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Looking to add a touch of class, elegance and style to your outfit? Or do you want a great asset to pass down to your future generations? Then, it’s time to end your search. We’ve put together the cheapest Rolex watches on the market for you to choose from. We’ll help you make the right choice and provide answers to all your questions. So, turn on some music, get comfortable and enjoy the ride.
When it comes to luxury watches, Rolex watches are one of the most desired in the world. It’s quite easy for you to get obsessed with how attractive they are.
Yet, you can’t help but ask, “What’s the cheapest Rolex out there?”
Got a budget? Then coming across an affordable Rolex isn’t impossible. That’s why we made this guide.
So, if you find the Rolex of your dreams, don’t let it go as it might cost much more the next time you see it. Why is that?
Well, these well-known timepieces are hand-made. As a result, each Rolex model has limited stock. With this, it’s easy to connect Rolex prices to its existing demand and supply.
Rolex is a watchmaker based in Switzerland. It was first founded in London by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as ‘Wilsdorf & Davis.’ Rolex has made its name in making innovative luxury watches designs since 1902.
You’ll find Rolex watches sold around the world. This is due to their reliability and fame in the world of Swiss watches.
Rolex watches symbolize classic elegance among all luxury watches. It’s the first watch brand to pass the COSC test (the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute).
Rolex is a leading innovator of water-resistant cases, multiple time-zones and dial-date features.
Today, Rolex continues to expand its horizons by making excellent, unique timepieces. Each model’s attributes will give you a unique feeling of success and power.
The versatility of these timepieces will meet even your most sophisticated needs.
Fun fact!
Rolex indeed has close connections with real-life celebrities. Yet, the most famous connection will be the one with the fictional character ‘James Bond.’ In his original 14 Bond books, Ian Fleming only made mention of one brand as belonging to 007… Rolex.
So, if you’re interested in knowing the James Bond movies Rolex appeared in, you should check out:
Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Gold-finger, Thunder-ball, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun and License to Kill.
With our experience and in-depth research, we’ve selected the latest top 6 cheapest Rolex watches to ever come out of Rolex.
Rest assured, we will only focus on the watches that are going to be easy for you to access and affordable as well.
So, let’s get started!
Comparison Table
Product
Case Diameter
Band
Water Resistance
Price
Case Diameter: 39 mm
39 mm
Band: Oystersteel
Oystersteel
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 ft)
100 m (330 ft)
Case Diameter: 39 mm
39 mm
Band: Oystersteel
Oystersteel
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 ft)
100 m (330 ft)
Case Diameter: 41 mm
41 mm
Band: Oystersteel
Oystersteel
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 ft)
100 m (330 ft)
Case Diameter: 40 mm
40 mm
Band: Oystersteel
Oystersteel
Water Resistance: 300 m (1000 ft)
300 m (1000 ft)
Case Diameter: 40 mm
40 mm
Band: Oystersteel
Oystersteel
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 ft)
100 m (330 ft)
Case Diameter: 40 mm
40 mm
Band: Oystersteel
Oystersteel
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 ft)
100 m (330 ft)
Top 6 Cheapest Rolex Watches for Men
1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 39 mm
Case Tickness: 11.8 mm
Case Material: Oystersteel
Bezel: Domed
Dial Window Material Type: Scratch-resistant sapphire
Bracelet Material: Oystersteel
Clasp: Oysterclasp
Dial Color: Dark Rhodium
Movement: Swiss automatic
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 feet)
Top on our list is the gorgeous Rolex Oyster Perpetual (Model: 114300). This is a watch we’d like to refer to as the ‘middle-watch’ as it’s neither dressy nor sporty. Hence, you can decide to go from wearing it with one of your hoodies to something more formal and still look classy.
What you’d first notice about this timepiece is its quite simple-but-not-boring dial. It comes in three dial variants with the dark rhodium dial being the most conservative and popular option.
The hands of this timepiece are simple and the applied gold indices are tall enough for you to read. Only the hands and the three, six, and nine indices are Lume-packed – after all, it’s not a dive watch.
The Rolex’s Oyster 39mm Oystersteel (904L stainless steel) case has a water resistance of 100m (330 feet). This is good enough for a casual dip while also being scratch-resistant.
What about the bracelet? Well, the Oyster case works best with the timeless, classic, and comfortable Oystersteel bracelet. The bracelet is corrosion-resistant, making it retain its beauty even in harsh environments.
It’s safe to say that the broad-brushed links of this steel bracelet are one of the many, well-known Rolex signatures. Thus, offering the ideal support and complement to the Oyster case’s lugs and domed bezel.
