Rolex watches have become more than luxury timepieces – they represent remarkable investment opportunities with soaring values. The average Rolex watch’s resale price has multiplied more than five times between 2010 and 2025, climbing from $2,050 to $13,426 this year.
Rolex remains the preferred choice for newcomers and serious collectors alike. Signature models such as the Submariner, Daytona, and GMT-Master II create endless waitlists and dominate the resale market. These timepieces stand as achievements and symbols of excellence that captivate successive generations. Paul Newman’s Daytona made history in 2017 when it sold for an unprecedented $17.8 million at auction, making it Rolex’s most expensive timepiece.
This piece showcases 13 of 2025’s most sought-after Rolex watches that maintain their value consistently. The collection ranges from the Submariner with its remarkable 1,000-foot water resistance to modern Daytona models that feature the innovative in-house Caliber 4131. You’ll find which timepieces merit a place in your collection, combining prestige with investment value.
Table of Contents
Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner started its journey in 1953 as a professional diving tool and has transformed into the world’s most iconic luxury sports watch. Swiss craftsmanship combines with historical significance to create a perfect balance that makes it both a precision instrument and a valuable asset.
Submariner Key Features
The Submariner’s distinctive elements make it stand out instantly. The watch features a 41mm Oyster case that stays waterproof up to 300 meters (1,000 feet). Rolex crafts the middle case from Oystersteel, 18kt yellow gold, or 18kt white gold. A unidirectional rotatable bezel with 60-minute graduations and a luminescent triangular zero marker serves as a crucial safety feature for divers.
Today’s Submariner models showcase a Cerachrom (ceramic) bezel insert that resists scratches, ultraviolet rays, and corrosion. The Chromalight display shines with brilliant white in daylight and glows intense blue in darkness. The triple-waterproofness Triplock winding crown system pairs with an Oyster bracelet. Rolex’s Glidelock extension allows adjustments through 10 notches of about 2mm each.
Submariner Investment Value
The Submariner stands unique in the luxury watch market. It serves as both a precision timepiece and a financial asset. Most luxury items lose value right away, but many Submariner models gain value substantially. The combined market value of all Rolex Submariners ever produced reaches almost $50 billion, according to production data analysis.
Some models show impressive value growth. To name just one example, the Submariner Ref. 16610 (1989) started at around $2,000 and now sells for over $10,000. The discontinued “Hulk” Ref. 116610LV jumped from its 2010 price of about $8,000 to exceed $15,000.
Submariner Popularity in 2025
The Submariner rules as one of Rolex’s most sought-after models in 2025. Its timeless design, steel construction, and proven investment track record drive its success. The steel Submariner reference 126610LN shows this is a big deal as it means that a 28% five-year CAGR on the secondary market.
Rolex produced nearly 4 million Submariner and Sea Dweller diving watches between 1953 and 2020. Yet global demand outpaces supply consistently. This controlled availability helps maintain the Submariner’s status as both a symbol of success and an investment vehicle.
The “Hulk” 116610LV leads recent popularity charts with an estimated market value of €13,679. Current-production models like the “Starbucks” 126610LV command premium prices at around €12,057. These numbers prove why the Submariner remains one of the safest Rolex investments.
Rolex Daytona

The Rolex Daytona emerged in 1963 as the ultimate luxury chronograph. Rolex designed this masterpiece for professional race car drivers to measure elapsed time and calculate average speed. This iconic timepiece, named after Florida’s Daytona International Speedway, has grown beyond its racing roots to become one of the most popular Rolex models with unmatched demand.
Daytona Key Features
Modern Daytona watches come with a 40mm case crafted from various materials like Oystersteel, 18k gold, and platinum. The watch’s signature element shines through its tachymetric scale, which sits engraved on the bezel. This feature lets drivers measure speed based on time and distance. The watch face has three chronograph sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. This balanced design has stayed mostly the same for decades.
