Few accessories symbolize wealth and luxury quite like a Rolex watch. Recent years have seen unprecedented returns on investments in the vintage watch market. Wealthy collectors are choosing to invest in Rolex. Learn how to use Mavin to find out how much your Rolex watch is worth.
The Rolex brand inspires obsessive loyalty among its customers, and for good reason. Since 1905, Rolex has consistently produced high-quality timepieces with state-of-the-art technology and design. Classic Rolex models are famous for their unique functionality, from the Submariner, created specifically for divers, to the Milgauss, an anti-magnetic watch designed in the 1950s for scientists to keep time while conducting nuclear research without sacrificing style.
But what are buyers looking for in a vintage Rolex watch? A newcomer to the Rolex market might feel intimidated by the vast number of nuances that can add value to a classic Rolex model. The last thing you want to do is cheat yourself out of thousands of dollars because you didn’t realize just how prized that Paul Newman-model Rolex Daytona is to a seasoned watch collector.
So how do you find out how much a particular Rolex is worth? Use Mavin to see how much a similar watch has sold for recently.
Rolex Watch Search
- Enter the model of the watch. For example, “Daytona”
- Enter any defining characteristics. For example, “white gold”
- Include the phrase “Rolex watch”in your search.
- Click the search button and see what similar Rolex watches have sold for recently. If you get a lot of results, narrow your search using the check boxes to pick watches that are more like yours.
The Results
When I enter “Daytona white gold Rolex watch” into the Mavin search box, I learn that the estimated value of a Rolex with those characteristics is almost $25,000!
Scrolling through the results, I see that similar watches have sold for prices between $15,000 and $89,000 in the past two years. I also see that prices for Rolex watches have been increasing during those two years. Seems like it is a good time to sell!
I can also use these results to see if the condition of my watch affects its value on the market. Many collectibles decrease in value if they are damaged, but this is not always the case for collectors of vintage Rolex watches. After all, a Rolex isn’t meant to be locked up behind glass. These watches were made to be worn!
A Word of Caution
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, which unfortunately means that Rolex is one of the most counterfeited brands. Whether you are buying or selling, always check the authenticity of your Rolex watch.
A few things to look out for:
1) Weight: Real Rolex watches are made from high-quality metals. Fakes will usually weigh less.
2) Movement: The second hand on a real Rolex moves smoothly. The second hand on a fake may “stutter” or move in a jerky manner.
3) Serial number: Every authentic Rolex watch has a serial number engraved precisely and deeply in the metal. A fake Rolex may have a serial number shallowly etched into the metal, giving it a sloppier appearance.