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How To Buy a Rolex Watch

by Andy Jones on Jun 23, 2025

Rolex watches are renowned worldwide for symbolizing success, quality, and achievement. However, purchasing your first Rolex can be a bit hard to understand or handle. Since there are so many styles to pick from, you might feel confused about how to start.

This guide will help you buy a Rolex watch and provide you with the necessary information.

Why Should You Buy a Rolex Watch?

Buying a Rolex isn’t just about getting a luxury watch — it’s about owning a piece of history, expert craftsmanship, and long-lasting value. Whether you’re shopping for your very first Rolex or adding to your collection, knowing what makes this brand so special can help you choose with confidence. One of the best ways to understand Rolex's appeal is to examine how it has built its legendary reputation.

A Look Into Rolex and Its Legacy

Rolex started in 1905 when Hans Wilsdorf wished to create watches that were both precise and reliable. Rolex is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and soon became a top player in the watch market by innovating in both style and technology.

Here are some key moments that has shaped the brand’s success:

Year	Milestone
1926	Introduced the Rolex Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch.
1931	Invented the Perpetual rotor, a self-winding movement mechanism.
1945	Launched the Rolex Datejust, the first wristwatch with an automatic date-change feature.
1953	Released the Rolex Submariner, setting the standard for modern dive watches.
1955	Introduced the GMT-Master, designed for international pilots and travelers.
1963	Debuted the Cosmograph Daytona, a benchmark sports chronograph.
Today	Produces nearly one million watches annually, creates in-house alloys, and supports global events in sports, culture, and the environment.

Celebration and Symbol of Success

Many people purchase Rolex watches for different motives — not only because they are renowned across the globe, but also since they symbolize something of value to the buyer. To some, a wedding is a special occasion they want to remember. For other people, it is important to have a watch that is valuable or represents their achievements.

A Rolex is frequently given as a gift when marking big events like a person’s birthday, their wedding, the birth of their child, or reaching something important in their careers. Not only does it tell time, but it keeps remembering your achievement each day.

Apart from the special occasions they mark, Rolex watches are seen as signs of success. Being a famous luxury brand, Rolex immediately shows the wearer’s achievement, whatever the watch’s features.

Even though there are more high-priced watches out there, few are as well known as Rolexes. If you want to look great and acknowledge what you have achieved, a Rolex never fails to impress with its classic style.

Investment Potential

Although watches are often bought for their attractive design, many people say that Rolex luxury watches, in particular, increase in value year after year. Many Rolex watches tend to stay valuable and sometimes even get more costly with time, depending on the conditions of the market and how rare they are.

There are those who treat Rolex not only as a fashion item but also as a potential asset. Their reasons for choosing these sneakers are that they value them for years to come and the models are not easy to find. Like buying stocks or real estate, you can also use your watch and appreciate it daily.

It’s clear that Rolexes don’t make someone wealthy in a short period. On the other hand, a lot of Rolex watches tend to go up in value as time goes by. The main thing is to pick watches you are particularly fond of, but do so with a bit of care. Using the right models, you might earn a profit by keeping them and selling at a good moment.

Is a Rolex Watch a Good Investment?

So, is investing in a Rolex worth it? For many people, yes — even though the starting price is a few thousand dollars, the brand’s reputation for retaining value makes it a smart long-term choice.

Several factors can impact the value of your Rolex over time, including whether it’s new or pre-owned, its overall condition, and current market demand. A brand-new watch may lose a bit of value after purchase unless it’s highly sought-after. On the other hand, a well-maintained pre-owned model could hold or even increase its value depending on rarity and popularity.

Taking all this into account, a Rolex is often seen as a worthwhile investment — one you can enjoy wearing every day while also knowing it may grow in value down the road.

Buying a Rolex Watch: Understanding the Rolex Catalog

Rolex offers a wide variety of watches — from elegant dress pieces to rugged, professional-grade tools designed for extreme conditions.

Despite the many styles and functions, every Rolex model falls into one of two main categories: Classic or Professional.

Classic Models

The Classic line is all about timeless design, elegance, and everyday wearability. These watches don’t focus on specialized features but instead offer refined style that works well in almost any setting, from casual outings to formal events.

Whether you’re new to Rolex or a seasoned collector, these models are excellent choices for versatility and style.

