If it is not too obvious, Rolex is the world iconic brand of watches that wears the crown, as the king of high-end and luxury watches. Just having one Rolex wristwatch is a fortune. The extraordinary and immeasurable value that Rolex watches carry can be quickly noticed in sport and legendary models like the Submariner, Daytona, the dressier Datejust, dual time GMT-Master II, the Explorer, and the famous presidential timepiece (Day-Date).
Rolex Watches For Men
Women’s Rolex Watches
About Rolex Watches
Over the decades, Rolex seems to have built timepieces for every purpose. What I mean to say is, there is Rolex for every purpose, so you should never just think to ask “can there be a Rolex Watch for…”, because Rolex has it all.
And you know that is most striking? Rolex watches are really expensive, but they last from 25 to half a century and more. Besides the hefty price tag that comes in thousands and tens of thousands, there are still options to own a piece of it.
While the cheapest Rolex watch can cost more than a premium treadmill with every smart feature you want to have on it, it does not stop guys to buying the timepiece. People go for used Rolex Watches. There are standard collectors and business that trade or pre-own Rolex watches for sale.
While you must think when buying used Rolex watches online, The Watch Box has the best selection of authentic and Certified Rolex watches with a 15-month warranty.
History of Rolex Watches
More than a century ago in 1905, a pretty young guy in his early 20s, by name of Hans Wilsdorf started an English company in London that specialized in distribution of timepiece. AT the time, it was rare to have a wristwatch, as the timepieces that time were large, heavy and mostly carried around in pockets. This guy dreamed of creating a very precise timekeeping watch that could be worn on wrist. I guess this dream is what could turn watches then into a luxury accessory for every user.
Rolex watches in the 1920s – 1940s
More than a decade passed, and during the WW1, the company was growing rapidly and expanding, that they decided to move to Switzerland (Geneva). It was never until 1926 that Rolex released their first waterproof wrist watch labeled “Oyster”. Their craftsmanship did just end there, close to another 20 years. They have perfected their skills and produced awesome timepieces that by 1945 Rolex stunned the world with the first self-winding wrist chronometer that had a date in a small window on the dial. The special model was Rolex Datejust.
Rolex watches in the 1950s – 1970s
Into the 1950s, Rolex watch engineering machines had not stopped, no halted. What they were skillfully making was no longer just timekeepers. They went as far as designing tool watches – timepiece that tell time and also support professional activities. Just come to think of it, a special Rolex watch design for fashion and timekeeping would absolutely be different from the well-engineered Rolex watch for deep-sea diving, piloting(aviation), mountain climbing, and rugged military use.
This shift to professional Rolex watches lead to the design, manufacturing, and release of timepieces like Rolex Explorer and Rolex Submariner in 1953, Rolex Milgauss in 1956, Rolex Deep-Sea Special in 1960, the Cosmograph Rolex Daytona in 1963, and Rolex Sea-Dweller in 1967.
Rolex Quartz Watches – 1970s
The watchmaking community had a period of quartz crisis, and as early as 169, the first quartz movement was introduced and brands like Rolex remained hesitant to embrace the innovation. One year passed, Rolex made their first Rolex quartz watch.
They did not produce an in-house quartz movement to match their in-house mechanical movements. Rather, they used the Beta 21 quartz movement – a watch movement very commonly used by Omega, Piaget, and Patek Philippe and some 20 swiss watch manufacturers. What surprises is that Rolex did not even use the Japanese quartz movement.
Unfortunately, Rolex did not manufacture the Beta 21 Quartz watches (reference 5100) for a long time. According to watch experts at that time, Rolex only released about 1,000 models and retire it.
I guess, it is because the design of Rolex quartz Rolex 5100 was unique for the Rolex watch brand. Imagine that Rolex needed to design and make an exceptional case (which was different from their usual in-house mechanical watch cases) to house the quartz movement.
Rolex Reference 5100 Design
The quartz watch had a large movement and only a 39mm case that was thick and angular, was able to fit in the Beta 21 movement. Moreover, the 5100 quartz watch featured a three-link bracelet and the classic Rolex fluted bezel.
