Rolex Watches
Explore pre-owned Rolex watches across every major collection, including the Submariner, Datejust, GMT-Master II, Daytona, and Day-Date. You'll find current and discontinued references in stainless steel, two-tone, and precious metals, each inspected and authenticated by Bob's Watches before it's listed. Browse by model, material, dial, size, and price to find the watch that fits what you're looking for, or scroll down for model guides, market insights, and buying FAQs. ... read more
What We Saw in the Rolex Market: August 2026
Steel may dominate the Rolex conversation, but it didn't dominate August. Nearly a third of the watches that sold were two-tone, with champagne dials leading the way, a current that ran from men's Datejusts through the ladies' sizes. Solid gold told the opposite story: a small slice of the month, concentrated in the Day-Date, Daytona, and Lady-Datejust, but carrying its biggest tickets. The other pattern worth knowing sat at the ends of the calendar, where nearly-new watches from the past few years moved alongside classics of the '80s and '90s. In fact, most of what sold is no longer in production at all. Those are watches no boutique can order today.
Based on completed Bob's Watches transactions for August 2026
The History Behind Rolex Watches
When Hans Wilsdorf started his watch company in 1905, he was chasing something the industry didn't think possible: a wristwatch precise and reliable enough for everyday life. To me, the history of Rolex is best told through the watches themselves. The Oyster arrived in 1926 as the first waterproof wristwatch, proven the following year when Mercedes Gleitze carried one across the English Channel and it emerged in perfect working order. In 1931, Rolex patented the Perpetual rotor, bringing automatic winding together with the waterproof Oyster case. Those two ideas would shape Rolex watches for generations.
The Datejust followed in 1945, the first self-winding waterproof chronometer to display the date in a window at 3 o'clock. The 1950s brought the great tool watches: the Explorer following the 1953 Everest expedition, the Submariner for divers that same year, the GMT-Master in 1955 for tracking two time zones, and the Day-Date in 1956, offered only in precious metals on its President bracelet. Then in 1963 came the Cosmograph, built for the racetrack, the watch the world would soon know as the Daytona. In all my years dealing in Rolex, nothing stirs collectors quite like that one.
What makes Rolex interesting to me is that these weren't created as luxury pieces. They were instruments, designed for diving, flying, exploring, racing, and everyday wear. I still see that history every time I handle one, whether it's the case of an early Oyster or the lacquer on a rare 1970s Stella dial. That's what makes a pre-owned Rolex different: each watch carries a piece of that history forward, including the ones you see on this page.
Paul Altieri
Founder & CEO of Bob’s Watches
Rolex Models
Explore the major Rolex models, including their history, defining features, and key considerations when buying pre-owned.
Datejust
The Datejust holds a genuine first in horology: when it debuted in 1945, no other wristwatch displayed the date through a window on the dial. Today it anchors the Rolex catalog, offered from 28mm to 41mm in steel, two-tone, and full precious metal, with dial options numbering in the hundreds across generations. The fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet born with this model rank among the most imitated designs in the industry. For many buyers, a pre-owned Datejust is where Rolex ownership begins.
Submariner
Introduced in 1953, the Submariner turned a professional diving instrument into the most recognizable sports watch in the world. Its rotating bezel, Oyster case, and clean dial have barely changed across seven decades, so a reference from the 1980s still looks like family next to one made last year. That consistency, along with steady demand from first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike, has made it the benchmark against which every other dive watch gets measured.
Daytona
Rolex built the Daytona in 1963 to time motor races, and its tachymeter bezel and three-register layout still define what a chronograph should look like. Decades of scarcity, celebrity association, and racing pedigree transformed it from a slow seller in its early years into one of the most coveted watches on earth. The collection recently gained a Rolesium version pairing stainless steel and platinum beneath a white enamel dial and ceramic bezel, a combination new to the line.