The heart of current Daytona models lies in the in-house Caliber 4130. This self-winding chronograph movement delivers remarkable accuracy and runs for about 72 hours on a full wind. The movement’s vertical clutch mechanism ensures the chronograph starts with perfect precision.
Daytona Investment Value
Daytona watches rank consistently as top investments in luxury timepieces. Standard Oystersteel models retail for $14,550 but fetch around $26,067 in the secondary market. Some versions command higher prices – the platinum model (Ref. 116506) sells for roughly $36,926.
Vintage Daytonas have shown amazing returns, with some pieces growing in value by thousands of percent over the years. Paul Newman’s personal Daytona stands as the crown jewel, selling for $17.8 million at auction in 2017 – a record that holds strong today.
Daytona Popularity in 2025
The Daytona remains one of the most popular Rolex watches in 2025, and this is a big deal as it means that supply can’t keep up with demand. Rolex makes about one million watches yearly, but only 20,000 to 40,000 are Daytonas. This limited production creates ongoing shortages.
The white “Panda” dial Ref. 116500LN leads the pack, selling for 15-20% more than its black dial sibling. Getting the ceramic bezel Daytona, launched in 2016, from a retail store proves very hard. Buyers often wait up to five years. These watches sell for 200-300% above retail price, proving the Daytona’s place as both a watchmaking marvel and a great investment among popular Rolex models.
Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi

The GMT-Master II “Pepsi” is the life-blood of most popular Rolex watches. This iconic timepiece traces back to commercial flight’s golden age. Rolex launched it in 1955, working with Pan American Airways to help pilots track multiple time zones during transatlantic flights.
Pepsi Key Features
The red and blue bezel gave birth to the “Pepsi” nickname. Red marks daylight hours while blue shows nighttime. The bezel has seen significant progress over the years. It started with Bakelite, moved to aluminum, and finally reached virtually scratch-proof Cerachrom ceramic in 2014.
Today’s reference 126710BLRO sports a 40mm Oystersteel case. You can get it with the five-piece link Jubilee bracelet or the sportier Oyster option. The watch runs on the in-house Caliber 3285 movement that delivers about 70 hours of power reserve. Its arrow-tipped 24-hour hand makes one full circle each day and works with the bidirectional rotating bezel to track a second time zone with ease.
Pepsi Investment Value
The Pepsi stands out among most popular Rolex models 2025 with remarkable investment results. The market price sits at roughly $19,567 compared to its $11,100 retail price. The watch has managed to keep an impressive +76.3% value retention. GMT-Master II models have shown incredible growth since 2010, with values climbing 506%.
The timepiece has stayed stable through market ups and downs. September 2025 data shows market volatility at just 5.7%. So, buying at retail price remains a safe bet since the watch typically sells for almost double.
Pepsi Popularity in 2025
This travel icon always makes it to the most popular Rolex watches 2025 lists. It ranks in the top 2% of all Rolex watches by popularity. The watch is nowhere near easy to get – even VIP clients just need to wait 3-5 years.
These watches don’t stay in stock long. Most Rolex models take about two weeks to sell, but a Pepsi finds a new home in just two days. More than that, dealers see six or seven Batman (blue and black) variants for every Pepsi that comes in. This is a big deal as it means that it truly belongs among the best selling Rolex models today.
Rolex GMT-Master II Batman
The Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman” gets its nickname from the distinctive black and blue bezel colors. Since its 2013 debut, this watch has become one of the most popular Rolex models. This dual-time zone traveler’s watch showcases exceptional watchmaking technology and design.
Batman Key Features
The black and blue bi-colored Cerachrom bezel stands out as the Batman’s signature feature. What makes this even more remarkable is that experts once thought this technical achievement impossible. The ceramic material proves virtually scratch-proof and won’t fade, which means the watch looks stunning for decades.