Model	Key Features	Best For
Datejust	Iconic date window with Cyclops lens, wide range of sizes and materials	Everyday wear, versatile first Rolex
Day-Date (President)	Day and date display, fluted bezel, made only in precious metals	Luxury collectors, formal occasions
Oyster Perpetual	Clean and simple design, no date, colorful dial options, entry-level	Minimalists, first-time buyers
Sky-Dweller	Dual time zone, annual calendar, advanced Saros movement	Frequent travelers, tech-savvy users

Professional Models

Rolex Professional watches are created as timepieces for people who dive, fly, or race.

They are well known for being tough, coming in big sizes, and having features such as rotating bezels, chronographs, and displays for two time zones. They are made for people who want reliable performance and accurate results.

Model	Key Features	Best For
Submariner	Rotating bezel, 300m water resistance, classic dive watch	Divers, sporty everyday wear
GMT-Master II	Dual time zone, 24-hour bezel	Pilots, travelers, frequent flyers
Daytona	Chronograph, motorsport-inspired design, highly sought-after	Racing fans, serious collectors
Explorer / Explorer II	Rugged design, easy-to-read dial, 24-hour hand on Explorer II	Adventurers, outdoor explorers
Yacht-Master	Nautical style, luxurious finish, polished bezel	Sailing enthusiasts, sport-luxury lovers
Milgauss / Air-King	Anti-magnetic (Milgauss), aviation-themed (Air-King)	Engineers, aviation and science enthusiasts

How Do I Choose a Rolex Watch?

Buying a Rolex is an exciting decision, but choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here's a simple breakdown to help guide your purchase:

1. Decide How You'll Wear It

Think about when and where you’ll wear your Rolex:

For special occasions or formal settings: Consider Classic models like the Datejust or Day-Date.
For everyday wear or active use: Go for Professional models like the Submariner or Explorer.

2. Know What Features You Need

Functionality matters:

Need a date display? Avoid models like the Oyster Perpetual.
Want a stopwatch function? The Daytona is the only Rolex with a chronograph.
Travel often? The GMT-Master II offers a dual time zone.

3. Find What You Like

Once you know what you need, explore styles:

Choose the right case size (usually 36mm–41mm for men).
Some models only come in one size, so make sure it fits your wrist.
Look at dial colors, bezels, and bracelet styles to match your taste.

4. Set a Budget

Rolex watches range from a few thousand dollars to over a million:

Entry-level pre-owned models start under $10,000.
More complex or newer models like the Sky-Dweller cost significantly more.
Set your budget early so you don’t fall in love with a model out of reach.

5. Understand the Buying Process

Rolex doesn’t sell watches online, so you’ll need to:

Find an authorized retailer through the Rolex website.
Be prepared for limited availability, especially for popular models.
Waitlists are common and can last months or even years for in-demand pieces like the Daytona or GMT-Master II.

Which Rolex Models Are Hard to Find?

Some Rolex watches are much harder to get than others, especially the stainless steel sport models. These are often sold out at authorized retailers and have long waitlists due to high demand.

Here are a few of the most difficult-to-find models right now:

Daytona ref. 116500LN – Known for its sleek ceramic bezel, this chronograph is one of the most coveted Rolex watches today.
GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLRO (Pepsi) – Features a red and blue two-tone bezel, and is a favorite among frequent travelers and collectors.
GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR (Batman) – Another fan favorite, with a striking black and blue bezel.
Submariner 41mm ref. 126610LN – A modern dive watch classic that’s become a must-have in many collections.
Oyster Perpetual 36mm & 41mm – Especially those with colorful, Stella-inspired dials. These vibrant designs have become unexpectedly popular and are now hard to find at retailers.

However, Great Lakes Watch specializes in sourcing rare and hard-to-find Rolex models, including sought-after pieces like the Daytona, Pepsi, and Batman.

How Great Lakes Watch Can Help You Find the Perfect Rolex?

Having a Rolex means more than owning a luxury watch, since it should reflect your lifestyle and help you celebrate personal achievements, sometimes increasing in value as years go by. Having knowledge of the brand’s background, the different models it creates, and the current state of the market will guide you in making a good and enjoyable buy.

At Great Lakes Watch, we make it easier to find even the most hard-to-get Rolex models through our trusted network and personalized service. Let us help you add that perfect timepiece to your collection.