Throughout its life, a truly fine luxury watch will very rarely be owned by just one person, and many Rolex watches have multiple owners throughout their lifetimes. Whether they get handed down to subsequent generations within the same family or sold on the open market, most high-end timepieces are likely to pass through a number of hands along their journey.
Trade-In Your Rolex and Upgrade
Style, as they say, never goes out of fashion, meaning vintage Rolex watches from 30 years ago are just as relevant design-wise as when they were first made. And, in the case of Rolex especially, the quality of manufacture is so high, that the brand’s timepieces tend to outlive their owners – and generally look a lot better while they’re doing it!
Longevity and timeless looks add up to Rolex watches that hold their worth extremely well, and in many cases, appreciate. It’s what makes the vintage and pre-owned Rolex industry so strong, with some estimates putting Rolex’s slice of the pie at around $100 billion.
This is all great news for both buyers and sellers, with a virile market waiting and willing to pay top prices for watches whose owners are looking to sell theirs or are looking for a Rolex trade-in opportunity. Plenty of the customers we cater to at Bob’s Watches trade in their current timepieces in order to purchase either a newer version or potentially a much older one if they collect vintage Rolex watches.
A Cost-Effective Way of Upgrading Your Rolex Watch
The Rolex Submariner is one example of an iconic model that has gone through countless tweaks and updates, both significant and superficial, over its nearly 70-year career as the world’s favorite dive watch. A key update took place in 2010 when the ref. 116610 acquired an updated case design and a bezel made from Rolex’s proprietary ceramic bezel, known as Cerachrom. Additionally, in 2020, Rolex increased the size of the Submariner from 40mm to 41mm, and updated it with a new generation of in-house movements.
Many owners of the older model from the 1990s and early 2000s, the stainless steel ref. 16610, decided to sell their watches or trade them in, opting for a more modern Rolex watch version with a ceramic bezel. Given the strength of the pre-owned Rolex market, this is an extremely cost-effective method of upgrading your watch.
The difference between the Rolex trade-in value of the older model, which has a strong following of its own due to its more graceful proportions and elegantly fading patina, and the cost of a newer version is far less than the price of buying another watch. Therefore, customers are able to wear the latest Cerachrom Submariner for a fraction of what it would cost to normally buy one.
In addition to trading up to a more expensive watch, it is also possible to trade down, realizing some cash on your watch by swapping it out for one that costs less and pocketing the difference. It is a time-honored and very efficient way of improving your personal finances, while also getting a chance to experience different watches.
Trading In: Where and How?
There is no shortage of places to trade in or sell your Rolex. Many high street jewelers offer the service, as do local pawn shops. Online, the possibilities are almost endless, with a host of vintage watch websites springing up to accommodate eager sellers.
The trouble with both the physical brick-and-mortar stores and their internet-based equivalents is a question of specialization. The prices of pre-owned Rolex watches, and particularly precious metal versions, are in a constant state of flux. Platforms that deal with all kinds of goods, and even those that only buy and sell several different makes of luxury watches, don’t have the specialist knowledge to be able to ascertain the best price for your specific model.
At Bob’s Watches, while we stock exceptional examples from some of the world’s finest watchmakers, we are first and foremost Rolex experts. With decades of professional knowledge behind us, we are able to keep ahead of the current market trends and take into account the sort of minutiae for which Rolex is famous, and that puts added value onto certain references that most non-specialists would miss.
The Swiss giant has an output of around one million watches annually, and the company’s history stretches back over a century, meaning keeping abreast of everything there is to know about the brand is a full-time job. That’s why we make it as easy as possible to work out the sell and buy prices of your watch by publishing them both on our website. At Bob’s Watches, it doesn’t matter what your level of Rolex expertise is, all the information you need is right there on your screen.
Selling a Rolex: Getting The Most Money
Selling your Rolex, a symbol of unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless elegance, can be a significant decision. At Bob’s Watches, we understand the emotional and financial value attached to such a prestigious timepiece. With over 15 years of expertise, our team ensures a seamless, secure, and rewarding experience for every seller. From professional appraisal to offering the best market value, we prioritize transparency and trust throughout the process. Let us guide you every step of the way, making sure your luxury watch finds a new home where it will be as cherished as it was with you.
Check out our Sell My Rolex page to find out how easy it is to trade in your current watch and put its value towards that special timepiece that you have had your eye on for years!
Rolex Watches: Always Solid Investments
The strength of a Rolex as an investment is built on the brand’s unassailable reputation. Everyone knows the name and its products are the definition of the word aspirational. It’s those qualities that give its watches an incredible ability to retain their value and makes them such a solid financial asset.
Trading your Rolex up or down, to either secure a more recent model, a longed-for grail watch, or just to free up some money, is one of the soundest investments you can make. It brings otherwise inaccessible pieces well within reach and gives the opportunity to wear the latest releases for a minimal outlay.
