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Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Why is buying a Rolex a good investment?

1 Answer
Why is buying a Rolex a good investment?
Buying a Rolex may or may not be a good investment. Whether or not this kind of purchase meets the financial goal of a given investor or collector will depend upon a range of factors such as the rarity of the watch, its condition and more. While a study of luxury investments in 2019 found that jewelry was among the worst-performing collectibles (luxury handbags had the highest returns), experts have reported that jewelry’s status as an investment is improving.

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

The demand for Rolex watches has soared in recent years. This has led to wait lists at authorized Rolex dealers extending as long as several years for new versions of popular models, like the Daytona and the Submariner. While the enthusiasm for Rolex that is shared by celebrities and prominent influencers has kept the brand in the spotlight, its work has long been celebrated all over the world. The main reasons for the brand’s success are its commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation.

Determining the value of any collectible depends upon a variety of aspects. Because Rolex is so well-known for its innovation and legacy of craftsmanship, this can have a positive effect on the long-term value of its jewelry.

Jewelry industry professionals advise that investment-worthy high-quality vintage jewelry should include its maker’s hallmarks. (Genuine Rolex watches have their serial and model numbers deeply engraved into the metal between the lugs attaching the band to the body — whereas fakes often just have them etched on with acid.)

At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Buyers should keep in mind that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor.

Find a helpful Rolex buying guide and a collection of vintage Rolex watches today on 1stDibs.
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1stDibs ExpertFebruary 29, 2024
Shop for Rolex Watches on 1stDibs
1961 Rolex Vintage Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird Datejust Mens Watch, 1625 - SS, Gold
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1961 ROLEX Vintage Turn-O-Graph Thunderbird Datejust Mens Watch, 1625 - Stainless Steel & 18K Gold The Most Expensive of All the Datejust Models - Original - Serviced with Warranty Launched around 1953, the vintage Turn-O-Graph was designed for adventure lovers. It gained notoriety due to its use by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Flight Team, whose pilots appreciated the practicality of its rotating timing bezel. Long before Rolex created dedicated professional timing watches for every niche, the Turn-O-Graph offered an elegant solution for measuring elapsed time while retaining all of the refinement of a Datejust. The Turn-O-Graph occupied a unique place in Rolex's lineup. More sophisticated than a sport watch yet more functional than a traditional dress watch, it bridged two worlds. Prior to the introduction of the Day-Date President, the solid gold Turn-O-Graph represented the pinnacle of the Rolex catalog. Because the model never sold in large numbers, surviving vintage examples have become increasingly desirable among collectors. Here are some of this watch's features: * Desirable vintage Turn-O-Graph * Beautiful champagne pie-pan dial which gives the watch a classic and more elegant look * Solid 18K gold rotating bezel designed to measure elapsed time * Officially Certified Chronometer caliber 1570 movement - a mechanism that powered models of the Datejusts as well as early Submariner, Explorer, and GMT models * Original to the watch Rolex crimped link Jubilee bracelet Our vintage Turn-O-Graph is original down to its original Rolex bracelet, dial, and hands. Its only replacement part is its steel Rolex crown. Unlike many of these watches, it's bezel has not been heavily polished - it retains strong engine turning. Its case presents in very good condition with fairly mild wear to the bezel and a few indentions in the back. Please inquire if you would like it freshly polished or a new gold Rolex crown installed. The highlight of the watch is its untouched original dial which is just short of mint. One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts including a new tube so that the crown screws down well, a correct new mainspring, a new crystal, and a new oscillating weight axles, disassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $1495 value). It is running strong and true, keeping essentially on par with a new Rolex watch in our testing recording position. For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Note: A published example of this model can be found in Osvaldo Patrizzi's work Rolex, Collecting Wristwatches, 2001 Edition, Guido Mondani editor, Vol. 2, pg. 39. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. Detailed Appraisal: Manufacturer: Rolex Country of origin: Switzerland Model: Turn-O-Graph, Ref. 1625 Serial no.: 577,386 Year built: Bracelet date stamped early 1961 Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Automatic, Date, Elapsed Time Bezel Designed for: Men Case material: Stainless steel and 18K gold Case condition: Case presents in very good condition with fairly mild wear to the bezel and a few indentions in the back. Dimensions: 36mm diameter, 12mm thick Dial: Champagne, pie-pan with applied 18K gold baton indexes, outer minute/seconds divisions, aperture for the date, darkened luminous hour dots, original and untouched, just short of mint with only very slight surface aging to lacquer visible under magnification or very close scrutiny Hands: Original, 18K gold, luminous "dauphines" Movement type: Rolex caliber 1560...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex 39mm Day-Date Masterpiece Mother Of Pearl Diamond 18KYG Watch
By Rolex
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rolex Day-Date Masterpiece wristwatch crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring an exquisite mother-of-pearl dial adorned with brilliant diamond hour markers and a factory diamond-set be...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1973 ROLEX PRECISION Vintage Mens Stainless Steel & Diamond Watch - Mint
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1985 Rolex Ladies Datejust Two Tone Watch 69173 Champagne Dial #25579
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1985 Rolex Ladies Datejust Two Tone Watch 69173 Champagne Dial Model: 69173 Serial: 8740518 This classic Ladies Rolex Datejust watch is set in 18K yellow gold and stainless steel. ...
Category

20th Century Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex GMT-Master Ref 1675 Pepsi Watch, Stainless Steel, 1977
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
In wonderful condition Vintage Authentic Rolex Pepsi, GMT_Master Ref 1675 Pepsi with Jubilee stainless steel bracelet circa 1977. This watch is in amazing condition with with tight b...
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Rolex Precision Ref.2636 Ladies 18K White Gold Mesh Bracelet Watch B/P
By Rolex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Rolex Precision Ref. 2636 – Solid 18K White Gold Ladies Wristwatch Offered for sale is an elegant and collectible vintage Rolex Precision Ref. 2636 ladies wristwatch crafted entirely in solid 18K white gold, including its original integrated Rolex mesh bracelet...
Category

20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

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