GMT-Master II
The GMT-Master II arrived in 1982 with the upgrade pilots and travelers had wanted: an hour hand that adjusts independently, allowing a third time zone to be read against the bezel. Its color combinations built a vocabulary of their own, from Pepsi to Batman to Root Beer. Rolex retired the stainless steel 126710BLRO and white gold 126719BLRO after a 12-year run, closing the modern Pepsi chapter and sharpening interest in the examples already in circulation.
Day-Date
No wristwatch had ever spelled out the full day of the week alongside the date until the Day-Date arrived in 1956. Rolex has cased it exclusively in gold or platinum from the start, a decision that shaped its identity as "the President's watch" on the wrists of heads of state, executives, and public figures across generations. The collection now includes references in Jubilee gold, an 18-carat alloy Rolex developed in-house, extending a long tradition of proprietary metallurgy.
GMT-Master
Airline pilots crossing new intercontinental routes needed a watch that tracked two time zones, and in 1955 the original GMT-Master answered, developed alongside Pan Am for its flight crews. Its rotating 24-hour bezel in split day and night colors became one of the most influential designs in watchmaking. Production ended in 1999 when the GMT-Master II took over fully, and vintage references now stand among the most collectible sports watches Rolex ever made.
Oyster Perpetual
Two inventions built Rolex, the waterproof Oyster case of 1926 and the self-winding Perpetual rotor of 1931, and this collection distills both into a time-only watch stripped of every complication. Sizes run from 28mm to 41mm, and the dial palette is the broadest the brand produces, from muted classics to bright lacquers. The Oyster case's 100th anniversary brought commemorative "100 years" models along with solid gold references in 28mm and 34mm sizes.
Explorer
The Explorer traces directly to the 1953 British expedition that put Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay atop Everest, with Rolex launching the model that same year to mark the achievement. Its black dial with 3, 6, and 9 numerals is among the most legible and least changed designs in the catalog. Offered today in 36mm and 40mm, the Explorer appeals to buyers who want serious Rolex history in a watch that stays deliberately understated on the wrist.
Yacht-Master
The Yacht-Master occupies unusual territory in the Rolex lineup, sportier than a dress watch yet more refined than the dive models it resembles. Launched in 1992 with sailing in mind, it carries a bidirectional bezel with raised polished numerals and appears in materials no other collection uses, including Rolesium and RLX titanium. That mix of capability and polish attracts buyers who want a single watch that moves easily between the marina, the office, and everything in between.
Air-King
Rolex's ties to aviation reach back to the record flights of the 1930s, and the Air-King carries that legacy in its name. The current model wears a bold black dial with an oversized minute scale drawn from cockpit instrument design, giving it one of the most distinctive faces in the catalog. Priced below the other professional models while sharing their build quality, it offers a straightforward route into a modern Rolex sports watch and holds broad appeal for daily wear.
Sea-Dweller
Saturation divers working from pressurized habitats needed more than a Submariner could offer, so Rolex created the Sea-Dweller in 1967. Its helium escape valve, developed to survive decompression, remains the model's defining feature, and current references carry a depth rating of 1,220 meters. Larger and more heavily built than its famous sibling, it exists for conditions almost no owner will ever encounter, which for many buyers is precisely the appeal.
Milgauss
Scientists at CERN helped test the Milgauss, engineered in 1956 to shrug off magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss, the figure that named it. A lightning bolt seconds hand and green-tinted crystal gave it a personality unlike anything else Rolex made, equal parts laboratory instrument and conversation piece. Production ended in 2023, capping the supply permanently, and collectors have treated it accordingly, with clean examples drawing steady attention ever since.
Explorer II
Cave explorers and polar researchers who lose sight of daylight needed a watch that could tell noon from midnight, and the Explorer II launched in 1971 to do exactly that. A fixed 24-hour bezel and a bright orange hand distinguish day from night at a glance, and the white "Polar" dial has become a signature all its own. It remains one of the more attainable professional models in the lineup, valued by owners who prefer genuine capability without the spotlight that follows the Submariner.
