Rolex is an exceptional company in many ways. If you own one of their watches, it’s reassuring that they’re known to hold their value well, but that also means you’ll be paying close to retail — or well above — even if you buy a pre-loved Rollie. With most other watches, getting pre-owned is a great way to get what you want for less money, but Rolex is different.
So why would anyone buy a Rolex pre-owned when it’s priced similarly to (or more than) a new watch? Well, because certain sought-after references are largely unavailable from authorized dealers. Stainless steel sports Rolexes, for instance, are notorious for their unavailability — watches like Submariners, GMT Master IIs, Daytonas, etc. These watches go to longstanding customers who have established relationships with their ADs, and have likely bought many watches with them before.
However, shopping pre-owned gives you access to these watches — albeit often at inflated prices — and also opens up an entire whole world of models that are no longer in the brand’s current catalog, including vintage references with subtle features that make them even more desirable to collectors.
Below are five examples of popular Rolex models that you can buy pre-owned, right now, including both discontinued and current models.
Rolex Explorer II 16550
Bobs WatchesThe Rolex Explorer has a history of mountaineering and adventure, but the Explorer II (ref. 1655) was introduced in 1971 to give it an even sportier character, with a larger case and 24-hour fixed bezel to accompany its GMT hand. The 16550 available here is a successor to the famous 1655. With its 40mm case size, bright white dial and an orange GMT hand, it stands out among the more familiar, black-dialed look (though these also come in black) of Rolex’s most iconic models while retaining the same promise of quality and prestige. Why the ski-high price? This model comes with box and papers.
