Collector Guide

Luxury, quality, and class are some of the words that come to mind when we mention Rolex watches. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the company was founded by 2 brothers-in-law, Alfred Davis and Hans Wilsdorf in London (Yes, they started in London) , England in 1905. 

Rolex is a highly innovative organisation that changed how we view watches as product; between being the first to gain a chronometer certification for a wristwatch, developing the first waterproof watches, and many other feats, it’s not difficult to see why it’s so respected. 

With the brand’s portfolio of reliable workmanship and exquisite designs, it’s not a surprise that they’re known and loved by many high-profile individuals across the world – a veritable status symbol. If you don’t believe us, the roster of clients such as Warren Buffett, Barack Obama, Sofia Vergara and Tiger Woods should work to convince you. 

Fun Fact: Rolex is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a charitable trust. This means that the company must give away a considerable amount of all the money they earn as donations to goodwill initiatives. It’s suspected that the rest of the money they reinvest into developing their products and looking after their people – one of the reasons their timepieces are arguably the best in the market. 

Why do people invest in Rolex timepieces? 

Given their steep prices, many often wonder why someone would want to own Rolex timepieces in the first place. Are they worth their dear price tags or are they just for show? Well, here’s your chance to learn a little more about Rolex timepieces as investments. 

As mentioned earlier, Rolex is a leading brand in the world of luxury watches.  According to Forbes it is one of the world’s most valuable brands. They have a substantial collection of watches both in circulation and discontinued. For now, it is extremely popular for its diving range, specifically the Submariner.  

Back to Rolex timepieces, when considering their value, it is important to first consider that they’re not only beautiful but functional.

For one, this piece of Swiss engineering has been proven to be a good investment as it will last for multiple generations. Not only that, but market demand also currently exceeds new product supply, leading to a strong secondary market for pre-owned watches. According to Bob’s Watches, Rolex has been outperforming gold, houses, stocks and even diamonds over the last 10 years. Even entry level models are now priced higher than their original retail price. 

Why do some people choose to invest in Rolex instead of gold or diamonds? 

Investing in luxury time pieces like Rolex can help offset the risks posed by inflation. Luxury watches can be a great choice if you want to protect your investments from inflation. This is due to factors such as demand stability, resale value, and liquidity.  

While there are no future guarantees, the last decade has shown that Rolex outperforms both gold and diamonds when it comes to percentage increase and returns. Rolex time pieces have been found to have better appreciation values, are easy to buy and sell, and have less red tape compared to traditional investment routes. This trend is predicted to continue over the next few years, which is why some investors have started diversifying their portfolio to include luxury timepieces. 

Watch of the Week: Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN 

Originally developed as a sturdy diver’s watch, the Rolex Submariner Date 116610LN is an iconic sports model that was first introduced in 1953. The original model of the Rolex Submariner possessed a corrosion resistant stainless-steel bracelet, a waterproof Oyster case, and a diving depth of 100 metres.

The modern variation of the Oyster waterproof casing can now withstand depths of up to 300 metres to meet new diving demands. Equipped with scratch resistant cerachrome bezel and platinum graduations since 2008, the watch remains strong even under extreme situations. It’s Chromalight display guarantees to 8 hours of optimum visibility. While its reliability, usability, and quality does make it a function driven timepiece, it is also timeless and fashionable. A feat not every watchmaker has been able to achieve. 

The Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date in Oystersteel with a Cerachrom bezel insert in black ceramic and a black dial with large luminescent hour markers. It features a unidirectional rotatable bezel and solid-link Oyster bracelet made from Oystersteel. 

Oystersteel for its steel watch cases. Specially developed by the brand, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, alloys most commonly used in high-technology and in the aerospace and chemical industries, where maximum resistance to corrosion is essential. Oystersteel is extremely resistant, offers an exceptional finish once polished and maintains its beauty even in the harshest environments.

The latest generation Submariner and Submariner Date remain faithful to the original model launched in 1953. In watchmaking, the Submariner represented a historic turning point; it set the standard for divers’ watches.

We have a 2014 full-set Rolex Submariner watch available, the watch can be purchased from our website by click the link.

Hydronaut ref. 85190 Here we have Tudor’s homage to its bigger brother, the Rolex Sub. Don’t be mistaken, this is by no means a poor second choice to its predecessor, this is an extremely capable and desirable watch in its own right, and many watch connoisseurs recognized the value of this watch a long time ago.

This particular model comes with the sought after, and rare blue dial. It’s housed in a 36mm case and features the unique triplock crown, a further nod to its pedigree. The crystal sits flush with the case, ensuring that it fit comfortably under your shirt when worn. The bezel action is as you’d expect – flawless and fluid when used.

Accuracy is guaranteed with the solid tried and tested ETA 2824 movement. The bracelet is extremely comfortable and the beveled inner edges of the links ensure that it never irritate or nips your skin when worn.

All in all, this is a superb watch being offered in exceptional condition throughout, and is ready to handle any situation. Equally at home when worn with jeans or in more formal settings, the Tudor Hydronaut blue dial is a stunning piece and would be a welcome addition to any collection.

This desirable watch is now available to purchase on our website - Mayfair Watches.

Just in -Tudor 76214 Date + Day, on black dial with baton indices and 18k White gold bezel. Excellent timegrapher readings.

This superb piece comes fully serviced and is in outstanding condition throughout. The 36mm case is unmarked and the bezel retains all of its crispness, and the angles are sharp and precise.

The 76214 models are proving to be incredibly popular and they are sought after and admired by many watch connoisseurs, both old and new. The demand for the black, silver and linen dials continues to be strong and finding an unmarked example is becoming more and more challenging nowadays, as people appreciate their functionality and appearance.

This model is presented to a very high standard and the sapphire crystal is free from scratches and the bracelet is also in exceptional condition. This watch is suitable for wrist sizes of 7.75 inches and below. If you require extra links, please let us know and we’d be more than happy to help.

Further information and pictures of the service record are available upon request.

34mm Rolex Oysterdate 1997
Just in - 1997 Tudor 34mm Oysterdate on flawless black dial, case and bezel. This is one of the last Rolex Tudor collaborations and is being offered in exceptional condition, throughout. The case and crown are made by Rolex and they bear the Rolex logo on the crown and case back.

Overall, the case is superb condition as the pictures show, as are the sapphire crystal and bezel. What really sets this example apart, is that it is being offered on the original Oyster link bracelet. This beautiful watch comes complete as a full set, which includes the original Rolex made box, cushion, original hang tag and old style paper certificate.

Furthermore, this watch has just had a full and comprehensive service and it is producing excellent values on a timegrapher, all of which can be shown in PDF form, should you require it. It is suitable for wrists of up to 19.5cm.

This is a magnificent watch and it is sure to appeal to many fellow collectors. The Rolex Oysterdates are becoming harder and harder to locate and this one is no exception. It displays understated elegance and one that can be worn with any shirt for any occasion, for both for formal and more casual evening.