepieces, with the hope of being first to see new trends in watch collecting.
But this doesn’t mean that any Rolex you buy will necessarily appreciate in value. However, it is true that a Rolex watch will hold its value well, especially when provided with the right care. Of course, some Rolex watches stand a greater change of increasing in value over others, making these popular watches a must-have for Rolex collectors.
Rolex watches to invest in: Rare pieces
One of the strongest indicators of a Rolex watch on the rise is how rare it is. In the study of economics, scarcity is closely linked with value – and this is clearly evidenced in the pre owned market of luxury timepieces. After all, we all want to get our hands on something in high demand, don’t we?
Naturally, harder-to-find, discontinued models and rare Rolex watches always attract high bids at auction, as well as being in high demand via authorized dealers.

So, which iconic Rolex watch should you invest in?
There’s no denying it, luxury watches are always ‘in’, but knowing the best Rolex models to add to your collection from an investment point of view is another thing. For all the modern Rolex watch lovers who like to wear their investment watches, Rolex sports watches are currently sitting at the top of the tree.
Rolex sports watches: Why so popular?
As a general rule, steel Rolex sports watches reliably hold or appreciate in value. Whether it’s the GMT master ii with its incredible two-cloured bezel, the Cosmograph Daytona or Rolex Submariners, they have proven their worth for years to come. Furthermore, rare and discontinued Rolex watches consistently receive high demand.
Why do Rolex watches increase in value?
If you’re new to the world of Rolex investment watches, it can be confusing wondering why Rolex watches increase in value in the first place. While the number of Rolex watch owners increases – which would typically devalue an item – the Rolex brand actually continues to grow, meaning that their value continues to rise.
For example, the Rolex Submariner, released in 1957, retailed at $150, with the average U.S salary buying you 11 Rolex Submariners per year. Fast forward to 2014, the average U.S salary wouldn’t buy more than six. While we all expect inflation to be taken into account, in reality, the 2014 cost of the Rolex Submariner was more like $7,500.
A Rolex investment to be stored for safekeeping: Which Rolex?
If you’re interested in buying high-end Rolex watches for investment, but prefer not to wear them and instead store them for later… Then solid rose gold Rolex watches are certainly the ones to put away. These Rolex models have such an appeal right now, combined with the supply and demand, making them an even better Rolex investment watch for the more confident Rolex watch collector.
What about vintage Rolex watches for investment?
Of course, vintage Rolex watches are still very much a great investment for any Rolex buyer. Many older model Rolex watches are still seeing a gradual increase in price over recent years, with them getting increasingly rarer, with fewer available on the open market. Some of the best Rolex watches for investment include vintage versions, such as the Rolex GMT Master ii Coke and Rolex GMT Master Pepsi models.
Rolex GMT Master ii
Known for its robustness, the Rolex GMT Master ii is designed to show the time in two different time zones simultaneously. First launched in 1955, it was “originally developed as a navigation instrument for professionals criss-crossing the globe,” according to Rolex. Like the first Rolex GMT Master, the Rolex GMT Master ii is available with dual coloured-bezels, giving it a unique look and feel. The most famous combinations include red/blue (Pepsi), blue/black (Batman), red/black (Coke) and black/gold.
Are you looking for a great Rolex investment?
Whether you’re new to collecting Rolex watches, or have a vast collection of Rolex sport watches, LH Watch Trade can help guide you in finding the best Rolex watches to invest in.
Our friendly team will help you every step of the way, from selling your Rolex watch, to making your next vintage Rolex investment. Stop by our showroom, or get in touch today. We’d love to help you find your next Rolex.