It was thought that one famous watch designed Gerald Genta, was contracted to design this Reference 5100 case. And I now see why Rolex quickly retired the timepiece – It is not usual of Rolex to outsource design, because what they know best is in-house technology.
Despite the discontinuation, the Rolex reference 5100 was the first Rolex watch to feature a sapphire crystal glass. There were some models of Reference 5100 model released in yellow gold and others in white gold.
In-house Rolex Quartz movement
Most of the 20 Swiss watch manufacturers, including Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, created the Centre Electronic Horloger (CEH) and placed it in charge of making Swiss-made quartz movements that can surpass other quartz movements.
Since Rolex had a culture of doing things in-house, they left the CEH with a strong desire to develop an in-house quartz movement. It was never until 1977 that Rolex introduced two new quartz movements – one with a 5035 caliber for the Oysterquartz Datejust and another with a 5055 caliber for the Oysterquartz Day-Date.
That hard work paid off extraordinarily. That Rolex in-house quartz movements had 11 jewels and a 32khz oscillator. This movement was sunning at a higher frequency than the Beta 21 movement. Other amazing features included a quick-set day and date function, a hacking seconds for very accurate time setting.
In the history of Rolex watch manufacturing, this in-house quartz movement Rolex watches were more accurate than any Rolex mechanical movement ever produced. To be very clear, the Rolex quartz movements had a standard error as small as of +/- 0.7 seconds per day.
That means it could lose or gain not more than a fraction of a second in a whole day, which was super precise when you compare to the -4/+6 second per day for mechanical movements. The Rolex caliber 5035 quartz movement was never sent for any COSC certification until a few years, while the 5055 Day-Date reference got COSC certificate from the moment it was first release.
More: Top Female celebrities wearing Rolex watches
Then Rolex discontinued the Oysterquartz
Some of the Rolex Oysterquartz models got a new case redesigned to classic Oyster case that could perfectly fit the in-house quartz movements. The references 17000, 17013, and the 19018 timepieces had 36mm Oyster case still with the angular design and an integrated bracelet. 36mm looks pretty small, and a good fit for people with skinny wrists.
During the quartz lifetime, Rolex Datejust came in steel, yellow, and two-tone and had an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. The Rolex Day-Date also came in yellow or white gold and the integrated President style bracelet. Moreover, some Date-Date like the reference 19078 had rainbow-colored gem-set bezels and yellow gold case.
Finally, after Rolex had worked on their quartz perpetual calender movement, they abandoned it and also discontinued the Oysterquartz. For over 25 years, Rolex designed and constructed the Oysterquartz Datejust and the Oysterquartz Day-Date in-house, and stopped giving COSC certification for these in-house quartz movements in 2001.
That is why buying a Rolex Quartz watch is only in the pre-owned market today because of the limited number available. Believe me, one of these quartz prototypes was sold in 2020 for over $250,000, which is too costly.
It is very rare to find Oysterquartz models. Since they seem to make a unique piece of Rolex history for collectors, that is the reason why people buy and service Rolex watches at an even higher price point, unlike pieces like seiko.
Recent Rolex Watches
Still, Rolex never stopped dreaming and designing watches that are specific in for particular areas of life. You can notice that more recently, some of the favorite releases of Rolex watches include the Rolex Batman in 2013, the Rolex Pepsi with new Cerachrom bezels and the Rolex Daytona with a ceramic bezel in 2016. Another one of the most cherished timepiece – Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches with colorful dials, were released in the latter half of 2020.
If you have seen the Rolex Day-Date of the 1970s with Stella lacquered dial, then know that is what inspired the Oyster Perpetual design, which you can find in multiple colors including red, blue, green, peach, pink, purple, orange, oxblood, salmon, and turquoise. While the Geneva company was busy crafting new and excellent timepieces, they also discontinued some favorite models, like Rolex Hulk, Rolex Smurf, and more.
Design and construction of Rolex Watches
Rolex used their proprietary materials to make their watches unique. There are many Rolex materials, discovered over the century of making watches. Here are few premium materials they use in Rolex watches.
