The 2025 vintage Rolex report proves just how strong the vintage market was this year. Activity picked up across the core references, supported by continued demand for the established sport models, a renewed focus on originality and growing interest in neo-vintage watches from the 1980s. Free of chasing short term hype, collectors showed their confidence with purchases anchored in history, condition and long term appeal.
Nuance was at the heart of this momentum, with buyers focusing more intently on dial variations, production eras and completeness. Sports watches continued to dominate the market, with smaller-cased models and vintage gold watches gaining some traction.
Key Takeaways
- Market Strength: Pre-owned Rolex sales skyrocketed in 2025. The increase reflects a wider market uptick, according to data from Bob’s Watches’ annual market analysis.
- Sport Models Dominate: References such as the GMT-Master 1675 and Submariner 5513 led vintage sales volume, according to Bob’s Watches’ 2025 internal sales data.
- Provenance Still Matters Most: Original box and papers remain the single most important factor in achieving top-end vintage values.
- Neo-Vintage Momentum: 1980s sport models continue to gain traction as one of the strongest value segments for collectors entering the vintage space.
To shape this guide, we spoke with Brandon Franzin, Director of Vintage at Bob’s Watches. His insights are informed by daily transactions, collector conversations, and hands-on evaluation of the watches that defined the vintage Rolex market in 2025.
2025: A Year of Sustained Growth and Collector Sophistication
Quantifying the Uptick: Market Performance
2025 was a year of real recovery and expansion in the vintage Rolex market. Per Bob’s Watches’ yearly market analysis, total pre-owned Rolex values experienced double-digit year over year growth. We see that as renewed confidence in the vintage market from both well-seasoned collectors and first-time buyers dipping their toes into the vintage watch world.
But it’s not just total volume, says Brandon. He also observed a change in collectors’ buying behaviors. Buyers came to him with more interest in understanding the subtle nuances between production years, dial types, and case details. This curiosity hints at a healthier pre-owned market. One that values long-term ownership over fleeting trends and overly hyped watches.
The Unwavering Demand for Provenance
Style and preferences were varied throughout the year, but for serious collectors, two constants remained in play for Rolex vintage.
- Full Sets Matter: Original box/papers held a significant premium, with many collectors not taking a gamble without it. Confidence, authenticity and peace of mind were its top attributes, as well as higher long-term value retention.
- Personal Relevance: Birth year pieces continued to move, with a vintage interest focused on watches from the 1950s to 1990s, emotional relevance is a key factor in the current market.
The Vintage Rolex Power List: Sport Models That Led 2025 Sales
Sport watches once again led the market in 2025. They’re versatile and historically important, which continues to appeal to many collectors.
2025 Top Vintage Sport Models (Internal Volume Data)
| Reference | Model Name | Volume Rank / Trend | Key Insight |
| 1675 | GMT-Master | Top-selling vintage reference by volume | Strong demand across Pepsi and Root Beer configurations |
| 5513 | Submariner | Second-highest volume seller | Confirms ongoing focus on classic non-date Subs |
| 1680 | Submariner Red / White | High demand and value | Transitional details remain highly desirable |
| 1016 | Explorer | Leading performer outside Sub and GMT | Clean, time-only sport design continues to resonate |
| 6263 | Daytona | Low volume, high demand | Extreme scarcity limits transactions despite strong interest |
These rankings reflect Bob’s Watches’ proprietary 2025 transaction data and highlight which models collectors consistently sought throughout the year.
The Ongoing Appeal of the Root Beer GMT
Few models were as popular as the Root Beer GMT-Master in 2025. According to the Rolex Market Report, demand for both two-tone and full-gold versions rose. Collectors are now beginning to appreciate the Root Beer as a luxury watch that has sport functionality and classic charm.
Availability is still limited. According to Brandon, the major reason they sell quickly when offered is because supply has always been very low. When one becomes available in strong, original condition, demand will often follow shortly behind.
The Smart Money: Value Trends Highlighted in This Vintage Rolex Guide
The Rise of 1980s Neo-Vintage Sport Models
Also popular in 2025 were neo-vintage Rolex sport models from the 1980s. They have the classic proportions and design elements from earlier models collectors love, but with updated materials and often better overall condition. For many buyers, that balance makes them easier to live with day to day.
Brandon says these watches move quickly because they feel familiar on the wrist while still delivering vintage credibility. Many collectors see them as a natural entry point before exploring earlier matte-dial references.
