While a Rolex watch can last a lifetime, it still gets old. Many different factors influence the value of a Rolex Datejust , and they should be considered to determine its worth.
The Rolex Datejust is one of the oldest watches that is still produced today. It was developed and launched in 1945 as the featured watch for the company's 40th anniversary. The unveiling took place at the Hotel des Bergues at Rolex's jubilee celebration. That's where the name for the Datejust's bracelet originated – the Jubilee bracelet.
Rolex Datejust became a sensation because of its Oyster casing, which was used for the first time in 1926 to become the world's first waterproof watch. There are a variety of Rolex Datejusts available today, all of them are featured in 36 mm. However, Rolex also brought out the Datejust Men's II in 2009 in a 41mm size to cater to those people who felt the original 36mm was too small. Now, the fair market value of a Rolex Datejust may be more or less than the original purchase price of the watch. However, Rolex watches have been increasing in value for the last 100 years. Hence, the resale value of all Rolex watches, especially the Rolex Datejust, has also risen steadily in the previous 100 years.
Essential Things to Consider When Seeking the Best Used Rolex Prices
Rolex watches can be considered as some of the best investments among all the luxury timepieces. However, not all Rolex watches are worth the same amount of money - especially on the resale market. There is no such thing as a 'low cost' Rolex watch, and even the least expensive models can be worth thousands of dollars. Additionally, since Rolex maintains such a high degree of consistency among their designs year after year, therefore seemingly identical Rolex watches can actually be thousands of dollars apart in resale value. Importantly, the value of the Rolex Datejust has grown by 221% between 1994 and 2016, which means it has tripled. In total, the price increased by almost 4500 USD during this time. Over the last decade, the average growth has been 250 USD or 4.6% per year. Overall, the growth can be considered as above-average. The recent price increase in 2016 amounted to 400 USD. The price development implicates a definite gain in the value of the Rolex Datejust. Furthermore, the market achieved a comparable growth-rate to the Rolex Datejust over the last ten years. However, the Datejust's growth has increased again during the last three years. This can be because the Rolex Datejust has been one of the most popular watches out there. A second-hand Rolex Datejust's value today equals to twice the official sales price from back in 1994. If we calculate the discounted rate over the last 22 years, the average annual gain in value amounts to 3.3%. The cost of a new watch falls to its market value after purchase. The retail sales price usually includes a relatively high retailer margin, which represents a markup to the market value of a watch. By purchasing a used Rolex Datejust at a price near its market value, you can achieve a higher rate of return. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in a second hand and well-maintained watch, ideally with original papers (invoice/bill) and box. The price of a used Rolex watch can range drastically depending on the materials used in its construction, the model, and its age. Beyond that, the shortage of availability or scarcity and consumer preferences within the secondary market can also dictate the price of a used Rolex Datejust watch. Additionally, the condition of your watch also plays a factor in determining the price. For highly collectible vintage watches, mint condition can equate to substantial sums in resale value for a pre-owned Rolex watch.
Quality Matters the Most
Quality is the most crucial factor that you'll seek while buying an old and used Rolex Datejust watch. Prices are often grouped by the quality of the watch when you search for used Rolex watches. A mint condition watch usually sells for thousands more in market price. However, a multitude of scratches and a cracked crystal can dramatically reduce the asking cost. To understand how the used Rolex prices would apply to your watch, compare it to similar watches, and then take your watch to an appraiser before you decide to sell your precious Rolex Datejust. Pawnshops or jewelry appraisers consider all factors to give you a genuine and objective value for your valuable piece.
How Much Does a Used Rolex Datejust actually Costs?
Quite obviously, prices for used Rolex Datejust watches can vary drastically depending on condition and scarcity. A used Rolex Datejust can vary in price by over $10,000 depending on what features the watch has, materials used in its manufacturing, and quality.
New But Used Rolex Datejusts
The Rolex Datejust ref. 116200 can be considered as the conventional Datejust of our time. The 116200 attributes to the 36 mm version of the men's Rolex Datejust, which was later extended in size to the 41 mm due to an escalation in demand for larger watches. This particular watch can be customized by choosing from a variety of options from bracelets, dial color, concerning metals, etc. This makes the watch completely customizable. The Datejusts 116200 is available in various gold options and many different metals, stainless steel, or even a two-toned option. Though, the stainless steel model uses 904L steel, a low-carbon alloy that has higher immunity against damage.
Interestingly, when it comes to the watch's value on the second-hand market, all of these aspects affect the price of a Rolex Datejust. Moreover, the modern Datejust has many associations with the original, but it has evolved with time. The Caliber used in the ref. 116200 models are Caliber 3135, which has been the focus of the Rolex since 1988. The Rolex Datejust comes with a COSC-certified chronometer automatic movement with 50 hours of power reserve. Now, in 2014, Rolex announced three latest additions to the Rolex Datejust collection, which shows once again why we've had this brilliant timepiece since 1945. Rolex is seen as producing some of the best watches you can buy, and therefore it would be hard to argue against Rolex's proven trustworthiness and its remarkable history of innovation. This the primary reason behind the excellent resale value of a Rolex Datejust.
Enjoy While Buying or Selling your Rolex Datejust
Most importantly, whether you are looking forward to buy or sell a pre-owned Rolex watch, have fun. Many people indulge in trading of Rolex watches as a hobby and enjoy the nuances of how the prices fluctuate. Numerous factors can affect the market value of a watch, and it can be a fun challenge to buy your favorite Rolex Datejust at the lowest price, but sell at the highest. So all in all, having fun is necessary, this way you'll enjoy your time and indulge in your hobby at the same time.
What is the current value of Rolex Datejust?
Let's examine some of the Rolex Datejust prices that you would expect to pay. Let's start with the Rolex Datejust ref. 4467, which was introduced in 1950. If you compare this model with the relatively new Datejust models, you'll see that the date is not magnified. This is because the Cyclops lens was introduced four years later in 1954. Furthermore, this watch was only available in yellow gold. Although, after the Datejust was first launched, Rolex later introduced Steel, Rose Gold, or even two-toned editions. A coin-style bezel was initially featured in the Datejust Men's ref. 4467, this was later changed to the more famous fluted bezel style.
This watch truly is epic. It's like a masterpiece in the timepiece community. Interestingly, even Rolex themselves is not able to repair any of these watches due to the lack of parts available. The Datejust initially used a Caliber 710, but it was updated to the Caliber 730 in newer models. The Rolex Datejust ref. 4467 can fetch an average of $10,800 at an auction, depending on the condition it is in. The most recognized version of the Rolex Datejust was launched in 1958. There were numerous modernized aspects about this particular iteration: its back was flat as a result of the new Caliber 1065, and it had the trademark Cyclops lens, which magnified the date. The inside movement was transformed once more in 1965 to the more popular Caliber 1570. The Rolex Oyster Quartz was launched in 1977 (reference 17000). It had an in-house quartz movement. Although, it could not match the success of earlier Datejust models, but it is popular now, because it has reached prices between $2,700-$10,800 on the second-hand market, depending on the condition.