Oyster steel material
You have heard of oyster Rolex watch? The timepiece case material is oyster steel. The oyster steel material is perfectly resistant to corrosion and stronger than real steel. Although you can find the oyster steel in many ranges of Rolex premium watches, this hard steel was first used in Rolex Sea Dweller in the 1980s.
Eve-rose Gold
I wonder how much real Gold watches could cost. In the desire to make pink gold timepieces, Rolex created Everose Gold–blended with platinum, and copper in 2005 This combination makes the Rolex watches shine attractively.
Chromalight
The idea of solar watches might have inspired the research for this material. Chromalight is another Rolex watch material that came in on the Sea-Dweller around 2008. The Rolex Chromalight watch material had a crisp blue glow that was illuminating. Rolex watches designed with this material could glow for up to 8 hours when fully charged under UV light. The Rolex sea-Dweller produced with the Chromalight material is actually a solar watch.
Cerachrom
All those metals and metal alloys had drawbacks of rust, color fading and electrical effects. However, Cerachrom is Rolex’s ceramic material, which does not have potential for color fading over time. Moreover, the cerachrom is a great discovery for the flawless execution of bi-color bezels.
Rolex Watch Bracelets
Watch bracelets just like the dial and the case appearance is part of the things that give distinction to timepieces. Rolex worked hard to engineer their movements and assemble their watches, they never ignore the bracelets – an important part of luxury watch equation.
Rolex Oyster bracelet
Rolex actually introduced this oyster bracelet in the 1930s. They designed this robust metal bracelet that features flat three-piece links. Take a look at some Rolex’s professional watches like the Datejust, Day-Date, and Sky-Dweller, and you will know more.
Rolex President bracelet
The president is a unique Rolex bracelet designed to have a semi-circular three-piece links. The bracelet was created in 1956, and incorporated into the prestigious Oyster Perpetual Day-Date. The president’s bracelet has stood the test of time and today, the president bracelets can be seen in some modern Rolex watches like the Ladies’ Datejusts.
Rolex Jubilee bracelet
This is an exclusive Rolex bracelet with five-piece links. If you wear a Rolex watch fitted with this metal bracelet, you’ll feel it is comfortable and supple. The first appearance of this Rolex bracelet was with Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 1945.
Pearlmaster
Pearlmaster is a metal bracelet designed sophisticated and elegant, with rounded five-piece links. Since its creation in 1992, Pearlmaster models have remained one of the most innovative and reliable bracelets for Rolex watches.
Rolex Watch models
Let us explore some Rolex watch models
Rolex GMT-Master II
Rolex GMT master II is one of the iconic travel watches for piloting and aviation. The 40mm Case Size is pretty small to medium, for flight attendants who have skinny to average size wrists. The GMT master II makes one of the cornerstones of the Rolex lineup, which is durable and accurate. Some similarly designed pilots GMT watches include the Pepsi, Coke, Batman, and Root Beer.
Rolex Submariner
Rolex submariner comes in two case sizes: 40mm, and 41mm. because history hold this unique timepiece as the very first wristwatch to be waterproof to a depth of 100 meters, the Submariner has set the standard for trusted and reliable divers watches in the world. I am sure you want to check out some Submariner models like the Hulk and Kermit.
Rolex Daytona
Rolex Daytona is pretty a small professional timepiece with 40mm case size. Daytona was designed as a chronograph watch for professional racing, and there is no other charming sports watch like this piece.
Rolex Datejust
This self winding watch has been there for decades, without losing its aesthetics. It features plenty of case sizes ranging from 26, 28, 31, 34, 36, and 41mm Case Sizes. Whatever is your wrist size, whether man or women, you don’t lack a DateJust. The first pieces were produced in and launched in 1945 as a waterproof chronometer wristwatch. Today, the Rolex Datejust remains one of the Rolex’s most emblematic wearable watches.