The latest Batman models (ref. 126710BLNR) feature the Caliber 3285 movement with a 70-hour power reserve. This adds 20 hours more than the original Batman’s 50-hour capacity. The 40mm Oystersteel case hits the sweet spot between presence and wearability at 12.5mm thick and 48mm lug-to-lug.
The Batman comes with two bracelet choices. You can pick between the five-link Jubilee (nicknamed “Batgirl”) and the sportier Oyster version. Both bracelets feature Rolex’s patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Easylink comfort extension.
Batman Investment Value
The Batman shows strong investment performance among popular Rolex models. New models retail at $11,300, yet fetch between $16,000-$18,000 in the secondary market.
The discontinued 116710BLNR holds its value well, with recent sales reaching £10,100 ($13,000) in late 2024. Despite price drops after the 2022 market peak, the watch still trades 30% above retail.
Batman Popularity in 2025
The Batman ranks in the top 13% of all Rolex models by popularity in 2025. Rolex created this model to meet worldwide demand for steel GMT watches, and collectors love it.
New Batman models sell fast – they find new owners in just 26 days, beating the industry average. Watch experts point out that the Batman shows more stability than other GMT models during market swings.
The versatile black and blue color combination helps the Batman appeal to more people than other GMT versions. This broad appeal makes it one of the best selling Rolex models of 2025.
Rolex Datejust
The Datejust became the life-blood among popular Rolex models when it launched in 1945 to mark Rolex’s 40th anniversary. This state-of-the-art timepiece made history as the first self-winding chronometer watch that displayed the date in a window at the 3 o’clock position.
Datejust Key Features
The Datejust’s lasting appeal comes from its versatility and customization options. You can find it in multiple case sizes (28mm, 31mm, 36mm, and 41mm) to fit any wrist size or style preference. The watch features a waterproof Oyster case with Twinlock winding crown, fluted bezel options, and a five-piece link Jubilee bracelet designed specifically for its debut.
The Datejust stands out with the most diverse dial options in Rolex’s collection. These dials range from diamond-set and mother-of-pearl to sunray finished faces, with various colors and hour markers. The “Wimbledon” dial draws special attention with its slate gray color and black Roman numerals outlined in green. This design celebrates Rolex’s sponsorship of the prestigious tennis tournament since 1978.
Datejust Investment Value
The secondary market values Datejust models at 11.2% above retail price. The watch’s value grew by 221% between 1994 and 2016, yielding annual gains of about 4.6%. The Datejust 41 “Wimbledon” with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet ranks among top investment choices because Rolex controls its supply carefully.
Pre-owned Datejust watches are a great way to get savings and access discontinued or vintage pieces. To name just one example, a two-tone Datejust purchased in the early 1990s doubled its price by 2020.
Datejust Popularity in 2025
The Datejust leads as Rolex’s best-selling model in 2025, with more than 1,000 units changing hands last year. The ref. 16233 with Steel and Yellow Gold Band, Jubilee Bracelet, and Champagne Dial stands out. This model offers timeless style that works in casual and formal settings.
The watch’s popularity comes from its easy availability—without waitlists like other Rolex models—and lower price compared to sports models. This mix of prestige and accessibility makes the Datejust attractive to buyers looking to enter the most popular Rolex watches 2025 collection.
Rolex Day-Date (President)

The Rolex Day-Date, known as the “President’s Watch,” has managed to keep its position as the brand’s flagship timepiece since 1956. This groundbreaking model made history as the first self-winding, waterproof chronometer wristwatch that displayed both the date and day of the week spelled out through two separate windows.
Day-Date Key Features
The Day-Date sets itself apart from other popular Rolex models through its exclusive precious metals construction. Rolex creates these timepieces only in 18k gold (yellow, white, or Everose) or 950 platinum, which secures their place at the top of the luxury hierarchy. The watch’s signature President bracelet combines three-piece semi-circular links with a concealed folding Crownclasp to deliver exceptional comfort and elegance.