Yacht-Master II
The Yacht-Master II is the most specialized watch Rolex makes, built around a regatta chronograph with a programmable countdown from one to ten minutes for the start sequence of a sailing race. Introduced in 2007, it pairs that mechanical complexity with a commanding 44mm case, the largest in the current catalog. Even owners who never cross a starting line are drawn to its scale, its blue Cerachrom bezel, and the sheer mechanical novelty of its complication.
Sky-Dweller
The Sky-Dweller arrived in 2012 as the most complicated watch in the modern Rolex catalog. A second time zone reads off a rotating center disc while an annual calendar tracks the date correctly through months of any length, needing adjustment just once a year. Every function is set through the Ring Command bezel working in concert with the crown. For frequent travelers, it delivers genuine complication without giving up the everyday wearability Rolex is known for.
Land-Dweller
The Land-Dweller marks Rolex's boldest technical statement in years. Released in 2025, its case and integrated bracelet form one continuous line, and inside runs the calibre 7135 with the Dynapulse escapement, a fundamentally new movement architecture for the brand. Offered in 36mm and 40mm across Oystersteel and white gold, Everose gold, and platinum, with a flat Jubilee bracelet, it is the reference collectors study to see where Rolex goes next.
Date
The Rolex Date, often called the Oyster Perpetual Date, sits between the time-only Oyster Perpetual and the larger Datejust. It shares the Datejust's signature complication, the date window with Cyclops lens, in a more compact 34mm case that suits a wide range of wrists. Produced across decades in steel, two-tone, and gold, it gives buyers classic Rolex proportions and everyday practicality at one of the lower entry prices in the pre-owned catalog.
Cellini
For decades the Cellini was where Rolex set aside the Oyster case and designed pure dress watches, slim, elegant, and typically worn on leather. Introduced in the late 1960s, the line explored case shapes, finishes, and proportions the sports collections never touched. Rolex has since discontinued it, handing its formal role to the 1908. On the pre-owned market, the Cellini remains the most accessible way to put a precious metal Rolex on the wrist.
1908
Named for the year Hans Wilsdorf registered the Rolex trademark, the 1908 debuted in 2023 as the brand's new formal collection. Its 39mm case stays deliberately slim in 18k gold or platinum, and a transparent case back puts the movement on full display, a rarity in the Rolex catalog. Platinum references add an intricate honeycomb dial. The result gives the lineup a genuine dress watch backed by thoroughly modern engineering and classic proportions.
Lady-Datejust
The Lady-Datejust brings the full Datejust formula, the date window, Cyclops lens, and fluted bezel, to smaller cases built for slimmer wrists, historically 26mm and 28mm in the current generation. Introduced in 1957, it has been produced in nearly every combination of steel, two-tone, gold, and diamond setting Rolex offers, making the pre-owned selection unusually deep. It consistently ranks among the most purchased Rolex models at Bob's Watches, a fact the broader market tends to overlook.
Recent Rolex Customer Purchases
These are actual prices our customers paid in completed sales, not list or asking prices.
Updated hourly·Sep. 29, 2026 at 8:21 AM PT
Rolex
GMT-Master II 126710BLNR
$20,495
Rolex
Lady Datejust 69173
$6,195
Rolex
Submariner 126610
$15,295
Rolex
Milgauss 116400
$10,995
Rolex
Explorer II 226570 Black
$13,695
Rolex
Day-Date 36 18038
$20,995
Rolex
Daytona 126500 Black
$38,995
Rolex
Sea-Dweller 126660
$13,495
Why Buy From Bob’s Watches
For over 25 years, Bob's Watches has been the most trusted name in pre-owned Rolex. Every watch we sell is inspected and authenticated by our in-house experts, priced transparently against real market data, and backed by our authenticity guarantee, so you can buy with complete confidence.
“Every watch that leaves our building has been through our watchmakers’ hands. If it’s on our site, I’d put it on my own wrist.”