The Rolex Oyster runs on Swiss automatic movement powered by the proven Calibre 3132. This features a Parachrom balance-spring, a Paraflex shock protector and a 48-hours power reserve. An ideal choice for this entry-level model, as you’d agree.
You’ll find the Oyster Perpetual price surprising as it’s affordable and one you’ll fall in love with.
So, looking for the perfect Rolex watch for every occasion? This Rolex’s entry-level model timepiece is worth the try.
PROS
- An affordable entry-level model Rolex watch.
- Has an Oyster case for resistance to moisture, dust and extreme weather conditions.
- Classy and comfortable bracelet.
- Movement is precise and reliable.
CONS
- The band might be too small for large wrists.
2. Rolex Explorer
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 39 mm
Case Tickness: 11.8 mm
Case Material: Oystersteel
Bezel: Smooth
Dial Window Material Type: Scratch-resistant sapphire
Bracelet Material: Oystersteel
Clasp: Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Swiss automatic
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 feet)
Next on our list is the Rolex Explorer Black Dial Automatic Watch –a sturdy, precision-made and iconic timepiece.
Here’s a fun fact about this sporty timepiece; it accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay to reach the summit of Mt. Everest in May 1953.
With the Blue-Chromalight hour markers and hands, you can rest assured of excellent readability in low light conditions.
The 39-mm Oyster case, Twin-lock crown, and the sapphire crystal keep the movement inside the Rolex Explorer safe from external harm. Only the watchmakers can open the screwed-down case.
Inside the timepiece is the robust and precise Caliber 3132 self-winding automatic movement. This timepiece is one of Rolex’s brilliant Chronometer watches. It performs within -2/+2 seconds a day after casing, guaranteed to last for five years.
The free-sprung balance of the Rolex Explorer fits between the two Paraflex shock absorbers – made and patented by Rolex. With the help of the blue Parachrom hairspring in this timepiece, you’re assured of reliable and precise timekeeping.
The bracelet comes fitted with Rolex’s patented Oysterlock clasp. It’s comfortable and allows you to extend the bracelet by 5mm –thanks to the Easylink 5mm feature.
The design of this timepiece isn’t too flashy, but it’d give you some wrist presence. Thanks to the bracelet and build of this Rolex watch, you’ll find it as “perfect.”
Also, there’s no need to worry about taking it for a swim as it’s water-resistant up to 100m (330 feet).
So, if you’re looking for a ‘pure’ affordable Rolex sports watch then the Rolex Explorer timepiece is a ‘must-have.’
PROS
- Sturdy and elegant construction.
- Accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day after casing.
- Comfortable, durable and reliable.
- Great value for money.
CONS
- Lacks a revolving bezel, extra hands and time zones.
3. Rolex Datejust II
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Tickness: 7.20 mm
Case Material: Oystersteel
Bezel: Fixed Domed
Dial Window Material Type: Scratch-resistant sapphire
Bracelet Material: Oystersteel
Clasp: Folding Oysterlock
Dial Color: Silver
Movement: Swiss automatic
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 feet)
Next is the Rolex Datejust II Automatic Silver Dial (Model: 116300) – the classic ‘go everywhere, do everything’ Rolex dress watch.
The Datejust is another legendary and timeless Rolex luxury watch design first created in 1945. The Datejust II was then launched in 2009 and it’s still a notable charm of taste and perfection.
With its 41 mm case diameter, this latest ‘Datejust incarnation’ will meet your desire for a luxury watch that makes a bold statement on the wrist.
The Rolex Datejust II offers one of Rolex’s most renowned technical improvements being the Cyclops lens above the date. The lens magnifies the date 2.5 times, allowing for great readability. If there’s a need for you to correct the date display, you can do this via the crown.
The 904L stainless steel Oystersteel case is also present for external protection.
Let’s not forget to mention the self-winding Caliber 3136 automatic movement of this timepiece. It bears the “Chronometer” title awarded by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
For a reliable and precise time-keeping, this timepiece features: The Microstella variable-inertia balance, Paraflex shock-resistance and Parachrom balance spring with Breguet.
In need of a versatile watch that you can wear with your jeans and then your tuxedo? The Rolex Datejust II is our go-to recommendation for you.
PROS
- An easy-to-love pure classic.
- Beautiful aesthetics and highly functional.
- Built to last.
CONS
- An unusually wide bezel.
- Some parts of the watch might seem out of proportion with the rest.
4. Rolex Submariner
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Tickness: 13 mm
Case Material: Oystersteel
Bezel: Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated, scratch-resistant Cerachrom insert in ceramic.