The most striking element is the semi-circular window at 12 o’clock that shows the full day of the week. The watch comes with this complication in 26 different languages, showing its worldwide appeal. Current models use the caliber 3255 movement, which represents state-of-the-art watchmaking with a double quickset function that lets you adjust both day and date displays independently.
Day-Date Investment Value
Day-Date watches prove to be excellent investments. These timepieces hold value beyond their horological importance thanks to their precious metal construction. Collectors can find various price points—from vintage reference 1803 models starting at $13,990 to new pieces that cost more than $45,000.
The watch’s investment appeal goes beyond its materials. The 36mm model saw a remarkable 57% value increase between March 2022 and 2023. Vintage models, especially the 18038 with the first quickset date function, have become highly desirable, with prices starting at $16,790.
Day-Date Popularity in 2025
The Day-Date has seen an incredible surge in popularity by 2025. This revival comes in part from endorsements by global icons like Jay-Z, LeBron James, David Beckham, and John Mayer. People now prefer classic elegance over temporary trends.
The most popular Rolex Day-Date models in 2025 include the reference 228235 in Everose gold with green aventurine dial, which trades at around $48,363. The 36mm case size has become particularly popular because it fits perfectly on any wrist, whatever the gender. This versatility helps maintain its status among the most popular Rolex watches today.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual stands as the life-blood of the brand’s collection. This timepiece carries forward the company’s heritage while staying relevant in today’s market. The model brings together three breakthrough innovations: chronometric certification (1910), waterproof Oyster case (1926), and self-winding Perpetual movement (1931).
Oyster Perpetual Key Features
A polished domed bezel paired with satin-finished case and bracelet gives the Oyster Perpetual its subtle elegance. Rolex crafts this watch exclusively in Oystersteel and equips it with a comfortable Oyster bracelet. The Easylink rapid extension system lets wearers adjust the fit by 5mm. The watch comes in five sizes (28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 41mm) to match different priorities. The 2025 collection adds fresh lacquered dial colors—med blue, black, beige, lavender, and pistachio. These new shades complement the existing candy pink, green, and turquoise options.
Oyster Perpetual Investment Value
The Oyster Perpetual may be Rolex’s entry-level watch, but it holds its value remarkably well. Prices start at $5,100 for 28mm models and reach $5,900 for 41mm versions. This is a big deal as it means that most current models sell above retail price in the secondary market. You can find pre-owned pieces starting around $5,000. The vibrant dial versions often sell for 200-300% more than their original retail price.
Oyster Perpetual Popularity in 2025
The 41mm black dial reference 124300 ranks among the most popular Rolex models for investment in 2025. Yes, it is the colorful dials introduced in 2020 that sparked unprecedented interest. These watches attract younger collectors and create significant waitlists at authorized retailers.
Rolex Explorer

Popular Rolex models include the Explorer, which stands as the brand’s original tool watch. Its origins trace back to high-altitude Himalayan expeditions. The 1953 release showcases rugged durability with understated elegance.
Explorer Key Features
The Explorer’s minimalist design showcases a signature 3-6-9 Arabic numeral dial with Chromalight display. This feature emits an intense blue glow when dark yet appears bright white during daylight. The Explorer made its comeback to the classic 36mm case size in 2021 with reference 124270. People who like larger timepieces can now choose a 40mm version.
The watch uses Oystersteel (904L stainless steel) and delivers exceptional corrosion resistance. It keeps its luster even in extreme conditions. The Oyster case makes it waterproof up to 100 meters (330 feet). Inside, the self-winding caliber 3230 movement runs approximately 70 hours on power reserve with +/- 2 seconds daily precision.
Explorer Investment Value
The Explorer presents one of the more undervalued opportunities in Rolex’s collection. Reference 124270’s retail price sits at USD 7,250, but you can find it around USD 7,000 in the secondary market. Vintage models have seen impressive appreciation. The reference 1016 (produced 1959-1989) now sells between USD 15,000 and USD 35,000 based on condition.
