Rolex Watches | Chrono24.com

This price bracket appeals to both Rolex fans and those looking to make a profitable investment. Prices are reasonable, the appreciation potential is tremendous, and you can even get some classics from the Rolex lineup.

The Submariner is without a doubt a Rolex classic, and although certain watches like the Hulk, Kermit, and Smurf cost significantly more than 20,000 USD, you’ll still find many Submariner models listed on Chrono24 at great prices. For example, you can buy the current Submariner No Date ref. 124060 for approx. 16,500 USD. Its predecessor, the ref. 114060, even comes in at around 1,000 USD less. If you’re interested in a model with a date display, check out the ref. 126610LN, which changes hands for around 18,000 USD. All these models have appreciated on average by 29% in the last 12 months, and this trend is showing no signs of slowing down.

Explorer II: Alternative to the GMT-Master

The Rolex Explorer collection has recently risen to stardom. Fans have been flocking to the Explorer II as a more affordable alternative to the GMT-Master, since it displays two time zones. The ref. 226570 debuted in mid-2021 and sells for around 14,500 USD on Chrono24. Rolex lists this reference for around 9,200 USD, which translates to a value appreciation of just under 58%.

The Explorer I has also become a worthwhile investment, particularly the ref. 214270. The Swiss manufacturer discontinued this model in June 2021 and, like so many other Rolex watches before it, demand snowballed as a result. While you could have purchased this 39-mm watch for just under 8,500 USD in March 2021, you will now need to invest around 12,000 USD.

Milgauss: Will they or won’t they?

Another interesting watch for under 20,000 USD is the Milgauss. This collection is often overshadowed by the Submariner, Datejust, and similar models, but unfairly so. First unveiled in 1956, the Milgauss collection has gone the distance in the Rolex catalog, and can thus look back on a history just as rich as its sister collections. The Milgauss also packs a punch with its unique design thanks to wide bar indices, orange accents on the dial, and orange lightning-bolt-shaped second hand. The ref. 116400GV is particularly striking, standing out from the crowd with its green-tinted sapphire crystal.

There is one specific reason why this watch makes for an interesting investment: It is one of the oldest Rolex models still in production. You might have heard rumors alluding to the possibility that Rolex will replace the Milgauss with another model, or simply discontinue it altogether. The watch has become an object of speculation, owing to the fact that prices for Rolex references soar once production stops. This has not gone unnoticed by investors, who have swarmed to the 116400GV. The asking price for this model has almost doubled in the last twelve months. Back in April 2021, the ref. 116400GV cost just over 9,000 USD, but you should now expect to pay closer to 15,500 USD. If the rumors prove true, prices will likely surge again.

We saw this recently with the Air-King. Rolex replaced the 2016 ref. 116900 with a new model in 2022. The watch had languished in the shadows of the more popular models, and was available on Chrono24 for well under 10,500 USD for years. Just over a month after the reference was discontinued, prices have risen to around 13,500 USD.