Rolex Day-Date(The President)
Rolex Day-date watch comes in 36 and 40mm case sizes. Often named the President’s watch, this high quality Rolex model is self-winding, waterproof and a chronometer watch with an instantaneous day calendar on the dial.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Oyster perpetual Rolex watch is designed in various watch face sizes, including 24, 26, 29, 31, 34, 36, 39 and 41mm case diameters. Since 1926 when the first piece was manufactured, the Oyster Perpetual was and has never stopped being the historic waterproof wristwatch the world ever had. Because the watch had a super tightly sealed case, the name “oyster” signifies the difficult-to-open shell of an oyster.
Rolex Sea-Dweller
Among the Rolex accessories, the single-40mm Case Size Sea-Dweller is one of the most technically advanced dive watches Rolex ever made. The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea has been a reliable companion for most ocean adventures and has traveled to the deepest depths of the ocean.
Rolex Explorer
Rolex explorer is designed in 36, 39, 40, 42mm Case Sizes which are durable, water resistant, and have a watch face with a highly legible dial. Since it was first introduces in 1950s, the Explorer timepiece has remained Rolex’s ultimate field and expedition watch.
Rolex Air-King
A Rolex Air king with a 40mm Case Size is reputable and well recognized for having a distinctive black dial and easy to read, big numerals. The Air king Rolex models are a tribute to the aviation exploration of the 1900s.
Rolex Yacht-Master
Yacht master models have case dimension in 37, 40, 42mm, which is medium. Actually, the modern Yacht-Masters are the most elegant sports watches you can wear, from Rolex. The sports watches are carefully refined with a unique bidirectional bezel. The Rolex yacht timepiece is built to be durable.
Rolex Milgauss
Rolex Milgauss are magnetic resistant watches, with a case size that measures 40mm. The timepieces are the best for scientist, and professional who work near magnetic fields everyday because they can withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss. Magnetism can affects accuracy of mechanical watches and Today, with we have tons of electronic devices – Smartphones, computers, tablets, monitors, speakers, kitchen appliances . These all produce magnetic fields and all have the potential to mess with your watch’s accuracy
Rolex Oysterquartz
Oysterquartz Rolex watch model come smaller, with 36mm Case Size. Since its released in 1977, the Oysterquartz remains first and only Rolex quartz watch even though it has been discontinued in 2001.
What Makes a Rolex watch attractive/appealing to purchase?
What is really good and appealing about Rolex watches? The quality of Rolex craftsmanship is almost synonymous to luxury. Actually, Rolex watches are famously known as good luxury good because of their quality with highly precise, accurate and reliable timekeeping.
Is a Rolex really attractive?
The level of craftsmanship behind rolex is awesome and too much to talk about. No one person in this world needs to be told that the Rolex watches are objects of attraction for many people world wide. Because it comes at an extremely higher price, when you wear one, it signifies wealth and that creates a bigger picture about you the wearer.
What makes a Rolex so special?
A Rolex watch runs perfectly reliable, in high precision state, and can maintain its beauty even in the harshest environments. Without any regard to how much it costs them, Rolex uses a more expensive grade of steel, the 904L.
For exampole, Rolex watches have Oystersteel cases and bracelets. This beautiful, material is very unique alloy that is so specific to the brand. To be clear, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, particularly resistant to corrosion and exceptionally shines when polished.
A Rolex watch is individually crafted and that is a hallmark dedication to quality. Despite all that efforts put onto a single piece, each individual watch in Rolex factory, before it is being rolled out every year, has to be rigorously tested under stress and pressure tests to ensure they meet Rolex’s high standards.
This tradition of excellence hasn’t stopped, and when you consider the thousands of scientist that have worked to make sure your Rolex watch is what it is, you will notice that Rolex remains a lovable ad coveted watch brand . Many watch enthusiasts all around the world can’t just help but love it.
Does Rolex make you look rich?
No watch makes a man rich, rather, you have to be wealthy to acquire a single piece of Rolex. But a single Rolex wrist watch, if passed down to you as a family heirloom or inheritance, can make you a fortunate (thousands of dollars) when you put a single piece of it for sale in pre-own rolex market. Rolex watch is one most luxurious wearable to own, and you can make money from selling the used Rolex after many years of usage.
What does a Rolex symbolize?
