You’d be hard pressed to find an accessories brand with more market presence and prestige than Rolex – and yet, getting your hands on an authentic and genuine Rolex timepiece can be, for everyday buyers, extremely difficult. That is, until you know where to look.
The coveted status of every Rolex timepiece that is released to market means that supply is often far outweighed by demand. For every single watch that is available, there are hordes of buyers who push the price upwards – further elevating the status and the value of the brand and each of its timepieces.
Buying and selling a Rolex via protected methods is no longer possible without proper authentication, with only the most reputable boutique companies offering a service that combines authentication with a fair price to sell your Rolex, plus access to an ever-changing stock of new and exciting models. The second-hand market around Rolex timepieces is vast – and, in this blog, we’re sharing not only why Rolex is such an iconic luxury brand, but how to get your hands on a genuine model.
The Value of an Authentic Rolex Watch
When considering the value of each Rolex timepiece, and the value of the brand as a whole, it’s important to first note the prestige that the brand has managed to capture and retain.
Rolex has become synonymous with active luxury, and is just as likely to be seen on a world-renowned action hero or record breaker as on the wrist of an A-lister in Hollywood. The style of each Rolex watch means that, regardless of its inner workings and underlying function, it remains incredibly stylish – something for every individual to strive towards and covet for themselves.
But, of course, it’s not all style and no substance. In fact, Rolex owes much of its name and status to its pioneering history as the first diving watch to be functional to a depth of 100m – the Submariner. The Daytona followed with its ability to measure average speed and lap time, followed by the Sea Dweller and the GMT-Master models, which could be used by sailors and pilots respectively.
Active luxury is a concept that has long driven the Rolex brand, and is something that remains intrinsically linked with the brand today. Crucially, this is what ensures that even the older vintage models remain as coveted – if not more in demand – as more modern iterations of its popular watch collections. A vintage Submariner, for example, can fetch hundreds of thousands at auction, while the most expensive Rolex ever sold remains a Paul Newman Daytona model.
So, buyers of authentic Rolex watches can expect to pay a high amount for their timepiece. But how do you ensure that what you’re buying is truly authentic – and with that, how do you protect your investment?
How to Authenticate a Rolex Watch
There are a number of signs that can be used to indicate whether or not a Rolex watch is fake or genuine. A ticking sound, for example, signals that a watch is fake; meanwhile, having all of the proper paperwork in place and a certificate of authenticity are signs that your Rolex is the real deal.
Other indicators that can be used to denote authenticity include checking the serial numbers on the watch itself, the bezel, the quality of the materials, and the placement of the logo on the watch face.
Securing all of the necessary paperwork to prove the authenticity of a Rolex is crucial when it comes to the sale process – with most reputable resellers offering this service as part of the journey. This protects both sellers and buyers by ensuring that money only changes hands for genuine articles.
Is Rolex Worth the Investment?
The beauty of a genuine Rolex is that, once it has left its original sale location, it elevates in value almost instantly – and this is true of vintage, limited-edition, and more affordable models. This is because of the incredible demand that surrounds the second-hand and preloved luxury market, whereby buyers will pay high prices for authentic articles and for timepieces that pay tribute to both the brand’s history and to its pioneering innovation.
What this means is that, once you own a Rolex, you are highly likely to make a return on your investment that is equal to or more than what you paid. This explains why so many buyers consider themselves investment buyers – holding on to these pieces until a gap appears in the market, which they can fill and profit upon.
What’s more, when it comes to the Rolex brand in particular, you can guarantee that the article you have purchased will retain its incredible quality for years to come. The comprehensive design process and the impeccable craftsmanship behind each watch mean that a genuine Rolex will withstand the test of time – making it a lifelong purchase and one that you can pass on to your own future generations.
Finally, what better way to prove the investment potential of a Rolex watch than by demonstrating just how many authentic timepieces are owned by high-profile individuals and celebrities. You only have to look at how many times a Rolex has been spied on the big screen or on the red carpet to see that this is a brand with real influence – something which continues to feed its coveted status.
Where to Buy and Sell Rolex Timepieces
So, where can you buy a Rolex or sell an existing timepiece you own?
You need to find a reputable reseller in your local area, who offers valuation and authentication services, as well as an opportunity to buy and sell inhouse. By working with a professional reseller, you can ensure that you get the best and the fairest price for your Rolex, while also having access to a wide and ever-changing pool of new models to invest in with the profits you get from your sale.
With Rolex timepieces constantly entering the market, you never know when your dream watch will appear on our shelves. Get in touch with the London team today to buy or sell.
