Buy a Rolex as an investment?
That’s why luxury watches are an attractive investment
Investing in luxury watches is not only an elegant alternative to traditional forms of investment, but also an increasingly popular option for investors looking for diversity in their portfolio. But which watch is really suitable for an investment?
With years of experience in buying and selling luxury watches, we at Finer Things know that renowned brands such as Rolex have proven to be stable and resilient to economic fluctuations over the past decades. Compared to stocks, bonds or cryptocurrency, a Rolex offers a promising alternative for an investment starting at a budget of €10,000. Due to the rarity, design or historical significance of a Rolex watch, the value of a well-chosen model can increase significantly over the years. We have summarized our favorites for you.
1. Rolex Daytona (Ref. 116500LN)
The Rolex Daytona is an icon and was created especially for the racing driver Paul Newman in 1963 after his famous race in Daytona Beach. Newman's personal Daytona watch reached a price of over 17 million US dollars at auction, which reflects the immense increase in value and the confirmed great collector interest. Models such as the Ref. 116500LN have doubled in value from their original list price of 11,300 euros to date.
2. Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” (Ref. 126710BLRO) and “Batman” (Ref. 116710BLNR)
Originally developed for Pan American Airways pilots, the GMT-Master II has gained high recognition with its iconic "Pepsi" and "Batman" colorways. The models are particularly valuable not only for their functional features, but also for their limited availability and iconic design. The value of the "Pepsi" and "Batman" watches remains high due to their popularity and rarity.
3. Rolex Submariner “Hulk” (Ref. 116610LV)
The "Hulk", introduced as the successor to the "Kermit" for the anniversary of the Submariner series, impresses with its unique green color scheme and the sunburst pattern on the dial. Its production was discontinued in 2020 and since then it has been more sought after than ever due to its rarity and is therefore ideal for an investment.
4. Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 216570)
Originally designed for speleologists, the Explorer II has a loyal following with its 24-hour display and larger case. The latest reference 216570 is increasingly in demand, especially in the white dial variant, making it a worthwhile investment that is likely to continue to increase in value.
Compared to other luxury watch brands such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, which often start in higher price categories, Rolex offers a wider range of entry options. Investments start at around 10,000 euros and can run into the hundreds of thousands, depending on the rarity and historical significance.
Here’s how to start investing:
1. Get advice from experts like Finer Things about the current market situation.
2. Buy watches only from reputable and verified sellers to ensure authenticity and quality.
3. Consider watch investments as a long-term investment to benefit from full value increases.