Dial Window Material Type: Scratch-resistant sapphire
Bracelet Material: Oystersteel
Clasp: Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Rolex Glidelock extension system
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Swiss automatic
Water Resistance: 300 m (1000 feet)
The next affordable watch is the Rolex Submariner Black Dial Automatic (Model: 114060). This watch is a symbol of ‘under-pressure precision’ and emits a feeling of adventure.
The Rolex Submariner is an entry-level model into the Submariner world. This timepiece is also the pure representation of the Sub world.
This ‘No-Date’ timepiece is for divers, and if you’re one, you’d agree that you won’t need to check the ‘date’ while under the sea. With the ‘No date’ feature, this watch gives a non-stop time display – a ‘must-have’ for every adventurer. Rolex sums it up as ‘the dive-watch archetype’.
The 904L stainless steel Oyster case of this timepiece gives it resistance up to 300m (1,000 feet).
The dial window is of sapphire crystal material. This helps to protect the Blue Chromalight display (counting for excellent visibility).
The Rolex Submariner comes with Rolex patented Triplock crown. Rolex reserves this crown for timepieces built for great depths.
The unidirectional rotating 60-minute bezel has a scratch-resistant Cerachrom ceramic-insert. This bezel function will allow you time your dive. Sounds great, right?
The triangular zero-marker of the bezel radiates Chromalight blue. The Oyster bracelet fits with the Glidelock system so, you can adjust the bracelet length if you need to.
Underwater, precision timekeeping is quite essential. This is possible with the help of the COSC-certified chronometer rating of this watch.
The Rolex Submariner’s movement is a self-winding Caliber 3130 automatic movement. Inside this movement is the adjustable-inertia balance wheel with gold Microstella weights. There’s also the blue Parachrom hairspring. Hence, your watch is safe from shocks, vibrations, magnetic fields, and harsh weather conditions.
For a dive-watch that’s elegant and classy, the Rolex Submariner priceis value for your money.
This dive-watch is yours if you desire a budget-conscious entry model of the Rolex’ Sub’ world.
PROS
- Pure, durable and elegant watch with simple functions.
- Comes with Submariner legacy.
- Excellent, universal style.
- Fine adjusting bracelet.
CONS
- Lacks a date window (for those who care for it).
5. Rolex Milgauss
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Tickness: 7.20 mm
Case Material: Oystersteel
Bezel: Fixed Domed
Dial Window Material Type: Scratch-resistant sapphire
Bracelet Material: Oystersteel
Clasp: Folding Oysterlock
Dial Color: Silver
Movement: Swiss automatic
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 feet)
Right next is the Rolex Milgauss Blue Dial (Model: 116400GV). The timepiece made with engineers and technicians exposed to magnetic fields in mind.
Here’s a little background detail…
Magnetic fields affect a mechanical watch’s performance. Rolex’s solution was to develop and patent a magnetic shield for the timepiece’s movement. This shield allows the watch to withstand fields up to 1000 gauss (the unit measure for field strength).
This birthed the Milgauss. The Milgauss is famous among the scientists at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva.
Every day, we come in contact with powerful magnetic fields. Magnets pretty surround us from the doors of our refrigerators to our handbag/briefcase clasps. Magnetic fields also exist in many industries, such as: Telecommunications, medical technology, aerospace, and electro-technical.
Rolex’s first line of defense to keep these magnetic fields at bay was to include a patent magnetic shield inside this timepiece. The magnetic shield ([made of ferromagnetic alloys) surrounds and protects the movement.
Next, Rolex included some of the movement’s key components, made from innovative anti-magnetic materials. For example, the escape wheel is an anti-magnetic nickel-phosphorous alloy. It’s made through a complex process called ‘ultra-violet lithography.’
What’s more? The 904L stainless steel Oystersteel case and the Twinlock crown help to secure the components. This gives this timepiece water resistance up to 100 m (330 feet).
For the movement, the Rolex Milgauss runs on a Caliber 3131 automatic movement which is a certified Swiss chronometer.
To make this luxury watch stay comfortable on your wrist, the Oyster bracelet comes fitted with Rolex’s patented Easylink system. With this feature, you can extend the bracelet up to 5 mm.
So, if you’re in search of an anti-magnetic yet cheap Rolex watch, the Rolex Milgauss is what we recommend.
PROS
- Antimagnetic with beautiful aesthetics.
- The Oyster bracelet is the magic of beauty and function.
- A quite reliable movement architecture.
CONS
- Lacks a date feature.
6. Rolex Air King
FEATURES
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Tickness: 13 mm
Case Material: Oystersteel
Bezel: Smooth
Dial Window Material Type: Scratch-resistant sapphire
Bracelet Material: Oystersteel
Clasp: Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Swiss automatic
Water Resistance: 100 m (330 feet)
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King 116900 ends our list. You can also call it the ‘purist’s Rolex.’