Paul Altieri
Founder & CEO of Bob’s Watches
What Rolex Customers Are Saying
4,000+ 5 star reviews online. See all reviews
"I recently purchased my third Rolex from Wes at Bob's. As always, Wes was great to work with. The transaction was easy and seamless. Most importantly, my watch which was listed as "Light sings of wear on bracelet" looks brand new to me. I really could not see any signs of wear. I am thrilled with my new (2013) GMT Master. I can't imagine buying a used Rolex (you can't buy a new one if you are an average guy) from anyone else but Bob's. I highly recommend them and Wes."
Doug
"First purchase of a Rolex, & an expensive watch. Did research & found Bob's Watches to be a reputable online option. Reps were helpful answering questions & providing assistance. I was having technical problems with online order & rep assisted over the phone. Required add'l prodding on my part to get order uploaded to my online acct, but it worked out. Watch band was supposed to be sized before shipment, that did not happen, but I was able to remove links, so it ended up also working out.Watch was in better condition than described, thrilled over the moon with purchase."
Barbara D.
"This is my first time dealing with Bob's Watches. I've bought a lot of watches in my life and this is actually the first time I've bought a used timepiece. I can only say that I will be a customer for a long time! The process, professionalism and comfort were way beyond my expectations. From start to finish, it was a pleasure to deal with Bob's Watches on every level. I had my watch the day after I placed the order, which was also beyond my expectations. Great products, wonderful people!!"
Todd K.
How to Choose a Rolex Watch
Start with how the watch will actually be worn. Daily wear across the office, travel, and weekends points toward versatile models like the Submariner, Explorer, or Datejust. Formal settings point toward the Day-Date, the 1908, or a pre-owned Cellini. Frequent travelers get real utility from the GMT-Master II or Sky-Dweller. Size matters as much as style: Rolex watches span a wide range of case sizes across generations, and the right fit depends more on your wrist and preferences than on current trends.
"We never try to steer someone toward a particular model," says Paul Altieri, founder and CEO of Bob's Watches. "Most collectors and first-time buyers already know exactly what they want — and that's the watch they should buy."
From there, let the details guide the decision. Two examples of the same model can differ meaningfully in price based on production year, dial variation, condition, box and papers, and, particularly for vintage watches, originality and service history. The average prices published on this page are based on recent completed transactions, giving you a factual starting point for what buyers actually paid rather than what sellers are asking.
Materials
Several Rolex materials are exclusive to the brand. Oystersteel is its 904L family stainless alloy, chosen for corrosion resistance and the way it holds a polish. Rolesor pairs steel with 18k gold on the same watch, a combination Rolex trademarked in 1933. Everose is the brand's patented pink gold alloy, formulated to preserve its color, and Rolesium pairs Oystersteel with platinum on the Yacht-Master. Cerachrom bezels, made of virtually scratchproof ceramic, resist fading under UV exposure.
Material is one of the biggest factors in Rolex pricing, though the pre-owned market does not always follow the retail hierarchy. In Bob's Watches transaction data, solid gold Datejust references have averaged well above their steel equivalents, while two-tone examples frequently trade close to steel prices, making Rolesor one of the quieter values in the catalog. When comparing listings, always confirm the material against the reference number, since steel, two-tone, and gold versions of a model can look similar in photos and differ by thousands of dollars.
Types of Rolex Watches
Rolex models can be grouped broadly by how they are designed to be used, though many blur the lines. Dive watches, built around rotating bezels and serious water resistance, include the Submariner, Sea-Dweller, and Deepsea. Travel watches track more than one time zone: the GMT-Master and GMT-Master II were designed for pilots, while the Sky-Dweller adds an annual calendar for frequent flyers. Field and exploration watches, the Explorer and Explorer II, prioritize legibility and durability over complication, and the Air-King carries the brand's aviation heritage in a similar spirit.
On the formal side, the 1908 and the discontinued Cellini are dress watches in the classic sense, slim and understated, while the Day-Date occupies its own territory as a precious metal statement piece equally at home in a boardroom or on a weekend. Chronographs measure elapsed time, a category the Daytona has defined since 1963, with the Yacht-Master II adding a programmable regatta countdown for sailing. Everyday watches round out the catalog: the Oyster Perpetual, Date, Datejust, and Lady-Datejust are the versatile core of the brand, designed to work in any setting. Most buyers narrow their search fastest by picking a type first, then comparing models within it.
