One thing first: there is no such thing as the cheapest Fake Rolex in this sense. Because every Rolex is made in the Swiss factory with great attention to detail and certified as a “chronometer of superlatives”. Rolex’s own certificate even goes beyond COSC certification and confirms, among other things, the precision, waterproofness and outstanding power reserve of the luxury watches.
The cheapest Rolex: does it even exist?
It’s obvious: If you’re looking for an affordable Rolex, you should choose a simple stainless steel model without additional functions. Of course, precious metal and bicolor versions, diamond setting or complications such as a second time zone, date display or the stop function drive up the price. On the other hand, in many cases the cheapest Rolex can only be bought after a long wait.
Anyone whose dream of owning their own Rolex is still unfulfilled will find five popular and affordable Rolex models in this article.
The cheapest Rolex: 1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Rolex calls the Oyster Perpetual the quintessential Oyster. As the first waterproof wristwatch, it made world history in 1926 and established Rolex’s subsequent fame.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a nice entry-level model for men and women. The model is currently available in sizes 41, 36, 34, 31 and 28 mm. New in 2020 were the bright dial colors of the Oyster Perpetual 36 and the large 41 millimeter version. In 2023, Rolex surprised the watch world with the Oyster Perpetual 36 with a turquoise blue Celebration dial whose colorful dots attract attention.
The price for the cheapest Rolex Oyster Perpetual starts at €5,700 for the 28 millimeter model. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41, introduced in 2020, costs €6,500 ex works. If you want to buy the Oyster Perpetual 41 immediately, you should expect prices around €9,000.
However, if you look around on the Certified Pre-Owned market, you can still find cheaper bargains today. Women’s watches in particular, which are less in demand, can be found for as little as €2,500, such as the Oyster Perpetual Lady, which is available with both a smooth and fluted bezel. The price depends on the condition and material of the watch.
The cheapest Rolex: 2. Rolex Explorer
The Rolex Explorer is the watch of the pioneers: it was part of the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. In the years that followed, numerous daring researchers confirmed the robustness and precision of the Rolex Explorer, even under the most adverse conditions.
With its high-contrast black dial, the Rolex Explorer ensures optimal readability. The indices, hands and the numbers 3, 6 and 9 in the latest model are coated with Chromalight, a blue, extremely long-lasting luminescent material.
In 2021, the Rolex Explorer with a diameter of 39 mm was discontinued and presented in a smaller 36 mm version. The Explorer followed in 2023 with a diameter of 40 mm. The Rolex Explorer 36 currently costs €7,350 ex works, the Rolex Explorer 40 is €7,800. As always, the Certified Pre-Owned Market is worth recommending here, as the design of the Explorer has hardly changed over the years. The reference 114270 is currently available with prices around €6,000.
The cheapest Rolex: 3. Rolex Datejust 41
According to Rolex, the Datejust is “the classic wristwatch par excellence” and one of the most sought-after timepieces from Rolex. New models with a diameter of 41 millimeters were presented at Baselworld 2017.
A striking detail is the cyclops magnifying glass above the date display; it was developed in 1953 to make it easier to read. Another defining element of the Datejust is the fluted bezel, which adorns all bicolor versions and originally contributed to the model’s optimal water resistance. The Datejust’s timelessness goes with every outfit, whether elegant or casual.
The cheapest Rolex: 4. Rolex Submariner 41
The Rolex Submariner is without question one of the most sought-after models from the Swiss luxury manufacturer and it also significantly shaped its reputation: in 1953, the Submariner was the first wristwatch that was waterproof to a depth of 100 meters.
The model presented in 2020 without a date display (reference 124060), now also 41 millimeters in size, is offered on Rolex.com for €9,350. The Certified Pre-Owned Submariner models start in this price segment and have (at least) one big advantage: They are available for immediate delivery.
The cheapest Rolex: where can you get it?
A Rolex watch is one of the most sought-after status symbols of all. Accordingly, the cheapest models are in demand and are often only available after a long waiting period. On the other hand, Rolex watches are almost made to last forever: a well-maintained automatic watch can easily run for several decades without being limited in functionality. Hence the question: Does it have to be a new Rolex or can it also be a vintage model? The watch.de team will support you when purchasing a Rolex: We would be happy to introduce you to used models and find the cheapest Rolex for you.