Vintage Explorers have shown 8-12% annual appreciation and remain stable during economic downturns. The 124270’s market stays remarkably steady with 5.4% volatility, which is lower than 98% of qualifying watches.
Explorer Popularity in 2025
The Explorer ranks in the top 11% of most popular Rolex models, with 106 recorded sales in August 2025. Watch enthusiasts love its clean, bold design that combines useful features with understated style.
Casual buyers don’t always pick the Explorer first. This creates a lack in the secondary market and boosts collector value. Classic case sizes just need more attention alongside Rolex’s tight supply, which helps maintain pricing. The Explorer proves excellent for collectors who appreciate the “less is more” philosophy.
Rolex Yacht-Master
Rolex created the Yacht-Master with life at sea in mind. This maritime timepiece naturally combines nautical functionality with luxury esthetics. Since its launch in 1992, it has carved out a special place between Rolex’s professional tool watches and luxury collections.
Yacht-Master Key Features
The watch’s signature bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel stands out with raised polished numerals against a matte, sand-blasted background that sailors can read easily. The exceptional Chromalight display works well in any condition – showing brilliant white during the day and glowing intense blue in darkness. You can choose from case sizes between 37mm to 42mm with materials like Oystersteel, precious metals, and the latest RLX titanium. The 42mm RLX titanium reference 226627 shows off Rolex’s innovative titanium alloy that resists corrosion well while staying light on the wrist.
Yacht-Master Investment Value
The watch proves to be a solid investment because Rolex controls its production and uses premium materials. The standard Rolesium (steel with platinum bezel) reference 126622 holds a market value around $13,535. Different precious metal versions cost substantially more. The discontinued Yacht-Master 16622 has turned into a “sleeper hit” in the investment market. Its value keeps climbing quietly thanks to its unique platinum bezel and limited production numbers.
Yacht-Master Popularity in 2025
The Yacht-Master has earned its spot among popular Rolex models in 2025. Watch enthusiasts love its versatile maritime elegance. The titanium Yacht-Master 42 has caught everyone’s attention, while gold versions see steady demand growth. The collection stays attractive to collectors who want both prestige and practical wearability, even when markets change. Its unique blend of sports functionality and luxury appeal keeps drawing new fans.
Rolex Sky-Dweller

The Sky-Dweller stands as Rolex’s most technically complex timepiece. Since 2012, this sophisticated travel companion has climbed the ranks to become one of the most popular Rolex models. The watch seamlessly combines an annual calendar with dual time zone functionality in an elegant package.
Sky-Dweller Key Features
A distinctive 42mm case defines the Sky-Dweller, which comes in precious metals and steel combinations. The watch’s heart features Rolex’s patented Saros annual calendar—a mechanical marvel that automatically distinguishes between 30-day and 31-day months. The calendar needs adjustment just once a year during February’s transition to March. The month indicator shows through small rectangular apertures next to hour markers—January appears at 1 o’clock, February at 2 o’clock, and continues this pattern.
Travelers can track a second time zone through an off-centered disk with a red triangle indicator that shows daytime and nighttime hours clearly. The state-of-the-art Ring Command bezel lets users select functions easily. A simple rotation of the fluted bezel switches between date/month settings, local time, or reference time.
Sky-Dweller Investment Value
The Sky-Dweller shows impressive investment performance with a value retention of +19.2% above retail. The market price ranges from $17,000 to $59,000, based on materials and specifications. The stainless steel and white gold reference 336934 stands out with a +39.5% premium above its $16,600 retail price.
Sky-Dweller Popularity in 2025
The Sky-Dweller has earned its place among the most popular Rolex watches by 2025, reaching the top 2% in market popularity. The model has transformed from facing early skepticism to becoming the life-blood of serious collections. This success stems from its unique blend of luxury and technical excellence. The model’s popularity shines through the 326933 reference, which recorded 51 sales in August 2025.
