6 Best Rolex Models That Holds Their Value and Enjoy for a Long Time in 2024

1. Rolex Day Date

Launched in 1956, the Day-Date made its debut as the first waterproof and self-winding chronometer wristwatch to offer a modern calendar with an instantaneous day display, spelt out in full in a window on the dial, in addition to the date.  Since then, the Day-Date has been a desirable collector’s timepiece. Its easy-to-wear design which first appeared in 1956 combined waterproof capabilities with an automatic, self-winding movement. 

Many buyers appreciate these timepieces for their simple, streamlined appearance, and as with they Day Date model, there are many exquisite finishes to choose from in men’s and women’s sizes. A Rolex Day Date in 950 platinum or 18 ct gold is sure to make a reliable investment, so long as it is in excellent condition. Most Rolex Day Date watches have great resale value because of their timeless style and sensible functionality. They are a bit smaller than sportier models like the Submariner and Yacht Master, which appeals to those who prefer the look of a classic dress watch.

The exceptional precision, reliability, legibility and presence of this prestigious model has made it the ultimate status watch.

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2. Rolex Submariner

Rolex presents the new generation of its Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, watches that exemplify the historic links between Rolex and the world of diving. Both timepieces now feature a redesigned, slightly larger 41 mm case – whose profile is highlighted by the light reflections from the case sides and lugs – and are fitted on a remodelled bracelet. True to its aesthetic heritage, the new Submariner in Oystersteel has a black dial and rotatable bezel with matching Cerachrom insert.

A yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold) of the Submariner Date presents a royal blue dial with a rotatable bezel and a blue Cerachrom insert.

Two versions of the Submariner Date, one in Oystersteel and the other in 18 ct white gold, bring original colour combinations, with the dial and Cerachrom insert in different hues. The first watch blends a black dial with a green bezel, while the second proposes a black dial and a blue bezel. The anti-reflective coating applied to the back of the sapphire crystal on the new generation Submariner and Submariner Date ensures optimal legibility of the dial.

Do you want to buy a luxury watch with a widely celebrated popularity? Then the Rolex Submariner will never disappoint. Easily one of the most recognizable Rolex watches, the Submariner is a highly coveted piece – especially on the secondary resale market. Features specific to the Submariner – like its sleek and sporty design, impressive water resistance, rugged durability, and its in-house Calibre 3235 movement providing a long power reserve – all attribute to its popularity. The Submariner is so popular, in fact, that there is an overabundance of counterfeits of this watch circulating in the resale market – really speaking to just how valuable this model is that so many would attempt to duplicate it. Naturally, rare and discontinued models attract the most attention from collectors – like both the green versions of the Sub: the “Hulk” and the “Kermit”, which has become much harder to come by, and thus more desirable, ever since being discontinued. While the changes between the Submariner 116610 and the Submariner 126610 are minimal, collectors continue to rave about Rolex’s attention to detail and the upgrades.

3. Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master and Yacht-Master II models embody the spirit of the sailor. Inspired by the rich heritage that has bound Rolex to the world of sailing since the 1950s, the Yacht-Master blends function and style, while the Yacht-Master II brings together the finest in Rolex technology to create a regatta chronograph built for yachting competition.

As comfortable at sea as aboard a sailboat, the Yacht-Master combines character and performance. The waterproof and robust qualities of this model make it the ideal watch for water sports and sailing in particular. The perennially popular Rolex Yacht Master offers an enticing blend of good looks and functionality. Produced in a variety of finishes, it comes in sizes for men and women alike. Both the Yacht Master and Yacht Master II are easily identified by their large hands and bold numbers, both of which make them easy to read even in challenging situations. Because these iconic watches are built to last, they tend to hold their value very well. Their robustness, combined with their timeless appearance, makes them extremely popular on the resale market.

4. Rolex GMT-Master

Designed to show the time in two different time zones simultaneously, the GMT-Master, launched in 1955, was originally developed as a navigation instrument for professionals criss-crossing the globe.

Heir to the original model, the GMT-Master II was unveiled in 1982, with a new movement ensuring ease of use. Its combination of peerless functionality, robustness and instantly recognizable aesthetics has attracted a wider audience of world travellers.

Both the GMT-Master and GMT-Master II have a perpetual demand amongst luxury watch lovers. These are aviator's timepieces that exclusively cater to the needs of pilots; thus, they exude the purest perfection in every way. Here at Time 4 Diamonds, we recommend the Rolex GMT-Master II as one of the best Rolex watches for investment this year. That's because it boasts a suite of state-of-the-art features. It comes equipped with unique 24-hour hands and rotating 24-hour advanced bezels that enable the wearer to read three various time zones simultaneously. Not to mention, it is endowed with captivating aesthetics and sublime versatility. 