What does a Rolex symbolize? Rolex has firmly established themselves into the public consciousness as one of the ultimate status symbols. The secret is in the quality of their watches.
First, Rolex watches are a go to timepieces for some important personalities in the world. Politicians, celebrities. You will feel a big attachment if you wear a Rolex model that has been worn by a number of the most influential people in the world.
You are not Jame bond, but when you wear Rolex and a Tuxedo, you feel like James bond. Moreover, some popular Rolex sports watches including Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona are traditionally symbols of success, masculinity, bravery, and security.
Should you buy Pre-owned Rolex watches?
1. A used Rolex is affordable, budget friendlier
A used or pre-owned Rolex watch is cheaper to buy a for entry level watch enthusiasts and watch collectors. Buying a new Rolex is undoubtedly a daunting investment which is not budget-friendly for fist-rime buyers. Since used rolex watches still retain a lot of their value even after use, buying a Pre-owned Rolex watch is best decision I can go for. With few thousand dollars you can enjoy a more extravagant watch from rolex.
2 Used Rolex watches do not depreceiate fast
Second-hand Rolex watches depreciate slowly in value. There are many luxury watches out there that loose half their value after they sustained a single scratch.
By contrast, a second-hand Rolex watch, even with a scratch on it still does not depreciate far slower, because everyone wants a piece of it. Some people don’t even like the newer models, rather, they go for vintage Rolex watches, because they hold a piece of history for generation.
Let us analyze it. Consider you bought a used Rolex for $7000. Chances are, after a year of use, your second-hand Rolex will be worth roughly $6000-$7000 (the same dollars as you bought it).
Relatively and conversely, and if you pick a brand new Rolex Datejust for $11,000, after one year of wearing it, it shifts from being new to pre-owned. Because of the quick shift, the worth substantially drops to about $7500 – $8500 which is a significant loss.
3. Discontinued and Refurbished Rolex watches faily or substantially gain value
Some used Rolex watches even gain more value. If you purchase a Rolex watch model and the it becomes discontinued, It instantly become rarer for collectors to find the used ones.
Remember the second hand Rolex oyster Quartz watch that was sold in 2020 for over $250,000? The math’s is simple, buy a Rolex timepiece, luckily if Rolex discontinues it, the models become scarce, and the value for such piece of history skyrockets.
Buying Rolex watches to me, is an investment opportunity to engage in, if you have the money. It does not matter whether the model is slightly damaged. There are many people who want to buy and fix it. A refurbished Rolex watch increases in value which can be fairly or substantial.
4. pre-owned Rolex watches can be restored to nearly new rolex watches
Don’t think about the visible state of the second-hand Rolex watch. It is right to worry about a used Rolex watch if it appears to be worn, have scratches, and has discolorations.
The good news is that a old, dirty, vintage and worn Rolex watch can be sent back to the factory for refurbishing by Rolex certified dealers. All the scratches can be removed, parts changed, or modified, and dented components can be polished.
But Rolex is not designed like the other watches. The Rolex watches are robust and they don’t even show signs of wear and tear even after 10-20 years. You can easily just have them services, cleaned for it looks new, then you sell or wear it.
5. original Rolex watches are built to last
More importantly, Rolex watches are engineered to last. Your Rolex Submariner, Datjust, or Daytona is not a watch with a limited shelf-life.
Even after 30 years, your Rolex watch will still be ticking without losing a single second of time, if you frequently check it after 7-10 years as the brand recommends.
Rolex watches are manufactured from the premium materials and are built to endure usage decades after decades. If the previous owner of the Rolex has been handling it as expected, it takes just a little bit of servicing, and the vast majority of pre-owned Rolex watches can become new and in full working order without any problem.
Wrap Up
Whether used or new, Rolex watches holds a powerful position in peoples heart. Only finances or limited budget can stop the world world from ordering and purchasing their own Rolex watches. But every women can consider buying a men’s used rolex watches for her husband. Its a great gift. If you are a guy that is tight on budget, pick one of the used ladie’s rolex watches for your girlfriend, wife or mother.
If you find used rolex watches for sale, will you buy it? Share your thoughs in the comment form below.