Rolex Sea-Dweller
The Rolex Sea-Dweller stands as a technical marvel among popular Rolex models since its birth in 1967. Professional saturation divers rely on this exceptional timepiece that continues to captivate serious collectors and diving enthusiasts with its groundbreaking features.
Sea-Dweller Key Features
The Sea-Dweller’s patented helium escape valve sets it apart. This revolutionary feature automatically releases trapped gas during decompression to protect the watch’s integrity. The watch boasts water resistance up to 1,220 meters (4,000 feet), surpassing the Submariner’s 300-meter capability by more than four times.
Modern models sport a reliable 43mm Oystersteel case. The ref. 126603 combines Oystersteel with 18k yellow gold in its Rolesor construction. A Triplock crown with three waterproofness zones ensures superior impermeability. The Caliber 3235 movement delivers remarkable -2/+2 seconds daily precision and runs for approximately 70 hours on a full power reserve.
Sea-Dweller Investment Value
Pre-owned Sea-Dweller prices range from USD 10,000-20,000, showing 50-100% appreciation since 2010. The ref. 16600, which remains the most sought-after model, sells for about USD 8,676. Vintage “Double Red” variants command premium prices due to their historical importance.
Sea-Dweller Popularity in 2025
The Sea-Dweller maintains its collector appeal in 2025 despite trading below retail. The steel 43mm ref. 126600 sells for around USD 11,000 compared to its USD 13,750 retail price. This price point represents excellent value among most popular Rolex watches. The two-tone ref. 126603 draws special attention with its yellow gold elements and black ceramic bezel.
Rolex Milgauss

The Rolex Milgauss emerged in 1956 as the scientist’s watch in the most popular Rolex collection. Scientists and researchers at facilities like CERN needed a specialized timepiece that could handle their unique working environment.
Milgauss Key Features
The name Milgauss combines “mille” (French for thousand) and “gauss” (unit of magnetic measurement). This watch can withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. The striking orange lightning-bolt seconds hand makes this timepiece instantly recognizable. A Faraday cage shields the movement from magnetic interference through its case’s ferromagnetic alloys. The robust 40mm Oystersteel case contains Caliber 3131, which uses paramagnetic components. The green-tinted sapphire crystal (reference 116400GV) stands out as Rolex’s only colored crystal. The technology behind this crystal remains so complex that Rolex hasn’t even patented it.
Milgauss Investment Value
The Milgauss’s discontinuation in 2023 has sparked significant investor interest. Today, the Z-Blue dial version sells for about $11,000, up from its retail price of $9,150. Vintage pieces command impressive prices. The rare ref. 6543, with just 150 pieces made, fetched 271,500 Swiss Francs at auction. Collectors see a great chance in the Milgauss, as it remains undervalued compared to other popular Rolex models.
Milgauss Popularity in 2025
The Milgauss holds its place among undervalued most popular Rolex models 2025. Watch enthusiasts and fashion-conscious buyers, not just scientists, love its unique color combinations, especially the Z-Blue dial with green crystal. This remarkable timepiece has transformed from a niche favorite into a sought-after collector’s item.
Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer
The Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer” stands out among the most popular Rolex models with its signature black and brown bezel. Rolex brought this model back in 2018. The design blends modern technology with a color scheme that pays homage to its 1970s predecessors.
Root Beer Key Features
The current Root Beer reference 126711CHNR showcases a black and brown Cerachrom ceramic bezel with 18k Everose gold numerals. The black dial features 18k pink gold hour markers and hands that match its two-tone appearance. Rolex crafted its 40mm case from a combination of Oystersteel and their patented 18k Everose gold, which results in a strong yet luxurious timepiece. The watch runs on Caliber 3285 and comes with a 70-hour power reserve. Travelers can track three time zones at once thanks to its GMT functionality.
