Cheapest Rolex Watches

The Rolex Datejust and Explorer take the lion’s share of the new, entry-level, and affordable Rolex market, and if you are looking for an “affordable” (yes, please notice the tinge of sarcasm in my voice, hence the quotations) Rolex, then you simply can’t go wrong with either of those models. 

I’ve spent a significant amount of time with both; they are absolutely bullet-proof and timeless designs, but they aren’t the only Rolex watches to consider if affordability is one of your deciding factors. So, to all my kings and queens out there—adjust your crowns, and let’s take a ride together, exploring the new and pre-owned Rolex watch market.

Are There Any Affordable Rolex Watches?

Affordability is a very personal word. For some, a $200,000 watch from a high-end horology house is affordable, while for others, a quartz watch from Macy’s for $79 is at the ceiling of what they’d consider affordable. It’s subjective, folks. That said, I’ve compiled a list of the most affordable new watches from Rolex. 

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is often the first Rolex many people experience, and for good reason. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and approachability, offering a taste of Rolex’s esteemed craftsmanship without overwhelming your budget. It also helps that the Oyster Perpetual comes in a variety of stylish colors, with green being one of my favorites! 

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is offered in 41mm and 36mm variations for men, with smaller 34mm and 28mm options available for women. This watch is crafted with a stainless steel case and a COSC-certified automatic movement, making it both robust and precise. 

With a starting price of around $5,550 for the 28mm version and reaching up to $6,400 for the 41mm, the Oyster Perpetual is a great value proposition, especially when considering that these watches really don’t lose their value.

Rolex Explorer

The Explorer is my favorite Rolex—period. I love the mountains and the outdoors, and something about a robust three-hander without complications just gets me going. The Rolex Explorer’s claim to fame came in 1953 when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay wore Rolex Explorers during their historic ascent of Everest. This iconic moment cemented the watch’s reputation as a reliable companion for those who push the boundaries of exploration.

With its straightforward design and dependable build, the Explorer continues to honor that legacy, offering a blend of ruggedness and elegance that appeals to those who appreciate both adventure and heritage. Today, the standard Explorer—which is all I’m covering here, sorry two-tone and Explorer II fans—is available in 36mm and 40mm, fitting the vast majority of wrists out there, both male and female. The 36mm can be had for $7,250, and the 40mm retails for $7,700.

Rolex Air King 

Ah, yes—the Rolex Air King. Considered by some to be the ugly duckling of Rolex’s line, I myself have always been stricken by the asymmetry of the dial and numerals. The Air King is a great watch for those who want something different or for pilots who need “big ole” numbers to look at. The black dial, with its oversized numerals, is easily legible and gives the Air King a distinctive look that sets it apart from the crowd. 

Like all Rolex watches, the Air King is COSC-certified and guaranteed to deliver an accurate and robust wearing experience. At 40mm, the Air King is sized appropriately for its purpose; it offers a bold, commanding presence while remaining practical for those who need to rely on their watch in demanding environments, whether that be in the air, on land, or in the sea. Priced at $7,450, the Air King is one of Rolex’s most affordable models.

Rolex Datejust

The Rolex Datejust is a watch that effortlessly balances elegance with practicality. It’s one of those pieces that feels both classic and contemporary, making it a versatile choice for almost any occasion. Many consider it to be the quintessential Rolex. For decades, the Datejust has effortlessly navigated from the boardroom, where it complements a fine suit and slips seamlessly under a cuff, to weekend outings, whether you’re enjoying a cocktail or catching a movie, pairing just as effortlessly with jeans and a t-shirt. 

Don’t quote me on this, but the Datejust is considered to be Rolex’s selling watch of all time, and it is offered in a huge plethora of colors, case materials, and sizes. For this “affordable” article, we are going to focus on stainless steel models in 36mm and 41mm configurations—though Rolex does make a 31mm for women. The 36mm retails for $7,450 and $9,050 with the fluted, white gold bezel. The 41mm retails for $8,050 and $10,600 with the fluted, white gold bezel.

What About Pre-Owned Rolex Watches?

Because of their high demand, you’ll often see pre-owned Rolexes going for more than their original retail price—though the market has cooled off as of late. But hey, if you’re into vintage pieces, you might just snag a great deal. There are some classic Rolex models out there that are surprisingly affordable, especially if you’re willing to dig a bit. It’s all about finding the right seller and being patient. There are vintage Datejust watches for sale in the $3,000 to $5,000 price range. Just make sure you verify the authenticity and have a professional open the watch up to ensure it is in good working order!

Conclusion

What if I told you since 1970, inflation has risen by about 700%; you might shrug and say, “well yeah—duh. Things get more expensive.” So, five dollars in 1970 would be around thirty-five dollars today. Now what if I told you that in 1970, a brand new Rolex Submariner cost, depending on the model, around $300? Yeah, I know. Let’s get a time machine and stockpile them! Adjusted for inflation, that same Rolex should cost around $2000.

And yet, a new Submariner cost north of $10,000, with a date. Rolex-flation, since 1970, has eclipsed regular inflation significantly; the actual number stands at over 4000%. An entry-level model, such as the four previously mentioned, is a great way to get ahead of the ever-increasing cost of owning a Rolex. 

Another great way is to browse the tantalizing bargains on the pre-owned market, with special consideration given to vintage Rolex watches. As with anything Rolex, buyer beware: there are many fakes out in the wild, with some claiming that the vast majority of “Rolex” watches sold today are actually fakes. That’s why it is so important to always “buy the seller.” 

Here at Exquisite Timepieces, all of our pre-owned watches go through rigorous testing and authentication, to ensure that your buying experience is as worry-free as possible. We have a wonderful collection of pre-owned Rolex watches for sale on our website. Whatever you choose, owning a piece of the crown is a great way to enjoy the wonders of horology!