The GMT-Master II also comes equipped with one of Rolex’s very own in-house COSC-certified calibers – making it built to last and endure. Its distinct bi-colored bezel gives the GMT-Master series a unique look of its own, along with its bold large dial that exudes luxury and sophistication. Originally designed with the needs of international pilots in mind, its appeal has since expanded to attract watch collectors beyond the aviation community. Likewise, the GMT Master’s original usage as a travel tool watch has since evolved to make it more fashionable as an accessory to pair with both casual and formal attire alike. Specific models of the GMT series like the blue and black bezel “Batman” and the red and blue bezel “Pepsi” are highly desirable among collectors.

5. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Another watch from Rolex’s sports series that holds its investment value is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was designed to meet the needs of professional racing drivers. Fitted with a tachymetric bezel and a high-performance mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, this now legendary chronograph is the instrument of choice for measuring time intervals and determining average speeds. The Cosmograph Daytona is an icon forever joined in name and function to the world of motor sport. More than 50 years after its creation it remains in a class of its own among sport chronographs. It perfectly exemplifies speed, luxury, and top-tier performance, and has a unique look with a trio of sub-dials that distinguishes it from other models. Even as a premier sports and racing watch, the Daytona can easily be enjoyed in everyday settings, making it highly collectable to more than just racing professionals and enthusiasts. This particular Rolex is also very popular with celebrities, which is likely another reason why they hold value so well.

The Daytona was largely made popular by actor, director, and race car driver, Paul Newman, who owned and frequently wore Rolex Daytona watches in movies and when racing cars. One of them, the Daytona ref. 6239, ended up being the most expensive watch ever sold – selling at $17.8 million at the Phillips Auction in 2017. The Daytona “Big Red’ ref. 6263, another one of Newman’s personal Daytona watches that he was gifted by his wife as a 25th anniversary gift, is up for sale at this year’s Phillips Auction in December and is expected to sell for “in excess of 1 million dollars” – in support of a number of charities founded by Paul Newman himself. Rolex has since modeled some of their rarest Daytonas after these famous watches, affectionately named Paul Newman Daytonas. These models are distinguishable by what is referred to as an ‘exotic’ or ‘Paul Newman’ dial, with a number of subtle features that only the keenest of watch collectors will notice. With only about 2,000-3,000 of these special edition vintage models in rotation worldwide, they are some of the most coveted Rolex pieces on the pre-owned market, consistently selling for as much as six figures at auctions.

6. Rolex Explorer II

The Explorer II is heir to the privileged relationship that has long united Rolex and exploration. Presented in 1971, this robust and reliable watch quickly became an essential tool for explorers travelling to the far corners of the globe, often in extreme conditions. Thanks to its 24-hour display comprising an additional, orange hour hand and an engraved bezel, the Explorer II allows the wearer to clearly distinguish daytime from night-time hours. This is particularly useful in areas where it is difficult or even impossible to distinguish between day and night, such as underground or in polar regions, which experience six months of daylight and six months of darkness a year. In certain conditions, this display enables the watch to serve as a compass. The 24-hour display can also be used to show a second time zone.

A paragon of robustness and reliability, the 42 mm Oyster case of the new-generation Explorer II is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system and protected by an integral crown guard, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the watch’s movement.

Rolex Explorer II watches are popular thanks to features like their luminous indices and markers on their dials as well as having been crafted from Rolex’s most expensive stainless steel – 904L steel which is specifically developed for their rugged, futuristic designs. This guide to the top Rolex watches guaranteed to hold their value covers some of the brand’s most collectible and versatile timepieces, yet there are other models like the Sea-Dweller, the Air-King and the Yacht-Master that also prove as firm contenders. The value of a watch not only depends on factors like condition, features, and materials, but also the qualities that Rolex collectors are seeking right now in real-time. Saying that there are Rolex classics that will always remain high in demand. Provence, a heritage that spans decades of mastery in the art of traditional watchmaking, and an authentic approach to quintessential timekeeping will cement the brand’s position within the industry for creating luxury watches that will hold their value for centuries to come.

Both the five-digit predecessor reference and the current reference 216570 have become the focus of watch collectors in recent months. It has become difficult to obtain the Explorer II at list price. In addition, the release of a new model in the near future is very likely, as Rolex is gradually equipping the collection with ceramic bezels. The version with a white dial promises a greater increase in value than the black dial model, since black is the much more common dial colour at Rolex.

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