Why Collectors See Value Here
- Later dials with white gold lume surrounds often trade at lower prices than matte-dial counterparts.
- Improved durability makes them more suitable for regular wear.
The Shift Toward Smaller Case Sizes
2025 also confirmed a slow return to classic proportions. Market data on the wider size ranges also shows that 36mm watches continue to account for a high proportion of overall Rolex sales.
This corresponds to Brandon’s note that there’s been building interest in 34mm and 36mm vintage models over several years. Comfort, balance, and period-correct proportions are increasingly factoring into purchase decisions, as collectors spend more time wearing their watches.
Gold’s Resurgence in Vintage Watches
Vintage gold Rolex watches re-entered the spotlight in 2025 with an assist from higher gold prices and the value of the material in general. Two-tone watch models maintained steady volume growth alongside the market-wide resurgence trend.
In Brandon’s opinion, gold isn’t a bit player category anymore. It’s become an engaging part of the vintage dialogue, specifically for diversifying from stainless steel sports.
Sleepers: Undervalued Models Worth Knowing
Not all of the gems in this vintage Rolex catalog are household names. Brandon notes a few understated models that still fly under the radar despite solid fundamentals, historical significance and long-term desirability. These watches often share similar construction and character to more prominent siblings, but at more accessible price points. Collectors who explore beyond popular references will find serious potential in these watches.
White Rolex Submariner Ref. 1680
While the Red Submariner variants of the Ref. 1680 tend to dominate the spotlight, those with white “Submariner” text offer the same proportions and movement architecture at a lower entry point. They also have a cleaner overall aesthetic with matching all-white text set against a sharp black dial. These models are an excellent chance to own an early Submariner Date without paying the premium of the “Red Submariner” models. They’ve stayed fairly popular among those in the know.
Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 1665 (Great White and Double Red)
Ref. 1665 is significant in Rolex history as one of the first watches ever made for extended underwater exploration. Double Red and Great White both have a unique personality, and each are important mile markers in the Sea-Dweller collection. The majority of collector and vintage market interest is on more modern Sea-Dweller references, which leaves the 1665 in a unique place for collectors interested in history and rarity, without getting into the higher price points for vintage Rolex. Good examples move quickly, particularly when the dials are original.
Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512
Rolex produced ref. 5512 during the same era as the similarly styled ref. 5513. The difference between the two is that ref. 5512 is usually chronometer rated. Ref. 5513 is not. As a result, ref. 5512 had a premium over ref. 5513 during its production run and Rolex ended up making ref. 5512 in fewer numbers, which only adds to its vintage rarity today. As interest in these small variations within the Submariner line increases, the 5512 continues to draw attention from knowledgeable buyers.
Black Dial Two-Tone GMT-Master Models with Nipple Dials
Black-dial GMT-Masters with vintage nipple hour markers from the 1970s and 1980s are practical dual-time watches that also have strong vintage appeal. Their warm tones and period-correct design set them apart from modern two-tone models. Because stainless steel GMTs are so predominant in collector discussions, these two-tone watches remain undervalued for their quality and wrist presence. Many purchasers come across them in the course of looking for something unique, yet still within the general parameters of GMT-Master provenance.
Rolex Pre-Daytona Ref. 6238
The Ref. 6238 is a midpoint in the history of Rolex chronographs as it is placed just before the introduction of the Daytona collection. The overall cleaner design, thinner proportions and more subtle aesthetic has it being a natural candidate for collectors that have an affinity for vintage chronographs but not a taste or the budget for later Daytona references. Made in the early 1960s it acts as a bridge between the very earliest Rolex chronographs and the modern age, with a level of refinement that still holds up well today. The market interest in this reference has grown among collectors who prefer historically valuable watches with character instead of artificially driven market visibility. The 6238 is a compelling option for vintage chronograph collectors.
What This Vintage Rolex Guide Suggests for the Future
Looking ahead, Brandon sees the market staying grounded and less speculative, driven by knowledge and creativity more than short-term fluctuations. Education, condition, and provenance will always outweigh temporary trends.
The message to collectors for 2025 is clear: the most successful investments are grounded in knowledge, patience, and personal connection. Our report has shown that these fundamentals consistently outperform fleeting trends. Take some time to explore our inventory of expertly authenticated vintage Rolex watches, each ready to become part of your collection.