This is a ‘No-Date’ and COSC-certified chronometer Rolex. It also has a 100 m (330 feet) water-resistant case, screw-down crown. We can say it has every vital quality that makes a Rolex watch a Rolex watch without being too busy.
It comes with a 40 mm case and a “Superlative Chronometer” certification. You’ll also find a complete remodeled dial and the same anti-magnetic attributes as the Rolex Milgauss. It’s almost easy to forget it’s an Air-king and mistake it for a new innovative watch.
It was once an entry-level model Rolex watch until the Rolex Oyster Perpetual took its place.
What else? It shares the same Oystersteel case with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. So, you’re certain of a 100 m (330 feet) water resistance.
You’d find between the 3-6-9 Arabic numerals, a raised minute scale, along with the actual numerals. This means you’ll notice the 11 different numerals around the dial with 3 representing hours and 8 representing minutes.
At the 12 o’clock mark is a large Lume triangle as is the tradition on most of Rolex professional timepieces.
Within the Rolex Air-king watch beats the Rolex built caliber 3131 movement. You guessed right, it’s a COSC-certified chronometer automatic movement. This movement also features a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. So, this timepiece is both temperature and magnetic resistant.
The Rolex Air-king is another great anti-magnetic luxury watch if you want to throw in a bit of elegance too.
PROS
- Superlative chronometer.
- Quite comfortable on the wrist.
- Antimagnetic.
- Secure, noise-free bracelet.
CONS
- The dial might seem too busy.
- Exchanges conservativeness for a modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Is a Rolex?
The most expensive Rolex watches can go as high as about $82,500 or even more. The choice of a Rolex watch that you make mirrors who you are. You could even have it passed down as an asset to future generations – and this is something you can’t put a price on. After all, a watch’s real value lies in what it means to you irrespective of the price you got it…right? Exactly!
But, if you’re interested in the cheapest Rolex watches, then you should go through the ones in this article. You’ll find one to pick from our list.
Do Rolex Watches Tick?
Yes, Rolex watches do tick, but most of them tick in a different way than you might think. When it comes to mechanical watches and quartz watches, quartz watches tick different with one tick per second. The mechanical ones tick at 8 – 10 times per second, causing a sweeping effect of the second hand.
Rolex made many quartz watches in its quartz era but today, only make automatic mechanical watches. This means no modern Rolex watch will tick the way a quartz watch does. If it does, you’ve got a fake Rolex watch on your hands.
Where Is The Serial And Model Number On My Rolex?
You’ll find the model number of any Rolex between the lugs of the watch at the 12 o’clock mark.
For the serial number, you’ll have to look between the lugs at the 6 o’clock mark behind the bracelet. The serial number is usually a 4-8-digit number and you can use this to know your Rolex watch’s production date. On newer Rolex watches you’ll find the serial number inscribed on the inner ‘Rehaut.’ The space between the lugs at the 6 o’clock mark could be blank.
Are Rolex Watches a Good Investment?
Of course. If you’re looking to buy something that will hold its value, a Rolex watch is an excellent, well-thought investment. But if you want to make automatic money, then do your research and go for the timepiece that will suit that purpose. Because the Rolex brand isn’t a magic ticket to making money.
There are some Rolex watches that you can consider investing in. For example, the Rolex Explorer and Submariner are affordable and great investment pieces. Check them out in this article.
Can I Wash My Rolex?
Sure, you can… unless your Rolex isn’t water-resistant. Wearing your Rolex is essential, but it would get dirty quicker if you wear it daily.
Keeping your Rolex clean is as important as wearing it. Dirt won’t only make it look shabby but could also affect its functionality. Thanks to the Rolex Oyster water-resistant technology, you can wash your Rolex watch. The water resistance is up to 300m (1000 feet) with the lowest being 100 meters (330 feet).
We don’t recommend getting your Rolex watch wet if it’s not a water-resistant model. But if it is, then you shouldn’t worry about water damage as you can even wear it while in the shower or pool.
Conclusion
So, you can see that there are many great options for affordable Rolex watches to choose from. They’re all water-resistant so, you don’t have to worry about getting them wet either in the shower, rain or pool.
Also, the Rolex models we listed have some common features:
Stainless steel cases, sapphire crystal dial windows, Oystersteel bracelets, and screw-down crowns. They also have easy readability, durability, and run on Swiss automatic movement.
Their distinction lies either in their special (extra) features, price or design.
Based on our top 6 selection of the cheapest Rolex watches, you’d be able to pick the Rolex that’s the “perfect fit” for you.