"I always tell people to think about the life the watch is going to live, not the category it sits in," Paul says. "A Submariner that never sees the ocean and a Day-Date worn seven days a week are both the right choice if that's the watch you actually reach for."
Frequently Asked Questions
Rolex prices vary widely by model, reference, materials, age, and condition. Based on Bob's Watches completed sales over the past 12 months, most pre-owned Rolex watches sold between $6,195 and $25,995, while rare vintage and precious-metal pieces can exceed $100,000. Collections such as the Datejust, Submariner, GMT-Master II, and Daytona each occupy very different price ranges.
For many buyers, yes. A pre-owned Rolex can offer immediate availability, more price options, and access to discontinued or vintage references that are no longer available at retail. Rolex watches purchased at retail from an Official Rolex Jeweler include a five-year international guarantee, while warranty coverage on pre-owned watches depends on the seller.
There is no single visual test that can reliably prove a Rolex is authentic. Important checks include the reference and serial markings, dial printing and alignment, case and bracelet construction, and whether the movement and individual components are correct for the reference. Because sophisticated counterfeits can reproduce many exterior details, reliable authentication requires expert inspection. Every Rolex sold by Bob's Watches is inspected and backed by our authenticity guarantee.
Many Rolex watches hold their value well, though results vary by model, condition, and rarity. Across all collections, watches sold through Bob's Watches have averaged a +1% change in value over the past 12 months. Models like the Submariner and Daytona see especially strong demand, but no Rolex is guaranteed to appreciate.
When buying a pre-owned Rolex, look at the watch's authenticity, condition, originality, service history, and whether it includes its original box and papers. Compare watches by reference number rather than model name alone, since different generations and configurations can vary significantly in price. It is also important to review the seller's authentication process, warranty, return policy, and reputation.
The Oyster Perpetual is currently the most affordable Rolex collection at retail, with the Oyster Perpetual 28 starting at $6,200 in the U.S. as of 2026. On the pre-owned market, prices at Bob's Watches currently start at $2,995, typically for older Oyster Perpetual, Air-King, Date, and Datejust references, depending on age, condition, and reference.
Not every pre-owned Rolex comes with its original box and papers, so what is included depends on the individual watch and should be confirmed in the listing. Box and papers can add provenance and may affect market value, but they are not a substitute for professional authentication. Every Rolex sold by Bob's Watches is backed by our authenticity guarantee, and U.S.-based customers receive a one-year service warranty, subject to the warranty terms and exclusions.
Rolex prices reflect the brand's manufacturing standards, in-house movement production, premium materials, extensive testing, durability, and strong global demand. On the pre-owned market, price is also shaped by availability, condition, rarity, and collector demand. That is why certain discontinued or highly sought-after references can sell for more than their original retail prices.
Every Rolex is made in Switzerland, where the company operates four production sites: headquarters and final assembly in Geneva, case and bracelet manufacturing in Plan-les-Ouates, dials and gem-setting in Chêne-Bourg, and movement production in Bienne. Rolex controls nearly every step in-house, from smelting its own gold alloys to certifying each finished watch.
Rolex does not publish production figures, but industry analysts estimate the company produces more than one million watches per year, making it by far the largest luxury watchmaker in the world. Demand still exceeds that output for many models, which is a major reason the pre-owned market is so active.
Not exactly, though the confusion is understandable: Rolex is a commercial company owned entirely by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a private charitable trust established by the founder before his death in 1960. The company operates and competes like any business, but it has no shareholders, and the foundation directs a portion of proceeds to philanthropic causes in Geneva.
Every modern Rolex runs an in-house mechanical movement designed and built by the brand, such as the calibre 3235 in the Submariner and Datejust, the 4131 chronograph in the Daytona, and the new 7135 with the Dynapulse escapement in the Land-Dweller. Each is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, Rolex's internal standard requiring accuracy within plus or minus two seconds per day after casing.