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Your first Rolex is special. Before purchasing your first Rolex – start your research by checking out this guide on – Buying your first Rolex.
Rolex watches and the Rolex brand is timeless and classic and one of the most wanted watch brands in the world to wear on your wrist. This timepiece is signaling luxury, success and sophistication and the brand is loaded with so much power making everyone wanting to wear it.
Rolex is by far the most famous and well-known of all the luxury watch brands and also the most sold watch brand in the luxury segment, outranking the likes of Omega, Patek Philippe, IWC and other luxury watch brands.
Rolex is worn by presidents, movie stars, famous artists and dignities all over the world.
In this guide on buying your first Rolex we will go through the following:
- Choosing the Rolex model
- Should I buy a new or used Rolex
- How to tell the difference between a real Rolex and a fake one
- Where to buy your Rolex
- Take your time to find the right Rolex for you
A Rolex watch is an investment, and your first is the start of a collection!
Choosing the model
Let us first take a look at some of the different Rolex models at hand and maybe that can help you decide which will be your first Rolex to buy.
Rolex Submariner
Rolex Submariner first came out in 1953 as a professional diver’s tool and now over 60 years later it is still captivating the fans. The watch has been worn in many movies, perhaps most known for being the James Bond watch. The Submariner is widely seen as the most iconic Rolex model.
This model is available in stainless steel, 18 carat gold (white or yellow) and the 18 carat yellow gold/stainless steel two-tone.
Rolex Submariners can range in between $4.000 used to $40.000 new depending on the style and material.
Rolex Datejust and Datejust II
The first Datejust was created in 1945 and as one of the first watches featuring a self-winding chronometer and date display window on its dial it quickly became the benchmark watch for modern watches. It is today amongst the most recognizable watch models in the world and the favorite Rolex model for women.
Being the modern watch, these watches start at about $2.500 used to $20.000 new.
Rolex Yachtmaster II
The Rolex Yachtmaster II was inspired by the luxurious yachting times of the 1950s. Praised for its exceptional, innovative features, which includes the waterproof enhancement of the trip lock winding crown, the bi-directional rotating bezel and the added resistance to magnetic fields and shocks by the par chrome oscillator hairspring, is well balanced by its stylish design.
The Rolex Yachtmaster II is available in a variety of materials and dial colors – stainless steel/platinum, 18 carat yellow gold, stainless steel/black coating, amongst others.
The Yachtmaster II starts at about $5.000 used to $40.000 new.
Rolex Daytona
The Daytona model is a big favorite of celebrities such as Paul Newman, John Mayer, Jay-Z, Leo DiCaprio and Matt Damon amongst many others and certainly one of Rolex’s most iconic models.
Engineered and designed with racecar drivers in mind and launched 1963. The Daytona comes with superbly accurate chronograph and tachymeter scales that racers use to precisely measure their speeds.
In the racing world the watch is considered to be of absolute highest quality. This watch ranges from about $10.000 used to about $40.000 new.
Rolex GMT-Master II
The Rolex GMT or Grand Master Time was designed for pilots and navigators together with Pan Am airlines in 1954. It is by many considered the ultimate accessory for world travelers.
The GMT features the unique “4th hand” to tell time no matter what time zone you’re in and the time tracking feature makes it possible to tell time in three zones at once.
The watch is available in stainless steel, two-tone or 18 carat yellow gold and with different colors on the bezel inserts – Red/Blue (known as Pepsi), Brown (known as Rootbeer) and Red/Black (known as Coke)
Starting price used is roughly $5.000 to $30.000 new.
This is a great video showing you some of the most popular Rolex models.
New or Used Rolex – Which one to buy?
The decision to purchase a new or used Rolex watch is up to you – if you are looking to “make history” with your watch and you want to know no one else has owned it – go new. If you don’t care about that and are comfortable with a pre-owned watch, look into used models. The real difference is value – a new watch will depreciate in value immediately after purchase – as will anything you buy new. A used Rolex does not feature such devaluation.
How to tell a real Rolex from a fake one
Since fake or counterfeit Rolexes are pretty common, a thorough understanding of what makes up a faux Rolex is essential before purchasing your first timepiece.
- An original Rolex never feature glass casebacks, even though some after-market remakes of Rolexes can be found with glass casebacks to show off the beautiful movement.
- Real Rolex casebacks do not feature engravings of model name, logo etc…(with some rare exceptions). The caseback should be clear from engravings.
- Real Rolexes until 2007 included hologram stickers with the Rolex crown (Rolex Crown logo was added 2002) above the model’s reference number. After 2007 they have clear stickers, mainly to protect the caseback.
- And while replicas occasionally feature hologram stickers, these stickers are not 3D, and are free from the correct design.
- Other signs of a fake Rolex include “stuttering” rather than smooth second-hand movement, basic winders, and no cyclops lens that magnifies the date.
- Faux Rolexes are also lighter than real models.
- If you are unsure, check the paperwork coming with the watch and the model number.
- And remember, if the price appears “too good to be true” – you’re likely looking at a fake.
For more ways to spot a fake Rolex, see the Slideshare by Rolexdoctor.net
Your help is appreciated
Buy your Rolex from reputable dealers
When purchasing your first new or pre-owned Rolex watch, it is essential that you do so from a reputable dealer. Check out authorized dealers only that offer warranties, as well as all correct paperwork and original box.
Whether buying new or used, authorized dealers are your best options for avoiding knockoffs. If purchasing your watch online, be sure to investigate each seller’s credentials. Authentic dealers are happy to provide as much information as you’d like about your watch, and never dodge questions or refuse to procure paperwork.
Take your time to find your first Rolex
Buying your first Rolex is a big investment for most of us, so take your time to investigate what to buy, what to look out for and where to buy it. Remember Rolex is not just a fashion statement but an investment. A Rolex will last a lifetime if you take care of your investment and it is a watch you can pass down from generation to generation.
Good luck with finding and buying your first Rolex
If you find anything in this article to be faulty or have some useful additons which you think could help a first time buyer – please tell me in the comments section or send me an e-mail.
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