Watch enthusiast or not, it’s impossible not to recognize the name Rolex. Nothing epitomizes wearing success like having a gorgeous Rolex slapped on your wrist. And if it happens to be one of those vintage pieces, you’ll easily find yourself categorized under old money.
Most of us know Rolexes aren’t cheap, but why are they so expensive? Today, we’ll look at the top factors that have skyrocketed this brand to the upper echelons of timepiece opulence. You can also find a wealth of information on Rolexes and other luxury watch brands at Time Machine Geek, so feel free to check it out.
Why Do Rolexes Come With Hefty Price Tags?
The sometimes-insane prices attached to Rolex watches can be attributed to the following:
1. Meticulous Craftsmanship
All luxury watch brands claim to have unrivaled workmanship, but Rolex is right on the money with this statement. Rolex watches are handcrafted by the most skilled watchmakers, ensuring impeccable quality control of both materials and processes. A case in point is gem-set watches, where each gem is perfectly installed and has a flawless interior.
It sometimes takes 20 or more specialists to accomplish specific processes, including the installation of gems and stones. Then, there’s its platinum, which doesn’t go below a 950. Likewise, the gold used is never under 18 carats. They also have this proprietary metal called Everose, which is 18-carat pink gold.
Cerachrom is their proprietary ceramic, and it is super-durable, hard, and virtually impossible to scratch. It is also UV-resistant and doesn’t change colors when exposed to radiation. Even the steel the company uses is proprietary. It’s called Oystersteel and is classified as 904L steel, the same kind used by NASA because of its corrosion-resistant properties.
2. Durability
Rolex isn’t kidding when it says its items are durable. Any model can literally be an heirloom passed on from generation to generation when properly cared for. Its watches are also resistant to changes in humidity, temperature, movement, and altitude.
Thus, a Rolex can practically go climbing with you to any of the Himalayas’ highest peaks and remain in perfect condition over the course of the adventure. The Rolex’s performance throughout the history of extreme sports has made it the timepiece of choice for many of today’s adrenaline junkies. It can literally remain in one piece through most hell-and-back journeys.
3. Longevity
One of the best things about a Rolex is that it keeps its value over time. In some cases, it even appreciates, making it a great piece to add to any watch collection. It is so well known outside the luxury watch industry that there’s almost no way for it to ever lose merit.
A Rolex watch is a piece associated with consistency, sophistication, and a trademark appearance and brand. So much so that even just by looking at one, you’ll immediately know that it’s a Rolex. These timepieces also appeal to men and women and have earned the love of customers across the globe.
4. The Collector’s Choice
Collectors love Rolexes. In fact, you will hardly find a celebrity who doesn’t wear one. It’s the choice timepiece for actors, musicians, politicians, TV personalities, and even social media influencers. This trend has been going on for ages and is the reason why wearing a Rolex is so often associated with being somebody.
In a way, you can’t not be someone (even in your own right) and wear this watch. That’s because you could have either bought it yourself or it was handed down to you, both of which mean something in society.
Rolex also pays famous individuals to wear its watches. Its brand ambassadors are some of the greatest athletes to ever play their respective sport, including Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Martina Navratilova, and Chris Evert. If a tennis legend like Roger Federer is wearing a watch, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s going to be expensive.
What’s Your Rolex Worth?
The condition, age, model, box, and documents of your Rolex determine its value. When and how you sell these timepieces also have a bearing on their price tags. To get the best price for your Rolex, here’s what you should do:
Sell to Watch Enthusiasts, Experts, or Collectors
Have you decided to let go of your Rolex? You will get the best prices when you sell to people who actually know the value attached to a Rolex watch.
Keep Your Watch’s Paperwork
Your Rolex can be an original yet sell for way less than its market value because of missing documents. Some buyers will jump at the chance to get you to sell your watch for a lower price, and missing paperwork could be the thing they’ll take advantage of.
Always Worth the Price
An original Rolex is always a worthy investment. When you know what goes into the creation and marketing of these timepieces, you’ll realize the value attached to them is more than deserved. There’s also the fact that not everybody gets to be a Rolex owner, which only adds to the brand’s exclusivity factor.