Root Beer Investment Value
The Root Beer’s retail price sits at $18,100 as of June 2025, while the secondary market shows trades at €15,572. Market volatility stays at 5.4%, with a small value retention of +0.5% above retail price. The watch lags behind the brand average by 1.1% this past year. Yet vintage Root Beer models have seen high value increases because we made fewer of them back then.
Root Beer Popularity in 2025
The watch saw an incredible 433% jump in demand during 2024, making it one of the most popular Rolex watches 2025. Collectors love its brown and gold esthetic as an alternative to standard Rolex colors. Star power from David Beckham, Mark Wahlberg, and Dwayne Johnson has boosted its cultural status even more.
Comparison Table
| Model | Case Size | Movement | Water Resistance | Key Features | Current Market Value (2025) | Notable Investment Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Submariner | 41mm | Not mentioned | 300m (1,000 ft) | Cerachrom bezel, Chromalight display, Triplock crown | $10,000-$15,000 | 28% five-year CAGR |
| Daytona | 40mm | Caliber 4130 | Not mentioned | Tachymetric scale, Chronograph function | $26,067 | Record sale: $17.8M (Newman’s) |
| GMT-Master II Pepsi | 40mm | Caliber 3285 | Not mentioned | Red/blue ceramic bezel, 24-hour hand | $19,567 | +76.3% value retention |
| GMT-Master II Batman | 40mm | Caliber 3285 | Not mentioned | Black/blue ceramic bezel | $16,000-$18,000 | ~30% above retail |
| Datejust | 28-41mm | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Date window, Multiple dial options | +11.2% above retail | 221% growth (1994-2016) |
| Day-Date (President) | 36mm | Caliber 3255 | Not mentioned | Day/date windows, Precious metals only | $45,000+ | 57% increase (2022-2023) |
| Oyster Perpetual | 28-41mm | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Colorful dial options | $5,100-$5,900 (retail) | 200-300% for special dials |
| Explorer | 36mm, 40mm | Caliber 3230 | 100m | 3-6-9 dial, Chromalight display | $7,000 | 8-12% annual appreciation |
| Yacht-Master | 37-42mm | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Bidirectional bezel, Multiple materials | $13,535 | Not specified |
| Sky-Dweller | 42mm | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Annual calendar, Dual time zones | $17,000-$59,000 | +19.2% above retail |
| Sea-Dweller | 43mm | Caliber 3235 | 1,220m (4,000 ft) | Helium escape valve | $10,000-$20,000 | 50-100% since 2010 |
| Milgauss | 40mm | Caliber 3131 | Not mentioned | Magnetic resistance, Lightning bolt hand | $11,000 | Not specified |
| GMT-Master II Root Beer | 40mm | Caliber 3285 | Not mentioned | Black/brown ceramic bezel | €15,572 | +0.5% above retail |
Conclusion
Rolex timepieces are way beyond just luxury accessories. These watches have proven themselves as amazing investment pieces that grow in value year after year.
The Submariner and Daytona still top the waitlists and fetch high premiums in the secondary market. The GMT-Master II “Pepsi” shows its worth with a +76.3% premium above retail price. The Day-Date “President’s” value keeps climbing, with a remarkable 57% jump from 2022 to 2023.
Your Rolex investment should look past just good looks. Limited numbers, materials used, and the watch’s place in history all boost its long-term value. Take the Submariner – its total market value is close to $50 billion for all models made.
Each watch brings something special to the table. The Explorer stands out with its simple elegance and clean design. The Sea-Dweller’s depth rating and technical breakthroughs make it impressive. The Milgauss is a great chance for collectors who want something different yet historically important.
Rolex’s strict production limits keep these watches exclusive and in demand. The versatile Datejust, complex Sky-Dweller, or seafaring Yacht-Master aren’t just precise timepieces – they’re assets that will likely grow in value.
These thirteen models are the best watch investments you can make in 2025. Their proven track record makes them great additions to any collection. They blend prestige, craftsmanship, and smart investing into one package that sits proudly on your wrist.